Salvation does not ONLY affect our eternal destiny; it radically impacts our day to day living! The “Wherefore” in 1 Peter 1:13 reminds us that the truth that follows is a result of the salvation we have received. Because we are saved we can and should 1) Think Right, 2) Live Right, and 3) Read Right.

We are to pull our thoughts together and think clearly and soundly. We are also to bear in mind that there is coming a time when the “revelation of Jesus Christ” will bring about the changes we long for today. He WILL put all things under His feet and at His name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. No matter how bad life gets the reality is that Christ will right all wrongs and conquer all foes. What a great time that will be!

Knowing this should lead each of us to living life as “obedient children,” who don’t live like we used to; but rather live a life of holiness. We are to be holy because the Lord is holy. Holiness should mark every area of our lives.

A great help to living a life of holiness is the reading of God’s Word. I love the phrase, “Because it is written,” Peter is reminding us that God has a sure word written just for us and we can depend on His Word to nourish us and strengthen us. I don’t know how any of us could make it in this world without the nourishment, comfort, and encouragement we find in God’s Word.

To get the most out of the reading of God’s Word remember to use your “specs.”

As you read look for…

Sins to Confess
Promises to Claim
Examples to Follow
Commands to Obey

When you and I read the Bible with these “SPECS” we WILL be better able to live as “obedient children” ready for the “revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Being Holy because He Is Holy,

Pastor Mike

Way to Go Salem!

Way to go Salem family! Your generosity is a blessing to many. On Saturday, there were over 130 coats given out to families who came to our coat drive. What a blessing to know that your generous spirit is being used to bless many families and was used to share the love of Christ with others.

On Sunday evening we prayed over 155 Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes that will be used to bless children and share the Gospel with families around the world. I envision many bright eyed; smiling; happy children blessed and excited by the love they will be receiving through the gifts that are enclosed in each shoebox. What a blessing that is to all of us!

This ministry brings to mind the words of Christ in Matthew 25:37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" Matthew 25:37-40 (ESV)

May the words of “the King” ring in our ears this Christmas season and all the year long.

Grateful to be a part of the Salem Family,
Pastor Mike

The Relevance of our Sunday Sermon Series

I received some mail from Dr. R.C. Sproul yesterday. It was the monthly letter I get from Ligonier Ministries. What he wrote further excited me about our preaching series in 1 Peter. Let me share some excerpts from his letter with you.

“…one of our teaching fellows, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, reminded us that “we can learn the nature of Christian living in a post-Christian world from the perspective of how Christians lived in a pre-Christian world.”

He was talking about the Apostle Peter, who wrote to Christians in the ancient Roman world to teach them how to honor God in a society that did not understand – and even hated – the Christian faith.

What we’re seeing in our post-Christian society is new to us, but it’s really an old story. As it becomes less socially acceptable to live out Scripture’s teaching, we’re facing challenges like those that confronted the first Christians – social ostracism, the government’s contempt, and the reality that non-believers just don’t understand our values.

Like the first Christians, we’re told we can believe whatever we want as long as we keep it to ourselves.

But we can’t keep the Christian faith to ourselves. In fact, Peter assumes our lives will be so distinctive that non-Christians will ask us about our hope (1 Peter 3:15).

Peter calls on us not to adopt a siege mentality or to withdraw from society so as to avoid suffering. In fact, he tells us “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). We should expect suffering for our faith and be ready for it.

How does Peter prepare us for the trials that are sure to come? He reminds us of our calling and proclaims the person and work of Christ (chap. 1-2). He tells us to love others and rejoice that we share Jesus’ sufferings (chap. 3-4). He calls church leaders to shepherd people in the faith and to build them up in Christ (chap. 5).

In other words, Peter provides answers for suffering Christians. He grounds them in the truth of Christ and applies is to their circumstances.

Wow, what a great letter reminding each of us of the extreme relevance of 1 Peter for our day!

On Sunday, we will see the practical outworking of our Salvation as we turn to 1 Peter 1:13-16. You will discover that true salvation affects our Thinking, our Living and our Reading.

