"Live Wisely"

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6 


The Apostle Paul called for the believers at Colossae to watch their lives among unbelievers. He exhorted them to pay attention in two areas of their lives, which are visible to those who are not Christians. The first area was how they used their time and second, their words. Our time and words can have either a positive or negative impact upon those around us. Whether we know it or not nonbelievers/believers alike are watching our lives to see how we use them both. As believers, we need to remember two things:


1. Our time is a gift from God, use it wisely.
God has given us each day (time) as a gift of His grace. He does not owe us anything, nor does anyone earn this gift from Him. Time is a common grace given to all men. Jesus said, "Your Father makes it rain on the just and unjust" (Matt.5:45). God gives and takes away as He so chooses; this includes time. No one is guaranteed tomorrow nor the rest of today, as far as that goes. Therefore, we must make the most of our time...NOW! Ask yourself; How much time do you give to the things of God versus the things of this world? Do you spend more time on social media, television, or other entertainment than in prayer, Scripture reading, or evangelistic outreach? Do you make it a point to schedule the church's gatherings into your regular weekly schedule or do you forsake the assembly?


2. Our words are a gift from God, use them graciously.
I was asked by a group of young people this past week; If it was a sin to use curse (cuss) words? I quoted this verse from Colossians 4:6. Paul reminded the believers here at Colossae to watch how they used their speech. I also told these young people that using curse words often reveals that a person is unable to come up with other words to express themselves. As believers what we say, write, or type has an effect on others. The question is; do my words build up and point others to Christ or tear down and point them away from Christ? As believers, we must be "quick to hear and slow to speak (type or write)" James 1:19. We must ask ourselves before we speak/write/type; Will this build up others? Is Christ honored in my message? Will unbelievers hear the Words of Christ led by the Spirit or words of the world led by the flesh?


Therefore, as we engage outsiders today let them see us use our time wisely. This may mean reading your Bible while on break, rather than on your phone. It may mean not engaging in an off colored joke at the water cooler. Remember the world is watching us. So, may we use our time wisely and speak our words graciously. May God use us to accomplish His will through you today. SDG.

"Stop It. You're Giving Too Much"

"The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do."So Moses gave the command, and the word was proclaimed throughout the camp, "Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more." Exodus 36:5-7

Sadly, these are six words you will never hear a Baptist pastor say. We live in a secular humanist world today, especially here in the good ole United States of America. What do I mean? Secular humanist believe the world revolves around them. We are taught from a very early age that life is all about you. Your dreams. Your happiness. Your career. Your money. It's the mantra; get all you can get, can all that you get, and then sit on top of your can. Human secularism believes I am the center of my own universe. And this type of worldly thinking has kicked down the front door of the church and made its way into the pews, and preached from many pulpits. 

However, you will not find such thinking in the Word of God. Matter of fact, God's Word teaches the polar opposite, when Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26). This goes back to the day of Moses, as well. God commanded Israel to give in order to construct a place where He could be ministered to. This place would be known as the tabernacle or the dwelling place of God. Yet, there were materials needed for the construction of the tabernacle. And like with any work of God there were expenses that needed to be covered. 

Therefore, God called His people to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle. It was here in Exodus, we learn about the generosity of God's people. Israel's giving went above and beyond what was expected. They gave so much all the needs were met and exceeded. Moses even had to command the people to STOP bringing their offerings. Moses took it a step further and restrained the people from giving. What a wonderful problem! 

What about you? One of the greatest blessings as a believer is to give to the Lord's work. Do you give cheerfully and generously to the Lord's work within the context of your local church first with your finances, time, or giftedness? What if you had to be restrained from our giving? What if you had to be told "Stop! You are giving too much?” What if we were all faithful to support God's work in this way? When is the last time you gave the Lord a raise with your offering? 

I’m not talking just about money, although that’s a great place to begin, but what about other areas of your life. When's the last time you asked the pastor how you could serve Christ by serving others? Ask the Lord to examine yourself in this vital area of worship. If each person was faithful to give to the Lord's work, then the church's needs, much like Israel, would be met and exceeded. 

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."  [Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), China Inland Mission founder]-- 

"Proclaim Him"

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

     The Apostle Paul wrote the church at Colosse concerning the high view of Christ. He told of God’s fullness dwelling in Christ since he was God himself veiled in flesh. He exhorted them to be careful of those false teachers who would try to lead them astray by judging what they ate, drank, and the days of festivals and Sabbaths. However, Paul reminded the church that his task, along with the other elders, as well as each disciple of Christ was the proclamation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, "Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary." This is a false statement. You can not preach the gospel without words. The word "preach" implies speaking. Therefore, one must speak in order to preach, proclaim, or share the gospel. 

