A Note on Faith and Families

The weeks of late spring/early summer bring important events to our family calendars, particularly Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Vacation Bible School.  Families and churches, not to mention gift shops and florists, pause to commemorate the love and devotion of parents for their children.  Although we might hesitate at the commercialization of these two special events, we all agree that celebrating parents and families is good, even biblical when we recall the “Honor thy father and thy mother” statement found in Exodus.  Additionally, VBS provides an opportunity to expose and engage families with the Gospel as it’s taught and displayed in a variety of ways, such as lessons, puppets, and missionary stories.  VBS becomes a time when young people frequently receive Christ as Savior or, if already born again, can grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible and the Lord’s call upon their lives.

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and VBS are all significant, not just because they provide fun experiences, shared memories, and photo opportunities, but more importantly, because they reflect the biblical truth that there is a special connection between faith and family.  It’s a relationship that was designed by God in the beginning with Adam & Eve, echoed in the Ten Commandments, referenced in the Psalms & Proverbs, described in the parables of Christ, and explained in the inspired writings of the Apostles.  Additionally, familiar words, such as father, brother, sister, family, child, son, and home,have application to the family-unit and to biblical faith.

The Scripture is clear to teach that the responsibility of creating a family environment of faith is placed squarely on the shoulders of the parents.  It’s the parents who set the priorities that reflect what’s important in raising the children.  Parents make the choices regarding how time is used and how money is spent, they decide where to go and what to do.  They resolve how faith will integrate into the family and to what degree, if any, biblical values are prioritized.

Being a parent is demanding physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually.  It’s not easy, but it can be wonderfully rewarding.  However, parenting becomes an even more difficult task when done without biblical principles and guidelines of truth to structure the family and rear the children.

A recent search of Amazon’s website using the phrase “parenting books” revealed more than three dozen categories and a total of more than sixty-thousand results.  Categories spanned a wide spectrum of ideas, research, trends, and “how to” topics.  After a brief survey of the results, it was easy to arrive at a conclusion…parentingmust be one of the most written about subjects of all time.  But when you think about it, that shouldn’t be a surprise.  The typical goal is to be a “good” parent, and in that pursuit of “good,” people, especially first-time parents, are looking for guidance and advice, of which, there is certainly an abundance of resources.  

However, as Christians, let us notfall prey to the “abundance of resources” about parenting which are built upon the shifting sand and feeble foundation of worldly, and even anti-God beliefs.  The goal of Christian parents is not just to be good, but rather to be godly… intentional and purposeful in creating an environment where Christ is honored, biblical-truth is valued, and church is prioritized.  Establishing such an environment is a recipe that can keep a family grounded in truth, abounding in love, and growing in the Gospel.  May we strive to make our homes a place where God’s truth is regularly sewn into the hearts and minds of our children and our children’s children.
 - Dr. Harlie Miller // Associate Pastor

A Note on Mother's Day

Growing up and attending school in West Virginia from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s (wow, where did the time go?). provided a reasonable measure of West Virginia history in the classroom (a required course then, but not so much now). As part of the curriculum, students read about Anna Jarvis, a native of Grafton, West Virginia. Anna was recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day in 1908.  Mainly because of Ms. Jarvis's efforts, Mother's Day observancesbegan to spread to a number of cities and states until President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 officially set aside the second Sunday in May for the holiday.

The Mother's Day holiday quickly became a strong stimulus of consumerism.  However, commercialization was not Anna’s intent. The death of her mother in 1905 inspired Anna to simply want a day established where children could celebrate, appreciate, and recognize, not all mothers collectively, but their individual mothers, the best mothers they would ever know.  That’s why she accentuated the singular “Mother’s Day” as opposed to the plural “Mothers’ Day”.

For me, Mother’s Day is much more than cards, flowers, and/or dining out.  Those expressions are certainly okay; but, the most important part to celebrate is “mother”.  I was fortunate to be blessed with a special mother.  She was a great example of a mother faithful in both her belief and teaching me (as expressed in 2 Timothy 1:5).  Momma said: “Prayer is the shortest path to God. Travel it often.”

Here are a few more Bible verses that help remind me of how important mothers are:

John 19:25-27 (These verses demonstrate Jesus’ love and care for his mother, an example of how we should treat our mothers.)

Isaiah 49:15(This passage describes a mother’s endless compassion, never forgetting their children.)

Exodus 20:12(We are to always honor our father and mother.)

