I write this on the eve of the wide-spread prediction of the return of our Lord on May 21st, 2011 propagated by Harold Camping, founder of Family Radio. I am thankful in part that at least people are talking about the Lord returning and there are reports of many who are seeking answers and contemplating their fate, if it should be true. On the other hand, I am saddened that many will stereotype all believers together and a mockery will be made of our faith.
As I thought of all the attention that has been given to this, I felt compelled as a minister and student of the Word of God to make a few statements of Biblical clarity for anyone seeking truth:
First, the Bible tells us, Jesus is coming back! He said He would. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3
The Bible tells us… How He is coming. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." I Thessalonians 4:16-17 This event is called the rapture of the believers or rapture of the church, though the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible. “Rapture” has a dual meaning. It is a reference of Jesus returning to the earth’s atmosphere and calling His people up to Himself, meaning to “seize us up.” “Rapture” is also the emotion of both Jesus and His true followers at that moment, “pure joy and intense pleasure.”
The Bible tells us… He is not coming for everyone, but those who know and love Him. Jesus in Matthew 24:40-41 describes in part to His disciples what that event will be like. “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” The idea is that one is a true follower and the other is not. Therefore, one is taken the other is left behind. There will not be time for a non-believer to change his mind when the Lord returns. Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
The Bible tells us… What kind of day He will return on. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39 In other words, it will be an ordinary day, a day that people are doing the things they always do, eating, drinking and going through their normal routines. People will be going to weddings, and other social engagements, life will just be going on. Just like in the day when it started to rain and God’s judgment came as Noah warned it would.
As Christians, we are to watch and be ready for His return.
The Bible tells us… No man can know for sure or set a date when He is coming. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” Matthew 24:42 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:13. Jesus also said when asked moments before His ascension back to Heaven about when He would set up His Kingdom (return to earth) He answers them, Acts 1:7 “…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” I think that the Bible makes it very clear it is not for us know the date of His return, Jesus Himself does not know it, only God the Father knows it. I think it rather arrogant of anyone to set a date when they believe Jesus is coming again and proclaim it for certain.
The Bible tells us… what the world will be like when the time of His return is near. His disciples asked Him in Matthew 24:3, "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" That is the question of the ages, “what is the sign of His coming and when will the end of the world come? Jesus does not set a date because He does not know the date, He only gives them the signs of what the world will be like just before He does come. “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (different and various locations) places.” Certainly all of that sounds like our news headlines on any given day. What do you think? Are you ready whenever Jesus comes is the greatest question? I don’t think it will be May 21, 2011 but it is well with me, and all that are mine, if He is.
This I know; The Bible is true, God’s promises are certain and all things are under His control. This is His universe and all that it contains is His. It was created for His good pleasure and it consists by His Word. Peter tell us about those who will in the last days mock the promise of Jesus coming again. Listen to his response; II Peter 4:3-10a “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: (God created everything by His Word) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: (Days of Noah) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;”
Are you ready if it were to be today? Do you know Him as Saviour? If you have doubts and questions click on our website www.pinecrestbaptist.com click the tab “Directions to Heaven” on the homepage. Then your heart does not have to be troubled at the thought of His coming. I would love to hear about your decision, should you accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.
I am watching and praying! How about you?
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
It is Personal
Today the headlines read “Osama Bin Laden is Dead.” The news of his death set off celebrations in the streets of Washington D.C., Times Square and Ground Zero. I am thankful for the work of our military men and women, the Navy Seals, our intelligence agencies and everyone else who had a part in accomplishing this great task. Hopefully the world will be a little safer today as a result of this man’s death. The irony is that within 24 hours of the time Bin Laden was killed, 66 years ago in 1945 the headlines read, “Adolf Hitler is Dead.” This news spawned the same kind of celebratory reaction that Bin Laden’s death did here in America. Hitler was responsible directly and indirectly for millions of lives lost in his short reign as leader of the Nazi party in Germany.
