I read this poem today and thought it might be a blessing to those who read my blog. We surely need men and women who will stand for God's truth in this day of apostasy.
- Pastor Tom
God Give Us Men
God give us men endued with power,
To meet the challenge of the hour,
With apostolic zeal inspired,
With apostolic fervor fired.
God give us men of single eye,
To live for Christ, for Christ to die,
Who press to meet the battle's strife,
And love the gospel more than life.
God give us men as true as steel,
To stand for truth they know and feel,
Who scorn to compromise or bend,
For frown or smile of foe or friend.
God give us men who fast and pray,
In supplications night and day,
Who toil, and labor, and travail,
Who watch and wrestle and prevail.
God give us men with weeping eyes,
Who preach and pray with tears and sighs,
Who plead, and yearn, and plead again,
And move the hearts of God and men.
God give us men of courage strong,
To face the persecuting throng,
The raging storm, the lonely jail,
And never flinch, and never quail.
God give us men to preach, to pray,
To fill the gap, to lead the way,
To light revival fires again,
To work, to weep, God give us men.
by Glenn Conjurske (1947-2001)
Monday, March 05, 2012
Thursday, February 09, 2012
FACING LIFE'S TRIALS
The apostle Peter began his first epistle with some wonderful news about the “living hope” that is the possession of every child of God: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). This hope looks to a future described as “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (verse 4). That may sound too good to be true, but it isn't, and the best part of this inheritance is the knowledge that it never ends and contains promises which no one can presently comprehend: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). While this presents a picture of a glorious time that awaits all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the present day in which we live is not so glorious. We do not live in a world that is incorruptible or undefiled. It is in fact "wasting away" with each passing moment and will eventually face a cataclysmic end (2 Peter 3:10). I recently finished reading the book, Be Still My Soul, which contains classic and contemporary readings on the problem of pain. One of the contributors was Tim Keller, who cited 2 Corinthians 4:16, 17: “...we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (NIV). In commenting on the word for “wasting away” in verse 16, Keller states: “Greek scholars will tell you Paul was not just talking about the body as wasting away, but about all of life in this visible world. He was saying that everything in this world is wearing away. Everything is steadily, irreversibly falling apart. Our bodies are wearing away. Our hearts are like wind-up clocks with a finite number of clicks that are clicking away. Our physical appearance and attractiveness are wearing away, and we can't stop it. Our relationships are wearing away. Get a group of friends around you, and time and circumstance will eventually pull you apart. Our families are wearing away, dying off one at a time. Our skills are wearing away. You can't stay on top of your game forever. Everything is like a wave on the sand. You can't pin it down; it starts to recede from you.”
Keller is undeniably correct. We know this to be true, and Peter, who lived at the time of Christ, would wholeheartedly agree. Yet he told those whom he called pilgrims of the dispersion to greatly rejoice even though they were experiencing grief through many different kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6). How could this be? Because heaven is for real, and Paul was correct when he said that our earthly troubles are just for a brief period of time—momentary-- in the light of eternity and will be immediately forgotten when the Christian enters into the glory of God's presence. This is indeed a living hope that can fill our hearts with a sense of peace and joy even in life’s darkest hours. Verse 18 of 2 Corinthians 4 puts it into the proper perspective, telling us that we must “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV). Personally speaking, I can face all of life's trials knowing that they will eventually come to an end and give way to something beautiful and majestic which will make those trials appear as nothing. Suppose you suffered for the whole of your earthly life: What would that amount to in comparison with endless joy afterwards? It wouldn’t amount to a speck of sand on the shore or a speck of ash emitted from a volcanic eruption. We have all seen pictures of such an eruption. Just think of your present suffering or trial of faith as one of those specks of ash ascending upward into the sky, eventually to be dispersed by the wind, never to be seen again. I know that is hard to do in the midst of the trial when the weight of it seems unbearable, but don’t give in to despair. The future may not be ours to see with human eyes, but we can see it with the eyes of faith, trusting that Jesus has prepared a special place for us according to His promise: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).
