The Trellis And The Vine -- Part 2

Not only is the trellis concerned with the physical structure upon which the vine (the church) grows, but there is the matter of the administrative structure as well. The functional systems of the church as an organization are important to its health.  Such systems must be subject to regular evaluation in terms of biblical faithfulness and whether they are meeting the needs of the congregation. Again, the sixth chapter of Acts where the apostles delegated the task of directing the care for those in need is a leading example.

The needs of the church body are a combination of physical and spiritual. We care for, serve, help, and provide for each other while at the same time, we walk with each other and follow Jesus in a Godward direction. The constitutional structure of Grace Bible Church has, serving with the pastoral staff, a board comprised of deacons and elders. 

As we move forward leading the growing church, we purpose to reactivate functioning elders in the ministry of Grace in 2024. The elders – primarily through the care group ministry – will focus on the shared task of shepherding the flock so that every person in the body effectively feels shepherded. The deacons will focus more on administration of the physical, financial, legal, and logistical tasks according to the abilities of the individual and the needs of the organization.

We are coming up on the time of year that we think about the succession of leadership. We are praying for at least three elders (besides the pastoral staff) and men who would serve as deacons in the administration of the church.  Statement of Desire forms are available at the church office, or you can access them online for deacons or elders. To serve as an elder, a man must have served first as a deacon at Grace.  To serve as a deacon, one must have been a member for at least one year.

As the body of Christ, we must be in prayer on this matter because the biblical qualifications of men for these positions of ministry are paramount. We must ask the Spirit to guide us and move the hearts of those who will rise to the task with servant hearts.

 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

The Trellis And The Vine

So much of growth and development is measured by physical attributes, but when it comes to the church our focus needs to be different. Christlikeness is not primarily measured by things that can be – well – measured. The growth that God is looking for is the growth of people who better reflect the character of his Son, Jesus.  Paul stated in Ephesian 4:13 and Colossians 1:28 that Jesus Christ is the measure of success for the gospel of grace ministry in the believer.

The church is likened to a vine – living, growing, and fruit-bearing. That is the focus of the ministry.  But a healthy vine has a trellis upon which to grow. The trellis represents the structure, system, and schedule of the organization. The apostles, for example, delegated logistical administration in Acts 6. Paul left Titus in Crete to “put what remained in order” (Titus 1:5).

As Grace Bible Church (the vine) grows, there are some “trellis” matters that need to be addressed – matters of adequate space and helpful proximity.  Let me explain. First, our auditorium is too small. We constantly use two overflow sections, the aisles in the auditorium are inordinately narrow, and a foyer is nearly non-existent. Second, the nursery – besides being too small – is about as far away from the auditorium as it can get. This is a bit discouraging for young families.  Third, our “fellowship hall” (a.k.a. “Room 5”) is woefully inadequate AND the kitchen is about as far away from Room 5 as it can get – upstairs.   One might think the design was a cruel joke. But, alas, it was not. Our auditorium was originally designed as a fellowship hall with the kitchen next to it.

Just so you know, the board is acting on these “trellis” issues. We are currently in communication with an architect – in fact, we have resurrected the conversation from back in January, before the merger conversation started. Our goal is to address the three issues above that have been clearly and repeatedly communicated to us, but to do so simply and affordably.  We learned from the building exploration four years ago that the church is supportive of building when we have the funds to do so.

That, however, may not be our only option. There are becoming more church buildings (and others) available that could potentially be repurposed for our use. Of course, location and condition are key factors in this option, but it is not outside the realm of possibility. We welcome the opportunity to consider recommendations.

This is a matter for the church to keep before the Father’s throne of grace. Let us not presume that we can figure this out on our own without the Spirit’s aid.  Remember the Lord’s admonition, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Let us seek the Lord together as we purpose to steward the trellis to support a healthy, growing vine.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Personal Encoutners -- 1 John 1:1-3

For many today the concept of “Christ” means little more than an ideal or a utopian reality. This is not new; it developed in the second century. Instead of speaking of “Jesus Christ”, some Gnostics would speak of Jesus the person and the “Christ” who came upon him. John, however, portrayed Christ as the prophesied person – the One from eternity. All he had to do was testify of his and others’ personal encounters with the historic Jesus Christ: we have heard him, we have visually discerned and viewed with fascination, we have verified by touch. John makes a clear presentation of the empirical adequacy of historic Christianity. He and many others had personal encounters with the Word of life that was with the Father and was made manifest to them.

