HELP! I have fallen and cannot get up.

HELP! I have fallen and cannot get up.

John 19:28–37 (HCSB)

Hebrews 10:24–25 (HCSB)

“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Everyone falls, some more than others. It does not matter if you come from the poorest of poor, or the richest of the rich, everyone falls. The difference between people then becomes how they handle the fall and if anyone was there to help. As Christians we are called to help others but how much do we really help? Think for a moment how different would the world be if we helped someone every time we had the opportunity? How different would your state look if we helped everyone every time we had the chance? How different would our churches, missions, and ministries look if we helped every time we had the chance?

Looking at Jesus’s ministry he employed helped to do so, the Son of God needed help. Realizing that, we should be more motivated to employ help as well give help. The ministry is not an easy job, perhaps one of toughest. I am not saying this because I am a minister but I am saying this from experience. Our churches are struggling to keep their doors open. Other ministries out there are struggling as well because we refuse to help them. Now before anyone begins to believe I am talking about monetary help, I would like to state that is only one way to help a ministry or church.

As Christians we are given abilities from God that we can use to help a ministry. If a person has the knowledge and ability to be a plumber, then see if your church or local ministry could use your ability to help them. Carpenter, web design, or perhaps you are on the computer a lot, why not use your time to promote a church or ministry to your friends or family. So many times it is preached that tithing concerns money and it is simply not the truth. In fact, tithing (10%) was an Old Testament rule to help provide the Levites help since their job was to work for God and the people since they were not allowed to work the fields or sell goods to support themselves. Paul in his writings to the Corinthians wrote about a love offering. A love offering is a gift from the heart, a gift you were instructed to give by God. (2 Cor 8-9). If that is money, then give money, if that is your gift of construction, cooking, music, teaching, preaching, or simply to promote other ministries, than that is what we do.

The author of Hebrews understood the need to help each other as we wait for Christ to return. To worship together and support each other. The church, as a whole, is suffering because we hold on to what we have as if it is a great secret. We see others struggling in life or the ministry and we sit waiting on God to send them the help they need, when in reality, we are that help that God is sending. The Israelites were led by Moses, King David, among others and the world was sent Christ, the apostles, and other disciples. Let us not forget we are the arms and feet of God. God uses us to help others in need. Take the time to help your fellow brothers and sisters, the church, and other ministries because one day we will fall and need help.

-Pastor Robb

 

 

 

 

 

1819 A Dollar To God

Three thousand for my brand-new car;

Five thousand for a piece of sod.

Ten thousand I paid to begin a house;

A dollar I gave to God.

A tidy sum to entertain my friends in pointless chatter.

And when the world goes crazy mad,

I ask, Lord, what’s the matter?

A dollar I gave to God.

Yet there is one big question,

For the answer I still search:

With things so bad in this old world,

What’s holding back my church?

—Author Unknown^[1]

1833 Hattie’s 57 Pennies

Hattie Wiatt, a little girl, came to a small Sunday school and asked to be taken in, but it was explained there was no room for her. In less than two years she fell ill, and slipped away on her own little last pilgrimage and no one guessed her strange, little secret until beneath her pillow was found a torn pocketbook with fifty-seven pennies in it, wrapped in a scrap of paper on which was written, “To help build the little Temple bigger, so that more children can go to Sunday school.” For two years she had saved her pennies for the cause which was nearest her heart.

The pastor told the incident to his congregation, and the people began making donations for the enlargement. The papers told it far and wide, and within five years those fifty-seven pennies had grown to be $250,000, and today in Philadelphia, can be seen a great church, the Baptist Temple, seating 3,300, a Temple College with accommodations for more than 1,400 students, a Temple Hospital, and a Temple Sunday school so large that all who wish may come and be comfortable.^[2]

If you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life, simply bow your head and repeat these words from the heart,

“Dear God I know I’m a sinner, I know I am not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness!  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and rose again and is alive today!

Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in your name Jesus.

Amen!”

