Devotional – Church on the Bluff

Compassion

Posted on Oct 31, 2018 in General |

What should the Christian response be to the newest caravan of refugees approaching the U.S. border? It is being billed as a “humanitarian crisis” and I suppose it truly is. In the current heated political arena, however, our first reaction is often one of suspicion. Honestly, our first thoughts should be on compassion; no one should be more compassionate than the body of Christ. If people are hungry we should feed them, if they are sick we should try to get them help.

But compassion must be tempered with diligence. Believe it or not people have learned how to take advantage of compassionate people…especially the church. The Church on the Bluff is a compassionate and generous church. We have helped members and non-members alike with rent, utilities, food, and gas. We do not discriminate for any reason be it race, nationality, citizenship status, sexual orientation, or religious standing: if they are in need we try to help. But…we do our best to establish that there is a need. We call the landlord, check with the utilities when possible, refer them to the Green Springs Ministry for food, check with their own church (for those who claim church attendance), and we never…ever…give them cash. And here is what we discover: many of them are trying to deceive us or have developed a lifestyle of dependency on compassionate people. We save our resources and effort for those who are truly in need.

I say all of that to remind us that diligence is necessary on a large scale, too. Five-thousand people suddenly deciding to rush our borders just ahead of an important election, knowing the difficulties faced by a previous group, reeks of political manipulation…at the expense of vulnerable people. Immigration laws are necessary. Open borders is not the answer to world hunger or poverty.

If that huge group gets here you better believe that our Christian organizations will be in their camps helping all we can…while they go through legal channels to enter. Don’t believe the falsehood that defining borders is un-compassionate, neither is it turning our backs on people in need. It is just common sense.

Let me encourage you to give locally to the Green Springs Food Ministry and to give to our own Benevolence Fund at church. It will be distributed wisely to people in need. And when presented with the opportunity to give to reputable Christian organizations to help the people waiting at the border, take advantage of that, too. Say good things about you church and about your Savior. Bro. Tony

The Role of the Church

Posted on Oct 21, 2018 in General |

I feel like I’m watching a country devour itself. The anger and animosity between political parties rip through our nation not unlike the horrible hurricanes that have battered our shores recently. The true political divide has been laid open in all of its rawness and ugliness. Honestly, it’s a little scary, isn’t it? The big question to me, as a Christian and as a Pastor, is “what is the role of the church in all of this?”

The first thing I want to point out that the primary function of the church is to spread the Gospel. We have to gauge our every word and action with the effect they will have on our ability to reach people for Christ. At the same time, because we are parents, grandparents, and citizens of an earthly nation we have the responsibility to protect our families and our freedoms as we deem best. Is balancing those two things difficult? I do not believe it is nearly as hard as some might say.

I do not advocate for one party or another from the pulpit. I have learned over the years that there have been members of several political ideologies who sit under my preaching. There are certain policies and activities that even sincere Christians with like theological philosophies can rightfully disagree: national security, foreign relations, fiscal responsibility, among others. But when it comes to moral authority and what pleases God I do not hesitate to preach the Biblical truth and let the chips fall where they may politically.

I will always preach that abortion is wrong and that it violates the command of God. I will preach that a homosexual lifestyle is contrary to God’s purpose and that gender dysphoria is a sickness that God wants healed, not affirmed. I will always preach that it is now and always will be God’s purpose for marriage to be between a man and a woman. I will preach that God ordained the family unit, a married man and woman raising their children together, as the essential building block of a civil society.

So when you enter into a discussion about politics help people see how love and compassion drive your beliefs on those matters, discussing them calmly, with honesty and integrity. And when you enter the voting booth I urge you to vote for the candidates that uphold and promote those values, be it Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

Say good things about you church and about your Savior.

Bro. Tony

Are We Useless

Posted on Oct 15, 2018 in General |

We just celebrated 120 years of ministry as an organized body of Christians. What a wonderful accomplishment. I want us to think back for a moment and ask ourselves this question: Why did they organize? The year was 1898. William McKinley was president and the Spanish-American War was going on. Trains were the main source of mass transportation and “horseless carriage” were just rare and for the wealthy; most people having never seen nor heard of them. The overwhelming majority of people had no telephone or other communication device.