So, weary pilgrims, let us run the race of life bravely, setting our sights on the finish line, not the obstacles before us. As we seek the Lord day by day, He will give us the strength and perseverance to press on: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
May the Lord give you His perfect peace,
Pastor Tom
[1] Be Still My Soul, (Inter-Varsity Press, 2010) 15,16
Keller is undeniably correct. We know this to be true, and Peter, who lived at the time of Christ, would wholeheartedly agree. Yet he told those whom he called pilgrims of the dispersion to greatly rejoice even though they were experiencing grief through many different kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6). How could this be? Because heaven is for real, and Paul was correct when he said that our earthly troubles are just for a brief period of time—momentary-- in the light of eternity and will be immediately forgotten when the Christian enters into the glory of God's presence. This is indeed a living hope that can fill our hearts with a sense of peace and joy even in life’s darkest hours. Verse 18 of 2 Corinthians 4 puts it into the proper perspective, telling us that we must “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV). Personally speaking, I can face all of life's trials knowing that they will eventually come to an end and give way to something beautiful and majestic which will make those trials appear as nothing. Suppose you suffered for the whole of your earthly life: What would that amount to in comparison with endless joy afterwards? It wouldn’t amount to a speck of sand on the shore or a speck of ash emitted from a volcanic eruption. We have all seen pictures of such an eruption. Just think of your present suffering or trial of faith as one of those specks of ash ascending upward into the sky, eventually to be dispersed by the wind, never to be seen again. I know that is hard to do in the midst of the trial when the weight of it seems unbearable, but don’t give in to despair. The future may not be ours to see with human eyes, but we can see it with the eyes of faith, trusting that Jesus has prepared a special place for us according to His promise: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).
So, weary pilgrims, let us run the race of life bravely, setting our sights on the finish line, not the obstacles before us. As we seek the Lord day by day, He will give us the strength and perseverance to press on: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
May the Lord give you His perfect peace,
Pastor Tom
[1] Be Still My Soul, (Inter-Varsity Press, 2010) 15,16
Thursday, December 08, 2011
ALMOST PERSUADED
The most remarkable conversion to Christianity ever experienced was the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Once a zealot for the Jewish religion and persecutor of the followers of Jesus, Saul had a supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). This meeting with Jesus changed the course of Saul’s life. Shortly after Saul’s conversion, Jesus spoke to a disciple named Ananias and told him that Saul was His chosen vessel to take the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:10-16). In addition, Jesus told Ananias, “I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake” (Acts 9:16).
The book of Acts goes on to record the fulfillment of this prophecy in the life of Saul, who became the great Apostle Paul. Paul did indeed bear much suffering and persecution for the gospel of Christ at the hands of his countrymen and the Gentiles. He also bore witness of Christ to earthly kings. One king was a man named Agrippa, the great grandson of Herod the Great, who met Saul while he was a prisoner at Caesarea. In his defense before Agrippa, Paul gave a personal account of his life-changing Damascus road experience with Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 26). Near the conclusion of Paul’s testimony to Agrippa, Paul said, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest” (Acts 26:27). The king’s reply is significant: “Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (v.28). The New International Version translates Agrippa’s reply cynically: “Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Either way, this earthly ruler rejected the words of life Paul shared with him. One of the older commentators stated, “Perhaps we cannot be absolutely sure whether these words were a sneer or whether they were meant to hide conviction. No matter; it was Agrippa's one great opportunity for salvation—and he threw it away!” On the other hand, Paul was not intimidated or silenced by this earthly ruler who refused the words of life he offered him. His response reveals his passion as one ordained to boldly speak the truth of the gospel without respect of persons: “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (v.29). These words in the Authorized Version seem to validate the fact that Agrippa was “almost persuaded.” Sadly, after this meeting with Paul, Agrippa disappeared from Scripture and died without Christ.
