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THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!

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Frankly Speaking,

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.

I Corinthians 1:18 NLT

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!  If you have attended church at any point in your life this statement might be offensive to you; however, for those who have avoided church: the statement may make perfect sense. Recently, someone told me that THE BIBLE is a book of fairy tales. Therefore, to some, the cross must seem like foolishness. For others, the Cross (and its Overcomer) is the very purpose for living.

Ironically, for both groups GOD has used the term “FOOLISHNESS” to help you understand a deeper meaning of the true foolishness involved. In the passage above, THE BIBLE says, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.”  THE BIBLE goes on to say, “For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than human strength.” (I Cor 1:25).

Consider for a moment, SIR ISAAC NEWTON who is known as “perhaps the greatest physicist who has ever lived.” He said of GOD,

This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. And if the fixed stars are the centers of other like systems, these, being formed by the like wise counsel, must be all subject to the dominion of One; especially since the light of the fixed stars is of the same nature with the light of the sun.

Why is JESUS remembered by so many as the SAVIOR, and if there is a shred of TRUTH to the Cross shouldn’t you at least consider its TRUTH? After all, JESUS did not say the truth is merely a concept to consider. HE said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through ME.” (John 14:6) EASTER is the living proof of this TRUTH. Happy EASTER! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

PASSION WEEK!

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Frankly Speaking,

8 Many in the crowd spread their garments

on the road ahead of HIM,

and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields.

9 JESUS was in the center of the procession,

and the people all around HIM were shouting,

“PRAISE GOD! BLESSINGS ON THE ONE

WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!

10 BLESSINGS ON THE COMING KINGDOM

OF OUR ANCESTOR DAVID!

PRAISE GOD IN HIGHEST HEAVEN!” (Matt 21:8-10)

PASSION WEEK BEGINS! ~ Why would anyone call the week of JESUS’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection “PASSION?” What does the word PASSION really mean? Webster’s dictionary first describes it as “the week between JESUS Last Supper and HIS death;” however, it’s also defined as “an object of deep desire or interest.” I believe both definitions work. JESUS had one purpose during HIS Incarnation; HE came to earth to rescue mankind.  Look what JESUS says in THE BIBLE,

“For THE SON OF MAN

came to seek and save

those who are lost.”

Luke 19:10

That is what this “PASSION WEEK” is all about. PALM SUNDAY marks the pinnacle of people’s expectations for JESUS to be Who they wanted HIM to be. Many are still doing the same thing today. GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER are the proof that HE came for you and me. Without HIM, there is no way to please GOD; otherwise, why did HE come and die? GOD really loves you!

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

REJOICE FAVORED ONE!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“The angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one,

THE LORD is with you; blessed are you among women!”

~ Luke 1:28b NKJV

REJOICE FAVORED ONE! Who was Mary? Why did GOD choose her? Why is she so special? How should we remember her? GOD said that she is “highly favored” and “blessed among woman.”  How ought we approach this amazing woman who was chosen throughout all time to be the woman who would give birth to the SAVIOR of the whole world. Does this mean that she is to be revered as the “Mother of GOD?”

We must be very careful here. If we hold to the doctrine of THE TRINITY, and Mary is the Mother of JESUS ~ THE SON OF GOD ~ THE INCARNATE GOD-MAN, AND HE AND HIS FATHER ARE ONE ~ then, by definition, she is the “Mother of GOD.” She must be different than any other woman who ever lived. Right? After all, GOD chose her, a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), to carry the SON OF GOD in her womb and raise HIM through HIS childhood!

Can we take this too far? Should we pray to Mary according to this prayer?

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

Should we pray to Mary, not according to Scripture. All too often, we react to what others believe. We are offended because people think differently than we do. Mary is the mother of JESUS; therefore, she is to be honored, respected, and appreciated.  Nevertheless, Mary is not part of the TRINITY, nor is she GOD’S wife. This can quickly take us to a place that is far from the TRUTHS we find in THE WORD OF GOD. CHRISTMAS should always lead us to EASTER because JESUS is the reason for the season!

Remember, the focus of THE NATIVITY is that GOD sent HIS ONE and ONLY SON to save us from ourselves and sin. Every CHRISTMAS song and story should focus on and resoundingly proclaim that JESUS CHIRST IS BORN! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

~ Pastor Wes

~ I Peter 3:15

PS ~ To here more about Mary, check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/532629427668025

https://www.gotquestions.org/virgin-Mary.html

GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

But as THE ARK OF THE LORD’S COVENANT entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him. ~ I Chronicles 15:29

GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY! ~ Let’s review last week. King David wanted to move THE ARK OF THE COVENANT back to Jerusalem. He basically took a survey, and everyone thought it was “the right thing to do.” However, they left GOD out of the process. A man named Uzzah tried to steady THE ARK as it appeared to fall, and he was killed by GOD for touching THE ARK. We ended the sermon possibly thinking GOD was unfair. Go back and watch. 😊

FIRST, we must come to the realization that GOD is GOD, and we are not! When GOD makes a promise, HE never fails! HE promised HE would redeem us in Genesis 3:15, and HE fulfilled HIS promise. HE promised that HIS holiness was represented in THE ARK, and HE told the people exactly how to move it. HE warned them that if they touched it, then they would die. Why do we pick and choose when to believe GOD’S promises?  We argue with HIM when we disagree with HIS Promises? We seem to want Santa Claus instead of GOD!

