truth

RIGHTEOUS LIVING -V- LEGALISM

Posted on May 30, 2025 by West Oaks Fellowship

If one knows me at all, it’s pretty clear that I’m anti-legalism and that I uphold the concepts of GRACE, as well as living by FAITH, as the true essentials for abundant, successful Christian living.

I’ve held this theological position since I was a very young man in ministry, due to my study of scriptures, godly men that I considered my mentors, and my experiences within the framework of western religion / churchanity, as well as with genuine Christ followers.

“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Galatians 2:21

For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Galatians 3:21-22

Here’s why I stand so decisively and resolute:

Legalism promotes unbiblical standards, leading individuals to self-ordained, self-recognized convictions, self-authorized permission, as well as personal mandates that may even be imposed on others!
Legalism is performance based, promoting and even authorizing self-righteous attitudes and the ungodly, extremely biased judgment of others!
Legalism creates, and ultimately embraces division!
Legalism downgrades and actually works to devalue Jesus Christ and His preeminence, His righteousness, His victory over sin / death, and His sufficiency for all genuine believers!

These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Colossians 2:23

As our current teaching series, “Complete In Jesus Christ” (Sunday AM and Wednesday PM), is so plainly revealing . . . legalism is a hazardous and treacherous system as the Lord Himself warned in Mark 7:9.

He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.”

Any type of religious legalism, which is appealing to humanity’s fleshly nature, can be quite attractive. However, in it the Lord’s sheep are hurt (spiritually, mentally and emotionally damaged) and manipulated, as the redeeming, life-giving, good news of Christ’s Gospel is veiled, Jesus Christ is marginalized, and human efforts, along with the philosophies of our world with practices birthed in paganism, become exalted

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Colossians 2:8-15

Perhaps, even right now, as you read this article, please stop for a moment, bow before our gracious and glorious Lord, join my life pursuit, making the TRUTH of the following passage a life-long purpose / intent, which you can mentally, emotionally, and spiritually firmly cling to forever!

“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Galatians 2:18-21

How else then shall we live?

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

“LAW”

Posted on May 30, 2025 by West Oaks Fellowship

Last Friday evening at our Digging Deeper Home Fellowship (4 regular participants were out, 15 present) I posed a question like this:

“If you are working with others to form a new nation and are asked to write the laws for your new country, what laws would you establish?”

The answers were extremely varied, but as you can easily imagine, some ideas were pretty consistent, such as: no murder, no theft, as well as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. However, some were quite challenging and a few truly intriguing, like:

Public transparency in governmental spending.
Regulations concerning pets.
Illegal resident regulations.
Rights of self-defense as well as for family and property.
Two years mandatory military service.
Mandatory school attendance.
No daylight savings time.
Justice without prejudice.
Preserve / protect / honor humanity.
Care for veterans.
Checks and balances for governmental leaders.

Due to the fact that our home fellowship is a group of committed believers, the concepts of honoring, loving, and serving the Lord, as well as loving one’s neighbor were generally included, as were a few references to the 10 commandments. However, one individual wrote out only 4 laws for the new nation:

#1 “Jesus is Lord.”

#2 “All men and women are created equal, + all are sinners in need of salvation that only Jesus can secure.”

#3 “There are only 2 sexes, male and female as each is created by God.”

#4 “Marriage is between one woman and one man.”

WOW, these are all biblically-based (God’s) Truths, irrespective of the Mosaic Law and our current nation, and perhaps even a majority of individuals in our nation have abandoned such antiquated ideas. This may actually fully explain the current condition of our nation! The simple, yet profound abandonment of GOD!

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Proverbs 14:34

That evening, after outlining 7 reasons for God’s Law as presented to Moses for the Hebrew people, I asked this important question,

“OF WHAT VALUE ARE A NATION’S LAWS THAT EXCLUDE OR ELIMINATE THE VALUES OF GOD?”

Today, we need to ask that question as it relates to our own individual lives as well as that of our nation, because the Law of Moses was originally given to regulate / govern their society and reveal / expose humanity’s sin.

The apostle Paul shares his experience with the law in Romans 7:7-8.