Leviticus 19:3(God commands that we respect our mother and father, to obey all of God’s commandments.)

An inspirational short story for Mother’s Day (theholidayspot.com)

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away.  As he got out of his car, he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb, sobbing.

He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.  But, I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars.”

The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me.  I’ll buy you a rose.”

He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers.  As they were leaving, he offered the girl a ride home.  She said, “Yes, please!  You can take me to my mother.”

She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

-Mickey Grubb (Adopted at the age of 3)

The Significance of the Resurrection

Below are some thoughts from Dr. Warren Wiersbe on the resurrection.  I thought you would enjoy.

“We must never underestimate the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The world believes that Jesus died, but the world does not believe that He arose from the dead. Peter's message at Pentecost emphasized the Resurrection. In fact, it is emphasized throughout the Book of Acts. What is the significance of the Resurrection?

It proves that Jesus is God's Son. Jesus stated that He had authority to lay down His life and to take it up again (John 10:17-18).

It verifies the truth of Scripture. Both in the Old Testament and in the teaching of Jesus, His resurrection is clearly taught (see Pss. 16:10; 110:1). If Jesus had not come out of the tomb, then these Scriptures would not be true.

It assures our own future resurrection. Because Jesus died and rose again, we shall one day be raised to be like Him (1 Thes. 4:13-18). In fact, the entire structure of the Christian faith rests on the foundation of the Resurrection. If we do away with His resurrection, we have no hope.

It is the proof of a future judgment. "Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man who He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

It is the basis for Christ's heavenly priesthood. Because He lives by the power of an endless life, He is able to save us "to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:23-28). He lives to intercede for us.

It gives power for Christian living. We cannot live for God by our own strength. It is only as His resurrection power works in and through us that we can do His will and glorify His name (see Rom. 6:4).

It assures our future inheritance. Because we have a living hope, we can experience hopeful living. A dead hope grows weaker and weaker before it eventually dies. But because Jesus Christ is alive, we have a glorious future (see 1 Peter 1:3-5).

Whenever God's people gather on the Lord's Day they bear witness that Jesus is alive and that the church has received spiritual blessings. When the followers of the Lord gathered that first Lord's Day, they were discourged and defeated.”

Bible Exposition Commentary (BE Series) - New Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament, Volume 1.

I think the most wonderful thing about the resurrection is that you and I can come to know the risen Savior personally, and in so doing we receive redemption, forgiveness and a home in heaven. Since we know the risen Christ personally, we can learn to walk in fellowship with him throughout our journey. It is my prayer that we will learn to trust him for his strength, comfort, joy and peace in the midst of life‘s troubles, disappointments, challenges, blessings and adventures.

 - Paul Luttrell / Senior Pastor

Overcomer

Once again we have been painfully reminded of the evil and corruption that is a part of our world. Sadly, a quick scan of the news shows us how bad humans are to one another. The world, and strangely enough most believers, are left wondering what, if anything, can be done. Some advocate more laws, more government and more money to be spent on this or that program in order to combat the horror of the day.

     But is that what the Word of God tells us? How can we defeat evil? We can start overcoming evil by doing good. The apostle Paul was very explicit in this when writing to the Romans: 'Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To

the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink: for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12:17-21

     It really doesn't get much clearer than that, does it? It's not through government, wars, grandstanding, name-calling, or blame-games that evil is defeated - it's by doing good. One of my all-time favorite authors wrote that 'Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.' - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

     Being kind to each other - those we know, as well as those we do not know - will combat more evil that the most powerful weapon man has yet to devise. Of course the greatest, yet simplest, act of kindness and love we can do for anyone is sharing the Gospel. There have been some dark and downright bizarre times in history, and often they paralleled a neglect of the Gospel by believers. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that any of us have any hope. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that can make bad people good, that a society can be changed. The Gospel is the light that scatters the darkness.

 - Ray Perdue  //  Men's Ministry Director

Eighteen for '18

II Peter 3:18 encourages believers to “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  Spiritual maturity of the believer is always a biblical priority.  Lessons we learn from both Old and New Testaments are there to help us in our journey of growth.  The Apostle Paul often wrote of “walking” in the faith, a symbol that we are both learning and growing as we progress through the stages of life, but it’s not just age or experience that provide the path of maturity, it must be a growth centered on the truths of God’s word.

