sin

THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM

Posted on May 10, 2022 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:

Are not governed by a foreign (anything other than God’s) power
Are free from the influence and control of another individual and/or philosophy
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.
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
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

CONSECRATE

Posted on May 9, 2022May 9, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In the Old Testament, Moses, under direct orders from the Lord, declares (Leviticus 20:7):

You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

According to this passage of Scripture,for Israel to be and remain the people of God, they must be “consecrated” and “holy.” This is not merely speaking ritualistically or in a ceremonial sense, but also in a spiritual, moral, ethical, and behavioral sense. The basic or principal command was (Leviticus 19:2),

You shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy.

This leads directly to the commands to honor one’s father and mother, to keep the Sabbaths, to refrain from theft and falsehood, to deal rightly with neighbors and servants, and to be kind to the blind and deaf. It’s interesting to note that each command is followed by the refrain, “I am the Lord,” which strongly upholds and continually emphasizes the original premise . . . the Lord God is holy, as is one’s relationship with Him! Thus Israel’s holiness is not based upon mere ritualistic behaviors and/or actions, but is clearly identified as obedience to God’s divine truth/law (Numbers 15:40):

So that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.

Therefore, this consecration was more than religious and/or ceremonial; it made a “holy” impact in the entire life … a holy dimension that encompassed one’s entire being … spiritually, morally, ethically, and behaviorally!

Several Old Testament Hebrew words are translated “consecrate” in the biblical text, but each refers to the setting apart of a person or object for the service and/or worship of God. God set His people apart from other nations to worship and serve Him as no other.

However, there remained human responsibility in the framework of His consecration, thus we see the practical implications of consecration fully developed by God’s Old Testament prophets. According to their declarations, true and believing faith leads to consecration – which is an internal/inward dedication that results in the spiritual modification of one’s character and the on-going development of one’s spirituality. For His prophets, the immediacy of one’s relationship to God’s holiness was indicated by a willingness to faithfully participate in acts of spiritual consecration and dedication which demanded absolute obedience, as well as certain observances that necessarily resulted in a spiritual transformation of that individual.

As an example, the “unclean lips” of the prophet Isaiah are purified by a coal from the heavenly altar, and his “guilt is taken away” and his “sin forgiven!” (See Isaiah 6:5-7) Here, a willing and obedient heart is combined with the actions of almighty God. Amos argues that divine holiness demands the ethical reconstruction and consecration of an entire society. The celebrations, feasts, and assemblies (Amos 4:4; 5:21-24) were declared spiritually worthless and meaningless apart from the spiritual, moral, ethical, and behavioral qualities of justice and righteousness. God promises in His holiness, even to avenge the poor, the afflicted, and the oppressed in Amos 2:6; 4:1; 5:10-15.

This only happens when people of true faith turn from human thinking to embrace the wisdom of a living God who knows all and sees all. Otherwise, human benevolence becomes extremely selective, biased, bigoted, highly discriminatory and judgmental. For Habakkuk, the corollary of divine holiness was displayed in righteous anger against evil, faithlessness, and wrongdoing! This prophet even speaks of some spiritual vindication for the righteous — men and women who actively and effectively uphold the standards/concepts of God’s holiness and live wholeheartedly by faith in Him. (See Habakkuk 1:12; 2:4)

As one moves to the New Testament, the word consecrated is only used nominally in reference to objects of Hebrew worship. However, the concept is fully ratified throughout the Biblical text in the term/word “sanctification.” Here we find a distinct, as well as unique “setting apart” of individuals (not objects) for the service and worship of the Lord. Just as in the Old Testament, one finds an act of God combining with the will and subsequent actions of humanity, to bring about sanctification. Biblical, New Testament sanctification always results in a spiritual modification that works to bring about a total adjustment in one’s ethics, morals, thoughts, desires, passions, and behavior.

While it is certainly God that sanctifies, there remains human responsibility in the sanctification process. Just as grapes do not become fine wine automatically, neither does a believer become a true disciple of Jesus Christ without owning and nurturing their relationship with Him. Romans 6:19-23 serves to remind us of this simple fact!

For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Scriptures reveal that one’s thoughts, choices, and actions matter in the sanctification and/or consecration process!

However, we must never forget that this process is impossible without the work of the Lord, and can in no way be achieved or obtained by human effort alone. I Corinthians 1:26-31 states this clearly:

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.’

What shall we do? Partner with the Lord … be consecrated, be sanctified … or not?

