LIVING IN SODOM

The word “homosexual” did not enter the English vocabulary until 1869. It was coined by Hungarian physician Karoly Maria Benkert. Biblically speaking, homosexuals are sodomites. "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel" (Deuteronomy 23:17). The first occurrence of the name Sodom is found in Genesis 10:19 which mentions the border of the Canaanite territory. In Genesis 13, we read of a division which occurred between the patriarch Abraham and his nephew, Lot, because the land was not big enough for their respective herds (6,7). In a deep display of grace and humility, Abraham deferred to Lot and allowed him to choose a suitable place for his family and herds. We read that "... Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12). In Genesis 14:12, we discover that Lot “dwelt in Sodom”. Eventually, we see him sitting at the gate of Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which means he was serving in some capacity as a city official. Inside the gateway of ancient cities were rooms that served as communal areas for meetings and the administration of public justice by the elders of the city. It would appear that Lot had risen to the rank of a city magistrate. He had attained a high status in Sodom. However, he was not a contented man there. Indeed, while Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom one day, he was approached by two angels from heaven who were not paying him a social visit. They brought him the fearful news that God was going to destroy the city completely. Its sins were so grievous in the eyes of a holy God (Genesis 19:13) that no other punishment was fitting. We are told that they sinned exceedingly (Genesis 13:13). The apostle Peter, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says in 2 Peter 2:6-8: “[God turned] the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes [and] condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).” Lot was living in Sodom, but the wickedness of the city was a constant grief to his soul.

True to His Word, God destroyed Sodom and the other cities of the plains with brimstone and fire (Genesis 19:24), and “the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace” (verse 28). Archaeologist Bryant Wood believes that the ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah have been discovered southeast of the Dead Sea. He writes, "The modern names are Bab edh-Dhra, thought to be Sodom, and Numeira, thought to be Gomorrah. Both places were destroyed at the same time by an enormous conflagration. The destruction debris was about three feet thick. What brought about this awful calamity? Startling discoveries in the cemetery at Bab edh-Dhra revealed the cause. Archaeologists found that buildings used to bury the dead were burned by a fire that started on the roof. What would cause every structure in the cemetery to be destroyed in this way? The answer to the mystery is found in the Bible: "Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens" (Genesis 19:24 NIV). The only conceivable explanation for this unique discovery in the annals of archaeology is that burning debris fell on the buildings from the air. How could such a thing happen? There is ample evidence found in subterranean deposits of a petroleum-based substance called bitumen, similar to asphalt, in the region south of the Dead Sea. Such material normally contains a high percentage of sulfur. It has been postulated by geologist Frederick Clapp that pressure from an earthquake could have caused the bitumen deposits to be forced out of the earth through a fault line. As it gushed out of the earth, it could have been ignited by a spark or surface fire. It would then fall to earth as a burning, fiery mass.”[1]

The lesson for us is clear: God takes sin seriously! This is especially true when it is embraced wholeheartedly by a city or nation. While the sins of Sodom were numerous, the most heinous of all was the sin of homosexuality. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah were so evil that they wanted to have sex with Lot’s visitors. Jude verse 7 confirms this: “ ... [they gave] themselves over to fornication, and [went] after strange flesh.” The lust of men for other men resulted in an attempt at gang rape, and God abandoned Sodom and the cities of the plains to His Divine judgment. Any city or nation that condones homosexuality, which is wicked and deviant behavior, and publicly endorses it abides under the wrath of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20).
This warning from Isaiah applies to many localities in the United States, but I write in particular about the city in which I live. I reside in San Diego, California. The local politicians call it “America’s finest city,” but the reality is that I am living in Sodom. On July 17, 2007, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, with the unanimous approval of the city council “officially” designated July as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

The resolution reads:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of San Diego, that this Council, for and on behalf of the people of San Diego, does hereby recognize the many civic contributions of the LGBT community in San Diego County, and encourages all people to share in the pride of our City's diverse citizenry by participating in the 33rd Annual San Diego LGBT Pride community celebration, parade, festival and arts and culture programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that July 2007, be and is hereby proclaimed to be, "LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH" in the City of San Diego.

The San Diego Union-Tribune called the annual gay pride parade that is mentioned in the resolution: “one of the most popular events of its kind in the country.” Indeed it is popular. The attendance at this year’s parade attracted over 150,000 people. On July 8, the San Diego Padres hosted “Pride Night” at Petco Park, and a gay men’s chorus sang the national anthem. In connection with this, the Padres offered floppy hats to children aged 14 and younger. San Diego has become a modern-day Sodom, but time does not change God’s view of things. Homosexuality is still a grievous sin before God: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them" (Leviticus 20:13).
Is it popular to cite Scripture in the debate on alternative lifestyles? Absolutely not! The minute you do, the accusation of intolerance is lodged against you. So be it! True Christians must continue to be intolerant of sin. Those who still honor God’s Word are on the right side of this moral issue. God is not a God of tolerance and diversity when it comes to moral values: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Homosexuality is a destructive lifestyle. The truth cannot be hidden. The facts do not lie. The Centers for Disease Control reveal that homosexuals make up 80 percent of all AIDS cases in America. Add to this a very high incidence of many other forms of sexually transmitted disease, substance abuse, and depression among homosexuals. This is not the picture of a gay life in the traditional meaning of the word gay. The only true hope for deliverance from this bondage is repentance. Jesus can forgive every manner of sin and grant forgiveness. He paid the price when He died on the cross (John 3:16), but His forgiveness must be sought before the heart of a man is completely hardened (Romans 1:28). Homosexuals must turn to God with broken hearts that desire not only His saving grace (Ephesians 2:8-10), but also His grace to change (2 Peter 1:1-4).

