Tag: sin

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

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

In Psalm 32:3-4, David declares:

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

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

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

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

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

A REALITY CHECK   

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m looking for to it! 

How about you?            

His & Yours, PF

AMERICA

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When one thinks about America, what pops into your mind?  Currently, the greatest nation on earth?  What a blessing it is to be an American?  The “land of the free” and “the home of the brave?”  A nation once again thrown into the divisiveness of minority/equal rights struggles?  A country at war with terrorism?  A people embattled with economic, health-care, social security, immigration, and defense issues?  Perhaps we are seeing what once upon a time may have been referred to as a “Christian” or “Judeo-Christian” America/nation, quickly sinking into the vast cavity and hollowness of pagan secularism. 

In addition, while I’m not proposing that these United States of America were ever 100% Christian, nor were its founding fathers all believers in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, or our faith and practice, unquestionably these brave individuals were influenced by a both a belief in deity and fear/respect of Almighty God! Nonetheless, in these latter times of the “Information Age,” is it possible that our nation’s obsession and quest for data, digital communication, and information has actually exalted itself above a need/desire for God?  In II Timothy 3, the scriptures declare that difficult times will come, and thus issue a clear and distinct warning concerning this scenario. All those who choose to listen and truly/faithfully believe, are provided with the Lord’s counsel concerning those who are “lovers of money” and “lovers of self,”  that they are, or always will be, “learning and/but (are) never able to come to the knowledge (or understanding) of the truth!” They would rather have gratification and information than become subject to the transformation of our Lord and the presence/indwelling of His Holy Spirit!

Doesn’t all information require proper sorting and thorough sifting before it can be effectively applied to any situation?  As faithful believers, we must, “take every thought captive” (II Corinthians 10:5-6) by applying the discerning and discriminating filter of God’s Holy Word/Truth to each and every slice of information that comes our way.  One might ask, “Exactly how does one select information and use it in the process of personal transformation?”  When it comes to a nation, or people group, how does one determine the authenticity and proper value/importance of information, and then select and process pertinent information in order to affect or impact national transformation?

Listed below you’ll find some biblically-based concepts, that if incorporated into your Christian life and that as an American, will help provide some spiritual understanding as we move into the difficulties of serving Christ within the framework of a pagan secular society.  

  • Confront current issues with an eternal perspective (divine viewpoint).  (See Colossians 3:1-2)
  • Move your personal life “from information to transformation (in Christ Jesus) … from rhetoric to righteousness (living righteously)… from finger-pointing and blame-shifting to personal responsibility.  (See Titus 2:11-14)
  • Stop being a labeler . . .  we must avoid labeling. Labels have become “libels” (vilifications).  (See Ephesians 4:31) They increasingly paralyze relationships, legitimate conversation, communication and the exchange of creative and/or beneficial ideas.
  • Be committed to the restoration of Biblical/Scriptural authority in every aspect of one’s life. (See II Timothy 3:16-17)  It is not talk, but living the truth, which has the potential to restore the foundations of faith and freedom in Christ’s church and our society/nation.
  • Always remember, we are first Christians! God did not call us to be conservative, liberal or libertarian, but men and women of faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. We must call things as they are (by “The Book”) (See Ephesians 5:25) — not by our political persuasions, political correctness, or in light of our rhetoric defined by any/various label(s).
  • Never forget, we speak the truth in love when confronting issues, as well as people who disagree with us.  (See Philippians 2:3-4)  People are sinful and driven by fleshly passion(s)  … we all know that!  (See Ephesians 2:1-5)  Therefore, let us rise above with a proper attitude towards every individual, because every human is created in the image and likeness of God — whether we agree with their lifestyle or not! Our attitude towards the confused, lost, and dying world speaks volumes.  (See James 3:8- 18) 
  • We must overturn the rotting logs and mossy rocks that hide our personal sins (See Psalm 32:1-5) as well as those of our nation (See Proverbs 14:34) . . . openly, yet honestly confronting the deepest issues of our society and Americans’ hearts and homes.
  • Let’s be solution-oriented . . . not just provide tough talk. (See James 2:14-26) Transformation can always occur — even in the toughest and most troubled times! Let’s demonstrate Christian hope and Christ’s healing in our own hearts and homes, as well as for America’s broken families and our nation/society. (See II Timothy 2:23-26)

By employing these concepts and principles, we might just see a genuine transformation.

Don’t just think about it, let’s do it! — PF

SAMSON

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

Daniel Block

                  

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

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

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

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

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

Think about it, ask the Lord about it!  

His & yours, PF           

THE DEATH OF DEATH

Posted on 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 and eternal hope, undoubtedly, terrorism, mass shootings, and the progress of warfare technology has contributed to the fact that many individuals are greatly troubled because death is constantly before everyone’s eyes. Someone, somewhere, in a somewhat remote office or at sea, can launch a missile that successfully finds its target from thousands of miles away, taking out a whole city block and killing thousands, and yet they still have time for a game of tennis or a round of golf after lunch. 

Killing is also more efficient than ever … someone, somewhere, sends package bombs through delivery or postal services, someone else, somewhere else, loads up a vehicle with explosives and drives it into an occupied building, someone, somewhere else, decides to take vengeance on relatives and shoots up a church on Sunday morning, someone else, somewhere else goes after fellow students, or teachers and administrators, shooting up a school, or someone, somewhere else decides to eliminate fellow human beings by shooting at hundreds from an advantageous lofty perch.  Death is aplenty everywhere, yet II Timothy 1:10 declares that our Savior, Christ Jesus, has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the 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 most palpable answer is that one dies because of sin — See Romans 5:12. Sin always leads to death …  not sickness, old age, accidents, cancer, stroke or heart attacks … as long as sin exists, death will never be very far away.