*Next find yourself a Bible believing church where there are real people with real problems who are not afraid to admit that.  And that they know how to take these real problems to God.

*Take time to read from the Bible, if you want, you can start with the Gospel of John and then the book of Romans in the New Testament.

^[1] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 469.

^[2] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 471.

Striving Towards the Finish Line!

Striving Towards the Finish Line!

John 19:28–37 (HCSB)

“After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty!” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: Not one of His bones will be broken. Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the One they pierced. “^[1]

 

If you have never noticed in the New Testament the use of particular writers, writing about finishing the race. During that time games was popular where running was a main event. Hence the use of that as a simile. We still see this today in the 21^st century from elementary to high school, colleges, and even in our Olympic sports. From smooth surfaces to cross country runners, each runner will strive for the same goal. To finish the race at the finish line. There is a sense of accomplishment and if you finish within the first three spots you will even receive a memento to remember this accomplishment. If you ever watch a runner it is never an easy race, there are days, months, and years involved in training and practicing to prepare for that certain race. They look for any advantage to gain over their opponents and the goal is still the same.

Within the Bible we can see certain races that was ran. From Noah building the Arc, Moses leading the Israelites, Joshua in the various wars, King David, Jonah, and even into the New Testament with Paul, the twelve apostles and yes, even Jesus. Jesus had a race to win and as He came to earth 100% man and 100% deity, Jesus had to run and survive the race. Jesus began in a manger, and it was not long before HE started His race. Being baptized by John the Baptist, to teaching in the synagogues and the picking the twelve and attempting to teach them even though He knew one would betray Him. To clearing the temples twice, and then the persecution leading to the cross, we can see Jesus didn’t have a perfect race. While He enjoyed part of the race there were the times He had to run the rough terrain all while keeping His eyes on the prize, that finish line.

As Christians we are not excluded from this race. Upon acceptance of Christ as our Savior we will experience a season of victory, happiness, and excitement. At some point though we also will need to run the rough terrain with the finish line in our minds. Obviously, our finish line is heaven. Too often along our race we will see other runners on the side, and so many times we run on past neglecting them. Those who are tiered resting on the sides of the path need our help. To stop and pick them up and help them until they can catch their breath and can begin running on their own again. Sometimes, we may find others on the sidelines wondering what we are doing and again we may have a tendency to continue on our path neglecting them. Again, we as Christians need to stop and take time with those individuals and explain what we are doing and why. There are times when we as runners will need help from other runners to help us to regain strength so we can continue our race. See, this is a team sport, we cannot neglect those who are struggling, unknowing, or be ashamed when we are too weak to continue. We must keep running. With each day that passes we are closer to finishing our race but in the meantime we are to continue running. Times will be tough and the terrain rough, but we must persevere because that is what each Biblical hero did.

I encourage you today if you are struggling to slide pride to the side and ask for help. If you are not sure why we are running the race, ask someone why they are running, and if you are running make sure to keep your eyes open for those resting on the side.

 

-Pastor Robb

If you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life, simply bow your head and repeat these words from the heart,

“Dear God I know I’m a sinner, I know I am not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness!  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and rose again and is alive today!

Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in your name Jesus.

Amen!”

*Next find yourself a Bible believing church where there are real people with real problems who are not afraid to admit that.  And that they know how to take these real problems to God.

*Take time to read from the Bible, if you want, you can start with the Gospel of John and then the book of Romans in the New Testament.

^[1]  The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009.

Protection

Protection

“As I entered the police station the other evening to pay a parking fine, I noticed that an old lady just ahead of me was trembling all over. I paid my $3 and was about to leave when I saw the lady sitting on a bench in the corner absorbed in a book.

“What’s the trouble? Is there anything I can do?” I asked.

