Watch

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. (2 Peter 3:4 KJV)

The same is said today. In fact, that was prophesied in the previous verse: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (2 Peter 3:3 KJV)

There are many in churches today that are not looking forward to our Lord’s return. Some believe that His return is an allegory, a parable, not a prophesied event.

We are not told when His day will come: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36 KJV) But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32 KJV) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2 KJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; (2 Peter 3:10a KJV)

We are told not to be concerned as to when: And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (Mark 13:7 KJV)

But we are to be ready: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (Matthew 24:42 KJV) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44 KJV) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13 KJV) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. (Mark 13:33 KJV) And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mark 13:37 KJV)

What wonders await those of us who pine for His return? I have no idea. I do however, understand that If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11 KJV) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13 KJV)

Why in this world, much less the next, would I desire to define what God has in store for His children? His ways are so much higher than ours (For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)) and I wish to reach the heights He has to offer, not the ones my mind might conceive.

Come. Join in.

Just a small aside...

"Students", the previous blog, is showing a Saturday, June 28 creation date -- but it was actually posted Sunday morning, June 29. As with all these, it was a cross posting from Multiply. I'm creating this one Sunday afternoon as a test for the date. This one may disappear. Thanks for your patience.

Fascinating -- the following post was entered Monday morning, June 30 -- yet it displays a Sunday, June 29 date stamp. Server?

Students

We have such beautiful opportunities to serve our Lord. For the past few years I’ve been focused on the youth in our church. We’ve started a specific ministry for our seniors, too. The church has classes and activities for every age group covering several days each week. The regular schedule has two worship services on Sunday, Sunday School for Bible lessons, Monday visitation, Wednesday Bible study and prayer services, Saturday morning bus visits and afternoon soul winning visits. In between are the youth and senior activities.

We have missionaries who visit on a regular basis; evangelists who have a specific message; music groups – such as the multi-tasking Hinkle Family. Not only are they wonderful musicians, but their primary ministry is visiting and witnessing at nursing homes. They bring such brightness into so many lives and make that marvelous joyful noise unto the Lord.

This Sunday night is a special graduation service for one of our high school seniors who was home schooled. She’s the top of her class, and there will never be a problem getting her entire class together for reunions! We understand her situation, for although my granddaughter was in a private school – she, too, was the graduating class.

It is harder for those who remained in the public school system and face daily pressures these two did not. These two young ladies were supported in their studies, in their activities, in their daily interactions by family, friends and teachers dedicated to Christ. For that larger group of public students, we need to provide a church network to see them past the temptations around them. To help them focus on their long-term goals. For those who as adults will say:

For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. (Psalms 71:5 KJV)

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. (Psalms 71:17 KJV)

It is the responsibility of mature Christians to provide leadership to younger ones, offering them opportunities as Paul did for Timothy: Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13 KJV)

It is also a blessing for mature Christians to be able to provide that leadership: If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6 KJV)

Both the mature and the new have a common goal, a common walk, a common salvation That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10 KJV)

Obeyed?

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (Romans 10:16-18 KJV)

During the Roman Empire, there was a wide avenue of communication in using a common language. With the current communication technologies, road side vendors in China use cell phones to call around the world. Hand generators power hundred dollar computers connecting to the Internet from remote African villages.

Even in places where the Bible is prohibited and missionaries are denied, Jesus’ name has been brought in by traveling residents. Truly, “their sound went into all the earth.”

You, dear reader (for whom I pray) are a testament to the above. Simply by visiting this site you have become one of those who carry His name with you. By reading this blog you have brought his name to those who know you, even if your decision has been to reject Him.

Everyone who hears the gospel makes a decision whether to follow Christ, or deny Him. In this there is no middle ground:

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:2-3 KJV)

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33 KJV)

Your decision today would be …?

Vacation Bible School!

Wow, we’re learning about dinosaurs this week! And we’re having a lot of fun. We’ve had popsicles in tubes, snow cones, and fudgesicles that melted alllllll over. It dripped from lips, noses, fingers and ran down arms. Little drops covered more distance than we thought possible, and I’m certain several mothers would love to complain to us – but the kids and grownups involved had fun.

We had a skit that went from day to day, introducing Professor Mesosmartmedumbdumb (well, that’s what it sounded like to me!) along with his friends Ug, Lee and Er. They kept the children in stitches and looking forward to each day’s discoveries.

Our buses left early each morning, bringing in children from the surrounding area that seldom attend church. About half the students are children of church members, half aren’t. But you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Every child has been a joy to behold. They sing along in the buses, line up in the gym for the march to the sanctuary, participate when the pledges are led, sing loud and strong, then pay attention to the skits.

There is a contest each day to see which group brings the most pennies for missions, will it be the boys or the girls? So far they are even – the boys have won twice and the girls twice when their pennies are weighed. This year’s mission money will help in a boys home in Mexico that our church will be visiting in July.

