The Faithful Assembly
By Pastor James Black | January 4, 2012
As we start the New Year I am reminded of how important the attendance of God’s house is. In a time when church attendance is low on the priority scale Hebrews 10:25 reminds us that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. I would like to mention 3 reasons that we need faithful church attendance.
First of all is the enemy without. In I Peter 5:8 we are told that our adversary, the devil, is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Today Satan is seen as a mythological figure given little importance. God says he is the enemy of the righteous. It is when we spend time in God’s house studying God’s word that we learn of Satan’s devices, II Corinthians 2:11. Without this knowledge we will surely be devoured.
The second reason we need to spend time in God’s house is the enemy within – the flesh. Paul said in Romans 7:18 that there is no good thing within me. All of our religious practice fails in the hands of mortal man. There is not a good or righteous thing in us – only the nature of sin. When we hear the gospel of Christ it is then that we find the hope of defeating the enemy within. Paul also said there is no power to perform the good thing either. We are totally dependent upon the Spirit of God in our lives to live a holy life. This is understood only when we spend time under the preaching of the Word.
Then last of all is the enemy around us – the world, I John 2:15-16. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, these things are waiting as hidden pitfalls in life to destroy our lives and our relation to Jesus. In Psalm 73 Asaph tells of looking around and seeing these pitfalls and tells how they almost made him quit – until, verse 17, he went into the sanctuary of God, then he understood the end.
If we want to walk with God in 2012 it must begin with our commitment to spend time in the house of God, worshipping him and studying His word. See you in church –
Topics: Thought From the Upcoming Sermon | No Comments »
More Words for Believers
By Pastor James Black | December 7, 2011
As we continue to find words for believers we look to Philippians 2, the chapter of Christ fulfilling the will of the Father. Look with me as we see the character of Christ that should be found in the life of every believer.
In verse 7 we find submission, “no reputation, a servant”. So many Christians are so busy trying to make a name for themselves that they find submission to anyone simply as weakness. Scripture teaches that we should all submit to one another. Don’t forget, pride is the enemy of submission.
We find humility in verse 8, “he humbled himself”. I try to remember that if I exalt myself that God will have to humble me – pride goes before destruction. Jesus is described in Isaiah 53:2-3 as one with no form or comeliness or beauty that we should desire him. Today we seek the strong, charismatic leader who stands out above all others. Jesus took the job of humbling himself.
In his humility he learned obedience, verse 8. When we lean toward pride we find that obedience to others, especially suffering, is something we cannot do. Hebrews 5:8 tells us that Jesus learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
The last portion of verse 8 gives us another word – perseverance. Submission, humility, and obedience are best displayed in perseverance. People tend to want the easy way out; therefore there will be no need for perseverance. I remember when “drive-thrus” first began, nobody could believe people would not get out of the car to get something. Now we live in drive-thrus – even drive-thru churches. Life and faith are a journey and they both require perseverance.
Finally there is exaltation in verse 9-11. Notice that the exaltation came from God and not man in verse 9. First Peter 5:6 says to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due season. As we submit, humble, and obey God’s will for our lives He will be the one to say well done. But notice in verse 11 that all that Christ suffered was to the glory of God – not himself. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 to let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and that they might glorify your Father which is in heaven.
As Jesus surrendered his life to the Father’s will so must we, that God may receive all glory. It may be hard going, but remember this is what obedient sons do.
Topics: Thought From the Upcoming Sermon | No Comments »
Words for Believers 3
By Pastor James Black | November 16, 2011
Our third series on Words for Believers is concerning sacrifice. Most Christians today know very little concerning sacrifice for the Gospel. Today we want a fit my style Christianity without demands or adjustments on our behalf. Jesus used a phrase often in his ministry which was “if a man save his life he shall lose it, but if he lose his life he shall save it. As we consider the elements of this statement notice with me the sacrifice of each.
First consider the sacrifice of treasure in Matthew 10:34-39. Jesus said he came to set variance or disagreement among the family. That’s a lot different than what we hear today, but if a man or woman dedicates their life to Christ there will be disagreement within the home unless they all share that same dedication. The first sacrifice must be that of treasure. If a person is truly born of God they will treasure that family God has given them – even if the others are unsaved. But Christ must come first! I listened as a group of preachers wept over the divisions in their families but committed to still follow Christ. We must sacrifice if Christ is to be first in our lives.
Next there is the sacrifice of trophies in Matthew 16:24-26. It is easy to get lost in the things of this world. The mindset today is more and bigger – this is called success. But Jesus said to just take up the cross and follow him, regardless of the outcome. We want others to see what we are doing and this comes from trophies –houses, land, cars, ministries, positions, etc, etc, etc. I have heard pastors tell of the great ministries they have built and then say it was worthless because it was about them –and not God. We must sacrifice all if Christ is to be first, Matthew 6:19-21.
Then last of all there is the sacrifice of tragedy in John 12:24-27. No one likes to suffer heartache and sorrow but it must be a sacrifice that we accept. Jesus said a corn of wheat must die to bring forth fruit. Sad to say but sometimes this is how God chooses to work in lives. It seems every pray list is full of God heal this and that, fix this and that, supply this and that. But we must accept that sometimes tragedy is the path to close fellowship with Christ. If Jesus surrendered to Calvary to fulfill God’s will then why should we have no sorrow or surrender in our lives.
Remember, Christ first – no matter what!
Topics: Thought From the Upcoming Sermon | No Comments »
Words for Believers 2
By Pastor James Black | November 1, 2011
As we continue our thoughts on words for believers consider the words of sanctification. Sanctification speaks of being holy and of special use. God told us to be holy because He is holy.
When we look at Romans 12:1-2 we find several themes concerning sanctification. The first to see is repentance. “be not conformed to this world”, verse 2. Without repentance of sin we will never turn from sin. Many today see sin as negative preaching, but without the preaching of sin the cross becomes of no effect because we have nothing to repent of. There is no need of sorrow or a savior.
The next word is renewal, “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”, v2. When we become a new creature in Christ all things become new – including the way we think. Remember the saying “old habits are hard to break”. This is because we try to change the outer man instead of the inner man. Paul said in Philippians to let the mind of Christ be in you.
The last word is reasonable, “reasonable service” verse 1. What is reasonable service to one who gave his life for you and promises you life everlasting? Have you ever considered what or where you would be today if not for the grace of God? What is reasonable service to an employee – to do what the employer asks?
What is your answer to God when he asks for sanctification in your life?
Topics: Thought From the Upcoming Sermon | No Comments »