I WILL GLORY IN THE CROSS - LENTEN DEVOTION - February 22, 2012

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:18-25

18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

REFLECTION: Too many professing Christians imagine they can be identified with Christ without being crucified with Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in THE COST OF DISCIPLESCHIP, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Christ's disciples deny the pleasures of sin, pride, and the "self-centered life. They take up the cross daily--dying to the world and the flesh. Without a death there can be no resurrection. Only when we fully die to our self-centered and selfish agenda can we rise to walk in newness of life. Fanny Crosby expressed it in her hymn "Blessed Assurance," "Perfect submission, all is at rest."

PRAYER: Our Father, Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Search my heart and reveal to me any area of my life that is self-centered, or selfish, or in any way disobedient to your will.(Pause here and wait for a moment to listen for God's voice). Forgive me Lord. Purify my heart. I surrender my entire life to you. Put to death any rebellious and self-centered attitudes in my heart. Fill me with your great love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: www.FCCToday.org

TO THIS END...

ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16!

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God,  even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

TO THIS END...

Is GRACE a means or an end?  
In Ephesians 2:8 we read: "By grace are ye saved..." 

In Titus 2:11-14 we read: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

In Romans 6:14-18 we read, "Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

Without God's grace not one of us would be saved. We celebrate God's grace. We appreciate God's grace. John Newton was right! God's grace is amazing. Yet GRACE it is not proper to think of grace as the end, it is the means to an end. 

Is FAITH a means or an end?
In Ephesians 2:8 we read: "By grace are ye saved through faith..."

In Hebrews 11:6 we read: "Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

In Romans 5:1 we read: "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Certainly faith is necessary to salvation.  Certainly it is through faith that we have "the victory that overcomes the world."  Yet FAITH in and of itself is not the end, it is a means to an end.

IS OBEDIENCE a means or an end?
In Ephesians 2:10 we read: "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." 

In James 2:26 we read: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."  

Obedience is certainly natural (or I should say supernatural) for disciples who love the Lord Jesus. Jesus taught His disciples: "If ye love me keep my commandments." (John 14:15). We do love the Lord and we love to please Him!

But the Apostle John reveals that obedience is not the end, rather it is a means to an end: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." 1 John 2:4-5

We see that keeping the Word of God is a means to another end, namely the perfecting of our love for God.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians (which by the way is the oldest book of our New Testament) the Apostle Paul puts it this way: "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another,  and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God,

IN FACT GOD'S REVELATION OF HIS WORD WRITTEN, GOD'S REVELATION OF HIS WORD INCARNATE (IN THE FLESH--JESUS), GOD'S REDEMPTIVE ECONOMY IS DIRECTED TO ONE END--THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH OUR HEARTS UNBLAMEABLE IN HOLINESS!

The Bible is unequivocal:  "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14); "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection." (Revelation 20:6); "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8).  Holiness of heart is the purpose, the "raison d'etre" for all that God has done, is doing, and will do, in us, and for us, and through us.  He knows that without holiness we can never dwell in the City of God.

If we can be distracted from pressing toward the end--hearts unblameable in holiness--the enemy knows he can keep us from heaven!  Like "Mr.By-Ends" in Bunyon's "Progress," too many people rest in forms rather than the fact.  

Some have halted along the journey unwittingly.  Entranced by the marvels of Grace, the possibilities of Faith, or the love of good works, they fail to "go on unto perfection."  (Hebrews 6:1).

Others have purposefully hesitated along the highway to holiness.  The call to discipleship--"Come and die"--is too much for them.  Like the rich young ruler, they have heard Christ say, "sell all," and they are unwilling.  

Unwilling to sell all, and unwilling to admit the truth about themselves they spend their days shouting "GRACE, GRACE, GRACE" or "FAITH, FAITH, FAITH."  Absorbed in these vital means they finally deceive themselves into thinking that the end, "a heart established in holiness," is not only improbable and implausible, but it is impossible.  

To this sort, Jesus spoke plainly: "This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  In vain do they worship me."  (Matthew 15:8-9)

THE GREAT END TOWARD WHICH ALL THE MEANS OF GRACE ARE DIRECTED, IS THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY!  God is willing and able to purify our hearts. Malachi, that last of the Prophets before John the Baptist, saw the LORD'S COMING and declared, "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.  And HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER of silver: and HE SHALL PURIFY THE SONS OF LEVI, and purge them as gold and silver that they may offer unto the Lord an offering IN RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Malachi 3:2-3).

