Tag: john

MOTHER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Genesis 3:20 declares, “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.”  Two very interesting concepts are uniquely intertwined in this verse.  First, we see the name Eve given to the first female of the human race.  Second, we learn that this name is given because she is “the mother of all the living.”  Previously, she had been called woman (“Ishah” in the Hebrew), as a wife; but now, even before conception, she is called the Life-giver or Life-spring (“chavvah” in the Hebrew) as a mother!  

As the human Life-giver, Eve, along with all mothers of all times, is uniquely called by God and blessed by Him in her inimitable position of honor.  The degraded position which mothers and/or women occupy in many modern cultures, such as in the middle/far east, principally in countries under intense Mohammedan influence, is absolutely unbiblical and totally erroneous!  The false views held by some in western cultures and in liberal socialism that our Bible, and/or Christianity somehow dishonors, debases, or attempts to enslave women is totally unfounded, unacceptable, and illogical when compared to the actual biblical text!

Throughout the O.T.,  there is plenty of evidence that moms move on a social plane equal to men and enjoy a unique significance. While the roles of male/female may be distinct, neither party is presented as of less importance. Among the Hebrews, mothers occupied a higher position than that enjoyed by women in other nations. While a mother’s duties may have been primarily domestic, she was held in high regard by her family, as well as the entire Hebrew society, with many moms/women occupying leadership positions. 

In Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam the prophetess (Aaron’s sister) leads in worship with expressions of praise offered through timbrels and dancing. Judges 4:4-6 reveals that Deborah, a prophetess, (wife of Lappidoth) judged Israel and the “sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.”  Later in that chapter, she commands the military leader, Barak, and provides leadership in a battle against Sisera. Biblically/spiritually speaking, her rule was extremely successful because “the land was undisturbed for forty years.” (See Judges 5:31)  Undoubtedly the love for family/children was deeply imbedded in the heart of every Hebrew mother/woman — consider the actions of Moses’ mom! 

Among the patriarchs, women, especially mothers, occupy a prominent place as well.  In Rebekah’s marriage, her mother seems to have had equal voice with her father and Laban, her brother.  (See Genesis 24:28, 50-55) In Genesis 28:7, Jacob “obeyed both his father and mother.”  Evidently, mom was his chief counselor.  I Kings 2:19 states that Solomon rose up to meet his mom, Bathsheba, bowing, and preparing a throne for her at his right hand.

All human life (matchlessly designed and incomparably created in the plans of our omnipotent Creator) would be conceived and developed within, as well as birthed through, God’s Eves (mothers) in fulfillment of His commission to mankind, “be fruitful and multiply!”  Not only would all human life spring forth from woman, but she would be chosen to bear God’s Son and birth the one and only Messiah/Redeemer to/for/in our world!  In her (mother Eve), and through her descendants, via Abraham, “all the families of the world would be blessed” (see Genesis 18:18, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:8), and Satan’s head would be ultimately, permanently, and victoriously crushed. (See Genesis 3:15)     

Initially, Adam named his “woman” (see Genesis 2:23) in reference to her relationship with him and her gender; however, now she is distinguished by a new name (just as Abram became Abraham in Genesis 17:5 and Sarai became Sarah in Genesis 17:15-16), according to her circumstances, position in life, and God’s enduring, immutable covenant with humanity through her seed and  offspring.  She now stands as a memorial, a prophetic intimation (hint, inkling, indication), of her importance and the destiny of all her promised descendants.

While Adam’s wife appears to be the mother of death, having participated in condemnation upon all mankind, now, she is called “Eve” … the mother of all the living, preeminently of Christ, and all who live and have life through Him.  According to II Timothy 1:9-11:

[He] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

John 1:4 reminds us, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.“  

Thus, an entire history was comprised within the folds of a single word.  Eve would be mother, and in the early ages of our world continuing generation after generation, preserving among God’s people the promise (covenant) and blessed hope of our Saviour/Redeemer!  

When I think of my mom (God’s Eve for me), I’m assuredly grateful for life, nurturing, practical and spiritual training, godly counsel, and the wisdom I received under her wings.  Indeed, I certainly regret that by the age of 18, when my parents were taken home to be with the Lord, that I wasn’t fully cognizant of her blessing in my life and wasn’t personally afforded the opportunity to offer her appropriate praise and thanksgiving before she departed. 

Nonetheless, few days pass that I don’t thank my God upon every remembrance of her (my dad as well), gratefully rejoicing in the time and experiences I enjoyed with them throughout my childhood and adolescence.  Indisputably, I fully recognize that not everyone has a mother whose “children rise up and bless her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

Nevertheless, mom’s position was designed and appointed by God and you’re here right now according to God’s purpose through Eve.  So, whether she was lacking in much or extremely awesome, you can still praise God for His impregnable and indestructible blueprint established in/through “Eve … the mother of all the living.“ HE IS INDISPUTABLY WORTHY!                             