What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”

Paul was able to identify his own sin because God have given a law to his people!

While we are not spiritual legalists, since we have been set free from the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2, Titus 2:14), nonetheless, a lawless (unregulated – concerning right and wrong) life and a lawless (unregulated – concerning right and wrong) nation is extremely destructive and tremendously dangerous! There must be a “rule of law” that upholds a biblical standard of truth, and identifies, as well as enforces, concepts of right and wrong.

“Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”
1 John 3:4, Matthew 24:12-13

Christ speaking to the disciples about the end times

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”
Matthew 24:12

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”
1 Timothy 1:8-11

Sadly, lawlessness prevails in our current nation and throughout our world.

Even though we have a promise of a different nation where righteousness prevails 24 / 7, in the interest of our children, our children’s children, Christ’s Church and the USA, will you meditate on our condition, live righteously, share your faith, and humbly pray for the Lord God Almighty to extend His powerful hand of renewal (perhaps complete reformation) and restoration?

“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.”
Psalm 37:30-31

Please Lord!

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

-PF

“ABSOLUTE”

Posted on May 30, 2025 by West Oaks Fellowship

Here is a word that’s meaning is slipping into human dementia (a progressive condition marked by the development of multiple cognitive deficits)! While the actual meaning of absolute clearly refers to something that cannot be diminished in any way and exists independently of other things, our societies’ current philosophy and thinking is mostly relative and conditional! That’s how we find male athlete beating the crud out of female boxers in the 2024 Olympics and Riley Gaines losing a trophy to a biological male swimmer.

While these are simple examples, the idea of absolute even existing is quickly vanishing! Is gravity on our current earth (closed environment) an absolute? Humans can deny the fact of its existence, but why then would we need certain velocities (based on the mass of an object) to escape its forces?

Individuals are now using all types of reasoning and philosophical arguments to escape the forces of absolutes, such as God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc.! The underlying purpose is simple … no accountability to anyone but self. Therefore, if one’s idea about something like God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc. changes, then that’s perfectly acceptable! However, absolutes are never relative or comparative! Therefore, God or truth cannot be really good in one moment and terribly evil in another!

Yet this is the world we live in. The prophet Isaiah warned the Hebrew people concerning this type of reasoning and life-philosophy, which would ultimately negatively impact one’s entire society and existence!

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble and dry grass collapses into the flame, so their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 5:20-24

While this warning was issued to the Hebrew people, the value and truth of the message for any people cannot be denied! Seems the writing is on the wall (please read Daniel 5)! Recall in verse 4, using the vessels of the temple, “They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.” YIKES! And yes, “My momma told me there would be days like this.”

Nonetheless, believers must awake to the reality that surrounds us, and choose to live in the absolutes of our Lord, which includes His truth, or succumb to the relative, compromising, debauchery of the world and its system. We must choose now, and choose wisely as Joshua, speaking as the Lord’s Prophet declared,

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:14-15

Yes there is always a choice … serve the gods of the land in which you are living, or serve the Lord!

In John 6, Jesus’ emphasis is on the fact that He Himself is the life that everyone needs, and because of the illustration He uses, many of His followers are troubled. So, Jesus said to the twelve,

“You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:67-69

Even though the times we live in may be very difficult — morally, ethically, legally, and spiritually … have you “believed,” and have you come to know that Jesus Christ is the “Holy One of God?” Is He your absolute? Is His Truth your absolute? Or perhaps, is there another manmade system of philosophy and belief for God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc. that you’re choosing as your own?

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

– PF

Please carefully consider Romans 6:16-19,

“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

TELL IT LIKE IT IS

Posted on October 6, 2023October 6, 2023 by West Oaks Fellowship

In 1969, Ralph Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser produced a folk musical / drama entitled, “Tell It Like It Is,” which was fairly well received in churches throughout America as they were struggling with the rise of the Jesus Movement among the youth. This youth production included the well-known Christian camp song, “Pass It On,” with the theme song, “Tell It Like Is” which boldly proclaimed a much-needed transparency in that day and time.

