romans – Page 5

JUSTIFICATION

Posted on March 22, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

What is justification? Technically speaking, many simply view justification as the act or action of showing something or proving something to be right or reasonable. However, what’s “right” or “reasonable” has no clear objective platform to speak from because “right” and “reasonable” may vary considerably from one individual to another or from one situation to another.

As a result, the more common definition of this word varies greatly from its biblical definition and the work that’s required to bring about spiritual or complete moral and ethical “justification.” In the context of the one true God, His Son, Jesus Christ, and spirituality as spoken of in the scriptures, justification comes from a different angle, is based upon a dissimilar foundation, and exceptionally unique to genuine, grace-based, Christianity.

According to God’s Word, “there is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, the universality of humanity’s sin poses a significant problem, actually an insurmountable difficulty, for any and all individuals when it comes to justification before a Holy, sinless, and righteous Lord. All men and women are not only born in sin (Eph 2:3), but all have also committed numerous actual transgressions, which render them liable to separation from a Holy and sinless, righteous God and ultimate condemnation/judgement. Romans 3:9-20 documents this human difficulty as the universal experience of both the Greek (heathen) / Gentiles (Romans 1:18-32) and of the Jews (Romans 2:17-28; 3:9) alike.

The perfection of God’s Law requires, by necessity, its perfect observance! Therefore, how is one’s justification, as a sinful individual, to come through the Law (Romans 3:10-11)? If anyone had truly kept the law, God could not / would not hold him/her guilty (Romans 2:12-13). However, such obedience has never existed, except in Jesus Christ Himself.

The modern-day notion of God being a good-natured, more or less nonchalant ruler, is conclusively not the Lord of the scriptures, nor the one Whom we love, believe, rely upon and faithfully serve.

I Corinthians 15:3 declares, “Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.” Romans 5:6 affirms that while we, as sinful humans were helpless in our sin, “Christ died for the ungodly.” Therefore, our justification comes in/through His blood and it is in/through Him that we are saved from God’s wrath as Law-breakers.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:8-10

Therefore, as a result, there is no reconciliation and no justification available to men and women except through, by, and in Christ!

Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation (full payment) in His blood through faith.
Romans 3:24-25

Now that’s an indescribable gift, and as an act of the Almighty, can never be removed, voided, outdone, or taken away!

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1

By GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) … His & Yours, — Pastor Frank

WHY ADVENT? PART 1

Posted on March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. In reference to our This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. … Some people fast (don’t eat anything) during advent to help them concentrate on preparing to celebrate Jesus’s coming.

Embrace Change – just as the leaves change colors, reflecting the beauty of our Lord’s creation and design, so does life. Almost every aspect of a genuine believer’s life is in a state of transformation as one’s grows spiritually, becoming more and more like Christ. (See II Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2) We, as Christ’s followers, fully understand and comprehend that not all change is good. Today, there is an awful lot of unwelcome and unwholesome change in our world. Moral and societal changes really bother us … we see it everywhere, with almost no exceptions. On top of that, we are painfully aware that the children and youth of this era are growing up in a world far different from the one we experienced as children, youth and young adults.

Then there are those changes that impact us as individuals — children leaving home, the passing of dear friends/family members/loved ones, and even perhaps the slow, steady decline in our vitality and health. Sometimes we may even feel “outdated” at work. But amidst all the changes, one thing, one Person, stays constant in His existence, purpose, and character … our eternal Lord! To fully embrace God’s purpose(s) in our lives genuinely requires significant, on-going modifications in one’s thinking, understanding, and actions/behavior. Therefore, as one looks upon the ever-present physical changes revealed in our world through Autumn/Fall, consider the marvelous, omnipresent work/molding Christ desires to accomplish in you. Yield to His touch in the same way the leaves of the tree submit to His ultimate design and persistent resolve.

Let Go – just as the trees and grass are unable to hang on to their radiance from Spring and Summer (if rained upon and/or watered), maturing Christians must release the bonds of the past in order to fully participate in the adventures that Christ has prepared for His people to pursue and walk/live in. (See Luke 9:62; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:8-12; Philippians 3:13-14; I Corinthians 9:24; II Timothy 1:8-11) As one observes the variations in nature brought about by Autumn/Fall, perhaps one should ask the Lord what needs to break loose, be raked up, and intentionally/purposefully and permanently discarded from one’s life! The past only comes back to haunt us if we make provision for it, and allow it impact our spiritual lives and progress! As a new creature in Christ, are you allowing old things, particularly those things of one’s fleshly/worldly nature, to continually fall off, pass away, die? (See II Corinthians 5:16-17) Sadly, and yes, destructively, many genuine believers are having difficulty distinguishing the difference.