In the book of Romans, Paul writes concerning those who rejected God and of their subsequent downfall. When you read the account, it is chilling: "... God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet [necessary] (Romans 1:24-27). Seminary professor and theologian Charles Ryrie translates the words God uses in the above text to describe lesbians and homosexuals in this manner: “degrading ... unnatural ... indecent.” [2] Homsexuality is likewise condemned in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. God does not view homosexuality as acceptable. Where does that leave us, the residents of modern-day Sodom and of cities just like it? Certainly, our politicians cannot help. They have condoned wickedness. They have called evil good. They have offered their blessing on that which God has condemned. They have abandoned the idea of moral absolutes. In time, and God alone knows the hour, His fierce wrath will fall on this once- great nation. As tempting as it is to flee, where can one go if God has abandoned America? Bible- believing Christians must not run nor hide. We must stand our ground and faithfully proclaim the authority of Scripture. Like Noah in his generation, we must be “preacher[s] of righteousness” to our godless generation (2 Peter 2:5). Our hope rests in the Lord who made heaven and earth. He is Sovereign, and the Sovereign Lord will never forsake those who truly desire to live holy lives for His glory.

“ O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously” (Psalm 96:9-10).

Trusting in the Lord always,


Pastor Tom

[1] From ChristiansAnswers.Net article:Is there any evidence for the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction by fire and brimstone (sulfur)?

[2] Charles C. Ryrie, Biblical Answers to Contemporary Questions (Chicago, Moody Press, 1994), p.117

DOES GOD OWE SINFUL MEN ANYTHING?

It is often the case that people come to God in prayer with the mistaken notion that they are worthy of an audience with Him and that He exists to grant them all they desire. This is a view of God that delights in His love but excludes His holiness. I confess that for many years, before I gave my life to Christ, I approached God with this self-centered view. The truth is that the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth owes sinful men nothing. Apart from Divine grace, no man is deserving of anything from God but eternal damnation: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). The very fact that a sinful creature can breathe another minute is due to the loving kindness and longsuffering of God: “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). All men in their natural state are estranged from God and under condemnation (Romans 5:12-18), not commendation. None merit God’s approval; all merit His judgment: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). As part of Adam’s fallen race I shared in God’s sentence of death upon sinners (Romans 6:23). How dreadful was my spiritual condition - all the more perilous because of the ignorance of my foolish heart. Satan surely had blinded my mind “lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto [me]” (2 Corinthians 4:4). I was doomed to an eternity without God.

Today, I am new person in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17) and I can approach God with the full confidence that I have “an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1) What brought about such a change? I am still a sinner who struggles in my walk of faith. Although I seek, by God’s grace, to live a godly life, I am not yet fully conformed to Christ’s likeness. Why should God now hear me when I pray? The difference is in my position, not my performance. When Christ died on the cross, He paid a sufficient penalty for the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:19). This certainly included me and meant that I could be free from His wrath because that wrath fell upon Jesus: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). If I were to ask God to forgive me on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice, He would “cleanse me from all iniquity” and grant me eternal life. Whereas I was once and enemy of God, I could now be reconciled to Him. One day I did just that, and through faith in His Son I have been adopted into God’s family (Galatians 3:26). My eternal destiny is secure. I have been washed in the blood of the lamb (Ephesians 2:13). What a glorious thought! I can say, with the song, “Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow.” But it doesn’t end there. As a child of the King, I now go “boldly unto the throne of grace, [to] obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The Scripture says: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). All spiritual blessings are mine in Jesus. I can approach the throne of God’s grace with full assurance. When I think about it, I can’t comprehend it. I deserve nothing from God, but He has given me everything in Jesus. He has not only saved my soul from certain death; he has supplied all that I need for a “life [of faith] and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Each day that I live, I thank Him for His rich mercy and abundant grace toward me, which have no human comparison. Such love is beyond description. I am His and He is mine - forever and ever. No one can take this gift away from me. I am truly safe and secure in the love of my Savior: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13).

Jesus my Lord will love me forever,

From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,

He gave His life to ransom my soul,

Now I belong to Him;

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,

Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me,

His precious blood He came to redeem,

Now I belong to Him;

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.