Let’s tell the truth about the world we live in,

Let’s ask about the God who put it here

Let’s tell the truth about our friends and neighbors

Let’s check the cause of all our hate and fear.

Let’s look at love and find out where it comes from

Let’s look at life and all that we hold dear

Let’s check it now before it quickly passes

Let’s use today before it disappears.

Let’s tell it like it is, Tell it like it is,

We’re tired of pretty words designed for youth.

Let’s tell it like it is, Tell it like it is,

Get down to where the “searcher” meets the truth.

If some demented, deluded (yes – delusional), scientist decided to sew 4 legs that have hooves on a fish, would that make the fish a horse? You’d say come on PF, that’s ridiculous! Nonetheless, that’s exactly what’s going on in our world. We have a society which is being influenced by certain cultural norms and pressures to actually believe that a fish can become a horse because of physical modifications coupled with its inner feelings. However, there is no Truth involved – or else, a horse is not a horse, and a fish is not a fish. It’s as stupid and as absurd as the old joke, when is a door not a door … when it’s ajar!

Truth is under serious assault / attack today and that onslaught is coming from many, many directions. Here’s a good contemporary example. A word, which is now common place today is transgender, yet in reality there is absolutely no such thing! The etymology of the word actually reveals this, perhaps stunningly! Trans comes from Latin meaning to cross over, and gender most likely is an Old Latin, Greek, and / or French word, genos, meaning species, or kind. Within the concept of this word’s original meaning lies the idea of clearly identifiable physical characteristics of a male or female. Each one human, but obviously and distinctively different.

In truth, within the framework of modern science, we know that God’s creation includes greater distinctions and differences than just the normal, usually identifiable, physical attributes of an individual. Within the exalted framework of God’s design for human beings, there is no way to cross over, even if one feels a certain way or eliminates certain identifiable physical traits … even sewing new ones on! “God made them male and female He made them” (A simple, but highly complex Truth from Genesis 1:27). A female can dress like a male, walk like a male, act like a male, and even modify her physical body to appear as a male, but she is still a she, biologically / anatomically … according to God’s purpose, and His sacred original design, all for HIS ultimate glory! NOT HUMANITY’S. The same is true for any male … all males, gay, straight, or in modern vernacular, trans. He is still a he, even if he wants to be a she, or on the inside has decided to feel like a she.

It’s interesting that medical science, even including current Covid research, where male deaths are 2.4 times higher than that of females, reveals that if only males are used in clinical studies, that a higher adverse reaction rate is always found among females. Why? Aren’t they both human? Obviously, there are too, too many distinctions to even start to discuss here, but absolute truth is essential for proper medical treatment … a female with prostate cancer or a male with cervical cancer! Really. Well now there is some true gender identity issues.

This is just one example of Faux Truth … like man-made pearls, they are simply fake. Lie after lie is being presented and promoted in our world from various sources to selfishly achieve their own agenda(s). A big lie (German: große Lüge) a propaganda technic used by Hitler … tell a big enough lie, tell it over and over, and the people will come to believe it. We can see how that worked out really well for him and the Germany people!

As God’s people, we must not be swept up and captured by / in the lies of our pagan, unbelieving culture. Instead, we must continually speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and walk / live in the same truth we speak. Please, never forget, discount, or abandon the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make (set) you free.” (John 8:32)

As believers, our lives are all about Truth – not some faux beliefs or faux religious system. Are we like those faux blinds hanging in your home windows, or are we authentic? If faux blinds dominate the market and are hanging in every house, before long, nobody will even know what real wood blinds are, or if they ever really existed! Are we Faux Christians or the real thing? Isn’t it time totell it like it is, like it really is, so the searching world can know the truth?

Today I’m calling us, as a church, to stop playing games with our beliefs, cease our compromises with the world system and its pagan culture of delusion, deception and lies. Let’s simply, and authentically, “tell it like it is”, “speaking / sharing the truth in love.” Are we trusting and brave enough to move forward in TRUTH? Just as I spoke about Sunday, (“That’s Too Much”) lose the calculator!

I’m asking the Lord to help me, and help us all, to “tell it like it is” as the need for truth becomes ever more apparent in our world.

