John 18:34 “Jesus answered him, Sayest this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” A good question, isn’t it? Especially for this parrot age in which we live in.
People who do not think for themselves, do not speak for themselves.
I remember filling in at another Church and teaching a Sunday School class years ago and asking members of the class what they believed about a certain text, and the repeated reply was, “I just believe whatever the pastor believes.” This is what I call “secondhand religion.” To hear, “Polly wants a cracker,” sounds cute, but you can be sure it’s not an original thought with that bird!
Handed down tradition doesn’t mean its true, only that each generation has accepted it as such. Eternal truths never change, but these are few in comparison to man-made rules handed down to us, like the Jews of old, by well meaning but ill informed folk. Believe what you will about secondary issues, but Paul tells us to make sure we are “…fully persuaded in our own mind.” You’re not to adhere to what your guru tells you, but what God has shown you personally. It’s called the priesthood of all Believers.
It’s a good thing Apollos didn’t have this puppet philosophy (Acts 18:24-28). It is only those uncertain of themselves who want those around them to adopt their pattern of life so as to make them feel more secure in their set of beliefs and convictions.
A puppet cannot speak for itself but only says what another makes it appear to say for itself. Sadly many in our society are the same. They repeat what they hear or are told to tell without ever thinking for themselves. As the Bible says,“these things ought not so to be.”
So how about it? What do YOU say? Do you know WHY you believe WHAT you believe?
Think on these thinks and keep the SON in your eyes!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Old Dogs
Old Dogs and New Tricks
The old adage, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks,” is just not true. It may seem improbable, but it’s not impossible. This applies to puppies and people. The difficulty lies not so much in learning the new, but unlearning the old. Provided, that is, that the old even needs to be forgotten to begin with.
As arduous as it is to train old “Rover” fresh techniques, it is even more difficult to teach NEW dogs OLD tricks.! Young “Spot” may have some cute little tricks up his paw; but the question is, will such actions and antics bring benefit to others, or are they potentially dangerous in the long run? This is especially true as it relates to the next generation.
More and more I am seeing in my own generation a total disregard for what gave them the freedoms they enjoy and often abuse. This is almost always done with a complaint that the older dogs are “out of date” and out of touch with reality. Really? Have we looked in our own kennel lately?
Pride can keep “Old Dogs” from learning the new; but stubbornness can keep “Pups” from learning the old.
It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and it gets pretty “ruff” at times…we need to stay in the “old paths” if we are going to make it.
(Jeremiah 6:16) “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
As the “dog days of summer” approach, may we reflect on these things and remember to keep the SON in our eyes!
Pastor John M. Keeter 2 Cor 5:17
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
The old adage, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks,” is just not true. It may seem improbable, but it’s not impossible. This applies to puppies and people. The difficulty lies not so much in learning the new, but unlearning the old. Provided, that is, that the old even needs to be forgotten to begin with.
As arduous as it is to train old “Rover” fresh techniques, it is even more difficult to teach NEW dogs OLD tricks.! Young “Spot” may have some cute little tricks up his paw; but the question is, will such actions and antics bring benefit to others, or are they potentially dangerous in the long run? This is especially true as it relates to the next generation.
More and more I am seeing in my own generation a total disregard for what gave them the freedoms they enjoy and often abuse. This is almost always done with a complaint that the older dogs are “out of date” and out of touch with reality. Really? Have we looked in our own kennel lately?
Pride can keep “Old Dogs” from learning the new; but stubbornness can keep “Pups” from learning the old.
It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and it gets pretty “ruff” at times…we need to stay in the “old paths” if we are going to make it.
(Jeremiah 6:16) “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
As the “dog days of summer” approach, may we reflect on these things and remember to keep the SON in our eyes!
Pastor John M. Keeter 2 Cor 5:17
Fellowship Baptist Church
Williamston , NC
www.fellowshipbaptistwilliamston.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
LOVE Out Of PLACE
Love is in the air! February is the month of love and romance and during it we are reminded what love is and what love does. However, as we read the Word and look at the world, we see that more often than not, love is misplaced.
Love, in its proper place, is the best thing in the world and a gift from God who IS Love (1 John 4:8 & 16). Yet like anything out of place, when it is misused or misapplied, only brokenness results.
