Matt.5:1-2) "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying:"
Last Saturday we began a new chapter in the life of Pleasant Hill Baptist church, as men. We began meeting to study God's Word, pray, and time for a light breakfast! I know in the past there has been other pastors who has set out in such an adventure. As a pastor meeting with our men and praying is a "giant" step I believe in the right direction for the Lord's church at Pleasant Hill. I believe this will strengthen the men of the church spiritually and thus, strengthen their homes and ultimately strengthen the church as a whole.
All through the New Testament you see and read of Jesus pouring Himself into other men. Lets face it, rarely did Jesus teach a "large" assembly of believers. He (Jesus) faithfully taught other men who were able to teach other men (2 Tim.2:2). Jesus sets forth the bar for all leaders especially pastors to follow in disciplining God's people. My desire for PHBC is to be a church which is built on the solid foundation of the Word of God and it must begin with our men.
Last week we had a total of 4 men and a pre-teen to show up for our time together. We stated our goal is to take the book of Romans and read one chapter a week and to meditate on it several times. We are going to write down our observations, our thoughts, and most importantly how this applies to us as men. We have a few more men who are planning on coming tomorrow. Lord's willing it will be a good way to begin our day in the Word of God with some of God's people. I am looking forward to our time together.Until the next time "look unto Christ the author and finisher of our faith!"
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"Discipleship 101" (pt.1)
2 Timothy 2:2 "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
There is no greater feeling in the world than knowing you have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and forgiven of all your sins. When God brings a person to the genuine knowledge of his sins and then reveals to him it was all of His grace it causes him to truly worship the Creator of the universe. When the individual sees that God has led him to repentance and faith it causes him to see there was absolutely nothing he did to earn this forgiveness in Christ (repentance and faith are both gifts from God). When a person is saved it is purely from the graciousness of the Lord and for His sovereign purpose.
Unlike salvation, after one is forgiven and has been born again that person has a responsibility to "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)." I believe this is one of the chief failures of the local church today. I see we get alot of numbers and people who profess to know Christ but is the church disciplining these "new" believers or "old" believers as far as that goes? Often we boast in the numbers of baptisms and additions to the church but where do they go? Why can we not find them a month later, a year later, or 5 years later? Why is our churches full of people who has sat in the pews for years and never has been challenged to "grow in their faith?"
I have been a pastor for 6 years now. I have served two local churches and have been blessed by both in my ministry. I have been burdened as a pastor of how I can pour my life into the church, primarily through the men of the church. If you look at the ministry of Jesus, he was constantly pouring His life in the men he had with him. Jesus knew he was going to depart from these men and He knew they would pave the way for the continuance of the local church. Day after day, Jesus taught, prayed and discipled these men. As I look at the local church today we do not have much of this anymore (a pastor pouring his life into the men). I know personally, I never had anyone to pour themselves into my spiritual life and encourage me to grow to be a leader of the Lord's church.
I tell our people, "the church will only be as strong as the men of the church." That is the reason I am beginning to meet with our men this coming Saturday morning. We will meet for a very pointed time of bible study, prayer, and accountability. I am convinced men in pray and their bible is the way Christ will grow His church. As the church grows spiritually God will take care of the numbers. These men are not required to come, only if they have a desire to come.
I thought what a blessing it would be to the church for them to know there were spiritually minded men coming together to pray and study God's word together on a weekly basis. What an encouragement to the church to know that we got men who love the Word of God and knows God will not bless His church or His people apart from the Word of God. As the pastor of the church, I am excited to be allowed the privilege to disciple these and prayerfully them disciple me.
I believe for the church to get where she needs to be we must start with the men of the church. I look forward to our time together this Saturday morning with these men. I will post again to let everyone know how it goes. Please do pray for our time together.
There is no greater feeling in the world than knowing you have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and forgiven of all your sins. When God brings a person to the genuine knowledge of his sins and then reveals to him it was all of His grace it causes him to truly worship the Creator of the universe. When the individual sees that God has led him to repentance and faith it causes him to see there was absolutely nothing he did to earn this forgiveness in Christ (repentance and faith are both gifts from God). When a person is saved it is purely from the graciousness of the Lord and for His sovereign purpose.
Unlike salvation, after one is forgiven and has been born again that person has a responsibility to "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)." I believe this is one of the chief failures of the local church today. I see we get alot of numbers and people who profess to know Christ but is the church disciplining these "new" believers or "old" believers as far as that goes? Often we boast in the numbers of baptisms and additions to the church but where do they go? Why can we not find them a month later, a year later, or 5 years later? Why is our churches full of people who has sat in the pews for years and never has been challenged to "grow in their faith?"