“No, thank you!” she said. “You see, I was sitting at home all alone reading this mystery story, and got so scared that I came down here to finish it under police protection.”^[1]

Matthew 23:37–39 (HCSB)

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! She who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, yet you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will never see Me again until you say, ‘He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One’!” ^[2]

Just to make sure everyone understands the historical background here, Jesus is mourning and is sorrowful for Jerusalem. Like a disobedient child who we love so tenderly, knowing we cannot do anything for them until they realize they are in the wrong. We would love to grab our children and hold them and help them but that is not always the case.

Allegorically, there is something here as well. This small passage answers an age old question. “Why do the righteous have a hard life while the evil seems to live an easy life?” This is not an easy question to answer. Certainly, God wants his children to live a good and healthy life. This is true, but I want to make a couple points.

First, every person who accepts Christ, I give them a warning. Since they gave their heart to the Lord, the enemy will be attacking them. The automatic reply becomes “why doesn’t God protect me?” God does protect His children; in fact He protects us every minute of every day even though we do not see it all. I explain that because the devil no longer has you he wants you back and he will try every possible tactic to get you back. Proverbs 22:6 tells us “teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” As a new Christian we must be trained, trained to depend upon God in ALL circumstances. If we do not expect trouble and trials and expect God to shield us from all evil we would fall into danger of becoming spoiled and believing we are our own god. (I have not met anyone who had not gotten the “big head syndrome” at some point in life.)

Second, it keeps people from coming to Christ for the wrong reasons. Review Matthew 9:27-31. Jesus performs a great miracle and tells them to make sure they tell no one. Why? Why wouldn’t Christ want everyone to know He healed them? It is because Jesus knew if people heard of His healings they would come to Him wanting nothing but physical healing. If people knew God will protect them from all evil in this world, people would have no problem accepting the physical protection while neglecting the spiritual protection. This sounds a lot like what we see in the world already with people claiming Christianity and neglecting the living a Christian life.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that God gave us a perfect world where there was no evil but we fouled that up. While we are not promised a troublesome and trial free life we are promised to have a help, help that shows us grace and love even in our transgressions and that my friends is a million times more than what the world can offer.

Back to the text, I want to point out that Jerusalem was not willing. Like them, we must be willing, willing to accept God’s grace and love. He wants to protect us but like our children we must be willing to accept. I encourage Christians today to always be willing to accept every challenge they may be faced with and to rely solely upon Christ. I want to also invite anyone who is not a Christian to put aside the world and allow God to gather them into His fold so He can show you the love and grace many of us have already experienced.

-Pastor Robb

If you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life, simply bow your head and repeat these words from the heart,

“Dear God I know I’m a sinner, I know I am not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness!  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and rose again and is alive today!

Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in your name Jesus.

Amen!”

*Next find yourself a Bible believing church where there are real people with real problems who are not afraid to admit that.  And that they know how to take these real problems to God.

*Take time to read from the Bible, if you want, you can start with the Gospel of John and then the book of Romans in the New Testament

^[1] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 439.

^[2]  The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009.

What a Year, 2014!

 

What a year 2014 has been. Reflecting over the past year I have come to appreciate what God has accomplished through me and where I have failed on a personal level and a group level. Often, I find myself reflecting only on the negatives in hopes never to repeat but this year, and every year after, I hope to reflect on the positive so I can repeat those.

It has taken me many years and many failures to realize failing is not always a bad thing. Sure, it is never nice or pleasant at the time but afterwards there are many positives that can grow from them. The greatest thing I have learned this year was the effect one small pebble dropped into a large pond could create. I have taken this known fact for granted but not this year. It is something that has stuck with me and is laid heavily upon my heart. I will give you my example.

Somewhere toward the end of 2013 God laid it on my heart to move from my current pastorate and start a church. I shoved those ideas and thoughts far from my mind, or at least I thought so, considering them to be more of myself thinking and not God. I prayed about it and figured they would fade away. I was wrong, for several months things kept happening that should have drove any sane man away, but I continued to rationalize my feelings and thoughts. This went on several months until God started getting clearer with His message to me. He done so by using his people to tell me similar messages and I remind you I have not spoken a word to anyone about what was going on. One Sunday evening my wife and I was sitting at Shoney’s enjoying lunch with some friends and I confided with them some of the things that had been laid on my heart. Before the meal was over God had given me a name for this church. Still, as hard headed as I am, refused to move. I was in a place where I was comfortable and I refused to move from it. Trust me if anyone could come up with excuses, this guy had many, so many in fact, I could write a book.