Paul prayed, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." And then he testified, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).  

MAY GOD AWAKEN HIS PEOPLE TO THIS GREAT END--HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD NOW AND FOREVER!

Pastor Rick Jones
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH + A CRUSADERS USA CONGREGATION
2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Ann, MO 63074   Cell Phone (314) 607-1424; Fax (314) 298-7442
BLOG: www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com  WEB: www.FCCToday.org

PREACHING SERVICES SUNDAYS 11AM & 6:30 PM

5 POWERFUL DAYS OF PRAYING, PREACHING, TEACHING, CONVERSATION, AND FELLOWSHIP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

The Convention & Indoor Campmeeting Schedule are under the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT and our plans will give way to HIS!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012       

6:30 pm  DOORS OPEN FOR PRAYER
7:00 pm  OPENING CHALLENGE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012          

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING & DEVOTION
10:00      HOLY CONVOCATION
11:00      EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.

1:30 pm  PASTOR ANDREW DURST (Great Commission Camp, Illinois)
2:15       THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:15       MELVIN WATERS, (Wesleyan Nazarene Church, Arkansas)
4:00       KEN THOMPSON, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending.

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012                  

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING  PASTOR JOHN POFF (Carthage Church of God Holiness)
10:00      GARY JACKSON (Bible Methodist, Pastors Troy Bible Holiness, Missouri)
11:00      WALLACE THORNTON, Sr. (Church of the Nazarene, Kentucky)
LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.
1:30 pm  MISSIONARY STEVE GIBSON (Holiness Pilgrim Mission, Indiana)
2:15 pm  THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:00 pm  MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church, Illinois)
4:00 pm  GENE HOOD, (Independent Church of the Nazarene, Indiana)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending.

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012       
        10:00 am  SOUL-WINNING, WORK and WITNESS

6:30 pm  PRAYER SERVICE
7:00       EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012       

9:00 am  Sunday School Bus Rolls
10:45      SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVOCATION
11:00      MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE (Evangelist Ben Crawford)
6 pm      PRAYER SERVICE
6:30       EVENING RALLY (Evangelist Ben Crawford)

IF YOU NEED INFORMATION ABOUT HOTEL RESERVATIONS OR TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT, BUS, OR TRAIN STATION, OR IF WE CAN HELP YOU IN ANY WAY GET TO THIS CONVENTION, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL ON MY CELL PHONE 314 607 1424 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            314 607 1424      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

THE MAIN THING - HOLINESS

THE ONE “MUST HAVE”

Several years ago Professor Keith Drury shocked his audience at the Presidential Breakfast of the Christian Holiness Association when he declared, “THE HOLINESS MOVEMENT IS DEAD.” That address (http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/dead.footnoted.htm) certainly stirred great passions among those of us who identify with the message of Scriptural holiness.

Drury could not have been more right when he observed, “Holiness is our stated belief. But in most places we don’t make it the main thing.” 

I am heartbroken when I see how far we have drifted from our emphasis upon holiness. 

We used to believe that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” 

We used to believe in first blessing holiness--loving obedience to all of God’s will—was the one infallible mark of the new birth.

We used to believe in second blessing holiness—that the grand purpose of Christ’s redemption was to “destroy the works of the devil” and that in a moment of time, God’s Spirit would purify our hearts of carnality and fill us with a perfect love for God.

We used to believe that professing Christians who went on and on about grace and faith and God’s love were tragically missing that one vital “must have”—namely Holiness. 

We used to believe that grace was grace to live godly lives not to excuse sin.

We used to believe that faith was faith that overcomes the world, the flesh, and the devil, not some silly positive affirmation grounded in nothing but pretend.

We used to believe that God’s love is amazing, but we knew that ultimately it is our love for God that is the one “must have!”  We will be judged on our love for God, not His love for us.

We used to believe that any preacher who preached without offending the devil, defending the Word, naming sin, and proclaiming holiness was wasting our time and his.

We used to believe that music that sounded sensual and of the world had no place in the worship of the Holy!

We used to be believe that holiness meant separation from the world!  Its amusements, its adornments, it attractions held no sway for us.  We didn’t want to look like the world, we didn’t want to act like the world, and we didn’t want to be of this world.