Think about it.   — Pastor Frank      

BELIEVE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Acts 16 one finds Paul and Silas ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the community of Thyatira.  However, they have been tossed into jail by local magistrates for disrupting some of the town’s commerce when they cast a demon out of a female fortune-teller who was hindering them.  According to the biblical text (Acts 16:24) they were placed in the inner prison and their feet were secured in stocks. 

Then around midnight (Acts 16:25), while they were praying and singing praises, a great earthquake causes the foundation of the prison to shake (Acts 16:26) and amazingly all doors are opened and everyone’s shackles are unfastened.  Needless to say, at that point it’s only logical that all the prisoners would have escaped, but not in this case, instead they all stay, which ultimately saves the life of the jailer (Acts 16:27).   Acts 16:28-30 reveals what happened next:

But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!’ And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Isn’t it incredible how the Lord literally moves heaven and earth to bring one soul … one family, into His Kingdom!  Notice their clear answer to the jailer’s question in Acts 16:31:

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.

The directive is, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” … it’s simple and to the point, only requiring a genuine belief/faith in one thing/person, Jesus Christ!  There are no, ZERO, conditions attached!    

The Greek word for “believe” used in this passage, “pisteuo” (pronounced – pist-yoo’-o), means to fully commit, put in trust with, to have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing. By implication, in this case, it means to fully (whole-heartedly) entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ!

But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”  But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” — that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  

For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” — Romans 10:6-13

Ever since SALVATION IN CHRIST ALONE came into view, humans have attempted to add something of individual merit to the process without understanding that this approach takes away from the completed work of Jesus Christ.  This methodology actually denies the teaching of Christ Himself, the apostles, Christ’s early church, and the revelation of Scripture!  In Acts 15:11, after a hearty debate concerning salvation and the part that the “Law of Moses” should play in the conversion of Jews and non-Jews/Gentiles, our early church leaders boldly declared:

We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.

However, here is the persisting problem — salvation doesn’t come by simply stating, “I believe Jesus.”  James reminds us that one does well to believe, but according to 2:19 … “the demons also believe, and shudder.”  Genuine salvation is placing your full faith/trust in Jesus Christ.  When that occurs, a process of spiritual transformation begins which makes one’s belief and/or faith in Jesus Christ absolutely and undeniably evident.   According to James 2:18-20 the works of one’s living faith becomes obviously apparent (dynamically observable)!  I John 5:1-10 speaks of such undeniable proof … true believers love God, love other believers, follow the Lord’s commandments, overcome the world (its philosophies, lies and fleshly passions), and possess an inner testimony of our Lord’s work that ultimately shines forth from within the heart and soul of Christ’s faithful.

As one looks further into this matter of believing, genuine salvation, and understanding who is a true believer, Hebrews 12:4-11 cannot be ignored. Our Lord is faithful to discipline those He loves for their own benefit (eventual blessing), as well as in accordance with His definitive and decisive plan/purpose.  Unquestionably, if one isn’t receiving discipline, then no relationship exists according to Hebrews 12:7:

For what son (child/heir) is there whom his father does not discipline?

Certainly other spiritual qualities confirm one’s position in Christ such as the indwelling presence and abiding power of God’s Holy Spirit in causing believers to bear fruit (John 15:1-11), equipping them with spiritual gifts for service in His Body (Romans 12:3-8), providing supernatural manifestations (I Corinthians 12:7-11), and the substantiating Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

Please hear the essential, indispensable questions: Are these qualities/traits yours and are they ever increasing as you live a life of faith (trusting and relying/believing in/on Jesus Christ)? (II Peter 3:4-11)  As the Lord’s people, are we laying aside every encumbrance, the sin that so easily entangles us and running with endurance the race He has set before us with our eyes fixed upon Jesus? (Hebrews 12:1-2)  If not, isn’t it time to truly, (full-heartedly) believe?  Call upon the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ and experience His abundant mercy and grace, then the transformation will begin and you’ll never wonder again if you’re truly saved because the evidence will be apparent, noticeable by you and others as well! 

Just do it! 

His & Yours,

Pastor Frank 

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

— Titus 3:3-7

MISSION TRIP 2014 PART I

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As you’re reading this article, we have only 20 weeks (or less, depending on delivery date) to prepare for Mission Trip 2014.  While this annual event is a huge undertaking for a ministry our size and arduous to plan and administer, every year we see untold blessings beyond anything that can be measured, valued, or even imagined from a human view-point/perspective.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.  

— Ephesians 3:20-21

Similar to last year, we’ve been invited to Lyford/Sebastian, Texas by the superintendent of schools (a faithful believer) with the full endorsement of the community, local school board, and administration/personnel.  Praise be to God for the way He continually opens doors and provides unique opportunities for all those willing to accept the challenge of boldly and sacrificially serving Him without consideration of their own personal comfort, blessing, and/or benefit (in many cases, even the loss of income for our independent contractors and small business owners).             

