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A Guaranteed Method for Success

12/27/2011

Exodus 35:21
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 36:5-7
And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. [6] And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. [7] For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

We are approaching the New Year. We have all thought about ways we can be more successful in the coming year. There is much to be learned from the children of Israel as they prepared to build the tabernacle.

Often we want to blame Satan and the world for our lack of success, but I believe much of the problem comes from within. Many times we give Satan too much credit because we don’t like to admit that we aren’t accomplishing much for the Lord.

We are living in a day where the church needs to be gaining ground. We can’t expect to be successful without internal strength. Our churches are only as strong as its members. I trust this passage will encourage us to become stronger for the Lord in the New Year and years to come. I want to share the thought of: A Guaranteed Method for Success.

I. The Assembly of the Workers – And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. The people came together to fulfill the need at hand. They were faithful to God’s work.

We live in a day of “convenience Christians." They are willing to give of themselves if it is convenient. Our careers, hobbies, and personal interest have consumed our time so that there is little left for the Lord. We have more of everything than former generations except time.

The Lord Jesus set up the institution of the local church and we need to come together, in force, as a body of believers to stand for the things of God and resist the things of the world. We can make a difference, but we must come together.

Don’t take the church for granted. There is something special about gathering with God’s people. There is strength and help here not found anywhere else. You won’t get it at the ball game, hunt club, or the gym. You owe it to God, yourself, and your family to be there!

II. The Attitude of the Workers – Their hearts were stirred and their spirits were willing. They had a genuine love for God and were devoted to His service. They had a compelling desire to serve the Lord.

I wonder what the majority of folks come to church for? What do you come for? We need that inward desire to serve the Lord with gladness. Oh, how we need men and women of our day to have their hearts stirred by the Holy Ghost! I can assure you our attitude of service would change.

Many have rejected the voice of the Holy Ghost so long that their hearts have become cold and indifferent. It is no wonder our churches are losing more ground each year. We need a stirring of the Holy Ghost.

By the way, this wasn’t about being praised of men for their work, but an inward desire to serve God. These weren’t looking for “a pat on the back” for everything they did. Our service to the Lord should not depend upon the praise of men. If you are basing your service upon the praise of men, you won’t accomplish much. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t encourage each other, encouragement is good; but, if our service requires the recognition of others, we need a new attitude. Let us serve Him for who He is!

III. The Ambition of the Workers – Notice what they did; they provided for all of the Lord’s work: and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. There was a concern for every area of need. This wasn’t about just doing the bare minimum, but providing for every need.

The work of the Lord deserves the very best we have to offer. It is a privilege to serve God! I’m not working for the President, but the King of Kings.

Here, there was one thing in mind, fulfilling the Lord’s work. Our churches need people who will go the extra mile to ensure God’s work is being done. We need folks with ambition and a desire for service. Most will go all out for themselves, but want to sell God short. If anyone deserves our best, the Lord does.

Have you ever wondered what we could accomplish within our small congregation if everyone had a holy ambition for the Lord? I really believe we could turn this community upside down. David was small in stature, but big in heart. A genuine commitment to God’s service can overcome the giants that we face. As we look forward to a new year, let’s determine that we will give the Lord our best and not accept anything less than our best. We’ll see a tremendous difference in 2012.

IV. The Abundance of the Workers (36:5-7) – And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. [6] And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. [7] For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. With everyone working together, they had brought more than was needed. God had blessed their efforts with abundance.

As we look back on 2011, how does it measure up? Have we accomplished all we could have for the Lord and His glory?

Have you ever seen a day when there were more willing vessels than could be used? Wouldn’t it be great for the people of God to bring such abundance that we had to search for a place to use it? You may feel that you don’t have much to offer, but God will give the increase. We can see that abundance in our churches with faithful service and a willing heart.

I would love to see a church so committed that they had to search for a need to meet. Lu.6:38 – Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye meet withal it shall be measured to you again. We’ll receive as we have given. We could see great things for the Lord this year, but we must do our part. Everyone should desire to bring something of benefit to God’s house each time we come.

What have you been bringing? Are you a help or a hindrance? Are you interested in contributing to the Lord’s work? There is a great need for Christians to give of themselves to the Lord. I believe the need is greater than it has ever been. What are we doing to help?

Preacher Chris

Christ is Christmas.