We used to believe that if any church nearby would dare to stand up and declare “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD”—we ought to lend our influence, our support, and our encouragement to them, before spending our time with those who have taken the broad path of accommodation and compromise.

We used to believe that we were called to spread Scriptural holiness throughout our land and around the globe.  Many of our forebears “rode hard and died young” as they travelled by horseback proclaiming holiness.  Today we can’t even get a few believers together to talk missions—even if we offer them pizza.

We used to believe that if we were not holy we would be forever lost in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.  It was holiness or hell. 

THE ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION has been called to the kingdom for such a time as this to “stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance,” and to reclaim again THE MAIN THING—namely HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD!

A SUMMONS TO LEADERSHIP

"Give me 100 men who love only God with all their heart, 

and hate only sin with all their heart,...

we will shake the gates of hell, 

and bring in the kingdom of God in one generation."  

John Wesley

 As Commander in Chief of the greatest military force on earth, the President of the United States will often summon the Joint Chiefs of Staff from the Pentagon to convene in the White House to offer a first-hand situation report from the battle front.  Their assessments, detailed analysis, and strategic recommendations are vital for victory.

As a 4^th generation preacher of holiness who has lived all his life in a parsonage, a church-planter in one of America’s largest cities, a student of Church history, a first-hand witness to the breathtaking changes sweeping across the American Church, an observer of modern culture, and a Christian optimist convinced that “the gates of hell will not prevail,” I am concerned.

Our greatest concern is not with the people who are filling our pews, rather it is focused on those who have accepted the mantle of leadership.  Those whom God has called and gifted to be prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), are too often beset with complacency, lethargy, uncertainty, futility, pessimism, and distraction. 

COMPLACENCY

Unaware of the urgency of the hour, the necessity of their voice, and the importance of their place in the battle, they have succumbed to complacency and a pathetic apathy.  They lament, “There’s nothing that we can really do.”   They may not admit that they no longer care, but their choices and their voices betray their apathetic spirit.

LETHARGY

Sadly, those who see the need are often too lazy to get up and engage the enemy.  Their minds have been numbed by the idiocy of modern media and gaming, their bodies are weakened by their lack of discipline and lack of restraint, and like the sleeping disciples in Gethsemane, “their flesh is weak.”

UNCERTAINTY

Tragically, the constant din of skeptics, cynics, and the faithless, have worn down that intense sense of conviction that once burned in the hearts of those on the front lines in the battle for truth. Where are those who will declare, “Thus saith the Lord!”  Where are those who will challenge this generation, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.”  Where are those who will confront sinners, “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 5:3) Where are the men of solid Scriptural conviction? 

FUTILITY

Some are overwhelmed by the sense that their efforts are futile.  They suppose that anything they do, any call they make, any sermon they preach, any plan they make, and any prayer they pray is of little or no worth.  Futility makes them fruitless.

PESSIMISM

Pessimists are certainly not in short supply!  I would love to have a nickel for every time a leader has said to me, “We will never again experience revival,” “It will never be as great as it was in the old days,” “It’s not possible to see people genuinely converted,” “Calling doesn’t work,” or “No one will ever see the significance of separation from the world.”

These nattering nabobs of negativity are so paralyzed by pessimism, they have abandoned any expectation that God can move in their work.   I have heard them confess that if they can just get their immediate family to heaven they will be satisfied.  Sadly, some despair of their own salvation.

DISTRACTION

And distraction—the allure of entertainments, the desire for and the maintenance of our possessions, along with the never ending, always increasing press of daily life (i.e. errands, appointments, visits, caring for family needs, calls, e-mails, facebook, twitter)—has so weighted down some of our best leaders, they are delayed from, or totally kept from, their place of duty.

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THE 2012 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION is a wonderful place for CHRISTIAN LEADERS, PASTORS, MISSIONARIES, and CONCERNED CONGREGATIONS to assemble together for concerted prayer, insightful teaching, stimulating conversation, powerful preaching, and “koinania”—close Christian fellowship.

_________________________________________________________________

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF OUR SITUATION!  We are not blind to the onslaught of the enemy.  And we are not unwilling to face facts.

BUT THAT IS WHY WE ARE OPTIMISTIC!

The Lord Jesus said, “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH!”  And He will!

