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Worship Service
Sun. 9:30am – 10:30am
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Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am
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Wed. 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Crusaders Club (Seasonal)
Thurs. 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Crusaders Teens (Seasonal)
Thurs. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:21 — 33.5MB) Subscribe: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. You have heard me say from time to time every man who is a Christian ought to be a deacon in training; and every deacon ought to be an elder in training! I say that because as you read the qualifications for a deacon, you have to wonder why every man who has accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation, would not want to show his gratefulness by becoming a man of character who constantly studies to show himself approved to God, a workman who is not ashamed. Paul turns his attention to the requirements that must now be present for those men who serve as deacons. All of the nine listed requirements that must now be present in a man’s life for him to be qualified to serve as a deacon are very similar to those for an overseer. Six of the requirements are stated positively- “a deacon must be”; and three are stated negatively; “a deacon must not be!” As he did with elders, Paul begins with what might be considered an “umbrella” character quality.
A deacon I. MUST BE DIGNIFIED. This is the same word Paul used to describe how an elder lives before his family at home, and in front of other people. In this instance “dignified” is defined by one writer as “serious–minded men whose character merits respect.” The point is that no matter what the man is doing, he is doing it in such a way it does not bring reproach or dishonor to the name of the Lord or the meaning of the word “Christian!” The dignity of a man who ministers as a deacon is defined by what the man is NOT! 1st he is not: A. Double-tongued. We might say such a person is talking out of both sides of his mouth or is simply a hypocrite. The term also means a man would never be guilty of spreading rumors, or slander and defame the character or ministry of the Apostles. A dignified man was NOT B. a drunkard. Here is another repetition of the character of an elder. A drunkard is addicted to alcohol. A leader in the local church needs to be addicted to Scripture and Christ-likeness, which will in turn addict him to ministry! A man of dignity is also NOT: C. dishonest. In its simplest form the word translated “dishonest” means not given to questionable money-making. I like the way one author sum’s up Paul’s meaning. The use of a spiritual office (elder or deacon) for material benefit, even if no illegality or dishonesty was present.” A deacon is not to be perceived as dishonest in any way.
In v. 9 We see a deacon, like an elder, must be II. DOCTRINALLY SOUND. You will notice this command is positive. Deacons must (now) hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. This is perhaps one of the most overlooked qualifications in NT local churches today. The “mystery of the faith” means those deep truths of the faith that were hidden, or not revealed, before Calvary, but are now are made known. The “faith” Paul is referring to here is what makes up the Christian religion. It is pure and objective Biblical truth! Conscience is defined as: that inner guide to life that demonstrates the spiritual maturity required to show obedience to God.
For a man to be considered for the office we have learned he must be dignified, doctrinally sound; and finally, a deacon must be: III. DEDICATED. V. 10 says deacon candidates are to be tested before they can serve as deacons. The root of the Greek word, from which “testing” comes, means “tested in battle.” Itcarries the idea of “a man who is tested, significant, recognized, esteemed, worthy.” A man who would beconsidered to serve as a deacon must first give evidence of genuine salvation. The change that is the normal and expected response to a real salvation experience is radical, and consistent. Testing is not an event, it is a process that has been observed in a man’s life over a long period of time, and found to be accurate in its portrayal of Biblical truth. Paul closes this section by saying that when a man is found blameless and Biblically qualified to serve as a deacon, and they serve well, will gain a good standing.
There are 2 promises. 1st = good standing. The good standing is most likely to be understood as a good reputation and respect from the church for a job well done. The 2nd is the receipt of great assurance. The best interpretation is most likely confidence that they are honoring God in their ministry because of their maturity in the faith, which compels them to serve the Lord and Savior Who brought redemption to them. Deacons, like elders, are given a grave responsibility in the ministry of a NT local church. Neither office is to be taken lightly.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:19 — 37.6MB) Subscribe: 1 Timothy 3:6, 7
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. We have studied what an overseer must now be in his observable behavior; and how he must be with his family. The 3rd general statement concerning the qualifications of an overseer is
III. The Overseer’s EXPERIENCE AS A CHRISTIAN. Any man who serves as an overseer cannot be a neophyte or recent convert. Paul defines 3 specific points of consideration for a man to be an overseer.
