New Year - New Opportunity

A New Opportunity for A New Year

Someone once said, “Opportunities are seldom labeled.” However, I have always felt that every New Year is a new opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a new opportunity to move forward along life’s journey and to make one’s life more eternally meaningful.Because I believe 2009 is a new opportunity for the Lord, I have spent much time in prayer, Bible reading, and goal-setting for this year. I trust that you, too, have set some goals and you are trusting the Lord to use you in a greater way!It has been said, “He who aims at nothing hits it every time!” I would rather try and fail than never try to do the things God lays upon my heart. Let me encourage you to step out by faith in this New Year.For me and for the Northwest Baptist Church family, it is my heart’s desire that everything we do will be for the honor of Christ and for the furthering of His faith in this world. We are challenged to live “for the faith” and it is my prayer that generations to come will walk in the faith because of the goals and prayers that will be established this year.

New Year

As I look forward to the New Year I wonder what the Lord has for me, my family, and my church. We will see Him do some great things with us, for us, and through us. Knowing that our best days are still ahead it excites me to get started. We will see many people saved this year, and many grow in the Lord. That makes even the down times not so bad. Our church will start some new ministries as the Lord allows. Master Club, Bus Ministry, Ladies Fellowship, Men's Prayer Breakfast, Care Packets for deployed soldiers, and others as He see fit. Please pray with me that the Lord of the harvest will send forth labours into this harvest field. I want so badly for our church to make a difference in peoples lives this year here in Leavenworth and the surrounding area.

God Blesses Faithfulness

I was a bit concerned about the crowd we would have in church yesterday because of a number of things. We had some bad weather Saturday afternoon and evening. We have a large family on vacation, and a lot of sickness in the church. I counted all that would not be there and was anticipating 20 missing. When your average attendance is only 30 that is a concern. But I know that we have had about 6 or 8 out this past week door-knocking. When people started coming in I was encouraged that we had over 20 even with all of the folks that were missing for various whatever reasons. I preach it all the time that God blesses our faithfulness then He confirms that truth and gives us a big blessing

How Is Your Faith

" . . .According to your faith be it unto you."--Matt. 9:29.
These tremendous words were spoken by Jesus to two blind men. They were greatly rewarded by their faith because their eyes were opened.
In one of his sermons, Dr. Vance Havner points out that Jesus did not say, according to your "fate" or according to your "fortune"; nor did He say, according to your "fame," "friends" or "feelings," but He did say, "According to your faith . . ."

DEGREES OF FAITH
The Bible speaks of a "measure of faith" and also of a "proportion of faith." Our text speaks of the term, "According to your faith." This seems to indicate that there are various degrees of faith. Let us consider several verses that help us to understand this truth.
1. NO FAITH. In the Bible, we read the statement, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus asked this question of His disciples in the boat when they feared that they would perish. Surely there are many defeated Christians living without power and victory who have no faith.
2. LITTLE FAITH. In Matthew 8:26 Jesus said, "O ye of little faith." This again is the account of the disciples in the ship.
3. WEAK FAITH. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye . . ." (Rom. 14:1). Here the Apostle Paul is referring to an immature Christian who has not been made strong yet. He is spoken of as being weak in the faith.
4. DEAD FAITH. We read, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" (James 2:17). Genuine faith brings forth action. There is proof when there is faith. James admonished his readers to show him their faith by their works.
5. VAIN FAITH. The Bible speaks again of another kind of faith. " . . .and your faith is also vain" (I Cor. 15:14). The word "vain" means empty or of no avail.
6. GREAT FAITH. Jesus spoke to the Gentile woman who sought for crumbs from under the table and said to her, "I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Luke 7:9). In several places Jesus spoke of those who had great faith.
7. FULL OF FAITH. The Bible says this of Barnabas: "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith" (Acts 11:24). This early New Testament Christian was a tremendous example and pattern for all believers. What a great compliment, that he was full of faith!
8. STEADFAST FAITH. " . . .beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col. 2:5). There is great peace and contentment in being settled and relaxed about the promises of God. Israel continued in doubt and unbelief, but Paul complimented the early Christians because of their steadfastness of faith.
9. RICH IN FAITH. James speaks in his book of being rich in faith. "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?" (James 2:5). He is insinuating that faith is a more valuable asset than money.
10. PRECIOUS FAITH. Peter wrote, " . . .to them that have obtained like precious faith . . ." (II Pet. 1:1). He was referring, of course, to our salvation that makes us partakers of the grace and mercy of God. This is surely a precious attribute. The word "precious" is often used in relation to something that is scarce and very valuable, such as precious stones; but here, it is "precious faith."
11. HOLY FAITH. Then the Bible speaks finally of "holy faith." " . . .building up yourselves on your most holy faith . . ." (Jude 20).
In all of these Bible phrases, we see an evidence of degrees of faith.

