|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Pastor Ron's Blog
IS OUR ACTUAL ARRIVAL IN HEAVEN THE ULTIMATE REWARD? posted 07/11/2008 12:19:28 pm
IS OUR ARRIVAL IN HEAVEN THE ULTIMATE REWARD,
OR IS THERE MORE?
This is the question at the heart of our ‘08 Spring and Summer Sermon Series. I don’t intend to minimize our soul’s salvation and the urgency of introducing others to Christ. Jesus emphasized its eternal significance in Mark 8:36, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
On the other hand, once our eternal destiny is settled by acknowledging our sin and confessing Jesus Christ as our only hope of salvation, by faith alone, THERE IS MORE to our salvation than the pearly gates. The apostle Paul cleared up the confusion in II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad”. All saved people get to heaven, but not all saved people are equally rewarded when they get there. “Whoever will may come”, but only those who move beyond their salvation experience toward spiritual maturity in Christ will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
There is a “final job review” waiting for every born-again-Christian. The number and nature of our good works will be examined by Christ at the “Bema Seat” (I Cor. 3:8-15).
There is much at stake after we arrive in heaven, because the rewards received in the form of “crowns” will be laid at Jesus’ feet. The heavenly scene described in Revelation 4, describes the reaction of the Church following the Judgment Seat of Christ:
“…the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and CAST THEIR CROWNS BEFORE THE THRONE saying,
‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor…” (vv. 10-11). At that moment, I don’t want to appear empty-handed. I plan to be a member of the “casting crowns” worship team. I hope you too have moved beyond John 3:16, to II Corinthians 5:10, and have a passionate desire to do the same.
Isn’t it wonderful that God not only extends the gift of eternal life to us in response to our simple faith in the blood of Christ as payment for our sins, but also rewards us for taking the necessary steps toward spiritual maturity?! LET THE FIVE REWARDS DESCRIBED FOR US IN SCRIPTURE BE A CATALYST TO MOVE US OUT OF OUR LETHARGY AND INTO A PATTERN OF INTENTIONAL, SPIRITUAL GROWTH. OVER THE PAST SEVERAL SUNDAYS WE HAVE STUDIED:
I. THE CROWN OF LIFE (Js. 1:12)…goes to every Christian who loves Christ enough to endure the trials and temptations of life for Christ’s sake. This reward is also called “The Lover’s Crown” (Rom. 8:18, 28).
II. THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN (I Cor. 9:24-27). This reward will go to every believer who “runs to win”. He has learned what the Christian life is all about and disciplines himself to compete like a marathon runner and finish the race with dignity and honor (Heb. 12:1-2).
III. THE CROWN OF REJOICING (I Thess. 2:1, 19-20)…is the soul winners crown. This is part of the reason Solomon taught us, “…he who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). Every missionary-minded Christian will be rewarded.
IV. THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (II Tim. 4:6-8). I’m looking forward to explaining this crown and how every Christian can win it. It has been said that a man’s life can be measured by his last words. I hope you’ll join us for Sunday Worship July 13, (10:00) to consider with me the significance of the apostle Paul’s “death bed remarks”, and his love for our Lord’s appearing at the rapture of the Church.
V. THE CROWN OF GLORY (I Pet. 5:4)…is the reward for every worthy pastor. When he wins, the church wins. “Remember those who rule over (lit:‘lead’) you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct…and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:7,17). The remaining Sundays in July will bring us to a consideration of the biblical roles of pastor and people within Christ’s church. Don’t miss it!
Thanks for keeping up with Pastor Ron’s Blog.
I am sincerely yours in Christ,
Pastor Edwards
“MAKE DISCIPLES!” Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20 posted 02/29/2008 10:19:59 am
So sorry. My “blog” update is late. I hope you will find the following thoughts from previous Sunday sermons a blessing.