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His Development. This qualification points directly at the man’s spiritual age and maturity rather than his chronological age. As we are transformed into the image of Christ in our motives and intents; in our desires, thinking, feelings and our attitude – Christ-likeness begins inside and as we mature, our conformation is what shows on the outside. The truth is it takes time for all that to happen. No one is saved one day, and sanctified the next! Growth is more often slow than fast. Sometimes people who think God’s development and growth plan is not the best thing for them just don’t grow in Christ. They spend all their life being spiritually immature; and as a result miss all the blessing God has for them because they just quit making any effort to stop growing spiritually! They are of all people most miserable! The Greek word Paul uses here to mean “recent convert” is the word from which we get our word neophyte. Here it means one who is a new Christian. A new Christian has not faced the afflictions, hardships, tests, and attacks that come to one who is dedicated to serving Christ in ministry. Spiritual immaturity in an overseer, elder, pastor, deacon, is, and has been the cause of many new, even seasoned Christians, to become discouraged and turned away from the blessed life of living for Christ. For any man to develop to the point he can be considered an overseer, he must consciously, willingly, be determined, not just desire, but be determined to grow in Christ-likeness. So how does a man develop into an overseer? He gets on his knees before the open Book, and seeks God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. An overseer must be a man who is now recognized as being a student of the Word, and prays without ceasing to become as much like Christ as a man can be! Anything less is unacceptable!! Notice Paul addresses a man’s development 1st, but doesn’t end there. He says a man must be mature in Christ “OR!” Now Scripture explains why a man must be mature in Christ by exposing:
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The Dangers! Spiritual blindness is what Christ died to correct and eliminate. If all a person knows is darkness then, the darkness is all they can share! In salvation, Christ has brought us into the light. It is ungodly and blasphemous to return to the darkness! Finally Paul discusses
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His Destiny. The NIV clearly explains what Paul meant, when it says, “a spiritually immature overseer will fall under the same condemnation as the devil.” The same destiny is stated in v. 7, of the man who is not well thought of in the community. The “condemnation” can also be interpreted to mean all the ungodliness that fills an unholy heart! Anger, bullying, slander, opposition, contempt for righteousness, and the like which are all characteristics of the devil. Each of these enemies of the ministry of Christ is how Satan gets a foothold in a Christian’s life. Only a spiritually mature man of God, man of prayer, man of the Word is a man or power who can face, and manage the attacks that will surely come his way as an overseer! Such maturity takes time!
Finally Scripture addresses: IV. The Overseer’s REPUTATION IN THE COMMUNITY. All church leaders, but especially a pastor is an ambassador for the local church, but also for Christ.An overseer, particularly as pastor, must view ministry in the community as a large part of his personal ministry! That philosophy of ministry belongs to all of you, not just your pastor. Your own reputation in the community can hinder a pastor who is well thought of in the community. If a pastor is given an open door by an unbeliever in the community and they know you are part of his church, your own ungodly reputation can close the door! “Well thought of in the community applies to all of you!” “Fall into disgrace” means to fall into disgrace as a Christian. One of the highest callings a man can receive is to be called to be an overseer in the ministry of a local church! God, through His inspired, infallible, inerrant Word makes it clear that to hold such a title is no small task. He also makes it clear He, and He alone is the Only One Who calls men to the office. Without the call from God, a man does not have the inner commitment to rid himself of his pride and glory-seeking desires that arise from sin. Only God can redeem and cleanse a heart from sin.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:47 — 36.5MB) Subscribe: 1 Thess. 2:3-13
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. This morning I trust you can look back and say: “I had a dad who made a difference in this world. I had a dad who made a difference in my life!” On Mother’s Day I said no one has ever had, or ever will have a perfect mother. The same thing can be said of fathers – with one exception… We all know the only man that ever walked on earth that had a Perfect Father was the Lord Jesus. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought of it or not, but, because He is the perfect Father, God has both, made it possible and invited all who are willing, to be His adopted children, so we can have a perfect Father! I found this outline and think it expresses some important truths about Fathers, and shows us how to make a difference as a father. May I remind you Dad, it is never too late to start making a difference in your wife’s life and the life of your children! That means, if you need to, you can start today. The blessing of that is, you have the rest of your life to be the difference!
