“Forgiveness is Revealed in Actions”
Amos 7:1-9
Conformity to God’s character and commandments shows true forgiveness.
1) Sin Brings Destruction
2) Forgiveness Shows Life
Sin Brings Destruction
Amos 7:1-6
1 Thus the Lord God showed me: Behold, He formed locust swarms at the beginning of the late
crop; indeed it was the late crop after the king’s mowings. 2 And so it was, when they had finished
eating the grass of the land, that I said:
“O Lord God, forgive, I pray!
Oh, that Jacob may stand,
For he is small!”
3 So the Lord relented concerning this.
“It shall not be,” said the Lord.
4 Thus the Lord God showed me: Behold, the Lord God called for conflict by fire, and it consumed the
great deep and devoured the territory. 5 Then I said:
“O Lord God, cease, I pray!
Oh, that Jacob may stand,
For he is small!”
6 So the Lord relented concerning this.
“This also shall not be,” said the Lord God.
There are two visions in verses one through six that God shows to Amos about His plans of
destruction for Israel. The first is the vision of the locust. The king took the first cutting of hay as a tax
upon the people, leaving the people to eat from the second or late cutting of the crops. The devastation
the locusts would have caused on the harvest would have left the people with no food for their families.
They would have been destroyed by the discipline of God if this was allowed to be done.
Amos’ plea to God on behalf of the people was what the prophet was supposed to do. Prophets
delivered messages from God, but also in many ways were to act for God on behalf of the people. In this
case, Amos pleads for the people by asking God to forgive them. The Lord answered Amos’ plea on behalf
of the people and relented. Forgive and Relent are the two words that we need to understand in order to
grasp what took place between God and His prophet.
The word translated forgive in verse two is the Hebrew word sâlach which carries the meaning of
forgive, pardon, and spare. Amos understands there is no way for Israel to survive if the Lord would bring
this judgment upon His people. The prophet’s cry is to save the people of God from destruction in the

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same way Moses often stood before God on behalf of the exiles who came out of Egypt. They certainly
had deserved whatever judgment the Lord had planned for them, but those God called to be prophets
among His people were often torn between love and concern for the people’s well-being and broken heart
over the disgrace the people were bringing upon the name of God. Amos knew the only way for the people
to be spared is if God forgave them and pardoned their sinful behavior; yet he was fully aware of God’s
justice. In response to Amos’ cry of forgiveness, God relented and did not bring this judgment upon the
people.
The translation of relented in verse three is nâcham which means sigh, be sorry, pity, console, and
repent. In many of the translations and versions of the Bible, except for a few like here in the New King
James and the Holman Christian Standard Bible, this Hebrew word is translated repented. This is true to
the accuracy of the word, but it does not do justice to the character of God. The Lord never has and never
will need to repent of anything. It is not wrong or some kind of mistake for this word to be translated in
this way at all, for it is remaining true to the meaning of the word and what God had decided. The Lord
did not bring the judgment of the locust on the people which He had shown to Amos in the vision.
God was showing Amos what the people deserved. The Lord had every right to bring destruction
on Israel as He had destroyed the people of Canaan whose land they were now living in had suffered. The
connotation of God repenting in the mind of people makes it sound like God in some way had sinned.
The Lord has said about Himself, “19 God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should
repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19,
NKJV). It also must be remembered that God does not change His mind either, “17 Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation
or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJV).
God did turn away from what He had showed to Amos in the vision of what He was going to do.
The Lord did repent as the word is defined, but at no time was God wrong or sinful in His judgment to
bring this upon His people since it is what their sin deserved. God displays His mercy and grace in
choosing not to bring the destruction upon His people, but also wanted the people to know through the
Prophet Amos that it was in His right to bring it upon them.
The idea of God changing His mind is to make the Lord equal with mankind. Making God “more
human” in the Old Testament is to distort His holiness and righteousness. Even in the Incarnation when,
“…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…” God remained completely God
without doing injury to His nature as He became flesh in order to be the perfect sacrifice to satisfy His
judgment upon sin (John 1:14, NKJV). This balance of Jesus being completely human and completely
divine in the same exact time is beyond the ability of human logic and only possible in the miraculous
power of God. We accept it because it is true and forgiveness is null and void if Jesus was less than who
He was: fully God and fully Man.
In this first vision, God is destroying the people and causing them to suffer. The judgment is upon
them personally to bring about their physical death. In the second vision, God is bringing destruction
upon the land and all their possession. This would leave them destitute and homeless, but alive.
The second vision Amos received called for conflict. The way in which God could have also chosen
to deal with His people is through fire in order to destroy all they had. This would “…consume the great