Because of this, John states that he and others bear record and announce to us this Jesus Christ so that we who have not seen him first-hand can have a shared and common interaction. We too can personally encounter the Word of life by entrusting ourselves to the report (the gospel) of those who physically met and entrusted themselves to incarnate God. This shared personal interaction (“fellowship”) with the Father and Son – the Creator/Redeemer is what John called “eternal life.” The idea of “eternal”, as used in John’s report, is not just quantitative (amount of time) but is also qualitative; it is the life of divine character.

John stated that he and others like him had personally, physically encountered the divine Person. He announced it to us with the aim that it would revolutionize our day-to-day experiences through this thing we call “fellowship.” The more we engage and commit to his truth, the more we develop and experience the life of divine quality. What John gained vertically (in a horizontal way) he shared horizontally. That becomes the definition of “fellowship” for us too. Our relation to the Father and Son through His Spirit becomes the spring of our mutual interaction. Our encounter with the eternal Person becomes the fountain head of our personal encounters with each other. This is more than an ideal; this is Christian fellowship – the relationship of brothers and sisters in Christ as God designed it.

Two Things To Ask

God is sending more people our way, and we are “back to the drawing board” on the issue of space and expansion for the ministry of Grace. At this point all options are on the table, and it will take wisdom, forbearance, and the Spirit’s guidance to meet the needs of our congregation and the many guests coming into our fellowship.

First, let me say thank you for your welcoming spirit.  It is not uncommon for me to hear comments about the inviting family atmosphere in the worship at Grace. But…it is getting tight – in the parking lot, downstairs in the nursery and children’s ministry, and in the auditorium during the worship service.

There are two things I want to ask of you so that we can maximize with good stewardship what we have, what God provides, and who he sends our way. First, for a heart of hospitality. Hospitality is a biblical virtue of the church (Hebrews 13:2). A hospitable person will help others feel welcome, help them find their way around, and make space for them to fit in. The hospitable person also takes the initiative to connect. This could get messy, but people will recognize when they enter among us that the culture of grace says, “Come as you are, just don’t stay that way (like, overwhelmed and confused). I will walk with you.”

About making space, here are three subpoints under the first ask:

1. If you drive an all-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive vehicle, please consider parking in the lower grassy parking lot.

2. In the auditorium, please fill the rows up by moving toward the center.

3. We need brave volunteers to sit in the front row. I have established the policy of “no spitting” from the platform.

My second ask is for a spirit of forbearance.   Being able to forbear is a mark of God’s people (Colossians 3:13). The situation may be uncomfortable for a season, and the remedy may not come as quickly as we all might like, but working together will lighten the load. If you have insights, we’d love to hear from you.  If you feel you are in the dark, please ask. But please remember, communication is never perfect this side of eternity, and we could not possibly pursue all the recommendations we receive. Thank you for your understanding.

As we walk with each other in the mind of Christ, may these challenges grow us together into a more beautiful church.
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

All In | 7/25/2023

When God speaks to comfort his people, he reminds them of who he is, what he has done, and what he is doing. In other words, he directs their focus back to the big picture of himself to rescue them from the distractions of the immediate that lure people into a rut. Those distractions might be adversity, or they might be prosperity. In both cases we of mortal flesh tend to have our gaze pried away from the One who is our highest good and deepest satisfaction. We find it too easy to get settled in a rut of fleeting comfort or ill-perceived security.

God is constantly at work weaving together all aspects of time, space, circumstance, and human choice to draw people to himself.  Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, said, “I work, and who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 43:13).

When his Son, the God-man, walked the earth, there were those who pushed against his good and mighty deeds because what he did and how he did it did not fit their parameters.  To them Jesus responded, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17 NIV).
 