Crafts have been a busy activity, too. Papa prepared fifty sets of bookends that have now been painted, decorated and are ready to go home to hold their books. And the number of paper hats – two different styles – that the younger children made is almost beyond counting. They’ve made mobiles and transfers and colored and … it just keeps coming out of the crafts group each day.

This is the first time I’ve been able to work in Vacation Bible School for over forty years. Work always interfered. It’s been a lot of fun to watch these children as they spend time in the jump house and through balls to dunk the volunteering youth – or the Pastor today. Yep, they whooped and hollered when the water splashed with their fall from the perch. Then lined up to do it again.

There were helpers, too. About two of them for each child. Bus drivers, teachers, assistants, crafters, snack providers, performers, puppeteers – each one providing an example of God’s servants for these precious children.

Wednesday I met one young child while in Wal-Mart and she recognized me, telling her Mom and Dad how much fun she had at church. Oh, what a big smile on her face while doing so!

We pray she will continue to do so. And come to serve as an example herself as time goes by. God bless those who have done so, and those who will do so in the future. They speak for Him.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:16 KJV)

Saul

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (Philippians 3:7 KJV)

Before becoming a Christian, Paul gained a great deal. He had the respect of his peers because of his religious zeal. He was well educated, a leader in his religion. He was capable of standing to the side, watching the death of a young man who preached the gospel.

And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. (Acts 7:58 KJV)

Saul’s next move was to actively destroy the church.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3 KJV) And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 KJV)

Certainly Saul was a totally committed man. He continued to be so after his eyes were opened to Christ:

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20 KJV)

Before and after his conversion, he preached what he believed. Of course, that complete turn about raised questions.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? (Acts 9:21 KJV)

And his continued zealousness created actions.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (Acts 9:23 KJV)

The remainder of his life would be the same. Between persecutions he worked as God’s chosen vessel (Acts 9:15), mentoring, preaching – and the greatest for us, writing letters.

God has a plan for each of us. Do not fight against the potter’s shaping. Allow the potter to work.

The Strait Way

[This is the one I originally intended for yesterday -- before reading that MSNBC article.]

For those who believe everyone shall be saved, spend some time searching scriptures:

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Luke 13:23-24 KJV)

Matthew wrote of the strait way, too: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

He has promised us that those who seek Him will find Him:

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29 KJV)

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17 KJV)

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 KJV)

Has He called and there has been a refusal? He spoke of this: Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; (Proverbs 1:24 KJV)

It is our choice whether we spend eternity with our Lord, or hear the words spoken to the foolish virgins calling to Him: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (Matthew 25:11-12 KJV)

Or, as Luke wrote of those who did chose not the strait: When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Luke 13:25 KJV)

Will He say: And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:37-39 KJV)

May we, as the church at Philadelphia, hear Him speak to us: I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8 KJV)

The choice must be made by each one of us. When you make that choice, remember that He gave us the way: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

The Way

OK, so I read MSNBC for my national news. And, write about their articles. This one’s statement “My Way Isn’t The Only Way” may be a bit misleading. Some clarification on my personal views:

My church, my denomination, is not the only way to reach God through Jesus Christ. However, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the only way to reach God. In fact, I just wrote a blog on that yesterday (which will now be posted as a followup):

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

Perhaps the most quoted verse from the Bible, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV), bears the same witness.

Scan through many of my previous postings and you’ll find these and similar verses confirming my belief that Paul answered this question correctly: And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

Be you Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Dutch Reform, Episcopalian or any of the alphabet-stew of Christian denominations, as long as the above verses apply for you, we worship the same God, the same Savior.

If not, we don’t. And, I respect the fact that you hold beliefs that are different. I may wish that your beliefs will change, but I do not believe it is my business to see that they do so. Nor is it your business to see that mine do.

I do believe, however, that an honest exchange of information regarding our beliefs opens communications that cannot be held under other circumstances. I also believe those who seek God find Him: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17 KJV) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 KJV)

There are many countries where tolerance, diversity and communication are not offered (or, in some cases, allowed) between believers. I do pray that offering never changes in our country. May we always be free to discuss our Bible, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah of the Lord God, who has promised us: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 KJV)

You've heard

You have heard. How have you responded?

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (Luke 8:11-12 KJV)

As Agrippa, you have heard. How have you responded?

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. (Acts 26:27-29 KJV)

As Thomas, you have heard, though not seen. How have you responded?

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:28-29 KJV)

As Paul, you have heard, though not seen. How have you responded?

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:6 KJV)

As Pilate, you have heard. How have you responded?

Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. (Matthew 27:22 KJV)

As Felix, you have heard. How have you responded?

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25 KJV)

As the centurion, you have heard. How have you responded?

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (Matthew 8:10 KJV)

As Christ spoke to His followers, you have heard. How have you responded?

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke 24:45 KJV)

Poor

Did Christ neglect the poor? Is there no hope that poverty will disappear? Three of the Gospels state:

For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. (Matthew 26:11 KJV)

For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. (Mark 14:7 KJV)

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. (John 12:8 KJV

Matthew gives us Jesus’ answer to John the Baptist’s question: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 11:5 KJV) The poor are left unchanged, except by the Gospel. Yet, that is the greatest gift for it, only, offers eternal life.