In my many years of Christian ministry I have had my own encounters with the Agrippas of this world. After hearing the good news of the death of Christ in place of sinners and the offer of forgiveness, they were “almost persuaded” but walked away in unbelief. Where they are today, if they are still living, only God knows. Did they eventually turn to Jesus? I do not know. But there is one thing I am certain of: If they never did repent of their sin of unbelief, they will be separated from God forever, and they will bear the punishment for their sins. How sad it is to think they came close to the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). They reached the door but did not enter. They sat at a table of the finest of foods but would not eat. The water of life was set before their dry and parched mouths, but they would not drink. They would not take the final step, having loved this present world more than God.
Maybe there is someone who will read this article who has been “almost persuaded” but remains unconvinced that Jesus was God’s only begotten Son Who came into this world to save him or her from eternal condemnation through His death on the cross, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
On a personal level, I freely admit that my life has been no different then that of any other man. I made many decisions I now regret, and I have failed to make certain decisions I now wish I would have made. Life, however, doesn’t always give us second chances to change our decisions. Neither does God! No one who hears the gospel and casts it aside can ever be certain he will have another opportunity to receive Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).
I often tell the young people at church to think carefully before they act because the decisions they make have consequences that may last the course of a lifetime. To be almost persuaded to receive Jesus is to deny that He was the way into the presence of God and the glory of heaven. To be almost persuaded about Jesus is a decision that has eternal consequences. He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
I conclude with the words of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon: “To have been almost persuaded and yet not to be a Christian will lead to endless regrets for will not this thought bubble up in the seething soul amidst its torments forever—‘I was almost persuaded to repent. Why did I go on in my sin? I was almost persuaded to put my trust in Jesus. Why did I cling, still, to my self-righteousness and vain ceremonies? I was almost persuaded to forsake my evil companions and to become a servant of God—but I am now cast away forever—where no more persuasions can melt my heart. Oh, my cursed sin! Alas, that I should have been fascinated by its temporary sweetness and for the sake of it should have incurred this never-ending bitterness! Oh, my madness! Oh, my insanity, that I should have chosen the lies which did but mock me and suffered my Savior and His salvation to pass me by!’ …. The grave is appointed for some of you within a few weeks or months. You shall not trifle with God long. O, I pray you, I beseech you! If you have any concern for yourselves and have any sound reason left, seek that your peace may be made with God through the precious blood of Christ! Seek that you may be ready to stand before your Maker’s bar, for stand there you must and will, before many days are past. If you should live another 30 or 40 years, how short that time is and how soon will it pass! Consider your ways now.”
Pastor Tom
The book of Acts goes on to record the fulfillment of this prophecy in the life of Saul, who became the great Apostle Paul. Paul did indeed bear much suffering and persecution for the gospel of Christ at the hands of his countrymen and the Gentiles. He also bore witness of Christ to earthly kings. One king was a man named Agrippa, the great grandson of Herod the Great, who met Saul while he was a prisoner at Caesarea. In his defense before Agrippa, Paul gave a personal account of his life-changing Damascus road experience with Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 26). Near the conclusion of Paul’s testimony to Agrippa, Paul said, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest” (Acts 26:27). The king’s reply is significant: “Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (v.28). The New International Version translates Agrippa’s reply cynically: “Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Either way, this earthly ruler rejected the words of life Paul shared with him. One of the older commentators stated, “Perhaps we cannot be absolutely sure whether these words were a sneer or whether they were meant to hide conviction. No matter; it was Agrippa's one great opportunity for salvation—and he threw it away!” On the other hand, Paul was not intimidated or silenced by this earthly ruler who refused the words of life he offered him. His response reveals his passion as one ordained to boldly speak the truth of the gospel without respect of persons: “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (v.29). These words in the Authorized Version seem to validate the fact that Agrippa was “almost persuaded.” Sadly, after this meeting with Paul, Agrippa disappeared from Scripture and died without Christ.
In my many years of Christian ministry I have had my own encounters with the Agrippas of this world. After hearing the good news of the death of Christ in place of sinners and the offer of forgiveness, they were “almost persuaded” but walked away in unbelief. Where they are today, if they are still living, only God knows. Did they eventually turn to Jesus? I do not know. But there is one thing I am certain of: If they never did repent of their sin of unbelief, they will be separated from God forever, and they will bear the punishment for their sins. How sad it is to think they came close to the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). They reached the door but did not enter. They sat at a table of the finest of foods but would not eat. The water of life was set before their dry and parched mouths, but they would not drink. They would not take the final step, having loved this present world more than God.
