Tag: luke

GIVING THANKS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

God’s people have always been unique in expressions of giving thanks to the Lord for His blessings and provisions. Throughout history (His story), those that acknowledge the one true God have engaged in spiritually-based celebrations and festivities that both publicly, as well as privately, express collective and personal gratitude.     

Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name. –Psalm 97:12

In some nations/people groups “giving thanks” events are deeply imbedded in the culture, as demonstrated in the Hebrew faith and those whose initial values and laws stem from a belief and/or subjection to a divine being.

These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.  For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. –Psalm 42:4

As we approach the American Holiday (created from the words for holy (halig) and day (daeg) from the 14th century) of Thanksgiving, perhaps we could/should re-think the whole concept.  Are we giving thanks to the Lord based on our material blessings, or is our thanksgiving motivated by the Lord’s character and the spiritual blessing of being in Christ as His own possession? 

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.  –Ephesians 1:13-14

A few weeks ago, I asked some young people why they needed to go to college.  The answers were not surprising or shocking, considering the materialistic influences that currently exist in our modern culture.  Generally their responses focused on having a comfortable life style, a good job, and making enough money to enjoy a life of affluence and abundance.  That life included concepts of what some would call the “American Dream” … a nice house, cool car, fashionable clothes, kids, comfortable lifestyle, etc.  While I’m not sure when the “American Dream” started evolving into a materialistic-based quest, certainly that was not its original prize. 

Although material gain may be the fruit or positive by-product of freedom and capitalism, how dare we refer to it as the “American Dream?”  Have we undergone a metamorphosis from spiritually-based moral values and the principles of individual freedom into collective hedonistic greed? Assuredly, when people are more concerned with the attainment of things than with the maintenance and continuation of ethics, truth, morals, righteousness, and freedom, it’s a sure sign of moral decadence/spiritual decomposition.

Perhaps this crumbling decay begins when the focus of “giving thanks” shifts from an appreciation and gratitude for God, His character, His holiness, His attributes, grace, mercy, love, etc. to the benefits and blessings of His abundant provisions.  Without question, the Lord God lavishes His goodness upon His people, but is that the foundation, motivation, and source for our “giving thanks” and expressions of gratitude?  Don’t get me wrong, undoubtedly we should offer thanksgiving for all our material blessings, but isn’t there much, much more that demands an appreciative response?

Consider Psalm 7:17 where thanksgiving is offered because of God’s righteousness:      

I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

 In I Chronicles 16:34 God’s goodness and lovingkindness is the cause for giving thanks:

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Daniel 2:23 offers an interesting perspective … the prophet is thankful because of God’s provision … wisdom, might, and answered prayer:

To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, for You have made known to us the king’s matter.

The psalmist in 107:8 establishes an opportunity for thanksgiving because of His works among humanity:

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!

In the New Testament, I Corinthians 15:57 offers similar insight, focusing on the spiritual aspects of our Lord’s work rather than one’s abundance or excess of material blessing:

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (over the power of sin, the law, and death … which includes our worldly/fleshly passions) through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Isn’t it time for true believers to reverse the trend of thanksgiving being offered upon valuations of possessions and wealth, comfort, or even health?  Should we humbly give thanks for these things?  Without question!  Wealth and assets aren’t evil, just like forks and spoons don’t make gluttons and guns don’t kill people.  It’s the greed, covetousness, and love of money that’s the root of all sorts of evil. (See I Tim. 6:10)  Remember:

The covetous are never satisfied with money, nor the lovers of wealth with their gain; so this too is vanity.(Ecclesiastes 5:9)  

May we never forget the scriptural warnings in Luke 12:15, Ephesians 5:3-5, and Colossians 3:5 –  all address this issue for Christ’s church.      

Together as individuals and His people collectively, let us be compelled to spiritually, mentally, and emotionally (in the flesh) embrace the words of the psalmist:

Direct my heart toward your testimonies and away from gain.  

Perhaps from this assessment will burst untainted, spiritually-birthed thanksgiving that’s pleasing to our Lord and provider, Jesus Christ.                                       

Think about it, then ask Him about it!  –Pastor Frank

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

FORGIVENESS

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Several words, from both the Greek and Hebrew, are used to convey the idea of forgiveness throughout our biblical text.

1) Apoluein (Gk),as used by Christ in Luke 6:37, is translated pardon, and or “forgive.” Thus, the analogy in this verse provides instruction to “forgive” and in turn, one will be “forgiven,” because the actual meaning of this word relates to the full release of a debt and/or the punishment due the perpetrator as a result of sin.