The Cornerstone

Jesus infuriated the Jewish leaders because He claimed to be "the stone which the builders rejected." Mark 12:10 This is a reference to the building of Solomon’s Temple.

It took 30,000 workmen over seven years to complete the temple. According to I Kings 6 all the stones were quarried far away from the building site, so there was no sound of hammering heard there. Jewish tradition says one day the building superintendent saw an unusual stone being delivered. Because it was cut in an odd shape, he thought it was flawed. He had it rolled away into the Kidron Valley where it lay untouched and unnoticed. Years later, the builder sent word to the quarry that he was ready for the main corner stone. The quarry master came and reported, “Why, I had that stone delivered years ago. When they began to search they discovered the discarded stone in the valley was the main cornerstone. It was covered with debris and moss. It took many men working hard to raise the massive stone out of the valley. When they raised it and set it, it fit perfectly! The chief cornerstone was the very rock they rejected.

Jesus was also sent from far away, and was different than expected, and even today doesn’t fit the world’s “ideal”…they stumble at Him that should be their very foundation!

CHRISTmas is here

Luke 2:15-16, "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

The shepherds had it right – there was no time to waste. An event that causes the angels to rejoice is certainly something they should be urgent about. So the shepherds quickly made their way to the likely place a newborn Lamb would be seen – a manger, and it was there they saw "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). From Bethlehem the shepherds went out telling everyone within earshot this wonderful news of the Saviour – "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." (Luke 2:18). The reaction from those they told was no different than people’s reaction today, "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:17-18). There was curiosity, bewilderment, and skepticism, but no haste to see what they were just told about. I imagine the shepherds probably wondered why nobody else was in a hurry to see this child – don’t they understand how important He is? Today’s CHRISTmas Blog reminds us of that time when the conviction of the Holy Spirit caused us to fear our condition and hurriedly run to the Savior for forgiveness and redemption. But so few today are urgent about anything spiritual. Ours is a non-stop, fast paced society when it comes to materialism and pleasures though. What about you this CHRISTmas season? Have you made haste to do your shopping and to deck your halls with boughs of holly, but have not had anytime to spend with the Saviour? We know the Lord is returning soon – so soon in fact that this may be our last CHRISTmas on earth. So don’t be slow in spending time with Him. If you are not saved, trust Christ quickly before it is too late.

IT IS ABOUT THE GIFTS

Each year we are reminded that Christmas should not be just about giving and receiving presents. But if we really think about Christmas, it truly is all about gift giving! At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given, by the greatest gift-giver of all, our wonderful God!

I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THREE GIFTS THAT WE SHOULD GIVE HIM:

1. A COMMITMENT TO FAITHFULNESS Exo 20:3—Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Ecc 9:10—Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might...
3. A COMMITMENT TO PURITY 1 Pet 1:15-16—But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

How committed are you?

DO YOU DAILY SPEND TIME WITH HIM IN PRAYER?
DO YOU DAILY SPEND TIME IN HIS WORD?
DO YOU DAILY STRIVE TO PLEASE HIM IN ALL YOU DO?

What do you plan to give the Lord for Christmas?

JESUS IS THE REASON

Mat 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Luk 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
I see it everywhere: "Jesus is the reason for the season." But what about Jesus is the reason? Is it His humanity or His humanitarianism? Is it His miracles or His moral teachings? Scripturally, there really is only one reason. All of Christ’s teachings and miracles, all of His humanity and morality were all wonderful, but they were all individual parts of the Father’s master plan, which simply was "He shall save his people from their sins." This is why the world wants to ban nativity scenes and the very word "CHRISTmas" itself, and to turn this season into simply a winter holiday; because to acknowledge the true meaning of CHRISTmas is to admit that we are all sinners in need of a Saviour. To eliminate CHRIST from this season is what the world must do in order for them to fully enjoy this time, for indeed, realizing what is the one real reason for CHRISTmas is to come under conviction for our condition.
So Today’s CHRISTmas Blog agrees that "Jesus is the reason for the season," but specifically, the reason is salvation. Remember what CHRISTmas really is – why CHRIST really came: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10).

