faithful

How to Get Kicked Out of Church!

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Frankly Speaking,

You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. ~ I Corinthians 5:2b NLT

CHURCH DISCIPLINE! ~ What does it take to embarrass you? Some people say that they never get embarrassed or ashamed. I find that hard to believe. Often, Christians are seen as stuffy and narrow-minded because we discipline ourselves to avoid many of the popular cultural tendencies of the day. However, shouldn’t we be conscientious of what we do and say around our children?

There was a time when we treated others with respect, especially women and children. Yes, I am older and maybe a bit wiser too. Some things ought to cause us to blush. If you question that concept, check this out:

Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! ~ Jeremiah 6:15a NLT

Now that we agree blushing can be a good thing, how do we correct someone in the church who seems to have forgotten this truth? How do we approach someone who is living a life of sin while actively leading the church: pastor, minister, board-member, trustee, deacon, teacher, and more? Which sin does the church act upon in the lives of these non-blushers? What are the qualifications to be an admonisher? Finally, how do we work all of this out in our current culture with so many churches re-writing or at least re-interpreting the BIBLE?

This leaves us in a challenging place. Do we do nothing pretending GOD says anything goes? Do we begin with a witch hunt as we have done so many times in the church? Perhaps, it begins with each of us alone with GOD praying and spending time with HIM. Seek HIS wisdom and direction. Barney would say this is how we “Nip it” in each of our lives, first! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

THE GOOD WOUNDS OF A FRIEND

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Frankly Speaking,

14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.                                                               I Corinthians 4:14 NLT

GOOD WOUNDS! ~ How do you handle being corrected by someone who cares? According to Pew Research, 65% of American adults believe that “people are too easily offended.” What if a caring friend exposes sin in your life and calls you out in love? They are right, but it hurts. What would you do?  It seems many just want to go to church to be reminded what good people we are. This is anti-biblical. The Bible confronts every human being declaring each of us as a terrible sinner not fit for heaven. “There is none righteous.” (read Romans 3:1-23)

Some people are ok with a pastor saying, “Well, we’re all just sinners, right?” However, the Bible declares this TRUTH, JESUS’ death is the only way we can be saved from hell. Every person on Earth needs JESUS!  Feathers ruffled yet? More biblical honesty ahead…

Guess what? You are a no good filthy, dirty, lying, cheating, selfish sinner. Yes, I am too! Without that painful truth as our starting point, we cannot understand why we so desperately need JESUS. If we believe the lie that we are pretty good, then we think we almost make it to heaven on our own. We are almost good enough! That is a lie from the pit of hell! The devil wants us to believe that because he does not want us to realize how urgently and desperately, we need THE LORD JESUS to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sin. We need A NEW LIFE!

Yes, we need encouragement sometimes. However, we are in desperate need of correction as well. If all you hear at church is positivity and encouragement… RUN!!! The Bible is a book of rebuke and correction as well as encouragement! We need to hear it when we are wrong. Yes, it hurts, but genuine repentance brings healing! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

THE WISDOM OF GOD/THE MIND OF CHRIST

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Frankly Speaking,

2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except JESUS CHRIST, THE ONE WHO was crucified.  ~ I Corinthians 2:2 NLT

THE WISDOM OF GOD ~ THE MIND OF CHRIST!  Have you ever considered how much faith it takes to truly believe in something? I am talking about the kind of faith in which you’re willing to stand in front of a crowd and declare you are right in spite of all those around you criticizing you. I know most people are assuming I am thinking about the gospel. However, you are far away from my point at the moment. 😊 I read brand new journal article about mitochondria, chromoplasts, and organelle this week. The claim to have found proof for evolution at a cellular level which would be a scientific break though. However, here are some of the quotes from the article:  

“The first time we think it happened, it gave rise to all complex life... The team believes…[and] it might provide clues…”

I am not being critical; I just want us to agree that it takes a great deal of faith to believe in something with so many unanswered questions! Yet, we have another source to consider. Listen to what is asked here:

1 Then THE LORD answered Job from the whirlwind 2 “Who is this that questions MY wisdom with such ignorant words? 3 Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. 5 Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? 6 What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone 7 as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?                                                        JOB 38:1-7 NLT

These are great questions. What are you going to believe? Admittedly, these questions all begin with GOD. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed to do so! I hope you aren’t either. It’s ALL about JESUS! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

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

TO BE BLESSED or TO BE A BLESSING?

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

One day he [Jabez] prayed to Israel’s God, “Please bless me and give me a lot of land. Be with me so I will be safe from harm.” And God did just what Jabez had asked. ~ I Chronicles 4:9-10 CEV

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ ~ I Am Blessed and Highly Favored! ~ I once received a shirt with the following words embroidered boldly on the front: “JESUS loves you, but I’m HIS favorite.” I snickered and casually laughed at the shirt, and I wore it a couple of times. Then, I began to think about what that shirt was really saying. I proudly said that JESUS loved me more than you. OUCH! I could not wear the shirt again in good conscience. That is the exact opposite of the GOSPEL Message. Listen to this verse (paraphrased just a bit) …

“GOD loved you so much HE sent HIS ONE and ONLY SON just for you; so that, if you believe in HIM with you whole life, you will not have to fear death because you will live forever in heaven with GOD.”

