Tag: power

THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Over the past 37 years (primarily ministry since I was 18, with a few years of construction company ownership and management thrown in) I’ve written innumerable articles and taught in excess of 35 lessons on freedom, liberty, independence, etc., and yet the Biblical revelation of these invigorating truths inexhaustibly continues to unfold.   Christ is the only liberating agent that brings total freedom to the soul/spirit of humanity.  He frees us from the bondage of sin and spiritual death, making true believers the only individuals able to volitionally respond to Him in an appropriate and affirmative manner. 

While many creatures obey God simply by doing what they are created to do, or through Him directing their paths unbeknownst to them, only humans, born afresh through faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by His Holy Spirit, clearly distinguish His unique guidance as opposed to behavioral instincts, rote activities, and/or trained responses.  In other words, one can get a pet or even wild animal to respond to commands by training, and they even have the opportunity to obey or not.  Humans as well can be trained to respond contrary to instinct, desire, or passion. 

However, the uniqueness for Christ’s disciples is that we have freedom to hear the Lord, and with clear understanding, not as a robot, surrender one’s will/purpose/agenda to His.  In so doing, we freely choose to follow His desire, fully trusting His Holy Spirit to provide the wisdom, resources, and strength needed to faithfully and continuously follow. 

Only freedom in Christ makes a believer independently dependent. One is granted opportunity to victoriously overcome any hold that sin, the flesh, the world, or the enemy attempts to extend, or threatens to impose into or over one’s life.  Liberty in Christ means one no longer thinks or possesses the understanding, view, perspective, or even the reasoning that those without Christ arduously defend and cling to.  Instead, Christ’s followers think, reason, and live independently!  Way outside, above and beyond the limited understanding and precepts of unbelievers … even those considered intelligent, genius, and wise in the framework of their own system and human reasoning.  That means true believers:

  1. Are not governed by a foreign (anything other than God’s) power
  2. Are free from the influence and control of another individual and/or philosophy
  3. Are free to find value and purpose in things other than those determined to be important and meaningful by their culture, heritage, society, religion, worldly influences, etc.
  4. Are free to rely on Christ (which includes His Word, His Holy Spirit, His people, and His divine institutions of family and church), rather than others for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual support and care
  5. Are free from being dominated or controlled by “other” situations,                                circumstances, and or variables (known and/or unknown)

Therefore, if Christ’s followers are truly independent of all these things, then what remains?  Ideally, an intent, longing desire, and even a love, to place one’s being under the control and dominance of the ultimate power and authority … the ONE who knows you best, created you, placed you in this world at the exact appointed/appropriate time (according to HIS purpose/plan) — even the ONE who sustains the universe and holds everything together. 

What a privilege, what a great honor!  You, along with every true believer, are eligible and pre-approved to become totally dependent upon the ONE who purchased and delivered your independence!

Quotes from Christ on a similar discussion from John 8:31-38:

If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.

Are you free indeed?  Think about it, and then choose freedom. I sincerely pray you become independently dependent today.                                               

— Pastor Frank 

FEAR

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933):

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. 

While most are familiar with this quote, and many can quote a portion of it (very similar to certain portions of scripture), not many read, know, or fully comprehend the whole statement.  Notice that according to Roosevelt, “fear” works to paralyze efforts to convert retreat into advance.  In that day, the USA was slipping into isolationism (along with Great Britain), drawing back from the impending conflicts and certain trouble that was brewing in Asia and Europe.  In essence, many Americans were blindly acting as if nothing was awry.  How often does fear creep into the lives of God’s people, even faithful believers, crippling advancement and ultimately leading to retreat and/or even defeat?

In the Scriptures, one primarily finds 3 Greek words translated as “fear” in our English New Testaments.  Amazingly, 3 Hebrew words are used in the Old Testament as well, the most common being the word, yare’ – meaning the psychological reaction of being afraid of something or someone.  Turning to the New Testament, one of the Greek words phobos (noun), phoberos (adjective), and phobeo (verb), from which derives the English word “phobia” (meaning irrational fear), is obviously the most familiar.  However, the original meaning of this word is not fear, but “flight.” 