Is it possible that we could be distracted from what God is doing by being too preoccupied with what we are doing and precisely how we are doing it? Here is my resolve: whatever God is manifestly doing, I want to be all in. In this resolve we follow Jesus,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord,
but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does,
that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all
that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him,
so that you may marvel.
John 5:19–20
 

Sunday’s worship was just a glimpse of what God is up to! He is at work in people’s lives, and he is working through his people. Sunday was a delightfully uncommon time, but God loves doing the uncommon so that you may marvel. What God does through a people submitted to him arrests the attention of the unbelieving, and he is glorified.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
Isaiah 43:19–21
 

It is my prayer that we will have a united desire and resolve to be all in with what God is doing, “so that as grace extends to more and more people, it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Contemplating God’s Promise (A thread of self-talk) | 7/18/2023

The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness,
quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:17–18

• These are the things I long for at the core of my being.

• What do I look to for my peace, quietness, and security? Are they trustworthy or transient?

• False ease and security are the effects of unrighteousness.

• Only that which cannot be taken away is worthy of trust for my peace and satisfaction.

For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face. Psalm 11:7

• What defines righteousness?  Only the infinite, transcendent, unchanging One can.

• I must be righteous. How can I be righteous?

• To behold his face is to be in his presence with full acceptance and love – my ultimate good and satisfaction.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

• I can rest from attempting to redeem myself – from making myself acceptable – to God or to others. Christ has given himself to accomplish that for me.

• I must surrender to the righteous One who makes his righteousness available to me.

• Through my surrendered trust I find liberty, peace, and quiet confidence.

• Every attempt to find security and satisfaction in created things will lead me to false or fleeting ease and security.

• The disciples were terrorized by the storm even though the sovereign One was in the boat with them.

• “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Matt. 8:26)

• I must look to him – my righteousness – for quiet confidence amidst turbulence.

• Though the storm rages outside, inwardly I have quietness and peace.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Productive and Useful | 6/13/2023

Atrophy of the muscles is no fun – though one can unwittingly glide right into it through a sedentary lifestyle. Then, come the time that one’s muscles are stretched by engaging prolonged or strenuous activity, there is pain involved because the muscles are depleted. We all know that the antidote for such a painful experience is regular exercise.

When one drifts into a sedentary spiritual lifestyle, he becomes near-sighted, practically blind, and forgetful. He will lose sight of God’s goodness and start living for the “dot” (preoccupied with the immediate) instead of living for the “line” (the big picture of God’s character and purpose). Unless  you are purposeful about physical exercise you will experience muscular atrophy. Unless you are persevering in spiritual disciplines, you will drift into spiritual atrophy.

So let’s review the homework of honing your spiritual workout from Sunday morning’s sermon:

1. Exercise your memory of the grace that has been lavished on you – 2 Peter 1:2-4, 13

2. Train your vision with the grace laid up for you – 1 Peter 1:13

3. Walk with Jesus by studying him and keeping in step with his Spirit – 2 Peter 2:21

4. Climb the steps of spiritual growth to Christ-likeness – 2 Peter 1:5-7

Please understand, this is not done in the power of the flesh (just trying harder to be better) but by God’s grace – remember, surrender, and delight.

On another note, Grace has been gracious in the wake of last Sunday’s Q&A on the merger conversation. Thank you for your kind spirit. Also, helpful critiques of the May 21 combined service proved beneficial for the June 11 combined service. I am profoundly grateful to those who have invested much time, skill, and effort into the administration of the combined services. Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Mark your calendars – July 2nd is back on for a combined service with Vienna.  If you have observations and recommendations for what needs a little more attention, we will be glad to hear from you.

I urge you to pray that through the power of remembering we will be productive and useful in our walk of faith as the people of God.
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

God Wants Your Heart | 6/6/2023

Nothing is more blah than routine duty. Just going through the motions of completing a checklist without passion or meaning is as exciting as eating a bowl of sand. It becomes wearisome fast. This is a uniquely human problem because we are designed to pursue a higher purpose and desire ultimate good. In other words, we were created by God –  for him. He is our higher purpose and our ultimate good.

When we disconnect our daily lives from our worship – as if there is the spiritual part of life, then there is the unrelated secular part – not only will the routines of life become wearisome, but our worship becomes wearisome to God.  The first half of Isaiah’s prophecy paints a poignant picture of this problem. His chosen people, Israel, were living compartmentalized lives. They would dutifully perform their rites of worship, but their worship had nothing to do with the rest of their lives.
 