Choose today whom you’ll serve. — Pastor Frank

ABHOR

Posted on May 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

People are frequently afraid to admit that hatred is a Christian virtue, and it’s difficult to imagine that our eternally loving and gracious God actually displays hate as an absolute attribute in the scriptures. While generally one doesn’t consider “hate” a characteristic of God, ignorance of this concept may lead to an indistinct, somewhat distorted human view of the One — True — Almighty — God. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord “hates” six things, “Yes, seven are an abomination to Him.”

Undeniably, our Lord hates:

haughty eyes;
a lying tongue;
hands that shed innocent blood;
a heart that devises wicked plans;
feet that run quickly/rapidly to embrace and/or participate in evil;
false witness who breathe/utters lies;
those who sows discord/spreads strife among believers.

Certainly, if God hates such things shouldn’t Christ’s faithful as well?

As believers, we often hear the term, “hate the sin, but love the sinner” or some similar derivative. Therefore, although Christians conceptually “get it” (attempting to love all humanity because God loves us and proves it through Christ’s sacrificial and atoning death), practically it’s difficult to fully accomplish. Surely the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak due to one’s fleshly/worldly (not fully spiritually transformed) weaknesses.

Nonetheless, the stakes are raised even higher as true Christians actually incorporate loving what the Lord loves and “hating” whatever/everything He “hates!” Therefore, it’s with this precise understanding and expectation that we’re instructed to, “Abhor what is evil” and “cling to what is good” in Romans 12:9.

Abhor may be an unfamiliar term to some since it’s not a common expression in modern-day English, but scripturally it presents an essential, exact, and meticulous denotation. The Greek word, apostugoúntes (from apostugeo), translated here as “abhor,” actually means to utterly detest and/or intensely hate. Thus in the biblical context, believers are unequivocally instructed (not simply challenged) to utterly detest and intensely hate evil. In other words, as Adam Clarke declares, “Hate sin as much as you would the hell to which it leads!”

The implication is that one should hate evil with shuddering horror, rather than a raised eyebrow or casual smirk/sneer. This imperative (obligatory command) leaves no options, no alternate routes, no y’all-buts or what-ifs! Those that follow Christ and His teaching simply must, without exception turn away from, run or flee from, and absolutely avoid all/every form of evil. (See I Thessalonians 5:22)

Furthermore, the reality of this verse extends even further, taking a much broader stroke, teaching that evil should sicken all those called by His magnificent Name! Have you ever considered this as a mark of true Christian character?

Does one “abhor” (utterly detest — intensely hate — to the point of making one sick):

Seemingly small sin (although that doesn’t actually exists) as well as great wrongdoing?
Secret sin as well as mass public transgressions?
Personal sin as well as destructive social vices?
Sin in/of thought as well as acts of disobedience?

Please understand . . . the abhorrence must be there, hate should be directed against everything (ideas, philosophies, actions, etc.) that is evil just as it was in Jesus Christ.

Speaking prophetically concerning Christ, Psalms 45:7 declares:

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above your companions. (Also Hebrews 1:9)

Now, thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ has left us the example of His hatred! He loathed sham, pretense, and hypocrisy! Christ metaphorically and spiritually ripped the masks from the faces of the Pharisees and religious leaders, revealing who and what they really were! In return, they hated Him, for by His penetrating questions He exposed their artifice and deceit, their guile and trickery.

The life and ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ is autographed by abhorring that which is evil. The Bible is everywhere inscribed with God’s hatred of all that is evil. Therefore, when the text, commands us to abhor that which is evil, it is declaring that we are to be just like our Savior, our Lord … Jesus Christ!

— Pastor Frank

SIN UNTO DEATH

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Last week, when I was teaching from I John, two mature/growing believers texted me almost the exact same question from I John, but from chapter 5 verses 16-17, rather than from where I was teaching from chapters 1 and 2 in preparation for communion celebration. As a result of their questions, I assumed that perhaps others in the body might have similar questions and deemed it prudent to discuss the issue of “sin unto death.”

First, one must recognize that the Elder and Apostle John is speaking to believers and the immediate context (beginning in verse 14) is that of believers being faithful in praying for one another. However, there is a broader context revealed as well throughout the chapter related to an individual’s relationship with Christ. In addition, the subject passage also reveals several concepts that must be considered astutely relevant if one desires a proper interpretation of the text and/or a meaningful application, as well as an intrinsic spiritual understanding of the phrase “sin unto death.”

TWO PARALLEL OR ANALOGOUS (must be considered side by side without the exclusion of the other) TRUTHS.

According to verses 16 and 17, there is “sin not leading to death.”
According to verse 16, there is “sin leading to death.”

Obviously the discussion of these passages is not that of “original” sin and its encroaching penalty of physical death (see Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23). Instead, one discovers a compelling sidebar to the original context that demands intentional consideration of each statement’s meaning, as well as an indispensable awareness of its implication or application.