SECOND, in today’s passage (I Chronicles 15:1-29), King David seeks GOD’S approval rather than a human consensus.  What a difference that makes! Too often, we, ministers, are more concerned with the opinion of the congregants rather than that of the CREATOR. When King David moved THE ARK ~ GOD’S WAY, everything went well and a HOLY GHOST party broke out. GOD first life!

THIRD, David danced for joy before THE LORD. He was not “showing off.” Michal’s reaction to King David’s worship is a vivid picture of our worship. (v 29 above) In my experience, someone somewhere is always filled with contempt whenever you worship GOD honestly and openly. It is too much for them to handle. Worship anyway! When worshiping GOD, never look out, look around, or look back. Always look up!  GOD’S WORK ~ GOD’S WAY!  😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

FELLOWSHIP ~ THE FAMILY ROOM

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with THE FATHER and with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” ~ I John 1:3-4 NKJV

MY HEART CHRIST’S HOME: THE FAMILY ROOM! ~ In the first century, when the NEW TESTAMENT was written, there were no churches like the ones we have today. There were no modern denominations wooing us to their team. 😊 We often find ourselves looking at THE BIBLE as if it were written in our Post-Modern society with cars, technology, and much more. It was NOT!

So, how then do we apply what we read in THE BIBLE written so long ago to our lives today? Here’s what I will say every time: “It all begins with a relationship with JESUS CHRIST!” 😊 HE left heaven, lived HIS life on earth, and died for you! All this, so that, your broken relationship with GOD could be mended through HIS blood. That begins your FELLOWSHIP with GOD!

Well, do I have to go to a church according to the BIBLE? NO! However, you do have to meet with other followers of JESUS to encourage them and to be encouraged. The best way to do this is to find a church where THE BIBLE is taught and preached truthfully, openly, and honestly. That is how you grow in fellowship with GOD and man as a true believer in JESUS!

How’s your FELLOWSHIP METER? 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Check out this link:

https://www.gotquestions.org/fellowship-with-God.html

GREATEST MOTHERS OF ALL TIME!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NLT

THE GREATEST MOTHERS OF ALL TIME! MOM, MOTHER, MOMMA, MAMA, GRANDMA, MIMI, MEMAW, etc.… What incredible gifts to all children. Take a moment to think of one of those times that your mom and/or grandma made everything better. Maybe it was something a small as a skinned knee, or it could be that moment where the world felt as though it was closing in on you. There was mom; encouraging you through the worst of times.

I remember so many times my mom desperately wanted to make everything better. Every time I broke a bone, failed a test, or had a car accident She would make me a banana sandwich, or her spaghetti goulash. She would just be there. Another time, I was staying with my grandmother, and my leg cramped up so badly I was screaming in pain. She took me for a wale in the cool morning. It went away. Then, she took out some crayons and taught me how to color using my finger to shade. Such simple moments that mean the world to me as an adult. Listen to this:

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.       II Timothy 1:5 NLT

I am sure you have great stories of your mom and grandmothers. Take time to remember those wonderful moments. Also, call out to GOD on behalf of your children, and stand in the gap for them as they navigate the treacherous waters toward and through adulthood. Give them JESUS every day you can ~ HIS Word lasts forever! ~ By the way, they are probably telling some of their favorite stories about you even now. 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

REDEEMED: Your Story Isn’t Over Yet!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“And she told him the story. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her.”                 II Kings 8:6b NLT

RESTORED: My Story Isn’t Over Yet! ~ As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, I believe we need to remember why, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan chose to set a day of celebration to honor the memory of the positive things Dr. King accomplished. He stood face to face with many who judged people merely by the color of their skin. This Baptist minister led peaceful rallies to raise awareness and make changes to a horrifying condition in our homes and churches. Many, in the name of religion, chose to cling to hate and violence in the name of their church and religious beliefs. This has always been an unbiblical, demonic activity. Martin Luther King’s life was taken, in 1968, by hateful people for his dream of love. 

In our walk through THE WORD today, we revisit the woman from Shunem whose son was resurrected by GOD through Elisha the prophet. (II Kings 4:8-37) Having helped Elisha, her circumstances change as a famine hits the land. She and her family are forced to leave everything behind for which they had worked so hard. She must move to a foreign land for seven long, lean, depressing years. This happens through no fault of her own. She is a victim of these circumstances. It’s unfair! Why didn’t she quit?