This went on for a couple months and May rolled around. I still can remember the fresh spring air and the sunshine that morning. It was odd that I can remember that, but I also remember feeling and knowing God was not pleased with me. Bitter sweet could be used to describe that feeling if that even comes close to it. It was so strong I could not even get into my vehicle to drive to church. The harder I tried the stronger the bitter feeling was. I have experienced this before back in 2009 but I guess I needed a reminder.

May 2014, Faith Family Fellowship was born. This was not an easy thing to do, many would try and tell me different and how exciting it would seem to birth a new church but either they have no idea what it takes or have disillusioned views as to what is involved in birthing a church. Anyway, that morning we met in a one bedroom apartment with I believe eight of us. The upper room as I called it. It was about a month later we used the living room of a couple because the upper room was getting to small and then by July God has placed us into the building where we now reside. Some of the things we have seen this past year has been old friends reuniting, people accepting the Lord for the first time and others recommitting their lives to the Lord and a church that is working together to expand, grow, and help the community. To be honest, it may not sound like much but let me tell you now, that is a great deal for a small church of 25-30 people. (One day I plan on writing a book) Also, I have been honored to have been accepted into the V3 church planting program. I will not lie, I was hesitant at first but I cannot explain the knowledge, support, encouragement and friends I have made through this program. It will allow us to be in a network with other churches and to come together as a stronger church as a whole multiplying disciples.

Now, what I sit and wonder is would those events still happen if I still were being disobedient? Would I even be here if I was still disobedient? How different would everything be? Some counselors, pastors, and such would advise not going there but I believe it is something each person should consider. How different would the pond be if no pebbles would ever be dropped? It has not been an easy path but Jesus never said the road would be easy, just that it would be worth it. I have to agree, through the struggles and trials, as a church, it has been worth it.

Even though I started writing for Breaking Through The Wall Ministries in 2013, (I believe) I have enjoyed writing the men’s devotional for them this past year. I have improved my writing skills and I know without a shadow of a doubt God has used those writings. I look forward to writing more in 2015. I also was able to finish my Bachelors of Science in Religion through Liberty early in 2014 and since then I was accepted and through three semesters into my Graduate program. I cannot explain the knowledge and other skills I have learned since starting in 2011.

This past year my wife continues in her schooling and her job at the clinic and we experienced the graduation of our oldest daughter and having her leave to begin her life and attending college. While our son just got his first job and our other daughter has planned out her life and will have her associates degree finished when she graduates high school. We was able to celebrate with my mom in her Hardee’s biscuit maker championship. She won the competition this past year and I cannot even begin to explain how proud and happy we was for her. It was a well-earned and deserved honor.

There are many other things that has happened in 2014, lessons learned, knowledge gained, failures, and victories. I would not change a thing. So as you ponder 2014 for yourself, ask yourselves the same questions. How has the pond changed, how different if certain pebbles were not thrown into the pond, and how many pebbles can I throw in 2015.

Happy New Year and here is to 2015! God bless!

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?

Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. The animals of the field will honor Me, jackals and ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people. The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”^[1] (Isaiah 43:19–21 HCSB)

 

-Pastor Robb

^[1]  The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009.