2) In Romans 3:25, Paul uses ‎paresis (Gk), ‎translated remission, in relation to humanity’s sinful nature and deeds — meaning to “forgive” by putting away or aside completely and unreservedly/absolutely!    

‎3) Charizesthai (Gk) (found only in the writings of apostles Luke and Paul) expresses, as no other word or words possibly can express, the concept of God’s pardon and “forgiveness” through grace (unmerited and/or undeserved favor) as articulated in Colossians 2:13!

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

4) Kaphar ‎(Heb) is found in Old Testament scriptures and refers exclusively to divine “forgiveness” as in Psalm 78:38!

But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath.

5) In I Kings 8:30, one finds the word calah ‎(Heb) as Solomon stands before the Lord’s altar and humbly cries out for God’s (divine) “forgiveness” . . . “Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive.”

6) Nasa’ (Heb) in the Old Testament scriptures also refers to divine pardon or “forgiveness” as well as that of pardon or “forgiveness” granted by one human to another.  A perfect example of this is found in I Samuel 25 where Abigail appeals to King David on behalf or her husband, Nabal (vs 32-34):

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from  bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.

“Forgiveness,” generally speaking, is not a virtue of pagan religions, societies, or cultures.  The big-hearted human might flamboyantly disregard offences in cases where he/she considers the wrongdoing or debt to be insignificant and/or beneath one’s notice, but to “forgive” was by and large considered weak-spirited.  Even in the Old Testament Hebrew traditions, “forgiving” another for a wrong, or a debt, is infrequent.  However, there are cases where individuals are found asking for “forgiveness” from a position of subservience. In such cases, a person is petitioning for that which one has no just or granted right(s). (See Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17; I Samuel 15:25) However, we as true and faithful believers of Jesus Christ have a much higher calling — in fact, according to Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:32, we are instructed to “forgive one another just as God in Christ also forgave you.”

Most have heard the quote by Alexander Pope, “to err is human; to forgive divine.”  In reality, because of our new nature in Christ, we have been given the opportunity to participate in, and partake of, this divine event!  Certainly a true mark and distinguishing characteristic of a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, New Testament church/ministry — where relationships are more important than programs — is the continual (on-going) practice of Christ’s instruction to His disciples in Matthew 18:21-22! 

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”    (no doubt expecting some accolade)  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

How many times?                          

Let’s do this, Pastor Frank           

NEW

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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

SEEKING THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Why do you seek the living among the dead?

That is the question asked of the women in Luke 24:5 as they stood before the borrowed tomb (belonging to Joseph of Arimathea) where the body of Christ had been placed after His public execution. They knew Jesus was dead, that was indisputable.  Yes, their hearts were tattered — their souls devastated by the tragic events of the past few days, and now they came to the place were His body had been laid … behind a wax-sealed rolling stone … guarded by Roman centurions. 

They came to honor their teacher and friend, Jesus Christ, by finishing the appropriate and customary preparation so His body could be permanently interred.  A dead Jesus, a cold shredded corpse was all they hoped for and expected to find.  In reality, they came seeking the dead in the place of the dead (among the dead, as in a cemetery) while bringing along all the supplies and spices needed to complete their arduous and undeniably emotional task.  Surely they weren’t looking for, or even possessing an ounce of hope for discovering anything different. 

According to the scripture (Luke 24:2-3), when they arrived, the tomb was open (obviously not for Christ to escape, but for His faithful followers to observe/witness), and the body of Jesus Christ somehow missing.  Nonetheless, for whatever reason, the ladies, “Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women” (Luke 24:10) still don’t get it!  It’s interesting for us to note that even His enemies, while in total disbelief, fully understood and acknowledged Christ’s well-known teachings and impassioned declarations … that death and the grave could not – in fact – would not be able hold Him! (‎Matthew 16:21; 17:9,23; 20:19; 26:32; 27:63; 28:6, Mark 8:31; 9:9,31; 10:34; 14:28, Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:7,46, etc.) 

Every believer should carefully note how easy it was to forget the powerful, plentiful, and inexhaustible promises of our Lord.  In this case, it took the frightful appearance of two men in “dazzling clothing,” to successfully jog our sisters’ memories as the men started accurately proclaiming Christ’s exact teachings concerning His own death and victorious resurrection.  It seems the disciples had the same mental block and spiritual lapse according to Luke 24:11 where the testimony of these women was considered “nonsense” and “they would not believe them.”