For the love of Christ controls (urges/compels – presses on us from all sides, holding us to one end and prohibiting us from considering any other, wrapping itself around us in tenderness, giving us an impelling motive) us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.  

— II Corinthians 5:14-15

For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.     

— Romans 14:7-8

Last year, our first time in Lyford/Sebastian, was a great success with attendance far above expectations and many decisions for Christ. In addition, everyone in the area was delighted with our ministry, as well as our friendly, encouraging, exciting, yet non-compromising, distinctively evangelical outreach to the children and youth in the community.  As in former locations (other South Texas communities where we’ve ministered to children and youth), we worked diligently to establish a good reputation with the local businesses, all community leaders, and the parents of the children who participated in our community-wide VBS ministry.

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.  

— Titus 2:6-8

Generally, our goals remain the same (listed below), however, this year we will need even more involvement from those at WOF who cannot come and the active participation of our teenagers’ parents as we prepare them for this year’s mission.  I’m praying that whether one goes or not, it’s still your mission trip … that everyone at WOF has a part in this incredible  undertaking.  Certainly prayer is always at the top of the list, along with significant financial support/scholarships/donations and fundraising efforts/ideas are absolutely essential and greatly appreciated. However,  this year we will be asking for your help, from time-to-time, in many ways.    

Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.  For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 

— II Corinthians 8:1-6

– MISSION TRIP 2014 – OUR PURPOSE –

  1. Introduce children & youth to Jesus Christ!  We strategically plan to provide every child with an opportunity to experience Christ’s love, coming to know forgiveness of sin and salvation that He alone offers.  See I Timothy 2:3-7
  • Provide opportunity for WOF’s youth and young adults, as well as those from other churches, to participate in a meaningful, life-changing ministry event where they are the Lord’s primary ministers/servants.  See I Timothy 4:12
  • Assist other churches/ministries in their efforts to reach a community with Christ’s message of grace and forgiveness.  See Romans 16:1-2
  • Provide a unique opportunity for WOF youth to serve and minister alongside youth from other churches/ministries.  See Psalm 33:1
  • See the purposes of God accomplished as both youth and adult believers work together in unity.  See John 17:22-23

Lyford/Sebastian, Texas is a field white unto harvest. May we lift up our eyes and look … seeing the opportunity afforded us as a church/ministry. 

See John 4:35      

In Luke 10:2-3, Jesus said to His disciples:

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Perhaps He is speaking to us as well!  Certainly we understand this individually in our day-to-day lives, but what about as a church/ministry?  Here are two little towns where few have heard the Truth of Christ’s Gospel (His message of grace, love and forgiveness), and we’ve been invited to a harvest.  How shall we respond?  Shall we heed our Lord’s request?  Certainly, our time is now!                    

— Pastor Frank  

WINTER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When you think of winter, what do you think of?  In the south, not many of us really think about a change of lifestyle and a significant impact on our daily routine and activities as some farther north might experience.  A white Christmas is generally an unlikely dream, as are sleigh rides or sledding, snowball fights, and making snow angels or snowmen.  While I do have pictures of our church covered in snow, as well as our home, those are definitely out of the ordinary!  Nonetheless, on the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-15) one learns that God planned the seasons on earth and placed the stars in the heavens so humanity would know and understand times and seasons.  Genesis 8:22 clearly reveals the Lord’s post-diluvian purposes, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease,” along with His covenant promise (Genesis 9:8-17) of His “bow in the cloud!” Even the psalmist is moved to expressions of praise when considering God’s attributes of supremacy and sovereignty as revealed through His handiwork:

Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;

You have prepared the light and the sun.

You have established all the boundaries of the earth;

You have made summer and winter.

–Psalms 74:16-17

While incontestably there are specific reasons (ultimately being benefits for humanity and creation) for all of God’s design, it seems somewhat awkward from a merely human perspective that one is thrilled with the goodness and blessing of winter… blizzards, sleet, cold, ice, slippery walks and steps, snow blindness, hypothermia, black ice, etc., etc., etc.!   However, when I think of winter, for some unknown reason my mind recalls a somewhat obscure verse buried at the end of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Pastor Timothy.

Make every effort to come before winter.

II  Timothy 4:21

Surely there were some practical reasons for this encouragement. In fact, according to II Timothy 4:13, Paul had left his cloak at Troas with Carpus along with some books and parchments. Obviously, with winter approaching Paul would need this loose fitting outer garment for protection from the elements. In addition, travel to Rome would involve both overland and sea transportation which is potentially much more hazardous during the winter months.  On the other hand, perhaps there is more to this statement than one immediately comprehends in a cursorily pass. 