I have a simple point to make today. It is hard for me to say it but it needs to be said. My God loved Osama Bin Laden. He loved him so much that He sent His Son to die for him and pay for his sins in His own body. Mr. Bin Laden, as well as Adolf Hitler is in hell today and not because they were terrorists, murderers, a Muslim or a Nazi. They are in hell today because they did not receive what would have been a gift of salvation for them. “The wages of sin is death (eternal death separated from God in hell) but the gift of God is salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:10. The thing that many people miss in this simple truth is that many morally good people are heading to the same hell that Osama Bin Laden and Hitler are suffering in today because they also have not received the gift of salvation. It is personal; if it is not a personal salvation we have received then we have not truly received His (Jesus) salvation. Salvation is not a birthright, it is a second birthright. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “Ye must be born again.” John 3:3,7
We have to come to the place where we understand that in our flesh is no good thing and in our hearts we are capable of conceiving unbelievable wicked things. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he (a man) thinketh in his heart so is he.” Jesus tells us in His Sermon On the Mount, that when we are angry without cause, or desire to murder someone in our hearts or when we consider adultery in our hearts we have done the acts. With that being the case; how many murderers, thieves, rapists, terrorists, and racists have you passed by today? They by appearance may be what we would call good and moral people but we all have a sin problem.
This week thousands of people died around the world; several hundred here in the Southeast where we live, as a result of the tornadoes that tore through our area. The question was not whether or not they were sinners, they/we all are. The question is not how bad was their sin? All sin is an offence to a Holy God. The question is not, was God getting even with the people who died this week, however they died? God got even with all of us on the cross, when He put our sin on Jesus and allowed Him to suffer and die in our place. The question to consider personally and individually is, have you repented of your sins and received His gift of salvation by putting saving faith and trust in Him? If not, you stand in danger of the same judgment of hell that Osama Bin Laden and Adolf Hitler are suffering in today. Ask Jesus to save you (personally) before it is eternally too late. Think On These Things.
Pastor Roy
I have a simple point to make today. It is hard for me to say it but it needs to be said. My God loved Osama Bin Laden. He loved him so much that He sent His Son to die for him and pay for his sins in His own body. Mr. Bin Laden, as well as Adolf Hitler is in hell today and not because they were terrorists, murderers, a Muslim or a Nazi. They are in hell today because they did not receive what would have been a gift of salvation for them. “The wages of sin is death (eternal death separated from God in hell) but the gift of God is salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:10. The thing that many people miss in this simple truth is that many morally good people are heading to the same hell that Osama Bin Laden and Hitler are suffering in today because they also have not received the gift of salvation. It is personal; if it is not a personal salvation we have received then we have not truly received His (Jesus) salvation. Salvation is not a birthright, it is a second birthright. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “Ye must be born again.” John 3:3,7
We have to come to the place where we understand that in our flesh is no good thing and in our hearts we are capable of conceiving unbelievable wicked things. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he (a man) thinketh in his heart so is he.” Jesus tells us in His Sermon On the Mount, that when we are angry without cause, or desire to murder someone in our hearts or when we consider adultery in our hearts we have done the acts. With that being the case; how many murderers, thieves, rapists, terrorists, and racists have you passed by today? They by appearance may be what we would call good and moral people but we all have a sin problem.
This week thousands of people died around the world; several hundred here in the Southeast where we live, as a result of the tornadoes that tore through our area. The question was not whether or not they were sinners, they/we all are. The question is not how bad was their sin? All sin is an offence to a Holy God. The question is not, was God getting even with the people who died this week, however they died? God got even with all of us on the cross, when He put our sin on Jesus and allowed Him to suffer and die in our place. The question to consider personally and individually is, have you repented of your sins and received His gift of salvation by putting saving faith and trust in Him? If not, you stand in danger of the same judgment of hell that Osama Bin Laden and Adolf Hitler are suffering in today. Ask Jesus to save you (personally) before it is eternally too late. Think On These Things.
Pastor Roy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Cancer in the Body of Christ
As I celebrate 12 years of ministry at Pinecrest Baptist Church, here are some thoughts for my co-laborers in the ministry.
I want to express concern on a particular subject that I have watched through the years harm the body of Christ (The Church). I am not the first to write on this subject nor will I be the last. The church growth movement that has swept across our nation and rooted its way into the very fabric of church life has proved to be a cancer. Years of not treating this cancer and letting it grow has destroyed the soul of many churches leaving them with a lot of attendees and few followers of Jesus Christ. The rub for many of us in the ministry is: Often when people take my position they are instantly criticized for being archaic, out of touch, or what is worse, not interested in reaching people. What pastor does not want his church to grow? We all are for church growth but by what means and at what costs? So let me clarify; I am for the church growing, I am for reaching as many people as we can reach, I am for nice buildings with good signage, clean restrooms and first class nurseries. I am for foyer coffee shops and greeters in the parking lot. I am for sharp materials to give to people, and I am for representing the Kingdom of Christ with excellence. I am for billboards, banners, bands, and big days at church. However, I am concerned that the thinking, “size” trumps everything and being Cool or “Kewl” is the goal, is nothing less than the lust of the flesh. This is evidence of church growth cancer.