Rejoicing in Him,

Pastor Tom

ROCK-SHOCK

For the thousands of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, the canyon is truly a “wonder to behold!” For those who have the opportunity to view the canyon from the Colorado River looking up, the word ‘Grand’ is an understatement.[1] Imagine what it must have been like to be the first to see the canyon while riding the rapids of the Colorado without any skills in whitewater navigation, in small wooden boats which modern day river runners have described as the technical equivalent of walnut shells. Worst of all, imagine undertaking such a journey without any knowledge of the course of the river. Major John Wesley Powell and his crew of nine men were the first to take up this epic challenge of exploring the Grand Canyon. Their journey began at noon on May 24, 1869 and ended three months later at the end of August, when six of the original party emerged from the canyon. Four men never completed the journey.
While the Powell expedition makes for an exciting and fascinating read, what is more important for the discerning Christian is Powell’s journey from a knowledge of Scripture which he acquired in a devout Christian home, to the belief that the biblical record was mythology.[2] His parents entertained hopes that their son, like his namesake, would become a preacher of the gospel. What led John Wesley Powell to abandon his Christian roots, and never return? The answer lies in Powell’s acceptance of the doctrine of uniformitarianism which was first proposed by James Hutton in 1795, and later expounded by Charles Lyell in Principles of Geology, written in 1830.[3] Shortly after Darwin’s On the Origin of the Species appeared in print Powell joined the ranks of the naturalists and “religion never again played a major role in defining his outlook of life.”[4] However, his departure from biblical truth was not without struggles. Edward Dolnick writes of Powell’s great intellectual challenge posed by his journey through the canyon: “The challenge was to accept the dizzying lesson the rock landscape proclaimed – in the immensity of time, water prevails over stone and shapes it as it pleases. It is not great feat to mouth the words, but believing them is another matter. To try to grasp the unfathomable stretches of time required for a tricking stream to carve a cathedral-sized cavern is a kind of intellectual vertigo. Geologists today call this time-induced dizziness rock-shock. The shock was all the more profound in an era when it was still commonly believed that the earth was a mere six thousand years old. But for Powell, the rebellious son of a minister who believed in the Bible’s literal truth, the notion of limitless time was a liberation rather than a consternation. It would become a central theme of his intellectual life and the great lesson he was to draw from the Grand Canyon”.[5]
Needless to say, those who still hold to the authority of the Bible don’t share in the excitement of Powell’s liberation. What came as rock-shock to Powell is not proof of the formation of the Grand Canyon, but proof of the significance of one’s presuppositions. Powell went into the canyon believing in billions of years and he interpreted what he saw in the geology of the canyon in light of that belief. He was correct that water prevails over rock, but never considered an alternative mechanism which could cause water to prevail over rock and form the grandest canyon of all – a catastrophic event.[6] Denying the supernatural power, and intervention of God in a worldwide judgment, Powell was left only with the science of his day as his guide. Dolnick writes: “Powell believed with all his heart that science was the only path to truth and that religion was a tangle of myth and obscufation.” [7] Worster said: “On the death of Darwin in 1882, Wes delivered a memorial address that may help to explain the abrupt shift in his youthful beliefs. “It remained for Darwin,” he said, “To demonstrate the laws of biologic evolution, and the course of the progress of life upon the globe." [8] Having been taught the word of God from infancy, I can only conclude that John Wesley Powell was “willingly ignorant” of the power that altered the history and landscape of the earth.[9] He accepted a worldview without God.
In 1902, at the age of sixty-eight, John Wesley Powell came to the end of another journey – his earthly life. There is no indication that he ever returned to his boyhood faith and his father’s belief in the record of Holy Scripture. But to deny the Scripture doesn’t change the truth it reveals. After his death, Powell experienced another rock-shock. He would be confronted with the reality that Jesus Christ was the creator and sustainer of all that exists, seen and unseen.[10] He is the “Rock of Salvation” for all who put their trust in Him for the forgiveness of their sins “… if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). In his trip down the Colorado River Powell feared that he might be swept into the rapids and perish.[11] That fear never materialized. The same cannot be said about his step into eternity. The Bible say’s: “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). John Wesley Powell survived the perils of rafting through the Grand Canyon, he did not escape the judgment of God.
What lessons can be learned from the story of this adventurer’s life? 1) The Christian must beware of the implications of accepting the conclusions of science when they conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture. 2) Every Christian must be a discerning Christian. 3) Those who twist the Scripture to conform to science must be identified and refuted. 4) Every believer needs credible answers in the controversy over the age of the earth and other issues related to the creation-evolution debate. Ministries such as Answer in Genesis and Institute for Creation Research provide credible answers – reasons to continue to believe in the Divinely inspired Word of truth, the Holy Scripture.
God bless,
Pastor Tom

[1] The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and nearly a mile deep![2] Powell was named after the 18th century evangelist John Wesley. Powell’s father was a Methodist preacher who believed in the authority of God’s Word.[3] Uniformitarianism is the belief that geologic changes occur slowly over vast periods of time at the same rate we see today.
[4] Donald Worster, A River Running West: The Life of John Wesley Powell (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2001), p.66.[5] Edward Dolnick, Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell’s 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon (New York, NY: Harper Collins, 2001), p.198.[6] Noah’s flood. See Genesis chapters 6-9.[7] Dolnick, op.cit., 218[8] Worser, op.cit., 66[9] See 2 Peter 3:5-6[10] Colossians 1:16-17[11] "We are now ready to start on our way down the Great Unknown... We are three quarters of a mile in the depths of the earth... We have an unknown distance yet to run; and unknown river yet to explore. What falls there are, we know not; what rock beset the channel, we know not; what walls rise over the rive, we know not. Ah, well! We may conjecture many things. The men talk as cheerfully as ever; jests are bandied about freely this morning; but to me the cheer is somber and the jests are ghastly." - John Wesley Powell, August 13, 1869

LOYALTY

One of the principle New Testament verses on discipleship is Paul’s admonition to Timothy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The Greek word for faithful is ‘pistos’, which can be translated “trustworthy” or “loyal”. It is used to speak of loyalty to a person, a cause, or an official duty. Paul was looking for men like Timothy, whose character would be defined by loyalty - men who would defend the sacred deposit of truth committed to their trust (1 Timothy 6:20).

The Bible is full of stories of loyalty, and of the courage of those who stood by a friend, or a just cause, even when it was costly to do so. A loyal person doesn’t look for a convenient way out when duty or danger challenge their level of commitment. This is why it is a virtue worthy of praise. We all admire the loyalty of Jonathan, who dared to defend David when he was unjustly accused by Saul. What about Ruth? In reply to her mother-in-law’s request for her to return to homeland, Ruth said to Naomi: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from. We can also speak of Zadok, who served as high priest when David reigned. He stood by David when Abasalom rebelled and pronounced himself King because he knew that God was with David. Later on, when Adonijah strove to succeed David on the throne, Zadok rejected his ambitions and anointed Solomon as the lawful successor to the throne (1 Kings 8:8 and verse 39). In the New Testament. there is Luke, who stood by Paul when others forsook him (2 Timothy 4:10-11), and Mary Magdalene, who never wavered in her devotion to Jesus: even the lifeless body of her master was dear to her.

Many other examples of loyalty could be cited; still, I would have to conclude that loyalty is an uncommon trait. Why? It is so because loyalty is what you do, not what you say. Peter told Jesus: “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee” (Matthew 26:35). Jesus reminded him that before a cock would crow a second time, he would, in fact deny Jesus - not once, but three times (Mark 14:30). Let us not forget that it was a supposed friend who betrayed Jesus with a kiss for a mere 30 pieces of silver. “Treachery,” you say! Indeed it was, but the heart of man is molded in the likeness of Judas Iscariot. We naturally put our own cause first and not the cause of others. We seek to elevate our desires, rather than labor to promote the work of another whom God has called to a worthy task. It requires the work of God in our hearts to put others first, as we seek to follow Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5). He unselfishly drank that bitter cup His Father had ordained (Mark 14:36). But I ask you now, where would we be, if He not been loyal to the redemptive work He was given to do? We would all be bound for hell.