Maybe there is someone who will read this article who has been “almost persuaded” but remains unconvinced that Jesus was God’s only begotten Son Who came into this world to save him or her from eternal condemnation through His death on the cross, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
On a personal level, I freely admit that my life has been no different then that of any other man. I made many decisions I now regret, and I have failed to make certain decisions I now wish I would have made. Life, however, doesn’t always give us second chances to change our decisions. Neither does God! No one who hears the gospel and casts it aside can ever be certain he will have another opportunity to receive Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Jesus said, “For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).
I often tell the young people at church to think carefully before they act because the decisions they make have consequences that may last the course of a lifetime. To be almost persuaded to receive Jesus is to deny that He was the way into the presence of God and the glory of heaven. To be almost persuaded about Jesus is a decision that has eternal consequences. He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
I conclude with the words of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon: “To have been almost persuaded and yet not to be a Christian will lead to endless regrets for will not this thought bubble up in the seething soul amidst its torments forever—‘I was almost persuaded to repent. Why did I go on in my sin? I was almost persuaded to put my trust in Jesus. Why did I cling, still, to my self-righteousness and vain ceremonies? I was almost persuaded to forsake my evil companions and to become a servant of God—but I am now cast away forever—where no more persuasions can melt my heart. Oh, my cursed sin! Alas, that I should have been fascinated by its temporary sweetness and for the sake of it should have incurred this never-ending bitterness! Oh, my madness! Oh, my insanity, that I should have chosen the lies which did but mock me and suffered my Savior and His salvation to pass me by!’ …. The grave is appointed for some of you within a few weeks or months. You shall not trifle with God long. O, I pray you, I beseech you! If you have any concern for yourselves and have any sound reason left, seek that your peace may be made with God through the precious blood of Christ! Seek that you may be ready to stand before your Maker’s bar, for stand there you must and will, before many days are past. If you should live another 30 or 40 years, how short that time is and how soon will it pass! Consider your ways now.”
Pastor Tom
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
TURNING BACK TO GOD
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7,8).
Psalm 51 is the best known of the penitential psalms written by David, a man who had come to know the depths of sin and the depths of God's forgiveness. After his sin with Bathsheba had been brought to light (2 Samuel 12), the shepherd- king of Israel was a broken man physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Although the consequences of a believer’s transgression may not be readily apparent, they will surely come because the Lord is faithful to chasten those whom He loves. “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:7). Hard as it may be at the moment, God's discipline is not punitive, but transformational. “For they (our earthly fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). We see this in David's petition that God would create in him a clean heart and a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). A clean heart is indicative of a new beginning, and a steadfast spirit a new determination. Out of the pit of sin’s despair, the repentant child of God finds comfort and peace in a restored relationship with his Lord and Savior.
Dear Christian brother or sister, have you committed some grievous sin or sins that weigh on you day and night? Is this a burden you can no longer bear? Are you feeling like David did, whose sin was ever before him (Psalm 51:3)? This is a very painful place for a child of God to be. Lost is the joy of one’s salvation, and nothing in life can replace the fellowship with God that was once enjoyed. In my years of pastoral ministry, I have seen this many times among God’s children, and always, I offer the same counsel. Just as with David and with the prodigal son in Luke 15, the way home is the path of repentance. David confessed his sin, and the Lord graciously forgave him all his iniquities. The key to your restoration and favor with God is to acknowledge your sin and need of restored fellowship with God. Seek it without delay. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8, 9). When the prodigal son returned home, his father was moved with compassion, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). The story goes on to say that a great feast was held that day because the wayward child had come back to the place of blessing and the comfort of his father’s love.
Dear wandering child of God, today can be your day of rejoicing and blessing if you go to Jesus now, confessing all your sin, seeking only Him and a new beginning. He will never cast you out.