I have been a pastor for 6 years now. I have served two local churches and have been blessed by both in my ministry. I have been burdened as a pastor of how I can pour my life into the church, primarily through the men of the church. If you look at the ministry of Jesus, he was constantly pouring His life in the men he had with him. Jesus knew he was going to depart from these men and He knew they would pave the way for the continuance of the local church. Day after day, Jesus taught, prayed and discipled these men. As I look at the local church today we do not have much of this anymore (a pastor pouring his life into the men). I know personally, I never had anyone to pour themselves into my spiritual life and encourage me to grow to be a leader of the Lord's church.
I tell our people, "the church will only be as strong as the men of the church." That is the reason I am beginning to meet with our men this coming Saturday morning. We will meet for a very pointed time of bible study, prayer, and accountability. I am convinced men in pray and their bible is the way Christ will grow His church. As the church grows spiritually God will take care of the numbers. These men are not required to come, only if they have a desire to come.
I thought what a blessing it would be to the church for them to know there were spiritually minded men coming together to pray and study God's word together on a weekly basis. What an encouragement to the church to know that we got men who love the Word of God and knows God will not bless His church or His people apart from the Word of God. As the pastor of the church, I am excited to be allowed the privilege to disciple these and prayerfully them disciple me.
I believe for the church to get where she needs to be we must start with the men of the church. I look forward to our time together this Saturday morning with these men. I will post again to let everyone know how it goes. Please do pray for our time together.
Monday, January 10, 2011
"As White As Snow"
Isaiah 1:18) "Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Yesterday morning during our song service, God's people at PHBC were brought face to face with the fact, at one time they were alienated from God. Our song leader led the congregation in the hymn, "Jesus Paid It All." What a sober reminder for God's children to face the fact it was Jesus who "paid it all." As we sang this great hymn of the faith a chill ran all over my body...maybe a reaffirmation to me that I did nothing for my salvation. A reminder none of my goodness, none of my preaching, none of my studying, or praying has made me right with God. It was Jesus who paid the price for my redemption.
This afternoon as I am writing this post I look out my office window and see the fresh snow we received last night. The snow is a reminder, "Christ washed my sins as white as snow." Seeing the fresh, clean, and pure snow lying on the ground is a reminder from God Himself to His people what He has done with the sins of His people through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ was pure, clean, and without sin for He was God in the flesh (John 1:14).
"Jesus paid it all,
all to him I owe;
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."
Of all the people in the world why would God chose me to set His affections on and save me, forgive me, and cleanse my sins as white as snow? I read this great hymn of our faith and immediately I am overwhelmed with humility. But one thing it causes me to see now more than ever is, "therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)." I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN...made free, no longer a slave to sin or Satan!
So, may we as God's people be reminded of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness when we enjoy the snow during this winter season. It is also a great opener in sharing the gospel with others when they want to talk to you about the snow. You can say, "The snow it is nice... it is a reminder to me what Jesus has done for me...how about you." "Has your sins been washed as white as snow?"
Yesterday morning during our song service, God's people at PHBC were brought face to face with the fact, at one time they were alienated from God. Our song leader led the congregation in the hymn, "Jesus Paid It All." What a sober reminder for God's children to face the fact it was Jesus who "paid it all." As we sang this great hymn of the faith a chill ran all over my body...maybe a reaffirmation to me that I did nothing for my salvation. A reminder none of my goodness, none of my preaching, none of my studying, or praying has made me right with God. It was Jesus who paid the price for my redemption.
This afternoon as I am writing this post I look out my office window and see the fresh snow we received last night. The snow is a reminder, "Christ washed my sins as white as snow." Seeing the fresh, clean, and pure snow lying on the ground is a reminder from God Himself to His people what He has done with the sins of His people through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ was pure, clean, and without sin for He was God in the flesh (John 1:14).
"Jesus paid it all,
all to him I owe;
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."
Of all the people in the world why would God chose me to set His affections on and save me, forgive me, and cleanse my sins as white as snow? I read this great hymn of our faith and immediately I am overwhelmed with humility. But one thing it causes me to see now more than ever is, "therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)." I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN...made free, no longer a slave to sin or Satan!
So, may we as God's people be reminded of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness when we enjoy the snow during this winter season. It is also a great opener in sharing the gospel with others when they want to talk to you about the snow. You can say, "The snow it is nice... it is a reminder to me what Jesus has done for me...how about you." "Has your sins been washed as white as snow?"
