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Posts By : Melissa Barker

The Murderer Named Hate … 1 John 3:15 … November 6, 2016
November 9, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15 ESV 
 
     Hate is a strong emotion and will destroy the life of the person who bears this emotion towards another christian brother.  The New Testament raises the bar, as followers of Christ, in how we are to live.  Jesus said, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intents already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Matthew 5:28 ESV  So adultery, in the teaching of Jesus, is  not just the physical act of  sin but a lustful though that happens in the heart.  In 1 John 3:15 murder is not just taking the physical life of another but has the same effect as murder.  It destroys the life and lives of others as well as gives question as to the presences  of Jesus in your life. These are only two such examples; but as you study the New Testament you will realize, we are called to more than just keeping rules; we are called to be like Jesus who knew no sin.  Living a life in Christ is living as a disciple/follower of His teaching and raising the bar in Biblical living and not just following rules.      
 
What Hate Is Not:  Hate is not having a disagreement or expressing different understanding of scriptures with another person.  I’ve had many discussions with other brothers concerning what I believe the scriptures teach concerning the security of the believer.  I believe that you cannot lose your salvation while they believe you can.  While discussing this topic, we did not persuade each other in our understanding of the scriptures, but we still consider each other brothers and enjoy times of fellowship.  The one thing we did agree upon;  Jesus is the only way of salvation and no one goes to heaven except through Him.  This cannot be interpreted any other way as Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 ESV  There are not many ways to heaven …. only one… JESUS.       
 
How Hate Is Expressed:   Hate can be express in unkind actions or words towards another.  This isn’t to say that every unkind action or word a person does/says means they harbor hate towards the other person, but  many times we describe this person’s actions as hateful.  When a Christian is hateful in their actions/words toward another, it is a gross representation of Jesus and how He would want us to live.  This also provides for the world excuses to doubt the truth of the Gospel.  This for sure does not echo the words of  Jesus when He said. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:35 ESV  
 
Jesus’s Teachings And  Examples Of Destroying Hate:  Jesus, experienced betrayal, desertion, lies, suffering, and so much more at the hands of men.  He did not retaliate or harbor any hateful thoughts.  Instead He gave us teachings and examples in how to overcome and live as light in such situations.  In His teaching He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:28 ESV ….. He taught us  to forgive,“And when you stand praying, FORGIVE, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25 ESV …. By example, when being crucified he said,“Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23: 34 ESV  Even today Jesus and God the Father is forgiving sins.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV 
 
     Hate is not only as murdering someone else it is as murdering yourself.  It is as committing spiritual suicide.  It causes pain to all those who love you and the church as a whole. To hate is to harbor wrongs done to you or someone you love.  To forgive is to be set free from the power of sin and death that it brings.  Let me close with this passage from Colossians 3:12-15 ESV  Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of  Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David            
 
Everyday is a God Day … Rejoice, Psalm 118:24, October 30 2016
November 2, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24 ESV 
     God has made everyday therefore; everyday is a God day.  A day crafted by the hand of God for every person to live with the purpose of bringing Him glory.  I realize there are some days that seem better than others by earthly definitions, but every day is a day in which we should rejoice.  One reason I believe we are told to rejoice involves looking for the good in the day knowing that everything in life has purpose when designed by God.  If we are looking for the good in the day, it gives testimony of the fact you are trusting God in faith to be in charge of your days.  Let me give you some ways to help accomplish this in daily living. 
 
LIVE FOR TODAY:  Do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for today is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 ESV   What is the value of being anxious about life?  I have heard it said for as long as I can remember, “What good does it do to worry?”  These words are easier spoken than practiced.  We worry because we have fear which, in definition, is not trusting God.  Do not mistake feeling concern as not trusting God.  Many times that is what causes us to take necessary actions of seeking God’s presence and comfort.  Reflect with me back to the Garden of  Gethsemane.  Jesus did not agonize everyday during His three years of ministry about His coming crucifixion; (Do not be anxious for tomorrow)  however,  in the few hours before his trial and crucifixion, Jesus had a intimate conversation with His disciples and Father in Matthew 26.  Jesus said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” verse 38 ESV  “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” verse 39  Jesus was experiencing strong feelings about his current situation as described in Luke 22:44 ESV And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  Jesus gave the ultimate example of living in the day the Lord has made.  I believe that he was also able to endure the day because he knew it had purpose and trusted His Father in that purpose.  Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2 ESV   Because of Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, we have a Savior and King…..God’s plan all along.  
 