12/23/2011

John 14:6-11
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. [8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. [9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. [11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

We are literally on the verge of another Christmas, the day that we celebrate the brith of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was on that faithful day, thousands of years ago, that God took upon Himself human flesh and was born of a virgin in the form of a man. As Christ came forth of the virgin womb, God was revealed in flesh for all to see. That is what Christmas is all about. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. Those who have met the Lord have met the Father. Those who have trusted Christ in salvation have trusted in God for salvation.

I have blogged about this topic in recent days, but I want to offer a final reminder to keep Christ in Christmas. It was through the miracle of His conception and birth that we have salvation. Christ our Lord came so that He might die for our sins. He came to provide redemption for the human race. As we think of Bethlehem, shepherds, angels, and wise men, we must also think about Calvary, the cross, the empty tomb, and His ascension. Christ is Christmas. I pray that we will take the time to worship Him for the marvelous gift that He gave.

Take a moment to consider a story that I received from Rev. Mark Creech of the Christian Action League. "A school teacher in England tells the story of the time she supervised the construction of a manger scene in the corner of her classroom. It was all there – the wise men and the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, the sheep and the oxen. It fascinated the children, one child especially. The teacher asked this little ten-year-old, “What is it? Why are you so taken with the manger scene? Is there something that bothers you?” With his eyes still glued to the scene, the little fellow asked, 'What I’d like to know is: Where does God fit in?' ”

May we ask ourselves the same question this year: "Where does God fit in?" As we go about the coming days with visits to family, enjoying Christmas meals, giving and receiving of gifts, I pray that we will consider where the Lord fits in. I pray that we will make time for Him as we celebrate His birth.

I hope that you all have a very blessed and merry Christmas, one that is filled with the wonder of His birth. I praise the Lord for the most precious of all gifts, the gift of His Son!

Merry Christmas,
Preacher Chris

Is Jesus Among Us?

12/22/2011

Luke 2:41-52
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. [43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. [44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. [45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. [46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. [49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? [50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

This is a precious passage of Scripture. It is the only place that records the silent years of Jesus’ life from His early childhood until the events of His public ministry. In these verses we find some wonderful truths concerning our Savior.

I am interested in the circumstances surrounding the trip to Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph had both received a visit from the angel of the Lord concerning the birth of Christ. They were fully aware that Jesus was the Son of God. But during the years of day to day living, they seem to have gotten used to Jesus and are not expecting anything from Him at this stage in His life. As the trip to Jerusalem unfolds, it reveals normal people who make normal mistakes. They were used to having Jesus among them and had no idea that He remained in Jerusalem.

It was at this time that Mary and Joseph learned a great lesson in life. In the normal routine of life they had failed to keep their eyes on Jesus. You and I have also been guilty of the same. As we look at these verses, I would like us to consider this question: Is Jesus Among Us? Would we even know if He wasn’t?

I. The Danger of Complacency – Consider the life of Mary and Joseph since their engagement. They had no idea that God was planning to use them to care for His Son. Imagine the joy that they felt as Jesus was born in Bethlehem, with the angels and the shepherds, the wise men and the gifts.

Soon after His birth a time of anxiety set in as God warned Joseph to flee unto Egypt. But now all of that has faded in the rigors of day to day living. The visitors have stopped coming to see the Christ child and they have begun to raise a Son. The excitement of His coming has been replaced with the normalcy of life. They have grown complacent with simply living.

What caused that in their lives? I’m sure as we look at the text we will find that we deal with the same issues. It is easy for Christians to grow complacent. The excitement of our salvation is replaced with the normalcy of service. Notice:

A. Their Familiar Activity (41-42) – We find that they have gone to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. This wasn’t the first time they have made this trip; they had gone every year at this time.

Have we not been guilty of the same? Many of us attend church at least three times a week. We’ve been raised in a church environment. We have heard the gospel message all our lives. It is easy to grow complacent and satisfied because we are so familiar with the activities of the church

B. Their Faulty Assumption (43-44a) – The Passover feast had concluded and they began to make their way back to Nazareth. I’m sure that Jesus had always been a good child, obeying His parents; He was God in the flesh. Mary and Joseph assumed that Jesus was with the band of travelers somewhere. They were so confident that they went a days’ journey before they even missed Him.

We may wonder how this could be, how could they possibly not have missed Him? However, we have done the same; maybe not with our own children, but with the Lord. There are many who go much longer than a days’ journey before they realize that Jesus isn’t among them.