I am looking forward to seeing you as the Church gathers on Sunday for Bible Study at 10:00 and for worship at 11:00 and 6:00. We need this time together so we can effectively “Live Right in Wrong World.”

See You Sunday,

Pastor Mike

Wanted: A Praying Man

I came across a blog entry by Jeremy Walker last week that I want to share with you. Jeremy wrote:

"I wonder if you have a praying man? In God’s kindness, I think I have just gained another. I know I already have at least one. He is an older friend, a man who assures me that I can safely get on with the work that the Lord has given me to do, because he is interceding for me. I know he is entirely reliable. I have heard him pray. It is a blessing to my heart to know that this father in the faith is storming heaven on my behalf day by day, that I need only to drop him a note with a particular request and he is sure to take it to the Lord. It is almost a dangerous confidence – so certain am I of his efficacious dealings with God through Christ that I could become inclined to pray less for myself (and how I wish I were inclined to pray more). I also know that he is not the only one."

He also wrote: "I cannot forget that when Spurgeon was asked the secret to his ‘success’ he replied, 'My people pray for me.'"

You can read the rest of his post HERE.

Would you pray for me? We will all benefit when you do.

Grateful for your prayers on my behalf,
Pastor Mike

Notes From My Journal on God's Will

 

I am going through some journals I have and I’m grateful to discover some great truths and ideas I have written down, over the years, from books I have read and messages I have heard. Here is an entry from April 12, 2011 from a message preached by Wendell Calder at Faith Baptist Church in Cartersville. He was preaching on “God’s Will” from Romans 12:1-2.

Here are the five key words he shared with us about discerning God’s Will.

1. Meditate…on God’s Word. The Will of God is ALWAYS known by the Word of God.

2. Dedicate… yourself to God.

3. Investigate… the various options.

4. Initiate… Do something. Take a step, make a move, it is easier to steer a moving car than it is one that is sitting still. To know His will tomorrow you should be doing His will today!

5. Eliminate…all known sin from your life. Sin will hold you back and will be a HUGE hindrance to discerning God’s will. So, confess and forsake any and all known sin.

Well, that’s a great list to think about. Do you want to know God’s will for your life? Then read over that list and seek to practice what it says so you can know and do the “good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Knowing and doing God’s Will is a DELIGHT!

Psalm 40:8 (ESV)
“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

Delighting in His Will, 

A Voice from Heaven

Wow, we enjoyed a blessed day of Bible Study, Worship and fellowship yesterday!

Our 10:00 Bible Study was from the book of Daniel. As Randall taught through the lesson we read Daniel 4:31. One phrase in that verse captivated my heart and mind. “There fell a voice from heaven,” That is certainly what we need today. We need to hear a voice from Heaven! Actually we did hear that voice on Sunday, as we studied God’s Word in our Adult Bible Study and then again as we set under the preaching of the Word in our morning and evening service. It is the voice from heaven that can make a lasting impact on all who hear that voice! Did you hear it yesterday?

It sure was a blessing to preach from 1 Peter 1:10-12. Those three verses are PACKED with practical application! Peter is expanding on the wonderful theme of Salvation. The wonder of our salvation is seen in….

1. The Prophets InvestigationThe prophets of old “inquired and searched diligently” to learn of the Salvation we have in Christ. They learned of the “grace” that is ours; the “sufferings of Christ;” and of the “glory” that is to come. May we like them continue to investigate the great truths of God’s Word!

2. The Spirit’s Revelation
What a blessing to know that the Spirit still reveals the truth of God’s Word to us today. He is the master teacher and He can give us a depth of understanding of God’s Word. May we each be faithful students of all the Spirit will reveal to us!

3. The Preacher’s Proclamation
Thank God for “them that have preached the gospel unto you” (vs. 12). The gospel that is preached is a personal gospel; it is preached unto “you.” It is also a powerful message because it is proclaimed with the power of “the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven;” Yes the message we preach, when it is the Word of God that is proclaimed is the “voice from heaven” that we all need to hear.