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

THE KING

Posted on July 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Matthew’s gospel is geared primarily to present Jesus Christ as the King and God’s Son as the Messiah — with the rightful claim (and heir) to King David’s throne.

It all begins in chapter 1 by showing our Lord as the One who should rightfully reign because of the legal Messianic bloodline (See Romans 1:3, John 7:42) — indeed the descendent of David. Then, In chapter 2, the authenticity of His reign was affirmed by the Magi from the east, who, in their own understanding of Old Testament prophecy and through the direction of God’s Spirit, were led to Jerusalem, then Bethlehem in search of the One who had been born, “King of the Jews.” (See Matthew 2:2) This confirmation of the Christ Child as King is a remarkable event – an outstanding occurrence!

In chapter 3 we have the powerful unrelenting testimony of John the Baptist, the ordained / Holy Spirit-anointed forerunner of the King, declaring, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (See Matthew 3:2)

Matthew chapter 4 presents Messiah, the King, whose power and authority is attested to by His one-on-one conflict with Satan. The very fact that Jesus Christ overpowered the onslaughts of the enemy, overcoming the kingdom of darkness, was a clear testimony to the fact that He was God’s chosen and anointed King. For only God’s King could fully resist and incapacitate the ultimate enemy of the Word and the Truth – our King’s Gospel message!

Matthew 4:10-11

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

Unquestionably Jesus is proven by His power and authority … The King!

Consider chapters 5, 6, and 7 where He teaches and speaks with authority, much different than others (See Matthew 7:28-29, Luke 4:22, Mark 1:22), continuously revealing principles of His kingdom. Just look at the incredible, unsurpassed “Sermon on the Mount!” (See Matthew 5:1-7:27)

Then, in chapters 8 – 10, one finds further credentials of our King with three chapters of miracles which prophetically prove His Kingship as well as His Lordship … even over various laws of nature itself. (See Matthew 8:5-13) Running parallel with these credentials, seemingly in a very strange element, is also a mounting and ascending rejection of Him, His Gospel, and Kingdom message. The greater the evidence reveals that He is truly the King, the greater the rejection of His message and His kingdom – thus demonstrating the profound blindness of the Hebrew people.

Finally, one turns to chapter 11 where Jesus denounces the sinful nation of Israel for rejecting Him – declaring a severe judgment! (See Matthew 11:20)

Nonetheless, our gracious Lord and King closes chapter 11 with an invitation …

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
(See Matthew 11:28-29)

Incredibly, out of His warning of judgments comes once again the message of grace, an invitation to accept Him. However, in chapter 12 the rejection of King Jesus, His Gospel, His Truth, and His Kingdom reaches its climax, and His pronouncement of judgment also reaches its climax. The final rejection is fully clarified and summed up when they unashamedly accuse Jesus of being Demonic / Satanic (See Matthew 12:23-24). At that point Christ pronounces a detrimental final judgment on the Jewish leaders and says, “You’re beyond the point of being forgiven.” (See Matthew 12:30-32)

Dr. Toussaint, in his commentary on Matthew says, “Not seeing the Messiahship of Jesus in His words and works, they have separated the fruit from the tree.” It is not necessarily that they denied the King’s miracles, or that they were not fascinated by Christ’s words, as He taught with authority. They were even fully aware of His miraculous power … however, they could never trace the fruit, the works of Jesus, to their logical conclusion.

They separated them (fruit / works) from the reality of who He was … THE KING who came offering HIS KINGDOM!

Can one have the Kingdom without it’s King?

Undoubtedly, they desired that; however, it was not possible without accepting the Kingdom’s King!

Please, never ignore or forget this simple, but profound truth!

His & Yours, PF

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

A NATION UNDER GOD

Posted on May 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

A little over a half century ago, at the height of anti-Communist fervor, Congress added the words “under God” to our Pledge of Allegiance in an attempt to link patriotism and religion, clearly distinguishing the United States of America from its number one cold war enemy, those “godless” Soviets! Now, over the years, and after many repetitive declarations, this phrase has become part of American life, just like the words ”In God We Trust” on our coins and ”God bless America” uttered by presidential candidates and politicians at the end of important speeches.