Brethren, I pray we will not be as other men and seek our own good. I pray that no opposition or evil incentive will deter us from being loyal men and women of God. May the Lord help us to examine our hearts. Are we loyal to His Word? Are we loyal to our husbands, wives, and children? Are we loyal to our friends? Are we loyal members of a biblically sound local church? I trust we are, and I know that God will richly reward such devotion. How thankful I am to all of you who are loyal friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Be strong and of good courage,

Pastor Tom

THE KEY'S TO SPIRITUAL VICTORY

The ancient Canaanite city of Jericho, a short distance North of the Dead Sea, was the first formidable obstacle in the Israelites’ path of conquest in the land that God promised them. A walled city, it was well fortified: “Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in” (Joshua 6:1). In the military language of today, it was a “high value” target because of its strategic location as the gateway to the central highlands and its abundant water supply, furnished by the Jordan River to the East and by tributaries from the Central Mountains. The key to an Israelite victory at Jericho was rather simple. It takes no in-depth analysis to figure it out. It consisted of two elements: Faith and obedience. Under Joshua’s command, the people were to follow the marching orders the Lord gave them (Joshua 6:1-5) and trust that He would, in turn, give them the city (verse 16). This is exactly what happened, as we read in Joshua 6:20, “So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” Hebrews 11:30 confirms that what happened at Jericho was the reward of faith: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”

The great truth we learn from the battle of Jericho is surely applicable to our Christian life today. Though far removed in time from Joshua’s day, we nevertheless face equally formidable powers that stand as obstacles to our spiritual progress in our journey to inherit the promises that God has given us. These adversaries are described in the sixth chapter of Ephesians: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (v.12). At my church we haven’t abandoned the great hymns sung by Christians for generations. One that we often sing is called, “Faith Is the Victory”. We sing it confidently because we know it to be true. God honors those who put their faith in Him, especially in the darkest hour, when all hope seems gone. Faith is a key to victory in such times, but faith must be accompanied by obedience. The Israelites were led by Joshua, to whom God said: “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:7). The material and spiritual prosperity of the nation of Israel was dependent upon their covenant loyalty. Although believers are no longer under the law of Moses, our faith in Christ should be an obedient faith. We see this kind of faith in our spiritual forefather Abraham, who, “when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). Charles Spurgeon used to say that the kind of faith, which produces obedience, is truly a royal faith. In Galatians 6:2, the Scripture speaks of the fulfillment of “the law of Christ,” manifested by bearing one another’s burdens.

I believe it can be adequately demonstrated from Scripture that obedience is the work and fruit of faith. “Trust and Obey” should not be just a song we sing in church; it should be the desire of our heart reflected in every part of our life. To obey God in a world set against Him demands courage and integrity. It takes a radical commitment. However, the benefit is well worth the commitment. This is the key to spiritual victory as we face the walled cities of Jericho in our lives. Biblical archaeologist Bryant Wood, who did field work at the site of ancient Jericho comes to the same conclusion. He writes: “There are times when we find ourselves facing enormous ‘walls’ that are impossible to break down by human strength. If we put our faith in God and follow His commandments, He will perform ‘great and mighty things’ (Jeremiah 33:3) and give us the victory.”[1]

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.


May God’s grace ever be your sufficiency,

Pastor Tom


[1] Found in an article on the walls of Jericho in the Creation Archive at Answers in Genesis.

BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY

I was reading an excerpt from a Puritan writer in The Valley of the Vision. His name presently remains a mystery to me. He was writing about the experience of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. When I think of Calvary I often recall the words of Isaiah 53. How could any Christian begin to fully comprehend the depth of our Lord’s sufferings portrayed there, as the only begotten Son experienced the wrath of the Father? Today, I decided to commit this hallowed ground in the Old Testament to memory. While I know a good portion of it from repeated readings, I can’t say that I know every verse word perfect. I should, and so should every one who names the name of Jesus as Savior. Now, back to the thoughts expressed by the anonymous Puritan. He certainly knew something about the sufferings of Christ. I will share his insight followed by the Scriptures that came to my mind when I meditated on what he wrote:

There (at Calvary) grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy Son, made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me.
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
There the sword of justice smote the man, thy fellow,

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:41-42).

There thy infinite attributes were magnified and infinite atonement was made.

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:10-11).

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).
There infinite punishment was due and infinite punishment was endured.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy, cast off that I might be brought in,

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18).
trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” (Colossians 1:20-21).
surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain heaven’s best,
“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).
stripped that I might be clothed

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9-10).

wounded that I might be healed
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
athirst that I might drink
“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst” (John 19:38).
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

tormented that I might be comforted

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
made a shame that I might inherit glory

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
entered darkness that I might have eternal light

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
groaned that I might have endless song,

“and he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:3).

Amen! Amen! What can I say to all these things but, Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Let me close by telling a short story. In Pilgrim’s Progress there is the unforgettable scene when poor Pilgrim makes his way to the place called Salvation. He runs toward it with great difficulty because of the burden (sin) on his back. Are you familiar with it? I trust you are. Bunyan wrote:

“He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending; and upon that place stood a Cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulcher. So I saw in my dream, that just as CHRISTIAN came up to the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble; and so continued to do till it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in, and I saw it no more”.

Christian went from that place leaping with joy and singing – "Thus far did I come laden with my sin, Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in, Till I came hither. What a place is this! Must here be the beginning of my bliss !Must here the burden fall from off my back!Must here the strings that bound it to me crack! Blest cross! blest sepulcher! blest rather be The Man that there was put to shame for me!"
Brethren, do you remember the day when you saw it (your sin) no more? What a joy it is to know the blessedness of sins forgiven. But our gracious God keeps on blessing. The beginning of our bliss came at Calvary, but the best is yet to come. Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from rejoicing and singing that new song God hath put in your heart.

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near.



Almighty God will uphold you by His omnipotent hand,

Pastor Tom

GIDEON'S SNARE

Everyone who is at all familiar with the Bible knows something about a man named Gideon, whose story is told in Judges chapters six through eight. He lived in the time when there was no king in Israel and the nation repeatedly turned away from God. The period of the judges is characterized by wholesale rebellion. Every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). A cycle of apostasy, judgment, repentance, and Divine deliverance is the pattern throughout the book. The major lesson we learn from this time in Israel’s history was described in simple terms by Charles Spurgeon, who wrote, “The Lord does not permit His children to sin successfully.” Though His judgment may tarry it will surely come in vindication of His righteous character.