We are warmed repeatedly about misplace love in the Bible, for example:
1. The LOVE OF SELF. 2Timothy 3:2 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, (and as a result are) covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”
2. The LOVE OF MONEY. 1Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: (not money itself, but the love of it) which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
3. The LOVE OF WORLD. 1John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
5. The LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Timothy 3:4 talks of those who are “Traitors, heady, highminded, (because they are) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”
5. The LOVE OF DARKNESS. John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
We must be careful to place our love where it SHOULD be!
Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
Love, in its proper place, is the best thing in the world and a gift from God who IS Love (1 John 4:8 & 16). Yet like anything out of place, when it is misused or misapplied, only brokenness results.
We are warmed repeatedly about misplace love in the Bible, for example:
1. The LOVE OF SELF. 2Timothy 3:2 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, (and as a result are) covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”
2. The LOVE OF MONEY. 1Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: (not money itself, but the love of it) which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
3. The LOVE OF WORLD. 1John 2:15 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
5. The LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Timothy 3:4 talks of those who are “Traitors, heady, highminded, (because they are) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”
5. The LOVE OF DARKNESS. John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
We must be careful to place our love where it SHOULD be!
Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Think on these things and keep the SON in your eyes!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
PROTECTING OUR PURITY
PROTECTING OUR PURITY
In Northern Europe and Asia lives a little animal called the Ermine, known for it’s snow-white fur in winter. The Ermine instinctively protects its white coat against anything that would soil it.
Fur hunters take advantage of this unusual trait. They don't set a snare to catch the Ermine, but instead they find its home, usually a cleft in a rock or a hollow in an old tree, then they smear the entrance and interior with mud.
Afterward, the hunters set their dogs loose to find and chase the Ermine. The frightened animal flees toward home, but will not enter in because of the filth. Rather than soil his white coat, he is trapped by the dogs and captured while preserving his purity.
For the Ermine, purity is more precious than life.
Would that we were more like Ermine. Would to God we would see purity so precious that we would do anything to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” as the Bible says.
It isn’t easy. Nothing stays clean unless you work to keep it clean. The world hounds us with peer pressure, job expectations, and cultural bandwagons. Satan tries to trap us by bringing filth right into our own homes via television, internet, and ungodly music. We must work at preserving purity or we will lose it.
Being pure in heart and mind is not only healthy for us, but it will be worth it when we meet our pure and perfect Savior face to face. We want to be willing to say that His bride has kept herself unspotted and unblemished by sin, faithful to the Bridegroom.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Think on these things…and keep remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
In Northern Europe and Asia lives a little animal called the Ermine, known for it’s snow-white fur in winter. The Ermine instinctively protects its white coat against anything that would soil it.
Fur hunters take advantage of this unusual trait. They don't set a snare to catch the Ermine, but instead they find its home, usually a cleft in a rock or a hollow in an old tree, then they smear the entrance and interior with mud.
Afterward, the hunters set their dogs loose to find and chase the Ermine. The frightened animal flees toward home, but will not enter in because of the filth. Rather than soil his white coat, he is trapped by the dogs and captured while preserving his purity.
For the Ermine, purity is more precious than life.
Would that we were more like Ermine. Would to God we would see purity so precious that we would do anything to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” as the Bible says.
It isn’t easy. Nothing stays clean unless you work to keep it clean. The world hounds us with peer pressure, job expectations, and cultural bandwagons. Satan tries to trap us by bringing filth right into our own homes via television, internet, and ungodly music. We must work at preserving purity or we will lose it.
Being pure in heart and mind is not only healthy for us, but it will be worth it when we meet our pure and perfect Savior face to face. We want to be willing to say that His bride has kept herself unspotted and unblemished by sin, faithful to the Bridegroom.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Think on these things…and keep remember to keep the SON in your eyes!
FAITH
How’s Your Faith ?
" . . .According to your faith be it unto you."--Matthew 9:29
The Bible speaks of a "measure of faith" and also of a "proportion of faith." These tremendous words were spoken by Jesus to two blind men. They were greatly rewarded by their faith because their eyes were opened.
Notice Jesus did NOT say, according to your "fate" or according to your "fortune"; nor did He say, according to your "fame," "friends" or "feelings," but "According to your faith . . ."
This seems to indicate that there are various degrees of faith. Let’s consider several verses that help us to understand this truth.
