WORD FROM THE ELDERS

May 8, 2011

THE STRENGTH OF HAVING PATIENCE

When we have recieved somthing from God by His word, or by the Wittness of the Holy Spirit. "we have need of Patience, that after we have done the will of God that we would receive the promise.." (Heb.10:36)

"Though it tarries, wait for it … ." The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have already grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. The psalmist said, "What shall I render to the Lord …? I will take up the cup of salvation …" (Psalm 116:12–13). We are apt to look for satisfaction within ourselves and say, "Now I’ve got it! Now I am completely sanctified. Now I can endure." Instantly we are on the road to ruin. Our reach must exceed our grasp. Paul said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on …" (Philippians 3:12). If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing. But if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience. Beware of the danger of spiritual relaxation.

 

May 1, 2011

DON'T LET DISAPPOINTMENT OR PAIN PARALYZE YOU.

Jouhua had spent a good part of his life walking with and serving along side of Moses. He has observed his triumphs, struggles and dealings with God's people.

He had marveled at the Word of the Lord that came through him and most important of all he had seen his face shinning  with the reflecting Glory of God as he returned from being in God's presence.

But now Moses is dead and Joshua does not know what to do or even if he wants to do anything, for how could anyone follow such a giant of a man?

God's response... "Moses is dead!" "Now You..." 

 

April 24, 2011

THE POWER OF COMPASSION
LUKE 7:11-13
"Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. as he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried our-- the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.

When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "don't cry."  Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still.

He said, "Young man, I say to you get up."  The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

How many "funerals" do we walk pass each day, without realizing the "Power" that maybe available to us to bring significant "Change" to the situation?

 

April 10, 2011

As we approach the Easter Season it is good to reflect on what Christ did for us through his death.
Aswald presents the most powerful picture of what tool place:THE COLLISION OF GOD AND SIN"… who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree …" (1 Peter 2:24).

The Cross of Christ is the revealed truth of God’s judgment on sin. Never associate the idea of martyrdom with the Cross of Christ. It was the supreme triumph, and it shook the very foundations of hell. There is nothing in time or eternity more absolutely certain and irrefutable than what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross—He made it possible for the entire human race to be brought back into a right-standing relationship with God. He made redemption the foundation of human life; that is, He made a way for every person to have fellowship with God.

The Cross was not something that happened to Jesus—He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). The incarnation of Christ would have no meaning without the Cross. Beware of separating "God was manifested in the flesh …" from "… He made Him … to be sin for us …" (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The purpose of the incarnation was redemption. God came in the flesh to take sin away, not to accomplish something for Himself. The Cross is the central event in time and eternity, and the answer to all the problems of both.

The Cross is not the cross of a man, but the Cross of God, and it can never be fully comprehended through human experience. The Cross is God exhibiting His nature. It is the gate through which any and every individual can enter into oneness with God. But it is not a gate we pass right through; it is one where we abide in the life that is found there.
The heart of salvation is the Cross of Christ. The reason salvation is so easy to obtain is that it cost God so much. The Cross was the place where God and sinful man merged with a tremendous collision and where the way to life was opened. But all the cost and pain of the collision was absorbed by the heart of God.

 

April 3, 2011

GOD IS GOOD!

When we make the statement of fact that “God is Good”, we need to have an enlightened understanding of what God considers “Good”.

You see what is “Good” to God, may not be what is “Good” to us or the secular world we live in.

Example: In the world it is “Good” to accept all opinions as equal and therefore “True”, but God says “My Word is Truth”.

In the world it is considered “Good” to allow people to express their sexuality in any way they choose. But God says, “Let the marriage bed be pure” meaning reserve sex only for the marriage relationship.

As you continue to reflect on the many ways that the world’s :”Goodness” conflicts with God’s “Goodness” you will be able to understand that some of the things that allow may appear to not be “Good” such as pain, sufferings and judgments, which are intended to bring people into compliance with what God knows "Is Good”.