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deep and devour the territory” (Amos 7:4, NKJV).
God could have taken away from the people all they had and left them alive as well. In Amos’
response to God in view of this devastation he cried out, “…O Lord God, cease, I pray!…” (Amos 7:5, NKJV).
In both of these responses, Amos’ reasoning is the same, “…Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!…”
(Amos 7:3, 5, NKJV). Israel and Judah were both small in comparison to the nations who surrounded
them as is still the case even in the twenty-first century. The standing which Amos is speaking of here is
being the representation of God among the nations. Amos’ reasoning was out of love for the people, but
more so out of longing to see that God was honored among the nations. Moses had the same concern
when confronting God on behalf of the lives of the people.
“9 And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! 10 Now
therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will
make of you a great nation.”
11 Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against
Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12
Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the
mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from
this harm to Your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by
Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land
that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14 So the Lord relented
from the harm which He said He would do to His people” (Exodus 32:9-14, NKJV).
Moses’ plea for the people was concern for the people and also for the reputation of God in the
eyes of the nation. The prophets of God were always torn between understanding what the people
deserved in their judgment before God in their sin and their desire to see the name of the Lord lifted up
and honored among the nations of the world. In many ways, all leaders in the body of Christ whether
they be apostles, pastors, teachers, elders, or deacons will struggle with this heartache caused by the sin
of God’s people and the longing to see the name of God honored throughout creation.
The leader in the body of Christ who does not hold this tension will find themselves becoming
increasingly antagonistic towards the bride of Christ and lacking compassion towards those who are
struggling in their faith. The leader who loses sight of the reality of God’s holiness and righteousness will
make God so human that He becomes unstable in all He does by changing His mind and being ashamed
for the things He allows to come into the lives of people. Both of these positions are wrong and must be
repented of by the leader in order to represent God properly.
Sin is always destructive. It destroys lives and property alike. There is no way of escaping the
judgment of God, unless the Lord provides forgiveness of the sin. Forgiveness is something that is
acquired only through the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). This is seen in the Garden of Eden
immediately following mankind’s rebellion against God when God made them clothes from the skin of
an animal and the first offering that was recorded being presented to God (Genesis 3:21, 4:3-5).
Therefore, forgiveness is revealed in the actions of people in what they do and how they present
themselves before the Lord. If the blood of Christ is not what makes us acceptable in the eyes of God, a
person is believing in salvation that is empty and powerless to save them from the destruction that God

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is bringing upon the world due to sin. It is only in Christ that a person can ever be forgiven. Receiving
forgiveness changes a person visibly so that all who see them will be able to tell there is something
different about them. It is why Apostle Peter instructed all believers, “15 But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,
with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).
Forgiveness Shows Life
Amos 7:7-9
7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb
line in His hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”
And I said, “A plumb line.”
Then the Lord said:
“Behold, I am setting a plumb line
In the midst of My people Israel;
I will not pass by them anymore.
9 The high places of Isaac shall be desolate,
And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste.
I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam.”
Oh, that Jacob may stand,
For he is small!”
The final vision God revealed to Amos was that of a plumb line. This weighed object at the end of
a string is the standard used in construction to see if something is perpendicular. Whatever the plumb
line is placed beside will quickly be revealed as true or out of alignment at a simple glance. God asked
Amos to identify what he saw, and then God explained His plan which would not be changed regardless
of the plea of the Lord’s prophet.
The plumb line was going to be placed among the people of God which would reveal the sin which
was causing their destruction. The sin of Israel was known by all but never talked about publicly by
anyone. It was the hidden sin of the idol worship taking place on the hills surrounding their towns and
cities and the pagan sanctuaries which were overlooked in the community. The people’s behavior gave
testimony to the rebellion and spiritual prostitution they engaged in daily.
Amos could not respond in a way that could be interpreted that he was appalled at what God was
planning to do. Those who were innocent had nothing to fear since they would not be overcome by the
widespread devastation. Those who were guilty would be overcome by the judgment of God due to their
sin of idolatry. The land would not suffer punishment for the people’s rebellion either. The mercy of the
Lord is revealed in the plumb line vision much in the same way God allowed Abraham to intercede for
the righteous who possibly lived in the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah.
21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it
that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

