Saturday, November 23, 2013

DO I HAVE TO GIVE THANKS WHEN EVERYTHING'S A MESS?

NOVEMBER 2013

How would you answer the question?

“Do I have to give thanks? Everything seems like such a mess this year?”

We agree with the premise.  The nation is heading the wrong direction.  Our economy is weak. Our politicians are wrong.  Our churches have lost their moral sway.  People are restless.

The culture is self-centered and thoughtlessly coarse. Civility, industry, and loyalty are scarce.  Rudeness, laziness, and infidelity are endemic. Families are stressed, distressed, and detached.

Do we have to give thanks? 

NO! We do not have to give thanks.

We do not have to give thanks for the breath in our lungs.
We do not have to give thanks for the roof over our heads.
We do not have to give thanks for the food we’ve had to eat.
We do not have to give thanks for the clothes we have to wear.

We do not have to give thanks for the jobs we have to do.
We do not have to give thanks for the health we enjoy.
We do not have to give thanks for the freedoms we cherish in the United States of America.
We do not have to give thanks for our families.

We do not have to give thanks for Christian husbands and Godly wives.
We do not have to give thanks for our children.
We do not have to give thanks for the friends who mean so much.
We do not have to give thanks for our church family—a family that sometimes seems more
         like family than our biological family.

We do not have to give thanks for the precious memories we have of the good old days.
We do not have to give thanks for our Christian heritage.
We do not have to give thanks for a church that believes and preaches the Bible.
We do not have to give thanks for a place to serve the Lord and to help others.

We do not have to give thanks for God’s mercy.
We do not have to give thanks for God’s grace.
We do not have to give thanks for God’s love.
We do not have to give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice.

We do not have to give thanks for the Holy Ghost’s presence in our lives.
We do not have to give thanks for conviction and God’s Amazing Grace.
We do not have to give thanks for an open altar where we can pray and find God’s forgiveness.
We do not have to give thanks for peace with God.

We do not have to give thanks for Gods’ wisdom and faithful direction.
We do not have to give thanks for answered prayer.
We do not have to give thanks for all the blessings we have received.
We do not have to give thanks for the promises of God.

We do not have to give thanks.

But the Scriptures couldn’t be plainer.  When people are not thankful terrible things begin to happen.  The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, observed that when people are not thankful…

…they become vain in their imaginations,
…their foolish hearts are darkened,
…they think they are wise, but they are actually fools,
…they begin worship created things more than the Creator of all things,
…their thinking is perverted,
…their attitudes are pathetic, and
…their actions are pitiful…
               (Read Romans, Chapter 1)

No! We do not have to give thanks.

BUT, WHEN WE DO GIVE THANKS…

GOD IS HONORED BY OUR WILLING HEARTS
And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own willLEVITICUS 22:29

GOD HALLOWS OUR THANKSGIVING WITH HIS PRESENCE

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord.  2 CHRONICLES 5:13

 

GOD COMFORTS US—ALL THEY WHO PRAISE HIM!
For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. ISAIAH 5:13


GOD DELIVERS US—THOSE WHO THANK HIM!
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of theLord.  JONAH 2:9

GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS—THOSE WHO THANK HIM!
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus….
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
 PHILIPPIANS 4:6-19

WE ARE DEFINITELY  DOING THE WILL OF GOD!
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

AND, WE ARE JOINING THE RANKS OF THE REDEEMED THROUGHOUT ETERNITY!
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.  REVELATION 11:17

IT SURE SOUNDS TO ME LIKE IT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA FOR ALL OF US,
THOSE WHO ARE FACING GREAT TRIALS
AND THOSE WHO ARE REJOICING IN GOD’S PROVISION,
TO GIVE THANKS!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND AT FCC! If we can help you in any way please let us know.  We love and appreciate you every one!


Onward!


