Elder's Corner: Life to the Fullest

John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us life (zoe, not bios—thus, accenting the quality of life, not mere subsistence), and to give it more abundantly. The adverb translated ‘abundantly’ is used in 2 Cor. 9:1 in the sense of ‘superfluously.’ The idea of John 10:10, in the context of the Good Shepherd analogy, involves the Shepherd choosing pasture land, taking care of the sheep, feeding and watering them, etc. In other words, the sheep should hear and obey the Shepherd’s voice because He is their protector and provider and knows where the goods are! He gives them more than mere subsistence; He gives them life in its fullest sense. Of course, the analogy is that since we are spiritual sheep, the ‘good life’ refers to spiritual joy and fullness. But even so, since we are spiritual-physical creatures, whom God has created with specific desires and needs on both planes, He is able and willing to satisfy us on both planes. The one is connected to the other.

Enrique

The Blessed Life #2: Sainthood

 What comes to mind when you hear, “That guy’s a saint?” Maybe you picture some guy who lived centuries ago appearing in old paintings with a halo around his head. Or maybe you think of some dead guy who somehow earned such a title by living heroically, having multiple miracles performed as a result of their prayers and the approval of certain church leaders. Or maybe you think of a person who is the black sheep of the family and say, “Boy that guy sure is a saint?”☺

Regardless of what thoughts may come to your mind concerning sainthood, the Bible clearly calls all Christians saints in at least 42 verses (see Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 26, 31; 16:2, 15; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:1, 2; 14:33; 16:1, 15; 2 Cor. 1:1; 8:4; 9:1, 12; 13:13; Eph. 1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18; Phil. 1:1; 4:22; Col. 1:4, 12; 1 Tim. 5:10; Philemon 1:5, 7; Heb. 6:10; 13:24; Jude 1:3). Hebrews 10:10 defines sainthood very plainly.  We, as Christians, have been “sanctified (made saints) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Thus, as a result of what Jesus did for us on the cross, all Christians are saints.  

Even though we may frown and scoff when hearing such a title attached to our name knowing where we’ve been, God’s Word tells us that you as a Christian are someone very special! God took all of our sins and placed it on the One who had never sinned, Jesus, so that we could be made completely new (2 Cor. 5:17, 21).

Jesus took our brokenness, guilt, sin, and shame, and replaced it with His perfection. All of this means that once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we now contain the righteousness of God within us. 

God the Father sees Jesus living in us. We are completely new, enjoying a close personal relationship with the very One who created you and me. Sainthood is not earned, it is simply received, or traded you might say— Jesus’ perfect life in place of our imperfections. We are saints!

We have been chosen before the foundations of the world, by God for sainthood.  With such a title, we have the responsibility to live a life of high moral character and integrity. We can and are enabled to live far beyond the immorality which is rampant in our society.  

Therefore, it is my prayer that you as a Christian see yourself as God sees you. You are a saint because of what Christ has done for you; He is living within you through the Holy Spirit. Thus, may we live as we truly are, a new creation, our old self is gone, the new has come.

For His glory,

        Matt

God Revealed #4: For the Love of a Father

In December and January, we studied in-depth about Christ—specifically, how He was both 100% human and 100% God when He walked the earth.  This month, I want to shift our focus from the God the Son to God the Father. Below, you will see a chart listing some of the similarities between Christ and God the Father.