When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations — I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.  
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
Isaiah 1:12–14

This was the issue that Jesus addressed with the outwardly religious people of his day, “This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me” (Matt. 15:8 quoting Isa. 29:13). Outwardly they worshipped, but inwardly there was self-preeminence, greed, and hostility. They were committed to the form of worship, but there was no substance in their worship, it was empty – even to the point of not recognizing the object of their worship when he stood in their presence.

The point is this: you pursue what you desire. God wants your heart because he is your highest good and deepest satisfaction – you were made for him. Loving him is your ultimate good and the definition of your success. But there is a battle for your affections. Israel lost that battle and became dysfunctional and desolate. But if you “delight yourself in the LORD… he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).  In other words, you will find yourself satisfied when God has your heart.
 

Whom have I in heaven but you?
 And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25–26

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Evidence and Faith | 5/16/2023

I would like to share with you a question that I was asked.  Following the question is my answer.
 
Why does it appear that some men require less evidence of God or appear to have a deeper faith in God?  Do those that have a better understanding or deeper faith in God work harder at understanding the evidence that God makes available?
 
The writer of Ecclesiastes  says, See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes (Ecc.7:29).  God made man with the capacity to know and relate to Him – it is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom. 
 
For every person there is a unique mix of personal experiences (intellectual, physical, emotional) and habits of thought.  But there is an issue below the surface of the evidential.  Consider the Pharisees who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus – an indisputable miracle –  but they immediately set out to destroy Jesus.  There was an agenda in their hearts and minds that did not even allow them to factor in the evidence.   Human pride (self-preeminence) is at the core of unbelief. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
 
 Below the surface of the evidential is the relational – “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).  But as Paul tells the Romans, humans have become masters at suppressing truth – For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:18, 21, 25). 
 
Here’s a statement from a converted Harvard atheist:  “If I wanted to continue forward in this investigation, I couldn’t let it be just an intellectual journey. Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:31-32). I could know the truth only if I pursued obedience first.”  This is why I like to use the word “surrender” when defining “faith.”  This is far below the surface of working harder to understand the evidence.

_________________ 
P.S.  Remember that this Sunday, May 21st, is our first combined worship service with Vienna Baptist Church, 1831 Chickasha Dr, Pfafftown, 10:30 a.m.

• No Sunday School or ABFs

• There will be nursery and children’s church during worship.

• Please take every opportunity to consolidate rides as parking space is limited.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

A Place of God’s Dwelling | 5/2/2023

Solomon built a temple for Jehovah because his father, David, was bent on making much of God. So when the temple was finally completed King Solomon dedicated it with great sacrifice and public prayer. 1 Kings 8 is the apex of the history of Israel.
But will God indeed dwell on the earth?
 

Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you;
how much less this house that I have built!
1 Kings 8:27

Knowing who God is – the living, infinite, sovereign Creator – should humble us that he would want to dwell among us. The temple is the place where he makes his presence known, “My name shall be there” (1 Kings 8:29). It is also the place where God would interact with his people by accepting their offerings of worship and hearing their prayers.
 

…then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act
and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways
(for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind)
1 Kings 8:39

The temple of Jehovah, the God of Israel, was also intended to be a place that would draw people from far and wide because they had heard what God is like because of what he has done.
 

Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country
for your name’s sake  (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand,
and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house…
1 Kings 8:41–42

All the elements of worship in the Old Testament were but a foreshadowing of the good things to come in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10). Now we who are in Christ – we are the temple of the Holy Spirit!
 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.
So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20

We are the ones who make God’s presence known and make much of him. We commune with him humbly (he knows our hearts) offering the sacrifice of praise and interacting with him through prayer and preaching. We make him known in a way that draws people in, “that all peoples of the earth may know your name” (1 Kings 8:43).

Jesus prayed to the Father specifically that the unity of his people would be the chief witness to the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ.
 