Monday, January 3, 2011
"Time is Short and Tomorrow Is Not Promised"
James 4:14) "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
This past week has proved itself a great benefit to me as a pastor. Prior to our planned week off for a time of rest and family get away, our church family experienced the loss of a sweet saint. It was a difficult time, she was one of my deacons wives. In the midst of trying to minister to his family and also preparing to teach and preach for Sunday seemed to be almost more than I could bear. I was thankful for God's grace which sustains us when we are unable to help ourselves.
For the last week my family and I have been blessed with the opportunity of leaving from our mission field for a time of rest and prayer. In the past I have felt guilty for taking a day off or even getting away for a few days for time with my family. But as I read the New Testament, I found on several occasions which Jesus Himself left the multitudes to get away by Himself. In the gospel of Mark 6:45-52, Jesus after ministering to the people He leaves the multitude to go to the other side. If God in the flesh was wearied and tired from ministering to the people, how much more should we as pastors look for time to rest from our labors, as well!
I have learned a couple of things in the last few weeks, I believe as pastors we would do well to take heed:
1. I am only one man and not able to do everything. Often as pastors we get busy in the mundane things and forget what we have been called to. I know my calling is one of a pastor and teacher. I am to give myself wholeheartedly to the Word of God. I am to handle the word of God correctly and divide the truth accurately (2 Tim.2:15). I am also to find faithful men who I can teach and entrust the truth to where they would be able to teach others (2 Tim.2:2). This is one area I am praying God would give me grace to do this upcoming year.
2. Life is short and children grow up fast. The Lord opened my eyes to see how fast my children are growing. My oldest son will be 12 years old Wednesday. This trip, I believe helped us as a family grow closer together. Life is a mist, we are not promised tomorrow. Therefore, we ought to give all we have today for the glory of God and putting all we have into disciplining our family in the Word of God.
I believe all pastors should be given by their church time to get away and focus on their family. If a man loses his family, the Bible says, "he is unfit to "manage" the household of God." I am thankful the Lord's church at PHBC gave their pastor the time to get away and spend time with his family. If churches would give their pastors more time off to focus on their families, I believe this would be greatly benefit the Lord's churches. Because time is short and are not promised tomorrow.
This past week has proved itself a great benefit to me as a pastor. Prior to our planned week off for a time of rest and family get away, our church family experienced the loss of a sweet saint. It was a difficult time, she was one of my deacons wives. In the midst of trying to minister to his family and also preparing to teach and preach for Sunday seemed to be almost more than I could bear. I was thankful for God's grace which sustains us when we are unable to help ourselves.
For the last week my family and I have been blessed with the opportunity of leaving from our mission field for a time of rest and prayer. In the past I have felt guilty for taking a day off or even getting away for a few days for time with my family. But as I read the New Testament, I found on several occasions which Jesus Himself left the multitudes to get away by Himself. In the gospel of Mark 6:45-52, Jesus after ministering to the people He leaves the multitude to go to the other side. If God in the flesh was wearied and tired from ministering to the people, how much more should we as pastors look for time to rest from our labors, as well!
I have learned a couple of things in the last few weeks, I believe as pastors we would do well to take heed:
1. I am only one man and not able to do everything. Often as pastors we get busy in the mundane things and forget what we have been called to. I know my calling is one of a pastor and teacher. I am to give myself wholeheartedly to the Word of God. I am to handle the word of God correctly and divide the truth accurately (2 Tim.2:15). I am also to find faithful men who I can teach and entrust the truth to where they would be able to teach others (2 Tim.2:2). This is one area I am praying God would give me grace to do this upcoming year.
2. Life is short and children grow up fast. The Lord opened my eyes to see how fast my children are growing. My oldest son will be 12 years old Wednesday. This trip, I believe helped us as a family grow closer together. Life is a mist, we are not promised tomorrow. Therefore, we ought to give all we have today for the glory of God and putting all we have into disciplining our family in the Word of God.
I believe all pastors should be given by their church time to get away and focus on their family. If a man loses his family, the Bible says, "he is unfit to "manage" the household of God." I am thankful the Lord's church at PHBC gave their pastor the time to get away and spend time with his family. If churches would give their pastors more time off to focus on their families, I believe this would be greatly benefit the Lord's churches. Because time is short and are not promised tomorrow.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" Psalm 116:15.
When death comes one is never fully prepared to handle the loss of a loved one. This past week has been a very trying week for me as a pastor. Even for a pastor we are never fully prepared on how to minister to a family. Everyone responds to death in different ways. Whether it be anger, cold-shoulder toward others, or just being quite. No two people that I have ever ministered to handles the death of a loved one the same.