I am not going to be guilty of saying that all large churches are in someway cancerous either. The early church grew like crazy in the book of Acts, it fact it grew beyond number. Today mega churches, in many cases, have grown to their size by systematically, consistently, with purpose and planning teaching the Word of God to their people. They have purposed to disciple people and teach them how to reproduce fruit. Many of them have persevered through tough economic times, survived church splits, overcome seemingly impossible circumstances. They have grown because they stayed true to the infallible, timeless Word of God and its principles of growing people not, just attracting crowds. And God added to their number.
Many of these churches are/were led by a pastor who exemplified what it means to be a pastor. A man who came and stayed with his people that God gave him for many years. He himself was not on a constant look for the next bigger church. (God many times does move His pastors to different churches but more often it seems churches move pastors) A man who humbly, reverently, fed his sheep, prayed over and watched for their souls, administered the ordinances, cared for the sick and dying, loved the unlovable, listened patiently to the simple, put the rod on those that needed correcting, felt hated at times by those he called brother and sister, endured loneliness in the “out of season” of life, wept with the broken hearted, celebrated the great days of their lives, married the couples, kissed and blessed the lambs and stood over hundreds of graves and once again gave them hope and promise of Heaven, and here it is… God added to the church.
Should we be concerned about the “shock and awe” advertising and promotion that is now prevalent in our church culture in America? Should we be concerned and heartbroken over the idea that Jesus is not enough of an attraction at our churches? Should it not bother us that there is more talk about the cool band or amazing worship leader, the laser light show and hip preacher that seems more rock star than pastor?
Should it not bother the people of God that many times these hip pastors are better at telling stories and showing movie clips than simply preaching the life changing Gospel of Jesus?
I know, usually the only people who say things like that are the ones who don’t have a very good band, have a lame worship leader, meet in an old outdated church building with poor lighting and/or they are not a very hip pastor themselves. I am not throwing stones here, I am asking us to examine the core of the body of Christ and see if there could be this “lust of size” that is driving us to a “bigger is better” or being “cool is king,” mind set. One thing is for sure, if being bigger is better every church that practices this will one day suffer from it because there will always be a church bigger and one better eventually. Everything that is new and hip today potentially can become old and lame. We have confused what is eternally timeless for what is temporarily relevant. That which is timeless will always be relevant. That which is real cannot be fake and that which is fake cannot be real. Truth will always be truth and truth will always need to be proclaimed and truth will always be relevant. I know that argument most of the time is “how” a church or Pastor delivers that truth. “How” is not my argument, rather it is “why” are you delivering the truth? Is it for self-glory, or to have the biggest therefore the best church in town? Or is it a response of obedience to a call that God has put you where He wants you and He desires you to pastor your flock in His stead until your assignment is changed? Every pastor complains about sheep going church hopping, what about shepherds who hop from place to place about every 18 months or so looking for better sheep to pastor? Many pastors have this cancer in them personally as well.
Authentic Christianity will always persevere. It will always produce fruit. It may look dormant at times but that is just because “patience is working its perfect work.” It may not look hip, or be the biggest in town; but that does not mean God is not doing a deep, lasting work in the lives of people and in their pastor.
May we all look deep inside of ourselves and ask the Spirit of God who prays for us with “groanings which cannot be uttered,” to search us out. Perhaps we may need to allow the Word of God that is “sharper than any two-edged sword…” that cuts down into the marrow of the bone to give us a spiritual bone marrow transplant. Spiritual surgery by the Great Physician may be our only hope to remove this deep-rooted cancer, which is the “lust of the flesh” should the Spirit and the Word find it there. Let us strive to follow Jesus and find our success only in what pleases Him.
Pastor Roy Mack
I want to express concern on a particular subject that I have watched through the years harm the body of Christ (The Church). I am not the first to write on this subject nor will I be the last. The church growth movement that has swept across our nation and rooted its way into the very fabric of church life has proved to be a cancer. Years of not treating this cancer and letting it grow has destroyed the soul of many churches leaving them with a lot of attendees and few followers of Jesus Christ. The rub for many of us in the ministry is: Often when people take my position they are instantly criticized for being archaic, out of touch, or what is worse, not interested in reaching people. What pastor does not want his church to grow? We all are for church growth but by what means and at what costs? So let me clarify; I am for the church growing, I am for reaching as many people as we can reach, I am for nice buildings with good signage, clean restrooms and first class nurseries. I am for foyer coffee shops and greeters in the parking lot. I am for sharp materials to give to people, and I am for representing the Kingdom of Christ with excellence. I am for billboards, banners, bands, and big days at church. However, I am concerned that the thinking, “size” trumps everything and being Cool or “Kewl” is the goal, is nothing less than the lust of the flesh. This is evidence of church growth cancer.