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you,
that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:20–21

The temple of God was an edifice of stunning beauty.  Today also, when the church is being the church, she is beautiful and makes Christ attractive.  Let’s be the church, and let’s come together tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 3rd at 6:30) for a prayer gathering to seek the heart and desire of God with his people at Vienna Baptist Church.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

A View of Reality | 4/3/2023

In all the stuff of life it is easy for us to miss the forest for the trees. Near-sightedness – the willful neglect of the big picture and wider reality – is a symptom of human self-preeminence. You know you cannot run well while looking at your feet; the sprinter as well as the marathon runner keep their eyes ahead while progressing toward the goal.  Beginning with the Enlightenment, western civilization abandoned the goal; the focus became ourselves, and the foundation for hope crumbled. The result is today’s culture of cynicism.
 
Many children are told “You can be whatever you want to be,” but without a foundation and loving boundaries, the child – when a young adult – charges forward in what he thinks is freedom to determine his own truth and his own identity, only to end up drifting into the slough of despair. The lure of immediate gratification and living without defining parameters is tantamount to building a house without a foundation – it inevitably crumbles into a mound of debris.

The invasion of Jesus into our world, his perfect life, his colossal sacrifice of immeasurable love, his miracles – in particular, his resurrection – lift us up to a transcendent perspective to get a glimpse of the wider reality and rescue us from the hopelessness of self-reference.
 

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything!
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Connecting | 3/28/2023

It is a beautiful thing when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.  The assumption is that they are together. I appreciate the thoughtful, prayerful time invested with Shean Philips and our pastoral staff on moving the merger conversation forward.  From this point, our focus is on getting people together and, from that, answering key questions.

With that in view, the pastoral staffs plan to meet weekly. We will also schedule joint board meetings.  But this is not just a leadership task – we are all in ministry.  Many of you serve in various capacities and we want to get the ministry teams of both churches together for fellowship and helpful conversation. Please be on the lookout for a contact from Dwight or Bobby about initiating meetings and conversations with your Vienna counterparts.

Here are some of the first things that have been scheduled to build relationship between the two congregations:

     April 1 (Sat) — Combined men’s breakfast at Vienna, 7:30 a.m.
     April 2  (Sun) — Pastor Shean will preach at Grace during morning worship, 10:00 a.m.
     April 5  (Wed) — Combined prayer gathering at Vienna, 6:30 p.m.
     April 5  (Wed) — GBC youth will meet with Vienna youth, 6:30 p.m.
     April 16 (Sun) — I will preach at Vienna during the morning worship, 10:30 a.m., followed by time for questions from the VBC family.
        
Here is an example of a delightful discovery about mutual connections with the folks of Vienna. I received a call from a missionary friend I had not heard from in a couple decades. His family is a part of the VBC family, and they are his sending church; it will be a joy to re-connect.

Several of you have approached me with creative ideas to get people from both congregations together – at a corporate level or a more personal or small group level. Let’s do it! And we want to hear about it. Being intentional about building meaningful, gospel-centered relationships is a work of God’s Spirit in us; let’s give it the time necessary for God to clearly lead us if he wants to open doors and prepare hearts and minds.

Though the GBC vote was overwhelmingly in favor of continuing the conversation, a few of you – though voting yes – wrote notes of caution on your ballots. We want to hear from you if you are willing to be transparent with your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or insights. Our goal is clarity and confidence of the Spirit’s leading.

God could be doing something new here. Imagine the impact of the combined strengths of ministry! Let’s be the church beautiful.
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Reach Out | 3/14/2023

As an instrument in the Redeemer’s hands, what do you do with the tools God places in your hands? When Jehovah called him to ministry, Moses was sure that the people would not believe him or listen to his voice.  Then God asked, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). This common instrument (a stick) turned out to be a tool that communicated the presence and power of God.
 

Something will soon be put into your hand – a book.  God has moved a generous donor to purchase enough paperback copies of 7 WORDS that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE so that every family can be given a book to give away to someone among your FRAN.

Here are some recommendations on what you can do:

1. Ask someone to read it. You can be ready to dialogue about the gospel.

2. Ask someone to read and study it together with you.

3. Disciple a new believer.

4. Give is to someone you can invite to study with your Care Group

5. Start an 8-week outreach or discipleship Bible study (there is precedent for this – with fruit!).

6. Give it to someone in a legalistic system and invite them to discover living by grace.

Do you want to see the Spirit of God work?  Be a willing instrument in his hands to extend grace to more and more people with the simple tool of a book.
 