As surely as a plant will grow when provided with the right elements, and conversely, will wilt and weaken when deprived of essential nutrients, a born-again believer will grow or weaken based upon engagement with the essential spiritual nutrients of the faith.  It’s an illustration so simple a child can understand it, but so profound that even the most experienced of Christians must apply it.

At the beginning of last year, I proposed a list of seventeen actions to consider integrating into the year ahead.  For this year, the list has been refined a bit and another item has been added, after all it’s 2018!  Let’s consider how we can use these items to make this a year where we grow in the grace and knowledge that will make us individuals, families, and a local church with which the Lord is pleased. 

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list or a prioritized list.  Rather, it’s a list of suggestions that can help as we move along the pathway of maturity in the year ahead, so read over it, pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts and actions about your next steps of growth.

1.     Pray daily, deliberately, and specifically, remembering that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

2.     Pursue God’s will to lead…and look for God’s hand to provide.

3.     Engage the Bible each day through reading it, hearing it preached, or listening to it being read.

4.     Encourage others in the growth of their faith. Let them know you’re praying for them and share words of encouragement (this is especially important for parents raising their children in spiritual truth).

5.     Use social media to promote church activities and the Gospel.  The total outreach of the social media used by the church congregation numbers thousands, what an impactful tool this could be.

6.     Integrate Christian radio into your daily activities.  Our area is blessed with several stations that will complement your daily walk in the faith.

7.     Expand giving to ministries and projects that are established to further the Gospel both locally and globally.

8.     Journal the Journey.  Whether it’s on a notepad or an iPad, keep a record of answered prayer and your spiritual growth.

9.     Practice Hospitality, Patience, Forgiveness, Love, and Thankfulness…all are important characteristics of biblical faith and are some of the most practical evidences of a Christian testimony.

10.  Invite others to church.  A personal invitation is still the most likely reason someone will visit a church.

11.  Warmly greet and engage visitors who come to our church.  A friendly welcome may be the most important reason someone decides to return.

12.  Commit to a church ministry, either to attend regularly, or to work faithfully.  The greatest sermon or lesson in the world has no effect on an empty pew or chair.

13.  Come to church prepared to worship.  Two of the obstacles to a meaningful worship experience are rush and routine.  Consciously prepare yourself by not rushing in and going through the routine.  Prepare your hear through prayer and submission to the Holy Spirit.

14.  Identify a missionary to pray for by name and location.

15.  Find a Bible-based ministry to encourage you via the Internet, the radio, or TV (yes, there are some good ones).  If you’re not sure where to start, then let someone on the pastoral staff help you select a broadcast.

16.  Look for opportunities to “voice” your faith in conversations, both personal and digital.

17.  Be part of an outreach of the church, such as a mission’s trip or other ministry that reaches into the community.

18.  Include in your reading this year a regular diet of books, article, blogs, etc. which are intended to strengthen your faith.

 - Dr. Harlie Miller // Associate Pastor

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!! The year 2018 is upon us. I don’t know about you, but at the turn of each year I look back at the year that has passed and attempt to count my blessings before turning inward and upward to catch a vision for the new year. In retrospect, 2017 has been a beautiful year. It has been another year to live according to God’s purpose and will. On the other hand, I can look back into the year and see missed opportunities along with things that I would change or do better given the chance. There are also tragedies and sicknesses I remember struggling to find His purpose in. In my personal time with the Lord I sporadically involve a devotional I hold dear to my heart by Oswald Chambers called “My Utmost for His Highest”. I have drawn great strength and direction from his December 31^st offering:

“As we go forth in the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, unremembering delight, nor with the flight of impulsive thoughtlessness, but with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ. Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the irresistible Future with Him.”

The future certainly is irresistible, what a comfort that the God of all creation goes before us. I have not faced difficulty in the past without the eventual realization that God saw it all before it happened and planned ahead. He planned moments in advance that I could see His faithfulness in the middle of grief and see his goodness and provision on the mountain tops.

I propose that it is best to not live a purpose driven life with resolutions but rather a spirit-led life. The only resolution I can muster is to walk in the Spirit not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, to keep my mind in the Word allowing His Word to be the meditation of my heart and to keep my ears open to hear His leading. After all, we were born in this time and this season according to His purpose and will. We don’t enter 2018 by accident but rather by God’s sovereignty.

I am excited to move into a new year! It is my prayer that we dwell closely as a congregation to the heart of God, living as faithful servants and walking in The Way.

- Pastor Jason // Worship & Youth Pastor