I am not going to be guilty of saying that all large churches are in someway cancerous either. The early church grew like crazy in the book of Acts, it fact it grew beyond number. Today mega churches, in many cases, have grown to their size by systematically, consistently, with purpose and planning teaching the Word of God to their people. They have purposed to disciple people and teach them how to reproduce fruit. Many of them have persevered through tough economic times, survived church splits, overcome seemingly impossible circumstances. They have grown because they stayed true to the infallible, timeless Word of God and its principles of growing people not, just attracting crowds. And God added to their number.
Many of these churches are/were led by a pastor who exemplified what it means to be a pastor. A man who came and stayed with his people that God gave him for many years. He himself was not on a constant look for the next bigger church. (God many times does move His pastors to different churches but more often it seems churches move pastors) A man who humbly, reverently, fed his sheep, prayed over and watched for their souls, administered the ordinances, cared for the sick and dying, loved the unlovable, listened patiently to the simple, put the rod on those that needed correcting, felt hated at times by those he called brother and sister, endured loneliness in the “out of season” of life, wept with the broken hearted, celebrated the great days of their lives, married the couples, kissed and blessed the lambs and stood over hundreds of graves and once again gave them hope and promise of Heaven, and here it is… God added to the church.
Should we be concerned about the “shock and awe” advertising and promotion that is now prevalent in our church culture in America? Should we be concerned and heartbroken over the idea that Jesus is not enough of an attraction at our churches? Should it not bother us that there is more talk about the cool band or amazing worship leader, the laser light show and hip preacher that seems more rock star than pastor?
Should it not bother the people of God that many times these hip pastors are better at telling stories and showing movie clips than simply preaching the life changing Gospel of Jesus?
I know, usually the only people who say things like that are the ones who don’t have a very good band, have a lame worship leader, meet in an old outdated church building with poor lighting and/or they are not a very hip pastor themselves. I am not throwing stones here, I am asking us to examine the core of the body of Christ and see if there could be this “lust of size” that is driving us to a “bigger is better” or being “cool is king,” mind set. One thing is for sure, if being bigger is better every church that practices this will one day suffer from it because there will always be a church bigger and one better eventually. Everything that is new and hip today potentially can become old and lame. We have confused what is eternally timeless for what is temporarily relevant. That which is timeless will always be relevant. That which is real cannot be fake and that which is fake cannot be real. Truth will always be truth and truth will always need to be proclaimed and truth will always be relevant. I know that argument most of the time is “how” a church or Pastor delivers that truth. “How” is not my argument, rather it is “why” are you delivering the truth? Is it for self-glory, or to have the biggest therefore the best church in town? Or is it a response of obedience to a call that God has put you where He wants you and He desires you to pastor your flock in His stead until your assignment is changed? Every pastor complains about sheep going church hopping, what about shepherds who hop from place to place about every 18 months or so looking for better sheep to pastor? Many pastors have this cancer in them personally as well.
Authentic Christianity will always persevere. It will always produce fruit. It may look dormant at times but that is just because “patience is working its perfect work.” It may not look hip, or be the biggest in town; but that does not mean God is not doing a deep, lasting work in the lives of people and in their pastor.
May we all look deep inside of ourselves and ask the Spirit of God who prays for us with “groanings which cannot be uttered,” to search us out. Perhaps we may need to allow the Word of God that is “sharper than any two-edged sword…” that cuts down into the marrow of the bone to give us a spiritual bone marrow transplant. Spiritual surgery by the Great Physician may be our only hope to remove this deep-rooted cancer, which is the “lust of the flesh” should the Spirit and the Word find it there. Let us strive to follow Jesus and find our success only in what pleases Him.