On the Conversation about Merging:
 

Taking the initiative to reach out is key. Numerous folks have reached out already – from both churches. You can reach out with questions, reach out to make acquaintances (I’ve been blessed by this!), reach out to explore, reach out to pray together. Tomorrow night’s Prayer Gathering (6:00 p.m.) will focus on this conversation.

Here is a link to the FAQ document handed out on Sunday. A Q&A meeting is scheduled for this coming Sunday (19th) at 6:00 p.m. including pastor Shean and his board chairman, Jeremy Henry.
 
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Open Doors | 3/7/2023

Dear Family of Grace, here are three things I want to bring to your attention:
 

1. There is a specific way you can help spread the message of the gospel and invite people to the freedom of living by grace. This approach employs the dynamics of the online community.  When something is available for the public to purchase online, one of the first things looked for is reviews. The more reviews (assuming they lean favorably), the more people will be inclined to consider the product.
 

Our book (because you own it), 7 WORDS that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you read the book and then leave a review, you will contribute to the increased possibility that more people will encounter the gospel. A review could be two words or two paragraphs, but it will help bring attention to the message.  If you would do that, thank you for taking the time to spread the word.

2. With this book, God has opened doors for speaking opportunities to present a message that supplements the theme of the book. The GBC board has granted me a set number of Sundays in the calendar year that I can be engaged in a speaking ministry outside of our church.  It is my joy and desire to share the message of living by grace to as many as possible. I deeply appreciate your understanding and prayer support for this ministry.

3. As stewards of the flock that God has entrusted to us, we remain sensitive to how and where his Spirit leads us forward in the mission of the gospel. God could be doing a new thing as a potential opportunity has been proposed to Grace Bible Church.
 

In that vein, I want to let you know that a special and important announcement will be made to the congregation on Sunday, March 12, following morning worship. The worship service will conclude at 11:00 a.m. so time can be given to the announcement.

 
Delight in his grace!
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Standout

It was a curious thing that ancient Israel wanted to be like other nations by having a king. I guess they didn’t want to stand out too much. Why is blending in so important to people? Everyone wants to be noticed and appreciated; many aspire to be the best in their field – notoriety based on accomplishment or bizarre behavior. But who is willing to be truly distinguished – being different in a way that prompts wonder?

“You’re not like other people” may be heard. Such a distinction is not pretense, but something about this person at the core sets them apart. Daniel distinguished himself because an excellent spirit was in him. Noah’s obedience – clearly not affirmed by others – condemned his generation. Joseph was set apart because God was with him. Peter and John were uneducated, common men, but baffled the educated men in high position who realized that they had been with Jesus.

When Moses debated with God about continuing on without God’s presence, he said “…Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:16) In other words, if God is not with us, what is the point? There would be no distinction. Throughout Scripture God’s people are set apart and called to be distinct by our faithfulness to God, by marching to his drumbeat, by living for his opinion alone (2 Corinthians 5:9), by living with the end in view and making his purpose our overriding goal.

Onlookers may think it strange or threatening; they may laugh or lash out. That may be new for us in 21st century America, but it was nothing new in history – consider Daniel, Noah, and Joseph; the prophets, the apostles, and the martyrs of church history.

Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary to India mused, “Certain it is that the reason there is so much shallow living—much talk but little obedience—is that so few are prepared to be, like the pine on the hilltop, alone in the wind for God.” Blending in is like hiding your lamp under a bushel; it is like tasteless salt. None of which makes sense if indeed you are part of “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Christian – God’s Spirit has taken up residence in you. He is the Spirit of truth, and where the Spirit is, there is liberty, and the ability to walk lovingly in God’s commands without fear. In this loving, fearless walk God promises to manifest himself to you; as you draw near to God, he will draw near to you. And who is like the Lord our God? Step out, take the bushel off of your lamp. May your walk with the benevolent, sovereign, Creator/Redeemer compel others to say that God really is among you.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Train Your Memory

You are forging pathways in your brain. Habits of thought are like water – the default is following the path of least resistance. There is a reason why it is easier to have a “good day” when things are going as you like, and a “bad day” when things are not going so well. Picture yourself at the beach building a sand mound; you fill a bucket of water and pour it over the mound – it forges pathways in the sand. If you pour water a second time – the water will not so much forge new pathways as it will follow the path of least resistance and flow down the established pathways.