However, in June of 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California ruled 2 to 1 that those words in our pledge violate the First Amendment, which says that ”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The majority sided with Michael Newdow, who complained that his daughter was injured when forced to listen to public school teachers lead students daily in a pledge that includes the assertion that there is a God. However, the assertion “under God” is not a violation of the First Amendment establishment clause as some have suggested.

While this case, and others like it are way off the radar screen in the pantheon of First Amendment cases that have followed, no one really wants to honestly consider the lie and/or religion that’s perpetuated if “under God” is disallowed or removed. What are the impending consequences for a nation/people who willfully and purposefully refuse to acknowledge its/their appointed, preordained position, place, standing, rank, or status? The wisest man in the world clearly expresses God’s heart on this issue in Proverbs 14:34:

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Certainly it’s sin . . . absolute rebellion, for a nation or people to decide they are not “under God.” God’s prophet, Isaiah was told to, “Cry loudly” against such people, “Do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet and declare to My people their transgression.” (See Isaiah 58:1) In contrast, the nation of Israel was instructed by the Lord in Deuteronomy 28:1-2:

Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God.

Ultimately every believer, and in reality, every American, must both ask and answer questions concerning the reason/purpose for this nation’s initial formation and continued existence, and in so doing must incontestably recognize:

1) God raised up Israel to be a witness to the world of the one true and living God.

Deuteronomy 4:6-8 – So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the 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?

2) God establishes and removes nations according to His will/purposes.

Daniel 2:21 – It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.

Acts 17:26 – And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.

Romans 13:1 – For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

3) God, in His sovereign dominion governs and convenes over all nations and people.

Psalm 22:28 – For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.

Psalms 47:8 – “God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
Psalms 66:6 – He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Psalms 82:8 – Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.

Therefore as we approach the birthday of our “One nation under God”, please dutifully consider, as David Manuel and Peter Marshall asked in their book, “The Light And The Glory” (a must read for every true Christian in America), “Did God have a plan for America?” If yes, was it to be free people “under God” who would boldly share/shine His light/truth and bring Him honor/glory? If one answers yes to that, then honestly contemplate the state of our nation. Have we receded, becoming as those mentioned in Psalms 135:15?

The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of man’s hands.

As we celebrate our nation and freedom this July 4th, may we as one nation acknowledge our exact and proper position/place/standing/rank/status under the one true God while never forgetting the warning and promise found in Jeremiah 18:7-10!

At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.

Grace, peace, hope, and freedom for all through Christ Jesus– Pastor Frank

APPEARANCE

Posted on May 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The appearance of stars marks the end of the day . . . In Nehemiah 4:21, those rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem had to split their efforts between half standing guard and half diligently laying stones, both working long hours … “from the break of dawn till the stars came out.” One may recall that one of the reasons our Lord placed lights (including the stars) in the heavens was “to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” However, God uses the “star” and our “stars” throughout the scriptures for many distinctive purposes.

The OT shows awareness of the stars’ immense number, which many explain why so many humans looked to them for spiritual direction, or even worshiped individual stars and constellations as gods. Of course, consulting their alignment for spiritual guidance (astrology, not astronomy or geography) or worshiping them in any manner was strictly forbidden because it completely disregarded and rebelliously denied God’s purpose in their creation. (Perhaps one should take a moment right now just to consider how many other things in God’s creation have crumpled into this same type of demise.)

Stars were created by God … their task is only that which is established by God. They are totally subordinate to God, under His absolute authority and control, and intended for His glory/ purpose(s). (See Psalm 19:1-6) This status is tenaciously reinforced in Psalm 147:4:

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.

Thus, their existence and destiny are completely according to His will, even including whether they shine or not! (See Job 9:7-10). Actually, they respond as creatures, in the same manner we as Christ’s followers, God’s children, should. While the language in Judges 5:20 is certainly poetic, stars fighting against Israel’s enemies clearly demonstrates that the Lord can deliberately and unreservedly use any and all the forces of the universe to accomplish His purpose(s). After all, whose universe is it?

