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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

REDEMPTION

Posted on May 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The idea of redemption originates in the Old Testament, and is initially used when money is paid to buy back property (Leviticus 25:25-28; Ruth 4:4-6) or something which must be protected or rescued. (Numbers 3:44-51; Nehemiah 5:6-13) As the term “redemption” is repeatedly employed throughout the scriptures, it becomes a common term referencing any form or type of deliverance. God, by example, is the “Redeemer” of Israel . . . their “Deliverer.” Deuteronomy 9:26 reveals this perspective:

I prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

In addition, consider the point-of-view revealed in II Samuel 7:23-24:

And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God. (also see Isaiah 52:3-6)

Ultimately, the concept of “deliverance” includes liberation from any/all forms of evil such as national misfortune (Isaiah 52:9; 63:9; compare Luke 2:36-38), plagues (Psalm 78:35, 52), and calamity of any sort (Genesis 48:16; Numbers 25:4-9). However, in general, the relationship of Israel and/with God included His claim to them (Deuteronomy 15:15), as well as an obligation to them as seen in the Psalmist’s declaration (25:22):

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. (also see I Chronicles 17:21)

Without a doubt, Israel belonged to Him; therefore in the original, truest sense of “redemption,” He moved and worked in/with Israel as their legitimate (rightful, perhaps even somewhat legally obliged) “Redeemer.”

In the New Testament, the Greek word “apolutrosis,” translated “redemption” and/or “deliverance,” encompasses the idea of ransom.

All humanity is held under the curse:

of the law according to Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”;
of sin itself according to Romans 7:23, where Paul views himself as a “prisoner” to sin;
of death as a result of sin in Romans 6:23. In this context, and proper biblical application, the person who purchases one’s freedom or deliverance by paying a ransom is considered the/their “redeemer.”

It’s in this light that believers see Christ, the One Who purchased our freedom/deliverance by offering Himself as the entire/full payment/ransom for one’s sin. Ephesians 1:7-8 provides foundation for this perspective by declaring:

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.

In I Peter 1:18, one sees the incomparable value of Christ’s work and deliverance:

Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

As Easter 2011 approaches, perhaps a clear focus on Jesus Christ as your individual “deliverer” or “redeemer” will enhance the spiritual meaning/purpose of this season and stimulate participation. What no one else could do, Christ did for you! May we never forget the redeeming truth of Romans 8:3-4:

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

This “deliverance” wasn’t because any of us deserved it, but because Christ owns us, and He faithfully assumed the role as our “redeemer,” offering “redemption” to His most highly valued creation (those created in His own image/likeness and whom He loves – according to John 3:16-17), humanity! What a great privilege, what honor and blessing has been bestowed upon us . . . we do not have a human “redeemer” paying a ransom, but the Lord Himself fully satisfying the entire demand – permanently and eternally conquering the curse of law, sin, and death! Hallelujah!

Now, what shall we say to this redemption? How shall we respond to this humanly incomprehensible deliverance and selfless demonstration? Is there anything that compares to this rescue? If the answer is no, then please don’t view Easter as simply another holiday where you work-in some time off, visit relatives, play golf, and gather for a nice meal. No – we must not! In fact, as true believers, how can we settle into such a ridiculous gesture and call it Easter?

I’m not saying a family celebration is inappropriate, especially if that gathering is focused on the events of our Lord’s redemption (His suffering, atoning death, and victorious resurrection); however, the only fitting and suitable spiritual response for each true believer is participation in a gathering of God’s people where praise and worship is distinctly and uniquely presented to Jesus Christ our Lord in view of REDEMPTION!

As your pastor, the one who is required to protect, watch over, and feed Christ’s flock (I Peter 5:1-3), face judgment for all the activities and teachings in our fellowship (James 3:1, I Corinthians 3:10-15), and give an account for your souls (Hebrews 13:17), I assure you that WOF’s focus for this year’s Good Friday Communion (Lord’s Supper) and Easter (Resurrection Celebration) will remain steadfast and exclusively fixed upon Jesus Christ and the gracious redemption/deliverance He alone brings to humanity. However, what will you say – what will you do – what will you offer – in light (illumination and radiance) of such a great deliverance/redemption?

— Pastor Frank

COUNT

Posted on May 5, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

How do you count? The idea of the Greek word “hegeomai,” translated in Philippians 3:7 as “counted,” and twice in verse 8 as “count,” deals with one’s own thinking, viewpoint, or thought process. In other words, in respect to all the credit and honor I have been afforded through my zealous achievements in Judaism, I consider them all absolutely no value for the purpose(s) of Jesus Christ. Then he further expounds on this consideration in verses 8-11:

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Please notice how Paul now moves to an even greater intensity by audaciously declaring that he is counting “all things” worthless or of no consequence when compared to what he has gained in/through Christ! This includes not only his Jewish privileges, but all other things of every kind that humans count/consider valuable or profitable.