This points to the necessity of the biblical virtue of meditation – considering God, and then expressing the fruits of that process.

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 104:34

This was Asaph’s resolve in a season of despondency filled with questions. The 77th Psalm records his thoughts as he prays his emotions.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Psalm 77:11–12

Asaph begins with three truths about God’s benevolent sovereignty:

“Your way is holy” – God’s ways are far above ours because he is infinite and transcends time and space. His ways are pure – they do not include pretense, misunderstanding, or ill will.

“What God is great like our God?” – there is no higher, purer, or more trustworthy object of trust.

“You have made known your might among the peoples” – God’s providential power is not myth or wishful thinking – it is objective reality.

Then the Psalmist trains his memory on an actual event in history – a time of God’s awesome deliverance of his people, which was a display of God’s unrivaled power and his control over the created order. Three realities of his deliverance emerge:

“Your way was through the sea” – not around it or avoiding it, but through it.

“Yet your footprints were unseen” – the people had to exercise trust.

“You led your people like a flock” – With tender care, God leads his people in community.

Laura Andrews sums it up well: “We approach God because he eagerly invites us, and because our shame is ultimately eclipsed by his desire to make us holy. What’s more, Jesus is our High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and has been tempted as we are. As a result, we can draw near to God’s throne with confidence and receive mercy and grace for our needs.”[1]

The discipline of meditation will forge new pathways – train the brain – to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, trustworthy, excellent, good, praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) – all that is the character and purpose of God.

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[1] Laura Andrews | CCEF | “God Loves a Complainer”

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

Using Your Memory Well

Sometimes you feel like the walls around you are closing in; or you are drifting in a dark tunnel unsure of where it is taking you. In times of adversity or crisis our memories can be slaves to gloom. A despondent mind will remember dark details and expand upon the dismal realities of the present.

Let’s look at two examples in Scripture:

My soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints.

You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

[Psalm 77:2-4]

Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

[Lamentations 3:19–20]

These are examples of God’s people praying their emotions with raw honesty. They admit that their struggles are in the bitter providence of God. In these times your self-talk can be wearing a deep rut in a negative direction, but as C.H. Spurgeon said, “That same recollection that on the one hand brings so many gloomy omens may be trained instead to provide a wealth of hopeful signs.” At this point Asaph and Jeremiah help us with a pivotal undertaking – anchoring their remembering in what is unchanging.

As persons made in God’s image, they engaged the selective power of what occupied their minds. “My spirit made a diligent search,” cried Asaph. “This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope,” affirmed Jeremiah. They rehearsed the character and kept promises of God through his mighty acts of grace. Their conclusions were the same – God is not like us; he is like what he has done. He is faithful, and he does all things well.

We are called to interpret our present circumstances in light of God’s known faithfulness in the past. Remember the loving kindness of the Lord and rehearse his deeds of grace. Forgetfulness is one of humanity’s greatest spiritual maladies, which is why the Scriptures constantly call us to remember (see 2 Peter 1:3-14). Forgetfulness will lead to wandering from God, but fresh experiential knowledge of God (remembering and following – even when you don’t feel like it) will lead you to a walk of enduring hope garnished with joy and mystifying peace (Philippians 4:4-9).

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

That I May Know Him

“Eternal life” is a designation not just of duration (forever, without end), but of an unsurpassed quality.  Jesus said: “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Eternal life is entering into communion with and delighting in the triune God.
 
As Paul outlines the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, we see a progression in his knowledge, experience, and ambition: …that I may gain Christ; …and be found in him; …that I may know him (Philippians 3:8-10). His union with Christ incited the passion to know him more.  A principle of personal development is that whatever skill you want to improve, spend time with those who are excellent at it. I admire Abraham Lincoln and would like to emulate his virtues of leadership, confidence, and compassion. But knowing about the 16th president could not be the same as knowing him, speaking with him personally, or working alongside him. Paul’s statement about Christ presents him as the objective and the means to that objective. 
 