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22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the
Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24
Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the
fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the
wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth
do right?”
26 So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for
their sakes.”…32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should
be found there?”
And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” (Genesis 18:21-26, 32, NKJV)
The great sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was more than the horrible sexual sin, but something much
worse in God’s eyes which brought their destruction. “49 Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom:
She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the
hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore, I
took them away as I saw fit” (Ezekiel 16:49-50, NKJV). The behavior of the people in Israel was not
displaying the evidence of a people who worshiped the Lord. Their actions revealed their sinful lusts,
selfishness, and lack of submission to the commandments of God.
Those who have received forgiveness from God acknowledge His will, law, and ways are better
than their own. The one who understands this will rid their lives of sin by admission, confession, and
repentance. Those who were in Israel reflected the sins committed by the same nations God drove out of
the land in order for them to possess it. The Lord even warned His people that if they did what was done
by the inhabitants of the land, He would also expel them as He did the nations of Canaan. God’s
proclamations were given to the Israelites before they even entered the Promised Land,
“24 ‘Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I
am casting out before you. 25 For the land is defiled; therefore, I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it,
and the land vomits out its inhabitants. 26 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and
shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation or any stranger who dwells
among you 27 (for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the
land is defiled), 28 lest the land vomit you out also when you defile it, as it vomited out the nations that were
before you. 29 For whoever commits any of these abominations, the persons who commit them shall be cut
off from among their people” (Leviticus 18:24-29, NKJV).
There is no way a person can proclaim forgiveness and allow any sin in their lives to go
unchallenged. The actions of those who have accepted the forgiveness Christ offers through His shed
blood reflects the character of God as a new creation in Christ rather than their old nature of sin. Paul
explained to the Corinthian believers, “16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.
Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become” (2
Corinthians 5:16-17).
God revealed to Amos the reality of the standard of living He demands through the

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commandments, laws, statutes, and precepts that He has given to the people to follow and pass on to
future generations. The plumb line does not change, neither does the laws and commandments of God.
God’s justice must be satisfied since it cannot be amended or changed. Sin will bring about the
destruction of people and all of creation if it is not satisfied. Christ is the propitiation (satisfaction of
God’s judgment against sin). The one who is forgiven does not view sin any longer as something that can
be lived with at all. There is no compromise that can be struck in order to coexist with sin. Sin is revealed
and known as a deadly thing.
Only as a person finds forgiveness in the shed blood of Christ can they recognize the plumb line
God is holding out to all mankind in Christ. As we lift Christ up in our lives the differences between our
behavior and the life of Christ are clearly seen. Those things showing a person to be out of sync with God
and His commandments require a decision to be made. A person can either submit, confess, and repent
of our errors, or be destroyed by the sin they refuse to acknowledge if they reject Christ’s forgiveness.
Those who are children of God who have been knocked down by sin’s seduction will be hounded and
made miserable by God until they confess and repent of their sins.
Those who have received forgiveness in Christ have no need for any other mediator than Christ
Himself. It is Christ who sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for His people. Paul
proclaimed this in his letter to the Roman believers,
“34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the
right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am
persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things
to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:34-39, NKJV).
Those who realize they are no longer in fear of judgment from God but residing in His blessing in
Christ have the ability to replace the fear of their hearts with the joy of the Lord; they will be able by the
power of the Holy Spirit living within them to rejoice and demonstrate peace that passes all
understanding in spite of heartache and loss. The reality of being kept in Christ and held safe in the love
of God without worry of separation from Him is often forfeited due to a misunderstanding of what
forgiveness is and what it is not.
Forgiveness is received by God and then revealed in the lifestyle of the one who has received the
right to become a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus. The one who is forgiven can, by the power
of the Spirit of Christ within them, choose to call their sin out, honestly deal with their struggle with it,
and then confidently ask others to assist them to keep them accountable to walk in the Spirit and deny
their fleshly appetites.
Therefore, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NKJV).