C. Their Frantic Awareness (44b) – they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Can you imagine the anxiety that they felt when they realized that Jesus wasn’t there? I’m sure they began to panic.

No doubt we’ve all had those times in life when we came to a realization that Jesus has been neglected in our lives. It is a lonesome feeling to need the Lord and find that we have overlooked Him and He is not near to us. Complacency in our lives will do that. We get used to things as they are and we never realize that our love has grown cold. Many times we never realize it until we face a difficulty in life.

II. The Basis for Recovery – This was a desperate situation for Mary and Joseph, but all was not lost. They would find Jesus and their relationship would be restored. It is possible to recover what our complacency has lost if we will follow the steps revealed in these verses. First there must be:

A. A Return to the Lord (45) – When they discovered that Jesus was not with them they knew exactly where to look; He would still be in Jerusalem where they had left Him.

If you no longer enjoy a close fellowship with the Lord, you have left Him. I’m sure that the Spirit has spoken to you and you know exactly where to return to. You can find Jesus there if you desire His presence.

B. A Steadfast Commitment (46a) – And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple. They searched for three days before they found Jesus. They had made up their minds that they were not leaving Jerusalem without the Lord. They were willing to do whatever it took, for as long as was needed, to find Him.

This is a principle that many need to understand in our day. We live in a day where there is little commitment. We want “part time” employment with full benefits. People want to seek the Lord and expect instant results. We have very little patience to wait for Him. We have grown so used to drive up windows and express service that we tend to seek the Lord with the same attitude.

We need a steadfast commitment unto the Lord. We need those who will seek Him for days on end if that is what is required. Recovering genuine fellowship will require more than a casual, passing prayer. It requires diligently seeking the Lord!

C. A Humble Recognition (46b-48a) – When they found Jesus He was sitting among the doctors, the teachers of the Scripture, hearing and asking questions. Jesus was only twelve years old and He confounded the wise. They were astonished and amazed at His wisdom.

As Mary and Joseph looked and listened they saw Jesus as they had never seen Him before. He was no longer a childish boy at their feet, but a Man of wisdom. It was here that He revealed Himself as the Messiah.

If we could really see Him as He is, I can assure you that we would get over our complacent and careless attitudes and begin to serve Him with a renewed zeal and commitment. If you want your fellowship restored, praise Him for who He is, see Him as Lord of your life!

D. A Trusting Faith (49-51) – Jesus revealed that He was about His Father’s business. This is why He came to earth to fulfill the Father’s plan of redemption for all mankind.

Mary and Joseph didn’t understand all that would come to pass. They had no idea the miracles He would perform, the lives that He would touch, or the death that He would die, but they trusted His wisdom. Mary pondered these sayings in her heart.

You and I will never fully understand why or how the Lord works as He does. There are things that we simply must believe by faith. I can’t explain all that Christ has done for me or what He is doing right now. I have decided to praise Him for what I do know and trust Him for what I don’t. We just need to learn to trust Him and rest in His promises.

Surely we have all found ourselves in this situation. We have allowed the busyness of life to hinder our fellowship with the Lord.

I pray that we won’t let the familiarity of Christian service cloud our focus for the Lord. If you have strayed from the Lord, He can be found where you left Him.

Preacher Chris

Glory to God in the Highest!

12/19/2011

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

What a day we had at the house of God yesterday. Our choir has been working on the Christmas Cantata for about four months now and they presented it to the church yesterday morning. My how our hearts were lifted in praise unto the King of glory. That was one of the best choir performances I have ever heard. They all sang as if they knew the Lord they sang about and it had a special touch of God upon it. Each of the song selections praised and exalted the majesty and glory of our precious Lord. I know that He must have been pleased becuase He was certainly exalted through their singing!

Then last night our children presented their Christmas play for all to see. We had many visitors who came to see their loved ones perform and it was a special time as well. It was a simple play, but the message was very profound. They presented the Christmas story in a beautiful way. What I loved about it was the fact that they made certain to mention the resaon for His coming. He came to give Himself the perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. I was blessed by their singing and their portrayal of the birth of our Lord.

This truly is a special time of year and I was reminded yet again of the many blessings we enjoy through Christ our Lord. There was such a presence of worship at Fellowship yesterday that my heart continues to be filled with worship and adoration of our King today. I have to agree with the Scripture that I posted at the beginning: Glory to God in the highest!