Depression

Depression
Psalm 46:1–3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

With the passing of Robin Williams there has been questions regarding depression, what God says about it, why, and how to deal with it. Many people still look at depression as a safe guard, not real, or believe a person can just “get over it,” or is looking for attention. All is false. The worst thing you can say to a person suffering from depression is to get over it. Many men will not admit they have or have suffered from depression in fear believing it shows weakness. In reality, hiding it and not seeking help is far weaker than getting help and admitting it. Because when someone is depressed, it not only affects him or her, but those who are around them. If you are depressed, seek help, that way you get better and then those around you will be better.
There are many debates among the Christian community whether doctors and medicine’s has any values in helping people overcome depression. While many may differ, my view is simple, all doctors and medicine’s has value because God has given them the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses. Now, with that being said, that alone cannot fully help or heal someone from depression. There needs to be a balance between the physical help and our spiritual help in Christ.
Now, what does the Bible say about depression? We discover the root cause in Proverbs 18:14, & 13:12 “A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Depression is the lack of hope, seeing no way out. The devil takes advantage of this illness and places it on anyone and everyone he can (Eph 6:11-12), but let me tell you there is HOPE. Hope in Jesus Christ. The first place we go when we are depressed is to Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Furthermore we go to our fellow brother and sisters as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
What else can we do ourselves? Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Remember, once we accept Christ into our heart, God remembers nothing of our past and if it is not important for our Creator to remember then why should we. When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!
There are many worldly situations that cause us to fall into depression, financial, health, family issues, and our past. You may be having those issues today but God tells us what He wants us to do in Psalm 27:13-14, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Depression is real and it is not of God. If you know of someone who suffers from depression and they are not seeking help, step up and help them. If you are depressed today, seek help. Call upon Jesus and see a doctor. Do not allow the devil to win and keep you from blessing others.
-Pastor Robb

Lord, if there is one who is reading this today, I ask that you wrap your loving arms around them, let them know that you love them and that you will help them defeat this illness. Give them the courage to step forward and seek help. If there is one today that knows of someone who is depressed I ask that you give them the words and knowledge needed to help that person.
In your name I pray, Amen.

Retaliation

Retaliation

 

“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matt 5:39)

Here we find Jesus correcting the people about retaliation. Generally the rule up to this time was and eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth which was cited in Exodus 21:24. Jesus saw a need to upgrade this rule to a better rule, a rule that would separate the Christians from the over-righteous. Ever wonder why Jesus saw it was necessary to change this rule? Certainly, one could argue that the Old Testament rule kept people honest and in check. As men, more often than not we tend to find ourselves wanting to retaliate when someone hurts us or our family. We are to resist this knee jerk reaction to “make things even.” Easier said than done right?

I believe the first thing we must remember is that if Jesus saw need to change this law, there is a perfectly good reason He did. There is no love in anger. As men, someone is or will be looking up to you, to set an example. What an example we can be when someone who hurts us and we turn and continue to be nice, help, or even pray for them. What causes a man to do something so humbly, it is the love of Christ. Jesus took a horrible beating and punishment for us and never once retaliated. If anyone had a perfectly good reason to retaliate, it was Jesus, but instead Jesus turned the other cheek.

Remember the two greatest commandments? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. It would be silly for a man to retaliate upon himself for something he done, and if we are to love others as we love ourselves we should not retaliate upon anyone else. Instead, continue to love them. Resist that knee jerk reaction and the lies the devil will tell you to get you to stumble. Want to retaliate? Retaliate upon the devil by continuing to love one another no matter what and live a life that brings glory to God and blessings shall fall upon you!

-Pastor Robb

 

“Joseph Richardson, a New York millionaire lived and died in a house only five feet wide. It was called the “Spite House,” and it deserved its name. Owning the narrow lot of land on which it was built, Mr. Richardson wished to sell it to the neighboring property owners. They would not pay him what he asked, and so he put up this house, which disfigured the block—and then condemned himself to a life of discomfort in it.”

—Golden Rule^[1]

^[1] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 540.

