MAKE YOUR TIME COUNT FOR ETERNITY

 Greetings and welcome to 2022. One thing we know from Scripture and from our personal experiences in life is that no one is guaranteed to see tomorrow. James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote, "Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:13-15). While it is wise to plan for tomorrow, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest (Proverbs 6:.6-8), the only moment we have is the present one. Dr. Benjamin Mays, the mentor of Dr. Martin Luther King wrote a short poem on the subject of redeeming the time (see Ephesians 5:15,16). To “redeem the time: means “to buy it back” or live with the awareness that once time is gone it is gone forever. So Mays penned,” I have only just a minute, only 60 seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it, didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it; give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny minute, but eternity is in it.” How true that last thought is especially true for the Christian, “eternity is in every minute which God has given to us. This is why we must “set our sights on things above and not on the things of this earth” (Colossians 3:1,2). Think about how long it might take to hand a gospel tract to someone, or share “a word appropriately chosen” (Proverbs 25:11). A single minute of your life can make an eternal difference in the life of someone else. I would challenge everyone who names the name of Christ to make it your aim in 2022 to do away with everything that is robbing you of precious time which can be better spent in more important matters. That might mean turning off the TV, getting off social media, ridding your life of things (even possessions) which clutter it up, and shutting off the many voices which compete for your attention. You have been given 31,536,000 seconds to use this year. Some of those seconds have vanished away, how will you use the rest of them? 

Keep pressing on,

Pastor Tom

 

SAVED BY WORKS?

 “God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,” (Romans 2:6-8). These verses sound like a person gets to heaven based on their good works, (trying the best they can). That is what the majority of professing Christians now believe. The problem is the words “patient continuance” mean “steadfastness or constancy”. That means your attempt at being good would have to be perfect all the time, which is impossible because “there is not one righteous person “ (Romans 3:12). Furthermore, Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Jesus didn’t come to make good men better; Jesus came to save evil men who could not save themselves by trying to do the best they can. This is why the word gospel means “ good news”. This is why the word “grace” in the Bible means “gift or unmerited favor”. Eternal life comes only to those who put their complete hope in the work Jesus did on the cross for their salvation, “the just one, dying for the unjust ones to bring them to God” (1 Peter 3:18). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). 

May God bless you with eternal life through Jesus Christ,

 Pastor Tom.

THE BRONZE SERPENT

After their exodus from Egypt the nation of Israel began a long history of disobeying God. Rather than showing gratitude for what God had done for them they soon began to become a nation of complainers which displeased God greatly.  “From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Numbers 21:4-9). The bronze serpent was a symbol of God’s judgment and salvation. In John’s gospel we learn that the symbol became a reality when Jesus took the judgment in behalf of sinners. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14-16). Look to Jesus as your Savior and you will be saved from the judgment of all your sins. “…. because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”(Romans 10:9). 

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP ON THE LORD'S DAY

 Alexander Mc Claren wrote: “Fruitful and acceptable worship begins before it begins”. How are you preparing to worship God before you go to church this coming Sunday to hear the Word of God proclaimed? That begins by worshipping Him every day (Monday through Saturday) in the sanctuary of your heart. “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:1-3). If praising God is continually in our hearts there is no room for complaints, and the joy of the Lord will be our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

COME LORD JESUS

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10 ). Metaphorically speaking, the church made up of all believers is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). We await the return of our bridegroom, the Lord Jesus. What a wonderful and glorious day it will be when we see Jesus, who will rule and reign upon this earth as King of Kings. This is the hope of all those who know Jesus as Savior. Even so, come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20). 

God bless, Pastor Tom.

SHOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO OTHERS

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11). The love of Jesus for a world of sinners is a love that cannot be equaled. It was an amazing, matchless, wondrous love. As ambassadors of Christ in this world, the Christian has been commanded by Jesus to let His love shine through them.This is never easy because we are still very sinful, and selfish people. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can do it. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). This time of upheaval, fear, and uncertainty in our country is the perfect time to show that we are Christians by our love. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Philippians 2:4).

God bless you all, 

Pastor Tom.

ARE YOU LIVING FOR JESUS?

The prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby wrote, "One life to live will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." I can hardly believe how fast my life is passing, and you probably feel the same way about yours. In the end what really matters? How many of our achievements will be remembered? The fact is that 100 years from now, every single person you personally know will be dead, and not one of them will be remembered. That's the sad reality of life. How many people can you name who lived in 1920? Who was the President of the United States in 1920?  Who was the last King of England? “Go to now, you that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what will be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13,14). Consider these words as you consider the brevity of life: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). The apostle Paul was willing to die for Christ; are we willing to live for Him? It’s only by living for Christ that we find a purpose in life that transcends this world. May God receive glory from the short duration of our earthly existence!