Be Grateful – you’ll never have everything you want and/or absolutely perfect unless the desires of your heart are completely modified by the Lord, and that your definition of good and/or perfect somehow comes into alignment with God’s definition of those things in your own life. Simply put, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” — I Timothy 6:6-9. I’ve continually found that individuals who are content, which doesn’t mean they are lazy or lack drive to be successful, are generally grateful for whatever they have. That’s proven to be true in my experience, with those who have an abundance, as well as those that may have little, or are lacking, as defined in the eyes of our western culture. In addition, I’ve also found many who have more than they could ever use or want to be ungrateful, as well as those that have little to sulk in their want and greed. Too often the formula of greed or covetousness resulting in poverty is forgotten. Psalm 10:3 declares, “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire (rather than the desires being birthed and shaped by the Lord), and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord.” Proverbs 28:22 makes it pretty clear, “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want (poverty) will come upon him.” While our God is certainly able to give us the desires of our heart (See Psalm 37:4-5). I suspect He is willing to do exactly that when and if our desires glorify Him and are conferring His purposes!

My prayer is that God’s Autumn/Fall 2018 will speak loudly to each of us! –PF

WHY ADVENT? PART 2

Posted on March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means coming in Latin. In our context as believers, Advent refers to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world. At West Oaks Fellowship, we will use 4 Sundays in December to prepare and remember the value, as well the authentic meaning of Christmas.

This year’s focus is “God With Us” and each Sunday we will use a young lady from our congregation to symbolically light a candle representing the specific emphasis of each worship service (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love). Then, at our candle light service, another young lady, in costume as Mary, will light the final “Christ” candle in the finale of our Advent celebration worship services.

Why young ladies? According to Genesis 3:15, God, “put enmity” between Satan and Eve, as well as between her seed and that of the evil one. In that same prophetic statement, speaking of Christ’s 1^st Advent, “He” – being Christ Jesus, will “crush” the head of Satan, while Satan will bruise His heel! Therefore, as a reminder of God’s design to use a young lady (see Isaiah 7:14) without the concurrence of man to instigate His plan of humanity’s redemption, we choose young ladies to light each Sunday’s candle which distinctly represents the true Light coming into our world. (see John 1:4-9)

HOPE – Psalm 33:17 declares, “A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.” As believers, we become as foolish as those in the world when we place our hope (confident expectation), or strive to find hope in/from the things of the world! Proverbs 10:28 announces, “The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes.” “How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” — Psalm 146:5

PEACE – As far back as I can remember in my 64 years, I do not recall a time/season in our world absent from conflict. Back in the “Jesus Movement” the Imperials, an early contemporary Christian Band had a song (during the Vietnam War peace movement) that declared, “there will never be any peace until God is seated at the conference table.” While Christ will certain maintain a Peaceable Kingdom after His 2^nd Advent, the purpose of His 1^st Advent was primarily attentive to reconciling the conflict between God and sin-separated humanity! “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” – Colossians 1:19-20 Undoubtedly, Romans 5:1-2 offers some additional explanation, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”

JOY – Christ’s 1st Advent bring a deep seated, lasting delight far beyond any momentary pleasure or happiness! “The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20 Now there’s a reason to continued celebration … after all, just as the prophet proclaimed, “the joy of the Lord is your strength!” – From Nehemiah 8:10

LOVE – “Is a many splendored thing” so the proclamation of a popular Billboard hit from 1955. In the essence of this song, book, and movie — love is indeed full of many magnificent features and/or marvels. In reality, it is also a magnificent marvel that God is both able and desirous of genuinely loving all of humanity. This love is demonstrated even in spite of all our corrupt thoughts and errant behaviors! I John 4:10 articulates, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (full/complete payment) for our sins.” You may recall the old hymn lyrics, “How marvelous, how wonderful is my Saviour’s love for me.” Indeed, God’s love for His most prized creation, humanity (made as no other in His image and likeness) is an everlasting, inexhaustible fountain of love flowing from the heart of God to the life and soul of human beings! Indeed, “How will we escape if we neglect (Gk – ameleo: make light of, have no regard for) so great a salvation?” – Hebrews 2:3 John 3:17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge (or condemn) the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Christ Himself brought all these things, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, into the world and made them freely available to all who believe/trust in Him as their Lord and Saviour! So, a simply answer to the initial question is another question … WHY NOT?