 

• Psalm 78:1-4 is a call for the people of God to listen to what the Lord has to say, but warning them it will not be easy to hear.
• Psalm 78:5-7 reminds the people of how God gave them His law to obey and instructions to pass it on to future generations.
• Psalm 78:8-11 is of the failure of each generation to keep the law or pass on the law as instructed by God.
• Psalm 78:12-16 speaks of God’s miraculous rescue of His people from Egypt and leadership in the wilderness.
• Psalm 78:17-20 reminds the people of their constant complaining due to their lack of faith and trust in God.
• Psalm 78:21-27 is God’s blessing upon the people even though He was angered by their lack of faith and trust in Him.
• Psalm 78:28-31 is God revealing a measure of His wrath to help the people understand the consequences of sin.

 

            Forgiveness that is received from God allows people to be led out of being captive to the whims and desires of a wicked heart. Satisfying the flesh is what many of the people of Israel did rather than be willing to suffer the inconveniences of waiting upon and trusting in God’s timing and provision. God consumes those who are dead in their sins with futility and fear as long as a person remains unforgiven in their sin. They are helpless and hopelessly dead in their sins until forgiveness is received from God.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

            We remember our past sins; God chooses to wipe the record clean with the erasing power of Christ’s blood. We allow past sins to prevent us from accepting God’s call to service; God chooses to see Christ’s righteousness rather than the filthy rags of our righteousness. Forgiveness is received from God. Christ has provided redemption from the wrath of God and destroyed sins ability to taint how God deals with His children moving forward. This is the model He has provided so others can give forgiveness in the same manner as what they have received it.  

 

  Psalm 78:36-39, NKJV ³⁶ Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue; ³⁷ For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. ³⁸ But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath; ³⁹ For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again.

 

 

 

 

 

            Apostle Paul explained it this way in his letter to the Romans, ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Apostle Peter was inspired to explain it in this way, “²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ²² “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; ²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. ²⁵ For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:21-25, NKJV).

 

 

 

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” March 26, 2019

 

How many times have you heard or even said, “It is going to be okay.” A popular section of a passage of Scripture Christians often quote goes like this, “God works all things for the good of those who love Him”. While this sounds great, the reality of most people is somewhat different than what is said which leads many believers to doubt that God’s Word is actually true here and in other places.

 

As always, it is best to make sure that we are keeping the Word of God in context and be careful with the way it is able to be twisted to make it easier to deal with and follow. The section of Scripture that most people quote to others and remind themselves of in times of difficulty actually reads, “27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:27-30, NKJV).

 

Yes, it does say that “…all things work together for good to those who love God…” That is vastly different than saying, “God works all for the good of those who love Him.” The impression many people give is that God is going to miraculously make this failure, mistake, tragedy, or loss something that turns out to be something that is not what it seems. Let us be honest. There are some things that happen to us or those that we love which have no silver lining, no value that can be seen even years later, and are nothing more than senseless acts of violence and tragedy. So, what is this verse literally saying that should be encouragement to us rather than something to appease people in the midst of hardship? There are qualifiers that Apostle Paul was inspired to write so that people would not get the wrong idea about the things God does or which He allows to happen. God knows the heart of all people, but is intimately changing the hearts of those by intercession through His Spirit to help them conform to His will.

 

Everything that happens in life God will use in the life of His child to teach, strengthen, reveal Himself, and prepare them for eternity. God knows all people for He has created everyone. Those who choose to turn to Him in faith He can activate the specific plan that He desired them to fulfill before they were ever born. This comes about because the Sprit of God resides within the life of His child to conform them to Christ’s image as the “2 …author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).

 

Every tragedy, loss, and pain does not have a silver lining. There are things that happen to us which cannot be explained away or justified. This does not make the Word of God false since God never once promised the silver lining or justification for every tragedy that is encountered in life. God has said that He has a plan for those who trust Him, and whatever we go through will be used to teach us to depend upon and lean on God more than ourselves or anything else.