- GOD WILL TAKE AWAY ALL YOUR GUILT!Notice vs. 3, 4. How does God take away our guilt? Read Ps. 32:1-5. God takes away our feelings of guilt only after we acknowledge and confess our sin. Notice v. 3, 4. When we try to hide or ignore our sin our lives are miserable. When we feel guilty, it is usually because we are guilty! When we acknowledge and confess our sin to God, He delights in removing those awful feelings of guilt! God not only removes the feelings of guilt, He also removes the fact of our guilt. Read Isa. 6: 7. When God’s redeeming grace touches our lives our guilt in fact, is taken away. We are cleansed by the blood of Christ Paul tells us in Rom. 5:9. Heb. 13:12 tells us we are sanctified through Christ’s blood; and 1 John 1:7 tells us Christ’s blood cleanses us from all sin. When sin is taken away, its guilt goes with it! A father who makes a difference not only practices that, he teaches it to his family. You have heard me say whenever God takes something away from us, He immediately replaces it with something good and righteous. That same practice must be true in our own lives. When we make a commitment to stop or remove anything ungodly from our lives, we must at the same time replace it with something righteous! If we don’t Satan fills the gap with another, and often more heinous sin. God not only takes away our guilt, but:
- GOD GIVES US THE GOODNESS WE NEED. Goodness is one of God’s most defining attributes, and He delights in sharing His goodness with men who seek Him will all their heart, mind, soul, and strength! God’s goodness means He is the final standard of good, and all He is and does is worthy of approval. Salvation is the mandatory key that unlocks all God’s goodness to all people! All people get some of God’s goodness. Look at Matt. 5: 45; but only God’s family has access to all His goodness. We experience some now, and some later! God empowers fathers through the fruit of His Holy Spirit, and by the living and powerful Word of Truth. God takes great delight in ministering to a father who is dedicated to standing up for Christ all the time, not just when it is easy or convenient! God will also give us
- THE GUIDANCE WE NEED! Look at v. 11, 12. Do you know why Paul was such a good guide in spiritual matters and Christian living? Because he let God guide him! We need fathers and husbands who are guided by God in their daily life! A wise man once said, “A child is not likely to find a Father in God, unless he finds something of God in his father.” God will take away all your guilt, God gives us all the goodness we need, He gives us all the guidance we need, and
- GOD GIVES US A GRATEFUL HEART! Look at v. 13. Dad do you ever spend time thanking God for the blessings He has shared with you? One of the most identifying characteristics of a true Christian is a grateful heart! Paul said “we thank God without ceasing.” I know many of you men thank God every day for your salvation. I know you thank Him for your wife and family, and for your blessings. A grateful heart is one of the most cherished gifts a man can offer God. God knows what it is to pay a high price as a Father. He paid the highest price any Father has ever paid. The interesting thing is God paid that price for us, not Himself. He sacrificed His Son so we could come to Him and have our guilt taken away. He paid that awful price to put us in a position where He could give us all the goodness we need whenever we need it. God gave His Son to give us the guidance we need to be more than men of God, we can be sons of God.If He did no more than that, it would be enough for us to spend our entire life using the grateful heart God gives us. May we strive to be strong, wise, dedicated men and fathers who give God all we have so He is able to give us all HE has for us! May God work in us in such a way that we become fathers who make a difference!