In other words, something or someone causes a person to take flight.  That’s exactly what America was doing when FDR made his comment, and one must wonder how often believers take flight from the things of the Lord — His Truth, conviction, guidance, leadership, correction, etc. 

Consider Isaiah 8:11-13, where clear instruction is provided, encouraging the faithful to walk in the counsel of the Lord, not the wisdom and reasoning of unregenerate humanity. 

For thus the Lord spoke to me with mighty power and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,  You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’  In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread.

In actuality, all God’s people have nothing to fear except the Lord Himself … fearing Him, the Holy One, and no others. 

Can you see the consistency of the Lord in this matter when contemplating the similarities of Christ’s instruction to His followers in Matthew 10:26-29?

Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.  Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Again, in actuality all God’s people have nothing to fear except the Lord Himself … fearing Him, the Holy One, and no others.

This “reverential fear,” which should be prominent in every true Christian, is best understood as nothing caused through or by the intimidation or the attack of adversaries, but as active in/through a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ as not only Saviour, but Lord!  First, Christ is viewed as the controlling motive of life, in matters spiritual, moral, and ethical conduct — not a mere “fear” of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him.  This “fear” banishes any and all terror that shrinks from His presence.  (Study Romans 8:15, Philippians 2:12)   

Second, Christ’s true disciples are undeniably and indisputably convinced that one’s circumstances are guided by trust in Him, through the influences of  God’s indwelling Holy Spirit and His Word as they, together, bear witness (speak) within one’s mind, heart, soul, etc.  (Study Acts 9:31; II Corinthians 7:1) 

Next, faithful followers’ reverential “fear” of God will inspire a constant carefulness in dealing with others.  (Study Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 3:15-16)  Last, this fear works powerfully in each believer to remind them that life is extremely short, compared to eternity, and that the things of this world are to be held lightly with proper understanding of their purpose in one’s life.  (Study I Peter 1:17-19; I Corinthians 7:1)

The Psalmist (Psalm 33:18) declares, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,  On those who hope for His lovingkindness!”  Unquestionably, there is an understanding of reverential fear, the concepts defined above, deep within his heart/mind/soul.   

At West Oaks Fellowship, we regularly sing a great song entitled “Whom Shall I Fear” by Darrell Evans which asks,

Whom shall I fear?  Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life

Whom shall I fear?  Whom shall I fear?

Now you know the right answer is definitely NOT – no one or nothing!  — Pastor Frank

COUNT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

How do you count?  The idea of the Greek word “hegeomai,” translated in Philippians 3:7 as “counted,” and twice in verse 8 as “count,” deals with one’s own thinking, viewpoint, or thought process.  In other words, in respect to all the credit and honor I have been afforded through my zealous achievements in Judaism, I consider them all absolutely no value for the purpose(s) of Jesus Christ.  Then he further expounds on this consideration in verses 8-11:

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Please notice how Paul now moves to an even greater intensity by audaciously declaring that he is counting “all things” worthless or of no consequence when compared to what he has gained in/through Christ!  This includes not only his Jewish privileges, but all other things of every kind that humans count/consider valuable or profitable.