 

It is better to say, “We just have to trust God’s righteousness and justice through this time”, rather than trying to convince ourselves or others that everything will be okay. Sometimes, everything is not okay; the pain remains, the tears last for years, and the scars are constant reminders. God is still faithful, righteous, just, and good regardless of these things and can be trusted. In Him alone there is hope for tomorrow.

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, help me to always look to You instead of depending upon others who are depending upon You. Jesus, help me to remember Your sufferings that You call me to join You in so I am not so discouraged in pain. Spirit, help me to overcome despair by continually submitting to the changes You are making within me. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” March 19, 2019

 

What is the point of life? That is a question many people ask during their lifetime at least once. There are various answers but only one answer that is true and brings satisfaction to the one who will accept it. Apostle Paul’s inspired writing explains it best since it is God who is speaking through him.

 

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind…7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:5, 7-12, NKJV emphasis added)

 

The point of life is to live for God rather than for self. There is no doubt this answer is certainly unsatisfactory and unacceptable to the majority of people in the world. Those who reject this truth will offer other answers to the point of life and why they are here on this earth. The issue is those answers do not cause them to be satisfied, content, happy, or prevent them from becoming hopeless. Turning to faith in the living God is the only place a person will find the satisfaction, peace, and joy everyone is so desperately searching for in their life.

 

The mistake the children of God have made in their witnessing attempts is to think they can argue people into the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is illogical to the sinful mind and unbelievable to the corrupt human heart. The only true way to reveal and witness to people is identified by Jesus when the disciples of John the Baptist came to question Him on behalf of John to ask if He truly was the Messiah sent by God. Jesus did not say yes or no, but told them, “22 …“Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (Luke 7:22-23, NKJV).

 

The truth of who Christ is and His lordship over all things is revealed in the obedience of the children of God in how they live make choices, treat others, and how they have possess strength, hope, and joy in spite of the trials and hardships of life. This is the greatest witness to the reality of the presence of God living in His people. Jesus’ life was far from easy; He encountered continual strife and conflict. Yet, He overcame all of them by simply doing the will of God the Father. Obey God by taking on His character and acknowledge your need of His help (John 15:5-8), putting on the armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:14-18), and submitting to His will over your own desires (Romans 12:1-3).

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, help me to see what You are doing so I can follow Your lead throughout this day. Jesus, reveal to me how I can live for the Father through the circumstances of this day as You did on earth. Spirit, manifest Your presence and power through me by helping me deny myself and submit to the Father. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” March 12, 2019

 

Faithful is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as 1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker. 2. True to one’s word, promises, vows, etc. God describes it through demonstrating what faithfulness looks like through the Incarnation and His prophets in Scripture,

 

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:1-6, NKJV emphasis added).

 

The most important thing for a person to be faithful is that they must accept and agree with the one to whom they are going to be faithful. Those who cannot agree with or accept or believe the same thing as another can never be faithful to them in spite of the effort they put forth. This is a fact since each area a person disagrees with will cause them stress and conflict personally. If they do comply it will not be with full faithfulness; corners will be cut and the standard will be lowered to meet the position of the one to whom they disagree. This can be seen in the example of those who begin businesses based on a standard of service which values even the crankiest of customers. As the company grows and employees are added, the likelihood of the standard of service diminishes. New workers hired may not agree with the policies of the company and will operate under the standards they can agree with but faithless to the standard set by the founders and owners. It is only when each employee agrees with and practices the original standard of the founder that the same level of service will be continued.

 

This is true with people spiritually who follow Christ.Christ has set the perfect example for His followers to live a pleasing life before the Father. The problem is that each person who chooses to follow Him will often adjust what Christ has said and done in establishing the standard Jesus set. Forgiveness is the greatest thing that people will adjust the standards that have been set by God. Forgiveness is never an option for a follower of Jesus; it is a command to follow without exception regardless of what injury was received, “14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15, NKJV).

 

Faithfulness is only possible when those following Christ accept the will of God over their own desires and will. If a person has problems with faithfulness, they must first align their standards of life, justice, love, and forgiveness with God’s in order to become faithful to the Lord in all things.