In one such time of departure from God’s laws, the Lord delivered the children of Israel into the hands of the Midianites, who raided their crops and fled swiftly on camels, to the extent that Israel was severely impoverished (6:1-6). This is when Gideon comes into the picture. He followed Deborah as the fifth judge in Israel and is one of the few judges listed among the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11. He was deserving of this particular honor. Following Gideon’s plea for God to give him a sign of assurance that He would deliver Israel by his hand (6:36-40), Gideon never again faltered in his courage. With only 300 men, he destroyed the Midianite army and their allies, who were spread out “like a swarm of desert locusts” in the valley of Jezreel (7:12). God had proven Himself strong on Gideon’s behalf, and as a result, the people wanted to make Gideon ruler in Israel and to establish a family dynasty (8:22). Wisely, Gideon rejected any right to a throne, knowing that Jehovah God was the rightful ruler of Israel. In his own words, he declared, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you” (8:23).

With a victory over his enemies in hand and a statement of fidelity to God, Gideon was standing strong in the faith. But such times of triumph must also be times of great caution! The Scripture warns us in this way: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). As wise as he was in turning down the plea of the people to be ruler, Gideon acted foolishly. He took some of the spoils of the battle - earrings and ornaments- and fashioned them into an ephod, “and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house” (8:27). G. Campbell Morgan’s comments are insightful: “Elsewhere in the Old Testament “ephod” denotes the priest’s special breast piece (cf. Exodus 28:15-30). In Judges 17:5; 18:14-20 the same word refers to the priestly vestments of Micah … Gideon may have been well- intended; perhaps he wanted to consult the Lord's will or to give the people something tangible to remind them of the Lord's intervention. However, the idol-prone Israelites made the ephod into an object of worship. Gideon, who had boldly broken up his father's altar to Baal, was now setting a trap for his own family.” Oddly enough, Gideon’s household became the caretakers of an idol. It is not surprising that as soon as Gideon was dead, “the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god” (verse 33).

As I thought about this incident in Gideon’s life, I could not help but make an application to the church in our day. Whenever anything visible in our devotion toward God detracts from the glory of the invisible God, we have made an ephod. Whenever a form of worship, such as music, takes precedence over the true object of worship (God), we have made an ephod. Whenever we allow into the church anything which God’s Word does not allow, we have made an ephod. But ephods are not confined to church. Dear brethren, whenever we insist on having what God does not will for us to have, we too have made an ephod that will surely become a snare. We enjoy many blessings in a day of grace and Christian liberty. Like Gideon, we have seen God’s mighty power to deliver us from strong enemies. Therefore, we must be all the more vigilant. Our hearts are prone to wander, and Satan knows what to set before us in order to lead us astray. He never rests in his efforts to sow seeds of spiritual destruction. Watch your every step, and “put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).



God's blessings to you through Jesus our Lord,


Pastor Tom

THE TONGUE IS FIRE

The subject of self-control in the Bible covers many different areas. As believers we are commanded to control our thoughts, emotions, selfish ambitions, appetites, etc. Some of these battles for self-control present a daily struggle. Such is the nature of the Christian life. We all have certain weak areas and besetting sins (Hebrews 12:1). However, I am convinced that there is one area of self-control that is a battleground in every Christian’s life. Satan seems to be unrelenting when it comes to the battle to master our tongues. Why? Because a tongue that is out of control casts doubt on the nature of true Christianity: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain” (James 1:26). As harsh a statement as this is, it wasn’t the only thing that James wrote about the tongue, it gets worse. In chapter three we find the clearest and perhaps the strongest condemnation of the damage inflicted by wicked speech: “5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:5-10). “Ought not so to be” (v.10) is another way of expressing God’s desire, “may it never be”! But it is! Failure to control the tongue is a sin that we are very familiar with, yet not always in an impartial way. It seems to me that we are quick to take note of it in others, and slow to condemn it when it surfaces in our own lives. The Bible calls this hypocrisy. Surely we would all agree on this one thing, James graphically portrayed the destructive potential that exists in this little member of our body. Its power is disproportionate to its size. Should we not stand up and take notice? “The tongue is a fire that sets on fire the course of nature.” Here in Southern California we know what uncontrollable fire can do. You can take one small match, throw it in dry grass and start a fire that can burn thousands of acres and totally destroy every home in its path, not to mention the loss of human life. “The tongue is a world of iniquity.” King Solomon said: “The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28). It is interesting that all manner of beasts and birds can be tamed, “but the tongue can no man tame.” Not only is it beyond human control, “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” with no quick antidote to counter its deadly poison. Charles Spurgeon said: “Tongues are more terrible instruments than can be made with hammers and anvils, and the evil which they inflict cuts deeper and spreads wider.” At this point I am inclined to say, “enough said,” but the Scripture has many other things to say about sins of speech. There is hate speech, prideful speech, slander, gossip, filthy communication, threats, flattery, blasphemy, complaining, self-pity, backbiting, sowing discord, swearing, and lying, to name just some. I’m sure you can think of more. Which of these are you guilty of? How about lying? I singled this one out because I recently read from John’s gospel where Satan was described by Jesus as “the Father of lies” (John 8:44). To be the Father of something is to be the origin or source. Do we realize that we fall into one of Satan’s best-laid traps whenever we open our mouths without wisdom? We become pawns of the devil. We play right into his hands to bring about evil that quickly spins out of control embracing everyone in its path who becomes party to it. This thought alone should be sufficient to ask God for the grace necessary to control our tongues at all times. “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). “To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle” (Psalm 39:1). Do you sense the burden of David’s heart in these Psalms? It is evident that he longed to be a man of integrity in speech. As children of God our desire should be the same. Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). As obedient children, we should always walk in the truth and speak the truth. The sanctifying grace of God must adorn our tongues so that we will be able to deliver “a word fitly spoken” (Proverbs 25:11). Brethren I must confess, many of my words have not been “fitly spoken”, but poorly chosen. I have opened my mouth foolishly on occasions. May the Lord help me and every fellow Christian to tame our tongues. I know He desires to do this for the furtherance of the gospel in this world, and His eternal glory. Here are some closing reflections to consider:

- Speak less and listen more (James 1:19).
- Make sure you know the facts before offering an opinion (Proverbs 18:13).
- Pray without ceasing for words of wisdom (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Confess every sin of speech quickly (1 John 1:9).
- Seek forgiveness from those you offend with your tongue (Matthew 18:15).
- Study what the Scripture reveals about our speech (Psalm 119:30).
- Avoid those who cannot control their tongues (Psalm 119:63; Proverbs 13:20).
- Become an encourager (Isaiah 50:4; Acts 4:36; Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Use your tongue often to thank and praise God (read the Psalms every day).