Now, let’s momentarily shift from counting to accounting.  The Greek  word “zemia,” translated here as “loss,” refers to something becoming damaged or useless.  Something that once was considered a valuable asset, is now being written-off 100% as if it has lost all value and become  “rubbish” or “dung” (KJV) …  in other words — useless, worthless, or absolutely of no value.  Interestingly, the Greek word “skubala” translated here as “rubbish” or “dung,” implies the vilest dross or refuse of anything; the worst excrement. This word is employed to show how utterly insignificant, hollow and meaningless, the apostle esteemed everything except the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

With his very best assets and achievements he freely parted, judging them all a total loss and putting in their place his relationship with Christ, the Lord, which he valiantly esteems as infinite/unlimited/countless gain. What Paul’s former life and religion could not do, gain, or give, Jesus Christ accomplished/provided. The Apostle Paul stands as incontrovertible proof … He tried the accolades of humanity and religion, but found it vanity;  he tried the Gospel and found it to be the power of God unto his salvation.  By “counting” (considering) all that the world called excellent of no value, he gained Christ in relationship NOW and eternal salvation in/through Him FOREVER. 

To/for the surpassing greatness and value of Christ’s Gospel and its liberating, transforming power in a true believer’s life and Christian experience, Paul remains an unimpeachable witness.  The difficult question for us as committed followers of Jesus Christ is, will we learn to count as Paul counted?  Has there ever been a true renovation, an accounting adjustment where one actually sits down and starts evaluating the value of all that one is and has in direct comparison to the value of knowing Christ, the righteousness that comes from God through faith, the power of Christ’s resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering?   What have you moved to the “dung” column?  What have you charged off (removed from the asset column and considered it a total loss)?  Perhaps it’s time for all believers to do a complete audit.  Can we actually get to a place in our lives where we fully appreciate and decidedly value the things of our Lord, and freely devalue, as well as part with, those things our world and humanity wrongly hold in high esteem?

This process actually starts with small steps in the right direction.  It’s difficult for me to imagine that Paul got to this profound position and understanding overnight, but ultimately he did it.  He had to start somewhere, and that’s true for each of us as well.  I know, you’re not the Apostle Paul!  Perfect  –  all the more the reason to start the process in an unrelenting manner sooner than later.  Since you’re not him, it may take less time or more time.  Nonetheless, what will you call “dung” so it will not distract your pursuit of Him, and His of you?

Our goal must be to stand in the same light as Paul did, counting the same way he learned to count, parting with all that which has no true value, and present ourselves as unimpeachable witnesses of Christ’s redemption and transforming power.  So what if the world’s value system goes topsy-turvy? Our counting and theirs, just like our lives as faithful believers, should never … will never be the same. 

Think on it, pray on it, act on it.  

— Pastor Frank

What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. 

— C. S. Lewis

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

TERRORISM

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word terrorism does not appear in our biblical text as one may currently employ the word in modern day English.  Nonetheless, the Bible clearly addresses the concepts behind terrorism and those that “bring” or “strike” terror.  Unquestionably in 21st century America, and perhaps throughout the modern world, terrorism has become a constant on the minds of most individuals, and has worked to alter our lifestyles in one way or another. Psalm 34:14 offers clear instruction to those who resort to these ungodly, almost inconceivable acts, “Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”  Terrorism is good only in the eyes of those that seek peace through fear, and the destructive power of an ungodly, oppressive, legalistic regime that hides behind the words and works of works-based religious systems, and their false prophets who seek the total annihilation of all their opponents/enemies. Personal peace comes only through a meaningful and dynamic relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – civil/world peace can only be envisioned and accomplished as Christ is enthroned as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  

Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us that:

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”  How many of these traits are easily identified as common attributes of modern day terrorists and terrorism?

Conversely, as believers, we uphold these truths from Romans 12:19-21:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’

To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’” In addition, certainly we cannot discount the message of Nahum 1:2-3 concerning God’s wrath against Nineveh:

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

The word “terror” appears at least 7 times in the Old Testament, and all of them are derived from the Hebrew word “pachad” which relates to a sudden feeling of fear; by implication something dreadful; great alarm or being filled/full of fear.  That’s the exact goal of modern day terrorism – cause feelings of fear in the hearts and minds of individuals … those being terrorized!  In I Chronicles 14, David overwhelmingly defeats the Philistines, and according to verse 17, all the nations were in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear (Hebrew text) because of him.  This is the purposed/intended response of terrorism today, seeing whole communities and nations bow in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear.