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, help me to understand and accept that Your will and ways are prefect and do not need my adjustments. Jesus, help me to follow Your example rather than attempt to improve on perfection. Spirit, help me to change my lifestyle, attitudes, and desires so they are all in agreement with the Father. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” February 21, 2019

 

There are some things that are viewed as inescapable. In America, it is often joked that no one can escape death and taxes. That is only partially true, since there are several who avoid paying taxes by illegal means and loop holes in the system. Death on the other hand is something everyone will eventually have to encounter during their life. Interestingly enough, though, there are two people recorded in Scripture that have even evaded the reality of death. They are Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24) and the Prophet Elijah (2 Kings 2:10-11). There is literally only one thing that is unavoidable in all of creation. No matter what you believe or do or think, everyone, without exception, will deal with the One true Living God who created all things. Those who rebel and want nothing to do with the God who is proclaimed in the Bible will find it impossible to escape His judgment and eternal damnation. The Prophet Amos was told to record this truth by God when Amos wrote,

 

“I saw the Lord standing by the altar, and He said: “Strike the doorposts, that the thresholds may shake, And break them on the heads of them all. I will slay the last of them with the sword. He who flees from them shall not get away, And he who escapes from them shall not be delivered. 2 “Though they dig into hell, From there My hand shall take them; Though they climb up to heaven, From there I will bring them down; 3 And though they hide themselves on top of Carmel, From there I will search and take them; Though they hide from My sight at the bottom of the sea, From there I will command the serpent, and it shall bite them; 4 Though they go into captivity before their enemies, From there I will command the sword, And it shall slay them. I will set My eyes on them for harm and not for good.” (Amos 9:1-4, NKJV)

 

There is no way of escaping the God of the universe. Therefore, people must decide how they want to deal with Him now as opposed to later. If a person waits to deal with God in procrastination or simple avoidance, they will know His wrath for all eternity. Those who choose to deal with God now can receive freedom from God’s wrath and judgment to enjoy the benefits of His love and grace by admitting their sin and seeking redemption from God’s wrath through the sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God, on their behalf. It really is that simple. After all we are nothing more than “puffed up dirt” according to a good pastoral friend of mine, which means God already knows how weak and frail we actually are and will make things simple (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 103:13-14). God created all things which make all things answerable to Him as the Owner. This includes every person who has ever lived in the past, is currently living now, and will live in the future. The only real question that each person must answer is: When do I want to encounter God? It is not a matter of if, but when.

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, thank You for helping me understand that now is the best time to deal with You while there is hope. Jesus, I rejoice in Your death and resurrection on my behalf so that my sins are atoned for by You and not me. Spirit, thank You for Your presence guaranteeing that I am forgiven in Christ and bound to be with the Father. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” February 19, 2019

 

Starting well is what most people do in the beginning of anything. No one plans to fail at something they set out to do. We go into new endeavors with good intentions. Finishing well is amazing only because it happens so rarely. Finishing with the same enthusiasm present as there was in the beginning is celebrated as a great feat since so few actually accomplish it. What happens to the majority of people is they get bogged down in the middle. True strength is not how a person starts or ends something; true strength is seen in the midst of the journey or task when a person is as determined and focused as they were at the beginning. This is seen in many of the leaders who God placed over His people. Jehoshaphat is a great example of someone who started off strong and was distracted in the middle of his reign.

 

“31 So Jehoshaphat was king over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 And he walked in the way of his father Asa, and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. 33 Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. 35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. 36 And he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37 But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish” (2 Chronicles 20:31-37, NKJV).

 

Jehoshaphat did what was right in the eyes of the Lord like his father, Asa. Yet, he allied himself with Ahaziah who was an evil king to do something that would be beneficial to his kingdom and the people. Jehoshaphat may have even had the idea that this venture together might even help Ahaziah to learn to worship the true God instead of his idols.

