Tag: truth

FERVENT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word has a significant place in the lives of faithful New Testament believers. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us of an incredible calling that is too often abandoned by those in Christ’s church, because due to some circumstance(s) or situation(s), they are unwilling to personally function in a biblical manner.  

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

I’ve sadly learned (as a result of 45+ years of ministry) that Christians, even including those that say they’re truly committed to the things of the Lord, will boldly and willingly ignore this admonition to protect their own feelings, allowing their love for themselves to take authority and first place over the Truth of God’s Word.

In 1 Peter 4:8 the Greek word, “ektenee” translated “fervent” in English, implies that one is being intently stretched out without end (consistently and constantly). Just as God’s love knows no end, our love for one another should never be surrendered for the sake of a popular perspective (peer pressure), personal agenda, unresolved issues/conflicts, or simply due to one’s own feelings and undealt-with offenses.

Unquestionably, the participants in Christ’s Church must practice “love for one another” in order for the body to effectively serve and minister one to another.   

In Acts 12:5, “the church of God” is found praying “fervently” for Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. You may recall how the Lord answered this prayer by sending an angel to lead Peter miraculously out of confinement.

That evening, the church was gathered for prayer at the home of John Mark’s mother, and when Peter showed up they failed to believe the report of Rhoda who left him standing outside at the door.  Ultimately, they opened the door and were “amazed” when they saw him. (Acts 12:16)

One of the most familiar verses employing “fervent” is found in James 5:16-17 where some English bibles translate the Greek word “energeo” as “effective,” but it actually carries the broader meaning of “effective fervent” (KJV, NKJV) as a combined concept.

Then in verse 17, the Revised Standard Version and the English Standard Version employs the word “fervently” rather than earnest or earnestly, as found in other English translations.  Nonetheless, the translation remains true to the original intent of the biblical text … praying diligently!

Today it is essential for our well-being as individual believers, and for the effectiveness of Christ’s church that meets at West Oaks Fellowship in 2021, to be/keep “fervent” in love … for one another and in prayer!

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22-23

The effective (diligent, fervent) prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

James 5:16

The idea of being “fervent” has the potential of bringing about some incredible positive consequences for each of us individually, as well as in the Lord’s work on earth through His church.

Here’s today’s question, “How are you doing with this whole idea of “fervent” or fervency / fervently?

Lord, may we be “fervent” in things that truly matter!

His & yours,

Pastor Frank

STUFF

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

“STUFF” – an old French word, “estoffe” that derived its meaning from “stopfon,” which means “to stop up.” In English we see this understanding when stuff is used in the verb form, like cramming “stuff” into a closet, filling the trunk of one’s car, or jamming clothes into a closet or suitcase. Exactly how one feels after consuming too much lunch or supper!

Additionally, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary, “stuff” in our vocabulary speaks of material goods, like household items and personal belongings and/or the substances out of which things are produced or manufactured. In a general sense, unspecified items may also be referred to as “stuff.” I don’t know about you, but my world consists of (and seems to be filled with), lots of “stuff!”

Some “stuff” is worthless junk, while other is of significance and valuable, yet it’s all still called “stuff.” There’s good stuff and bad stuff, big stuff and small stuff, fun stuff and sad stuff, great stuff and petty stuff, excellent stuff, average stuff, and inferior stuff, strong stuff and weak stuff, important stuff and trivial stuff, beautiful stuff and ugly stuff, healthy stuff and some stuff that’s not so good for you. Some stuff is material and physical, while other stuff is physiological, emotional and spiritual — whatever the stuff, there’s plenty of it.

In Genesis 25:30, Esau (a godless person according to Hebrews 12:16) begs his brother Jacob

Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff (NASU) (translated pottage in KJV however the word does not appear in the Hebrew text or Greek Septuagint) there, for I am famished (worn out, weary). Therefore his name was called Edom (red).

By his own choice of immediate gratification and pleasure, Esau became a godless person, choosing to love and embrace the things (stuff; in this case food) of this world and his earthly life in exchange for the blessings of God, spiritual peace, and hope (confident expectation) for his future.

Esau gave up:

  1. His right to the priesthood – Ex. 22:29.
  2. A double portion of his father’s estate – Deut. 21:17.
  3. His role in the family – Gen. 27:29, 37; 49:3.
  4. His potential role in the Messianic promise/linage of first born sons.
  5. His rights of primogeniture (conveying special blessings upon his descendants – which were among the most noble, honorable, and spiritual in the ancient world).

Esau undervalued “God stuff” and overvalued “red stuff” which filled his belly and brought temporary satisfaction.

In John 6:27-28, Jesus issues a warning that might help us gain some understanding about “stuff,”

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.

Nearly everyone can recall the Parable Of The Sower And Soils in Mark 4:18-19 where the good seed of God is sown among thorns, “but the worries of the world (stuff), and the deceitfulness of riches (stuff), and the desires for other things (stuff) enter in and choke” out God’s Word/Truth. Instead of trading the “stuff” of God for the “stuff” of this world, have you ever considered doing the exact opposite? May we, as believers in Christ, be found laying down the “stuff” of this world in order to gain “God stuff!” II Peter 1:8 says “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I pray all our “stuff” becomes useful and fruitful! Just think about it. — Pastor Frank