Is this the heartfelt desire of the mentor, a spiritual father yearning to see his student and beloved son in the faith one last time before departing earth?  Incontestably, Paul’s days were numbered and any knock on the door or opening of the latch could be guards coming to escort the apostle to his impending Roman execution. Hypothetically, can you imagine Timothy thinking … well ok,  let me wrap some things up here in Ephesus, go down to Miletus to set apart and ordain a couple of elders, swing by Colossae to celebrate communion with some brothers and sisters there, and then head on to Italy … ?  Then, upon arriving in Rome, Pastor Tim seeks out Paul’s place of imprisonment, only to be cursed and repulsed by the guards.  Then he goes to the house of Claudia or Pudens, or Narcissus, or Mary, or Ampliatus searching for his coach … asking where to find the apostle.  It seems one can actually experience the haunting of their reply, “Are you Timothy? He was longing to see you, but he was beheaded in the first week of December!”

Come before winter or never!

Remember Christ’s reply to the disciple who complained that Mary’s costly and beautiful gift of ointment might have been expended on behalf of the poor?

For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

John 12:8

Perhaps the true call of our Lord, Master Jesus is often, “Come before winter” — not tomorrow, when you’re ready, or after you get things straightened out and in proper/perfect order!  Never again would three sleeping disciples be asked to watch and pray with Jesus in his hour of agony. Sure, they were faithful in service and even death, but that unique opportunity  vanished and was gone forever just like Christ’s invitation to a follower in Luke 9:59/Mark 8:21! 

Just as winter comes, irrespective of one’s agenda, readiness, or timetable, so does a new year … and that’s every year.  Prepared and ready, or not — 2014 is here — right now and right on time!  And sure, it’s another year of opportunity, just like last year and every year, but let’s change that perspective into a year of action now! Why not fully accept and use the opportunities Christ lays before us? Speak those words of encouragement, demonstrate kindness, give cheerfully, confirm appreciation, pray in faith believing, be led by God’s Holy Spirit, let His Word richly dwell within you, serve with gladness, and rejoice evermore, all before winter!   

— By GRACE, His & Yours, Pastor Frank

TOLERANCE

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Tolerance, in our current culture, both politically and socially, is often defined as open-mindedness, broadmindedness, leniency, acceptance, and forbearance. Consequently, as Bible believing, evangelical Christians, we are often accused by unbelievers, as well as some religionists, of being totally intolerant.  Isn’t it interesting that those that strive to accuse faithful believers of intolerance have no room in their philosophy for our views or beliefs, which in essence clearly displays their own shrewd, hardheaded, hypocritical intolerance?  Perhaps, with that in view, we should consider the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ in Luke 6:22, recognizing that we are blessed when others reject us due to our faith in Him!

Paul Thomas Mann (1875-1955 — a German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist, 1929 Nobel Prize in Literature) once stated, “Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil.”   That quote should boldly and unreservedly challenge every Christian to consider one’s own view/perspective of “tolerance.”  While it may be very difficult to distinguish between a political/social view and that of a purely biblical perspective, the Truth of God’s Word should serve as the unshakable foundation for every believer’s political/social view of tolerance!  Committed, Bible believing Christians are actually some of the most “tolerant” people on the face of the earth.  We don’t kill those that disagree with us, nor do we condemn individuals whose values and behavior doesn’t align with ours.  In I Corinthians 6:9-11 we are reminded of the absolute, inalterable Truth: … 

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (by perversion), nor homosexuals,  nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.  Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (Also see Galatians 4:8)

While our Lord may appear to be tolerant of sin, in reality He is  completely intolerant of sin (See Ezekiel 18:20 & Romans 5:12).  However, He graciously and mercifully provides all humanity with a way out of their sin, as well as an escape from one’s past and the dominating control of human nature! 

 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together]with Christ (by grace you have been saved).  — Ephesians 2:4-5

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.  — Ephesians 2:9

Then, as believers, we become intolerant of sin in our own lives because one’s nature has changed, and God’s transformation process creates in true believers a desire to be “Holy, as He is Holy” (See I Peter 1:16 & I Peter 2:5) in contrast to remaining a sin-filled individual and living according to values and ideals that stand in contradiction to God’s Word and His Truth.

Needless to say, the concept of tolerance becomes difficult due to the fact that God loves every human being in spite of his or her sin, but at the same time literally hates sin (See Proverbs 6:16).  Unquestionably, the original definition of tolerance and the way in which the word is used today are quite different. Tolerance once meant acknowledgement of differing beliefs and accepting that others had the right to believe differently. In this way, we as believers are to be absolutely tolerant.  