As many of you know, I began a brief series on James chapter 1, on February 10. Before I refer to it, however, let me back track to my January 13th message entitled, “Make Disciples” from Matthew 28:19-20. Over the past year, we’ve been in a serious process of evaluating, re-organizing, and praying that God would re-energize the ministry of PHBC. Much progress has been made, and I have been encouraged by the renewed spirit of partnership the deacons and pastors have enjoyed in our effort to lead the way. I hope you’ve also noticed, and are looking forward to the unfolding of a new and fresh “ministry master plan” in 2008. This is new territory for most of us. God has led us to make a few minor changes to this point. He will continue to lead and direct as we all choose to work and pray together for the best interests of PHBC today and into the future.
This may mean giving up a few of our “time-honored” traditions and moving out of some of our “comfort zones”. Yes, we are indeed “creatures of comfort”, but God didn’t save us to make us comfortable but instead to make us committed to recognizing and honoring His will for us through His church ( “…but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2, NLT). I have learned by experience, the vision of any church fades with time unless it is reinforced. This happens in the best of churches, because people become distracted with other things. Therefore, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me the importance of reinforcing the doctrine and purpose of The Church early in this New Year! One January 13, ’08, I preached on “Make Disciples”!
I hope this review will help to re energize your vision for the ministry of your church………
The first mention of “the church” was made by Jesus to Peter and the rest of His disciples in Mt. 16:18, “Upon this Rock l will build My Church.” Later Paul clarified: “Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone…” (Eph. 2:19-22). In order for us to become more of what God has called us to be as a church, it’s essential that we believe the Bible on this very point:
JESUS CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION BENEATH THE CHURCH (“…upon this Rock…”). Jesus is the Rock that does not roll! Every architect knows that the foundation of any structure is critically important to its stability. God Himself is the Master Architect of the One True Church, and he would not trust a mere man or any civic or religious organization to serve as its foundation. INSTEAD, He has ordained that His Son Himself be that foundation. This speaks to the invincibility of His Church. It will indeed stand the “test of time” and withstand the onslaughts of Satan and all forces of evil, now and forever! The apostle Paul had to remind the divided, troubled church of Corinth of something. He said: “For no other foundation can anyone lay…than Jesus Christ!” That First Century congregation (like many today) had forgotten something…the Church of Jesus Christ was not about them! It was all about Jesus, because He is the Founder and the Foundation of it. He is the basis and the purpose for its existence. Paul was saying, “Every one of you is dispensable. Jesus is the Indispensable One! He is the Foundation Beneath His Church, and therefore, the Church is INVINCIBLE!
Something else we must believe about the church is this: JESUS IS THE BUILDER OF THE CHURCH! (“…I will build My Church…” Mt. 16:18a).
In just a minute, we will look more closely at “The Great Commission”. But it’s interesting to notice, within the context of giving His marching orders to all His followers-- past, present, and future—Jesus announced, “All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth…Go therefore,…” “Go therefore!” Therefore, He can certainly do it through us! He can and He will deliver on all His promises to His Church, including building it! And He will do it through every motivated and mobilized Christian who makes up the visionary local churches of the world in every generation. Not only did Jesus promise to build His Church, but for emphasis, He added: “And the Gates of Hades will NOT prevail against it!” There will be resistance. True, genuine, Christ-honoring Christianity has always made plenty of enemies. “Religion” is acceptable to the world, but the Christ of NT Bible-Believing Christianity is unacceptable. The expansion of the one true Church will encounter resistance from the forces of Hell, because the one true Church that Christ is building is exclusive. It excludes all other Belief-Systems of the world (Jn. 3:36; 14:6; Acts 4:12). Yet all such resistance is an exercise in futility because Jesus promised, “I will build My Church…” This is a promise we CAN believe in! He can and will deliver. This second main point suggests Jesus Christ is ACTIVE in His Church today. All we have to do is JOIN HIM in what He is already doing (Jn. 5:19).
The third truth we must accept and act upon is this: JESUS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OVER THE CHURCH. (“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church…that in all things He may have the preeminence” Col. 1:16-18).