May the Lord richly bless your CHRISTmas season.

New Ministries

We had a two great great services yesterday. The Lord used 18 year veteran missionary to Sri Lanka; Terry Unruh in the morning service to speak to every heart about "burdens". I believe that kind of message can be used be God to not only stir hearts but also change lives. I want to say thank you to Bro. Unruh and his wife Myra for being a blessing to us.
I am excited and also expecting God to use several new ministries in our Church. In January we will begin having monthly ladies meetings and monthly men's pray breakfasts. We will also begin the Master Clubs for the children. But the new ministry I am most excited about is Saturday door knocking and a bus (mini van) ministry. Please pray that God will give fruit for our labors in these new ministries.

Excited About the Church Growing

We are starting classes tonight on soul winning and visitation we have about 5 or 6 people that are planning to be a part. I think this will prove to be the single most important thing we will do in starting to see growth in our church. I believe people need to be trained to do the work the Lord has inspired them to do. Because "inspiration without education leads to frustration", people get inspired to do something for the Lord and no one trains them how to do it and in a short time they get frustrated and want to quit. Here is an outline from Acts that I have preached about church growth that might be a blessing to someone.

How Did The Church in Acts Grow ?
ACTS 2:46,47
1. A CONSISTENT WALK. ("They continued daily")
2. A COOPERATIVE SPIRIT. ("One accord")
3. A COMMUNION AT HOME. ("breaking bread from house...)
4. A CHEERFUL ATTITUDE. ("gladness")
5. A CONSCIENCIOUSNESS OF PURPOSE. (singleness of purpose")
6. A CONFIDENCE FROM OTHERS. ("favor with all the people")
7. A CONTINUOUS GROWTH. ("Lord added to the church daily")

Steeped in Traditions

I had a great time preaching yesterday. God is so good to me. We had a man come back that had visited for our veterans day service, and a young lady that found our church web page on the Internet. I believe the web page will prove to be a real blessing to our church. The folks at the church were encouraged that she found us that way, makes me wonder how many are looking at us and considering a visit. I will pray more. that the Lord will use the web page and this blog in the future. I believe these types of media are as important to the church as the newspaper has been in the past. I don't understand a church not using this technology. Could be they are "steeped in the traditions of the Pharisees", something a dear brother has helped me with over the years. And for that I thank you.
I met with my Deacon after church and we decided to buy a new computer for the church and a new sound system. So we can start recording the preaching and upload the messages on the web page.

A Christmas Thought

Luke 2:13-14, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

I had a friend many years ago who despised the Christmas holiday because of its paganism – no presents, trees (Baal bushes he called them), decorations, carols, etc…. I too have studied the paganistic connection to the holiday, but I have come to a different conclusion about the entire situation than my friend did. My understanding comes from spending a great deal of time studying the Scriptures. So to you who may feel as my friend did or to you who feel that our emphasis should only be on Christ’s death, not His birth, please hear me out. If Christmas- Christ’s birth is not important then why are there more Scriptures about the birth of Christ than of heaven, hell, rewards, spiritual gifts, and marriage? If Christmas is not important then why was it specifically announced or revealed to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Simon, Anna, shepherds, and the wise men? If Christmas is not important then why did Mary, the shepherds, and the heavenly host rejoice so much? If Christmas is not important why did a royal delegation from the East come bearing such expensive gifts? And if Christmas is not important why are so many humanists trying to eliminate it or reduce it to just a seasonal holiday? Today’s Christmas Thought reminds us that the birth of Christ should cause us to say like the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The birth of Christ was the fulfillment of numerous Scriptures and was necessary in order for Him to later die. This is why the angels announced that the Savior had been born; now we announce that He has also died and the reason for it. No pagan can cause me to not celebrate what heaven celebrated. Today, join me in rejoicing that our Savior was born.

Here is a Christmas message that has been a blessing to me in preparing it and might be a blessing to you as well. I have never preached this, but I might this year. I have so many messages that are good but I have never preached. This blog might be a way to get them out to those who can use them.

THE THREE-FOLD IDENTITY OF BETHLEHEM’S BABE

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

In the angel’s words, we find the true glory of Christmas. Because, no matter what else we may make of it, Christmas will always be about the Baby born in Bethlehem.