I hope you have a blessed week and I pray that we will all make time to worship our Lord and Redeemer! He is worthy of all the praise that we can offer.

Preacher Chris

The Unspeakable Gift

12/15/2011

Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

2 Cor. 9:15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

I am certain that we are all thinking about gifts during this time of year. We are checking our lists to make sure that we have a gift for everyone. As we go about shopping and seeking for just the perfect gift for our loved ones, I pray that we will be reminded and thankful for the greatest gift of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without His gift life would have no purpose or meaning. I am truly grateful that I received that glorious gift many years ago. I have never received anything that compares to what the Lord gave me. In fact, it is still fresh and new. It is a gift that after all of these years has not grown old or lost its desire. I am mindful of that Gift every day that I live.

As I thought of the gift of salvation that our Lord provided for all men, I was thinking of a discussion that we had in our early Bible study on Wednesday evening. The question was asked about what really justifies a gift. Is it the fact that a gift was given, or does it need to be received to really be counted as a gift? That is a very interesting question to which we all would likely have a differing opinion. However, when it comes to the gift of salvation, it is imperative that the Gift be received. Christ suffered and died upon the cross for the redemption of humanity, but just beacuse the gift was given doesn't constitute salvation. One must receive the gift of salvation for the gift of God in His only begotten Son to be beneficial in an individual life.

For me that is what is so tragic in the lives of many people today. Christ offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin, fully satisfying the righteous demands of God, and yet so many people refuse to recieve this glorious gift. So, I suppose the truthful answer would be that a gift really isn't a gift until it is received. I rejoice that I received that gift and have been pardoned of sin and adopted into the family of God.

How about you? Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? Was there a moment in your life that the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin, revealing your need for salvation, and you trusted in the finished work of Christ on the cross for salvation? If not you have not receieved the unspeakable Gift that Paul spoke of. During the Christmas season would be a wonderful time to receive the greatest Gift ever given!

Preacher Chris

It's All About Him!

12/13/2011

2 Cor. 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

What a wonderful and challenging thought this verse presents. Paul uses a mirror as an illustration for the believer. We all know that a mirror presents a true depiction of what is there. It reveals the reality of who we are. The mirror that Paul speaks of is the Word of God. As we peer into the mirror of God's Word, it reveals who we truly are. The Word is quick and powerful; it discerns what is within our hearts.

The more we look into the mirror of the Word, the more we are changed into His image. That too is an interesting thought. The word changed in the text comes from the Greek word metamorphoo, from which we get our word metamorphosis. The best illustration of metamorphosis is the change that takes place in the life of a caterpillar. We know that it begins life as a lowly worm, without any beauty at all. At a determined point in life the caterpillar enters a cocoon and a miraculous transformation takes place. The lowly caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. This transformation isn't temporary. Once the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, it never returns to the former state of a lowly worm.

That ought to be the desire of our hearts as well. We ought to spend quality time in the mirror of God's Word so that we can be changed into the image of Christ. I know that we will never achieve perfection in this life, but we need to become more like Him each day that we live. We are not here to reflect our goodness, but to reflect His holiness. Jesus must be the focus of our existence. Our purpose in life is to glorify Him and be a reflection of His glory to this dark world. John the Baptist understood this. He said, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Consider the thoughts of Max Lucado concerning our reflection of the Lord. “The moon models our role. What does the moon do? She generates no light. Apart from the sun, the moon is nothing more than a pitch-black, pockmarked rock. But properly positioned, the moon beams. The moon reflects the greater light. And she’s happy to do so! The moon is at peace in her place. And because she is, soft light touches a dark earth. What would happen if we accepted our place as Son reflectors?”

I pray that we will continue to be changed into the glory of our Lord so that we might reflect the Son for those who need to see. After all, It's All About Him!

Preacher Chris

Wise Men Still Seek Him!

12/10/2011

Matthew 2:1-2
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

I have always loved this passage of Scripture concerning the birth of our Lord. We have witnessed this scene portrayed many times in Christmas Plays or pageants. Typically we assume that there were three wise men because of the gifts they brought, but in reality we don't know how many made the trip to worship the Lord. That is a central theme in Matthew 2. The wise men came to worship the Christ. They were persuaded to seek Him out and compelled to worship Him.