So how then shall we live in a world filled with terrorists and terrorism?                    

  • Pray (Ephesians 6:18): When suddenly our culture seems to uncharacteristically crave the necessity of supernatural intervention in the face of evil …  we are the only ones with the direct link! So pray diligently.
  • Help/Take Action (Matthew 25:40): All humans are loved by God and made in His image – a divine creation.  WWJD?  Minister according to the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit in word and deed/action!  A situation of terror will most likely present opportunity for selfless, sacrificial service.
  • Do Not Fear (II Timothy 1:7):  As images of violence, hate, blood and panic flood our computer and television screens, it’s easy to be overcome with fear.  Psalm 23:4 … “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Followers of Christ should be seen as sources of mental/emotional/spiritual strength, courage, comfort and peace in times of trials. Unfortunately, Christians too often respond in the exact opposite manner.
  • Have/Demonstrate Hope (confident expectation in Christ):  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope! —  Romans 15:13

In life’s worst situations, we must look to our Lord Jesus — not government, police, military, media, peers, or others — to stand firm in Christ alone.  We live and move by faith in Him under the glorious and far reaching protection of His wings … the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent ONE – TRUE — GOD!  Therefore, prepare now to properly respond should a day of terror rudely assault your life, family, etc.    

— Pastor Frank 

RESURRECTION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

We are once again quickly approaching the anniversary of the greatest days in all of human history (His story) — Christ’s matchless atoning and sacrificial death, followed by His unsurpassed victorious resurrection! Biblically speaking, this one event is unquestionably incomparable to any other miracle when one considers its unparalleled theological and spiritual consequences when Christ forever conquers sin and death!

I Corinthians 15:55-57 – O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

While visiting earth, our Lord Jesus clearly explained that all humanity would die and be raised again from the grave at a designated point in the future.                                                                                                                          

John 5:28-29 – Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

In this passage, Christ actually reveals that human history awaits not one, but two resurrections.  One, a resurrection of, or unto life, and another of, or unto judgment.  Needless to say, as true believers, we affirm and avow our belief in a bodily (physical) resurrection.  This hope (confident expectation) and promise rests at the cornerstone of our faith, and without it, our Christian beliefs are in vain … God’s promises are merely bursting bubbles of fantasy … the Scripture/Bible is an unreliable source, mendacity … Jesus Christ Himself, the world’s chief imposter and most prevalent scam artist.                                                                               

 I Corinthians 15:16-19 – For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Many individuals, among them true believers, have been taught and believe that there is one “general” resurrection at the end of the world when all the dead are raised.  This is a very serious error, robbing many believers of their joy and victorious Christian living.

Nowhere in the Scriptures are we taught that the bodies of all humans will be raised simultaneously.  It is absolutely true that all the dead will be raised at some point and brought into judgment, but neither the time, the place, nor the type of judgments will be the same.  Unquestionably, the Bible distinguishes between a believer’s resurrection and that of an unbeliever.  Two classes of individuals will be raised, one group to eternal life and immortality, with the other group facing banishment from the Lord’s presence … certainly a “resurrection of life” and a “resurrection of damnation.”

When Paul testified before Felix, he said, “that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (see Acts 24:15).  John makes the same distinction speaking of the redeemed as those who “lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” as part of the first resurrection (see Revelation 20:4-6).  However, the rest of the dead “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” and subsequently face the “great white throne” of judgment.

Revelation 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

At the “Great White Throne” judgment, individuals are assessed “according to their deeds.”  However, this judgment is not conclusive.  Ultimately every individual who appears at the “Great White Throne” is carefully considered based upon only one issue … is their name “found written in the book of life?”  Sadly, but absolutely just, no one’s name is inscribed! This is the second resurrection, that of the “unjust.” (see Acts 24:15)  The same omnipotent power that raised our Lord from the dead, and that will reunite our redeemed eternal being with a resurrected body (as seen in Christ), will cause all the “dead”  – “the great and the small” to rise and stand before Him who sits upon the throne.

