Is it Possible to Have Peace in the World Tonight?

Our Choir along with the Floyd Springs Baptist Church Choir did an EXCELLENT job of leading us in worship on Saturday and Sunday nights through their presentation of "There is Peace in the World Tonight." My heart rejoiced at the message that was in the music. Every choir member lifted their voice in praise to God which in turn lifted our hearts in praise and worship.

In my message on Sunday morning, I quoted a powerful line that comes near the end of the musical presentation. The music changes as the choir sings, "And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”





The events of this past week certainly validate the truth of those words. But thank God for the words that follow.

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,with peace on earth, good will to men."

I read an interesting article that talks about both war and peace. It begins by saying...

"The history of mankind is the history of wars. Though impossible to calculate accurately, it is estimated that since the beginning of recorded history, around 3,600 BC, the western world has known only about 300 years of peace. That means only eight percent of history has enjoyed peace."

You can read the complete article HERE.





Here is the final point of yesterday's sermon.

1

The PRACTICE of Peace

a.     Peace with God
You and I can have peace with God through Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1 (ESV) "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

b.    Peace of God

                                              i. Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                           ii. Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

c.     Peace with others
It is possible to have peace with others. If the Lord can tear down the barrier that existed between the Jews and Gentiles then he can tear down any barriers that are in your life against any other person.
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)
14 For he himself is our PEACE, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

d.    Peace at night
Do you have fear and anxiety move in on you in the evening? Well, tell them they are not welcome in your heart or mind. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Focus on Him and the peace that He gives (John 14:27) and then go to sleep.
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

e.     Peace through the WORD
Some lack peace because they are living in their own strength and depending far too much on their own thoughts and ideas with very little of God's Word filling their mind. Well, if you want true peace it is going to come as you fill your mind with the truth of Scripture. Spend time in His Word and you will come to know the Peace that he alone gives.
Psalm 119:165 (ESV)
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

f.      Peace for others 

      As believers, we have THE message of peace that everyone needs to hear. Who can you share peace with this week?

i. Romans 10:15 (ESV) And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

                        

                        ii. Isaiah 52:7 (ESV) 

                        How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." 

Peace to You,

Pastor Mike

How Do We Respond?

David Fairchild over at "The Resurgence" website has written an excellent and timely article on the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

He begins by writing: "Needless to say, words seem weak and impotent during a time like this. We shouldn't turn our heads from this atrocity, but square up our shoulders and look right at it with eyes wide open. God's children are called to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn, and we do both with great hope in the promises of God. It's tempting to want to avoid the horror of such an event, but I believe our Father wants us to see a glimpse of what he sees and feel, for a moment, what he feels. He knows something about the loss of a child."

Read the rest of the article by clicking HERE

Keeping Christ in Christmas is what "Mucks the Whole Thing Up"???

Here is an interesting article that reveals a growing thought among many in our culture. 
NBC Medical Editor Denounces 'Religion Part' of Christmas That 'Mucks the Whole Thing Up' | NewsBusters.org

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas from Pastor Wade Burleson

Wade Burleson is the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, OK. I believe you will find what he has written here to be interesting and though provoking.

ISTORIA MINISTRIES BLOG: Christmas and the Status Quo in Churches: I sometimes hear evangelicals condemn churches and pastors for being accomodating to culture in their ministries. From having church-wide S...

Sunday Summary - December 9, 2012

Wow! We enjoyed a great day of worship on Sunday. Every Sunday in December is a celebration of Christmas at Everett Springs Baptist. Yesterday we celebrated the JOY that has come to us because of Christmas. In Luke 2:10 we read: "And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."" The message from the angel was 1) Good, 2) Great, and 3) Global.

Because of Christ's birth was can do more than sing "Joy To The World" we can actually live in JOY! That is something to celebrate!

On Sunday evening, our youth and children presented "The Birth of Jesus" using drama, music and multimedia. What a joy to see 18 of our children involved in that special presentation. It was also great to see such a good attendance of our church family and guests for this program. A great time of fellowship was enjoyed by everyone following the program.

On this coming Saturday, December 15 at 6:00pm our choir along with the Floyd Springs Baptist Choir will present a musical program entitled: "There is Peace in the World Tonight." It will be a wonderful program and one that you will want to invite your family and friends to attend along with you.

Celebrating the JOY of Christmas,
Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary August 5, 2012

Marilyn and I arrived at Zack and Amanda's last night around 10:00pm. Well, actually we arrived at the home where Zack and Amanda were housesitting for the night. It is the home of the family Amanda serves as a nanny and arrangements were made for us to stay there with Zack & Amanda.