We are unsure of the exact location from which the wise men came, but it is very likely that they traveled several hundred miles from the east to get to Jerusalem. It is probable that they came from Babylon, modern day Iraq. Consider the journey they made at that point in history. No doubt these men were well to do and well educated, but even their position in society would not have ensured an easy trip. They traveled hundreds of miles across the desert sands on camels or donkeys. They endured the harshness of the heat of the day and the cold nights. Travel in barren places was dangerous in those days. Bandits patrolled the known travel routes in search of victims to rob and take advantage of. These men were not deterred. They were committed to worship the Lord. The over-whelming desire for worship persuaded them to make the trip, travel to a distant land under extreme conditions, and seek out the Lord.

I have no doubt that the Lord placed that desire within their hearts. There was a stirring of God that moved them to seek out the Christ and worship Him.
Worship has that effect on those who genuinely desire a closer relationship with the Lord. There is something about worship that persuades me to find my way to the house of God. I am afraid that I will miss out on what God has for me if I stay away. It is a persuasion that cannot be suppressed or denied. The longing to meet with the Lord compels me to find my place at the house of God.

Worship will have an effect on your life. If you ever experience genuine worship, it will create a hunger and desire that only worship can fulfill. Nothing else can replace or satisfy the soul that is hungry for worship. I pray that our souls will be stirred in such a way that we are actively and routinely persuaded to worship the Lord. As we have heard many times before, "Wise men still seek Him." I pray that we will seek Him so that we may offer our worship to the One who is worthy and enjoy sweet fellowship with Him.

Preacher Chris

Emmanuel, God with us.

12/8/2011

As I ponder the Christmas season, along with the hope and joy that it brings, I am reminded of one of the fundamental truths of our faith. It is during the Christmas season that we are reminded yet again of the virgin birth of our Lord. This has been a point of contention and debate for centuries. Many even today have a difficult time embracing the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin womb. Most will admit that He was different than the average man. They will admit that He was a great teacher, a prophet, and even a miracle worker, but they stop short of believing the miracle of His birth.

As a Christian I stand upon the Word of God as the sole authority for all of life's faith and practice. There is no room for debate or doubt when we consider what the Bible says concerning the birth of our Lord.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Keep in mind that Isaiah gave this prophecy some 700 years before the birth of Christ the Lord. Now let's fast-forward to the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.)

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. [20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. [24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: [25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Clearly we see this prophecy carried out exactly as the Lord had promised. Mary, who was espoused, or engaged, to Joesph was found with child, before they came together. This is speaking of her being found with child prior to any physical relations with Joseph. She who was a virgin was found with child. What we need to understand and embrace is this was no ordinary child; this was the only begotten Son of the Father. Mary conceived, in her virgin womb, by the Holy Ghost. V. 25 points out another important fact. After discovering that Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost, Joseph refrained from any physical contact or relations with Mary until after His birth.

The Bible is as clear as anything could be regarding the virgin birth of Christ. If we can't accept the virgin birth, we can't accept salvation of the Lord. Had Jesus not been born of a virgin, our faith would be in vain. He would have been as any other child, and in essence grown up as nothing more than a mortal man. He would not have been sinless, perfect, and holy had He been conceived of a man.

Simply put, if there were no virgin birth, there is no Savior. We cannot separate the two; they are intertwined in the deity and sovereignty of God. If Joseph were Jesus' father, He too would have needed a Savior. He would have been born is sin as all mankind is. It is impossible to reject the virgin birth and still claim Christ as Savior and Lord.

I rejoice that this isn't as issue that I struggle with. I believe without any doubt or hesitation. The God who had the power to create man from the dust of the earth had the power to send His Son, conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of a virgin womb. Rather than try to rationalize it, embrace it and rejoice in the fulfillment of God's salvation plan!

Preacher Chris

Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing

12/6/2011

I am certain that most of us are making preparations for the Christmas season. It is a wonderful time of the year; one that is set aside to honor and worship our blessed Lord as we remember and celebrate His birth.

Sadly it is becoming more and more evident that Christ is being left out of Christmas. Especially in America, Christmas has become so commercialized that few ever take the time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas. We have become so consumed with giving and receiving gifts that we forget about the greatest Gift that was ever given. How would you and I feel if year after year there was a celebration to honor our birthday, but somehow we were never thought of on that day? Each year people celebrate the birthday of Jesus, but they never consider the Guest of honor. Make Him the focus of Christmas this year; teach your children the real meaning of Christmas; take the time to read the account of our Lord's birth in the Scripture, and be sure to attend the house of God to worship Him on Christmas day!