      The proclamation of Jesus Christ is not just a job for the preacher, but for every true follower of Jesus Christ. We have the distinct privilege and blessing to proclaim, tell, or share with others the good news of Jesus Christ. The good news of Jesus Christ is that God is Holy. Man is sinful, unholy, separated from God. Man is actively in rebellion against God. There is nothing about the natural man that desires God or His holiness at all. Yet, God in His grace sent His Son to take on flesh, live a perfect life, fulfilling God the Father's Holy Law, dying in the place of sinful man, and rising on the third day for our justification. This good news should be proclaimed and modeled in the local church from the pulpit each Lord’s Day. This is how the church worships, grows, and learns of God's goodness in Christ. This is what Paul means by “warning” and “teaching everyone" (disciples).

      There is also an evangelistic aspect to proclaiming Christ, which takes place as we go about our day. We are to proclaim Christ at home, work, school, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting events, or doctor’s office. This is also what Jesus meant when he gave his disciples the Great Commission. Jesus said, "Go into the world and MAKE disciples. He didn't say go invite them to church, to a singing or a potluck. He commanded his disciples (you and me) to make disciples. In other words, telling others the good news of Jesus Christ should be an everyday normal event of the disciple’s life, much like brushing our teeth. But, that seems odd, you say. True believers find the gospel glorious and majestic to the point it’s always on the tip of their mind and tongue. Hence, Paul would write, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth”  (Colossians 3:1-2). The sad reality is too many believers seek and have their mind set on the things of this earth and this is why it's so difficult to have spiritual conversations with others.

      However, as followers of Jesus, we must discipline ourselves to think on things that are above, namely the gospel. Why? In order that we may present everyone mature in Christ. As disciples of Christ, our goal and aim in life are to proclaim, teach, and share Christ in such a way that others will be greatly edified and perfected in Christ. This is what discipleship truly is; helping others follow Jesus better. And in order to do that we have to proclaim Jesus, there is no plan B. This takes intentionality, prayer, and the leading of the Spirit of God. I have found when I combine those three things in my life God always sends someone for me to proclaim Christ to either by conversation or by handing them a gospel tract.

      Will you pray and ask God today to send you someone to proclaim Christ to? Will you take an earthly conversation and look for a way to share Christ with that person? Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ to have boldness as they share Christ with others? Will ask God who it may be you could build a relationship with around the gospel and begin to disciple him or her?  Do you have gospel tracts readily available to hand out to others, or leave at the gas station or wherever you go? This is how we truly grow in wisdom and maturity. SDG.;

"Take Heed Lest YOU Fall"

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

One person has rightly said, “Sin will take you further than you wanted to go; keep you longer than you wanted to stay; and cost you more than you than you wanted to pay.” Sin is serious. Sin kills. Regardless, if you think so or not, God takes sin much more serious than we do. Sin is disobedience to God's perfect will and Word for our lives. Sin is everything that refuses to conform to His perfect will. Sin is so serious that we as human beings have been separated from our Creator due to our parent’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Sin is so serious that God the Son was forshaken by God the Father on the cross to make the way for sinners to be reconciled to Himself. We live in a culture today that doesn't even blush, let alone embarrassed over its sin. We live in a world today that is actively hostile toward God daily. I pray you sense the immense seriousness of sin.

Hence, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to correct theological and ecclesiological (doctrine of the church) misunderstandings. Corinth was the heart of an important trade route in the ancient world. And like most cities that thrive on trade, Corinth was known for its sexual immorality, religious diversity, and corruption. The Corinthian culture was evil, wicked, and ungodly in every way much like our country today. Paul exhorted them to be watchful in the temptations that await them, not to be boastful in themselves lest they fall.

Therefore, Paul encourages them to abstain from succumbing to various sins by pointing them to the past. And he does this by showing them their father's sins in the Old Testament and how some even failed to please God and was "overthrown in the wilderness" (1 Cor.10:5). He reminded the Corinthians some of their relatives were not pleasing to God because of their sin. He pointed out the sins that can so easily consume them: "idolatry, sexual immorality, and the testing of God by grumbling and complaining." Paul wrote, "they were written down, in the Old Testament, as a reminder and instruction” for us not to sin in the same way as they did. Why? Because we are often easily persuaded since we are followers of Christ that we are good to go. I said the prayer, got baptized and joined the church. We escape hell and all is good. However, Paul warns them and us today, when you "think you stand" you better watch out! Because your fall could be right around the corner.