To put it in modern, corporate terms, Jesus is the CEO, The Founder & Executive Director, the CIA if you please, the “Control Center” over all things pertaining to His Church. The “Operations Manual” is His written Word, the Bible, in particular the NT epistles. His position over our church and His instructions on how we must operate as a church must not be taken lightly. Since He’s the Founder, Director, and Head over His Church we are His subjects. His position suggests AUTHORITY. Our basis for evaluation therefore, is not “what do I want” or “what would make me happy” or “what would meet my needs or your needs”, but “what does God say about it in His Word?” This is the final authority for all faith (what we believe) and practice (how we live our personal lives and operate as a local church). Yes, this is the first and only question that matters in the continuous evaluation process of the effectiveness of any local church ministry—“What Would Jesus Do?”…….How do I know?…..Check out the Word. Something else assumed by Christ’s headship over His Church is the eternal security of the believer. Since He is the Head, He cannot be separated from His Church, nor His Church separated from Him, because we are His Body! I Corinthians 12:13 teaches us: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--…” Once baptized into the Body of Christ at our salvation experience, you were CONNECTED—the Holy Spirit connects and assimilates you into Christ’s Body, and “nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ” (Rom. 8:35-39). I’m concerned about Christians who claim to love Christ but not the church. “I can be a Christian without being part of any church” they say. Yet the Bible says that “Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her…” (Eph. 5:25). This faulty reasoning would be like saying to your wife, men: “I love your head, but don’t like your body!”……Can you imagine? No, the head and the body are ONE person. The Christian who loves Christ, will automatically love that which He loves enough to die for. And if we’re smart, men, we’ll love our wives equally as much….all of her! Christ’s position as Head over His Church also suggests SECURITY.
In summary then, IF Christ is the FOUNDATION UNDER the Church. IF He’s the HEAD OVER the Church. IF He is the BUILDER OF the Church, then HE CERTAINLY MUST HAVE A PLAN FOR HIS CHURCH! And since we are Christ’s Body on earth (His legs, hands, feet, eyes, ears, tongue) His plan most certainly includes us! WE are His plan. There’s no “Plan B”.
Now let’s look at WHAT CHRIST’S PLAN actually is for His Church—His Body on earth……Matthew 28:19-20…… “MAKE DISCIPLES!” The One True Church of Jesus Christ is a “Disciple Factory”. Everything we do must contribute to this great purpose and objective. It’s “The Great Commission” of every true local church! “Oh, you mean missions, Pastor Ron.” Yes, it includes evangelism, but it is much more than that. The final “marching orders” for every true Christian and church is: “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you,…” (v.20). It’s easy to become a Christian and join the one true Church. What most church members overlook is….then, the work begins! The work of becoming a disciple of Christ and in turn, discipling others. It’s more than evangelism and its more than learning and teaching the Bible—it’s LIVING IT! It’s translating what we learn from God’s Word into every day life—into relationships at home, work, school, and church—into how we think and live in public and private. John Wesley often said: “The problem of problems is to get Christianity into daily living.” This quote speaks to the necessity and the difficulty of doing so. I believe the difficulty lies in the fact of the general population of Christians minimizing their Bibles and their churches. We are guilty of taking it all for granted. We have become “mugwump Christians”.
The leadership of PHBC has decided we will not allow ourselves to become a “mugwump church”. Therefore, we have decided to work at clarifying the process of becoming disciples of Christ. The level of effectiveness will depend on your cooperation. We can’t become disciples in isolation or even on Sunday mornings. We greatly need each other. We must become less independent and more interdependent. We need the teaching, training, motivating, encouraging environment of the local church body. “The more here, the more hear” and hopefully the more are saved, and taught, and trained for service. The fact is, there has to be movement in the discipleship process. A movement from “CONNECTING” TO “GROWING” TO “SERVING”. Then you know that you are becoming a disciple of Christ and PHBC is fulfilling its purpose. We never arrive, but we should be moving in the right direction toward ultimate discipleship. I must ask, therefore, “where are you in the process?” Have you stalled out along the way? Let us help you get moving again—get in the flow—the mainstream of the ministry of your church.
This is us…what we’re about…Other organizations can do a lot of social, humanitarian things (good things); BUT only the one true Church can be a “Disciple Factory”—the best thing of all!