What’s the problem/issue?  One might wonder, “How are the words of Jesus Christ so easily forgotten, quickly ignored, or discounted by His followers?”  At least, according to the biblical text (Luke 24:12), Peter gets up, runs to Christ’s tomb — stoops down — looks in, and sees the linen wrappings that were once upon the body of Jesus.  What was He expecting?  What does He find/witness/observe?  NO DEAD JESUS — NO CORPSE OF CHRIST’S SHREADED FLESH, but even then there is no clear statement or testimony of faith as the disciple, “went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.”

Perhaps as we approach Resurrection Sunday, we should ponder the question of how or why the words of Jesus are so easily forgotten, misunderstood, or discounted in our own everyday lives.  The truth of life in Christ Jesus, including all His powerful, plentiful, and inexhaustible promises, is that life can never be found among the dead … in/from unbelievers … in/from relationships with those that seek after all the world has to offer … in/from those that attempt to join themselves to the world … in/from a convenient faith in Christ, nor in/from the things of world themselves.  Even if one has the opportunity to pursue and gain everything our world offers, will it actually bring life?  Mark 8:36 asks this question:

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

Life is not found from the world, nor is it found in the dead fleshly works of religious law, which in essence is lifeless legalism.  Brothers and sisters, why would one seek to find anything living among the dead?  Life abundant (John 10:10) is only found, and is only available, in and through the living words of our living, risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

Jesus said,

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.  

John 6:63

Therefore, will we, as Christ’s followers, seek to find the living among the dead, or seek and turn to the living from the dead/world to find life, life abundant?

Here’s my prayer for all of us at WOF throughout the next few months:

1)      If one does not know the words of Christ, come and learn, become a student of His Word, allowing us, in cooperation with His Holy Spirit, to teach you the words of life.

2)     If one already knows His Word, let us help you apply it to your daily life, making it a truly “Living Word” for your spiritual journey and sojourn on earth. (See Hebrews 4:12)

3)    May we, His people/church, never become forgetful, allowing His words to be void. Instead let them be the very backbone and essence of the faith-based lives we breathe with our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ!

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  

Romans 10:17

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you!  

Colossians 3:16

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.     

I Thessalonians 2:13-14

His & Yours, by GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),

Pastor Frank

ABUNDANT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “abundant” is used throughout our Old Testament scriptures to describe Yahweh’s unlimited love and His covenant faithfulness. The authors readily confess that their God is abounding in (Hebrew ‎ra»-µese¼‎‎), or has an abundance of (Hebrew rœ» µese¼‎) steadfast love!

Psalm 86:5

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

    Isaiah 63:7

I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has granted them according to His compassion and according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.

In Isaiah 55:7, the Lord’s prophet calls upon the people of Israel to repent of their wickedness and return to Yahweh, “for He will abundantly pardon” (Hebrew ‎yarbeh lislô(a)µ‎, literally meaning to “multiply pardon”).

In the New Testament, (Greek gk perisseúœ‎, hyperperisseúœ‎) abound, abundance, abundant, and abundantly are usually translated — “to be or make extremely rich” — “to overflow” — “cause to overflow” or “to be present in greater abundance” as proclaimed concerning God’s grace in Romans 5:20-21:

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The familiar passage of scripture in John 10:10 speaks of an “abundant” life afford those who truly believe in Jesus Christ:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The Biblical text repeatedly warns against putting one’s trust in the abundance of material things. In Psalm 37 we are advised against envy when seeing the wicked prosper … knowing that they, along with their wealth, will be destroyed, and that the Lord is faithful to preserve those who put their faith/full trust in Him. (see Psalm 37)  Therefore, the little that the righteous may have is ultimately better than the abundance of the wicked (see Psalm 37:16).  Consider:

Proverbs 15:16

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure and turmoil with it.

Proverbs 16:8

Better is a little with righteousness, Than great income with injustice.

Unquestionably, Yahweh promised — and gave — to Israel an abundance of material blessings (see Deuteronomy 28:11); but He also warned that if this prosperity did not lead to the faithful service it could/would be taken away (see Deuteronomy 28:47). In fact, this is exactly what happened to Israel, as prophesied by Ezekiel (see 7:11) and recounted by Ezra (see Nehemiah 9:25).

Nonetheless, Israel was promised that when she repented of her disobedience, her fortunes would be restored and she would experience prosperity greater than she had known before (see Deuteronomy 30:9; Isaiah 66:10; Jeremiah 31:12-14; 33:6-9; Ezekiel 36:29). Therefore, it appears that God’s desire throughout history (HIS STORY) has always been to abundantly bless His people.  

In the NT, abundance takes on many forms much greater than that of material possessions. Knowing abundance is an absolute characteristic of one’s new life obtained through genuine salvation — faith in Christ Jesus!  This abundance is unlike anything previously known, and is stimulated by spiritual growth. The Lord’s abundance is appropriated (poured out, received and acted upon) in every Christian’s life to bring about complete transformation.