On Sunday morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast together and then headed to church at Kenwood Baptist. Sunday school was on 1 Timothy 5 and we enjoyed the material that was taught. The Pastor was begining a new series on the Song of Solomon. He had the introductory message today. After the worship service we stayed for a "Pot Luck" luncheon that they have each Sunday.

As a Pastor, it is good for me to attend church as a "visitor" from time to time. It is good to have that expereince and to be reminded of how it feels to be a visitor. I know it is always good to make guests feel welcome and I am so grateful for the friendliness of the Everett Springs Church family.

I thought of our church family often today. I trust you had a great day of worship and I am confident that Donny Payne ministered the Word well.

I am grateful for the time off and am looking forward to the rest of our week. Tomorrow we head to Kendalville, IN to visit with Marilyn's family. We will be with them on Monday night, all day Tuesday and then we will begin to head back on Wednesday. A two night stop is planned for Dollywood on our return trip home.

Well, I better sign off for now and enjoy the rest of the evening with Zack and Amanda.

Take Care,
Pastor Mike

I Voted Three Times This Week

Yes, it is true; I voted three times this week. I should explain myself before you accuse me of voter fraud. There was no fraud involved in my voting experience of the past two days.

On Tuesday, I exercised my constitutional right as a citizen and voted for the individuals who best represented my beliefs and principles. Thankfully it appears a large number of Georgians voted in a similar manner. We want individuals who are morally sound, financially conservative, and who understand the concept of accountability.

Today I cast two votes. These votes were recorded at the two Chick-Fil-A locations here in Rome, GA. My purchase provided me with a delicious char grilled salad and sweet tea at the Dwarf House and then I went over to the mall location for a Hand Spun chocolate shake for desert. Both locations were packed.

The Dwarf house was the busiest I have ever seen it. The line went from the front counter to the front door. The drive through line circled out through the parking lot and past the Provino’s restaurant that is next door. Apparently there are numerous people who appreciate Chick-Fil-A! I also assume there are a large number of individuals who support the idea of a marriage being between a man and a woman. We showed up today to say by our presence (and our purchases) that we agree with Mr. Dan Cathy.

I find it interesting that fewer than 5 percent of Americans identify themselves as gay or lesbian. You can read more about that statistic HERE. I also find this MAP of the US and same sex marriages to be enlightening. It seems to me that the issue is not Mr. Dan Cathy’s values being out of line with the rest of the country. No, it is Mr. Rahm Emanuel who is out of step with the majority of our citizens. As of February 2012, same sex unions are either banned by law or state constitutions, or both in 29 states.

All this reminds me how important it is for each of us to vote and to vote often. At the ballot box and at the lunch counter. It’s time for us to be Secure in what we believe, to Stand for what we believe and be willing to Show others with our words and deeds what we believe.

That’s what I believe – what about you?

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

I am enjoying our Sunday evening Bible survey series. Last Sunday we completed our 16th study by highlighting the book of Job. Next up will be the Psalms - don't worry I don't plan to survey all 150 chapters in one message. 

The survey of Job reminded me of the strength and comfort we can receive from God's Word during the hardships and difficulties that come our way. 

Pastor John Piper has written a book entitled: "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God." You will not go wrong in reading what he has written. Here is a quote from the book:

“The very thing the tilting ship needs in the storm is the ballast of God’s good sovereignty, not the unburdening of deep and precious truth. What makes the crush of calamity sufferable is not that God shares our shock, but that his bitter providences are laden with the bounty of love” (p. 9).

That is such a rich quote and worth dwelling on as we think about the hardships and challenges each of us face.

If you would like to read more about Job just click HERE and you will be taken to a page of five sermons on Job that Pastor Piper preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church. It will be a good investment of your time to read through these sermons. Especially if you find yourself in a season of suffering or hardship.

Here is one other resource I was not able to share with you on Sunday night. I came across this in the MacArthur Study Bible. It clearly addresses the "mystery of innocent suffering."

“The major reality of the book is the inscrutable mystery of innocent suffering. God ordains that his children walk in sorrow and pain, sometimes because of sin (cf. Num. 12:10–12), sometimes for chastening (cf. Heb. 12:5–12), sometimes for strengthening (cf. 2 Cor. 12:7–10; 1 Pet. 5:10), and sometimes to give opportunity to reveal his comfort and grace (2 Cor. 1:3–7). But there are times when the compelling issue in the suffering of the saints is unknowable because it is for a heavenly purpose that those on earth can’t discern (cf. Ex. 4:11; John 9:1–3).” (MacArthur Study Bible, electronic edition)

For His Glory,

Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary for July 22, 2012

It is Sunday afternoon as I write this and I am still excited about this morning's service! I am so grateful for the Lord's blessing upon His Word. Several of our Church family commented on how the message spoke to them - what a blessing to know that God still speaks to His children through his Word.