Pastor Richard M. Jones
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH –  A Crusaders Church of America
2969 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri  63074 - Telephone (314) 298-5840; Cell (314) 607-1424

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Monday, November 25                     THANKSGIVING DINNER at WILD ACRES, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 26                     THANKSGIVING COMMUNION, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 15                       CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 22                       CANDLELIGHT SERVICE w CHORALE, 6:30 p.m.

Thanks for praying for our financial needs.  We are praying for $15,000 between now and December 31.  If the Lord would impress you to help us, we would be most grateful.  Don’t forget you can remember FCC in your will too.  Won’t it be great when our mortgage is completely cleared?


Sunday, November 17, 2013

ITS SATURDAY NIGHT - WONDERFUL PEACE by LILLENAS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSlGc1InwZ0&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

Coming to Jesus, my Savior, I found
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Storms in their fury may rage all around,
I have peace, sweet peace.

Refrain
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Peace, peace, glorious peace;
Since my Redeemer has ransomed my soul,
I have peace, sweet peace.

Peace like a river, so deep and so broad,
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Resting my soul on the bosom of God,
I have peace, sweet peace.
Refrain

Peace like a holy and infinite calm,
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace,
Like to the strains of an evening psalm,
I have peace, sweet peace.
Refrain

Gone is the battle that once raged within,
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Jesus has saved me and cleansed me from sin,
I have peace, sweet peace.
Refrain

Sunday, November 10, 2013

HOW HAVE WE COME TO THIS TRAGIC HOUR?

HEADLINE - MISSOURI COURT forbids a man from marrying the love of his life. The man says "She's gorgeous. She's sweet.  She's loving.  I'm very proud of her...Deep down I'd love to have children with her."  Yet the Court has ruled that for the time being, the law forbids a man from marrying his horse.

HEADLINE - THE 5TH EDITION OF THE DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS (DSM) distinguishes between Pedophilia and Pedophilic disorder.  It turns out that Pedophilia is a "sexual orientation."  We've heard that before haven't we?  Some are now saying that if adults and children want to engage in recreational sex then their innate orientation should be celebrated.

HEADLINE - THE UNITED STATES SENATE has passed the EMPLOYMENT NON DISCRIMINATION ACT (ENDA).  The Family Research Council explains the implications.  ENDA would prohibit employers from making employment decisions on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.  It provides protections for "sexual orientation" which includes voluntary homosexual conduct, and gender identity referring to the appearance, or mannerisms or other characteristics with or without regard to the individual's designated birth gender.  It would protect those who are transgendered, or who are partially so.  It would protect transvestism, drag queens and drag kings.  

HOW HAVE THE LEADERS AND PEOPLE OF OUR NATION COME TO THIS TRAGIC HOUR?

1.      WE HAVE COME TO THIS TRAGIC HOUR BECAUSE WE REPLACED THE JUDGE ABOVE WITH THE JUDGE DOWNTOWN.

2.     WE HAVE COME TO THIS TRAGIC HOUR BECAUSE WE REJECTED THE BOOK OF BOOKS—THE WISDOM OF GOD, FOR THE FOOLISHNESS OF MEN.

3.     WE HAVE COME TO THIS TRAGIC HOUR BECAUSE WE DECIDED THAT HEDONISM-- CARNAL DESIRE--IS NOT ONLY HARMLESS AND IMMUTABLE (We are born with these desires that can not and should not be changed), BUT IT IS THE LEGITIMATE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SELF-GOVERNMENT. Liberty and Virtue have been uncoupled.  We have the right to act wrong but no right to define and denounce wrong.


4.     WE HAVE COME TO THIS HOUR BECAUSE WE ARE UNWILLING TO FACE THE TRUTH ABOUT OURSELVES AND REPENT AND RENOUNCE THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL—SO WE ARE TOLERANT OF THE SINS OF OTHERS.  We recognize that with the same measure we judge we will be judged so we say nothing and hope that our sins will not be exposed.  For Example:  Some professing Christians are unwilling to stand with Scripture against same sex-marriage because they have been unfaithful to stand with Christ for life-long marriage. 