Pastor Roy Mack
Monday, March 28, 2011
Disciple Me on Sunday
The following few paragraphs below are from a blog recently written by a man by the name of Bill Hornsby. Bill went home to be with the Lord this past week after losing his fight with cancer. He was a great leader and thinker in the areas of church networking, church planting, and discipleship. After reading his blog, I wanted to share it with all of you because I thought it was timely for our church. He makes a strong case as to why we need Small Groups and Discipleship Classes. It is entitled “Disciple Me On Sunday.” It is a very compelling argument he makes. It is also very insightful and enlightening. Enjoy:
“Disciple Me on Sunday”
Can I be successfully discipled by attending Sunday services regularly? So much attention is given to having a great Sunday service that you would hope that the event could reach the lost and disciple the believer. Of course, much attention should be given to preaching and reading of the Word on Sundays as well as any other times Christians gather together. But Sunday alone could never “make disciples” in the real biblical sense. Act 5:42…”And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Daily in the temple and house to house was the key to New Testament discipleship.
For the sake of comparison I calculated how many hours a year the average Christian sits under the teaching of his/her pastor. This will shock you.
15.6 hours per year!
Where do I get these numbers? Simple: There are 52 Sundays in the year – the average message is ½ hour (30 minutes) – and the average church has only 60% of its congregation in attendance on any given Sunday. If you multiply 30 minutes by 52 Sundays you get 26 hours, then take the 26 hours by an average of 60% attendance (some will never miss & some will come occasionally) you have that average of 15.6 hours per year…. That’s if the average member of your church attends 31 services in the year. Amazing.
This does not take into consideration the power of the worship experience and the presence of the Holy Spirit…it is purely crunching the numbers….just over a half of a day per year.
Consider these stats from the Nielson Company – Per year the average American watches 1800 hours of TV, spend 360 hours on the internet, 36 hours watching video on the internet and 36 hours watching video on their cell phones. Wonder why we might be losing the war in the spiritual? This makes for a great case for small groups, mid-week teaching services and anything else you can do to make disciples of church members.
Billy Hornsby
“Disciple Me on Sunday”
Can I be successfully discipled by attending Sunday services regularly? So much attention is given to having a great Sunday service that you would hope that the event could reach the lost and disciple the believer. Of course, much attention should be given to preaching and reading of the Word on Sundays as well as any other times Christians gather together. But Sunday alone could never “make disciples” in the real biblical sense. Act 5:42…”And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Daily in the temple and house to house was the key to New Testament discipleship.
For the sake of comparison I calculated how many hours a year the average Christian sits under the teaching of his/her pastor. This will shock you.
15.6 hours per year!
Where do I get these numbers? Simple: There are 52 Sundays in the year – the average message is ½ hour (30 minutes) – and the average church has only 60% of its congregation in attendance on any given Sunday. If you multiply 30 minutes by 52 Sundays you get 26 hours, then take the 26 hours by an average of 60% attendance (some will never miss & some will come occasionally) you have that average of 15.6 hours per year…. That’s if the average member of your church attends 31 services in the year. Amazing.
This does not take into consideration the power of the worship experience and the presence of the Holy Spirit…it is purely crunching the numbers….just over a half of a day per year.
Consider these stats from the Nielson Company – Per year the average American watches 1800 hours of TV, spend 360 hours on the internet, 36 hours watching video on the internet and 36 hours watching video on their cell phones. Wonder why we might be losing the war in the spiritual? This makes for a great case for small groups, mid-week teaching services and anything else you can do to make disciples of church members.
Billy Hornsby
Thursday, October 14, 2010
"One Accord" Countywide Revival
The opposite of “revival” is something like apathy, lethargy, or
lukewarmness towards the things of God. When the people of God do
not view the things of God as “essential” as the air they breath and the
water they drink but rather they view the things of God as “optional”
the church is in trouble. When we know the commands of our Lord
and in our hearts and lives we can take it or leave it, we are in trouble.
2 Peter 1:13 “Yea, I think it meet (right), as long as I am in this tabernacle
(body) to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” We need a stirring
in our churches to be reminded that the things of God are essential in
our lives and in our community. We cannot impact our community our
culture or our world until the church remembers the pit that we were once
in, the judgment we were pardoned from, the horror of our sin and its wages,
which is death that we have escaped by His great sacrifice. A poor memory
and revival cannot go hand in hand. May we come together as churches
and be reminded that the things of God are essential to our lives and the
lives of those around us. May we be reminded of all that we have been
given in the unspeakable gift of God which is salvation through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Then never forget with that great gift comes great responsibility.
lukewarmness towards the things of God. When the people of God do
not view the things of God as “essential” as the air they breath and the
water they drink but rather they view the things of God as “optional”
the church is in trouble. When we know the commands of our Lord
and in our hearts and lives we can take it or leave it, we are in trouble.