However, since tolerance has come to mean accepting that other beliefs are valid or true … we must reject those beliefs – and even stand against them when they are sin and promote values contrary to those of our God!  Actually, to embrace the world’s type of tolerance makes no logical sense and precludes any personal opinion or belief in full acceptance of whatever other belief may be presented.  Therefore, tolerance, as it’s now presented, rejects the possibility that objective truth actually exists, even though Jesus Christ came to give/reveal truth (See  John 1:14, John 1:17, John 8:32, & Romans 6:16-23).

 
Christians can acknowledge the right of others to have different beliefs, however, we cannot allow those beliefs to go unchallenged.  Therefore, it’s inevitable that the world will call us intolerant, but we can mitigate the damage by being intolerant in the way God instructs us. First, we must know what we believe (See I Peter 3:15).  Second, we must effectively share and teach what we believe and why we believe it  (See II Timothy 2:23-26).  Certainly we are called to tolerate – and even to love — people, yet without accepting their false beliefs, sin packed values, and humanistic/pagan/hedonistic agendas.                

— Pastor Frank

MOHAMMED V JESUS

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Mohammed was the prophet of war;

       Christ is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Mohammed’s disciples killed for the faith;

       Christ’s disciples were killed for their faith. (Acts 12:2; II Timothy 4:6-7)

Mohammed promoted persecution against the “infidels”;          

Christ forgave and converted even His chief persecutor. (I Timothy 1:13-15)

Mohammed was the taker of life;

       Christ is the giver of life. (John 10:27-28)

Mohammed and his fellow warriors murdered thousands;

       Christ murdered none but saved mllions. (John 12:46-48)

Mohammed practiced FORCE;

       Christ practiced and preached FAITH. (John 6:29, 35)

Mohammed was a WARRIOR;

       Christ is a DELIVERER. (Col. 1:13; I Thess. 1:10)

Mohammed said to the masses, “Convert or die!”;

       Christ said, “Believe and live!” (John 6:47; 11:25-26)

Mohammed was swift to shed blood (see the evil spoken of in Romans 3:15-17);

       Christ shed His own blood for the salvation of many. (Ephesians 1:7)

Mohammed preached “Death to the infidels!”;

       Christ declared “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels;

       Christ achieved a holy victory on Calvary’s cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and His followers share in that victory. (John 16:33)

Mohammed constrained people by conquest;

       Christ constrains people by love. (II Corinthians 5:14)

Modern terrorists derive their inspiration from Mohammed and carry out their despicable atrocities in the name of his god;

Christians derive their inspiration from the One who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

Modern day disciples of Mohammed respond to the terrorist attacks by cheering in the streets;

Modern day disciples of Christ are deeply grieved by atrocities carried out by those who were   “Christians” in name only (the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, Westboro Baptist Church, etc.).

Many Muslims claim to be peaceful and peace-loving because they are not strictly following the teachings of their founder;

Many Christians are peaceful and peace-loving because they do strictly follow the teachings of their Founder. (Romans 12:17-21)

Mohammed called upon his servants to fight;

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight . . . but now is My kingdom not from here.” (John 18:36)

Mohammed ordered death to the Jews (see A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press [1975], p. 369);     

Christ ordered that the Gospel be preached “to the Jew first.” (Romans 1:16)

The Koran says, “Fight and slay the Pagans (idolaters, polytheist) wherever ye find them” (Qu’ran 9.5);

Christ said, “Preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Mohammed’s mission was to conquer the world for Allah;

Christ’s mission was to conquer sin’s penalty and power by substitutionary atonement, (II Corinthians 5:21;I Peter 3:18)

Mohammed claimed that there was but one God, Allah;

Christ claimed that He was God. (John 10:30-31; John 8:58-59; John 5:18; John 14:9)

Mohammed’s Tomb: OCCUPIED!  No assurance of eternal life.

Christ’s tomb: EMPTY!  Full assurance of life.  (John 3:16)

JIHAD VS THE GOSPEL Jihad is the “peak” of Islam, held up by the five and the second greatest command of Muhammad. It is not only commended, but clearly commanded in the Quran. Even though the crusades ended many centuries ago, Islamic Jihad is carried   out right now, to this day! Millions of people have been slaughtered throughout the centuries by Islamic militants – such as in 1915, the slaughter of 1.5 millions Armenians in Turkey. Christians have continued to be slaughtered by Islamic militants throughout the world as well. We don’t kill people because they fail to believe, instead we pray!

Therefore, before faithful New Testament believers buy into the lie of this so called “peaceful religion” or accept some responsibility for the atrocities of the Catholic endorsed crusades, which ended over 700 years ago … it would be extremely wise to first learn from reliable sources what the crusades were all about, study Islamic teachings, and consider the track record of Jihad over the last 14 centuries.

Do it!                                                          His & Yours, Pastor Frank

CRIME

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Is all crime, sin?  Is all sin, crime?  The answer to both is a resounding no!  However, that doesn’t mean the two concepts aren’t closely connected or related, or that a society that refuses to appropriately connect them can achieve a peaceful, respectful, divinely blessed, and flourishing community or society!