Jesus declared, “YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME!”  The disciples did, and we will too!

The empty tomb, the power of Pentecost, and the infallible revelation of God’s Word, are our guarantee.  THIS is no time for complacency, lethargy, uncertainty, futility, pessimism or distraction!

This is the time for GOD PEOPLE to gather together, pray for a fresh outpouring of Pentecostal power, and rise up to flood the whole earth with the glorious gospel of full salvation and “holiness unto the Lord.”

5 POWERFUL DAYS OF PRAYING, PREACHING, TEACHING, CONVERSATION, AND FELLOWSHIP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

The Convention & Indoor Campmeeting Schedule are under the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT and our plans will give way to HIS! 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012       

6:30 pm  DOORS OPEN FOR PRAYER
7:00 pm  EVANGELIST P. L. LIDDELL (Church of the Nazarene, Michigan)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012          

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING & DEVOTION
10:00      OPENING CHALLENGE - PASTOR RICK JONES (Crusaders, Missouri)
11:00      EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.

1:30 pm  PASTOR ANDREW DURST (Great Commission Camp, Illinois)
2:15       THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:15       MELVIN WATERS, (Wesleyan Nazarene Church, Arkansas)
4:00       KEN THOMPSON, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending. 

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012                  

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING AND DEVOTION BY P L LIDDELL 
10:00      GARY JACKSON (Bible Methodist, Pastors Troy Bible Holiness, Missouri)
11:00      WALLACE THORNTON, Sr. (Church of the Nazarene, Kentucky)
LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.
1:30 pm  MISSIONARY STEVE GIBSON (Holiness Pilgrim Mission, Indiana)
2:15 pm  THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:00 pm  MARK AVERY, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)
3:30 pm  MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church, Illinois)
4:00 pm  GENE HOOD, (Independent Church of the Nazarene, Indiana)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending. 

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012       
        10:00 am  SOUL-WINNING, WORK and WITNESS

6:30 pm  PRAYER SERVICE
7:00       EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012       

9:00 am  Sunday School Bus Rolls
10:45      SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVOCATION
11:00      MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE (Evangelist P L Liddell)
6 pm      PRAYER SERVICE
6:30       EVENING RALLY (Evangelist Ben Crawford)

__________________________________________________________

Dear Friends of Christian Holiness,

If you believe that a revival of Scriptural Holiness is our most urgent need, then you will not want to miss the 2012 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17. 

More than economic growth, more than social reform, and more than political change, we need to recover the romance of loving God, the optimism of victorious faith, and the power of Spirit-driven living.
 

It is our conviction that as the message of holiness was supplanted in our nation by the neo-Calvinists of the early 20^th century, the Charismatic movement of the late 20^th century, and the Church Growth Movement of the past few decades, the Church lost her sanctifying influence in the life of her people and in the culture at large.

Today we are witnessing what the Apostle warned we would face: “men having a …form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”  (2 Timothy 3:5). 

Tragically this “form” is not only powerless to transform sinners it is also unappealing to the masses.  Fewer and fewer Americans are attending Church.  Statistics show that at one time over 40% of Americans attended church on any given weekend.  Today fewer than 20% attend. 

We are witnessing the demoralization of our nation.  Our national character is anemic, our moral convictions are few, and our spiritual concern is notable for its absence.  I am convinced that at the root of our social, economic, and political malaise, is our loss of Christian conscience.   

This profound loss can be blamed on the professing Church that prefers playing above praying, feasting more than fasting, and worldliness over holiness. 

YET GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD HIS PEOPLE!  AND IF HIS PEOPLE WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, WILL  PRAY, WILL SEEK GOD’S FACE, AND WILL TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, (I would say this is a call to the kind of Holiness we seek), THEN GOD WILL HEAR, GOD WILL FORGIVE, AND GOD WILL HEAL.

GOD HAS RAISED UP THE JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION of ST. LOUIS “For such a time as this.”

2012 ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION + 15 DAYS AWAY!

Good Morning,


In 15 days the JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION of ST LOUIS will host the 8TH ANNUAL ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION.  Great prayer and careful planning have gone into this year's convention.  


THE NEED FOR A REVIVAL OF SCRIPTURAL HOLINESS has never been more acute.