Accordingly, throughout the universe, all stars are to “praise Him.” (See Psalm 148:3)

Is there any different calling for humanity?

Interestingly, in the Bible, perhaps because of their brilliance and glory, the word “star” is used symbolically of creatures, both enemies and servants of God, as well as individuals. In an unique play on words, according to Isaiah 14:12, the symbolic king of Babylon, Lucifer, imagining himself to be the “Day Star,” “son of Dawn,” or the “Star of the Morning,” was not satisfied with his dominant position, but sought to ascend above the stars (a place reserved for God alone). His desire to take the place of God presented a direct challenge to God’s authority and power.

As a result, the king was cast down in defeat (14:12-15). By the way, astronomically speaking, Venus is the morning star because it’s seen first from the earth’s perspective. Jesus Christ is not the “Star of the Morning” (that’s Lucifer/Satan), as presented by some biblically illiterate or confused Christian musicians, but He is undeniably the Bright Morning Star described in II Peter 1:19 and Revelation 22:16.

Jude 13 audaciously and fearlessly declares the opponents of God as:

wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.

Conversely, the OT compares the coming Messiah to a rising star and scepter in Numbers 24:17, and in one case, stars symbolize the glory of the resurrected life for true believers … Those who turn many to righteousness will rise in the resurrection, and will shine “like the stars for ever and ever.” (See Daniel 12:1-3). In addition, Paul compares the glory of a Christian’s exclusive resurrected body to the glory and distinction of the stars in I Corinthians 15:40-49.

Agnostic pantheist Carl Sagan, American astrophysicist, cosmologist, exobiologist, author (“Contact”) and TV host (“Cosmos”), stated, “we are star stuff.” However, the God who created the stars and their shine — the One who declared:

Light shall shine out of darkness, is the One who has shone in our (every true believer’s) hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (See II Corinthians 4:6)

Simply “star stuff” — or partakers and bearers of the True Light? God’s call, not ours or Sagan’s. See, knowing Him is knowing Truth … that’s GOD’S star stuff!

— Pastor Frank

PERSECUTION…AN EXAMPLE

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The following message was written by Joseph Hay, Youth Ministry Director

The high priest questioned them saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. –Acts 5:27-32

In this passage, Peter and the other apostles are in front of a court of the religious leaders where they are accused of not following the law. Peter defiantly said that the apostles would not stop preaching and teaching the Word of God and the teaching of Jesus Christ because they must obey God over any man or law.

Today in Houston, pastors, elders, church leaders, and Christians are facing a similar situation. The mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, and the city attorney’s office previously subpoenaed several pastors’ sermons in which the topic of homosexuality and/or “HERO” (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance) were mentioned. It is apparent that the city is planning to use these sermons to accuse pastors of hate speech as an attempt to censor what Christian pastors may say from their pulpits, thus attempting to either modify or sensor God’s Truth.

This article is not aimed at fighting these actions, or at speaking to their legality, instead, it focuses on how believers should conduct themselves in times like this.

It is open persecution when individuals involved in the Lord’s work/ministry are told to stop preaching the Gospel and the Truth of God. We are clearly now in that time of persecution, and we should respond … However, we should not respond with anger and hatred toward those persecuting us. Instead, committed believers should respond as the apostles did when they were faced with a similar situation:

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council (persecuting entity), rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. –Acts 5:41-42.

We should REJOICE in this time because it is our city that is found worthy to suffer for His name. Persecution of God’s holy, ordained church has never been a bad thing because our Lord has used times of persecution to strengthen and grow His church. One of the main reasons for this growth is that persecution commonly produces both purity and unity within God’s people. Purity of both the message and the people increases because if one truly doesn’t believe in Christ and His power then most likely one wouldn’t be willing to give up one’s life for Christ.

Unity among believers also increases because when facing a common problem, believers put aside issues/differences to focus on the larger crisis. We have seen this unity during this current crisis because hundreds of churches are praying and supporting the targeted Houston pastors. Certainly, we should rejoice during this time of persecution because our Lord has seen fit to allow us to suffer for His great name.