That verse in the Gospel of John chapter three. It is the truth of the whole Bible. In “the Prayer of Jabez,” we meet a man who was pure before GOD that GOD listened to him and answered his personal prayer. WOW! Who was Jabez for GOD to answer his prayer completely. After all, he is not one of those prophets or apostles from the BIBLE. In fact, these two verses contain just about everything we know about Jabez. I suspect his actual prayer sounded a lot more like this one rather than the version above. 😊

“Oh, that YOU would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that YOUR hand would be with me,

and that YOU would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!”

Remember what the LORD JESUS said in THE GOLDEN RULE: “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”  HE never implied that we should put ourselves first. In fact, here’s a great plan for our lives: JESUS, Others, then You. JOY! Let’s think of others before we think of ourselves. Give it a try! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS ~ Here’s the link to that question about GOD hearing you.

https://www.gotquestions.org/God-please-help-me.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

Celebrating The Savior: The Lord’s Supper

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim THE LORD’S death till HE comes.

~ I Corinthians 11:26

MY HEART CHRIST’S HOME: CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR!  ~ What is THE LORD’S SUPPER? Why do so many churches celebrate THE LORD’S SUPPER in different ways? Who can participate in THE LORD’S SUPPER? What do I need to do to celebrate THE LORD’S SUPPER? What is the significance of THE LORD’S SUPPER? Where should we find the answers to these questions?

First, JESUS told us to gather in remembrance of HIM as we eat the bread and drink from the cup because they represent HIS death, burial, and RESSURECTION! Some people observe THE LORD’S SUPPER every week while others do not have a set pattern. This is true because no pattern is set forth in SCRIPTURE.

Any person who has been born-again (John 3:1-18) may join us in the observance of THE LORD’S SUPPER. This is known as an OPEN TABLE observance. However, others hold to a CLOSED TABLE observance which means only members of their congregation may participate.

Often this gathering and observance is very formal and follows a strict pattern. Others, like us, tend to have a varied format allowing us to approach the table in new and fresh ways as we seek the presence of THE LORD during HIS SUPPER. This is an informal personal approach.

Some believe that the bread (Host) and the wine literally become the Body and Blood of CHRIST.  This is known as the Eucharist, and is observed in more liturgical churches.  We see this as an ordinance which was commanded by THE LORD to be followed symbolically.  Our only manual is the BIBLE! To us, this is a very private and intimate time.

Finally, during THE LORD’S SUPPER we remember that JESUS died for each of us. Reflecting on how HE gave HIS life to save us from our sin. Through this ordinance, we also declare that JESUS is COMING AGAIN!

Have been back to church since COVID began? Isn’t it time to gather with others and celebrate JESUS at HIS table? Find a local church and gather with them so that you can be a fully devoted follower of JESUS who worships, grows, and serves others in the local church. Isn’t it time? 🙂

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

NEVER GROW UP!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

1 Joash began to rule over Judah in the seventh year of King Jehu’s reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. 2 All his life Joash did what was pleasing in THE LORD’S SIGHT because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. ~ II Kings 12:1-2 NLT

NEVER GROW UP! Do you know the Books of the BIBLE by name, in order, both OLD and NEW TESTAMENTS? OK! Can you quote verses of the BIBLE from each Book of the BIBLE with the addresses where they are found? Good! Do you know why the BIBLE was written, and the purpose of each BIBLE BOOK? Well Done!

If you were able to say “yes” to those questions, then you had a spiritual leader in your life. Most of us had a pastor or teacher who was taught through pastoral leadership. In the OLD TESTAMENT, these were the priests. These priests studied for years to help others understand what GOD was saying through HIS WORD ~ THE BIBLE.

Of course, I admit, not every priest, and not every preacher/pastor, provides the spiritual insight to share the deep spiritual truths we need to survive these tumultuous days. Nevertheless, there are those who seek GOD’S FACE, study HIS WORD, and provide moments of deep communication between GOD and HIS people. These are the ones we need most today. We are desperate for a generation of sold-out, all-in, fully-devoted follows of JESUS who are called to serve to bring the truth the to those who have ears to hear.

That’s exactly what King Joash had when he was only seven years old. He had a man dedicated to GOD in his life, Jehoiada the priest, who shared the deep truths of the BIBLE with him. Boy, did that make a difference in his life and the lives of all the people of Israel.  WOW! We need preachers and teachers opening the BIBLE led by the SPIRIT! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PS ~ Then HE said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children,  you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. ~ Matthew 18:3 NLT