THIS YEAR'S SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

LLOYD BLEY, Past President of Faith Bible School, Mitchell, SD

WILLIAM CAWMAN, Prison Ministry, Vineland, NJ

BEN CRAWFORD, Evangelist, Bible Methodist Church, AL

ANDREW DURST, Great Commission, Crusaders, IL

STEVE GIBSON, Missionary, Holiness Pilgrim Mission, IN

GENE HOOD, Independent Nazarene Church, Indianapolis, IN

GARY JACKSON, Pastor, Bible Holiness Church, Troy MO

MARSH JONES, Bishop, Crusaders Church USA, IL

P L LIDDELL, Evangelist, Church of the Nazarene, MI

JOHN POFF, Pastor, Church of God Holiness, Carthage, MO

KEN THOMPSON, Missionary & Evangelist, MO

WALLACE THORNTON, Sr., Evangelist, KY

AND OTHERS…

You will enjoy the singing of the: DUANE ELMORE FAMILY

If you need a ride from the airport, transportation or lodging arrangements, or further information please feel free to call us at (314) 607-1424, or e-mail us at pastorrick@fcctoday.org.

Services will begin at 9:00 A.M. and continue throughout Thursday and Friday. The evening services will begin a 7:00 P.M.


LUNCH AND DINNER will be provided for a free-will offering.
Discussion is welcome.

STRESS, STRENGTH, AND SANCTIFICATION

WHAT IS THE MARK OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN?


Is a strong Christian someone who believes God’s Word is true? 
Absolutely! But there is more.


Is a strong Christian someone who wants to know God’s Word? 
You can be sure of that!  Yet there’s more.


Is a strong Christian someone who believes God’s Word applies to them? 
Without a doubt! But it must be more. 


Is a strong Christian someone who believes God’s Word is their first priority?  
This is closer to the measure of a strong Christian, and yet there is one further.


Is a strong Christian someone who believes God’s will is not only their first priority but their first concern in every other priority of life? 
It is this that is the true measure of a person’s spiritual strength.


It is our observation that when God’s Will is truly our first priority, and when God’s Will is integrated into every aspect of our living, it is then that we stand “strong in the Lord.”  When God’s Will is our first, our second, our third, as well as our last priority; when His will is our every time and every where and every circumstance  priority; then “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.”


It is in the daily living of our lives, and in those moments of deep spiritual introspection, that our true priorities are revealed.   Just as physical strength can only be increased through the stress of pushing and pulling, so spiritual strength is revealed in the hour of crisis—will we choose God’s priority over our own?  And even more specifically—will we gladly choose God’s will over our own will?


For Example:  When a professing Christian who believes that God’s Word is right, relevant, and first in her life is offered a high-paying position that requires shady dealing, or a job that would keep her away from God’s House, what will she do?


Example Two:  If a Christian was excluded and mistreated by someone who he thought was a friend, should he assume the best and reach out to the one who was apparently thoughtless, or should he avoid that person until they come seeking forgiveness?  Is he obligated to forgive if the offender comes forward? Is he obligated to pursue peace with the offender? How many times should he offer forgiveness?  The Bible has specific instructions for these situations.


Another Example:  Think of a professing Christian who is trying to decide what to do for entertainment.  There are shows that will incite lust. There are choices that may make him feel good, but they are not good for him. There are great places to go but supporting them with his money enables the business owners to pursue a godless agenda. There are ways we might put ourselves forward, or earn the admiration of others, but they too are not Christ-like.  What should the Christian do?


Each of these examples represents a crisis point.  There are many others that we might have listed.  But those who are “strong in the Lord,” hear Christ saying, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:23,24). 


We have heard the invitation that Dietrich Bonhoeffer so powerfully wrote of in “The Cost of Discipleship,”


“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die…—death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old man at his call.”


In her book “Total Truth,” Nancy Pearcey challenges Christians to love God and acknowledge His Lordship over every aspect of our lives:


"Genuine [Christian] worldview thinking is far more than a mental strategy or a new spin on current events. At the core, it is a deepening of our spiritual character and the character of our lives. It begins with the submission of our minds to the Lord of the universe - a willingness to be taught by Him. The driving force in worldview studies should be a commitment to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' (see Luke 10:27).


That's why the crucial condition for intellectual growth is spiritual growth, asking God for the grace to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). God is not just the Savior of souls, He is also the Lord of creation. One way we acknowledge His Lordship is by interpreting every aspect of creation in the light of His truth. God's Word becomes a set of glasses offering a new perspective on all our thoughts and actions.