 

March 20, 2011

ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE?
IS THINGS HARD?
ARE FACING TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES?

The Apostle Paul gives us God's perspective in the following passage:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received form God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into or lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." (2Cor1:1-5)

What he is saying, in our everyday language is "You learned from our suffering, to endure your suffering, knowing
that He who delivered us, will also deliver you and perfect in you things that can only be perfected through sufferings and trials. 

 

March 6, 2011

HOW STRONG ARE YOU?

In the world it is said that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.
In the Body we are only as strong as our weakest link.

 

February 20, 2011

EXODUS 16:18-22

18"Then he(the Priest) shall come out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. 19He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.

20"When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. 21He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the desert in the care of a man appointed for the task. 22The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert.

When we reflect on what was required under the Old Testament to "make atonement" for our sins, it gives us a deeper appreciation of what the death of Christ as accomplished for us who believe. He has become our permanent "Scape Goat" causing us to be able to stand before God and all humanity "Forgiven and reconciled back to the Father.

 

February 13, 2011

WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR LIFE ON?

In a world that offers you so many different choices, alternatives and options,
who has the right to tell you that there is but one "right Way"?

Aren't all the choices equal? Why is one choice better than the other?

These are just a few of the questions that are being asked and who has
assumed to have the Moral authority to bring a judgment in this matter?

Jesus makes this statement:"I am the way, the truth and the life.."
inferring that there is no other valid, acceptable "Way of Life"

The Psalmist states: There is a "way" that seems right to a man..
"thus inferring that man can be deceived in his choosing "his way"

Finally Jesus says: "You shall know The Truth and The Truth shall set you free." 
Here revealing the liberating "building Permit" allowing us to build our lives correctly

 

February 6, 2011

AN OBITUARY PRINTED IN THE LONDON TIMES - INTERESTING AND SADLY RATHER TRUE

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

 - Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
 - Why the early bird gets the worm;
 - Life isn't always fair;
 - and maybe it was my fault.

 Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable
 strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when  well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from
school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in
disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a
student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than
their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar
could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was
hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter,
Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
-   I Know My Rights
-   I Want It Now
-   Someone Else Is To Blame
-   I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not,
join the majority and do nothing.

 

January 30, 2011

"WHAT IS THAT MOVING?"

Does it seem like things are in an unusual uproar?

Isn't the state of the natural discourse filled with unrest?

Why is there so much financial uncertainty in so many lives and situations?

How is it that we find ourselves in such a moral poverty stricken society?

What ever happened to the hard-working, dependable and honest mindset we used to have?

These are just a few of the questions that are being raised as we enter into another new year and we can sum it all up with: "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING?" 

Perhaps the Hebrew writer's comments can help us to; "Set our clock to the right time." 

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken -that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."
Heb. 12:26-29

 

 

January 23, 2011

SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY

Believe it or not, there is a debate among some scholars as to whether there is such a thing as
"truth." One view is that "truth" does not exist; everything is a matter of interpretation.

The Founding Fathers of America did not hold to such a view and believers in the Lord Jesus do not either. Jesus declared in prayer to the Father, "your word is truth." (John 17:17, NIV) The Founders declared in the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." America was founded by men who believed that the right to life applied to all people because this right was self-evidently given by
our Creator.

As we observe Sanctity of Life Sunday, we must recommit ourselves to the Biblical truth that life is a gift from God and must be valued and protected as such. God's Word teaches us that "In him was life..." (John 1:4a, NIV). The Lord Jesus is the Source and Sustainer of all life.

.

 

December 8, 2010

Have You Seen Him?

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

It is important to understand that "Obedience" is what separates us from the world.

Therefore, it is what we "do", not what we "know" that determines our destiny and well-being in this life and the next.

 

November 21, 2010

ARE YOU ON "LAY AWAY?

Whenever we see a product that we like and want to secure for ourselves, we have the privilege to "put it on lay away". That is to put a "Down Payment" on the item so no one else can purchase or take that item.