This is a topic that is often discussed each year at Christmas; and it seems that the problem is only getting worse, but what we experience at Christmas is just a reflection of the reality of the 364 days leading up to Christmas. We have forgotten about the Main thing. Many have no problem with a baby in a manger, but they refuse to submit to the sovereignty of a holy God. Others are content to leave Jesus upon the cross, but I rejoice that the cross was not the end of the story. I am glad that the tomb is empty! Had He not bled and died for our sins, there would be no restoration and redemption, but had He not risen our faith would be in vain. We need to celebrate the birth of One who came to earth, robed in a body of flesh, lived a perfect and sinless life, died for our sin, was buried, and rose again triumphant. That is the Christ of Christmas.

While I am here I might as well address an alarming trend among the modern church. Many churches have lost their focus when it comes to the Main thing. They are more concerned with the approval of the world and programs that receive the praise of men than they are focusing upon the birth, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We could spend all of our time and effort feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and even comforting those who are in despair, but if we fail to mention Jesus, the Main thing, then we have failed in our labor. We must be committed to presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that God will touch our hearts and move us from our complacency so that we will once again make Jesus the focus of our lives, our churches, and our worship. I know that isn't popular today, but it is biblical. And by the way, we need to live and serve the Lord according to His Word.

1 Cor. 2:1-5

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. [4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: [5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Preacher Chris

Contentment in the Lord

12/3/2011

I would like to begin today by considering a couple of passages that Paul wrote concerning contentment. It seems as if we live in an age, especially in America, where few are really content. We never seem to be satisfied with where we are or what we have.

Philip. 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Tim. 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

As we consider the words of Paul, we need to have a proper understanding of the context of these passages. The epistle to the Philippians was written while Paul was imprisoned. He wrote his first letter to Timothy shortly after being released from his first imprisonment. Surely Paul knew what it was to suffer for the cause of Christ. He had experienced great adversity and persecution for his faith. And yet Paul does not complain. There isn't even a hint of regret in his voice. He does not long to have been removed from the trials he faced. He is not having a "pity party" or asking the Lord why he has been forced to face such trying times in his life. Paul is well aware of the sovereignty of God and has no doubt that the Lord had brought him to that place in life and was planning to use him in the situation that he was in.

I know that there are those around the world that are facing intense persecution for their faith. There are those who face the very real possibility of death for committing to follow Christ. I have never faced a situation like that. I am free to worship the Lord and serve Him without any real persecution. However, for many American Christians, I sense a lack of contentment in the Lord. Many are always seeking something better. Rather than a song of praise, many resort to complaints about how bad their current situation is. Have we faced what Paul did? Are our lives in danger right now for our association with the church and our faith in Christ? We need to learn to be content in the Lord and praise Him for all that abundant blessings that we have!

I was privileged this week to meet with some of the folks from our church at a local nursing home where a few of the residents are members at Fellowship. We had a communion service on Thursday evening at the nursing home and enjoyed a precious time of worship. At the conclusion of the service one our ladies, who lives there, testified of the Lord's goodness in her life. She told of how she was ready to attend church one Sunday morning, several years ago, and while she waited for the neighbor to pick her up, she fell in her home, severely breaking her shoulder. In a short time she was being placed in the nursing home. The first day and night were most difficult. She asked, "Lord, why am I having to face this? I was trying to do my best in serving you. I was ready to go to church when I fell. I have tried to live for you and serve you. Why has this happened to me?" The next morning as she woke, the Lord gave her a peace about the situation. He confirmed that He had placed her there for a purpose. She was to be a witness to Him for others who lived at the nursing home. Since that time she has never questioned the Lord again. She is a faithful witness to all who will listen. Only heaven will reveal the lives she has touched by being content where she is and allowing God to use her. You see godliness with contentment is great gain.

I pray that we will realize just how good God has been in our lives and be content with what we have and where He has placed us. As long as we have the Lord, we have all we need!

Preacher Chris

I am Chris Benfield, pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Boonville, NC. Here you will find some of my thoughts, particularly relating to the church and serving our Lord.

A Guaranteed Method for Success

Christ is Christmas.

Is Jesus Among Us?

Glory to God in the Highest!

The Unspeakable Gift

It's All About Him!

Wise Men Still Seek Him!

Emmanuel, God with us.

Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing

Contentment in the Lord

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