As with every aspect of sanctification, the renewal of the mind may be painful and difficult. It requires hard work and discipline, inspired by a sacrificial love for Christ and a burning desire to build up His Body, the Church. In order to have the mind of Christ, we must be willing to be crucified with Christ, following wherever He might lead - whatever the cost. "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). As we undergo refining in the fires of suffering, our desires are purified and we find ourselves wanting nothing more than to bend every fiber of our being, including our mental powers, to fulfill the Lord's Prayer: "Thy Kingdom come." We yearn to lay all our talents and gifts at His feet in order to advance His purposes in the world. Developing a Christian worldview means submitting our entire self to God, in an act of devotion and service to Him.


While Pearcey rightly ascertains the Christian’s ultimate aim, her theological bias restrains her from believing that Christians could in this life truly realize such “entire devotement to God.” 

Her call to holiness is as breath-taking in its reach, as it is Biblical in its basis.  Yet she, like so many others, cannot believe that God is able to sanctify wholly in this life. 


But hear the Word of God:


“God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)


“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)


“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)


“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)


“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1,2)


“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8)


“God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:16-18)


“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

These Scriptures do not tantalize converts by holding up an impossible attainment.  Rather they exalt the power of God’s redeeming, transforming, and sanctifying grace—a grace that is greater than all our sin! “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.”

WEAK, ILL, OR NIL CHRISTIANS

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.   EPHESIANS 6:10

WHY ARE SOME CHRISTIANS SO WEAK?

With the coming of a New Year I find myself taking a personal inventory.  I’ve been thinking about the victories and the setbacks of the year past.  There were some really great times I am so thankful to have experienced, and then there were some moments that I wish I could delete from my memory. 

This proves that I am not my computer.  My computer deletes what I want to keep, and keeps what I want to delete.  I on the other hand seem to keep what I want to delete, and delete what I ought to keep. Just sayin…

 Realizing that there’s not too much that I can do about the past, I think the Apostle Paul had it right: “Forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth to the things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:13).  So we press on!.

WEAK or ILL, or NIL?

Before focusing on the path to spiritual strength, I wondered if it is even proper to speak of a “weak Christians?”  Turns out it is a Biblical concept.  Writing to the Church at Rome, and again to the believers at Corinth, the Apostle Paul urges mature Christians to do nothing that would offend those who are “weak in faith,” or “weak brothers.”  (Romans 14:2; 1 Corinthians 8:11). 

Writing to the Church 1600 years ago, St. Augustine observed that weak Christians are anxious for spiritual victories, but they are reticent to sacrifice or to suffer for Christ.  Indeed.

“Ill Christians,” Augustine warned, were those who had lost their appetite and desire to do what is right.  He warned that when the love of the world or some evil desire assaults the heart of Christians, it renders them “sick and listless.”

My great fear is that many who consider themselves weak or ill Christians are actually nil Christians—they are not Christians at all.  They may have a “form of godliness,” but they “deny the power thereof.”(2 Timothy 3:5).  They may “profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.” (Titus 1:16).  They say that they love God, but they do not keep His commandments. The Bible calls them “liars.” (1 John 2:4).  They may be awakened to the truths of God’s claim on their lives, but they have yet to fully surrender to Him.

Of this truth we are sure, all who are truly Christ’s are growing (Ephesians 4:15) in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), increasing in love (1 Thessalonians 3:12), and having cleansed themselves from all the filthiness of the flesh, they are perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)  Even new-born Christians discover that in Christ there is victory over sin. “Whosoever abides in Him, sins not.” (I John 3:6). The Apostle Paul testifies: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.  How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-7) Indeed, all God’s children continually, “hunger and thirst after righteousness,” and “are [and are continually] filled.” (Matthew 5:6).

WHETHER THE CHRISTIAN IS WEAK OR STRONG WE ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT ALL CHRISTIANS GO TO HEAVEN.  Jesus said to His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-6). We are sure THAT ALL WHO ARE HEAVEN-BOUND, AS WELL ALL THOSE WHO TODAY ARE IN HEAVEN, ARE CHRISTIANS. And we are positive that all who are not Biblical Christians, THOSE WHO ARE NOT SAVED will be forever lost in hell.