2 Peter 1:13 “Yea, I think it meet (right), as long as I am in this tabernacle
(body) to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” We need a stirring
in our churches to be reminded that the things of God are essential in
our lives and in our community. We cannot impact our community our
culture or our world until the church remembers the pit that we were once
in, the judgment we were pardoned from, the horror of our sin and its wages,
which is death that we have escaped by His great sacrifice. A poor memory
and revival cannot go hand in hand. May we come together as churches
and be reminded that the things of God are essential to our lives and the
lives of those around us. May we be reminded of all that we have been
given in the unspeakable gift of God which is salvation through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Then never forget with that great gift comes great responsibility.
Prayer For One Accord Revival October 17th
Gateway Event Center McDonough GA
Gateway Event Center McDonough GA
Our Heavenly Father I come to you on behalf of my church and the churches
in our area. We thank you for all that you have done for us, all that you have
allowed us to see and be a part of. I think you that you have stirred in the
hearts of so many pastors that there is a need for something more. You have
stirred us and led us to come together and pray for our community and its
precious people that you love. Give you unity the kind that is the sign of true
discipleship, the kind that testifies to the world that we have been with you,
the way we love one another. Bind Satan from our midst and may all his
plans come to nothing.
We desire to see you work and to sense your presence in our midst once
again. I ask you to turn your great search light on in our souls. Search us
out and help us to be willing to readily confess those things that you point
out that are displeasing to you in our lives and in our churches. We desire
to be right with you and we want clean hands and clean hearts to hear from
heaven and to carry out your work. Come set our hearts on fire and burn up
the chaff of our lives, purify us and get us useable again for your honor and
for your glory. Lord Jesus, I love you and I look forward to walking with
you in this special time for our community. Fill us with your Spirit and may
you be pleased with our lives. Supply through your people all that we will
need to see this vision through. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of
such a great endeavor for you.
Pastor Roy Mack
Monday, October 4, 2010
Where is your fish?
Dear Church Family,
Growing up as I did in the rural south provided many opportunities as a boy to fish. I must say that I took full advantage of those opportunities. I liked fishing in all kinds of different places from ponds, swamps, rivers, streams, and lakes and even on those most memorable occasions, the Gulf of Mexico. I have caught fish on cane poles, fly rods, rod & reels, in nets, on trout lines, bobbing jugs, yo-yo lines, and everything short of dynamite which I always thought would have been a lot of fun. When I would return from fishing, either by myself, with my dad or perhaps a friend, I can remember my mom saying, “Are we having fish tonight?” or “Where’s your fish?” I remember many times holding up a stringer full of fish. It was always thrilling for a young boy to share the joy of having caught so many fish.
It is amazing how many times in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, we read about something to do with fish. Jesus called His first disciples from their place of work, fishermen mending their nets along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He told them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. He used a fishing boat for a pulpit, later He used that same boat for a draught of fishes so big it almost sunk the little fishing vessel and the men beckoned for their partners to come help them get the fish to shore. Another time, Peter was a little short on his taxes and Jesus told him where to go fishing. Inside the fish’s mouth was a gold coin, enough to pay their taxes (Peter’s and Jesus’). On a hillside, on two different occasions, Jesus took the small loaves, and you guessed it, a few throw-back sized fish and multiplied them to feed thousands. The early church even used the sign of the fish to identify themselves during the time of persecution. After the resurrection Peter became discouraged and announced, “I go a fishing.” It was a statement that signaled he was returning to his previous life. As they fished all night the Bible sums up the results “they caught nothing.” Then Jesus appeared, walking along the shores of Galilee where it all first began. He called out to them and encouraged them to cast their nets on the other side and once again they drew up a great draught of fishes. Peter later repented and confessed His love for the Lord and received his life’s instructions from our Lord. The Lord gave Peter a choice when He asked, “Peter do you love me more than these?”