1. In the Bible, we read the statement, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus asked His disciples in the boat when they feared that they would perish. Sadly there are many defeated Christians living without power and victory who have no faith.
2. In Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, "O ye of little faith." This again is the account of the disciples in the ship. Some have a small sum of faith , but not enough to help them through tough times.
3. The Bible also speaks of WEAK FAITH. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye . . ." (Rom. 14:1). Here the Apostle Paul is referring to an immature Christian who has not been made strong yet. He or she is spoken of as being one who is weak in the faith.
4. In the book of James we read of DEAD FAITH- "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). There is proof when there is faith. James admonished us to show faith by works.
5. The Bible speaks again of another kind of faith; VAIN FAITH.. " . . .and your faith is also vain" (I Cor. 15:14). The word "vain" means empty or of no avail. This means faith is wasted and useless if not based on what is real and worthy.
6. Jesus spoke to a Gentile woman and said she had GREAT FAITH. "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9). In several places Jesus spoke of those who had great faith. What a compliment!
7.The Bible says that Barnabas was FULL OF FAITH: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith" (Acts 11:24). He was a tremendous example and pattern for all believers. 8. The Bible tells us to have STEADFAST FAITH. " . . .beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5). There is great peace and contentment in being settled in the promises of God.
9. James speaks also of being RICH IN FAITH: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). Faith is more valuable than money.
10. Peter wrote, " . . .to them that have obtained like PRECIOUS FAITH. . ." (II Pet. 1:1), referring to salvation that makes us partakers of the grace of God. The word "precious" is used in relation to something that is scarce and very valuable.
11. Then the Bible speaks finally of " HOLY FAITH." " . . .building up yourselves on your most holy faith . . ." (Jude 20). What a wonderful way to refer to the faith “once delivered” (Jude 3)
In all of these Bible phrases, we see evidence of degrees of faith. The question then is…how’s YOUR faith?
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
" . . .According to your faith be it unto you."--Matthew 9:29
The Bible speaks of a "measure of faith" and also of a "proportion of faith." These tremendous words were spoken by Jesus to two blind men. They were greatly rewarded by their faith because their eyes were opened.
Notice Jesus did NOT say, according to your "fate" or according to your "fortune"; nor did He say, according to your "fame," "friends" or "feelings," but "According to your faith . . ."
This seems to indicate that there are various degrees of faith. Let’s consider several verses that help us to understand this truth.
1. In the Bible, we read the statement, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus asked His disciples in the boat when they feared that they would perish. Sadly there are many defeated Christians living without power and victory who have no faith.
2. In Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, "O ye of little faith." This again is the account of the disciples in the ship. Some have a small sum of faith , but not enough to help them through tough times.
3. The Bible also speaks of WEAK FAITH. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye . . ." (Rom. 14:1). Here the Apostle Paul is referring to an immature Christian who has not been made strong yet. He or she is spoken of as being one who is weak in the faith.
4. In the book of James we read of DEAD FAITH- "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). There is proof when there is faith. James admonished us to show faith by works.
5. The Bible speaks again of another kind of faith; VAIN FAITH.. " . . .and your faith is also vain" (I Cor. 15:14). The word "vain" means empty or of no avail. This means faith is wasted and useless if not based on what is real and worthy.
6. Jesus spoke to a Gentile woman and said she had GREAT FAITH. "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9). In several places Jesus spoke of those who had great faith. What a compliment!
7.The Bible says that Barnabas was FULL OF FAITH: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith" (Acts 11:24). He was a tremendous example and pattern for all believers. 8. The Bible tells us to have STEADFAST FAITH. " . . .beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5). There is great peace and contentment in being settled in the promises of God.
9. James speaks also of being RICH IN FAITH: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). Faith is more valuable than money.
10. Peter wrote, " . . .to them that have obtained like PRECIOUS FAITH. . ." (II Pet. 1:1), referring to salvation that makes us partakers of the grace of God. The word "precious" is used in relation to something that is scarce and very valuable.
11. Then the Bible speaks finally of " HOLY FAITH." " . . .building up yourselves on your most holy faith . . ." (Jude 20). What a wonderful way to refer to the faith “once delivered” (Jude 3)
In all of these Bible phrases, we see evidence of degrees of faith. The question then is…how’s YOUR faith?