IS ALL CRIME, SIN? 

While the definition of crime (which used to be closely connected to that of sin) has changed over time, and is constantly changing, most would agree to a simple understanding … “an act that’s against the law.”   In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Daniel 3), the law required a cessation of activity and the worship of a golden image upon the sounding of a “horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music.”  It was unquestionably a crime for them to disobey the law of their government; however it was not a sin, due to the fact that they were under a higher obligation to their Lord!  Therefore, what was a “crime” to humanity and that society was a righteous act of obedience unto the Lord.

IS ALL SIN, CRIME?

Now the discussion potentially gets complicated!  The very idea of “crime” seems to be originally based upon the concept of sin … an act or conduct against others, specific property (possessions) or society.  Therefore, at the root of what is deemed a crime, one finds a biblical moral foundation.  However, modern-day society and contemporary world views are consistently working against the reality and certainty that all civil law is based upon moral values expressed to mankind by a supreme being we know as God.  As a result, crime is currently and conveniently defined (without any reference to sin) as being: 

1. an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government.  

2. an activity that is against civil law                                                                                             

3. illegal acts in general (WHATEVER THAT MEANS).

A simple, cursory look at the 10 Commandments, given to the nation of Israel in order to regulate their society, sees laws based upon distinguished moral values and character.  While the first 4 deal with one’s relationship with God, rather than others, as found in the last 6, that did not negate the criminality of breaking any of them.  It was undeniably a crime to break any  one of the 10 because it was the law for God’s people.  In addition, certain punishments were outlined for particular sins/crimes in Deuteronomy chapters 21-25.

Sin is often not considered a crime because much of one’s sin is birthed in the heart out of fleshly/worldly passions.  While adultery is still a crime in many states, no one is prosecuted for it in America.  However, in the Hebrew law of the OT, it was a sin against God as well as a criminal act against individuals and society.  You may recall the incident of the lady caught in adultery during the ministry of Jesus, (See John 8:1-11)  She faced criminal punishment according to Hebrew law. 

Today, adultery is sin in most people’s eyes, against both God and individuals, but definitely not a crime with described legal punishment.  Scripture agrees that adultery is sin, even if committed only in one’s heart, like greed or jealousy may be.  Nonetheless, in our society, this act, not the thought, of adultery no longer constitutes a criminal wrong-doing that would require prosecution and punishment.

Yes, crime is everywhere … we all know that, and most of us have experienced it.  Perhaps that is why our nation is all concerned, almost obsessed, with crime stats like white-on-white crime, black-on-black crime, white-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, poor-on-poor crime, rich-on-poor crime, poor-on-rich crime, rich-on-rich crime, etc., etc, etc.! Why can’t seemingly anyone honestly seek to know the answer, discuss the issues openly, find the answer, and share it freely?  (See Matthew 12:33-37)

There is just too much fear in truth!  Why are the facts like – almost 90% of crimes/sins in the US against young minority men are carried out by young minority men – hidden?  Why is it that a police officer (of any race) is 6 times more likely to be shot by a minority than vise versa and that 98% of minority shooting deaths do not involve police officers (of any race or gender)?  The simple answer is … that the simple answer doesn’t spin politically for anyone’s benefit.  Crime is everywhere because sin is everywhere! They cannot be disconnected! The secret (which is really no secret at all) to reducing crime is curtailing sin, and whether anyone wants to discuss it or not, that’s a spiritual issue.  

However, even in societies that we might consider pagan prior to the days of Moses – murder, adultery, theft, and false witness were treated as immoral acts … simply wrong, as well as considered criminal behavior among the Babylonians and the Egyptians.  Intelligent humans even figured out that it was wrong to … dishonor a god by the improper use of a god’s name, … show lack of respect to parents, … to covet the property (possessions) and particularly a wife, son, daughter, or  slave of another.

Crime, no matter what the stats say, is a direct result of sin. The only answer is godly, righteous living which is only achieved in genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.  So the fear comes, and the truth is avoided!  The government of the governed can’t fix society by increasing the punishment for certain sins, like hate crimes or trying to force the manufacturing of safer bullets, which have no morality except that found in the hands of their user.  When people shoot people in sin, that’s a criminal action.  

Therefore, the heart of mankind is desperately wicked (See Genesis 6:5 & Jeremiah 17:9) and evil. Aberrant behavior cannot/will not be changed without a valid spiritual and moral basis for every law, and individuals who believe the values presented in those laws to be right and true.  So crime reduces, even whole societies are transformed, by the redeeming power of Christ’s gospel.  Then individuals will uphold laws that call sin, sin, support indisputable moral values, and conform their lives to immutable truth!  Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t give up on our society or our world (I know you may feel like throwing in the towel) … our God’s not finished with us yet!  He can do anything, even change the spots of a leopard (See Jeremiah 13:23).  