KNOW THAT LIFE HAPPENS … GOOD AND BAD:  We live in a fallen world, and bad things will happen to good and bad people. But for those who seek and love God, they can be encouraged because they live with a promise.   And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God ALL things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8: 27-28 ESV       
 
ALWAYS MAKE  JESUS YOUR FOCUS:   When our focus moves from Jesus to our surroundings, we will be swallowed up by the world and sink into despair. When Peter began to sink in the water after Jesus called Him out of the boat, it was because he took his eyes off Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord save me.” Matthew 14:30 ESV  To keep the faith, we must stay focused on Jesus.  
 
     In closing there was a man named Stephen full of the Spirit and living each day doing great thing for the Lord.  There were a group of men who did not believe Jesus to be the Messiah who conspired, lied, and stirred up a mob against him.  When this mob rose up against Stephen he looked to heaven and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56 ESV   Stephen lived in the day the Lord had made and even when bad was happening to him, he looked to heaven and kept Jesus as his focus.   May we remember to do the same in living each day as  Christians, For everyday is a God Day, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24  
 
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David   
Honorable or Dishonorable, 2 Timothy 2:21, October 23, 2016
October 26, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
Therefore,  if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,  he will be a vessel for honorable use,  set apart as holy,  useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.  2 Timothy  2:21 ESV
 
 
     In the scheme of life would you wish to be a person of honor or dishonor?   In asking this question the assumption  is that there are those who are honorable and those who are not.  To whom are they honorable and to what cause?  In  a marriage it would be to one’s wife.  In one’s work it would be to the employer.  If it were to a benefit to help others, it would be to that cause.  Be assured in every venue of life that there are those who are honorable and those who are not.  So the question begs to be answered what type person would you wish to be?  
     
First, identify the cause and person to whom honor is due.  The cause is to make disciples and teach them in the way Jesus taught us to live.  The person is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to whom honor is due.
     
Second, take responsibility  for your life.  While God is the one who sanctifies us, there is still personal responsibility in this process.  Let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely.  Hebrews 12: 1 ESV……   Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel.  Proverbs 25:4 ESV                                                            
     
Third,  Be useful in the Master’s hand to accomplish His good works.  Become a living tool in His hand with eternal purpose.  The honor of being used by God for His purpose would be greater than any thing else in life.  If you realize  this is not the desire of your heart, pray and cry out for mercy asking to be made a vessel of honor.  Ask God to accomplish this sanctifying /setting apart process in your life, so you will be useful in an honorable way: for every good work.        
     
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Blessed and Forgiven, Psalm 32:1, October 16, 2016
October 19, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

        Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1

 

    Blessed people are happy people. Now before you take this thought too far, decide what it means to be blessed…..happy. Many would relate being blessed to material wealth, good health, a great job….etc. While these represent things for which we should be thankful, by themselves they will not produce lasting happiness. If these things could bring happiness, the majortiy of people in America would be truly happy. So what can bring perpetual happiness? Answer: living daily in the forgiveness of God!  Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. Romans 4:7-8 ESV  Have you experienced forgiveness?

 

     Have you, as David, realized that you have sinned against God? I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:5 ESV David sinned with Bathsheba and was rocking along pretty good until Nathan the prophet brought to his attention that God knew about his sin. When David acknowledged he sinned against God and repented, the words of Psalm 32:1 (ESV) were birthed. “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

 

    Unconfessed sin will fester in the very soul of a person. Trying to experience happiness without God’s forgiveness would be like a fish trying to survive out of water. For a while the fish would live, but eventually it would die. As the fish swims in the waters God provides, may you swim in the forgiveness God made possible by the blood of His Son Jesus. “If we confess out sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9  Are you covered by the blood of Jesus? Then praise God from whom all blessings…happiness, flows!

 

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David

Sin ..Confession/Repentance ..Forgiveness 1 John 1:9-10, September 25, 2016
September 28, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9-10 ESV
 
 
     What exactly is sin?   For the person who believes the Bible to be the word of God,  sin is breaking God’s law which is a crime against God.  Breaking God’s laws makes every person a criminal, and in God’s court He will judge and sentence the criminal with the punishment due the crime.  One thing for sure,  justice will be served for the consequence of sin.  However a sinner/criminal can be granted a pardon made possible by Jesus, God’s only Son.  Jesus, God’s son, became the sinner’s advocate, taking the punishment for all crimes against God.  So how may a person go about receiving this pardon which was made possible only by Jesus?
 