The message was from Acts 16:6-40. This passage answered the question: "What will a Gospel Centered Ministry Encounter?" Paul has embarked on his second missionary journey. He is joined by Silas, Timothy and Luke in this passage of Scripture. Here are some highlights from the message.

1. We will encounter "No" as we go - So don't GIVE UP!
According to verses 6 and 7, the missions team encountered clear and unmistakeable "No's" concerning the places they had hoped to go. What was true for them remains true for us today. There are dreams and desires that we may want to fulfill; but it often seems like we hit roadblocks and hindrances to fulfilling "our"plans. We will encounter some "No's" along the way but we should never give up! On the other hand we do not need to "kick the door down" we just need to eagerly anticipate the unfolding of God's plan. Closed doors only make the open doors all the more exciting to go through - Don't Give Up!

2. We will encounter those whom God has prepared to receive the Gospel - So SPEAK UP!
Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia asking for his help. When Paul and the team arrived they were led of God to a group of women who were eager to hear their message. One lady is singled out - Lydia. Her heart was tender toward the things of God. "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." (v. 14 ESV). God is working in the hearts and lives of people to make them ready and attentive to the Gospel message. we need to be ready to SPEAK UP when we meet them.

3. We will encounter distractions along the way - So don't LET UP!
After the joy of leading a Tender soul to Christ the missions team encounters a troubled soul. They met a demon possessed slave girl. What she said about Paul and Silas was true; it was the right message but from the wrong messenger (v.17). They could not be aligned with a demon possessed girl. Here we learn of Satan's methods for distracting us in the work to which we have been called. He first seeks an alliance with us and if that does not work he quickly turns antagonistic toward us. It is interesting to note that through a wrong alliance the church and her members will always suffer but when antagonism comes the church can be strengthened. Decide now that you will not LET UP when distraction come.

4. We will encounter Difficult Circumstances - So we need to LOOK UP!
The committed Christian life has never been an easy life. Temptations, troubles and trials are all part of this side of eternity. When the demon possessed girl was set free from the demon that controlled her her owners were angry because they lost a good source of income. This led them to make false accusations about Paul and Silas and that ultimately led to a harsh incarceration of them. They were beaten with rods and placed in a maximum security cell with their feet in stocks. Battered, bruised, bleeding and bound in jail and yet these two men chose to pray and sing at midnight! Wow! When the outlook is bad the uplook can truly make a difference. No doubt they were familiar with the words of Christ as recorded in Matthew 5:11-12. So where are you? If you are like me you are no where near the circumstances Paul and Silas found themselves in - if they can pray and sing in their condition - what is stopping you? Quit looking around and start looking up!

5. We will encounter questions - So POINT UP to the Savior!
The jailer asked the most important question that anyone can ask, "What must I do to be saved?" Isn't it great that Paul did not give him a long list of requirements and regulations. The answer was clear and simple; "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." After the simple answer Paul spent a little more time sharing "the word of the Lord" with him (16:32). There are still people today who need someone like you to point them to the Savior. Will you be ready to POINT UP to Jesus if the opportunity comes your way this week?

Why not take a few minutes to read through Acts 16:6-40 and then think about these statements...

• Never GIVE UP, even when you encounter a "no" look for His plan over your plan.
• Always SPEAK UP when you sense God has prepared others to hear the Gospel
• Never LET UP even in the face of distractions.
• Always LOOK UP when in the midst of difficult circumstances.
• Be sure to POINT UP to Christ so others can know how to be saved.

Sunday night we turned to the book of Job in seeking an answer to the question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" I will share some thoughts and ideas with you on Tuesday concerning this important question.

I'm honored to serve as your Pastor,
Mike

God Less America!

What looks like a typo (above) is actually a motto the American Atheist's used across the country on July 4th, 2011. Read more about it HERE.

It's amazing how much some want to deny and discredit the faith of our founding fathers. What we need is more men like the Rev. Jacob Duche'. He was the first chaplain to the Continental Congress. Here is a portion of the prayer he prayed at the first Continental Congress.

“O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.

 
Amen.”

You can read more about Rev. Duche' and the prayer he prayed on September 7th, 1774 at the first Continental Congress by clicking HERE.

Have a great Fourth of July and take some time to pray for our country, our leaders and our citizens.

Sunday Summary - July 1, 2012

We began the month of July with a great day of worship! 

At 8:00am we had 27 men gather for a delicious breakfast and a good time of fellowship at our Brotherhood Meeting. Hudon Miller and the Kitchen Crew can put out a FANTASTIC breakfast!

Following Sunday School at 10 we entered into our Worship Service at 11:00. It was good to have Lee back from his time off. The music ministry was a blessing to all. The choir did an excellent job singing "We will remember." Jenny Williams shared a special with us and we are always glad to have Jenny minister to us in song.