Pastor Tom
Psalm 51 is the best known of the penitential psalms written by David, a man who had come to know the depths of sin and the depths of God's forgiveness. After his sin with Bathsheba had been brought to light (2 Samuel 12), the shepherd- king of Israel was a broken man physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Although the consequences of a believer’s transgression may not be readily apparent, they will surely come because the Lord is faithful to chasten those whom He loves. “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:7). Hard as it may be at the moment, God's discipline is not punitive, but transformational. “For they (our earthly fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). We see this in David's petition that God would create in him a clean heart and a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). A clean heart is indicative of a new beginning, and a steadfast spirit a new determination. Out of the pit of sin’s despair, the repentant child of God finds comfort and peace in a restored relationship with his Lord and Savior.
Dear Christian brother or sister, have you committed some grievous sin or sins that weigh on you day and night? Is this a burden you can no longer bear? Are you feeling like David did, whose sin was ever before him (Psalm 51:3)? This is a very painful place for a child of God to be. Lost is the joy of one’s salvation, and nothing in life can replace the fellowship with God that was once enjoyed. In my years of pastoral ministry, I have seen this many times among God’s children, and always, I offer the same counsel. Just as with David and with the prodigal son in Luke 15, the way home is the path of repentance. David confessed his sin, and the Lord graciously forgave him all his iniquities. The key to your restoration and favor with God is to acknowledge your sin and need of restored fellowship with God. Seek it without delay. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8, 9). When the prodigal son returned home, his father was moved with compassion, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). The story goes on to say that a great feast was held that day because the wayward child had come back to the place of blessing and the comfort of his father’s love.
Dear wandering child of God, today can be your day of rejoicing and blessing if you go to Jesus now, confessing all your sin, seeking only Him and a new beginning. He will never cast you out.
Pastor Tom
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
WHO IS JESUS?
As Jesus and His disciples approached Caesarea Philippi, He asked them a question which has never lost its relevance: “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13). Put this question to the man on the street and you will receive a variety of answers. Most people have a general idea about Jesus, but given His historical significance, one would think that there would be more of a consensus and less debate. After all, no one has changed the course of history more than this carpenter’s son from Galilee. Perhaps therein lies the problem. The Bible clearly identifies Jesus as the son of Joseph, who was married to a woman named Mary and resided in Nazareth (Matthew 13:55). His birth was natural in the sense that He was born like all other human beings, “of a woman,” but there is more to the story. According to the Bible, the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary was supernatural: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would bear a son, she was greatly perplexed and asked, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34). Gabriel’s reply is one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).
Son of Man and Son of God-- what does it mean? And how could it be? In simple terms, it means that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. This is the Christian doctrine known as the Incarnation. In the Latin it means becoming flesh. One pastor described this teaching as “God with skin on.” The Man Jesus did not progress to godhood; He was the eternal God who chose to take upon Himself a fully human nature without diminishing His deity in any way. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6, 7). Jesus was fully human with one great exception-- he was completely sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22).
Not surprisingly, this is a great offense to many people. Rather than accept what the Bible asserts in a most dogmatic way --“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9)-- people of many different faiths, and of no faith at all, insist that Jesus was “just a man,” howbeit a good man, perhaps even the best of men. As laudatory as that may sound, it is, in actuality, blasphemy and a blatant denial of what the Scripture teaches. No good man could make the claim that he existed before Abraham came into being (John 8:58). No good man could forgive sin (Mark 2:5-7). No good man could offer himself up in the place of sinners (John 10:11). No good man could rise from the dead (Romans 1:4). Only a perfect man, someone much more than a man-- a man who was also God-- could make such claims and do these things. Where does this leave us? We must accept without denial or hesitation that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh or perish in unbelief. There is no alternative. If God chose to come to us as He did, in the person of Christ, it was because there was no other way to provide salvation for a fallen human race. He came in the likeness of men because all mankind was born in the likeness of Adam, separated from God and without hope in this world (Ephesians 2:12). The biblical solution for mankind’s hopeless state is found in Christ alone, who was made like Adam, while remaining free of the defilement that began with Adam. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15a). When He breathed His last on the cross of Calvary, His mission of salvation was complete. A way for sinners to be reconciled with God was now possible. This is the good news of the gospel of peace (Colossians 1:19-21).