THESE ARE DESPERATE DAYS FOR THE NATION, FOR THE CHURCH, AND FOR THIS JUDGEMENT BOUND PEOPLE--BUT A HOLY GHOST DRIVEN "GREAT AWAKENING" WOULD SAVE US.  "HALLELUJAH THINE THE GLORY! REVIVE US AGAIN!"


2 TIMOTHY, Chapter 4
1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

FAMILY CONFERENCE - HAPPY HOMES



WELCOME TO FCC'S FIRST FAMILY CONFERENCE WEEKEND - KEYS TO HAPPY FAMILIES!   Those who are married or hoping to be married, those who are parents or hoping to be parents, will not want to miss this!

On Friday Evening you will meet my great friend PASTOR DENNIS SKINNER.  He has a great TOP 10 LIST OF HAPPY HOMES, and there will be time for conversation and discussion.  Then you're invited to the Parsonage for Desserts.  Should be great fun!

On Saturday Morning we will gather at 10AM to discuss a number of "Keys to Happy Families."  Keys to Happy Homes, Keys to Happy Children, Keys to Successful Finance, and Keys to Happy Relationships.  You're invited to the Parsonage for a Picnic style luncheon at noon.  

THERE WILL BE FREE CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 6.  They can all join with us as we eat together.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND!   If you have a question please call Pastor Rick at 314 607 1424 or TXT or email: PastorRick@fcctoday.org, or you could track me down and ask me!



Sunday, November 3, 2013

WE USED TO THINK...


ROMANS 1
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools...


In thinking about how things have changed over the past 100 years we cannot help but be amazed.  We have gone from stagecoach to rockets, from victrolas to blueray, from comfort measures to robotic surgery, from wood burning stoves to central heat and air-conditioning, from six shooters to nuclear arsenals, from abacus to mainframe computers, and from party-line phones to smartphones. 

Yet while our technology wows, our spirituality woes.  Things we used to know we now doubt.  Things we used to hold as “self-evident truths” we now reject as “silly fables.”  We are smarter in so many ways, but we are not wiser in any way.  The gap between our knowledge and our wisdom, between our facts and and understanding, has never been greater.

The Apostle Paul described a time when men “professing themselves to be wise, became fools,” (Romans 1:22).  How descriptive of our times.  The pressure to conform to the godless and self-centered agenda of this carnal rebellious generation is great.  But let God be true! 

We used to know there is a God, and doubting Him is foolish,
Now we know that there is no God, and believing Him is folly.

We used to know there is a devil with a host of demons at his command,
Now we know that the devil is made up and demons are a fiction.

We used to think that God is great and we are not so great,
Now we think we are so great and God isn't so...great. 
 (Hitchen's wrote a book by that title, " God Is Not Great.")

We used to know that the Bible inerrant, inspired, and true--and that rejecting His Word is rejecting Him.
Now we know that the Bible contains truth and that it's up to us to find it--God doesn't expect us to believe or obey His Word.

We used to think that man is inclined to sin and is sinful,
Now we know that man is inherently good and that sin is sinful--well a bad idea.

We used to know that truth is absolute and knowable,
Now we know that truth--if it exists--is relative and mostly unknowable.

We used to think that right and wrong are objective absolutes,
Now we think that right and wrong are determined by a majority vote or poll.

We used to think that God created the universe.
Now we think that the universe created God.

We used to think that authority was to be respected and obeyed,
Now we think that authority is to be questioned and resisted.

We used to think that if a man was hungry he should work.
Now we think that if a man is hungry he should beg from his government or steal from his neighbors.

We used to think we got more than we deserved.
Now we think we never get as much as we deserve.

We used to think that a strong man was morally, ethically, and spiritually strong.
Now we think that gamers, players, and party-ers are the ideal man.