Notice what the angel had to say about who this Baby was.

I. SAVIOR – THE TITLE OF ACCEPTANCE
As Saviour, Jesus provided 3 essential services to the sinner:
1. We are Accepted in Him. Eph 6:1
2. We are Delivered in Him 1 Peter 1:18-19
3. We are Preserved in Him 1Peter 1:5
Thank God, He came not just as a Judge, but also as Saviour.

II. CHRIST – THE TITLE OF ACCESS
This child came to do more than provide salvation.
He came to allow us access into the very presence of Almighty God.

Through Jesus, we can:
1. Approach the Father. 1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus is the only means of access.
2. Appeal to the Father. John 16:23

III. LORD – THE TITLE OF AUTHORITY
When the angel called Jesus, "Lord" He was:

1. referring to One who was to be in absolute control.
2. reminding every Christian that He is to be the absolute authority in our lives.

It’s Christmas time! We need to remember that the reason we celebrate is because of a little infant born into this world 2,000 years ago. That infant was no ordinary baby.
* As Savior, He is worthy of our worship.
* As Christ, He is worthy of our dependence.
* As Lord, He is worthy of our obedience.
* As Jesus, He is worthy of all we can give to Him.
Have you given Jesus your all this Christmas?

2 Months Behind

We were gone two weeks and now I feel like I'm two months behind. We arrived home yesterday and because of the all night plane ride we were both very tried so we tried to nap a little I did not make it to my study. So this morning I went to my study ready to get back to work and found myself behind on my studies. I have a routine that I follow in my sermon preparation that obviously has been disrupted. But I will be ready for tonight's Prayer meeting. The month of December I sometimes preach something in every service about the birth of Christ and the Christmas theme. I have over a hundred sermons about Christmas. But every year while studying them the Lord gives shows more so I come out of this season with 8 or 10 new sermons. I may post a few outlines on my blog if anyone is interested. Let me know

Ready To Go Home

As Jane and I come to the end of our trip to Hawaii I am thankful for the opportunity and thrilled to see Nikki, Bill, and the Kids. As beautiful as it is here I must admit that I am ready to get home and back to work at the church. This was the last trip that we already had planned when we moved to Kansas. So we are finally ready to get started with some of the things I feel the Lord would have us begin there. Not wanting to start something and then have to leave again for another meeting. Northwest Baptist Church was so kind to allow us to go ahead with these many meetings we had on our schedule when I became their pastor in September.

God's Beauty

All the pictures I have seen of the beautiful scenery in Hawaii do not do Justice to the view that God gives with the human eyes. Our trip to visit Nikki & Bill has helped me to realize, to a greater extent, just how blessed we are. I can only wonder how beautiful Heaven must be. I was here as a little boy and I remember some of the thing we have seen but my memory did not begin to recall the majesty of it all. Jane and I were married 30 years ago and I always wanted to bring her over here. We never could have been able to do it without Nikki & Bill's help the trip would have cost close to $10,000 if my calculations are close. What a wonderful Christmas & Anniversary gift God has given the two of us. What a great God we serve!!!

Jane and I have been in Hawaii for a week now and we have been very busy. I had the oppurtunity to visit the church where I got saved. First Baptist Church of Waipahu. It is now a community church about to close, but we were able to go inside and take a few pictures, what a blessing. We also went to the appartments that my mother managed they are still there but the name is different. I am looking forward to the rest of the time we will be here lots still to do. It has been great having Bill and Nikki here to show us all the good spots.

Well we finally made it to Hawaii and we are excited to be here. My wife and I have been married for 30 years in Jan so and we have always wanted to go to Hawaii for our anniversary then a year age my daughter's husband got stationed in Hawaii so we thought this would be a great time to visit them and celebrate our anniversary. We will be here for two weeks and my daughter has helped plan out the entire time so we can see and do as much as possible while we are here. I can't wait when we get back i will post pictures of the trip.

The Lord brought me to Kansas about 2 months ago to be the pastor of the Northwest Baptist Church. I am excited about what the Lord is going to do here. We are a small work only running about 30 on Sunday morning but the Lord has bless us with visitors every week. We honored our veterans today and had Thanksgiving dinner. We had 9 visitors and then 11 visitor Sunday night. We are close to Ft Leavenworth and there are 4 Federal prisons in our town. The population is about 35,000 not counting the post. So there is unlimited potential here for the Lord to build a great Church.