Now, for the good, great news of Christ’s gospel.  Every true believer has passed out of death into life (see John 5:24).  Our lives are joined with His triumphant, sin and death conquering/overcoming resurrection, and are therefore, “hidden with Christ in God” (see Colossians 3:3). Not only that, but one must vigorously and continuously consider, “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” (see Ephesians 1:19-21). 

This power, that we as Christ’s followers, experience now and forever is,

in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His (The Father’s) right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.   

NOW, THAT’S SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING EVERY EASTER … actually, how about EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY!  Let’s do it together in the presence of His people!  

— Pastor Frank 

MIGHT & POWER VS. SPIRIT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When Solomon built the first Hebrew temple which the Babylonians destroyed (586 BC – See 2 Kings 25:8–10), he had almost unlimited resources at his disposal since his father, King David, had fought many battles and collected huge spoils of war to be used in building God’s original temple. (See 1 Chronicles 26:20, 27-28) King Solomon was a powerful monarch with a vast kingdom, even ruling over some Gentile populated regions, but the Jews in the days of Zerubbabel and the prophet Zechariah had no such power, authority, or wealth!

In 538 BC, Zerubbabel, a leader from the tribe of Judah, was allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Jewish captives. (See Ezra 1:1-4) The Persian king appointed Zerubbabel as governor of Judah (See Haggai 1:1), and he began rebuilding the temple with the help of Jeshua, the high priest. (See Ezra 3:2-3, 8)

It took Zerubbabel two years to rebuild the Temple’s foundation. Construction was then delayed due to hostile opposition (See Ezra 4:1–5) and as a result, Persia withdrew its support.  For seventeen years the temple construction remained unfinished. (See Ezra 4:21) 

Nonetheless, while undoubtedly many had given up on the project, our Lord had a different / superior plan for His temple.  God then spoke to the remnant of His people in Jerusalem through His prophet in Zechariah 4:6-7:

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

Here in this text, the word “might” is referring to military strength, what people can do together as an army … but the remnant had no soldiers. “Power” refers to the strength of a commanding individual, but Zerubbabel’s abilities were no doubt limited, nothing like that of King Solomon! The idea of not being discouraged and trusting the Lord was at the heart of the prophet’s message.  Is it possible that the Spirit of God would enable them to accomplish something even in their apparent weakness?

There are three ways we can attempt to do the work of God:

1) We can trust our own strength and wisdom.

2) We can borrow the resources of the world.

3) We can depend on the power of God, the Almighty (omnipotent).

The first two approaches may usually appear to succeed, but the true work of the Lord is not accomplished in that manner! Only work done through the power of God’s Holy Spirit will glorify Him and endure the fires of His judgment. (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

With limited resources, completing the temple looked to those Jews as impossible as moving a mountain! However, God told Zerubbabel that he would, by the power of God’s Spirit, level the mountain and make it a plain! In a similar manner, Jesus told His disciples that simple faith like a mustard seed (small but alive) could move mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; 21:21).

How often do we say that we are depending on God’s Holy Spirit? Revivalist Vance Havner (1901-1986), in commenting in that context on the methods of the modern-day church, stated:

But actually we are so wired up with our own devices that if the fire does not fall from heaven, we can turn on a switch and produce false fire of our own. If there is no sound of a rushing mighty wind, we have the furnace all set to blow hot air instead. God save us from a synthetic Pentecost!