We’re to love our neighbors as ourselves, and what we do to them is to Him: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40 KJV) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (Matthew 25:45 KJV)

James tells us that what we do displays the depth of our faith: If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:15-17 KJV)

Christ tells us how He feels when we do it: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40 KJV)

And, He tells us how He feels when we do NOT do it: Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. (Matthew 25:45 KJV)

However – will doing good save either the giver or receiver? No. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV) Once that gift is accepted, the recipient’s life should reflect changes.

That’s why Christians join Paul in praying for God’s children: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19 KJV)

What we have is eternal life with our Lord. How then can we give less than Peter: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 KJV)

Party A

Changes have taken away, not added to. ‘… new gender-neutral marriage licenses — with the words "Party A" and "Party B" instead of "bride" and "groom"’ (MSNBC June 18)

This is what I meant in ‘Covenant or Contract’ – “Party A” and “Party B” are neither bride, nor groom, but a legal re-writing of that which they cannot be.

Instead of becoming what they wanted, they’ve added newspeak to that which was, and cannot be under their new definitions. Instead of achieving equality, they have changed the rules and deleted that which was, and cannot be under their new definitions.

I was a bride, neither Party A nor B. I am a wife, not Party A nor B. Activists have removed a legal designation, but they cannot be that which I am. The activist, though they have run over me, have not removed me. Though they have used courts to overturn the democratic votes of a majority of their neighbors, they have not gained, but erased.

Activists have offered false dreams of obtaining that which others have: Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. … And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. (Jeremiah 23:32, 36 KJV)

I speak my mind, put my thoughts where others may read them. I do not become an activist for legal change in return, for my Lord tells me: My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? (Proverbs 24:21-22 KJV) He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. (Proverbs 24:24-25 KJV)

My Lord also says that As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19 KJV)

My Lord also responded to His disciples: And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. (Luke 9:54-56 KJV)

Instead of being incensed at the change, I am saddened at the loss.

The Gospel

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18 KJV)

This reference isn’t the only one specifying the need to maintain scriptural doctrines.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4 KJV)

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-8 KJV)

Seems to me, then, that it is very important that the gospel not come from wonderful preachers, outstanding teachers, well-worded authors but should come from the Bible. Fifty years ago I listened to Billy Graham at Skelly Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He spoke from the Bible, spoke of Christ of the Bible, lifted his Bible as the source of his words and the focus of his sermon. He wasn’t the first, nor will my current minister be the last, to tell me of Christ’s love direct from this book.

There have been some in between that did speak of doctrines other than scriptural, who preached Jesus different from the New Testament, who called attendance to another gospel.

To some this will appear closed-minded, unopened to the beauty of another’s religion. It may even appear offensive. Should it appear so, please remember the words of He whom I worship as Lord:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18 KJV)

Just continue with the advice Paul sent to Timothy: Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13 KJV)

Our Youth

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 KJV)

It has been a pleasure over the past few years to watch many of our young people step forward and use their considerable talents in witnessing for our Lord. The summers are especially a blessing because so many are home from Bible college, and will be working with us in Vacation Bible School.

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:15-16 KJV)

Our youngsters coming the VBS are headed for an old age where they may say, as David did: For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. (Psalms 71:5 KJV) O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. (Psalms 71:17 KJV)

They will have an opportunity to learn of their Creator so that they may Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1 KJV)

Some have turned aside, even as youth, and have decided not to hear the words, nor obey: I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice. (Jeremiah 22:21 KJV)

Perhaps some will come to the Lord one day and say: The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matthew 19:20 KJV)

They will need to understand the Bible verses they’ve read over the years. And they will understand, as He said: But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 KJV)

The Preacher spoke to the bottom line: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV)

Learn His commandments. Vacation Bible School offers our children a head start in this, and our adults the opportunity to serve Him. Please, join us in prayer for the coming services.

Do you love me?

Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me …? (John 21:15a KJV)

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? (John 21:16a KJV)

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? (John 21:17a KJV)

How would you feel if someone you loved and trust – someone you’d left home and family to be with – asked three times the same question, even after you’ve answered? Who was not clear here? He who is, was and evermore shall be? The one who was with God, and who was God? So it must have been Peter who wasn’t clear?

When someone asked Him what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17 KJV) Jesus let those around know the man was loved, but even then His answer was not completely clear: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (Mark 10:21 KJV)

Give up everything? His followers … were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:26-27 KJV)

There are many today who love Him, but they are much like … the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:42-43 KJV)

There are so many things we love more than God. Look around us and we can see things we’ve put before our love of God. Yet He loves us, and tells us so: … Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. (John 13:1b KJV)

He loved us. He came for us. As with Jerusalem, He says to us, how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34b KJV)

How do we know when we love Him? He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21 KJV)

Can we stand with the centurion who watched Him die then said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39 KJV)

That man did so without knowing of the resurrection. How can we do less Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 38-39 KJV)