So what motivated the people in a small community to organize a church? First let’s look at the social aspects of the local church “back then”. The church was usually also the local school and was fundamental in teaching the three R’s: “Readin’, Ritin’, and Rythmatic”. Along with the occasional barn dance, church socials and picnics were where families got together. I suspect that is where many young folks met their eventual spouse. Of course churches were necessary for weddings and funerals, too. The church impacted the community in so many ways.

Some of those things have changed, however. The local church is no longer needed for school. The social aspect has certainly diminished as people gather most often for entertainment, dining out, and sporting events. Many weddings are celebrated at wedding “venues” and funeral homes conduct many funeral services.

Are we useless, then? Heavens no! The sweetest social interaction is still as the body gathers together, whether it be for services or fellowship. I may be an old fuddy duddy but being with my fellow believers is still my favorite part of social life.

We must remember, though, that the most important aspect has to do with the Gospel. We know, of course, that churches existed for the proclamation of the Gospel. How can people hear if no one preaches to them? (Romans 10:14). But it was also for the preservation of the Gospel. The purity of Christian teachings needed to be upheld. Sound doctrine is of utmost importance. Those two things are still the bedrock foundation of our purpose as a church. And what we preach and what we teach are still the most important things we do: They determine our eternal destination and our quality of life, both personally and in the structure of our society. I’d say we still have an important role, wouldn’t you?

Say good things about you church and about your Savior.

Bro. Tony

Turn it over

Posted on Oct 10, 2018 in General |

It has been a tumultuous couple of weeks with all the political nonsense going on and then the indoor monsoon in the nursery area. It seems like there is bad news on top of bad news. But it is in these times that we have to take one of the strongest steps of faith and do the one thing that brings us peace and comfort: we have to “turn it over to God”. And, honestly, that’s not easy, is it?

Yet, God tells us that we can do that, even in the worst of times. Remember the verses in 1 Peter 5 where Satan is described as a roaring lion looking to devour us? Here is the verse immediately preceding that warning: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Can we truly turn it over to God? Absolutely! But there are a few steps were have to take.

First we have to truly do our best. Peter said that we have a role when he tells us to be alert and have our mind under control. That means calm down and do the right thing according to God’s direction. That leads us to the second thing. We have to be students of God’s Word. There are some many promises in there that can and will bring comfort. Claim those promises by believing that God keeps His promises. Next we have to realize that at a certain point we have done all we can do. We are limited in many ways, and controlling people’s thoughts and actions is certainly one of those ways. Only when we recognize that can we begin to rely on God. Please understand, realizing that we can do nothing else isn’t giving up; quite the opposite. It is the necessary part of finally being able to turn it over to God. And we can do that when we take to heart one more promise: “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Go ahead. Turn it over to God. Experience some of that peace that Jesus gives. Bro. Tony

Jesus is the Main Thing

Posted on Oct 1, 2018 in General |

I’m 66 (and ¾) years old. I do not recall the nation being in this much turmoil, even during the race riots of the 60’s and the Vietnam War/hippie era. Those times were defining moments in the shape of our nation. The racial unrest rightfully turned our country down the path of equality. The free-love, down with the man, anything goes movement, not so much (I know there are those who will disagree with that). Where will this cultural unrest take us? The answer to that can be either very frightening or a source of comfort. I believe the church will determine the answer to that. Many churches failed miserably during the civil rights battle and many were not successful in ministering during the flower child era. Why? In both cases I believe that we let our anger supplant our concern for souls. That is, we judged people and found them unworthy of our love and evangelistic efforts. We stopped and circled the wagons instead of continuing the journey of ministry. Am I suggesting that we not be involved in politics? Of course we should be involved. What a wonderful privilege we Christians have to be a voice in how our nation functions. And I believe every Christian should vote and vote according to Biblical principles. Quite frankly I’m appalled at politicians on both sides of the isle but I will continue to reach out to all because the only way to change our culture is to change the people in our culture. That is our first priority. Do I have the right to wear a “Make America Great Again” hat or a “Trump is not my president” T-shirt? Of course I have that right. But how successful do you think I would be sharing the gospel with someone of the opposite political leaning while wearing either? Like I heard someone say: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Jesus is the main thing.