What a person must not do.
     A person MUST NOT DENY the fact that they are a sinner/criminal.  “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (ESV)  Not only do we deceive ourselves, but we do something extremely  grievous- we call God a liar.  “If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:10 ESV   The Bible is very clear on the fact that we are all sinners in need of grace and pardon for our crimes.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans  3:23 ESV  
 
What a person must do.
     We must confess to the crimes based upon God’s standards.  “If we confess our sins.” ESV.  There is a promise attached to this in which we will cover in the next point.  Sin is hurtful and offensive to God who created us to be more than one controlled by self serving and rebellious desires.  When we live by our own standards, we usurp the authority of God and  in essence  become our own god which is sin.  We are to have no other gods before Him… that includes ourselves.  “You shall have no other gods before me.” Deuteronomy 20:3 ESV  True confession unto repentance is more than just saying we acknowledge our sin; it is being sorry that we have sinned against God.  “I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” Psalms 38:18 ESV  When we are sorry for our sins and confess them to God, this is repentance.
 
What God will do. 
    He will forgive and pardon us of our sin /crimes when we confess. “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness” (ESV)  Forgiveness is the ultimate blessing of God made possible by Jesus who took the punishment for our crimes.  Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin.  Romans 4:7-8 ESV   Only God by his grace and mercy has the authority to pardon sin and will do so for all those who believe in His only son knowing that there is salvation in no other. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son. that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 ESV …  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 
4:12 ESV……..  JESUS
 
       May we address sin in our lives, confess them, and live in the forgiveness of God’s grace and mercy.  May His forgiveness be evident in our lives as a testimony to these who do not know him as Savior in order that they may too desire to experience pardon/ forgiveness  from their sin/ crimes against God.  What you believe will determine how you live.
 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Sanctified by Truth, John 17:17, September 18, 2016
September 21, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by
Sanctify them in the Truth; your word is truth.  John 17:17
 
      Jesus was praying for His disciples in verse 17 and for all believers in verse 20…. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” John 17:20 ESV  He wanted His disciples to be set apart for special service.  He didn’t ask His father to take them out of this world but to keep them from the evil one.  “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”  John 17:15 ESV  Jesus was about to be arrested, and He was praying for His disciples and you as a believer.  He knew the world would not treat them well because of His word, nor will it treat you well if you are true to His words.  Holiness is the absence of sin, and sin can only be overcome by the word of God.  “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 11 ESV  God’s word of truth must be established in your life for the working of sanctification.  The word of God is the tool box from which you take needed tools to accomplish this process.  Christian you have been set apart from the world for God’s purpose. You were bought with a price, and you are no longer your own.  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 ESV  His prayer for you was to keep you from the evil one.  May I encourage you to corporate with His prayer.   Do not put yourself in situations that will give place to the evil one.  The evil one desires to destroy you by keeping you from truth and burdening you with worldly thoughts.   Sanctification comes by the truth of the word, and Jesus is the word made flesh.  ( John  Chapter 1)  Do you know Jesus?  If you do, the fact is “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32. ESV  Free to be sanctified by the word of truth.

 
Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David
Kingdom Value, Matthew 6:33, September 11, 2016
September 14, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

   But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV

     There are two words in which every Christian’s action should be considered and motivated. The words.. “KINGDOM VALUE”. Shouldn’t everything have kingdom value in the life of the Christian? Having kingdom value ultimately will, according to scripture, bring God glory. So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

     The Holy Spirit will work in the Christian concerning truths you may know, but perhaps have not practiced. The world is so built upon self gratification that the question arises, is it even possible to have a kingdom value focus?  For ALL that is in the world – the desires of the flesh, and the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not from the Father BUT IS FROM THE WORLD. 1 John 2:16  The world can be so alluring with all that it offers, yet the Christian must remember “the world is passing away” 1 John 2:17 ESV.  Jesus knew the temptation of gaining this world; it was offered to Him.  Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall your serve.” Matthew 4:8-10 ESV.  You must never forget that everything in life has a cost. You pay with your time, talents, youth, health, relationships, money, and on the list could go. I know “salvation is free,” but it was not to Jesus; it cost Him…His life. Because Jesus didn’t accept the offer of the kingdoms of this world, He was able t pay the price at Calvary for you and me. The Christian must remember the world and all it offers is not important. It offers no eternal value. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 16:25 ESV  These words are not to make us feel guilty concerning the blessings of life or to use in judging another person’s lifestyle.  These words are to help us reflect upon what is important in life while it is the day. What is important ………. just ask this question; what was and is important to Jesus? It is no understatement to say His life had kingdom value.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David