4. The Angel’s Examination
It is an awesome through that the message of Salvation is a message that “the angels desire to look into.” (vs. 12). They are eager to see, hear, and learn of the great salvation that is ours through Christ Jesus. What a testimony to the wonder, power, and awesomeness of the Gospel! Do we have that same eagerness to hear and learn more of the truth of God’s Word? I trust you do!

The Salvation that is ours is certainly worth looking into. Just ask the Prophets, the Spirit, the Preacher’s and the Angels in Heaven and they will testify to the wonder of Salvation.

I am rejoicing with “joy unspeakable and full of glory” over my salvation,
Pastor Mike

One Extra Hour Between Now and Sunday

Oh no, Sunday will be another hour away and I am already so excited for the service I am about to POP!

Yes, Sunday will be another hour away because we will turn our clocks back one hour on Saturday night. The good news is that you should be well rested and ready for Bible Study and Worship on Sunday!

I am confident you will be blessed by the Bible Study and fellowship you will experience here at Salem at 10:00AM. It is my earnest prayer that you will truly REJOICE after joining us for worship at 11:00.

We will REJOICE as we observe and participate in a parent / baby dedication service as a part of our 11:00 worship. We will then discover how we can REJOICE in the hard times that come our way as we focus on 1 Peter 1:6-9.

I am so eager to share the message God has for us on Sunday! I also want to encourage you to call and invite a family member or friend to come and worship with us on Sunday. I am confident the service will be a blessing to all who attend.

There is an AWESOME phrase in 1 Peter 1:8 about which a song has been written. You can hear it sung HERE. Now it starts a little slow, but hang on because they will pull the stops out and you may just find yourself clapping your hands, tapping your foot and praising the Lord – so be careful where you watch this at – it WILL bless your heart!

With Great JOY and anticipation for Sunday,

Pastor Mike

A Few Life Changing Thoughts

Earlier in the week I read something that I really believe you will enjoy.

"There have been seven or eight lessons I have learned over the course of my life that have altered my thinking in profound ways. They have become markers of what Paul calls, “Glory to glory.” They marked a step forward, not in closer or better union with Christ, but in closer and better understanding of him. Today I thought of sharing them briefly with you."

 You can read the complete article HERE. The post is entitled: "Eight Life-Changing Things Someone Taught Me." Maybe you will find a life-changing thought in this article. It is also good to ask ourselves what are we doing to pass along life-changing truth to others.

Enjoy,
Pastor Mike 

There have been seven or eight lessons I have learned over the course of my life that have altered my thinking in profound ways. They have become markers of what Paul calls, “Glory to glory.” They marked a step forward, not in closer or better union with Christ, but in closer and better understanding of him. Today I thought of sharing them briefly with you. - See more at: http://sayable.net/2015/10/eight-life-changing-things-someone-taught-me/#sthash.3do5JtDo.dpuf

There have been seven or eight lessons I have learned over the course of my life that have altered my thinking in profound ways. They have become markers of what Paul calls, “Glory to glory.” They marked a step forward, not in closer or better union with Christ, but in closer and better understanding of him. Today I thought of sharing them briefly with you. - See more at: http://sayable.net/2015/10/eight-life-changing-things-someone-taught-me/#sthash.3do5JtDo.dpuf

There have been seven or eight lessons I have learned over the course of my life that have altered my thinking in profound ways. They have become markers of what Paul calls, “Glory to glory.” They marked a step forward, not in closer or better union with Christ, but in closer and better understanding of him. Today I thought of sharing them briefly with you. - See more at: http://sayable.net/2015/10/eight-life-changing-things-someone-taught-me/#sthash.3do5JtDo.dpuf

We need a "Heating Plant"

Metropolitan Tabernacle (Where Spurgeon Preached)

I recently came across the following story that was published in "Our Daily Bread" some years ago. It is a great story and a great reminder of what is vital to the health and success of the church.

"Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?" They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, "This is our heating plant." Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon."

I wonder what would happen if we were to install a similar "Heating Plant" here at Salem? 

Praying that God will Fire us Up!
Pastor Mike