This week the church at Pleasant Hill Baptist lost a dear saint who truly loved the Lord. It was a great joy to be able to pray with her and her husband, Wednesday before her surgery. As a pastor it brings peace to me when the person heading into surgery is trusting in God to bring glory to Himself through the situation, no matter what the turn out.Wednesday's surgery did not prove to be a success, humanly speaking. After complications, the surgeon had to go back in to find an infection that had attacked her body. On Friday at 1:00, we lost a saint of God, but He gained one!
It broke my heart as her husband of 42 years stood and watched his bride leave this walk of life. Nonetheless, as a pastor it was a privilege to be there with him and his family. It was a joy to know he wanted his pastor there at the very moment his wife went to be with the Lord. Even though I did not know what to say, just to be wanted was enough.
I have found it such a blessing to be allowed to shepherd God's people at Pleasant Hill Baptist church. God has been faithful to us at PHBC, pray for us as we continue striving to be a "church glorifying God in the truth."
When death comes one is never fully prepared to handle the loss of a loved one. This past week has been a very trying week for me as a pastor. Even for a pastor we are never fully prepared on how to minister to a family. Everyone responds to death in different ways. Whether it be anger, cold-shoulder toward others, or just being quite. No two people that I have ever ministered to handles the death of a loved one the same.
This week the church at Pleasant Hill Baptist lost a dear saint who truly loved the Lord. It was a great joy to be able to pray with her and her husband, Wednesday before her surgery. As a pastor it brings peace to me when the person heading into surgery is trusting in God to bring glory to Himself through the situation, no matter what the turn out.Wednesday's surgery did not prove to be a success, humanly speaking. After complications, the surgeon had to go back in to find an infection that had attacked her body. On Friday at 1:00, we lost a saint of God, but He gained one!
It broke my heart as her husband of 42 years stood and watched his bride leave this walk of life. Nonetheless, as a pastor it was a privilege to be there with him and his family. It was a joy to know he wanted his pastor there at the very moment his wife went to be with the Lord. Even though I did not know what to say, just to be wanted was enough.
I have found it such a blessing to be allowed to shepherd God's people at Pleasant Hill Baptist church. God has been faithful to us at PHBC, pray for us as we continue striving to be a "church glorifying God in the truth."
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
"The Rent Veil"
An article by Miles McKee. Miles is a missionary to Ireland his home country. A great reminder of our "high priest" the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Wednesday Word: The Rent Veil
As we grow in grace we will learn to see the gospel in every page of scripture. For example, the pages of the Old Testament are teeming with pictures and types which help us to understand precious gospel truth (1 Corinthians 10:11). Take, for instance, the Jerusalem Temple. If we could have viewed the interior of that Temple, we would have discovered a remarkable piece of material known as the Veil. It was, in effect, a large curtain made of "fine twined linen” that separated the holy of holies from the holy place. As long as that curtain remained, there was no entrance into the direct presence of God. While that curtain was hanging, the worshipper was separated from the presence of Yahweh. The veil said to the sinner, "The living God is beyond here, but you are forbidden to enter.
It was only on the Day of Atonement that the people of Israel, in the person of their High Priest, could enter into God's presence. He went alone, behind the veil and offered the blood of the substitute. When Christ died, however, God tore that veil from top to bottom (Matt 27:50-51). This was a declaration that, because of the finished work, the veil of separation that kept us from the presence of God had been forever taken away. There is now no separation for us (Rom 8:34).
The veil of separation has been completely torn and no one can mend it. By Christ's blood we have "boldness to enter" into the real sanctuary (of which the earthly sanctuary was only a picture) "by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil … (Heb. 10:19-20). I like that word living- it tells me that Christ is no longer on the cross; it tells me that Christ is no longer in the grave; it tells me that Christ is not the prisoner of history. He is off the cross, risen from the grave and has ascended into heaven where He ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb 7:25).
For access to God, we no longer, therefore, have to wait upon some man performing certain rituals on our behalf. We no longer need an earthly priest to give us right of entry to God's presence. The great sacrifice has already been made by our Great High Priest. Because of Him there is now no barrier between us and Heaven. In Christ Jesus, there is now perfect and bold liberty to approach God (Heb 10:19). The veil of separation has been taken away by the Lord Jesus. The sins that separated us from God's presence have been taken away from God's presence by the precious blood. The Father no longer sees our sins. They have been cast behind His back (Isa 38:17); they are remembered no more (Isa 43:25).