Faith Family and Fellowship Update

Again, it has been a couple weeks but I am here to update on Faith, Family, and Fellowship. We have had an unbelievable past few weeks. After much prayer, we took a step of faith on a rental building to house the church. We came together and in one day had it ready for church. The following week we came together and had a yard/bake/hotdog sale and God not only provided the first month’s rent, He gave us a little extra. Praise the Lord. God is good. It was a lot of work but God provided the strength and people to make it all come together and happen.
Not only was the sale a success, lives were changed. We had a “big sister” reunited with a girl she had a direct influence with 25 years ago… 25 years ago! That was God! It was amazing to watch each person interact with others. This was all put together on a Wednesday and the following Saturday we had the event. I wished I had counted the number of people that came but that was an afterthought. Come Sunday we had 15 people attend church. Now, some may think that is not very many, but I remind you, we only begun May 4th and a lot of people we know already attend church. Fifteen is a large number for us and I see that growing as well.
If that was not enough, God also provided us with a youth minister. A youth minister that is on fire for God I may add. God also has provided us pews and a pulpit. (We had borrowed some chairs and a pulpit before the yard sale) Prayerfully they will be out to the church by Wednesday. And I will attend an auction and may win some padded pews. We as a church have been so blessed the past few weeks I almost cannot take it all.
So, what do I see for us in the future? We as a group have attained a few goals, the largest was to be in a building within two months, God gave it to us in approximately a months’ time. We have attained some literature to use for Bible study and we have started Wednesday night services. These are just a few we have already accomplished. We as a group still need to meet the goal of 25-30 people within 5 more months. I see VBS and other activities in the future. Joining the Baptist Association would be helpful as I can help get others trained and get fresh ideas. The one goal that will never end though is we will keep making disciples!
It is difficult for anyone reading this to feel what God has done for us as it is difficult for me to try and put it into words that is strong enough. The best way to describe it is, God is moving so strong and fast that I cannot keep up. If anyone has been blessed so much in a short time that they almost have to say, “Ok, give me a second before you pour the next round on me” then you may understand what I am talking about.
Continue to pray for us as we move forward. To each of the congregants, I thank you because without your obedience, none of this would be possible. Last but not least, I thank you Lord for your blessings upon us and showing others that you still are on the throne and you take care of your own! Thank You and I love You!
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalms 136:1).

The Beginning…

I will admit, I am a little behind in this portion of my blog. I will do the best to catch it up to speed. This year has been a busy year to say the least. God has blessed us so much in a short period of time it is amazing. It has not been huge blessings, rather many short blessings over this period. This portion of the blog will be used to document what God is doing through Faith Family and Fellowship.

Many may disagree with me on particular subjects and reasoning, but there should be no disagreements on the final outcome. Through my studies, prayer, reading scripture I began seeing things that was wrong in the global church. Focusing in my area I saw many members walking out of church on Sunday’s with their head hung low. Why are Christians leaving church down and out? Certainly, one will not argue that there is conviction and the Christian plays a part in that, but the church does also. Why are we, as church leaders, letting them walk out with their heads hung low? Church leaders are just as much at fault as the Christian themselves. When I walk into a church I am focused on what God has for me. It may sound selfish, but I am seeking. Through worship, bible study, and preaching there should be no reason I walk out destroyed. “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). If all the church leaders are obeying God, then when a Christian walks out dejected, it is their own fault. This is one area God has placed on me to change.

It is easy as a Pastor to tell myself I done all I could do, but let’s be honest. At what point has a church leader done all they could do. I find many leaders do the bare minimum and call it good. Preach a sermon, teach a bible lesson, and pray for them. That is the bare minimum. I want to make it my personal mission to not do the bare minimum and share with others what it means to go above and beyond.

What does above and beyond look like? Let’s assume we have those previous qualities down pat, and build from that. It all begins with early morning service, before anyone arrives. Has the pastor prayed over his sermon and made sure it is what God has wanted, not him or herself. Has the pastor given his bible study teachers, deacons, ushers, etc… the tools needed to be successful. It is imperative that the pastor keeps touch with those on a regular basis to assure that they have those tools and they are doing ok, personally. Christianity is not a Sunday and Wednesday operation. Everyday these people are to be prayed for and have direction in their personal lives.