“To them He gave the right to be children of God!” – John 1:12

ADVENT … more than just something to think about! – His & Yours, PF

RESURRECTION

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Our New Testament scriptures employ two pairs of Greek terms with reference to our Lord’s resurrection: the verb, anístemi and its derivative noun, anástasis; and the verb, egeírœ, with its noun form, egersis. The noun “egersis” occurs only once, in a reference to Christ’s victorious resurrection (Matthew 27:53). Anástasis is used, almost universally, as the noun for “resurrection” of the dead, which happens in the realm of, and in reference to, human experience!

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover, we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 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. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep – for since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
I Corinthians 15:12-22

Obviously, the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection of believers is at the very root of our faith/beliefs. His victory over death took the doctrine of the resurrection out of the realm of hopeful, speculative Old Testament eschatology (things to come) into present reality. Henceforth, it became fact … a genuine, historical, documented experience, the basic foundation for authentic Christianity and the promise, assurance for every true believer!

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:5-11

On Sunday morning, April 21st, we, as believers in Christ Jesus, will gather in His name to celebrate not only His victorious, death-conquering resurrection, but also the life we now enjoy in Him — along with our promised, future resurrection in a glorified body to abide with Him forever and ever and ever and ever!

(But God) Raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6-7

Let’s celebrate Jesus … He has risen, come on and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!

His & yours, because of G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

— Pastor Frank

AUTHORITY

Posted on March 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The Greek word “exousia” is often translated in the English New Testament as “authority” — as in the sense of having the ability and/or power/force coupled with the right, freedom, or privilege.

Through a little diligent study of the New Testament, one will discover 5 ranges or scopes (areas) of “authority” clearly distinguished within the biblical text.

GOD – is the ultimate source of all power and authority with the absolute freedom of action without being controlled by necessity nor restraint. This is plainly illustrated in Romans 9:21 – “Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?”
RULERS & LEADERS – are granted subordinate power/authority in society (kings, magistrates, owners, stewards, etc.), as well as in the Church (pastors, elders, leaders, etc.), with Christ being seated above all “rule and authority and power and dominion” in Ephesians 1:20-21. While it may seem odd, this is also true of Satan and his agents in connection with their sphere of power/authority. When humanity rebelled against God and sinned against Him, He withdrew His presence, but not His ownership! Remember, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” — Psalm 24:1 In addition, the devil could not assault Job without permission!
CHRIST – the authority and power exercised by the Lord within the framework of His commission is incomparable, unmatched by any individual! He has the authority, power, and the right to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), cast out demons (Mark 3:15), teach as no other (Matthew 7:29), raise the dead (Luke 7:12-15), heal the blind (Luke 18:35-43), calm the sea (Mark 4:38-41), even exercise judgment (John 5:27), and demonstrate irrefutable discernment (John 4:17-18) … all of which is granted by the Father to reveal Christ’s divinity and enhance His Gospel.
THE APOSTLES – were sent forth by Christ Himself with great authority! In one case they were celebrating because the demons were subject to them. (Luke 10:17-19) However, the Lord quickly reminded them in verse 20 … “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

This is not, of course, an absolute or inherent authority. It is an authority granted by the commissioning of Christ. Hence, the elements of responsibility are prominent with the charge, and it is essential that the apostles make proper use of this (HIS) authority/power. In addition, these leaders are provided financial support by the believers, while they teach and guide — with authority — the development and ministries of Christ’s Church.

5. CHRIST’S CHURCH – which is made up of individual believers, is a divine institution created by Christ for the benefit of its membership, the continuation of Christ’s earthly ministry in His physical absence, and the fulfillment of His great commission of making disciples. Therefore, each individual, as well as each New Testament Church body, has authority granted to it by its head/leader, Jesus Christ, according to Matthew 28:18-20:

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

What shall we, as believers, make of / say to these things?

NOW — think about that! –Pastor Frank

FAITH & FREEDOM

Posted on March 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Over the past 34 years of our newsletters, I’ve written numerous articles on various aspects of “faith” and volumes on the subject of “freedom.” They are undoubtedly 2 of my favorite topics because both are absolutely essential elements of abundant and successful Christian living this side of Heaven or Christ’s Kingdom! Today, I will connect some of the dots between faith and political, as well as spiritual, freedom.