If you desire to have peace with God and be reconciled to Him, you must agree with God that you are a sinner (confession) and call upon Jesus to forgive you of all your sins. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6). A famous theologian was once asked, “What is the most profound thing you have ever heard?” He paused for a moment and then replied, “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Dear friends, this is indeed a profound truth. Jesus loved you enough to come as a man so that you can have eternal life: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Won’t you receive His gift of love if you have never done so? What is keeping you from Jesus, if He has promised that He will never turn anyone away (John 6:37)? There is a wideness in God’s mercy, but you do not know how long the door of His mercy will be open. No man can be assured of tomorrow, so go to Him without delay and receive the forgiveness of sin and everlasting life.
"Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him."
In Jesus name,
Pastor Tom
Son of Man and Son of God-- what does it mean? And how could it be? In simple terms, it means that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. This is the Christian doctrine known as the Incarnation. In the Latin it means becoming flesh. One pastor described this teaching as “God with skin on.” The Man Jesus did not progress to godhood; He was the eternal God who chose to take upon Himself a fully human nature without diminishing His deity in any way. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6, 7). Jesus was fully human with one great exception-- he was completely sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22).
Not surprisingly, this is a great offense to many people. Rather than accept what the Bible asserts in a most dogmatic way --“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9)-- people of many different faiths, and of no faith at all, insist that Jesus was “just a man,” howbeit a good man, perhaps even the best of men. As laudatory as that may sound, it is, in actuality, blasphemy and a blatant denial of what the Scripture teaches. No good man could make the claim that he existed before Abraham came into being (John 8:58). No good man could forgive sin (Mark 2:5-7). No good man could offer himself up in the place of sinners (John 10:11). No good man could rise from the dead (Romans 1:4). Only a perfect man, someone much more than a man-- a man who was also God-- could make such claims and do these things. Where does this leave us? We must accept without denial or hesitation that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh or perish in unbelief. There is no alternative. If God chose to come to us as He did, in the person of Christ, it was because there was no other way to provide salvation for a fallen human race. He came in the likeness of men because all mankind was born in the likeness of Adam, separated from God and without hope in this world (Ephesians 2:12). The biblical solution for mankind’s hopeless state is found in Christ alone, who was made like Adam, while remaining free of the defilement that began with Adam. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15a). When He breathed His last on the cross of Calvary, His mission of salvation was complete. A way for sinners to be reconciled with God was now possible. This is the good news of the gospel of peace (Colossians 1:19-21).
If you desire to have peace with God and be reconciled to Him, you must agree with God that you are a sinner (confession) and call upon Jesus to forgive you of all your sins. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6). A famous theologian was once asked, “What is the most profound thing you have ever heard?” He paused for a moment and then replied, “Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Dear friends, this is indeed a profound truth. Jesus loved you enough to come as a man so that you can have eternal life: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Won’t you receive His gift of love if you have never done so? What is keeping you from Jesus, if He has promised that He will never turn anyone away (John 6:37)? There is a wideness in God’s mercy, but you do not know how long the door of His mercy will be open. No man can be assured of tomorrow, so go to Him without delay and receive the forgiveness of sin and everlasting life.
"Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him."
In Jesus name,
Pastor Tom
Saturday, May 21, 2011
THE REVELATION OF A FALSE PROPHET: HAROLD CAMPING
May 21, 2011 has come and gone, and Harold Camping has once again misled his faithful followers on Family Radio-- only this time he has also demonstrated beyond all doubt that he is a false prophet. His failed 1994 prophecy of the end of the world came with a question mark, but not this time. Repeatedly, Camping has predicted that the rapture of the true believers, and that judgment upon the wicked, would occur on May 21st, based on what he claims the Bible has revealed. Since the Bible is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16), we must assume that Camping was speaking in God’s name when he insisted, time after time, that May 21st is Judgment Day. Additionally, according to Family Radio’s Bible answer man, God had opened the eyes of His elect to see this great truth about the time of the end, the way of salvation, as well as many other doctrines which are peculiar to Camping’s cult. But what does the Scripture really say? It states very clearly that false prophets are easy to identify: “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:21,22 NKJV).