To know Christ means to know his life, his character, his unwavering ambition to glorify the Father, his compassion, and his strength. Paul recognized that what Jesus Christ was in his strength and perfection was, in fact, the objective of Paul’s life and existence. What better way to become like Christ than through interaction, emulation, and communion with him. Spend time with, walk with, do life with the One who is excellent in every way – the One who is altogether lovely, in whom you will never find disappointment.
 
Paul’s recognition of Christ as his life’s objective developed in him the consuming ambition to know him. Therein is the means of becoming like him. This path is reflected in John’s statement: “When he appears we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). This is full and first-hand acquaintance and presence, as well as full conformity to the perfections of his character.  John continues: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1 John 3:3).  Does it not stand to reason that if we are satisfied in Christ, we will not rest until we are like the One who satisfied us so?  David wrote: “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).   
 
May our prayer be as the words of the song: “burn all desire, ‘til You are my one delight.”  As I know Jesus Christ with my whole being, he becomes the ambitions and architect of my whole being.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

True, Right, and Good

The Bible instructs us to honor everyone (1 Peter 2:17).  Jesus said the whole law is summed up in two commands: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).  Unlike the lawyer who – wanting to justify himself – tested Jesus by asking “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), today the question is, what does it mean to love or honor? We need to discern what is truly loving and honoring in challenging cultural contexts.

Is it honoring to endorse one’s disobedience to Scripture? Is it loving to celebrate behavior that is contrary to God’s character and purpose?  Is it kind to endorse what God says is not good? We are not called to support or say what is not true or right.  In other words, we should not live by lies.

But here is the tension, if you abstain from saying or supporting what is not true or right – yet culturally popular, you take the risk of being branded as unloving, unkind, or even hateful – worthy of being shunned and silenced.

How do followers of Jesus Christ interact with the unbelieving community – being faithful to God and his word, yet gracious to fellow humans? We must recognize that faithfulness may come at a cost.

The Sunday Night Seminar, “How to Champion What is True, Right, and Good” addresses these questions, and is designed to equip you to make biblically faithful decisions and dialogue with a Christ-like disposition as these challenges arise in our day-to-day lives – work, home, extended family, and neighborhoods.

“How to Champion What is True, Right, and Good” is a three-part Sunday Night Seminar series beginning January 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

Start a conversation with this seminar. Follow up  that conversation  with 7 WORDS that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE or a podcast on the message of grace.
 

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.

A Good Word

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Prov. 12:25

Jehoshaphat was in a quandary; the small nation of Judah was being attacked by a coalition of nations that surrounded his. What did he do? He “set his face to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3). Imagine a king confessing “we are powerless… we do not know what to do” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Admitting he was at the end of his resources the king resolved, “our eyes are on you.” – Jehovah, the God of Israel.

This was not just a bad situation where a godly king implored God to “do something about it.” Jehoshaphat set himself to focus on the character of God and his promises as specified in his revealed word.  As a result, God sent strong encouragement and confidence to the king – so much that he lined up the choir in front of the infantry. As they marched to meet the challenge they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21).  This king was faced with circumstances beyond his control. Instead of sulking about victimization and defeat he encouraged himself in the God who has revealed Himself and he overcame.

To the 50,000 that had returned from exile and had been gripped to tears by the words of the Law, Nehemiah and Ezra encouraged them saying, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Nehemiah reports that the people rejoiced greatly “because they had understood the words that were declared to them” (Nehemiah 8:12).

The joy God gives from an understanding of his truth
is a place and means of safety.

 
That is the meaning of Nehemiah’s word “strength.”
 
The Scriptures abound with expressions like,
 

In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches (Psalm 119:14)
I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word (Psalm 119:16)
 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart  (Psalm 19:8)

Is it because these are such great pick-me-up sound bites? Or could it be that what we have in the Scriptures is not the wavering perspectives of human opinion and emotion, but the eternally enduring word of the infinite, holy, and loving God who redeems us and draws us to himself? The first Psalm affirms this truth:  the one who is blessed (joyful) is the one who delights in God’s Word; it is the good word which makes one glad, and a joyful heart is good medicine. The joy of the Lord is your strength – practice this truth.

Copyright © 2023 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.