The USA is unquestionably the freest, strongest, and most prosperous nation in all of history. This miraculous development is in large part thanks to one American leader’s significant contribution of bravery in battle, perseverance through hardships, patience with those who opposed him, and wisdom while in power. This astonishing, gallant, Virginian rode a majestic white horse and actually lived by the ideals of which he spoke. There were not many dry eyes in America on September 17, 1796 when George Washington announced his final farewell from public life. At that moment, he stated that the survival of freedom in our nation would have nothing to do with him, and everything to do with the character of its people and the government that they would elect. He said,

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, … religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all the connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Washington knew well that a nation’s laws spring from its morals and that its morals spring from its “religion.” The religion of which Washington spoke was clear to all who knew him: “It is impossible to govern rightly without God and the Bible.” Unquestionably, “religion,” as used by President Washington, was faith in God/Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bible!

In his essay, “What I Saw In America,” the Englishman G. K. Chesterton observed that

America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence.

Chesterton was referring to the second paragraph of America’s founding document which states:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The very starting point of the Declaration’s argument was faith in the “Creator!” Have you ever considered the similarity of this statement to the Apostle Paul’s initial proposition in Romans 1:19-20? …

because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

YIKES-seems like our founders believed, by faith, in the CREATOR referenced in Romans 1!

While I’m constantly amazed at the bondage many believers choose to live in (Galatians 3:1-5), as well as gaps of faith that destroy one’s joy and peace in everyday life, one must come to recognize that spiritual freedom is the free gift from God (Romans 5:15), and that it only comes to individuals who believe the truth of Jesus Christ (John 8:32).

Then, upon that faith, one is able to live daily by faith (in God/Christ and His Word – Galatians 2:20), free from the bondage of this world’s system’s sin and death (Romans 8:2-4). That faith is the very root of one’s own spiritual freedom in Christ, and the only valid, sustaining basis of political freedom/liberty in society.

Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Is that true for a nation and its leaders as well? What is a nation without faith in the one true God? Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord! (Psalm 33:12)

Are we, as the people of America, able to declare, “In God we trust,” or is that so politically incorrect that it’s being swept under the carpet in absolute denial and complete rejection of the Creator that was openly acknowledged at the birth of our great nation? Only a fool declares, there is no God (Psalm 14:1) … and whose country is it anyway … our government’s, the politicians’, the people’s or the Lord’s (Job 12:23-25)?

I know, lots to think and pray about … His & Yours, PF

LASCIVIOUSNESS

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Here is a word not so common in our modern-day English. In fact, it is so unfamiliar/unused that the NASB (New American Standard Bible) and many other modern translations of the biblical text fail to use the term at all. So why should we consider this word from antiquity?

First, it’s due to the uniqueness of its use in the scriptures, and second, because of the particular verses in which this word has been recorded.

This Greek root word, “aselgeia” denotes an excess, the absence of restraint, indecency, and wantonness! Based on this definition, some pretty contagious ailments exist within our post-modern American culture, as well as in many others throughout our world.

In Mark 7:22, one of the evils that proceed from the heart of humanity and defiles an individual is lasciviousness (ASV & KJV) (literally, filthy wantonness), which is unbridled, outrageous, shameless sensual lust. Apparently, according to II Corinthians 12:22, this corruption is lurking within the church at Corinth. The Apostle Paul states it this way:

I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality (fornication) and sensuality (lasciviousness) which they have practiced.

Some in this church were guilty of continuing in their former (before Christ) pagan practices! Is today’s church any different?

Galatians 5:19 clearly classifies “lasciviousness” (translated – sensuality in NASB) as among the evident “deeds of the flesh” which are in conflict and work against the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit that resides within every true believer! In Ephesians 4:19, Paul declares that individuals who have alienated themselves from God due to the hardness of their heart have become so callous, they have willfully and knowingly given themselves over to the sins of lasciviousness.

However, I Peter 4:1-6 confronts this issue head on – without shrinking back or yielding to any philosophies or outside/carnal pressures!

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality (lasciviousness), lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

Undoubtedly, this problem has infected Christ’s church almost since its inception. Listen to Paul’s firm admonition to the believers at Rome in Romans 13:13-14:

Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Now, here’s the killer from II Peter 2:2-3;a bold warning for all of Christ’s Church and every single believer (even today, at this very moment):

Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned (Greek root word – “blasphemeo” – defamed, spoken of improperly, slanderously); and in their greed (covetousness) they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

This shameless, degrading, and destructive conduct is on-going and unchecked! People who are corrupt at heart, even within the church, often seek to obtain the sanction and endorsement of religion in order to continue in their own corruptions. These individuals refuse conviction and genuine repentance – they are determined to gratify/satisfy their own sinful propensities. However, the essential aspect of a relationship with God the Father, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, brings about an escape — genuine transformation from the evil and corruption of one’s past behavior and conduct. Come on over!

By GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) His & Yours, Pastor Frank

WAITING

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Generally, waiting is not something of great pleasure when one lives in a culture and society that often seems to crave the instant. Who doesn’t break with their basket to the shortest line at the grocery store or quickly position one’s vehicle to secure the nearest open fuel pump? Nonetheless, waiting is a part of everyone’s daily life, whether one likes/enjoys/embraces it or not. In a similar way, believers may experience the perceived difficulty, or even the frustration, of having to patiently wait, while the Lord is up to something for His glory and purpose that far outweighs the delayed fulfillment, gratification, or satisfaction of the immediate.

In Psalm 25:3 we are reminded, “Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed!” Then, consider the sincere, committed, faith statement proclaimed in verse 5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.” Listen to the urgent cry of one who is fully trusting and relying on the Lord in verse 21, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.” The last portion of this statement could also be properly translated, “I have,” or “I place my hope in You.” In this biblical context, to lose hope would be surrendering the future to the enemy, and even works to destroy the meaning of the present. By embracing the waiting, King David demonstrates his confidence in the Lord, His design, purpose, plan, etc. Therefore, the waiting is the pathway to God’s provision!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31

As we approach Christmas, the time believers have set aside to celebrate our Lord’s first coming (Advent) and the promises of His eminent return (2nd Advent/Coming), perhaps it’s good for us to consider the endurance of the Old Testament prophets and the faithful, as they waited and watched for the promised Messiah, the Anointed One, Christ Jesus! From Genesis 3:15 until His birth (thousands of years) they lived in confident anticipation awaiting His appearing (1st Advent) in accordance with over 300 Old Testament prophecies (all completed by 450 BC) concerning our Lord’s birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection. Mathematically speaking, the odds of anyone fulfilling this amount of prophecy are staggering … 1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies – 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000; 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies – 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power; 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies — Only Jesus!

Nevertheless, He came! Just consider all that happened while they waited … He came at the appointed time (See Galatians 4:4-5) and “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.“ (Romans 15:4)

Today, we find ourselves, as New Testament believers, waiting. But we wait in full faith, genuine hope (confident expectation) — knowing and believing, based on history (His Story), the promises of our Lord. However, in the wait, there is much to be gained if we can grasp the proper perspective and escape our demands for the instant. By the way, instant coffee or tea cannot be compared to that which was allowed to brew properly!

Yes, fellow believers and servants of Jesus Christ … think about this … there is most likely a really good reason/purpose for the wait!

His & Yours because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

Pastor Frank

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word do I hope.

— Psalm 130:5

You are my hiding place and my shield; wait for Your Word.

— Psalm 119:114

FEAR OF DEATH

Posted on March 9, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Of all the fears that grip the hearts of modern humanity, one of the greatest seems to be the personal fear of one’s impending death. While genuine believers in Christ may not succumb as easily to these fears because of their faith, undoubtedly COVID-19, mass shootings, the regular flu, terrorism (of all sorts), and the progress of sophisticated warfare technology have contributed to the fact that many individuals are greatly troubled because death is constantly before their eyes. Even serious economic issues can stir up some of these unwelcomed feelings.

Just think, somewhere, somehow, a deadly virus has invaded the human population. While this is actually nothing new, social media, paganism, improper world view, and global news all contribute to the orchestration of unimpeded emotional and mental reactions! It’s almost as if someone in a remote underground bunker or from a weaponized cargo ship launched a deadly missile strike, killing thousands, right in the heart of population centers across the globe! Yes, death is everywhere, from many, many sources, yet II Timothy 1:10 declares that our Savior, Christ Jesus, has “abolished death” and “brought life and immortality to light” through His Gospel!

Hebrews 2:14-15 puts it this way,

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

The obvious question then is … If death has been “abolished” and is “powerless,” why do we still die? The answer, though unpopular and somewhat alarming, is that one dies because of sin according to Romans 5:12. Sin always leads to death — not sickness (viruses and cancer), old age, accidents, strokes, or heart attacks — as long as sin exists, death will never be very far away.