With that said; Here is a few questions we should ask ourselves concerning our standing before God: 

1. As a Christian, do you still need the gospel that you say saved you? 

The answer is "yes!" “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

The believer is still in need of God's gospel each day. Why? Because it's the gospel that reveals our sinfulness. It's the gospel that reveals the holiness of God, our wretchedness, and Christ's gracious act of substituting himself on the cross for sinners. It is the gospel which keeps us humble and on our knees. It is the gospel that reveals our right standing with God on the basis of His Son’s work on the cross and not something we do. Thus, Christians are to preach the gospel to themselves daily. "Take heed, lest YOU fall."

2. As a Christian, should my sins affect me on a daily basis?

The answer is "yes!" "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). If God the Holy Spirit is not convicting you daily of your sins then you are not a Christian. For every true believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit as a gift of God’s grace to His elect. And the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and conform us more into the image of Christ. If you are not bothered by your sin, regardless if it's idolatry, drunkenness, sexual immorality, gossiping, lying, stealing, or laziness then you have a bigger problem. It may be the reason you are not convicted is that you are not a believer. Your sin should convict you to where you confess your sin and flee to Christ forgiveness. “Take heed lest YOU fall.”

3. As a Christian, do you still need to repent daily?

The answer is "yes!" "If we confess (keep on confessing) our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). What is repentance? "Saving repentance is a gospel grace in which those who are made aware by the Holy Spirit of the many evils of their sin, by faith in Christ humble themselves for it with godly sorrow, hatred of it, and self-loathing. Repentance MUST continue throughout our lives, because of the body of death and its activities. So it is everyone's duty to repent of each specific, known sin specifically" (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: Repentance to Life and Salvation). In other words, Repentance is the life of every true Christian. The Puritan, Thomas Watson wrote, “Repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed.” If there is no inward humbling and outward reformation in your life than you are not a Christian. "Take heed, lest YOU fall."

4. As a Christian, is there an escape from the temptation of my sin?

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The answer is "yes!" Thankfully, Paul reminds us God provides "the way of escape" from the temptation of sin. William Hendriksen wrote, "God sets limits to human temptations and He himself comes to help his people during their trials." Thus, God becomes the believers way of escape. It is God's ever-abiding faithfulness that see His people through their trials and causes them to prevail. Paul says that with every temptation, God provides the way out. The question is; Are you looking for the way out or a way to indulge your flesh and enjoy your sin? "Take heed lest YOU fall."

"Read the Word"

“At the command of the Lord, they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses” (Numbers 9:23)

As a Christian, how do you know what to do or how you should conduct your life? The answer is by the Word of God. This should be the answer for every professing believer. Without the Word of God, we are left to our own devices to do as we please. The Word of God is the Christian’s only authority for rule and practice in their life.

The children of Israel were not as fortunate as we are today. They did not have a canonized book with 66 books called the Bible. However, God gave them a cloud by day and a fire at night that sat above the tabernacle, which was a representation of His presence. The cloud by day and fire at night would lead and guide Israel as to where God wanted them to travel on their journey. And according to our text, Israel obeyed the Lord up to this point in their journey while in the wilderness, because they could only journey as far as the cloud or fire led them.

This is a great reminder for those who name the name of Christ. Why? Because Christ is the eternal Word who took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Hebrew writer reminds us, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” Hebrews 1:1-2). Just as God spoke everything into existence by His Word (Genesis 1), so He still speaks today through His Word, the Bible. And like Israel, we can only go as far as God’s Word will lead us.

So, why read God’s Word? The Bible itself teaches us that the Scriptures are sufficient for the sinner’s salvation and the saint’s sanctification (1 Timothy 3:14-16). I will submit just a few thoughts concerning believers need to read God’s Word.

1. You must read God’s Word to know God.

The fundamental truth of Christianity is that we can know our God. You and I will never know God apart from His Word. Thus, the reason why we read God’s Word is to worship Him in Spirit and Truth, but more importantly, is to know God as he has revealed Himself through the Scriptures. Many people claim to know God, but its not the God of the Bible. There are too many who claim to be Christians and do not know the Word of God, which is a contradiction. Do you know the God of the Bible, personally? Do you spend time with Him daily in His Word?