 

Walking with the Lord is never done while compromising with those of the world. Many ministries have caused themselves to lose their testimony and many precious resources by ministering in the way they believe is best, rather than first seeking God’s direction and then following Him. Dependency upon God does not lessen as a person matures in their faith; it increases. Reliance upon the Word of God for direction and prayer is something that grows greater as more is understood about God. Starting well is good. Finishing well is awesome. Staying fully dependent upon the Lord in the midst of ministry is miraculous. Make it a priority to spend time with God each day. This will not grow easier over time, but will grow to be more of a necessity to daily life. Taking time to pray is something that must be a conscious choice that is made at first, but will grow to be a time that is looked forward to and sacrificed for over time out of desire and need. This is how a person can see evidence of spiritual maturity in themselves over the years. Maturity in faith brings strength that is able to carry a person through all the things of life that happen in the middle of the journey where others tend to lose their way and become distracted.

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, help me to be ever growing in passion for You and need of You with every moment I live. Jesus, teach me to be focused on the will of the Father as You were in Your earthly ministry. Spirit, conform me to be more like a reflection of the Father’s character seen in Christ as I mature in faith. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” February 14, 2019

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14th is known as the day love is celebrated in America. One day to do what ought to be done for those we love every day of the year. I’m not talking about buying chocolate, flowers, and special meals together with the one who is loved. The appreciation that is openly expressed in words and action that take place on Valentine’s Day ought to be expressed every day of the year to those who hold special places in our hearts. This can only be achieved when people follow Jesus’ example of how to love: “

 

44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last” (Luke 23:44-46, NKJV). The greatest expression of love that Jesus gave to mankind and all of creation is His offering of Himself into the hands of the Father. That happened from conception to resurrection, but was voiced for all to hear by Jesus on the cross just before He died in the place of all mankind. This is the greatest example of love that has ever been shown.

 

Apostle Paul said it like this, “6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8, NKJV). Is this the way we love others as God’s people? Or, do we expect people to earn our love before we will give it sparingly to others?

God did not wait to get a guarantee that people would accept the sacrifice of His Son on behalf of their sins to provide them with forgiveness before sending Jesus. Why is it that God’s people demand from others what God never demanded from them? The “Hallmark” version of love where money is never an object, the perfect scenery is always available, and everything works out for a couple physically merely distorts the truth of what love is by giving people false expectations and groundless hope. True love is what Christ showed in giving Himself for wretched sinners like you and I once were, if we have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice in our place, or as we still are, being dead in our sins under God’s judgment.

 

On this Valentine’s Day, share with someone the greatest expression of love by sharing the Gospel. Share with those you love how God has blessed you by having them be part of your life. Make it a point to shower those who are special in your heart with love that is in line with God’s definition of love expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Then we will see Christ’s love shining through His body and the Gospel being lived out every moment of each day.

 

Praying beyond the physical: Father, I love You as my Creator and Master who has revealed Yourself to me because of Your love for me. Jesus, I love You as my Savior, Redeemer, and Sacrifice that has provided forgiveness and reconciliation. Spirit, I love You as my Tutor and Helper who is teaching me to understand how to live as a child of God. Pastor Tom

“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” February 12, 2019

 

Love is in the air, so to speak, as we approach Valentine’s Day. Flowers, cards, and romantic dinners are taking place across America the whole month of February in celebration of love. These expressions of love reflect what people desire love to be all about. Expensive gifts and flattering words are too easily expressed in order to, many times, receive what we selfishly want for ourselves. The truest expression of love is not exactly what is found on the latest Hallmark card, but is difficult to give and stomach for many people. Love is not for the faint of heart.

 

Isaiah records a vision of the greatest expression of genuine love this way, “13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider” (Isaiah 52:13-15, NKJV). This passage describes the purpose and reason of what Christ Jesus did upon the Roman cross to provide satisfaction for the wrath of God on sin (John 19:1-36; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 10:1-16).

 

Jesus was pretty clear about how to love others by following His example when He said, “…love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34, NKJV). The love Christ has showed to us is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and should be a model to follow and definition of love that must be embraced by God’s children. “4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NKJV).

 

This Valentine’s Day let us who worship the One true living God show genuine love that is in accordance with the love God has shown us through Christ. This should be the same love we display to others throughout each day towards everyone we encounter.

Praying beyond the Physical: Father, thank You for revealing what true love is so that I can receive and give love as You do. Jesus, thank You for demonstrating what true love is by the way You have loved and forgiven me of my sins. Spirit, thank You for helping me to continually learn how I am loved so that I can love others as You do. Pastor Tom