I had planned a message unlike any I had ever preached in the four years I have been at Everett Springs. I entitled the message: "God, Country, and the Christian Citizen" and wanted it to remind us of: 1) The Founding of our Country, 2) The Folly of our Culture, and 3) The Future for Christians. I will share a few highlights and links from the message in this post and in a couple to follow.

Understanding the Heritage of our country is important. There appear to be quite a few revisionists out there who want to deny or downplay the Biblical and godly heritage of our nation. Here are a couple of quotes I shared in the message that reflect the worldview of some of the founding fathers.

• Benjamin Franklin, Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787
  "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel."
  (It appears from his words that he had a working knowledge of Scripture and an understanding that without the Lord's help our nation would not survive.)
  
• George Washington
  "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor."
  (Wise words that we should heed even today)

In speaking of the Folly of our Culture I had no shortage of illustrations. In fact, I had to limit the illustrations to fit the allotted time. As I said on Sunday, I am providing you with the links to a few of the current events I referenced in the message.

1. Lawmakers claim Air Force becoming "hostile towards religion"
   Click the link above and you will learn how the Air Force suspended the teaching of an ethics class because the material referenced a Bible passage.
2. Bibles in the Military... a threat to National Security!
   Imagine that. Actually I don't want to imagine that but that is a clear indication of the folly of our culture.
3. Mayor Plans to Keep God in government
   Click above to read of the troubles of Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen. I like how he said: "The state needs to get out of the church, but the church doesn't need to get out of the state."
4. Choosing RACE over what is RIGHT
   Rep. Allen West saw the same thing I did in the report that the Congressional Black Caucus' walked out on the contempt vote for Eric Holder. He says it far better than I did and we need more men like him who will stand for the truth and speak it without compromise.

Well, I had five more points illustrating the Folly of our Culture, but I will save some of them for another day and another blog post.

Tomorrow I will share a few more highlights from the message.

Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary for April 22, 2012

     We enjoyed a good day of worship on Sunday. The congregational singing was a blessing. Our Choir blessed us and honored the Lord as they sang “He’s Alive”. Donna sang the opening verses and she not only sings beautifully, but she sings with such feeling that it brought us all into the story the song presents; couple that with our choir singing out “He’s Alive!” and you could not help but to be blessed!

     It was an honor to have James Bennett with us representing the Gideon ministry. He shared some facts and stories about the Bible distribution of the Gideon’s. Our church family gave generously to the ministry. We gave enough to supply the Gideons with 271 pocket New Testament’s to distribute to young people. I’m proud of you Everett Springs Church family!

     Time allowed me to only share the opening of the message: “God Works Through Prayer” For the Scripture reading I read from Acts 4:23-31. The message came from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. The prayer of Jabez clearly models for us that we can ask for God’s 1) Provision, 2) Presence, and 3) Protection. I was able to present the rest of the message during our Sunday evening service. I thank the Lord for how well the message was received and how folks responded to the desire for us to begin a ministry of praying for prodigals to return to the Father. I am looking forward to seeing God work as we humble ourselves before Him in prayer.

     I mentioned that I would share some “Bonus Material” on the blog, so I better get to it. What follows is from the book: From Embers to a Flame: How God can Revitalize Your Church by Harry L. Reeder III. He is writing about the prayer of the Disciples in Acts 4. What he says about prayer and God’s sovereignty is worth the time it will take for you to read it. May you be encouraged by his words.

“The believers in Jerusalem went on to say, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Thy holy servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur” (vv. 27-28). It may seem strange to some that predestination is actually mentioned in a prayer, because to them predestination and prayer appear to be mutually exclusive concepts. If God has predestined everything, they say, why should we bother to pray? But this was not a problem for the early church; as one commentator says, they actually “found comfort in the fact that he knew beforehand what would happen.”

            That is why the prayer begins with a reference to God as “Lord” (v. 24, Greek despotes). As John Stott writes, “The Sanhedrin might utter warnings, threat and prohibitions, and try to silence the church, but their authority was subject to a higher authority still, and the edicts of men cannot overturn the decrees of God.” And they not only found comfort in the fact that God is in control, but also found motivation to pray, strange as that may seem. They knew that the same God who predestines has also chosen to accomplish His sovereign will through prayer, not apart from it. Put another way, the purpose of prayer in not for us to change the plan of God, but for us to participate in that plan. God graciously enables us to pray so that He can graciously allow us to be a part of His work in the world.” (From Embers to a Flame, p. 92)

     Wow! That is some “meat” to chew on. I am going to post some more on this subject tomorrow. Come back and read it and I believe you will find it to be a blessing and encouragement to you.

Have a great day and take time to pray!

For His Glory,

Pastor Mike