Next, has these individuals prayed over their materials and lessons and jobs to make sure it is all God and not all of them. As people start filing in what is the persona of your study rooms and sanctuary? Believe it or not as people begin to file in the persona can influence each member and visitor. If taps is playing in the background you should expect a dejected, sorrowful mindset. On the other hand if you have laughing and smiles, then you should expect excited and happy people. Spending time in fellowship before service is a great opportunity to build relationships. Even taking time to have coffee and snacks before builds a positive surrounding.

Music, and I have taken the brunt of both sides of this subject and I assure you there is no wrong way to approach this. The old “red-backed” Hymnal’s have their place. If one church cleaves to them, than that is fine as long as they are serving the purpose, worship to God. The Bible is constant that hymns are to be sung to God, praise and honor showed to Him. With that being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with other forms of Christian music. I find that music can dictate a Christian’s attitude before, during, and after service. The question becomes, does the church want to sing praises to uplifting and praising music? Myself, personally, I want to sing uplifting music to God. Remember Christians, we are not defeated but have victory over sin and death! If we believe we have that victory, we need to sing like it.

Which leads to the focus of the church. It is an area that has been neglected for years. Discipleship. The church has focused on evangelism so hard and long, it seems we have neglected discipleship. Don’t get me wrong, the church still needs to evangelize, but there has to be discipleship before evangelism. So many times I have read or heard that a person makes a public confession and was baptized only to see their road end there. The church needs to invest in its people. Personally, we should mimic the New Testament church as it first exploded on the scene. Jesus did not sit in a church with 250,000 members and teach and preach. Jesus invested in the 11 and those 11 invested in others which in turn started churches and invested in others. It is simple multiplication. If the pastor invests in his deacons and bible teachers and they invest in those they come in contact with then our churches would be overfilled.

This is where I have been led to Faith Family and Fellowship. To strip away unnecessary and binding problems and get back to the basics. I want to know at the end of the day I have invested in discipling at least one and allow that one to disciple two etc… It is not what you wear or how you look but your heart that matters. That is what matters to Jesus and it is your heart that matters to me. It is my prayer that churches see us or reads this and change their ways. Once we cut loose the chains we have placed on God’s hands we can begin to walk out of churches with our heads, heart, and hands lifted high.

As far as Faith Family and Fellowship, I want to document what I see God doing with us as we grow in Christ. We started in a one bedroom apartment, which I call the upper room, and we meet in a living room and our house from time to time. We have between 10-15 people so far and the Spirit is moving. While we are looking for a permanent home for us, it has not been easy but we have had a few areas open up in which we are in prayer. I ask that anyone reading this pray for us as we continue to grow and the needs are met and guidance.

Its A Raining And The Door Is A Closing….

“And those that came, male and female, of every living thing, came as God had commanded him. And Yahweh shut the door behind him” (Gen 7:16).

 

 

While I should be working on homework, I have learned that when God gives you something, you better get it down unless you have a great memory. I do not have a great memory, therefore I have to write it down.

 

We have all heard the phrase, “when a door shuts another opens or when a door shuts there is an open window” or something along those lines. Meaning that when we think we are left locked up in a situation there God will open another door for us to move through, preferably something better. Wishful thinking, but that is rarely the case because there are times we shut the door or go running to another open door without considering God’s wishes. Personally speaking, I have rushed through doors more times than waiting to see what door God wants me to pursue. The older I get the wiser I would like to think I am, and as many will attest we must always look for God’s guidance and what doors He wants us to walk through. Once you know, and believe me you will know, then your pursuit to that door should be swift.

 

Noah and his family was ordered to walk through a door that meant the rest of humanity would be left out, because of their wickedness. If we put ourselves in Noah’s shoes, we can say that we would hesitate knowing what was going to happen to neighbor Nancy. Noah kept building diligently spreading the word when he could and I am sure he endured all types of ridicule and pressure to just give up. Noah knew God wanted them through that door. All Noah had to do was build the ark and be on the inside of that door. Noah did not even have to close the door. The unknown may have plagued Noah, as far as knowing how they were to survive or make it afterwards, even though Noah still made sure he and his family was on the inside.