God finishes His work! (See Zechariah 4:7b-10) God assured Zerubbabel that he would complete the rebuilding of the temple and the people would rejoice. The Lord gave a clear promise that Zerubbabel would complete the temple! (See Zechariah 4:9)

Shouldn’t this remind us of God’s promise and the true working of His Holy Spirit in us?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 1:6)     

Are you serving and living in the strength our Lord supplies through the presence of His Holy Spirit? (See I Peter 4:11)  

Think about it, pray about it!                                                    

His & Yours, PF

POWER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force.  It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion.  The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are ‎dunamis‎, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and ‎exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability.  In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”

This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:    

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth;  Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.  Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,   

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.

God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  — I Corinthians 1:18

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews  ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.     — I Corinthians 1:21-2

In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4.  Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!”  Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.  

As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.

1.  The power of God raised Christ from the dead.

2.  That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.

3.  This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.

Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I  John 4:4.  In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace  II Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.

His & Yours, PF

HONOR

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Last Sunday Brenda and I were honored by the presentation of a beautiful appreciation award commemorating 30 years of service at Grace Ministries & Fellowship, now known as West Oaks Fellowship (since our relocation to Richmond Ave). I was deeply moved and humbled by your recognition of my service to this body of Christ and to our Lord.  Even though I successfully held back a public display of emotion for the purpose of moving on in that particular service, which I believed was very important, I could have wept; and certainly, I wanted to speak and express my thanks — but time would not allow.

Nonetheless, it’s difficult to adequately articulate or effectively express how grateful I am for the honor that’s been bestowed upon us by you, the congregation of West Oaks Fellowship, as well as the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He  provided this implausible opportunity and unique occasion for me to serve as His under shepherd and your lead pastor since the founding of this ministry in mid June 1985.  Unquestionably, it’s been a lifelong journey of tears, pain, and disappointments, always consistently and steadfastly outweighed by magnificent victories, immeasurable blessings, and the incomparable and unsurpassed joy of seeing our Lord at work — transforming and shaping many lives into His glorious image!   Thank you.   

The idea of honor is something distinct and significant in the lives of faithful believers when compared to that bestowed upon fellow humans by a secular society/civilization, which generally chooses to honor individuals for some form/type of human achievement.   

Similarly, Romans 13:5 instructs and encourages believers to …

Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

The Greek word translated “honor” in this text is “timeén,” pronounced “tee-may” and means to value, money paid as a tribute, to esteem (especially to the highest degree), and/or the idea of dignity itself.  However, in Hebrews 5:4 this word is used differently in reference to the honor being afforded an individual who is called out by the Lord God for a specific or unique task in His work.  In this case, Aaron is set apart for the ministry of the Hebrew priesthood. 

In Hebrews 2:9, our Lord, Jesus Christ, is rightly crowned with the highest “honor” on account of His sufferings and willingness to experience death on our behalf …

who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (See Hebrews 12:2) 

Here one sees the Lord worthy of honor as the answer to humanity’s dilemma. Christ came in the flesh so that He might suffer and die for mankind’s sin and restore us into a relationship with God that was lost as a result of our sin.  As the Lord ministered here on earth, He clearly exercised supreme authority over many aspects of creation; and then as the second/last Adam (see I Corinthians 15:45),

Jesus Christ was established with glory and honor…

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (see Ephesians 1:21)  Accordingly, today and forever, all things are … yes everything is … in “subjection under His feet! (see Ephesians 1:22)

Spiritually and biblically speaking, true honor comes from the Lord and is granted to humanity in numerous forms … children, positions of responsibility and service in His church, career and leadership opportunities in business and society, etc. In reality, humans honor other humans, but the Lord honors all humanity first through their position in creation, then distinctly and uniquely as His people!  Shall we therefore honor Him?  “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power.”

Just do it! — PF

SAMSON

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This man embodies/personifies all that is wrong in Israel… In the narrator’s eyes Samson represents the nation. This person — uniquely set apart, called, and gifted (by God) for divine service — not only fraternizes with the enemy, but he also seeks to live among them.