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Speak the truth in love,


Pastor Tom

MOSES AND JESUS

A few weeks ago I started a series of message on one of my favorite Bible characters, Moses. I cited a statement from Dr. I. M. Haldeman that was thought provoking. Here is what Dr. Haldeman wrote:
"The life of Moses presents a series of striking antitheses. He was the child of a slave, and the son of a queen. He was born in a hut, and lived in a palace. He inherited poverty, and enjoyed unlimited wealth. He was the leader of armies, and the keeper of flocks. He was the mightiest of warriors, and the meekest of men. He was educated in the court, and dwelt in the desert. He had the wisdom of Egypt, and the faith of a child. He was fitted for the city, and wandered in the wilderness. He was tempted with the pleasures of sin, and endured the hardships of virtue. He was backward in speech, and talked with God. He had the rod of a shepherd, and the power of the Infinite. He was a fugitive from Pharaoh, and an ambassador from heaven. He was the giver of the Law, and the forerunner of grace. He died alone on Mount Moab, and appeared with Christ in Judea. No man assisted at his funeral, yet God buried him".

Yesterday I was reading about the preparation for the death of Moses: "And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, 49 Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: 50 And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: 51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. 52 Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel" (Deuteronomy 32:48-52).

Can you imagine the Lord telling you to"go up unto the mount" (49) and"die in the mount whither thou goest" (50)? How would you feel marching up a mountain to your death? Of course Moses obeyed God and died exactly as the Lord so ordered the end of his natural life:"So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD" (Deu. 34:5:). What is interesting, is the revelation that God buried him, and his grave site is unknown (Deu. 34:6). Now, all of this started me thinking about Moses and Jesus. There are some striking similarities and contrasts. Moses was chosen to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. Jesus was chosen to deliver mankind from the bondage of sin. Moses left a palace for life in the wilderness to fulfill God's will. Jesus left the ultimate palace, heaven, to come to earth to fulfill His Father's will. Both endured trials and tests in the wilderness. Moses never entered the promised land because of disobedience. Jesus passed the temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13) so that we could enter the promised land of eternal life. Moses climbed a mount called Nebo and died; Jesus climbed a mount called Calvary and died. However, His death was much more significant than the death of Moses. Moses died a sinner; Jesus died so that sinners can live. At the death of Moses many of the children of Israel wept (Deu. 34:8). When Jesus died few wept. Few wept because they did not realize who He was, and why He came. How tragic! I thank God my eyes were opened to the glorious truth of His sacrifice for my sins. What a reason for rejoicing. I must add one more thing of significance. Nobody knows where the body of Moses was buried. It was hidden until the day of its' resurrection. The body of Jesus was also buried: "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ... And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed (Matthew 27:59-60). After His death, the site of the tomb of Jesus became a matter of controversy. No one knows the exact location with certainty. However, one thing is certain, the body of Jesus did not remain in the tomb. Just as the Old Testament Scriptures predicted (Psalm 16:10) and Jesus Himself prophesied (John 2:19), He conquered death and rose from the grave. In doing so, God's Mighty Deliverer accomplished all that the Father had given Him to do. Now He sits on the right hand of the majesty on high having purged all who look unto Him from their sins (Hebrews 1:3). That is the good news which we call the gospel. But is it good news to you? Have you confessed Him as your Deliverer and Savior? If you have, you know with full assurance that you will enter Canaan's land and be forever blessed. Can you think of anything better than that?

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land
where my possessions lie.

I'm bound for the promised land,
I'm bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I'm bound for the promised land.


May God be praised forever and forever,

Pastor Tom

BLESSED ASSURANCE

How many times have you sung the wonderful hymn, “Blessed Assurance," the lyrics of which were penned by one of the greatest of hymn writers, Fanny Crosby? I hope it always brings as much joy to your heart as it does mine.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.


Surely the words of Psalm 40:3, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,” rang true in the life of Fanny Crosby, for she wrote over 8000 hymns. Blind from birth, she had a vision into the heart of God that few will ever know. Amazingly, she was very content with her lack of sight, saying, “It seemed intend­ed by the bless­ed prov­i­dence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dis­pen­sa­tion. If per­fect earth­ly sight were of­fered me to­mor­row I would not ac­­cept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been dis­tract­ed by the beau­ti­ful and in­ter­est­ing things about me."
One day, Phoebe Knapp, Fanny's dear friend, played her a tune and asked her afterwards, "What does it say to you, Fanny?" Her reply was simple: "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine." I found it ironical that Phoebe Knapp married Joseph Fairfield Knapp, one of the founders and the second president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. It was Knapp’s wife Phoebe who composed the music which speaks of “eternal life assurance.”.