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
THE FORGETFULNESS OF GOD
THE FORGETFULNESS OF GOD
Sin stalks and subdues souls with guilt and regret, shame and remorse rule and ruin millions by the hour causing conflict and confusion in the hearts of the Christian and the unconverted, as soul after soul suffers in silence.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
We read and hear about the holiness, of God, the love of God and the mercy of God…but how about the forgetfulness of God? Thank God our sins, via the cross of Calvary, are FORGIVEN & FORGOTTEN FOREVER.
The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 31 verse 34 “ …I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
God’s forgetfulness is not like ours…His is not a matter of inabilty but of infallibilty! The forgetfulness of God is not a matter of weakness but WONDERFULNESS!
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don’t you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."
It’s not that God is unable or CAN NOT remember, but that He DOES not. He alone is able to chose what to remember or forget. No sins are omitted and no strings are attached. God’s forgiveness is not dependent on the worthineSs of the offender-but the wonderfulness of the offended! Instead of looking at our achievements––He looks to His own affection.
(1John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (verb tense- “keeps cleansing”) us from ALL sin. Vs. 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
As the songwriter said; “My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought – My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul”
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
Sin stalks and subdues souls with guilt and regret, shame and remorse rule and ruin millions by the hour causing conflict and confusion in the hearts of the Christian and the unconverted, as soul after soul suffers in silence.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
We read and hear about the holiness, of God, the love of God and the mercy of God…but how about the forgetfulness of God? Thank God our sins, via the cross of Calvary, are FORGIVEN & FORGOTTEN FOREVER.
The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 31 verse 34 “ …I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
God’s forgetfulness is not like ours…His is not a matter of inabilty but of infallibilty! The forgetfulness of God is not a matter of weakness but WONDERFULNESS!
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don’t you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."
It’s not that God is unable or CAN NOT remember, but that He DOES not. He alone is able to chose what to remember or forget. No sins are omitted and no strings are attached. God’s forgiveness is not dependent on the worthineSs of the offender-but the wonderfulness of the offended! Instead of looking at our achievements––He looks to His own affection.
(1John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (verb tense- “keeps cleansing”) us from ALL sin. Vs. 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
As the songwriter said; “My sin O the bliss of this glorious thought – My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul”
Think on these things, and keep the SON in your eyes!
How's Your Hearing?
Hearing God Speak
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all, I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
Can you hear God speak? Yes, you can—if you know where to listen! Where you say? Well the Bible tells us a few places we can.
First of all, I. You Can Hear Him Speak In Creation.
Psalm 19:1 tells us “The heavens declare(Speak) the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
We can clearly see and hear God in the works of His creation. It speaks of His glory, his power, and His love. Both verses were written by David, a man who spent much time outdoors in his work as a shepherd. He was in tune with nature, and being so he was in tune with God. Sitting underneath a starlit sky at night doing his work, it was quite clear to him that his surrounding were the handiwork of God. If we will take time to explore, and to experience his creation, it has his fingerprints all over it!
II. You Can Hear Him Speak In His Conversations.
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Bible is a record of God's conversations with men in the past, and his words still speak to us today. It is just as relevant and real as when it was first given to men of old.
2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
The Bible is God revealing himself to us speaking with (not just to) mankind ! If God is not speaking to us, it is because we are not spending time in his word.
III. You Can Hear Him Speak Through Circumstances.
It would be a good and wise thing to ask God what he is trying to say to us when we experience pain, sickness, loss.
C.S. Lewis said “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”
IV. You Can Hear Him Speak At Church.
God can speak to us in many places because God is everywhere , but the primary place in which he meets with his people, and speaks to them is in His house !
It is His ordained plan and place to communicate to His children.
Speaking of Pastors and Church leaders the Bible says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have SPOKEN unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We can hear God speak through the teaching, the music, the prayers, the Spirit, the preaching and the invitation.
And last, but certainly not least,
V. You Can Hear Him Speak At The Cross.
If we had been at the cross on the day that Christ was crucified, we would have heard God speak. Though we weren’t, what He said is recorded in His word for us to read and listen to today..
From the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness even to the very ones who drove the nails into Him.
God spoke words of salvation to the whole world when Jesus uttered from the cross “It is finished!” and He still speaks to us today the same truths….are you listening?
Think on these things and keep the Son in your eyes!
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