Daniel Block

                  

At the point in Israel’s history when Samson appeared, the nation was rudderless and the people were adrift.  Sound familiar?  In more recent history we see a similar event with the countries of Europe prior to the World War II (1939-1945) and perhaps even today with the civil, political, social, and spiritual unrest that is working to openly paganize most of our world. As spiritual complacency sets in, the sacred was discarded for the secular and the condition of Lord’s people continually digressed into self-satisfaction/gratification as depicted in the biblical text and unmistakably exemplified in life of Samson.

Samson was a Nazirite (Hebrew – “nazir” meaning a consecrated one or devotee), therefore, as an individual he was committed to the Lord’s service/ministry (as was Samuel and John the Baptist in the time of Christ) and set apart from the society by the Nazirite oath/covenant/ lifestyle/behavior. (See Numbers 6:1-21)  The Lord God intentionally, at the appointed time, raised up Samson to make the Hebrew people’s coexistence with the Philistines less comfortable and in fact, difficult. (See Judges 14:4) His purpose was to “begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines” (See Judges 13:5) which would keep the nation committed to its intrinsic values and help them resist being influenced, dominated, and ultimately absorbed spiritually and culturally by this pagan society (See Exodus 19:5, Leviticus 20:26). Unquestionably, according to the OT scriptures, this was his life’s purpose. However, Samson’s infatuation with a Philistine woman in the neighboring town was understandably very disappointing to his parents (See Judges 14:3-4). But they “did not know that it was from the Lord,”… GOD was “seeking an occasion against the Philistines.” Curiously, Samson’s non-conformance to his godly upbringing provided the spark for the chain of events that eventually undermined some of  the Philistine’s dominance.  Nonetheless, his rebellion festered when after killing a lion, he chose to eat honey found in it’s decaying carcass. (See Judges 14:5-9) This behavior illustrated both his heroic strength and his disregard of the Nazirite prohibition against contact with dead bodies.  He then openly violated his vow once again by having a wedding “feast” where there was extremely heavy/excessive drinking (Hebrew “‎mišteh” — which literally means a drinking party). (See Judges 14:10)  How many call themselves “Christians” yet abandon their values to partake of the world’s delights?

The rest of Samson’s life was pretty much a disaster until its very end, when he once again cried out to the Lord and was graciously granted supernatural ability/power to defeat the enemies of God.

  • He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute
  1. The first was a brief affair that gave clue to his moral and spiritual undoing (See Judges 16:1-3)
  2. Even though a trap was set for his capture, he ultimately escaped
  • He engaged in an intimate relationship with a prostitute named Delilah
  1. Samson “loved her” (See Judges 16:4)
  2. Like his former wife, Delilah was persuaded by the Philistines (this time with a large bribe) to betray him
  3. After putting her off three times, he finally/sinfully divulged the secret of his strength: the Nazirite vow prohibiting the cutting of his hair. While he was sleeping his hair was shorn, and “his strength left him … And he did not know that the Lord had left him” (See Judges 16:19)
  4. The Philistines seized Samson, gouged out his eyes, and forced him into humiliating slavery
  •  Samson returned to the Lord’s favor (Judges 16:23-30) when the defeated Israelite was brought in to “make sport” of.  Samson’s motives once again aligned with God’s purpose of discomfiting the Philistines. In a grim, heroic climax, Samson pulled down the two main supporting pillars of the temple portico killing about   three thousand Philistines and himself — the (one true) God of  Israel showing Himself more powerful than the pagan deity, Dagon
  • Ironically, Samson killed more Philistines at his death than during any point in the rest of his life

I wonder how much, and how often we are too much like Samson.  Believe me, I know his name is listed in Hebrews with the “heroes” of faith.  Nonetheless, his character/behavior reveled the condition of his soul as well as that of his nation.  I pray we don’t wait for blindness, slavery, and death before calling upon our Lord for strength and through a life of commitment and obedience, resisting all the enemies of our faith!                     

Think about it, ask the Lord about it!  

His & yours, PF