Far too many of our friends, our children, and our grandchildren are overwhelmed by circumstances. Listen to this, “over one billion people struggle with mental illness.” Moreover, “there is a 56% rise in teen suicide.” Furthermore, “1.1 million people die by suicide each year.” https://projectsemicolon.com/about-project-semicolon-organization/

Each of us is created by GOD, in HIS image, for HIS purpose. As I read THE BIBLE, I see life stories filled with pain, anxiety, and despair. Yet, I find GOD’S redemption in JESUS weaved throughout each of them. HIS hope is real, & HIS help is on the way. ~ RESTORED: Your Story Isn’t Over Yet! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Click below to see the message:

https://www.facebook.com/Wes.Frank.777/videos/845708959875465?idorvanity=53262942766802

HELPING HURRICANE IAN VICTIMS

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

1 One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared THE LORD. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”                                                                                                          II Kings 4:1

You Matter to GOD! {A Poor Woman!} ~ This week, we watched with heavy hearts as our friends endured loss and pain during Hurricane Ian. The aftermath has proven to be devastating. God reminds us to help those in need both purposefully and as an ongoing part of our lives.

12 Then HE turned to HIS host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” HE said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, GOD will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” ~ Luke 14:12-14 NLT

However, we live in a time of untrustworthiness and potential charlatans seeking to take money without providing any help to those who are hurting. So, what can we do? Of course, a great need is prayer ~ always! However, Samaritan’s Purse provides an honest and dependable way to help:

HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE IAN ~ https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/hurricane-ian/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGHI-B22V&utm_content=USDR&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW5ZHQN0p3-0oEEG-XefM1jACQXR2p24BsFnfFT6n5KhBxuf9NSNbgRoCV10QAvD_BwE

1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, GOD-FEARING man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to GOD.                                        ~ Acts 10:1-2

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

Please go to http://www.samaritan’spurse.org to give and help victims of Hurricane IAN. 🙂

PASS THE BATON!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for THE LORD has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as THE LORD lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.  II Kings 2:6 NLT

PASSING THE BATON… Funerals are both challenging and rewarding parts of a pastor’s ministry. When a dear friend departs and leaves us behind, it’s hard for all of us. However, sharing all the wonderful ways that friend helped us become the man or woman of GOD we are today is a great joy!  Far too often, we’ve had the sheer delight and the heart-breaking pain of both of these experiences. Michael W. Smith sings those lyrics so well…

And friends are friends forever, If the Lord’s the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never, ‘Cause the welcome will not end

Though it’s hard to let you go, In the Father’s hands we know

That a lifetime’s not too long, To live as friends

By now, you’re thinking of someone. That person or those people who invested in you long before you ever knew how important that investment was.  Elisha would soon be leading without the voice of Elijah to guide him and assure him that GOD was clearly speaking. Isn’t it comforting to have someone in our lives whom we can trust will always point to JESUS? Invest all the time you can with this trusted friend. We all wish we had more time!

Let’s rethink this for just a moment. How many people do you think would picture you when they are asked these questions? Are you intentionally leading others to draw closer to CHRIST? You may be thinking, “but I’m not a pastor or priest.” Well, my friend, one of the godliest men I know was never called to ministry, nor did he go to Bible College or Seminary. Nevertheless, all of the memories I have of this man are of his consistent love for JESUS and his incredible words of biblical wisdom. I learned more from him than many of the preachers we all know. Bottom line! You have to be running the race to PASS THE BATON. So, why not get off the bench and run? 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

DIVIDED!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

“So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was THE WILL OF THE LORD, for it fulfilled THE LORD’S MESSAGE to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from SHILOH.”    I Kings 12:15

DIVIDED! ~ How did things get to be this way? There seem to always be two groups of people who cannot find a common ground. Two polarizing groups who hold only to their point of view. In my house, we endured the “peanut butter wars.” I liked Peter Pan; Cheryl trusted JIF. Guess What? For many years, we had JIF in our house. However, we had to get Peter Pan for a short season during the recent JIF recall. That makes me right after all! Right? 😊

We are a DIVIDED people! We argue about a two-party political system of government in our relationships, our posts, and on social media. We allow this to affect our conversations and attitudes. These two political terms are not found in the BIBLE. Since we have received CHRIST’S life-changing grace and HIS discipleship teachings from the WORD OF GOD, then shouldn’t we trust GOD in every season?  We must trust the ONE WHO installs kings and presidents and WHO rules over nations.  But, let’s be nice about it?

Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].                    Colossians 4:6 AMPC

I believe we can disagree while still being “winsome” followers of CHRIST. Nevertheless, many in the body of CHRIST seem to have joined the “Karen’s” in our world who are quick to spew anger and hatred any time they feel put out. Billy Graham prayed with politicians from both parties pointing each leader to JESUS. So, let’s follow the BIBLE and be “Winsome!” Oh yeah! For my friends who don’t do “church,” I think of the lyrics from the Beatle’s song, as though JESUS is speaking. “Come Together, right now, over ME!” Let’s avoid being so DIVIDED and try this… ~ Hate the Devil ~ Love people! ~ 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

We can argue about almost anything! 🙂