In the church of my youth, I was taught that one could not be assured of eternal life. Works- based systems of salvation can never bring assurance. They teach that every person must continually perform good works in order to have favor with God. Even among many Christians, there is a denial of assurance either theologically or practically. For instance, I was reading a book written by a contemporary theologican who cited the words of Ashael Nettleton, “The most I have ventured to say respecting myself is, that I think it possible I may get to heaven." [1] In case you aren’t familiar with Nettelton, he was a revival preacher in the 1800’s whose preaching led to the conversion of over 30,000 men, women and children. How could it be that one who was scooled in the Westminister Catechism and led so many to the Lord lacked assurance in his own heart? Because, although he did believe that once a person was truly saved he is saved forever – he was never quite sure that he was truly saved. As a pastor, I have met people in the very same condition, and the lack of joy and peace in their heart is evident. They seem to be constantly looking at their lives to see if they are measuring up to God’s law in order to determine if they are really saved. While some systematic theologians advocate this, Nettleton’s belief that perseverance in the faith and good works is the only ‘guarantee’ of true regeneration failed him. How unfortunate, because the biblical truth is that we have never measured up, cannot now measure up and will never measure up to a standard of perfect obedience. Isn’t this precisely why Jesus came to suffer and die, “the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God ‘ (1 Peter 3:18)? It is not our performance that merits salvation: it is what Jesus did and how the Father views His atoning sacrifice. Why look anywhere else? Only remember the blessed words of the prophet Isaiah: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all… 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities" (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-11) . Perhaps some will accuse me of over-simplifying things, but that is quite all right. This is not a fully developed teaching on eternal security; I am simply trying to convey the simple truth that the Father was satisfied with the death of His Son. The question, is are we? If you are one of those struggling with assurance, look away from yourself to the cross of Christ, “for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:4). Think about it: this perfect righteousness comes only by faith (Rom. 4:5) through the marvelous grace of God, “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). While a proper dose of self-examination never hurts anyone, a constant introspection and 'looking back' to the law brings doubts. Believers have been freed from the law; the entire debt has been paid! It was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). May we praise God that we can affirm, “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine!" Looking to Sinai is “fear and trembling” (Exodus 19:16); looking to Mount Calvary is “joy and peace” (Rom 15:13). If ever the smallest doubt begins to arise in my heart, I quickly remind myself that, “he (Jesus) is able to completely save those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25). Completely saved must include f'inality' because God is infinite and those washed in the precious blood of the spotless lamb of God are also “preserved in Jesus Christ “ (Jude 1). Remember also, the Scripture teaches:"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13). No one and nothing can separate the child of God from the love of God (Romans 8:39).

One of my very favorite verses in Scripture comes from the pen of the apostle that Jesus loved in a special way. I trust that it will become a favorite of yours: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13) .

Dear brethren, I pray that you will find your abiding rest, comfort, and assurance in the ONE who promised to forgive all your sins -- past, present and future -- and give you ETERNAL LIFE! Fanny Crosby had it right,

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

God bless you all,

Pastor Tom

[1] B, Tyler & A.A. Bennett, The Life and Labours of Asahel Nettleton, (repr. Banner of Truth Trust, 1975), p.30.

THE MAJESTY OF GOD

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

The word ‘heavens’ in the first verse of Psalm 19 stands in the emphatic position, drawing our attention immediately upward to the creation of God. David, the shepherd and author of this testimony of praise was overcome with the majesty of the God of Abraham as his eyes focused on the works of His hand. The grandeur of God as revealed in the natural world is evident even to the heathen, “… because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:19-20).

Many of us have had an experience similar to David’s, when on occasion we saw the beauty of the mountains, studied the remarkable world of animals and insects, or considered the vastness of space. As a little boy, I often peered into outer space with admiration and perplexity. Exactly what existed beyond the range of my vision? And when did it get there? I never doubted that God was the One who created it. Only “the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). With the advance of technology in our day, it is now possible to see what I could not see as a child, let alone what the men of the Bible could see, who had only the naked eye.

I have to wonder what David would exclaim if he could see some of the hundreds of thousands of remarkable space photos taken by the Hubble telescope since its launch in 1990. What would Sir Isaac Newton think were he alive today? According to many, Newton (1643-1727) had no equals in the history of science. A sketch of his life was presented in a Christian History Institute publication. The author described Newton in this way: “Among the greatest scientific geniuses of all times, Isaac Newton made major contributions to mathematics, optics, physics, and astronomy. He discovered the law of gravitation, formulated the basic laws of motion, developed calculus, and analyzed the nature of white light. Behind all his science was the conviction that God made the universe with a mathematical structure and He gifted human beings' minds to understand that structure. The very orderliness and design of the universe spoke of God's awesome majesty and wisdom.” 1 A fool denies the existence of God; Newton denied that anything could come into existence apart from God. He also understood that the greatness and power of God is beyond our comprehension. He said, "I must confess to a feeling of profound humility in the presence of a universe which transcends us at almost every point. I feel like a child who while playing by the seashore has found a few brightly colored shells and a few pebbles while the whole vast ocean of truth stretches out almost untouched and unruffled before my eager fingers." Amen to that! “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5). "He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding" (Jeremiah 51:15). Certainly the God who can do such things and so much more must be the only object of our worship and praise.

I find it no surprise that Psalm 19 was addressed “to the Chief Musician”. Another hymn writer, Isaac Watts, composed, “The Heavens Declare Thy Glory.” The first stanza begins with the words, “The heavens declare thy glory, Lord; in every star thy wisdom shines.” Truly the wisdom of God does shine forth in all His glorious creation. As he contemplated the heavens above, Watts was led to bow to the ground and worship the Creator, just as David boasted of God in Psalm 19. Should we not be moved to praise God when we see the glory of His creation? Dr. Arthur Harding, in his textbook on astronomy, asked: “Who can study the science of astronomy and contemplate the star-lit heavens with a knowledge of the dimensions of the celestial bodies, their movements and their enormous distances, without bowing his head in reverence to the power that brought this universe into being and safely guides its individual members?” 2

The apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Since I became a new man in Christ Jesus by trusting His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:3), I too have matured in my understanding of God’s majesty. I now know more fully, although still in part, that He is the Sovereign Lord of the heavens and the earth who alone is worthy of my deepest devotion, my unceasing thanks, and the consecration of my life for His glory and that of Christ, who brought all things into existence and redeemed my soul (1 Peter 1:18). Colossians 1:12-17 states: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

Brethren, never give in to fear, worry, or doubt. God has all things under control. He will safely guide us to our eternal home. The next time you look skyward, remember the all-wise and loving God who brought forth the heavenly bodies and sustains them from day to day. Catch a greater glimpse of His glory, and earthly concerns will not seem so daunting!

Worship His Majesty,


Pastor Tom

1 Christian History Institute, Glimpses #69
2 Harding, Arthur M., Astronomy [New York: Garden City Publishing Co., 1940], p.386

WHAT IS TRUTH?