Pastor Frank

PROSPERITY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers”

… a remarkable and extraordinary prayer from the Lord’s Apostle/Elder, John, for the believer Gaius from 3 John 2.  Here, this faithful New Testament church leader expresses a strong and earnest desire for the side-by-side development of spiritual maturity, physical well-being, and material blessing. While certainly it is appropriate to seek God for any of these as significant aspects of one’s life, the coupling or joining of them together in this passage is unprecedented in the biblical text.  In addition, there is supportive evidence that physical health and spiritual well-being are uniquely intertwined, and surely success and/or prosperity in one’s career or business affairs can play a role as well in any individual’s overall well-being.  

Here, in 3 John 2 we find the Greek word, ‎euodoo (yoo-od-o’-o), which is a compound expression meaning to succeed along the road, to reach successfully, and/or to prosper in business affairs. The continuous tense in this scripture suggests consecutive, uninterrupted circumstances of varying prosperity as weeks follow weeks.  This concept is in the likeness of the inner man being renewed “day after day” as in II Corinthians 4:16.  In other words, this prayer finds Gaius’s faith father (see 3 John 4) praying for his spiritual, monetary/material, and physical well-being … prosperity! 

Most committed Christians can either quote or find a verse related to God’s material blessings being poured out (like Luke 6:38), God’s provision of health and/or strength (as in Proverbs 3:7-10), or concerning spiritual growth/maturity (such as Colossians 1:10), but how about all three, spoken together in one powerful and discerning prayer passage?  WOW!  How do you think brother Gaius must have felt when he received and read this prayer from Elder John? 

Undoubtedly, this experienced apostle/elder fully understood the concept conveyed by his co-laborer, the Apostle Paul, in his instructions to the Philippian church:  

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:3-4)

Isn’t it interesting to note that this prayer ties both the physical health and material blessing directly to one’s spiritual growth and development as a vital/essential priority?  It appears, according to 3 John 3, that Gaius is growing spiritually and that there is distinct/clear evidence of this maturing being manifested throughout his life.  Apostle/Elder John seems to be delighted as well, even elated with his progress …

For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.  I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 3-4)             

This simple, yet broad-reaching, unelaborate prayer would include success in business ventures and investments, happiness and peaceful fulfillment in domestic/family interactions, as well as within one’s spiritual relationships (with the Lord and other believers).  In addition, this intercession is inclusive of all the activities, engagements, and/or transactions in which a committed believer might lawfully engage within one’s society (pagan or not). It shows that it is absolutely and unhesitatingly right for us to encourage our friends through prayer, whether in good times or bad, lean or abundance, that they may have success and growth in their spiritual lives, be in good health, physically/ mentally/ emotionally and prosper through the works of their hands and in their plans of life.  John must surely have learned this from Jesus, whose concern for people’s physical troubles is attested to in all four Gospels. Certainly this is a biblical warrant for Christians today to pray for the temporal as well as the spiritual and physical needs of our peers in Christ.  

At West Oaks Fellowship, we’ve learned to actively embrace our cultural differences, as well as the distinctions in our widely diversified heritages. We are truly “nations gathered for worship” who at the same time are actively “sharing the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Now let us embark on praying for one another —  not just when needs arise — but as the Apostle/Elder John prayed for Gaius, that each one in our body will be in good health and prosper even as his/her soul prospers!             

Let’s just do it! -PF

NEW

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As we approach a new year in 2016, I’m praying that each of us will fully embrace with great anticipation our position/role in Christ’s plan for our church/ministry, as well as in our lives and family.  Just in case one hasn’t figured it out yet, our Lord is always up to something “new,” and unquestionably He has plenty of “new” lined up for you!

In Mark 2:22 Jesus states:

No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

In this text, Christ reminds the Hebrew people that His presence with humanity (see John 1:14) was something “new,” and He wanted the people to clearly understand that this newness (or current fulfillment of God’s promises) unmistakably signaled the passing of the old.  Any attempt to bind the newness of His Gospel to the old religion of Judaism is as futile as trying to patch an old (‎Gk – palaion‎, “worn out by use”) garment with a new, unshrunk piece of cloth. When the new (‎Gk – kainon‎, “qualitatively new”) piece (‎Gk- pleroma‎, “fullness”) becomes wet, it will shrink, pull away from the old, and make a larger hole. 

It is equally disastrous to pour new (Gk – ‎neon‎, “fresh”), not fully fermented, wine into old (‎Gk – palaious‎, “worn out by use,” with no elasticity, brittle) wineskins. Inevitably, as the new wine ferments (expands), it will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined.  Salvation, available through Jesus, was not to be mixed with the old Hebrew/Judaistic system of legalism (religious laws, statutes, and regulations) as explained in John 1:17:

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught:

1.  He came to save sinners by/through grace and truth!

2.  He didn’t come for those that wanted to remain in the status       

    quo … dead religion … instead He offered grace and truth!