“…to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!” (Eph. 3:21).
Where's the Wonder? posted 12/28/2007 11:05:08 am
“Where’s The Wonder?” II Cor. 9:15
As promised, I’m following up on my 12-23-07 morning message. I hope you enjoy it.
There’s a certain sacred sovereignty about Christmas, which if we’re not careful, can be easily overlooked or at least minimized by the pull of the world. The apostle Paul expressed this wonder and awe over the first coming of Christ through his brief doxology in II Corinthians 9:15—“Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift”! The NIV translates this verse—“Thank God for His Son-a Gift too wonderful for words!” It should be noted that this expression of praise comes at the conclusion of Paul’s famous text on financial stewardship. We are to follow the example of the First Century churches of Macedonia, who “gave beyond their ability” and were “freely willing” to give. And most importantly, they “first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (II Cor. 8:3,5). In chapter 9, Paul uses the analogy of “sowing and reaping” and the grace of “cheerful giving” in order to teach us on this important subject. In effect, Paul suggests that every Christian must give in order to obey God, according to however he purposes in his heart to give. But every Christian giver must also be prepared to accept the measure of God’s blessing in his life accordingly. The farmer who sows sparingly, reaps little. The farmer who sows bountifully reaps much. The same applies to the giver. (see 9:6-14) Keep in mind, Paul also teaches proportionate giving—He’s not interested in amounts but percentages when it comes to our tithes and offerings (I Cor. 16:2). “To whom much is given, much is required.” Paul’s whole basis for our financial stewardship is the giving heart of God. He is our ultimate Example in sacrificial, unconditional giving—He gave us His Son (9:15)! This supreme act of grace should inspire us to give generously back to Him as a systematic, consistent act of worship on the first day of the week when we assemble. This is the basis and background of Paul’s burst of praise “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift”! I’m reminded of a quote from one of our missionaries, years ago: “Some people celebrate Christmas once a year. This seems to please them. Other people celebrate Christmas every day. This must please God.”
It’s safe to say, then, that those Christians who refrain from giving to the Lord’s work or give “sparingly” or “grudgingly” have lost the wonder of Christmas. As I preached last Sunday, December 23, there are many reasons to be in awe and wonder over the Christmas story, which is reflected, in part, by our generosity, such as:
I. CHRIST’S CONCEPTION WAS A WONDER—FUL SURPRISE (Lk. 1:28, 34).
This pregnancy was a surprise to Mary! That’s an understatement! When she
first encountered the angel and heard Gabriel’s initial greeting the text says “…she was troubled at the saying.” As Gabriel continued with his divine announcement, Mary responded with: “How can this be?!” Finally, even
though Mary did not understand it all she concluded, “Let it be to me according
to your word.” She didn’t understand it all, but she didn’t have to in order to submit to God’s will for her life concerning this pregnancy. In faith, Mary said in a sense, “Take me and use me. I’m yours.” What a lesson for each one of us! We like to walk by sight and not by faith. Lord, forgive us! (“Help my unbelief”!)
Not only was Jesus’ conception a reason for awe and wonder, but…
II. HIS LOCATION WAS A WONDER—FUL SURPRISE (Micah 5:2).
Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, His birthplace was predicted by the prophet Micah, who said: “But you Bethlehem…though you are little…yet out of you shall come…the One to be ruler in Israel, …”
“Oh, little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie…”
God delights in using little things for His own purposes and glory. After all,
He’s using me and I hope you are allowing Him to use you. He’s certainly used little PHBC over the past 50 years, including this past one! Many of you could give testimony to this fact. The mission of our little church is “changed lives” one at a time. We have and will continue to make a difference, one life at a time. When I get discouraged over this whole matter of “Success American Style”, I turn to I Corinthians 1:26-31 and II Corinthians 10:12-13. Then I remember the little town of Bethlehem and the Nativity. Out of that surprisingly humble beginning came “One to be ruler in Israel” and the One and only Savior and only hope of the world.