People from all walks of life in every age have wrestled with the notion of truth. When Jesus was brought before Pilate he declared, “every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). Pilate responded in the next verse with the question, “what is truth?” Was Pilate seeking knowledge from Jesus, or ridiculing the very idea that it is possible to know truth in an absolute sense? The latter thought is the philosophy of the postmodern culture in which we live. Some estimates put these skeptics as high as 70% of the population. In the book, “The Death of Truth”, Dennis Mc Callum wrote: “Postmodernism isn’t a distinct set of doctrines or truth claims. It’s a mood – a view of the world characterized by a deep distrust of reason, not to mention a disdain for the knowledge Christians believe the Bible provides”. A postmodern thinker denies the very possibility of knowing spiritual or moral truth. This is the one thing he is absolutely sure about. Relativism rules the day. But spiritual truth is the one thing most needful in every age and believe it or not, it has its source in God: “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he (Deuteronomy 32:4). Little wonder the Bible given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16) has been under constant attack by Satan who is the father of lies. We are in a great battle for truth and sometimes it gets discouraging. May I encourage you not to give up and retreat from the fight. It is not our responsibility to prove to any man that God’s Word is true, we must simply preach it with confidence in the person and power of the Holy Spirit to do His work in the hearts of those who hear. Yes, there is a place for apologetics in the life of the Christian. We should not be ignorant of what we believe and why we believe it, but always remember that it is the Holy Scripture that brings life to a faithless heart: “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The challenge to Christians in this age of unbelief is to hide God’s Word in your heart and “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (I Peter 3:15). Think about your salvation testimony. How did you come to faith in Christ? Your path to salvation may differ from other believers, but the one common factor is this - someone shared God’s Word with you and just as Jesus promised, “the truth set you free” (John 8:32). Not the truth of psychology or philosophy, the truth of the gospel which revealed your sinful condition (Romans 3:23) and God’s gracious provision for forgiveness in the death of His Son (John 5:24; Romans 5:8). It is the Scripture alone which is “able to make one wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Returning to Pilate’s ‘truth encounter’ we find that Jesus never responded to his statement, “what is truth?” After Pilate uttered those words he went out again to the Jews and delivered Jesus to be crucified (John 18:38-19:6) . How sad to think that he did not realize that “the truth” was literally standing right in front of his eyes in the person of Christ. Jesus was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Moreover, He had come to reveal the truth to mankind. He was “the Word made flesh” (John 1:1), the very one who embodied “grace and truth” (John 1:17). Pilate never embraced the truth and consequently he turned away from “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11). He missed the only way to heaven and eternal life. Many like Pilate will do the same. “Let us not grow weary in well doing (2 Thessalonians 3:13)”. The way of destruction may be broad (Matthew 7:13) but some will rejoice in the truth and enter the narrow gate to eternal life (Matthew 7:14). God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). So, onward Christian soldiers! We do have a distinct set of truth claims, a doctrine to declare, a gospel to proclaim that is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Be valiant for the truth.

Trusting in the Lord!

Pastor Tom

TUNING THE CHURCH PIANOS

In our church we appreciate good music. However, good singing can be undermined by a piano that is out of tune, so as a rule we have our Kwai Baby Grand tuned twice a year. I have since discovered that two tunings a year may not be sufficient. William White, piano technician wrote, "If a piano is neglected, if it be allowed to go through from one season to another, say, from Spring to Winter, without tuning, it will probably at the end of that time be considerably lower in pitch. It will have gone through a rise, followed by a fall, and the fall will be greater than the first rise.” Admittedly I know very little about the art of tuning a piano, but I do understand that “a fall which exceeds a previous rise can’t be good”. I also know from a strict scientific standpoint that there is no such thing as a “perfectly tuned piano”. The constant temperature and barometric changes as well as the relative humidity in a room will always affect the pitch of a piano to some degree. We must live with the reality that our church piano will always sound “less than perfect”. This is not a big problem. I am very content with our Kwai. It makes beautiful music. There is however something else on the subject of ‘being in tune’ that is of spiritual importance to God’s people. How can a body of believers assembled together for worship make a beautiful sound to the ears of the risen Savior if they are “out of tune”? Not musically out of tune, but spiritually out of tune with each other. I am of course speaking about a lack of unity in the local church. The church at Ephesus was commanded to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Bear in mind that unity was something they possessed on the basis of their common salvation. The struggle was to maintain on a functional level what they possessed on a positional level in Christ who drew them together as members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19) . Just as there are many factors at work that interfere with the harmony of strings on a musical instrument, there are many factors working to destroy the harmony and peace of a Christian congregation. Chief among them is the great enemy of all godly endeavors, Satan, who knows that visible Christian unity glorifies God. Therefore, we should not be surprised that he will utilize every tool and trick at his disposal to create strife and division in the church. We are engaged in a great spiritual battle that knows no respite even when we come together as believers. This is why Paul prayed in Romans 15:5-6: “ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ". Brethren, there is no formula that will guarantee our being of “one mind”, but the Bible does point us to the source of godly unity. The source is the Holy Spirit working in each and every believer (Ephesians 4:3; Ephesians 5:18-21) to glorify Christ as Jesus said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: (John 16:13-14). The Spirit glorifies Christ most by conforming each believer to His image. In this process corporate unity is achieved. A.W. Tozer employed the analogy of piano tuning to describe how it works. He said, “If a hundred pianos were merely tuned to each other, their pitch would not be very accurate. But if they were all tuned to one tuning fork, they would automatically be tuned to each other". Similarly, unity in the church isn't trying to be the same as everyone else. It is not uniformity! We are individuals with different personalities, strength, weaknesses, preferences, gifts, etc. In short, we a group of many different pianos. Without abandoning our “unity on the essentials of our faith” we can retain our individuality and still be joined together in a way that will please and glorify God by becoming like Jesus Christ. We must all be, “ tuned to His likeness”. When all is said and done it is not “my way” or “your way” that matters, it is “His way”. Jesus having “His way” in all of our hearts is the key to church unity and unity in our homes.

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Our God will reign forever and ever!

Pastor Tom