WHAT WE KNOW SCRIPTURALLY (concerning specific sins leading to physical death):

From the Old Testament
1. Exodus 32 shows God’s wrath upon His people for making and worshiping the calf made of gold.
2. Leviticus 10 represents the one true God as requiring proper loyalty, respect, and honor from His servants when Aaron’s sons are devoured as they offered “strange fire before the Lord.”
3. Numbers 16 finds direct disobedience to the Lord’s instructions is punished severely as the ground opens up and “all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol.”

From the New Testament
1. I Corinthians 11:28-32 clearly informs all believers concerning the potential consequences of improperly participating in Communion/The Lord’s Supper. One of those negative effects being physical death.
2. Acts 5:1-10 reminds us of extreme/severe consequences suffered by two early church participants related to their improper behavior and misrepresentations.
3. I Corinthians 5:5 presents a process of church discipline where one individual is turned over to “Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

Scripturally speaking, sin can apparently lead to both physical and spiritual death. Samson and King Saul serve as good examples of those experiencing spiritual death before their physical bodies ceased functioning. In the New Testament we find Demas, although we are not sure of his authentic salvation, who “loved this present world” … observably he is on death row spiritually. Perhaps in an act of mercy, and/or even to protect His church and His people, the Lord removes those from this world who live in such a manner that their lives serve nothing but fleshly passions and worldly purposes/pursuits. These are experiencing no real blessing, no true presence, nor power, since God’s Holy Spirit is constantly being loutishly quenched.

I’m sure we all know those in this, or similar situations … unquestionably, as well as undeniably, living in miserable mire from a spiritual perspective. This may have been the case in 1 Kings 13, when the disobedient prophet is abruptly and forcibly removed in verse 26, “therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and killed him.” However, in this passage, as is consistent throughout the biblical text, there is not one/some specific sin that automatically results in physical or spiritual death other than the blasphemy of God’s Holy Spirit. (see Matthew 12:31-32)

While the intended specific context of this passage is related to believers praying for one another and the book’s overall context is encouragement for righteous/faithful living, the seriousness of sin in a believer’s life is ominous/threatening to those desiring the abundant life in this world promised by Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Elder/Apostle John, the true, faithful believer is hereby reminded to continually walk/live in the glorious and radiant light/truth of Jesus Christ, finding oneself fully forgiven and free from sin’s eternal encroachment. Graciously, perhaps for proper theological understanding and support, I John also takes into account that even those who walk in the light will indeed sin, but not habitually (due to a transformed nature).

Therefore, he writes these encouraging words to all his brothers and sisters in Christ to keep them from sinning and providing understanding for the heart and soul on the occasion that one stumbles into sinful thoughts and/or behaviors. Remember, Jesus Christ didn’t come to make it easier for one to sin, or to do so with a clear conscience. No, HE came to set us free from the very bonds of sinful thoughts and sinful behaviors. (see Romans 8:2)

Nonetheless, the scriptures insist that when believers sin, they have the ultimate support system, ONE who runs to their aid and to Father God on their behalf (see I John 2:1-2). I know of no other book that takes sin more seriously than 1 John, but make no bones about it, while sin is very serious, and can have some deadly consequences, in Jesus Christ all sin and all sins are fully dealt with — past — present — future! Not that grace may abound … may it never be, but so that each and every believer can live a victorious Christian life in this world as preparation for the life to come!

— Blessings, Pastor Frank

AMERICA

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Some familiar words from one of our most popular patriotic songs . . .

America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

In the refrain above, one sings of God’s grace being poured out, or “shed” on America. Undoubtedly this has been true throughout certain periods of our incredible history and undeniably, according to the scripture (See Daniel 2:21, Acts 17:26), this nation was birthed and exists to glorify the Lord. When our Lord formed and raised up the nation of Israel as a witness to the world of the One True God, He Himself declared:

So keep and do them (the Lord’s commands), for that is your wisdom and your understanding in sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

While we, as believers and Americans, fully understand that this scripture refers specifically to the Hebrew people as they walked in obedience, the underlying spiritual principle remains true for any and every nation that understands their formation was by Him, and their very existence is perpetuated according to His ultimate plan and purpose. Thus, the admonition of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (people group, culture, nation, etc.),” remains distinctly true for us in America today, as well as for every nation currently functioning on our planet.

However, there is one great distinction that exquisitely, yet blatantly and irrefutably appears in the formation of these United States …the biblically-based faith of our nation’s founders and the influence of those beliefs upon the design, development, and organization of this great land.

While certainly the structure wasn’t (and still isn’t) perfect, and obviously reflected several human flaws such as those of slavery and women’s rights, the understanding of it’s imperfection was undoubtedly a divinely inspired building block offering opportunities for spiritual development.