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:05 — 33.9MB) Subscribe: 1 Tim. 3:4, 5
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. We have studied how an overseer must now be in his observable behavior. Now we turn to how he must be observed in leading his family! V. 4 is how the man must now be observed in managing his own household. The word “manage” means to govern, lead, give direction – to the family.” Whenever God calls anyone to any position of leadership where that leadership affects or influences other lives, especially the lives of God’s adopted children, the one doing the managing understands the position is one of leadership by example. Nowhere in Scripture does God ever say to any of His chosen leaders – just tell them; God always tells His leaders, “show them!”
Scripture sets forth 3 criteria describing how an overseer must manage his own household. This is another place all 3 characteristics must be observable. 1st a pastor,
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Must manage his house well. In the OT “well” means beautiful in outward appearance.” It is used in Gen. 12:14 in reference to Abe’s wife, Sarah; it is also used in Gen. 29:17 of Jacob’s wife Rachel. In the NT it takes on a different meaning. Good, or well, then means “as God would act.” It always means “that which is as God has said.” The point is here; a pastor, overseer must be observed as governing, leading or giving direction to his family through verbal instruction and through his own daily life that are in harmony with God’s word. One writer sums “manage” up like this: The term “manage” demands an effective exercise of authority bolstered by a character of integrity and sensitive compassion. An overseer must not only manage his family well:
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HE MUST MANAGE WITH DIGNITY. He must manage his family with all dignity so he and his family are above reproach! In common Greek speech *dignity means “orderliness perceived in a man’s attitude and behavior that is felt to be dignified. In the OT nobility and what is right in the sight of God as in Prov. 8:6. When Paul uses it in the Pastorals, 1, 2 Tim, Titus, he always uses it as a requirement for church leaders. Here it means “honorable conduct that reveals a serious and worthy lifestyle.” Finally an overseer must manage his household well, with dignity:
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KEEPING HIS CHILDREN SUBMISSIVE! The word submissive broadly means “to place under.” You will remember from past lessons, God “places under” for protection! In the family structure, the husband is “under” God; a wife and children are “under” both God and the husband. When a man decides he doesn’t need or want to live his entire life in harmony with all God says in His Bible, the man takes himself out from under God’s protection; and that is dangerous, because now the man is exposed to unguarded attack from Satan. Arrogance, or self-rule is a downward spiral to destruction! Notice though an overseer must “keep” his children in submission. Keeping/having broadly means “in one’s possession.” The man who possesses the submission of his children is a man whose children live “under” him because they know in their hearts his allegiance is to the Lord, and Dad sees his children as gifts from God. As a result of Dad’s allegiance to God, they desire to submit to him because they know he has their best interest at heart! Dad comes to “possess” or have his children’s submission earning it through continual submission to God in his everyday life. The NIV uses the phrase “obey him with proper respect” meaning, “when Dad speaks we better listen.” One writer summarizes vs. 4, 5 this way “The overseer’s duty is to “conduct himself so that the members of the church may be obedient to him, not as servants to a master, but as children to a father, that they may show him obedience in love. The skillful pastor will give to the church the type of leadership that will encourage his people to follow him.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:59 — 38.3MB) Subscribe: Josh. 4:1-9, 19-24
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Tomorrow is often considered the beginning of summer. It is a day when families get together for cook outs and picnics; it is a day off work for most people. I came across this outline and liked the way it presents the concept of Memorial Day. Our passage today demonstrates how God told Joshua to set up a memorial of stones as a visual reminder to all who passed by. It was, if you will, a visual sermon. Jesus used visual aids when He taught about farming, the sparrow, the olive branch, vineyard, fig tree, treasure, pearl of great price, and so on. Look back across the page to Josh. 3:7-13. It is interesting to note that even though God told the people the waters of the Jordan would stop flowing when the men carrying the Arc stepped into the river, the men had to step into the river. God often waits until we act on His Word before He acts on His Word! Have you ever noticed the truth that God often uses the worst possible circumstances to show Himself strong on our behalf! As you review those times God has proven Himself to be mightiest in delivering you, did you think at the time, “If God doesn’t get me out of this, I’m here for the rest of my life, and that may not be much longer!” So the situation with Josh/company! God does not always let us see the full extent of His power in our deliverance! But He always lets us see all we need to follow Him through the danger! Read 4:1-7. When all had safely passed into Canaan, before the water returned, God instructed Josh to have one man from each of the 12 tribes take a large stone out of the river bed and build a memorial to God. There are at least 4 reasons God instructed them to build a memorial.