Traits Unique to God the Father	Traits Unique to God the Son, Jesus
Creation is “the work of His hands”—alone (Gen. 1:1; Psa. 102:25; Isa. 44:24)	Creation is “the work of His hands”—all things are created in and through Him (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2, 10)
“The First and the Last” (Isa. 44:6)	“The First and the Last” (Rev. 1:17; 22:13)
“Lord of lords” (Deut. 10:17; Psa. 136:3)	“Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16)
Unchanging and eternal (Psa. 90:2; 102:26,27; Mal. 3:6)	Unchanging and eternal (John 8:58; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:11, 12; 13:8)
Judge of all people (Gen. 18:25; Psa. 94:2; 96:13; 98:9)	Judge of all people (John 5:22; Acts 17:31; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1)
Only Savior; no other God can save (Isa. 43:11; 45:21; Hosea 13:4)	Savior of the world; no salvation apart from Him (John 4:42; Acts 4:12; Tit. 2:13; 1 John 4:14)
Redeems from their sins a people for His own possession (Ex. 19:5; Psa. 130:7,8 Ezek. 37:23)	Redeems from their sins a people for His own possession (Tit. 2:14)
Hears and answers prayers of those who call on Him (Psa. 86:5-8; Isa. 55:6-7, Jer. 33:3; Joel 2:32)	Hears and answers prayers of those who call on Him (John 14:14; Rom. 10:12, 13; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 12:8-9)
Only God has divine glory (Isa. 42:8; 48:11)	Jesus has divine glory (John 17:5)
Worshipped by angels (Psa. 97:7)	Worshipped by angels (Heb. 1:6)

At the same time, God the Father has some roles that are unique to Him.  It is actually quite exciting for me to consider this subject with you this month as I anxiously await the birth of our first child around March 23.

The closer this date comes, the more I think about the seriousness of fatherhood, and how excellent of an example God the Father is to all of us fathers. Fatherhood is a serious role that no man should take lightly.  Therefore let’s consider three aspects of fatherhood seen in God the Father, and how they relate to our role as fathers. 

God the Father is our provider (Phil. 4:19). He does not promise that we will be physically rich in this life, but He does promise to take care of our every physical need when we trust in Him and seek His kingdom first (Luke 12:31). Similarly, we are to be the provider for our families.  It is our responsibility, as leader of our homes to see that our family’s needs are taken care of. 

Second, God the Father is our protector. David perfectly illustrated this when he said, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (Psalm 18:2).  

Likewise we are called to protect our families.  This protection comes on multiple levels—there is the obvious physical protection, but there is also the spiritual protection.  We men, as fathers, are called out by God to keep our families on the path that leads to eternal life.  This starts with our being a role model demonstrating to our family how to live a Christ-centered life and then flows into every aspect of our relationship with our family. When we see God as our heavenly Father, provider and protector, it puts our life in a whole new perspective. But the most outstanding aspect of fatherhood illustrated by God the Father is love: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

God's love motivates everything He does. God’s love is seen in how He guided the course of history, preparing for Jesus’ saving act, using the nation of Israel as His chosen instrument to spread His message of love throughout the world. Likewise as earthly fathers, we are able to send a message of love to a time and place which we will never be able to go through our children.

Additionally God the Father gave us His Word of love, the Bible. In the Bible God gives us not only the history of how He was working in the lives of many ordinary people to bring about His message of salvation, a message of love, but also He gives us guidance for each step in our journey of life. Likewise through our actions, character, and what we teach to our kids we are able to leave them with wisdom which can stretch far beyond their lifetimes.

Therefore, I want to encourage you fathers, to look to God the Father for an example of true fatherhood. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:1-2).

Because of God’s love,

     Matt

The Blessed Life #1: Blessed Beyond Our Wildest Dreams

There is a well-known account of a man who spent all his life searching for silver in the mountains of the Old West. This man’s search became an obsession to the point that both his wife and children left him. When the man died a handful of people came to bury him under his cabin as were his last instructions. This cabin was all the man had left. As the people dug the man’s grave, a lustrous gray material began to appear. This location became known as the largest silver vein in California history. The miner had been a millionaire all his life, but he had never been able to claim his wealth, because he was looking in the wrong location.

My question to you is, are you looking in the wrong location for your wealth? The Bible says that we are spiritual billionaires because of Christ' death and through a personal relationship with Christ.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Eph. 1:3 NLT). God gives us Christians, His adopted children, the best blessings imaginable. What’s more, God’s blessings do not rot, rust or decay. Even though we may neglect them, or fail to claim them, no one can take them away. One day our lives and even this world will pass away, but our souls and the blessings which God has for us will never go away.  However, we must first be looking in the right location and second claim what God has already given us.