Bro. Tony

Your Past

Posted on Sep 26, 2018 in General |

I want to talk about the past. A Supreme Court nominee has his character and credibility attacked because of something he may or may not have done 30 years ago as a teenager. Whether or not he did what he is accused of, the situation brings up some interesting questions: Does our past define us? Can a person change? How long must we bear the burden of bad decisions and impetuous actions?

Several years ago I served a church in a small town where I had previously attended high school. During that time of school I was in a severe state of rebellion against just about everything, having been forced to change schools for my senior year. I behaved badly. As I was talking to a church member, attempting to encourage him to return to church after some time away, he brought up something that I have done while in high school and made this statement: “I didn’t think preachers did stuff like that.” I was a lot of things when I was 18. I was a human being, I was (and still am) a sinner. I was immature and on occasion stupid. I was angry and hurt. But I wasn’t a preacher. Yet this man wanted to define me at 33 by what I had done at 18. He did eventually come back to church and we were friends, but I was shocked by his response that day.

God had not only forgiven me for all this I had done and, most amazingly, had even forgotten what I had done (Isaiah 43:25). In that same chapter He tells us not to dwell on the past. We are to deal with that aspect in two ways: First, not dwell on our past so that it drags us down. Second, not to dwell on someone else’s past, either. Perhaps there is something in your past that troubles you and makes you feel like you are a bad person or unworthy.

God’s promise to you is that if you repent and confess sin, you are forgiven. It’s over and done with. Satan will try to accuse you about it and, honestly, people may not put it entirely out of their minds, but in the eyes of God you are white as snow. Praise God for forgiveness and second chances!

Bro. Tony

The Devil is a Liar

Posted on Sep 16, 2018 in General |

I heard an evangelist say of Christians: “We preach a dynamite gospel and live firecracker lives”. Unfortunately, if we honestly assess our lives we would probably come to the same conclusion. We read in the Bible where God worked His will regardless of the weakness of human spirit, the objections of heathen government, or the power of His adversary, the devil. Do we not think He can do the same today? Of course He can. Then why haven’t we accomplished great things in our church and in our own personal lives? I believe it is because we actually believe the devil more than we believe the Lord. One of the most effective tools of the devil is his lies. Listen to how John described Satan in John 8:44 “He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Satan lies to you constantly and you don’t realize that it is he. He lies to you about the past and tells you that it defines you. He lies to you about the present, telling you that you are worthless and cannot succeed. He lies to you about the future as he tells you nothing will change; there is no hope. All lies. Jesus tells you the truth because He is the truth. When Jesus tell you “with God all things are possible”, believe that. It is the truth. When God says that you “can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”, believe that. It is the truth. The Word of God tells us again and again that we are to live a life victorious because it is God who is in control. It basically comes down to this when it comes to a powerful, victorious, fruitful life: Will you believe the devil or will you believe God? Bro. Tony

Take a Breath

Posted on Sep 9, 2018 in General |

I’ve had difficulty writing my column this week. In fact, I’m currently writing my third draft. There is so much going on in our nation politically that will affect the world my grandchildren will inherit. There are stories in the news of riots, protests, and un-civil behavior. Families are being separated at the border, transsexuals are being invited to read to our children at public libraries, schools seem more interested in changing ideology than in teaching children to read and write. I could go on and on. As we are apt to say in the south, It’s a mess ain’t it? Here’s what I need to do (by “I”, I mean “we”): take a deep breath and remember whose we are. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”. (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV) 1 John 4:4 says “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”. Yes, things look pretty bad when we look at them; this certainly isn’t the world we once knew. Bad is called good and good is called bad. But that is nothing new, really. Such was the situation when Jesus walked the earth in bodily form. All of His teachings were given under the heavy hand of a perverse and un-Godly government. In that poisonous atmosphere of debauchery He told His disciples that He would give them a peace that the world didn’t understand. He told them that the world would hate them but that He loved them and would never forsake them. I take those promises seriously and hang onto them for dear life. Remember, though, His commission to His disciples then and His disciples now: “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. He never spoke of changing government, He spoke of changing people. Ideally, when enough people are changed and become a new creature through Christ, government changes. But even if that doesn’t happen, our task remains the same. So even in a nation becoming hostile to Christianity and seemingly doing everything it can to distance itself from God, I am encouraged. God is on His throne. We can not only survive, we can flourish. The gospel can and will continue to change people. It can change their hearts from anger, despair, and hopelessness and give them hope and joy and an assurance of eternal life. My help…my hope…my joy…my purpose…comes from the mountains: the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Bro. Tony