Now, let’s momentarily shift from counting to accounting. The Greek word “zemia,” translated here as “loss,” refers to something becoming damaged or useless. Something that once was considered a valuable asset, is now being written-off 100% as if it has lost all value and become “rubbish” or “dung” (KJV) … in other words — useless, worthless, or absolutely of no value. Interestingly, the Greek word “skubala” translated here as “rubbish” or “dung,” implies the vilest dross or refuse of anything; the worst excrement. This word is employed to show how utterly insignificant, hollow and meaningless, the apostle esteemed everything except the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

With his very best assets and achievements he freely parted, judging them all a total loss and putting in their place his relationship with Christ, the Lord, which he valiantly esteems as infinite/unlimited/countless gain. What Paul’s former life and religion could not do, gain, or give, Jesus Christ accomplished/provided. The Apostle Paul stands as incontrovertible proof … He tried the accolades of humanity and religion, but found it vanity; he tried the Gospel and found it to be the power of God unto his salvation. By “counting” (considering) all that the world called excellent of no value, he gained Christ in relationship NOW and eternal salvation in/through Him FOREVER.

To/for the surpassing greatness and value of Christ’s Gospel and its liberating, transforming power in a true believer’s life and Christian experience, Paul remains an unimpeachable witness. The difficult question for us as committed followers of Jesus Christ is, will we learn to count as Paul counted? Has there ever been a true renovation, an accounting adjustment where one actually sits down and starts evaluating the value of all that one is and has in direct comparison to the value of knowing Christ, the righteousness that comes from God through faith, the power of Christ’s resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering? What have you moved to the “dung” column? What have you charged off (removed from the asset column and considered it a total loss)? Perhaps it’s time for all believers to do a complete audit. Can we actually get to a place in our lives where we fully appreciate and decidedly value the things of our Lord, and freely devalue, as well as part with, those things our world and humanity wrongly hold in high esteem?

This process actually starts with small steps in the right direction. It’s difficult for me to imagine that Paul got to this profound position and understanding overnight, but ultimately he did it. He had to start somewhere, and that’s true for each of us as well. I know, you’re not the Apostle Paul! Perfect – all the more the reason to start the process in an unrelenting manner sooner than later. Since you’re not him, it may take less time or more time. Nonetheless, what will you call “dung” so it will not distract your pursuit of Him, and His of you?

Our goal must be to stand in the same light as Paul did, counting the same way he learned to count, parting with all that which has no true value, and present ourselves as unimpeachable witnesses of Christ’s redemption and transforming power. So what if the world’s value system goes topsy-turvy? Our counting and theirs, just like our lives as faithful believers, should never … will never be the same.

Think on it, pray on it, act on it.

— Pastor Frank

What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.
— C. S. Lewis

HONOR

Posted on April 19, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Last Sunday Brenda and I were honored by the presentation of a beautiful appreciation award commemorating 30 years of service at Grace Ministries & Fellowship, now known as West Oaks Fellowship (since our relocation to Richmond Ave). I was deeply moved and humbled by your recognition of my service to this body of Christ and to our Lord. Even though I successfully held back a public display of emotion for the purpose of moving on in that particular service, which I believed was very important, I could have wept; and certainly, I wanted to speak and express my thanks — but time would not allow.

Nonetheless, it’s difficult to adequately articulate or effectively express how grateful I am for the honor that’s been bestowed upon us by you, the congregation of West Oaks Fellowship, as well as the Lord, Jesus Christ. He provided this implausible opportunity and unique occasion for me to serve as His under shepherd and your lead pastor since the founding of this ministry in mid June 1985. Unquestionably, it’s been a lifelong journey of tears, pain, and disappointments, always consistently and steadfastly outweighed by magnificent victories, immeasurable blessings, and the incomparable and unsurpassed joy of seeing our Lord at work — transforming and shaping many lives into His glorious image! Thank you.

The idea of honor is something distinct and significant in the lives of faithful believers when compared to that bestowed upon fellow humans by a secular society/civilization, which generally chooses to honor individuals for some form/type of human achievement.

Similarly, Romans 13:5 instructs and encourages believers to …

Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

The Greek word translated “honor” in this text is “timeén,” pronounced “tee-may” and means to value, money paid as a tribute, to esteem (especially to the highest degree), and/or the idea of dignity itself. However, in Hebrews 5:4 this word is used differently in reference to the honor being afforded an individual who is called out by the Lord God for a specific or unique task in His work. In this case, Aaron is set apart for the ministry of the Hebrew priesthood.

In Hebrews 2:9, our Lord, Jesus Christ, is rightly crowned with the highest “honor” on account of His sufferings and willingness to experience death on our behalf …

who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (See Hebrews 12:2)

Here one sees the Lord worthy of honor as the answer to humanity’s dilemma. Christ came in the flesh so that He might suffer and die for mankind’s sin and restore us into a relationship with God that was lost as a result of our sin. As the Lord ministered here on earth, He clearly exercised supreme authority over many aspects of creation; and then as the second/last Adam (see I Corinthians 15:45),

Jesus Christ was established with glory and honor…

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (see Ephesians 1:21) Accordingly, today and forever, all things are … yes everything is … in “subjection under His feet! (see Ephesians 1:22)

Spiritually and biblically speaking, true honor comes from the Lord and is granted to humanity in numerous forms … children, positions of responsibility and service in His church, career and leadership opportunities in business and society, etc. In reality, humans honor other humans, but the Lord honors all humanity first through their position in creation, then distinctly and uniquely as His people! Shall we therefore honor Him? “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power.”

Just do it! — PF