This fullness is not manifested in the realm of material blessings, but in the abundance of grace that is, according to the scriptures, lavished upon His Church (see Ephesians 1:3-14). Thus the believing, Christian community is empowered to do far more than it could dare to imagine (see Ephesians 3:20)!  

While the NT does not denounce material abundance, it stresses its imperfect value and its dangers. Jesus warned that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (see Luke 12:15).  Remember, Paul testified that he had learned to face both material abundance and deprivation with equanimity (see Philippians 4:12).  One value of material abundance lies in the opportunity it provides for generosity (see II Corinthians 8:14); and to those who give generously, there is the promise that:

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.

In this regard, my consistent prayer for all of us at WOF is that each one will prosper and be in good health, even as one’s soul prospers.  — From III John 2                          

II Corinthians 9:8

His & Yours, PF

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “summer” is used frequently throughout the Old Testament scriptures, while only being employed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ Himself in the gospels of Matthew (24:32), Mark (13:28), and Luke (21:30).  Each of these accounts occur in the “Parable Of The Fig Tree” and is the Greek word “theros” meaning, “to heat” but particularly in context speaking of “summer” as the season of heat or the hot season. 

However, in the Old Testament, while the Hebrew word, “qayits,” can refer to the specific, one of four seasons on the earth — with “summer” being classified as the “dry” season — it is also periodically, uniquely connected to the idea of fruit, grain, or a seasonal harvest.

In Psalm 32:3-4, David declares:

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Your (the Lord’s) hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.  Selah.

 Obviously, we identify the distinct reference to the dry, hot feeling that “summer” brings, yet the reference is speaking more fully of David’s emotional and spiritual feelings as he refused to deal with some ubiquitous and prevalent sin that was negatively impacting his life, and dramatically hindering his spiritual walk / relationship with the Lord.

In Proverbs 6:8 we see the often used, familiar Old Testament connection of the word “summer” with the idea of fruit, grain, and/or harvest.  Here, Solomon considers the wisdom of the ant, who “Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.”  Proverbs 10:4-5 expands this biblical, as well as practical truth:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Clearly, without hesitation or indecisiveness, the necessary work should be accomplished within the suitable season.  If the opportunity that presents itself in the “summer” (fruit/grain and harvest) is neglected, the irresponsible individual cannot possibly expect the fruit/grain and harvest in autumn or in some/any other season.  For one to sleep or rest when the plenteous harvest lies ready, is seen in this passage as the most extreme laziness.  If an individual refuses, choosing not to work, they will be poor, whereas the diligent worker eventually reaps blessing and reward … by taking full advantage of the “summer” (fruit/grain, harvest), but the one who falters brings shame and disgrace. (Please study Proverbs 6:6-11)

A REALITY CHECK   

#1 The hand of one person is diligent, the other is slack.

#2 The soul/spirit of one seeks and seizes opportunity, the other neglects them, letting opportunity pass … sleeping, napping, or resting instead of harvesting.

#3 The destiny of one is God’s blessing, biblical prosperity (See III John 2), the other is that of devastation and ruin …laziness whether spiritual or physical, clothes a person in rags.  

#4 Perhaps one will hear from his Master, “Well done good and faithful servant” … but what about that other individual? (See Matthew 25:19-30)

In Proverbs 30:24-25, Solomon states that the ant is wise, even though not necessarily — “strong” — when compared to all the creatures of the earth!  Why?  Because, “they prepare their food in the summer (a time for fruit/grain and harvest).”

This summer, for the first time in the 31 year history of WOF, we are embarking on a new adventure for the whole family.  Beginning June 22, for 7 consecutive Wednesday evenings, the children will have a complete VBS (Vacation Bible School) very similar to our Mission Trip ministries including Recreation, Refreshments, Scraise (kids worship & drama), Crafts, Bible Teaching, and Scripture Memorization.  Simultaneously, “ALL” our adults (this is especially designed for those that serve in AWANA, and or teach other classes during the year) will have an incredible opportunity to participate in worship followed by men’s and women’s Bible studies.  See, we’re planning to take advantage of “summer,” and sincerely hoping you will allow this season to become a fruitful harvest of spiritual development and growth for you and your children, along with each and every adult in our entire church body.  Please plan on joining in as we become like the ant, prudently preparing for another year of faithful ministry by taking the opportunity that’s at hand to gather fruit and a reap a great harvest in our spirits and souls this “summer”! 

I’m looking for to it! 

How about you?            

His & Yours, PF