 

As Christians, we all are working on the ark. We should be spreading the Gospel, and warning those of the impending flood, metaphorically speaking. As we walk the walls of life there will be times we enter a door God did not intend, and other times fighting going through doors God did intend. As we grow older and wiser, we know to ignore the worldly doors and keep our focus on the godly doors and the hesitation becomes smaller and smaller. The conclusion I have come to, we hesitate less because we have had a taste of the godly side of things and we want more.

 

What does all this mean? I have no clue other than someone or someone’s needed to read this. The answer is in there. Concerning Christians, there are too many “self-proclaiming Christians” standing in the rain “ohhhhing and awwwwing” and I promise you, one day the door will be closed. For others, perhaps a door is closing or has closed. Do not fear, the other side of that door, like Noah’s, led to a whole new world full of promises and blessings. For a few, this may mean to just keep building, nothing ever worth anything was or will be easy, the road to the Cross proves that. If I have missed any, I know God will fill in the blanks.

 

-Pastor Robb

Wisdom is Necessary

Wisdom is Necessary

“If the ax is blunt but one does not sharpen its edge, he must exert more effort, but the advantage of wisdom is it brings success. If the snake bites before the charming, the snake charmer will not succeed”^[1] (Ecclesiastes 10:10–11).

            All my life I have been taught that if I want something, I need to work for it. Hard work is a value that many of us perhaps learned early in life. From the hay fields to working at Hardees; the value of those jobs are held to low standards, at least during my teenage years. I looked at those jobs as space fillers earning the least amount of money. It was not until later I realized I was gaining skills from those jobs. As I am now older, I see that hard work and skills was not the only thing that is needed to strive in this world. When I joined the Air Force at the age of 27, I seen what else was needed to have a successful and easier life. During basic training, I was the second oldest in my flight. Through the next year of training I watched the younger members do some ignorant things, some resulting in article 15’s and some being discharged. I wondered why do those things, why go out drinking or do drugs after all that hard work? The answer was simple, they had no wisdom.

I seen the worst in some people during those years and no matter how frustrated I got with them I could not get some to understand. As with my children now, those low standard jobs I had in which I cared less for, taught me some very valuable lessons. Do not expect the best and nicest of things when we start out, rather take every bit of knowledge we can from every job and life experience and apply them. That is how wisdom is gained. Hard work and skill can get us to a point in life. If we want to succeed, we have to have wisdom.

God granted Solomon all types of riches because Solomon asked for the most important characteristic, wisdom (2 Chronicles 1; 1 Kings 3). God placed and still places high value on wisdom. It is important as Christians to seek and have wisdom. Wisdom teaches us, which in turn we share with our children and grandchildren.

A Christian life is the same way. Some things we learn from others, some we learn through experience, but nonetheless, it is all wisdom. As we walk the Christian life and want to consider it a successful life, hard work and skills are necessary but only a part of the equation. Wisdom is needed for it to be successful. As men we need to stress that aspect just as much as we stress hard work and obtaining skills.

-Pastor Robb

“A wise old owl sat in an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Let’s try to imitate that bird.”^[2]

 

 

If you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life, simply bow your head and repeat these words from the heart,

“Dear God I know I’m a sinner, I know I am not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness!  I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and rose again and is alive today!

Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in your name Jesus.

Amen!”

*Next find yourself a Bible believing church where there are real people with real problems who aren’t afraid to admit that.  And that they know how to take these real problems to God.

*Take time to read from the Bible, if you want, you can start with the Gospel of John and then the book of Romans in the New Testament.

 

 

 

 

^[1]  Harris, W. Hall, III, Elliot Ritzema, Rick Brannan, Douglas Mangum, John Dunham, Jeffrey A. Reimer, and Micah Wierenga, eds. The Lexham English Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.

^[2] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996), 1613.