We used to think that a perfect woman was virtuous.
Now we think the perfect woman is voluptuous.

We used to think that sacrifice was a blessing.
Now we think that sacrifice is inconvenient, unnecessary, and silly.

We used to think that sin is disobedience to God.
Now we think that sin is not thinking ourselves to be as wonderful as we really are--and that that problem can be fixed with a good prescription or positive counsel.

We used to think that repentance meant turning from sin, saying if I had it to do all over again I would do it God's way.
Now we think repentance means, "I'll work on quitting my sinful ways."

We used to think that men should never wear clothes or jewelry that looks effeminate. 
Now we think that girly men are great, and sissy boys are precious.

We used to think that women should not dress like men, act like men, or desire to be men,
Now girly girls are looked down on, effeminate women are out of step, and Biblical women are pitied as backward.

We used to think that art and entertainment and literature should inspire virtue and disparage vice,
Now we think that immorality is better than purity--reality is better than morality--garbage is better than godliness.

We used to think that music had words, harmony, and rythym--in that order.
Now we think that music is words--nonsensical, degrading, and demoralizing words spoken to a beat.  Think pagan.

We used to think "In God We Trust."
Now we think, "In Gov we Trust."

We used to think that charity begins at home.
Now we think that charity begins and ends with Washington D.C.

We used to think that the 10 Commandments were just that--10 Commandments.
Now we think of them as 10 Suggestions.

We used to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy,
Now its a holiday--a day of commerce and pleasure.

We used to think that nakedness and immodesty were the first effect of man's disobedience,
Now we think that showing as much skin as possible is fashionable.  Less is more when it comes to clothes today.

We used to think that a person's worth is known by their heart of gold, 
Now we think that a person's worth is evidenced by the gold they display and hoard.

We used to think that God made Adam and Eve--that gender is God-determined.
Now we think that Gender is man-determined--that gender roles and specifics are made up by fuddy duds.

We used to think that straight is great.
Now we think that bizarre is best.

We used to think that marriage was for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others so long as ye both shall live--that it was sanctioned by the Judge of all the earth.
Now we think that marriage is a temporary arrangement sanctioned and dissolved by the Judge downtown.

We used to know that Jesus was definitely returning to the earth again.
Now we are not so sure.

We used to know that prayer changes things.
Now we know that prayer is ineffectual.

We used to know that the sinner's prayer changed the sinner,
Now we have found out that the sinner's prayer just changes the consequence of our sins.  We go right on sinning and rebelling against God but He no longer cares.

We used to know that there is a heaven and a hell.
We pretty sure there's still a heaven.  We're very sure there's no hell.

Come to think of it, the biggest difference between the way we used to think, and the way things are today, is this...We used to think...


WWW.FCCSTLOUIS.ORG



Saturday, November 2, 2013

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjXCKncWcgA&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpUmxduWvxlTv1C-2JA4xtw

  • All the way my Savior leads me;
      What have I to ask beside?
    Can I doubt His tender mercy,
      Who through life has been my Guide?
    Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
      Here by faith in Him to dwell!
    For I know, whate’er befall me,
      Jesus doeth all things well,
    For I know, whate’er befall me,
      Jesus doeth all things well.

  • All the way my Savior leads me,
      Cheers each winding path I tread,
    Gives me grace for every trial,
      Feeds me with the living bread.
    Though my weary steps may falter,
      And my soul athirst may be,
    Gushing from the Rock before me,
      Lo! a spring of joy I see,
    Gushing from the Rock before me,
      Lo! a spring of joy I see.

  • All the way my Savior leads me;
      Oh, the fullness of His grace!
    Perfect rest to me is promised
      In my Father’s blest embrace.
    When my spirit, clothed immortal,
      Wings its flight to realms of day,
    This my song through endless ages:
      Jesus led me all the way,
    This my song through endless ages:
      Jesus led me all the way.


  • Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/701#ixzz2jVS6vPUr