3.  He came to introduce the new by/through grace and truth —        

    not to patch up or attempt a revitalization or remodeling of       

    the old!

Jesus came to relentlessly usher in the new, not to unite with the old. The Mosaic system was decaying, getting very old, and ready to vanish away (See Hebrews 8:13).  Therefore, Christ fulfilled and abolished the old so that every believer would have a new life in Him (See II Corinthians 5:17).  The Lord established this New Covenant in/by His blood (See Luke 22:19-20) and this new Law would be written on human hearts, not on stones or tablets (See II Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 10:15-18).  Additionally, the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit would enable His people to live rightly/righteously (See Romans 8:1-4).

By using this illustration, the Lord refuted once and for all, the popular idea of a compromising “world religion.”  Well-meaning but spiritually blind leaders often suggest that we take “the best” from each religion, blend it with what is “best” in the Christian faith, and thus manufacture a synthetic faith that would be acceptable to everybody.

But the Christian faith is exclusive in character; it will not accept any other faith as its equal or its superior. Remember, according to Acts 4:12:

There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved!

Salvation is not a partial patching up of one’s old life … instead, we put on something new. (See Isaiah 61:10) II Corinthians 5:21 declares:  

He (Father God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, the Christian life that each of us will embark upon in 2016 is not a mixing of one’s old life with the new; rather, the old being crucified and transformed (Gk – metamorfousthe – from Romans 12:1-2 meaning  completely changed) into the new.  An acorn is planted in the ground and it is ultimately destroyed, but out of that seed pops an oak tree!  Small ones, young ones, big ones, and not so young ones — all reaching for new heights because of the our relationship with Christ!

Are you ready?   May 2016 be a year when each of us is …    

Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he/she does, he/she prospers.

Psalm 1:3

That’s my prayer for all of us this year. 

His & Yours, Pastor Frank

VALENTINES

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Each year on February 14th, many people exchange special cards, candy, gifts. and/or flowers with their very distinct “valentine” (to the tune of $18.9 Billion in 2015).  This time of appreciation, romance, and love we call Valentine’s Day is actually named for a Christian martyr named Valentinus who was killed on February 14th in the third century A.D., but also has origins directly connected to the pagan Roman holiday of Lupercalia.

While little is actually known about Valentinus, there are historical accounts that describe him as a priest, or the Bishop of Terni, who was beheaded near Rome by the emperor Claudius II for helping Christian couples unite in the covenant of marriage as well as escape captivity.  In 1969, the Roman Catholic Church liturgical veneration of him ceased; however his name remains on its list of “officially recognized” saints. 

The medieval English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, who often took liberties with history by placing his poetic characters into fictitious historical contexts and representing them as being genuine or real, may have actually ignited what we know as Valentine’s Day, removing it from a religious celebration to that of a carnal/pagan nature.  No historical record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work “Parliament of Foules,” he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s religious feast day … an association that never existed until after his poem received widespread attention.  The poem refers to February 14 as the day birds (and humans) come together to find a mate.

Some believe that Valentine’s Day was an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, which was a Roman fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.  For the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa.

The pagan priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility, and a dog for purification.  They would then cut the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in that same day, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for a year with his chosen woman with the proposed result being off-spring and marriage.

Needless to say, at West Oaks Fellowship we are certainly not interested in recognizing or celebrating a pagan holiday.  However, we do strongly uphold the values of a man and woman coming together in the  covenant relationship of marriage for the purposes of companionship, procreation, and the free, loving, selfless exchange of physical intimacy.  In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus said (quoting from Genesis 2):

Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.

As committed believers, we know and understand that true love originates with God (See I John 4:16) and we see His love for humanity   fully demonstrated in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice!

 Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

As a result of experiencing His love, one then gains the unprecedented opportunity and privilege of being humans who can both genuinely love God and expressively love others (See I John 4:19).  Thus, in and through the God-ordained, God-blessed, covenant of marriage, love moves to a deeper level as faithful and responsible Christians pledge to love his/her spouse at all times, as well as in/through every, often unimaginable, circumstance of life.  This is a perfect reflection of God’s love, who certainly hates sin, but continuously loves (as His character and nature) all, at all times (See John 3:126-17)!     

At WOF, we are hosting a special celebration of God’s love and the covenant of marriage this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14.  You’ll be invited to fully participate as we reflect upon God’s beautiful design for family that He created for us to live/walk in, and consider the power that is unleashed through the covenant of marriage.  More details will be forthcoming, but please make specific plans now to attend.

I’m looking forward to celebrating this unique day with each of you!   — PF