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TO SHAKE THEIR PAST. Do you know anyone who never forgets anything? We all forget something sometime! We are surrounded with all kinds of visual aids to help us remember. Israel was no different than we are. Like America, Israel had a problem remembering what God had done for them. Just after God had delivered them from Egypt, He instructed Moses to warn them about forgetting; “then beware lest you forget the Lord, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” Deut. 6:12 Every time any Israelite passed by that heap of stones would be a visible reminder of what God did at Gilgal. We need memorials because we tend to forget, for several reasons. We forget when we are in a hurry. When we run ahead of God, we run out of His will! We forget when we feel helpless. God had them put the stones there to remind them the power of God was available to them because they were helpless! As you consider your own life, what are some stones you can pile up to keep you from getting “spiritual amnesia?” Here are some suggestions: 1st Write it down – God does:
- A “book of remembrance”, where He has written down those who faithfully worship Him (Mal. 3:16).
- A book where He records our tears (Psalm 56:8).
- God wrote the 10 Commandments on 2 stone tablets.
- Jesus wrote in the ground, and the accusers of the woman taken in adultery left her alone.
2nd We can remember by telling others how God has blessed us. The fact is what God does for others, He will do for YOU! God is a God of all; not just a few! 3rd , Use it as a Guide. A pastor writes, “God uses our past to guide us into our future. God wants us to use our past failures as learning experiences. God not only wanted them to put up the stones to shake their memory, He also wanted them
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TO SHARE THEIR FAITH. Read Joshua 4:6-7, 19-23. One of a child’s favorite questions is “WHY?” The favorite parental response to that question is “Because!” Children may have asked their parents in Josh’s day – why are these stones here? Why did they carry them out of the river? Do you know God likes for His children to ask “Why?” Do you know why? It gives God the opportunity to reveal more of Himself to us. I believe one reason God put Scripture in writing the way He did was to get us to ask “why?” Of course, God intends for us to keep reading andstudying to find the answer. As parents and grandparents we have a responsibility to share our faith with our children and grandchildren. We all know Christianity is just 1 generation away from extinction. Read Judges 2:6-15. True Christians know America lives in that passage. Will your children and g-children hold fast to your faith in Christ and His Word? LISTEN! The answer to that question is “yes!” They will do as they have seen you do – whether that is good or bad! The greatest memorial stone that any person can have is the day of your salvation! Do you remember it? Have you shared it with your children? Is your life changed because of it? If not, if there is no change – you’re not saved!!! So the question is: what memorial are you building to cause your children, grandchildren to follow hard after God? God also wanted the memorial so it would:
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SHAPE THEIR WORSHIP. Read Joshua 4:23, 24. The fear of God reminds us we are the children of an Almighty God Who is to be worshipped. Truth be told our entire life should be lived in an attitude of worship before the God who saved us. God also wanted the memorial:
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TO SHATTER THEIR PAST. Read Joshua 4:9. Notice Josh went back into the river bed and set up 12 stones! Now watch! It is significant God had Israel cross the Jordan at Gilgal. In Hebrew it means “the reproach has been rolled away!” The point: God was telling Israel, 40 years of wandering, defeat, failure were all behind them, buried just like the stones in the river. Their past was just that – “past!” Now God wanted them to turn and face their future in Canaan, the land of promise and blessing. That’s the same thing He wants for you today! Don’t dwell on the past. Paul tells us – forget the past and read for the things that are before! Press toward the mark… All these reasons and more are why we need holidays like Memorial Day, we need to remember because we tend to forget! We need to write things down, buy souvenirs, observe the Lords’ Supper, set up stone memorials in our minds to remind us how great and mighty God is – lest we forget!!! Peter tells us we are “living stones being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Let us work hard remembering–lest we forget.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:37 — 40.1MB) Subscribe: Eph. 5:15-21