Nonetheless, the New Testament apostles did not stop with just rejoicing, they continued to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ even though they were ordered to be silent (attempted censorship). This, church (WOF), is what we MUST do. We MUST continue sharing the truth in love and teaching the Word of God, even if men, cultures, governments, religions, or any other powers on earth command us to stop! Before Christ ascended he said:

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. –Matthew 28:18-20

— Joseph

TRUTH & LIBERTY

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Every year, as July 4th approaches, my heart and my mind turn to the ideals and concepts of social/political freedom as well as those at the root of a believers’ spiritual liberty. While these freedoms are not the same, they are birthed from the same underpinnings, and in fact, social and/or political freedom cannot thrive, or ultimately even survive, without God’s people faithfully living in and experiencing individual spiritual liberty! While some would disagree with that statement, the reality is undeniable … True liberty rests upon the laurels of God’s absolute truth and Christ’s gospel of grace and redemption.

In John 8, one finds Jews that don’t even recognize the bondage they are experiencing, both politically and spiritually. A lack of, shortage of, or denial of truth has resulted in their blindness in both realms. In John 8:31-32, Jesus states:

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.

Their response to His words in John 8:33 are incredibly revealing:

We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?

At that exact moment, their nation was controlled by the Romans! They hadn’t experienced any social/political liberty in hundreds of years and each of them was individually under the spiritual bondage of religion as well to the law of sin and death. Inevitably, the absence of God’s absolute truth breeds contempt for truth itself. Perhaps we all need to be reminded of Christ’s prayer for His followers/disciples/us in John 17:17:

Sanctify them (set them apart from the things of this fleshly/sinful world for a sacred/spiritual use … unto the things that are holy/of God) by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.

Genuine liberty works in an unusual manner. It liberates one from someone or some condition of bondage and offers (liberates one to/unto) new opportunity. You may recall how Moses initially served the Lord by demanding of Pharaoh liberty for God’s people from the bondage of Egyptian slavery. Eventually, they were set free and the Lord offered tremendous liberty, allowing them the opportunity and privilege of following and serving the one true God. Their initial freedom brought a separation from Egypt and all the things of that land and the life they previously lived.

In addition, their liberty uniquely set them apart (sanctified) to be/become God’s people. In John 8, Jesus offered those present liberty from their condition of bondage in much the same manner. Nonetheless, they were so blinded by years of truth drought, that they were unable to even recognize their own spiritual, as well as social/political bondage.

As truth decreases, bondage increases. Ultimately it takes hold of an individual or even a whole society and enslaves him/her/it. At that point, a blindness starts to occur and the truth becomes harder and harder to identify. Simply put, most people would hold that 1+1=2. Is that the truth? In George Orwell’s book/film, “1984,” 2+2 no longer equals 4 … instead, according to the “Party” … 5. Who has/holds the power or right to control truth? In “1984” the “Party” determines truth and tells every citizen what they believe. Therefore, without any absolute, 2+2=5. That’s bondage, but this slavery is not necessarily recognized for what it is! As long as the “Party” continues perpetuating the lies, the people are kept in slavery.

However, according to Jesus Christ, if one continues in His Word, one will know TRUTH and that TRUTH will bring freedom/liberty. The society in “1984” was forever bound-up in darkness until 2+2=4. At that point other freedoms follow — once people know the truth, they are at liberty to leave bondage and free to pursue something else like God’s eternal, immutable truth that will ultimately offer spiritual, as well as social/political liberty. However, if the there is no sincere and diligent quest for/of truth, another form of bondage will encroach.

Galatians 5:1 — It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

I say all this because difficult times are ahead according to the truth …

II Timothy 4:3-4 — For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

I Timothy 4:1-2 — But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.

Now concerning truth, its absence or presence … concerning spiritual liberty, it’s absence or presence, and without too big of a stretch Christ words in Matthew 6:22-23 might be applied to social/political freedom, its absence or presence as well:

The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness?

Therefore, this is my prayer, please Lord, nothing but truth, light, grace, peace, hope, liberty, and freedom for all who know you, Christ Jesus, as their source of life and godliness! — Pastor Frank