Last, and by no means least, the third reason for our awe and wonder at Christmas is…
III. GOD’S MOTIVATION WAS A WONDER—FUL SURPRISE (Jn. 3:16;
Rom. 5:8)
It was God’s LOVE FOR US that moved Him to send His one and only Son as a sacrifice and full payment for our sins. Surprise! God really loves sinners.
We don’t deserve it, but it’s true. The cradle brought God to man, but it took the cross to bring man to God. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…”
Are you FULL of wonder at this divine motivation for Christ’s birth?
Have you responded to God’s love yet, by faith in His Son, the one and only Savior of the world? He’s your only escape route from the just penalty of your sin and the wrath of God (John 3:36). Take the Son. Your eternal soul hangs in the balance.
Once there was a wealthy man and his son who loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.
He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked of you, and your love for art.” The young man held out the package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist or anything, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.” The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. His eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. “Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before showing them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing this rare collection of art and having the opportunity to purchase one. On the platform the painting of the son was on display. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence. Then a voice was heard from the back of the room, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one!” But the auctioneer persisted, “Will someone bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?” Another voice was raised, “We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!” But still the auctioneer continued, “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?” Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” It was all he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?” Shouted the auctioneer. “Give it to him for $10. Get on with it. We want to see the masters.” “Ten dollars is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?” The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son, but instead more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!”
A man sitting on the second row cheered, suggesting they could all finally get on with the auction. The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.” “What about the paintings?” they protested. “I’m sorry. There is a secret stipulation in the will. I was not to reveal it until this point in the auction. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”
God gave His Son 2,000 years ago. He was born to die on the cross for our sins. He’s the One and only Sin Bearer in the eyes of God the Father.
His message for us is still: “The Son, the Son, who’ll take the Son?” Whoever takes the Son, receives everything the Father has to offer.
You see, CHRISTmas is all about the first six letters and God the Father’s MOTIVATION for sending Him. “For God so loved the world that He gave..”
(John 3:16). Oh, the wonder of it all! If you haven’t yet, won’t you “take the Son”, receive the Gift of God personally, as your Savior before this year ends? Next year may be too late.
Happy New Year!
Pastor Ron
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
1170 St. Rt. 131
Milford, OH. 45150 513-831-7598
www.pleasanthillbc.com
redwards@pleasanthillbc.com
The Dayspring From On High posted 12/17/2007 10:16:28 pm
An interesting descriptive title of our Lord Jesus is found in Luke 1:78. "...the Dayspring from on high has visited us:..." This announcement is found in Zacharias' prophecy of Christ's birth upon the birth of his son, John (the Baptist). This is one among many names given to Jesus by the writers of Scripture. All of His names are characterizations. They identify Him for Whom He actually is. Therefore, we have..."Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). "Immanuel" which means 'God With Us', and, of course, "Jesus" ('Savior'). "Dayspring" is a poetic term for Jesus which literally means "Dawn" or Sunrise".
Our Savior's coming and mission have always been associated with light. Numbers 24:17 says, "There shall come a star out of Jacob". When the wisemen arrived in Jerusalem after their long journey in search of Israel's Messiah, they asked: "Where is He who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2).
Zacharias now explains the purpose of Christ’s mission:
“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). This verse speaks of the moral and spiritual condition of the world into which Jesus was born. Jesus has come and gone, and the world remains in moral and spiritual darkness. Despair and disillusionment are everywhere. John the apostle helps us understand why-- “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only to witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him (John 1:6-10). John concludes—“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19-20).
To summarize, God loves everyone. He proved it by becoming flesh in the Person of His Son. Jesus’ birth was to those who believe, like a magnificent sunrise following the darkest of nights. His redemptive mission brings eternal hope via complete victory over sin and death for all who say “yes” to Jesus. The world in general has missed it, they remain in ignorance and oblivious to the nature of Jesus and His purpose for coming to earth. To them, the nativity is a sweet little children’s story for Christmas. Just another tradition, a legend along with Santa Claus, reindeer, and the North Pole. It is a treasured fantasy to them. Nothing more. Nothing personal. Why? “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (II Corinthians 4:4). I hope you can also say with the apostle Paul—“For God, who said, ‘ Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (II Corinthians 4:6). Do you have a friend, a relative, a neighbor who is still “sitting in darkness”? Let the light of Jesus Christ shine bright through your life this Christmas Season and all through the New Year.