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. How many of you heard “these are the best years of your life, enjoy them” while you were in school? How many of you believed that when you heard it? How many of you believe that now? Whether it is the 1st 18 years or the last few years of life, as David says, “as for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Ps. 103:15, 16. Let’s look for a few moments at some Biblical guidelines that will help, not just graduates, but those who will be graduates, and those of us who are already graduated. FYI everyone has one final graduation that opens eternity for them. For all people everywhere life begins by:
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LAYING THE FOUNDATION. It is common knowledge everything built to last is built on a solid foundation. No foundation, no security or stability! It doesn’t take much to destroy a building without a strong foundation. Jesus teaches us how a strong foundation is necessary to build a life that is worthy of the name Christian! To build a solid foundation requires persistence. Notice the man took time to dig deep. He kept digging until he came to rock, then he laid his foundation on the rock. 1. To build a solid foundation also requires precision. Not only did the man dig deep, he had to follow the blueprint for the foundation to be square, and for the house to sit on it. 2. To build a solid foundation also requires patience. The man dug the foundation one shovel full of soil at a time. Each shovel by itself wasn’t much, but over time all the shovels of soil together prepared the foundation! 3. To build a solid foundation one must have patience. The point Jesus is making is: The Word of God is the only foundation upon which a successful life can be built. That is the same point Paul is making in 1 Cor. 3:11, with one difference. The difference Paul makes is that Jesus Christ must be the foundation. Jesus point us to the Word of God as the foundation for life. At whatever point, and for whatever reason you leave home, you begin to build the rest of your life. Now, the question you have to answer is: are you going to build your life on the foundation your parents have prepared for you according to the blueprint Scripture drew for them, or are you going to build your life without a solid foundation? For the rest of your life God will continue to lay new foundation as He grows you in Christ. It is to your benefit and blessedness to live:
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A LIFE OF APPLICATION. Read 1 Tim. 4:11-16. Notice especially v. 15. “These things” are all the principles and truths Paul has shared in this letter. In v. 12-14 Paul summarizes them. Paul is exhorting Timothy to see each new day as another opportunity to “practice” or demonstrate how a true Christian lives each day. We often get caught in the trap of complacency thinking that whatever level of achievement we may have reached in our Christian life is good enough! That philosophy is not Biblical. Nowhere does Scripture ever teach some sin is acceptable! Read Eph. 4: 25-31. Paul tells the Col. the same thing in 3:5-11; and Peter repeats that same thing in 2:1 of his 1st letter.
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STRIVE TOWARD GODLINESS. One truth I trust you have learned is that as a true Christian, your entire outlook must be toward eternity in the visible, physical presence of The Lord Jesus Christ! All NT theology is future oriented. One of the major themes of the NT is found in Phil. 3:12 – 21.
Paul is giving 4 truths for us to follow as we look toward our own graduation into eternity:
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We “press” hard to for perfection. The 2nd truth we need to practice to prepare for graduation is
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Forget what is past and strain forward. Notice Paul says to strain, press, put all your strength into, moving forward to what lies ahead!
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Aim high! V. 14 notice the call of God is upward! Jesus tells us to set our affections, love, thoughts, plans, our whole life on things in heaven, not on earth! The old saying applies here, “get your mind out of the gutter!” Live in Phil. 4:4-9. Finally,
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“Hold on to what you have already received.” V. 16. One of satan’s favorite tools of destruction is to cause Christians to become less and less devoted to Christ over the course of their life, while at the same time making them think they are standing fast! Any time any Christian embraces anything that violates Scripture, even in the smallest part, that person has become unequally yoked! That principle in 2 Cor. 6:14-18 is not just about dating relationships. It is a life principle that means no Christian is ever to join hearts, hands, minds, business associations, anything with unbelievers.