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE GLORY OF GOD IN CHRIST

The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee where he turned water into wine.The Scripture says, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (John 2:11). All the miraculous works of Christ were the revelation of the glory/majesty of His being, as God in human form (incarnate).The Bible speaks frequently about the glory of God. “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). God’s glory has been revealed in the past in unique ways and will be in the future. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen”! (Psalm 72:18-19). This Scripture speaks of the realization of the prophetic day when the whole earth will be filled with the radiant glory of Jesus Christ?  Psalm 24:7 reads, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” What a day of rejoicing that will be when Christ’s Kingdom comes to earth. If Jesus is your Lord & Savior, you will be among those who inherit the Kingdom of God. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). If you reject Christ as your Savior you will be among those who inherit a kingdom of everlasting torment (Matthew 25:41). Turn to Jesus, the King of glory while there is still time.

Pastor Tom

GOD IS OUR ALL IN ALL

The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in the church at Philippi with these words, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Over the course of my Christian life I have found those words to be true. I have not received everything I asked for, but I have received everything I needed. Meditate on this Scripture from Psalm 68:19-20, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death”. What a mighty and gracious God we serve. We are down and He lifts us up. We need strength for the day and He provides it. We needed salvation and God sent Jesus. We need deliverance from death and God will deliver us and we will be in heaven with Him forever (Psalm 23). The Lord is our all in all. Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE CONSOLATION FOR TROUBLING THOUGHTS

Every Christian knows what it is to face “the battle of their thought life” There are many Scriptures which admonish us concerning our thoughts, whether they be good or evil. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” “You are what you think” upon has a great deal of truth to it because thoughts lead to actions. James 1:14 makes this clear” every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finishes, bringeth forth death.’ This is certainly true as it applies to sinful thoughts, but our thoughts can affect our physical health, even when they are not overtly sinful. Especially when our minds are receiving a steady stream of bad news. Maybe you find yourself doing that today, as our country, and much of the world are facing something new and threatening to us, a global pandemic. We need to remind ourselves that God has not lost a grip on His plan for this world, and He always bids us to come to Him for comfort and rest. “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:19). The ESV translation puts it this way, ”When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul”. While many hearts are troubled these days, the solution is the consolation God’s Word brings. Now more than ever, is the time to hide that Word in your hearts.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). These words that Jesus spoke to his disciples in anticipation of the time he would no longer be with them are his words to us today. At a time when life is not normal and people are anxious about many things, the Christian has an inner peace that translates into hope. Don’t let circumstances trouble and overwhelm your mind. Be at peace by trusting in the Prince of Peace and walking in fellowship with him. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to overcome your fears.

God bless, Pastor Tom

CALM IN THE STORM

The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level, the lowest freshwater lake on earth. It is susceptible to sudden storms resulting from differences in temperatures between the seacoast and the mountains beyond. The storms are accompanied by strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills. One such storm is mentioned in Matthew 8 and verses 23-27. Another we find in Matthew 14:24-27 which reads: “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Everyone has unexpected storms. Our nation and many other nations are going through the COVID -19 storm. I pray that during this trying time we all remember that there is no storm that Jesus cannot calm! He is our peace and He never ceases to amaze those who put their faith in Him. Be of good cheer friends, Jesus is with us always.

God bless, Pastor Tom.

OUR GOD REIGNS!

What are you thinking upon in this difficult time? The daily Coronavirus Task Force briefings from the White House are not very comforting. A vaccine may not be available until the next winter flu season, if then. Nobody really knows when this will end and how it will end. But may I remind you that COVID-19 did not take God by surprise. Psalm 47:8 reminds us, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. In spite of the bad news we hear these days, the Christian can confidently say: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Never forget that Jesus is the light of the world, the Savior of the world, and the Almighty God who created the world. Don’t let your heart be troubled. The Good Shepherd will always look after His sheep.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

A SPIRITUAL COMPASS

When I lived in Pennsylvania many years ago,I was out in the woods as snow began to fall and quickly covered the ground, It was getting dark and I was about one mile from where my car was parked on a dirt road. Although I was young and in good health I began to fear that I might have to spend the night in temperatures belo mal as I became disoriented and nothing looked familiar. I could hardly see anything and didn't know how to proceed Eastward which was the way to safety. If only I had a compass, but I didn't! In uncertain times people need a spiritual compass. We look around us and see trouble everywhere. Presently there is a threat from COVID-19. One can easily get weighed down by some of the more dire predictions. Or, one can look up to God.  Psalm 127:1 says, "I will look up unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Consider the words of Psalm 43 where we read: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God “ (verse 5). Sometimes the best therapy when you are downcast is to “talk your way up” by praising the Lord. 