How certain is the fact of death?  So certain that there are entire industries built upon the expectation of your death. Life insurance and all funeral/burial related trades are based totally upon the undeniable theological truth:  Death reigns! (In reality, even cryonics and cloning.)   

How did Jesus Christ then render death to death?  When Christ rose from the dead, He resolutely broke the power of death.  He died just like we die, just like all humans.  According to the recorded accounts, He was really dead (the eye witness account of John 19:31-42), actually dead, fully and completely dead, not partially, or almost dead.  He was as dead as any person could be dead.  Then, from that state of death, God raised Him to life. He got up, unwrapped the face cloth around His head (See John 20:1-9), and then walked away victorious! (See Luke 24:1-7)

As a result, physical death takes on new meaning for the Christian, being simply a separation from the physical form/shell that we now live in, to await our own physical resurrection in the type of Christ’s. This is exactly what Jesus meant in John 11:25-27 when He said the following:

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.

See, there is good news from the graveyard today! There’s an empty tomb in Jerusalem’s Garden Cemetery.  It’s the former tomb of Jesus Christ, Who died and was buried (according to Hebrew tradition).  However, on Sunday morning His tomb was found to be empty by the power of God Almighty!  This is God’s good news message for all humanity!  Death could not keep Him, and that grave could not hold Him.  Understand, He is truly the Lord of life, the King immortal and eternal (See I Timothy 1:17). How did He render death to death?  He conquered death by entering the realm of death in human flesh, then marching out on Resurrection Sunday — triumphant over both sin and death! 

In Revelations 1:17-18, Jesus Himself declares:

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. 

As faithful Christians, when it concerns our own physical death, we daily 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 to celebrate life over death, and life over the fear of death because of Christ’s resurrection victory this Sunday morning!  

I’m looking forward to seeing you and yours (bring some friends along too).

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

 — Pastor Frank  

JUSTIFICATION

Posted on 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 

LASCIVIOUSNESS

Posted on 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

FEAR OF DEATH

Posted on 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  

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

War, killing, and the shedding of blood (guilty and/or innocent) appear throughout humanity’s history. From the entrance of sin into the human race (Genesis 3), mankind has successfully devised ways to inflict pain and/or eliminate one another. The first messianic prophecy (Genesis 3:15) even announces hostility between the offspring (seed) of Eve (all mankind and ultimately the second Adam, Jesus Christ) and the seed of the serpent (Satan/Devil/demons/evil spirits/etc.). This great war of spiritual dimension is concluded when Jesus Christ overthrows Satan’s dominance on earth (Revelation 6-19), removing the regime, control, and power of all God’s enemies! Christ triumphantly and gloriously returns “King of kings & Lord of lords,” establishing His rule of truth, justice, and righteousness throughout the entire earth. During His reign (The Millennium, 1000 years) peace will be enjoyed, yet one final combat still must occur. Then, in irrevocable defeat, our Lord’s enemy, Satan, along with all his followers (those that reject Jesus Christ) face second death, and are cast into the “Lake Of Fire” (Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10).

In the light of this spiritual/biblical struggle of good -v- evil, Christ -v- Antichrist, God -v- Satan, it is not at all surprising that wars would be prominent in the Scripture, as well as throughout all mankind’s history. Humans without Christ simply wage war. Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us, “There is a time for every purpose under heaven,” which includes, “a time for war.” Some wars are just and holy, others political, and some totally absurd and sinful — based in greed, pride, dominance, etc. War too often illustrates the malignity of the wicked (Psalm 55:21). However, Jehovah (Lord God) is declared to be “a warrior” (literally — a man of war, Exodus 15:3-19) as One who knows how to wage war successfully and possesses the ordnance necessary to destroy His enemies! Thus the concept of a “Holy War” (Exodus 17:16; Numbers 31:3) emerges, where every warrior/soldier considers himself a servant of God, consecrated to the Lord (Isaiah 13:3) and willing to totally abstained from certain activities in order to sanctify (set apart/purify) themselves (Judges 20:26; II Samuel 11:11) for His Holy purpose and service. I’m not sure mankind can actually declare a “Holy War,” however we can declare “just war” if asked to stand against the lies and evil of Satan.

The devaluation of human life, slavery, forms of oppression and persecution certainly fall into this category. Figuratively, in a spiritual sense, and literally, each person is at war with sin and ultimately the consequences of sin – physical and spiritual death (Romans 7:23-24). However, this conflict is not ours to fight alone. God recognizes that no matter how hard we try, or how good we are, everyone eventually succumbs to sin and surrenders the war in humiliating defeat and death.

However, a mighty Warrior was dispatched to conquer sin and death, literally handing us (believers) a great victory (I Corinthians 15:56-57), even in the midst of our own capitulation (Romans 6:23). As Jesus Christ hung on the cross, a holy war raged in His flesh and spirit. He ultimately surrendered, becoming sin (II Corinthians 5:21) and a casualty of this war as all other humans. However, Sunday was on its way, indeed the war was not over, but a short pause occurred in the conflict while preparation was made for one final assault. Then,

“Up from the grave He arose (Acts 10:40-41), with a mighty triumph o’er His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain (of sin and death) and He lives for every with His saints to reign! He arose, He arose, Halleluiah Christ arose!”

Just Think About It! — Pastor Frank