We it is in a light similar to that that the Heavenly Father has "Put a down payment" on our lives as we read:
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His Seal of ownership on us and put His Spirit in our hearts as a Deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (1 Cor. 1:21-22)
Since we have this assurance of His acceptance and empowering, let us live lives that impact and bring this world into conformity with His ultimate purpose and plan.

 

November 14, 2010
"Learning to Listen to Instruction"

The Word of the Lord states:"instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still (Prv.9:9)
However in our day it seems that the council of the "culture" is more to be desired than the Word of the Lord.
How many time have we hear people say:
 "I know what you are saying is right, But.."
"I know I should not do this, But..'
"I don't care what the Bible say.."

The Scripture writer states "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, shall suddenly be broken and that without remedy." 

God tells us in another place: "come let us reason together, for though your sins be like scarlet, I will make them whiter than snow."

Lord help us to be instructed by your grace and mercy and not by your judgment or rebuke.

 

November 7, 2010
"The Authority of Truth"

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

It is essential that you give people the opportunity to act on the truth of God. The responsibility must be left with the individual—you cannot act for him. It must be his own deliberate act, but the Gospel message should always lead him to action. Refusing to act leaves a person paralyzed, exactly where he was previously. But once he acts, he is never the same. It is this apparent "folly of the truth" that stands in the way of hundreds who have been convicted by the Spirit of God. Once I press myself into action, I immediately begin to live. Anything less is merely existing. The moments I truly live are the moments when I act with my entire will in accordance with the Revelation that I have received from the Word of God.

Truly the only way to "draw near to God" is to "act" upon what He has shown you.  The power of "The Truth" to set us Free" is directly linked with our willingness to "Act" in obedience to His Word. 

So are you walking in the Truth? (Freedom)

 

February 21, 2010
"Pauls Teaching to Titus" - Titus 2:11

For the Grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "NO"
to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this
present age. while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and
savior. Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify
for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Certainly our encouragement to you can only be to inspire you to the same end: that we are a
people "redeemed" by the Blood of Christ Jesus, to be "eager to do what is good"
IS THIS YOU?

 

February 14, 2010
"Time is Becoming Short"

I didn't think I would last this long time, but here I am, still full of life and zest,
Thank you God, for giving me your very best.
My goodness, I know you didn't have to do it.
I have put myself in jeopardy more than I can count,
But, there you were, pulling me out.
Thank you God, that's what I'm talking about.
I am now sixty-six, and as I have said before.
Still full of life and why I don't know.
It's not that I took so good care of myself,
It was you of God, that has been caring for my health.

Written by Melvin Hatten Jr. October 2009
This poem will be published in February 2010.

 

February 7, 2010
"The Call of God"

"Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." 1 Cor. 1:17
That is "the Gospel of the Kingdom" (Acts 28:23 & 31) Paul states here that the call of God
is to preach the Gospel (for the Kingdom). But, remember what Paul means by "The Gospel"
Namely, the reality of our redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ, back to the place of the place
of the original intent of God in His divine order of things. We are inclined to make sanctification
the goal of our preaching. Paul refers to person experiences only by way of illustration, never
as the end of the matter, We are not commissioned to preach salvation or sanctification-we are
commissioned to lift up Jesus Christ (see John 12:32). It is an injustice to say that Jesus Christ
labored in redemption to redeem the whole world and to place it perfectly whole and restored
before the throne of God. The fact that we can experience redemption illustrates the power of its
reality, but that experience is a byproduct and not the goal of redemption. If God were human,
how sick and tired he would be of the constant requests we make for our salvation and for our
sanctification. We burden His energies from morning till night asking for things for ourselves
or for something from which we want to be delivered! When we finally understand the underlying
foundation of the reality of the Gospel of God, we will never bother Him anymore with little personal
complaints. The one passion of Paul's life was to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of god.
He welcomed heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation for only one reason-these things
kept Him unmovable in His devotion to the gospel of the Kingdom of God.