America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

Today in our somewhat hostile environment towards anything labeled Christian (admitably not that everything labeled Christian is biblical Christianity), many choose to argue, or attempt to refute in ignorance the simple facts, the overwhelming, absolutely undeniable evidence, that a firm belief in one true God and Jesus Christ as redeemer of mankind provided an unyielding and stable foundation for our nation’s then inventive and resourceful paradigm of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine!

When it comes to America, I’m always drawn to topics of study that include the concepts of both political and spiritual liberty/freedom. That’s primarily due to the fact that political freedom can only be achieved and maintained in a society that experiences spiritual freedom, and has been liberated from the holds and bondage of sin’s separation from God, and its consequential spiritual depravity, destruction, and death. Therefore, consider these irrefutable words that provide unambiguous transparency and obvious, comprehensible evidence of our forefathers’ persevering convictions and biblicaly-based faith!

… with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. — The Declaration of Independence

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. — John Adams

Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.–Benjamin Franklin

The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. — John Jay

Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all government and in all the combinations of human society.–Samuel Adams

And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious and civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land. — James Madison

The Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. — George Washington

Nothing but grace, peace, hope, liberty, and freedom for all through Christ Jesus our Lord! — Pastor Frank

SUMMER

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In Psalm 32, David speaks of summer in reference to its unpleasant and exhausting “fever heat” as an example of how he’s feeling when bogged down by his own un-dealt-with sin. Without doubt, all of us in Houston, as well as those from many other parts of the world, are fully aware one’s vitality can easily be depleted in the midst of a summer day. In this case, the Psalmist is experiencing that feeling, yet not because of the outside temperature, but because of internal conflict. According to verse 4, God’s hand was “heavy” upon him both “day and night.” The seriousness of this emotional and spiritual internal conflict is revealed when David declares that his body is “wasting away” and that he is “groaning all day long.”

One of the things one should admire about this psalm, as well as many others, is David’s ability to identify exactly what’s causing the struggle. It’s not some physical illness, and even though he feels sick, beat down, defeated, etc., he knows the truth. He understands that he’s not in depression, that he doesn’t need different medication, nor does he need to read another self-help book, listen to feel-good theological mumbo-jumbo, or the psychobabble of some worldly psychiatrist. No, David simply needs to be honest and at that point he can deal with his issue … sin!

However, in much of today’s contemporary, culturized church, (particularly those in liberal denominations and/or in the emerging/emergent church movements) sin will not be identified as/for what it is . . . instead those things which are reprehensible to our Lord, Jesus Christ are simply brushed under the carpet, ignored, or actually viewed as tolerable behavior. Is everything really ok? In a futile attempt to recognize that God truly loves all humanity and genuinely desires for them to come to the knowledge of the truth, many church’s are indiscriminately and openly, without guilt, shame, or conviction, declaring that everyone is all right/ok.

How can this be when God alone, through His inerrant scripture defines good and evil, right and wrong, and according to Him, no one is spiritually ok? This is not a matter of one’s own opinion and feelings are certainly not able to determine an individual’s spiritual well-being. Instead, a commendable spiritual condition occurs through an objective and resolute commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, accompanied by adherence to His Word/Truth without reference to a particular social or cultural bias.

In/by/through the “fever heat of summer” David is being graciously disciplined by the Lord (see I Corinthians 11:32; Revelation 3:19) Who desires him to effectively and forthrightly deal with his sin. This simple, yet substantial action will result in the restoration of David’s spiritual fortitude, as well as his physical, spiritual and emotional healing (see Psalm 32:5-7).

Perhaps one should look at the heat of summer not as a restrictive, confining environment, but a catalyst in one’s life that spawns spiritual growth and stirs the development of godly character. No doubt, David matured through this process and even learned the benefit of the Lord’s disciplinary, yet merciful hand. How faithful is our Lord, who undeniably caused this “fever heat of summer” in David’s life so he could learn to deal with issues/sin promptly and resolutely. Therefore, when you’re basking or baking in this summer’s sun, remember that the Son provides tremendous opportunities for spiritual development in every situation and season of life. May we, as His children, fully embrace the indelible imprints of His firm, yet gracious and glorious grip/hand/touch in our lives.

There is always heat in the kitchen when something good is cookin’! – Pastor Frank

RESURRECTION

Posted on May 3, 2022May 3, 2022 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

TOLERANCE

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

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

CRIME

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

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

IS ALL CRIME, SIN?

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

IS ALL SIN, CRIME?

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

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

2. an activity that is against civil law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor Frank

FORGIVENESS

Posted on April 19, 2022April 19, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

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