There is a lifetime of lessons wrapped up in all of these stories. These lessons contained simple, yet profound truths that spoke to the hearts of His disciples and should speak to our hearts as well. These lessons reveal to us His plan for our lives and His plan to reach the world with the Gospel. Fish and fishing is what these men knew best. Jesus spoke into their lives using terms and phrases they could relate to. Today, He is still calling out for those who hear His voice to follow Him. And in following Him, to become “fishers of men.” The Pinecrest Baptist Church has tried to be faithful to that call as a body of believers for more than 47 years. Over the years we have drawn the net and have seen multitudes come to saving faith in Christ locally and around the world. As we begin our 34th Annual Missions Conference take a moment and imagine the great net that is cast over this planet of souls; a network of workers that our Lord has commissioned for His glory. Missions is about hearing those who are calling out to us to help them with the labor of hauling the catch in. There are those in our community who are crying out for the Gospel and must be gathered in. There are those around the world who have never once heard a clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ and must be gathered in. This is a personal matter. What part are you going to have in fishing for men? In this year’s conference, we once again seek your involvement in bringing this catch of souls to Christ. We have invited some wonderful missionary families who are fishing in treacherous and dangerous waters. They need our help and support. We are going to share some opportunities where we can cast our nets into the waters here locally. We are going to also share some opportunities and special projects where we can cast our nets around the world. We look ahead to that day in Heaven when we stand before our God and give an account of our days of fishing. May we not say, “we have fished all night and have caught nothing,” but rather hold up our spiritual stringer and present our Lord with a great catch of souls for His glory. This year’s theme is communicated with one pointed question – Where is your fish?
Growing up as I did in the rural south provided many opportunities as a boy to fish. I must say that I took full advantage of those opportunities. I liked fishing in all kinds of different places from ponds, swamps, rivers, streams, and lakes and even on those most memorable occasions, the Gulf of Mexico. I have caught fish on cane poles, fly rods, rod & reels, in nets, on trout lines, bobbing jugs, yo-yo lines, and everything short of dynamite which I always thought would have been a lot of fun. When I would return from fishing, either by myself, with my dad or perhaps a friend, I can remember my mom saying, “Are we having fish tonight?” or “Where’s your fish?” I remember many times holding up a stringer full of fish. It was always thrilling for a young boy to share the joy of having caught so many fish.
It is amazing how many times in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, we read about something to do with fish. Jesus called His first disciples from their place of work, fishermen mending their nets along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He told them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. He used a fishing boat for a pulpit, later He used that same boat for a draught of fishes so big it almost sunk the little fishing vessel and the men beckoned for their partners to come help them get the fish to shore. Another time, Peter was a little short on his taxes and Jesus told him where to go fishing. Inside the fish’s mouth was a gold coin, enough to pay their taxes (Peter’s and Jesus’). On a hillside, on two different occasions, Jesus took the small loaves, and you guessed it, a few throw-back sized fish and multiplied them to feed thousands. The early church even used the sign of the fish to identify themselves during the time of persecution. After the resurrection Peter became discouraged and announced, “I go a fishing.” It was a statement that signaled he was returning to his previous life. As they fished all night the Bible sums up the results “they caught nothing.” Then Jesus appeared, walking along the shores of Galilee where it all first began. He called out to them and encouraged them to cast their nets on the other side and once again they drew up a great draught of fishes. Peter later repented and confessed His love for the Lord and received his life’s instructions from our Lord. The Lord gave Peter a choice when He asked, “Peter do you love me more than these?”
There is a lifetime of lessons wrapped up in all of these stories. These lessons contained simple, yet profound truths that spoke to the hearts of His disciples and should speak to our hearts as well. These lessons reveal to us His plan for our lives and His plan to reach the world with the Gospel. Fish and fishing is what these men knew best. Jesus spoke into their lives using terms and phrases they could relate to. Today, He is still calling out for those who hear His voice to follow Him. And in following Him, to become “fishers of men.” The Pinecrest Baptist Church has tried to be faithful to that call as a body of believers for more than 47 years. Over the years we have drawn the net and have seen multitudes come to saving faith in Christ locally and around the world. As we begin our 34th Annual Missions Conference take a moment and imagine the great net that is cast over this planet of souls; a network of workers that our Lord has commissioned for His glory. Missions is about hearing those who are calling out to us to help them with the labor of hauling the catch in. There are those in our community who are crying out for the Gospel and must be gathered in. There are those around the world who have never once heard a clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ and must be gathered in. This is a personal matter. What part are you going to have in fishing for men? In this year’s conference, we once again seek your involvement in bringing this catch of souls to Christ. We have invited some wonderful missionary families who are fishing in treacherous and dangerous waters. They need our help and support. We are going to share some opportunities where we can cast our nets into the waters here locally. We are going to also share some opportunities and special projects where we can cast our nets around the world. We look ahead to that day in Heaven when we stand before our God and give an account of our days of fishing. May we not say, “we have fished all night and have caught nothing,” but rather hold up our spiritual stringer and present our Lord with a great catch of souls for His glory. This year’s theme is communicated with one pointed question – Where is your fish?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Is God Really Good All the Time?