The Bible is True

Posted on Sep 5, 2018 in General |

There is an old saying that “what is true for you may not be true for me”. That is often used when discussing morality, religion, and/or certain social issues. That is referred to as “subjective truth”. But is there such a thing as subjective truth? Or to put it another way, can truth even be subjective? The so-called subjective truth is based on a person’s beliefs or opinions; his or her perspective. In fact some respected philosophers claim that all truth is subjective.

I believe quite the opposite. I believe no truth can be subjective. I believe that truth can only be objective and un-changing or it’s not truth at all. What people refer to as subjective truth is merely their “interpretation” of what is true. Let me give you an example that I’ve used in sermons. If I go into a kindergarten class and ask them if I’m short or tall, they would tell you that I’m tall. If I walk onto the court of a pro basketball team and ask them the same question their answer would be the opposite; to them I appear short. Which one is true? Neither. The truth is that I’m 6’2” tall. It is their perspective, their interpretation of that truth, that affects their answer.

The Bible is true. It is absolutely true. It is the truth. It is unchangeable, immutable, truth. It cannot be changed for this generation, it wasn’t different for the last generation, and it will not be different for the next. Jesus, Himself, said “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). A person’s perspective will determine their adherence to that truth, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

So when it comes to religion and morality I’ll let the Word of God guide my actions. That may not be popular and it may draw the ire and disdain of this present world, but I’ll hold firmly to it. As Paul said in his letter to the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Say good things about your Savior and about His Church.

Bro. Tony

Christianity-religion of peace

Posted on Aug 26, 2018 in General |

I heard it again. In a discussion about morality a lady said this: “Religion is evil. Religion poisons everything.” Another person said “religion is responsible for more wars and suffering than anything else in history”. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the world who naively accept that premise without checking the facts. Has religion ever led to bloodshed? Of course it has. But usually after such statements about evil religion and its’ reign of terror we are pointed to the Crusades and even the Salem witch hunts as examples of religious hostility. Why? Because theses falsehoods are generally pointed to a bias against Christianity, not just “religion”.

While the witch-hunting hysteria is most certainly a black eye for Christ-followers we must put the number of deaths in perspective to “Religion is responsible” for worldwide deaths. 20 people were executed for the crime of witchcraft in a period of about 15 months. Contrast that with just one weekend in Chicago where 12 people were murdered and 66 shot. Religion had nothing to do with that.

The Crusades are a different matter. It is estimated that over 1.5 million people died in the 200+ years of the crusades. That is an awful number. But let’s look at the reason for the crusades: they were fought to regain land taken by over 1000 years of Islamic aggression. Yes, definitely a religious war that caused a lot of death and suffering but who knows how many harsh Islamic caliphates there would be in Europe and the Mediterranean had not Christians fought back. So, yes, religion has played a part in wars throughout history.

But is religion responsible for more wars that any other cause? Has religion resulted in the death of more people than any other reason? Absolutely not. To make that statement even remotely true you would have to belief that World War I and World War II, as well as the Korean War and Vietnam, were fueled by religious hatred and fought to advance religious beliefs. Do you really think that Adolf Hitler wanted to rule the world because he was a religious man? And, in fact many of the European “religious” wars were more about land grabs and power struggles than religion.

Christianity is, and always will be, the supreme religion of peace. Never did Jesus command us to force people to accept our faith by force. Becoming a Christian must be a personal choice; a conscious decision to accept Christ as Savior. No amount of outside force can achieve that. Christianity is the reason we can have true peace in our lives. It is the reason we can truly change from self-centered to selfless, from from hateful to loving. In fact Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives”. Falsely blame war and suffering on Christianity if you like but in reality Jesus give a peace that supersedes anything the world can offer.

Say good things about your Savior and about His Church.

Bro. Tony