Mr. Camping has now taken his place in a long list of men and women claiming to speak in God’s name who have come and gone, along with their failed prophecies. On Thursday, May 19th, I heard Mr. Camping give his farewell address at the conclusion of Open Forum. I can only hope that the program is now a closed forum and that all those who have been deceived by his arrogant assertions and wild speculations will humble themselves and seek out good, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring churches in which they can learn God’s Word in the place that God has established as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Whatever excuse Harold Camping presents as to what went wrong is not acceptable. He has vilified and condemned churches and pastors worldwide with his teaching that Satan has been ruling in the church since 1988. This was a diabolical teaching which brought great division in families and led multitudes astray, causing them to abandon the very place God established for their spiritual growth so they could discern truth from error (Ephesians 4:11-16). This is not to say that every church claiming to be Christian is doctrinally sound, but that there are many which do remain faithful to the essential truths of the faith. It is also a recognition that God did not give the Bible to any man or select group of men, but to His church, over which Jesus rules, not Satan: “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18 NKJV).
Tragically, Harold Camping’s teaching that true believers must flee the church leaves them feeling disillusioned, empty, wounded and betrayed. They are the ones who have been “left behind”. What they must remember is that they have not been betrayed or misled by God but by a man who fits the very description of the kind of spiritual predators against whom Paul warned the church of Ephesus: “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29, 30 NKJV) .
May the Lord be gracious to all those who were drawn away from God to follow this man. May they also know that they are welcome back into the household of faith (Galatians 6:10), where God’s people gather to worship Him Who alone is worthy of all glory and honor, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep trusting in Jesus,
Pastor Tom
Mr. Camping has now taken his place in a long list of men and women claiming to speak in God’s name who have come and gone, along with their failed prophecies. On Thursday, May 19th, I heard Mr. Camping give his farewell address at the conclusion of Open Forum. I can only hope that the program is now a closed forum and that all those who have been deceived by his arrogant assertions and wild speculations will humble themselves and seek out good, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring churches in which they can learn God’s Word in the place that God has established as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Whatever excuse Harold Camping presents as to what went wrong is not acceptable. He has vilified and condemned churches and pastors worldwide with his teaching that Satan has been ruling in the church since 1988. This was a diabolical teaching which brought great division in families and led multitudes astray, causing them to abandon the very place God established for their spiritual growth so they could discern truth from error (Ephesians 4:11-16). This is not to say that every church claiming to be Christian is doctrinally sound, but that there are many which do remain faithful to the essential truths of the faith. It is also a recognition that God did not give the Bible to any man or select group of men, but to His church, over which Jesus rules, not Satan: “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18 NKJV).
Tragically, Harold Camping’s teaching that true believers must flee the church leaves them feeling disillusioned, empty, wounded and betrayed. They are the ones who have been “left behind”. What they must remember is that they have not been betrayed or misled by God but by a man who fits the very description of the kind of spiritual predators against whom Paul warned the church of Ephesus: “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29, 30 NKJV) .
May the Lord be gracious to all those who were drawn away from God to follow this man. May they also know that they are welcome back into the household of faith (Galatians 6:10), where God’s people gather to worship Him Who alone is worthy of all glory and honor, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep trusting in Jesus,
Pastor Tom
Monday, May 09, 2011
ONLY ONE LIFE
Dear Christian friends, make it your aim to give your life wholly to the One who gave his life wholly for you. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7, 8). This side of heaven is the only time we have to sow diligently, pray faithfully, and reap joyfully. All that we do for Jesus in this world will bring us great joy when we see him face to face and hear him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).
May the Lord richly bless your labors for him,
Pastor Tom
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again”(2 Corinthians 5:14-15,NKJ).
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