An awful earthquake in Haiti has left thousands dead and thousands more displaced. People are wandering the streets in shock, others are wailing uncontrollably as the reality and magnitude of their personal losses have set in to their souls. The wounded lie sprawled in the streets, desperate children cry for their parents, and frantic parents search for any shred of hope that their children are alive and safe. The age-old question is the same after every disaster, “if God is really good, why this?” It was the same after 9-11, same story with hurricane Katrina in the gulf coast, ditto for the tsunami in Indonesia when more than 250,000 people, including children, were swept to their deaths by the giant waves of water. Is God angry? Is God getting even with us for our sin? Do we deserve this kind of treatment from God? Is God punishing the sinful behavior of a nation like Haiti by sending an earthquake and allowing buildings to fall and bury people alive, killing thousands of innocent people.
These kinds of questions are thousands of years old. Jesus was asked to explain two horrible disasters - one caused by human cruelty, and the other caused by natural disaster. Luke 13:1-5
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifice 2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
You can hear in the passage this age-old question, “did God punish these people because they were sinners or worse sinners than anyone else”? Jesus did not confirm that God was punishing people for their sins. Instead, Jesus used this tragedy to remind people there is a fate worse than death.
Jesus is then confronted with the question again concerning the blind man in John chapter 9:2-3
2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
The religious leaders in Jesus day taught that sickness, disease, and particularly things like blindness were caused by the sins of the parents or due to the sin of the one who was suffering. It certainly made for a very self-righteous and judgmental religion. So how did Jesus respond to this question? Jesus took the opportunity to set the record straight concerning “is God good all the time”? His answer, neither this man nor his parent’s sin caused this man’s condition. Jesus is simply saying there is no correlation between someone’s sin and their suffering. He certainly could have said, “Yes.” We know that we all are sinners and all of us have fallen short of the glory of God, or His standard of good which is perfection. See Romans 3:23. Jesus could have said this is just and fair judgment on this man for his sins. Just as he could have said all of those who died when the tower fell had it coming as well. But Jesus said nothing of the sort. What is more, he healed the man of his blindness and revealed the power and love of God.
What can we learn from all this? Here are a few thoughts:
We don’t really ever get what we deserve. God is not keeping a ledger in Heaven and waiting for our evil deeds to out weigh our good deeds. God got even with us all at the cross where He poured out His wrath and anger for all sin upon His Son Jesus. He (Jesus) bore the sin of the world and died under the judgment of God. If we got what we deserved we would all be dead.
It rains on the just and the unjust. See Matthew 5:45. To the saints, as well as the sinners, there are equal amounts of sunshine and rain. I challenge you to watch the weather channel and find a forecast or weather report that separates the two. Can you imagine the weather person saying, “High winds and rain will be hitting all of those who are adulterers, covetous and thieves living in the southeast. Lighting and hail is forecasted for murders and whoremongers residing in the upper mid-west? And sunshine mixed with a 5mph trade winds for all of those who were in church this past Sunday living in the West.” You and I my friend do not control our own world by our own actions. That is simply superstitious like carrying a rabbit’s foot in your pocket.
In simple observation you can look around you and know that good things do happen to good people, but also, bad things happen to good people. Just as well as bad things happen to bad people. And then the hardest one of all, good things happening to bad people.
There is little justice in this life. Again, look around you. There is little justice in this life and much of life is lived with more questions of “why” than answers. We will not have all the answers until the Judgment Day. On that day we will understand, but until that day, I doubt we ever will. Those of us who live by faith are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to trust our own beliefs or understanding about a matter. See Proverbs 3:5-6. One day, when this journey is over, we will understand the heart of God and His decisions. Until that time, we are to know that He is not only a just God but also a good God and we are not to fear because he is our refuge and strength even if the sky falls and the earth is removed and the mountains are carried into the midst of the sea. See Psalms 46:1-2
Disasters that bring human suffering also bring opportunity to demonstrate that God is good. When we respond to crisis and disasters in places like Haiti, it is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate God’s powerful message of love and for Him to manifest His presence, not only in the hearts of those who we reach out to, but also to those who are doing the reaching. When we give of our gifts of generosity, medical treatment, physically aiding a family or community, when we feed the hungry, comfort the feeble and clothe the naked; God’s love is demonstrated, healing begins and those who do the giving are also reminded that God is good! All the time!
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