No matter what your station in life, as a Christian, you are being prepared for the next stage of your life, whether that is the next phase of school, you career, your family, or your graduation into heaven.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:07 — 36.9MB) Subscribe: Isaiah 40:28-31
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. I think of all the messages to prepare, messages for Mother’s Day and for Father’s Day are among the most difficult!
As carefully as one can search the Scriptures there are no examples of perfect mothers or fathers. One pastor wrote, “Nobody’s perfect … Nobody HAD a perfect mother … Nobody IS the perfect mother. She’s never been born … never invented … never existed. As close as you’re going to get to the perfect mother, is Mrs. Cleaver (Beaver’s Mom), or Mrs. Anderson (“Father Knows Best”). Do you have cards you have received over the years that have become “go to” cards! It is probably true that all of us have received cards from loved ones or from special friends that are instantly “go to” cards when we need a “pick-me-up;” or just a reminder that we are loved. God doesn’t really send Mother’s Day, or any other kind of card! He gave wives and mother an entire Book that covers every possible situation a mother could encounter. And Mom, God’s message to you is always exactly what you need to hear at the time! I’m using an outline from a pastor that has some significant insight to motherhood. So mom you pick out the message/s from God that best suit your situation:
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WHEN YOU ARE DISCOURAGED. Read Isa. 40:28-31. There isn’t a mother who has not been discouraged. The old saying, “A mother’s work is never finished” is enough to discourage any mother! God tells moms, and all of us, He understands. It doesn’t make any difference where you are on the “worn out” scale, God knows and has the power and might to increase your strength and stamina to get through! One of the hardest things God asks us to do is “wait” on Him. However, those who have learned to do just that find the Lord really does renew their strength. Mom, when you feel like giving up – DON’T! Rather, right in the midst of all your busy-ness, take just a couple seconds for yourself and read God’s mother’s day message to you in v. 31. God also gives comfort to you Mother:
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WHEN YOU ARE ANGRY. Any mother who hasn’t been angry with her kids at some time or another, has never had kids! Everyone gets angry! Does anyone believe it is a sin to get angry? It is not! In Ps. 4:4 David writes, be angry and do not sin. He must have done a good job and living that, because his son Solomon tells us in Eccl. 7:9, “be not quick in your spirit to become angry. Go to Eph. 4:26. Nowhere does God tell us we can’t get angry! He does however, tell us we must not stay angry, and when we do get angry, we are to control our anger. It is perfectly acceptable to be angry at disrespect, insolence, disobedience, and all other sinful attitudes. It is often difficult to separate the sin from the sinner in a moment of anger! It is important for all of us as Gods adopted children to remember our primary mission is to draw others to Christ. Most mothers have a special way of being angry, yet, making it clear to their family, they are loved even when Mom is mad! The truth is, just reading His Word has a soothing effect! God also is there
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WHEN YOU NEED HELP. I wonder how many mothers feel like they are in the motherhood business all alone! There are times when every mother feels she needs more help, right? A very familiar passage of Scripture is found in Prov. 3:5, 6. I have said many times I believe God breathed His Bible giving us very clear instructions, and the exact way we are to carry them out so we benefit in the best possible way. Here is no exception. In the context Solomon is telling his son, all of life is to be lived in the fear of God. Each paragraph is another principle, or step, or process to be followed in learning to fear God. Notice in v. 5 one must learn to trust God with all their heart. That means that deep in your hear where only you and God go, there is never a time you think you can’t trust God from the beginning to the end, to see you through anything that could confront you in your life! Mom, sometimes it’s not others with whom you need help, sometimes it’s you! Now listen, lest you think I’ve gone to scolding you. Often God grows us by allowing adversity to touch our lives. God should always be the One saying, “I got this,” and we should always be the one saying, “I know you got this!” Remember God’s promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, He is with you always even to the end of the world. David says “God is a very present help in the time of trouble.” We could go on and on with different messages God has sent to Mothers. The fact is He has sent you messages that fill your entire life with Him- read them!
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