You see, Jesus is no longer in the world bodily, but He left you and me behind to take up where He left off. He said—“You are the light of the world. People do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Possibly the reason why our world still “sits in darkness and in the shadow of death” far from the “way of peace” is because we haven’t been burning brightly enough. “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!” Will you join me? Then, maybe one day it will “dawn” on our lost family and friends who will suddenly see for themselves: “It took the cradle to bring God to me. It took the cross to bring me to God.”
Thanksgiving Thoughts posted 11/17/2007 11:10:12 pm
November has to be one of my favorite seasons of the year. It's harvest time. It's a time when my thoughts turn back to my national roots, and what those early pilgrims endured in order to enjoy freedom of worship in their "promised land". History teaches that it was less than a year after settling in this new land that the pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving. During the hard winter months they had lost half their original party via disease and starvation. In spite of their hardships they were THANKFUL. Then 150 years later, George Washington issued a general proclaimation of national Thanksgiving to God. Seventy-five years later, Abraham Lincoln did the same in 1863. He called upon all Americans to recognize "...a day of thanksgiving and praise to our benevolent Heavenly Father..." Then, in 1941, Congress voted that the fourth Thursday of November be THANKSGIVING DAY, a legal, national holiday!
But I'm wondering just how much THANKSGIVING to God will actually take place this fourth Thursday of November, and on the Lord's Days before and after Thanksgiving Day? Ingratitude is a common weakness of us all. Walter Wilson writes: "We are a thankless lot. We grasp after and grab every good thing that God has to offer and usually we take it for granted and forget." Ben Franklin said: "There is none so poor as he who knows not the joy of what he has".
This Thanksgiving Day take a few minutes before and after the turkey dinner with all the trimmings and reflect upon the God "from Whom all blessings flow." Thank God not only for the food given, but for "the one who so lovingly prepared it" for you to enjoy. Thank Him for the rest of your family, at your side or across the country, that mean so much. Thank Him for the air you breath and the opportunity to enjoy another day on God's green earth (Psalm 118:24). And while you "rejoice and be glad in it" (this day), think about this:
"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 84:10). This Thanksgiving (and every day) thank God for your salvation by faith in Christ and your home church which He has given you. I do. See you in church!
Gratefully yours,
Pastor Ron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Recent Announcements:
IMPACT WORLD TOUR APRIL 23-25 posted 03/09/2010 12:24:22 pm
IWT is coming to Milford High School!
April 23 ~ Island Breeze
April 24 ~ Team Extreme
April 25 ~ GX International
New Year Schedule posted 01/05/2010 12:16:21 pm
Sunday: 10:00AM Worship Service
11:30AM Adult Fellowship Groups & Children and Youth Sunday School
6:00PM Ladies & Men's Growth Groups
Children's Discovery Club (K-5th)
Wed: 7:00PM Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Group
Fri: 9:30AM Ladies Growth Group
Other Growth Groups available through the week. Call church for details (831-7598)
...more
Upcoming Events:
WebCalendar
- Wednesday, March 10, 2010
- Mid Week Ministries
- Thursday, March 11, 2010
- Big Sister Ministry
- Sunday, March 14, 2010
- Worship Schedule
- Wednesday, March 17, 2010
- Mid Week Ministries
- Thursday, March 18, 2010
- Big Sister Ministry
- Sunday, March 21, 2010
- Worship Schedule
- Wednesday, March 24, 2010
- Mid Week Ministries
- Thursday, March 25, 2010
- Big Sister Ministry
- Sunday, March 28, 2010
- Worship Schedule
- Wednesday, March 31, 2010
- Mid Week Ministries
...more
|
|
 |
|
|
Milford, OH 45150 
Home