Stay safe and keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE RAINLESS WEEK

“Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him” (Genesis 7:1,4-5.). For seven days Noah and his family were in the ark waiting for the rain to come. Perhaps you have had a rainless week in your life, or a much longer waiting period praying and waiting upon the Lord for Him to act in your behalf. Keep your heart fixed on the Lord’s love for you during your rainless week. God always keeps His words Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?

During the uncertainty of the time in which we live it is all too easy to takes our eyes off the Lord and look to men for help. While God has provided people to watch out for us, let us always remember that our only real security is in God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Jesus is the Almighty Savior. 

Keep trusting in Him and press on, Pastor Tom.

HEART FAILURE

The “slipping away from God Christian” first loses his heart of gratitude to God. He then loses his heart to serve God. After that he loses his heart to worship God. Finally, the slipping away from God Christian’s heart turns cold toward God altogether. He neglects his Bible, he gives up on prayer, he shuns God's people and becomes critical and judgmental. A lack of gratitude to God is a grievous sin! Be a "growing Christian," not a "slipping away Christian."

Pastor Tom 

SHARE THE GOSPEL

It takes no courage, no love, no compassion, no sacrifice and no effort to keep the good news of the gospel to yourself. Step out in faith and share the Word of life with people who need Jesus. People face an eternity separated from God if they do not receive Christ as their Lord & Savior. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18). Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom 

CAN ANYONE MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?

President Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. When our Founding Fathers passed the First Amendment, they sought to protect churches from government interference. They never intended to construct a wall of hostility between government and the concept of religious belief itself. … To those who cite the First Amendment as reason for excluding God from more and more of our institutions every day, I say: The First Amendment of the Constitution was not written to protect the people of this country from religious values; it was written to protect religious values from government tyranny.” If you read Romans chapter one, it is clear that when people refuse to retain God in their knowledge God gives them over to all kinds of wickedness. Just look at the path America has been on for many decades. It is not the path to greatness; it is the path of moral corruption. Abortion on demand is the law of the land, the sacred institution of marriage has been desecrated by homosexual unions, political correctness rules the day at the expense of truth, people call good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). What Isaiah the prophet declared concerning ancient Israel is true of America, ".... judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter" (Isaiah 59:14). The street in context was the broad open place, what we call the public square. America’s public square is Washington D.C., the home of the three branches of our government. 

This is where truth has fallen. “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). No political party can bring spiritual revival to a nation that refuses to acknowledge the authority that belongs to the Supreme Lawgiver, the God who created the heavens and the earth. The judgments of the Almighty will continue to fall upon this land until the inhabitants of the land turn from their sin and seek forgiveness from the Lord. The only hope for American greatness is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tom

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

"Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who speak evil about you, and persecute you;" (Matthew 5:43-44). This is one of the more difficult commands in the Bible for Christians to put into practice. How can we love our enemies? The answer is hinted at in the next verse, " that ye may be sons of your Father who is in the heavens," (Matthew 5:45a). Jesus himself set the example by reaching out in love to sinners. Sometimes he was criticized for it, but the criticism did not stop him, because his heart was filled with compassion for those who were like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Look at the encounter of Jesus with a rich man in Mark, chapter 6. Mark says, "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions (Mark 10:21-22). Jesus looked at a man who rejected him with love. What does this say about the heart of Jesus for sinners? It says that Jesus cares deeply for them and knows that their true happiness is not dependent on earthly things, but their relationship to him. Would Jesus ask us to do something that he himself did not do? Of course not. We are to love our enemies because Jesus chose to love his enemies. Christ’s love for the lost ultimately led him to the cross, where he offered up his life, so that those who come to him by faith, seeking his forgiveness would obtain it. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 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 5:6-8). Human love could never be greater than Divine love. God loved the whole world, a world of ungodly sinners. The Father sent the Son into the world to save it, not condemn it. If God's love was limited, then Christ's command to us to love our enemies would be hypocritical. He would have been commanding us to do something that he himself did not do. But thanks be unto God who does love sinners such as I, and yes, he loves you too. This is good news for all men, the very center of the gospel of Christ. Go tell those who are lost, the good news. This is the greatest love you could show them, even those who oppose you.

“God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite.” F.F. Bruce

Pastor Tom