Believing In Jesus is Believing In God…John 12:44…September 4, 2016
September 7, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

“Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent Me.” John 12:44 ESV

 

         Jesus makes it clear that to believe in Him is really to believe in God. this is the great work – to believe in Christ. Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”  John6:28-19 ESV

 

Believe in your mind ~ In believing, you bring glory to God in your thought process that will ultimately be evident inthe way you live. I you deny Jesus, it would be the same as denying God. i heard a person say, “I believe in God but not in Jesus.” Is this really possible? Jesus is God’ precious Son, and so say you don’t believe in him is saying, “God, you do not have a Son.” Making that statement is to deny God’s salvation, thus denying God.

 

Believe what you see ~ Jesus performed many signs and wonders to point people to God, but they still didn’t believe.  Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him. John 12:37 ESV  I still believe God works miracles today. I have seen him take a life headed for disaster and turn it around. A life that would, without a doubt, have a tragic end unless God intervened.

 

Believe why he came ~ You must remember that Jesus doesn’t bring judgment upon those who don’t believe in Him for He came not to judge but to save. If anyone hears my word and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:47 ESV The reason He doesn’t condemn the world is because those who don’t believe are condemned already. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but  in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:17-21 ESV Jesus is the light that exposes the darkness, adn He is the only way that anyone will ever be forgiven of sin. If you don’t believe this, you deny the very person of God and His salvation.

 

                                                                                                                       Because of His Grace ~Pastor David

Believing God’s Promise To Overcome Temptation…1 Corinthians 10:13…Aug. 28 2016
August 31, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

            No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

 

          There are no new temptations in the world today.  Someone might say, “No one understands how hard it is to overcome my temptations.”  Truth is, there is someone that knows exactly how you feel.  Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  Temptation has been a reality in every person’s life since the fall in the garden.  But there is a sweet promise, “God is faithful!”  He knows your abilities and limitations and will not allow Satan nor his demons to tempt you beyond those abilities.  I dare say God has more confidence in you…. than you do.  You say, “I can’t,” but God says, “in my strength you can.”  Philippians 4:13  informs us “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (ESV)  We were never designed to face temptation alone.  God can see well into your future and is able to see the path you need to take to avoid the temptations that would overtake you.  This is called your way of escape.  However, many times we don’t always acknowledge Him that He might direct our paths.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 KJV  It doesn’t mean we will never be tempted, but God knows you and will never lead you wrong.  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. James 1:13 ESV   So why does temptation seem so hard to resist then?  The answer is in James 1:14 (ESV) “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.”  When you set your mind on the thing of earth, your focus will not be on Christ.  (Read Colossians 3) Ultimately you find yourself making wrong choices and going down wrong paths missing you way of escape.  God does not want you to just exist in the Christian life but to endure by becoming victorious over temptation. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4 ESV.)

Have faith in God when facing temptation; He is faithful.

 

Because of His grace ~ Pastor David

Believe And Live Forever…. John 11: 25-26 August 14, 2016
August 17, 2016 no comments in Ministry Blog by

  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26 ESV
 
        I love the way Jesus identifies Himself….“I AM”….. the resurrection and the life.”  This is significant because He identifies Himself as the only one/way.  Think about this for a moment. There is only one “you” in this world. When  introducing yourself, you say I am and then state your name. There may be  others who are identified by that name, but there is only one you. The question you must answer concerning Jesus is do you believe Him to be the one and only resurrection and life? Jesus warned us that others will come and say they are him….but are impostors. For many will come in my name saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. Matthew 24:5 ESV
 
        To believe is to live and never die. Physically you will die, but the soul will never die, and one day you will put on a new body. A body given to us by Jesus himself. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enabled him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV  While this is a comforting thought, the real blessing is…..we will be with Him, the one and only Savior of the world. Can you understand why Paul was torn between this world and going to be with Jesus? In Philippians 1:21-23 Paul said,“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”(ESV) Do you ever just think what it will be like someday? To see Him face to face. There are times just saying His name or thinking about Him brings me great comfort. I can only imagine what it will be like to be in His presence.  The one who loves and loved me so much that He came and died and conquered death by rising again. “O death where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55  The answer comes in verse 57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ESV  Thank you Lord Jesus for being the …………I AM.
 
By His Grace…Celebrating life ~Pastor David