2. You must read God’s Word to obey God.

Christians do not read God’s Word just for knowledge. Rather, we want to obey what God has commanded us to do. James wrote, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). If you just read or listen to the Word, while not obeying the Word I’d refer you back to the first point to consider “your calling and election.” Do you read the Bible as a checklist? Do you actively listen and obey God’s Word?

3. You must read God’s Word to know His will for your life.

God’s Word gives a believer purpose in life. God reveals who He is and gives direction to the believer through His Word, as it is accompanied by the Holy Spirit. In order to know God’s Will for your life; First, you must know God and the forgiveness of sins through His Son Jesus Christ. Second, you must be willing to submit to God’s Word as it is revealed in Scripture. There must not be any unconfessed sin you are holding on to. Third, you need to seek God in prayer along with Scripture reading as you seek His will. Fourth, Seek godly counsel in identifying God’s will in your life. However, you need to seek godly counsel, not counsel from those who will only tell you what you want to hear. Fifth, I would submit that once you have whole-heartedly sought God's will, then do what your heart desires (Psalm 37:4), but don't try and force it. If it is God's will for your life, I promise you it will come to pass.

The bottom line is this; as a believer, you must make it a priority to read, meditate, study, and apply God’s Word to your life. Jesus said, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Apart from God’s Word, you will find yourself floating along in life aimlessly and no purpose. So, will you begin to read your Bible to know God better today? Will you read God's Word to obey God better today? Will you read your Bible to know your purpose better today? And don't forget to delight in Him while you do it. Have a blessed day. SDG!

"No Confidence"

“For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil.3:4).

There are three enemies that all believers must constantly battle: the world (1 John 2:15), the devil (John 14:30), and the flesh (Gal. 5:17). Once a person has been graced with salvation, spiritual warfare becomes a daily reality. The believer realizes there is something significant taking place in their lives, which is a fight with their new found enemies. They begin to understand, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph.6:12). Regardless, how long a person has known God; there will be a constant battle raging against these three enemies until they take their last breath. The key is to know that it is a daily battle. The world, Satan, or your flesh does not take days off, so neither should you!

The Apostle Paul reminded the Philippian church not to place confidence or trust in their flesh. At this point, we need to be reminded that the flesh is not inherently evil in and of itself, lest we are dualists. Those who had been “circumcised in the heart” (regenerated or born again) worshipped God by His Spirit and in the Truth of Jesus Christ are not to place any hope in the flesh. They understood their justification was by faith in Christ alone (Rom.5:1), not by some deed their flesh could produce. Why was this so important? Paul said there were “dogs” (false teachers) who would try and lead the people of God astray by getting them to place their hope and faith in something other than Christ (v.3), namely their flesh. And just like in Paul’s day, there are false teachers who would have you and I place our faith and hope in what “WE” can do, rather than what Christ has done. This is “works based” religion that can only lead to death, not life.

Therefore, we must constantly be fighting against our flesh, not only trying to earn favor from God but also in disobeying His commands revealed in Scriptures. Your flesh will have you questioning God's goodness and authority towards you in Christ. Your flesh will look at the forbidden tree and say, “I must have this.” Your flesh will always want to take the path of least resistant. Your flesh will not want to sacrifice for Christ, His Church, or the glory of God. Your flesh will want you to take the easy way out, which is usually disobedience to God’s Word. And the reality is where the heart sins, the mind and then the body will always follow. This is why you must be dying to your flesh daily. The Puritan, John Owen wrote in the book, Mortification of Sin, “Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

Here are some helpful scripture references I often study as I battle with my sinful flesh. May you find them helpful in your study as you continue in this spiritual warfare for God’s glory (Romans 8:13;13:8-14; 2 Cor.6:14-7:1; Eph.4:17-5:21; Col.3:1-17; 1 Peter 4:1-11; 1 John 2:28-3:11). Read. Meditate. Study. Pray. Ask God to help you be actively killing YOUR sin!

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"A Gospel Partnership: Philippines Mission Trip Report"

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:4-5

Grace Baptist Church

Gospel ministry can be lonely at times. Yet, God in His grace gives others who come alongside to partner with us along the way. Myself along with Pleasant Hill Baptist Church have had the distinct privilege of partnering with Expositors International Ministries since its inception in 2011. Expositors International Ministries (EIM) is a local church mission ministry that exists to give indigenous pastors a solid theological education in order to help them plant biblically healthy churches in the southeast Asia region. There is a great need in our day for local churches to participate in biblically sound missions where they can actually know and support (financially and prayerfully) their missionaries. And this is why PHBC has purposed to be a gospel partner with EIM for gospel advancement.