How sure is the fact of death? So certain that entire industries build upon the expectation of it. Life insurance and all funeral/burial related trades are based totally upon this undeniable truth: death reigns! (In reality, even with cryonics and cloning.) However, Jesus Christ dealt a fatal blow to death and its seemingly unescapable fears! When Christ rose from the dead, He resolutely broke the power of death itself – rendering it powerless! He died just like we die, like every human.

According to the recorded accounts, He was certainly dead (the eye witness account of John 19:31-42) – actually, really, fully, and completely dead, “as dead as door nail.” However, from that state, God raised Him to physical life. He got up, unwrapped the face cloth that was around His head (See John 20:1-9), and walked away victorious (See Luke 24:1-7)! As a result, physical death takes on new meaning for the believer! It’s simply a separation of our soul/spirit from the physical form/shell. At that point, one enters the presence of Christ where we await our own physical resurrection … walking out of our own grave in the type of Christ’s. While the process of death may bring about elements of fear, death itself has no hold on authentic Christians!

In John 11:25-27 our Lord declared,

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

Today, great news comes from a Garden Cemetery in Jerusalem, where there’s a rich man’s empty tomb! It’s the borrowed tomb of Jesus Christ, Who died and was buried (according to Hebrew tradition). However, on Sunday morning, this clearly marked, well known, guarded tomb was found vacant by the power of God Almighty! Death could not keep Him; the grave could not hold Him! He is the Lord of life, the King immortal and eternal (See I Timothy 1:17). He struck down death and its fear by actually entering into the realm of human death. Then, on Resurrection Sunday morning, He marched out – triumphantly victorious over both sin and death!

In Revelation 1:17-18, Jesus Himself declares to the Apostle John,

Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

Therefore, as faithful Christians, when it concerns our own physical death, we come to align ourselves with the statement of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21-23:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better!

Consider I Corinthians 15:54-57:

DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 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 (all genuine believers) the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s come together and celebrate – the obituary of death and fear, because of Christ’s resurrection triumph — on Sunday morning, April 12, 2020! Yes, we’re still practicing social distancing guidelines. I’m looking forward to seeing you and yours, if you so choose, on Fear-Defeating, Death-Conquering, Resurrection Sunday 2020!

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

— Pastor Frank

PASSION

Posted on March 24, 2021March 24, 2021 by West Oaks Fellowship

PASSION – (pash’-un): “Passion” is derived from the Latin word “passio,” which actually is derived from the verb “patior,” with the root of “pat-.” These Latin concepts are similar and linguistically connected with the Greek root, “path-,” to form words found in Greek, Latin, and English languages and in our Bibles. For some reason, of which I have no clue, words connected with these Greek and Latin roots, pat-, path-, are often susceptible to a great variety of meanings. The word passion itself may have over 20 meanings as we use it in everyday communication, varying from a violent outburst of anger to suffering as a martyr, from strong amorous feelings to simple enthusiasm. Just consult almost any dictionary and you’ll see what I mean. However, the word “passion,” as it appears in English and Greek versions of God’s New Testament, only has three distinct meanings for believers to consider.

In Acts 1:3, Luke (the author) gives testimony concerning Christ’s resurrection, “to whom He also showed Himself alive after His passion.” An actual Greek text might read, “after he had suffered,” instead of the one word passion used here in many English translations. The Vulgate (Jerome’s Latin Bible, 390 AD – 405 AD) reads, “post passionem suam.” This is the only place in the New Testament Scriptures where the word translated “passion” has this meaning, and it is used in contemporary English in the same way when referring to Christ’s suffering, i.e., “Passion Play,” etc.
In Acts 14:15 and James 5:17, the word “passion,” also translated as “nature” refers to human emotions and feelings — “Elijah was a man with a nature (or passions) like ours.” A more literal translation of the Greek might read, “Elijah was a man with exactly the same human feelings and emotions that we have.”
In Romans 1:26, Colossians 3:5, and I Thessalonians 4:5 the word “passion” describes any over-emotion, over-response, exaggerated or overly enhanced desire or feeling, sometimes with immoral sensual overtones. An “inordinate affection” or anything that serves to weaken or rob a person’s self-control/command is perhaps the best understanding of “passion” as used in these New Testament verses.

As Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday approach, I’d encourage you to embrace the thoughts of Christ’s passion. Don’t run from these “passions,” but instead embrace them, considering the magnitude and magnanimity of God’s sacrifice, as He offered His one and only Son, Jesus Christ in passionate demonstration of His love for us and all mankind.

Just Think About It! Hope to see you and yours this Sunday.