These blessings are scattered throughout His Word, the Bible. Take for example Ephesians 1:3-14. As I briefly looked through these few verses, I discovered 18 spiritual blessings.  As I mentioned, this is just a start.  There are numerous more listed throughout Scripture that can be our treasures for this life and beyond.

Therefore, I want to encourage you to claim the blessings which God has for you. These blessings are new every morning. These blessings enable us to live above the trials of this life. Yes, we do experience storms in this life; however, God enables us to live above the clouds regardless of our circumstances when we look to Him. Apart from Christ we are nothing; in Him we have “every spiritual blessing.”

Charles Spurgeon said, “We are rich as Christ is rich, when we are united to Him by the living bond of faith.” Therefore, I want to encourage you to claim the marvelous gifts which He has especially for every one of us, for God has just the right gift that you require in your time of need. Thus, I want to encourage you to live the blessed life.

In His service,

        Matt 

Elder's Corner: The Love of Someone Special

What is love?  Maybe for some of you it is simply a dream.  Some people think of love as a feeling, others as simply lust.  Some of you have loved as long as you can remember, while others of you can’t remember experiencing loved.

The Bible teaches us that love is patient, kind, giving, and forgiving (see 1 Cor. 13).  Love is an action that a person chooses to do or not to do. You can choose to show love or withhold your love.  As Valentine’s Day approaches, you have a choice to remember that special someone in your life.  Remember also that God’s love is there for you every day and He wants you to share His love.  Is there something you can do to demonstrate your love for Him this Valentine’s Day as well?

Do not neglect to love those people that God has put in your life, but also do not neglect to love Him.  If you have never felt God’s love, grab a Bible and read Luke chapters 22-24 and see what He did for YOU.

In Christ’s Love

Tim

God Revealed #3: It’s all in the Name

Names mean a lot to people.  Our name is the one that we most listen for.  Whether your name is Huxley, Miggy, Sophia or Jacob, each has a special significance. Maybe your parents chose your name based on someone in their ancestry, or someone significant in their lives, or because of its special meaning or sound. I know for my wife and I, we have specifically chosen our son’s name – Samuel based on its meaning, ‘Heard of God’ and the account in Scripture behind it; our prayers for a child have been heard by God.

Rarely in the Bible will you find a name which doesn’t mean something significant. A few common examples are the names David (“Beloved”), Naomi (“Pleasant”), Elijah (“Yahweh is my God”), Daniel (“God is my judge”), and John (“Yahweh is a gracious giver”). 

Over time, we develop a reputation or name for ourselves based on our behavior, and those we hang around.  As a result of this, people can be given nicknames, like Stinkweed, Shorty, etc.  Thus, there are several ways our names have special significance to us and to others.  What kind of name are you making for yourself?

Likewise, as you read through Scripture, you will discover that God Himself has several names. However, all of the names of God recorded in the original Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament point to some attribute of God.  Each name has significance not only to the one who initialed called Him by it, but also to generations who came after. 

For example, God chose to send Moses to act as His spokesman to free His chosen people, the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. This caused Moses to ask God what His name is. God responded by saying that His name is “I AM.” The name Yahweh/Jehovah is a form of this Hebrew verb, “I AM.” At first glance, one may think that this is an odd name, but what it points to is of great significance. By God referring to Himself as the “I AM” (Yahweh/Jehovah); He is declaring His eternal nature. He has always existed and will always exist. He is the personal, loving, and loyal God who is always true to His word (Mal. 3:6; John 8:58-59).  