The Apostle Paul understood the struggle of gospel ministry. He was often misunderstood, beaten, and incarcerated for the sake of his ministry. Yet, he continued to “press on for the goal of the upward prize in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:14). He knew the burdens and anxiety of overseeing all the churches (2 Cor.11:28), yet found comfort in those churches who partnered with him for the sake of the gospel. The church at Phillipi was one of those churches that partnered with Paul in his efforts of advancing the gospel. And Paul was eternally grateful for Philippi’s generosity in their financial support and prayers sent to him by Epaphroditus (Phil.4:18). In other words, the local church at Philippi played a vital role when it came to missions.

For example, I have just arrived back from a 12-day short-term mission trip in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines. Wes Graff (member of Camp Branch Baptist Church, West Blockton, AL) and myself journeyed to CDO to be an encouragement to our missionary Barry Carpenter and the other indigenous pastors there. Barry has been faithful in teaching and training pastors for the past 6 years, as well as helping plant Grace Baptist Church. As you can imagine, this has not been an easy task trying to overcome many cultural barriers. Yet, we were able to see the fruit of his labor up close and personal. This is the joy of partnering with missionaries you personally know and support when it comes to the gospel.

There are so many encouraging testimonies I could share, but I will focus on just a couple for time and space sake. First, Pastor Ben Gabitino has been apart of BES (Bible Expositor Seminary) from its beginning. He has been one of the teaching elders of Grace Baptist Church since it was planted in 2011, as well. I have witnessed the Lord grow him in the past 6 years in his ability to exegete, expound, and proclaim the gospel of Christ. I have witnessed his love not just for preaching, but also his love for shepherding the flock at GBC. Ben is a fiery evangelist who is faithful in sharing the good news of Christ with others. It has been a joy to see God work in Ben’s life and to see the fruit manifested at GBC.

Bible Expositors Seminary students after Greek Class

Second, I was encouraged by getting to spend time with the leaders of Grace Baptist Church. We spent several hours one night with the men of GBC conversing about theology, church life, and ministry in general. I was taken aback by these men’s knowledge for the deep things of God. One young man that stood out to me was Brother Errold. He was raised Catholic but left the church as he got older, and began studying Islam. He could quote the Qu’ran in Arabic and knew the Islamic prayer. However, God in His grace saved Errold from this false religion and more importantly from His sins. Bro. Errold changed jobs and moved from another island to be apart of GBC. He is an architect for the local government now and plans on drawing floor plans for the multi-purpose buildings for EIM, BES, and GBC in the very near future.

Well, I could write for days concerning our time in the Philippines. The greatest take away from my time there was in spite of the constant struggles that Barry, the other pastors, and saints at GBC face is that they simply persevere by God’s grace. They have so many excuses not to be faithful, according to American standards, yet you find them simply being faithful. Most of them live in extreme poverty. They don’t have air-conditioned cars to drive to church. Most of them ride motorcycles or have to take the public transportation system, which is a jeepney that blows raw diesel smoke (black sut), while heading to church. Getting to church there is not as easy or comfortable as here in the U.S. yet they find a way, not an excuse to be faithful to their Christ. Not to mention, most struggle just to provide rice for their family. As mentioned this week in a conversation, most Americans live week-to-week, while most Filipinos live meal-to-meal. This was very convicting to me on so many levels as I pondered on this reality.

Myself. Barry and Wes on the Lord's Day

In conclusion, I feel like our time there was very beneficial for Barry, the pastors, and church at GBC. It provided several informal opportunities to discuss ministry from a very practical basis with Barry and others. We were able to talk about real life issues that we face when it comes to cross-cultural missions and the local church ministry. As it is most of the time, you go to be an encouragement and blessing to others, but come away being more encouraged and blessed than when you left. I am grateful to all those who partnered with me for this trip. There is no way to measure on this side of eternity the effects of your gospel partnership. However, I will close with the words of the Apostle Paul regarding the support sent to him by the saints at Philippi, when he says that it was, “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Phil.4:10).  SDG.

For more information on EIM please click the link:
https://www.expositim.org/

 Facebook page at "Expositors International Ministries."
Twitter handle: "EIM Philippines"