This is astonishing! Does it astonish you? Perhaps you have never drawn near to God through Christ. You have trusted Him for your salvation, but you are standing far from Him like an unwelcome servant. Why are you doing that? The veil is rent: There are no obstacles in your way. No law forbids you to come to Him. Infinite grace has brought God to you and you to God. The way into the holiest is fully open and the mercy seat is freely available to all His blood washed saints. Go there boldly and worship through our Great High Priest the Lord Christ.
Someone says, I worship with the Presbyterians, Another says, I worship with the Baptists yet another says, I worship with the Methodists.The gospel driven believer, however, isn't under such restrictions. He indeed will meet with his local church, but because of the gospel He now can say, I worship in the Holy of Holies!
And that's the Gospel Truth
Miles
Miles McKee Ministries
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
"Truly Thankful"
Eph.5:20, "giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ..." (ESV)
This morning I was overcome with joy and a heavy burden as I prepared my sermon for this Sunday. I have been lead to preach a series of messages on the "Atonement of Jesus Christ" from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Beginning perhaps in Genesis, with God covering Adam and Eve with a skin from a slain animal to Christ on the cross bleeding and dying. I want our people to see how precious the atonement is and to get real close and personal with the pure hell Christ went through and not to forget it!
I have been meditating for a couple of days on exactly how to introduce the "Atonement of Christ." Well, I thought it would be good to know why we stood in need of an atonement. In other words, was the death of Christ necessary? As I pondered in the scriptures the Lord lead me to His Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus instructs His disciples on how the Law was misinterpreted in Matthew 5:20-48 by the religious Pharisees. Jesus says, "you have heard it said...but I tell you." Wow! What Holy Spirit conviction.
I was brought to tears sitting in my office studying. Jesus gives 6 illustrations of why the Law can not save nor will it ever save a lost soul. I was overwhelmed of my sinfulness before a holy God who demands perfection because He is perfect. There is not an excuse nor does God lower His standards due to my sin. God broke me about self-righteousness as he does all His children. As I was studying, I was caught back when I thought I was good enough and I had done enough to please a holy God. Matter of fact I thought it was my right for God to accept me, what self-righteousness and pride. Which by the way God hates (Proverbs 8:13).
I was reminded how often we think we have all of this Christianity figured out, when in fact we are so blind. God reminded me again today, I am not accepted by Him through my own merits. I am accepted by a Holy God through the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on my behalf...he was my "penal substitutionary atonement." I rejoice Christ died in my stead...where I should have been nailed to the cross for my sins...there He stood condemned for me...and I say...Hallelujah, what a Savior! That is what makes me "Truly Thankful."
So this Thanksgiving season, be reminded to give thanks for the most important gift..."that Jesus died for our sins in accordance to the scriptures and he was buried and he rose the third day in accordance with the scripture" (1 Cor15:3-4).
This morning I was overcome with joy and a heavy burden as I prepared my sermon for this Sunday. I have been lead to preach a series of messages on the "Atonement of Jesus Christ" from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Beginning perhaps in Genesis, with God covering Adam and Eve with a skin from a slain animal to Christ on the cross bleeding and dying. I want our people to see how precious the atonement is and to get real close and personal with the pure hell Christ went through and not to forget it!
I have been meditating for a couple of days on exactly how to introduce the "Atonement of Christ." Well, I thought it would be good to know why we stood in need of an atonement. In other words, was the death of Christ necessary? As I pondered in the scriptures the Lord lead me to His Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus instructs His disciples on how the Law was misinterpreted in Matthew 5:20-48 by the religious Pharisees. Jesus says, "you have heard it said...but I tell you." Wow! What Holy Spirit conviction.
I was brought to tears sitting in my office studying. Jesus gives 6 illustrations of why the Law can not save nor will it ever save a lost soul. I was overwhelmed of my sinfulness before a holy God who demands perfection because He is perfect. There is not an excuse nor does God lower His standards due to my sin. God broke me about self-righteousness as he does all His children. As I was studying, I was caught back when I thought I was good enough and I had done enough to please a holy God. Matter of fact I thought it was my right for God to accept me, what self-righteousness and pride. Which by the way God hates (Proverbs 8:13).
I was reminded how often we think we have all of this Christianity figured out, when in fact we are so blind. God reminded me again today, I am not accepted by Him through my own merits. I am accepted by a Holy God through the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on my behalf...he was my "penal substitutionary atonement." I rejoice Christ died in my stead...where I should have been nailed to the cross for my sins...there He stood condemned for me...and I say...Hallelujah, what a Savior! That is what makes me "Truly Thankful."
So this Thanksgiving season, be reminded to give thanks for the most important gift..."that Jesus died for our sins in accordance to the scriptures and he was buried and he rose the third day in accordance with the scripture" (1 Cor15:3-4).
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