Yahweh/Jehovah/I AM (LORD): He is the Eternal, personal, covenant LORD	Elohim/El/Theos (God): He is the Creator of the universe
Adonai/Kurios (Lord): He is the absolute Owner	Yahweh-Shalom: the LORD is our peace
Jehovah-Jireh (Provider LORD): He provides our needs	Yahweh-Tsidkehu: the LORD is our righteousness
El-Shaddai (God Almighty): He is all powerful and all sufficient	El Elyon (God Most High): He is above all things
El-Olam (Everlasting God): He is unchangeable	Yahweh-Nissi: the LORD is my Banner—He fights for His people
El Roi: the God who sees and knows all things	Immanuel: God is with us
Yahweh Elohim (LORD God): He is Holy and Sovereign	Yahweh-Rohi: the LORD is my Shepherd
Father: He loves and cares for His children	Wonderful: Jesus fills our hearts and minds with amazement
Counselor: Jesus has the wisdom we need	Mighty God: Nothing is too difficult for Jesus
Everlasting Father: Jesus is the Father of Eternity	Prince of Peace: Jesus fills our lives with true peace
Jesus: the LORD saves	Logos (Word): Jesus is the Message of life and salvation
Son of Man: Jesus is God in the flesh (100% man)	Son of God: He is equal with the Father (100% God)
Holy Spirit: the presence of God living in believers	Comforter: the Spirit grants us peace through the storm
Helper: the Spirit wants to help us at all times	Convicter of Sin: the Spirit convicts all people of sin
Spirit of Truth: the Spirit guides believers in truth	Witness: the Spirit testifies about the believer’s relationship with God

One of the most common names for the Deity in the Bible is the Hebrew name, Elohim, (El for short), and the Greek version of it Theos. These names are simply translated as “God.” However, their meaning is vastly more significant than that in the Bible.

God (Elohim/Theos) is the Creator of all creation (Gen. 1:1). This name speaks of the One who formed each and every one of us while we were in our mother’s wombs. He is the Sustainer of all things. He holds all things together. If God ceased to be, then so would everything else.

This name also speaks of One who is holy (Lev. 19:1-2), perfect (Matt. 5:8), faithful (Rom. 3:3), the ultimate promise keeper (Rom. 9:6-8), wise (Rom. 16:27), totally righteous (2 Cor. 5:21), and loving (1 John 4:8).

And this name speaks of the One who is Sovereign. God the Father said to Jesus, “Your throne O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom” (Heb. 1:8). God’s names are significant!

The chart on page 1 gives a brief summary of God’s names and what they mean. I encourage you to spend time studying Scripture, noting all of the names of God you can find. Some of these names Scripture applies to all 3 persons of the Trinity (Father, Son—Jesus, and Holy Spirit), while others are applied to only one of the members of the Godhead.

Therefore, to say that God only has one name, for example, Jehovah, is to completely reject certain names which God is clearly called in the Original, and it minimizes the greatness of the One True God.  It doesn’t take long of studying the names of God to recognize that He is beyond our comprehension. This may bother some of us; however, if you and I could fully understand God, then how great would He truly be?

One could spend their entire lives just seeking to grasp all that is revealed about God and never fully comprehend the awesomeness of our God. He is greater than we could ever imagine. He is too wonderful for words to describe Him. He is big enough to handle any problem which we encounter and yet He is loving enough to care about our smallest concerns.

More of Him, less of me,

     Matt

Elder’s Corner: Are you “in” or “out”?

For the last three weeks I have been building a “lean to” shed addition onto my machine shed. This was not very good planning on my part as the temperatures were in the teens several days. One particular day I was putting metal on the west side of the building. I had to take my gloves off to be able to pick up the screws to attach the metal. The wind chill was exactly that-- “cold”! All the while I could hear the furnace running inside the original building. 

I kept thinking how warm and toasty it would be if only I was inside. I started to think about church to take my mind off how freezing cold I was getting. Then God sent me the illustration. I willingly left the warmth of the building to put metal on the new building. I thought about my friends who used to come to church but have willingly left the warmth of the fellowship of other believers. I also thought about those friends who are on the outside looking in—those who weren't brought up in church, those who have never been introduced to Jesus. I know I couldn't wait to get back inside where it was warm when I was on the outside. 

As this New Year is almost here I hope my friends who left the warmth of God's fellowship will return and those who have never met the One who loved them enough to give the gift of His own Son at Christmas will join the warmth of fellowship on the “inside”. A New Year --a New Start that You Will Never Regret!

Alan