Welcome

God’s call on the church in America after September 11 is to rebuild our spiritual Christian walls for God’s glory and for our protection. God tells us how to do that through his prophet-statesman Nehemiah and the revival and rebuilding by God’s people in a spiritually needy time.

We are told to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (II Corinthians 13:6) Nothing is more eternally important than knowing that you possess true saving faith in Christ. The book of James is the book of Wisdom Literature in the New Testament and corresponds to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. James is the application book of the New Testament and tells us how to live out a life covered by salvation by grace through faith.  Saving  faith works!  Saving faith always produces a faithful life. Saving faith will act on that faith in godly living and true ministry to others. Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. Good works and a changed life will follow.

The book of James is the book of Wisdom Literature in the New Testament and corresponds to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. James is the application book of the New Testament and tells us how to live out a life covered by salvation by grace through faith.  Saving  faith works!  Saving faith always produces a faithful life. Saving faith will act on that faith in godly living and true ministry to others. This is the message of the book of James and is an ideal Scripture for us as we enter our initial FirstServe week of ministry to our community. From Austin Peay student move-in ministry, to ministry to Norman Smith Elementary, and to ground breaking for a new Habitat house and more, FirstServe is faith at work.

Psalm 103 is David’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, “There is too much in this psalm for a thousand pens to write. It is a Bible in itself . . . and could be the hymn book of the church.” Matthew Henry’s words on Psalm 103 are, “This psalm calls more for devotion than exposition.” When we read Psalm 103, we feel like falling on our knees in praise before our God of mercy and loving kindness, which is the meaning of, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” Let us look at this psalm on our knees and praise our Creator, Redeemer, and Coming King.

Psalm 101 is a Coronation Psalm written by newly crowned King David. Psalm 101 is his praise to God for the nation Israel and his place of leadership. Psalm 101 is David’s recognition of the need for divine guidance and help to do the best work needed for his high position. Have you learned your need for God’s help each day? You cannot succeed without Him! “The Lord reigns” (Psalm 93:1, 97:1, 99:1) is a theme of the Coronation Psalms. He reigns over your soul. Give Him the glory!

Happiness and holiness go together. A holy man will be a happy man. “Blessed” means to be a man governed by a single hearted devotion to God. That is what the Psalmist discovers and shares with us in this magnificent spiritual treasure chest in Psalm 119. The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119 is spiritual poetry with alliterative design using all twenty-tw0 letters of the Hebrew alphabet with every verse in each of the twenty-two stanzas beginning with the same Hebrew letter. Matthew Henry calls Psalm 119 a treasure chest of gold written with a skill that is beyond our understanding. The “Mount Everest” of the Psalms, it joins Psalm 1 and 19 in exalting the Word of God.

The background of this Psalm is II Kings 18-19 where God mightily and miraculously delivered Israel and Jerusalem in one night from a 185,000 soldier Assyrian army. (II Kings 19:14-35) America’s only refuge is God and in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!

When I was . . . 4 years old: My Daddy can do anything. 7 years old: My Dad knows a lot, a whole lot. 10 years old: My father doesn’t quite know everything. 12 years old: Oh well, naturally my father doesn’t know it all. 14 years old: Dad? Hopelessly out of touch 20 years old: Oh, that man is out of date. What did you expect? 25 years old: He knows a little bit about it, but not much. 30 years old: It’s amazing how wise he has become in the last few years. 35 years old: We need to find out what Dad thinks about it. 40 years old: What would Dad have thought about this? 45 years old: My Dad knew everything. 50 years old: I wish I could talk it over with Dad one more time.

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.” President George Washington “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good of the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through the Book.” Abraham Lincoln “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Jerome of Bethlehem “There is a book worth all other books which were ever printed.” Patrick Henry What will the Bible help you do and also do for you?

As the Lord brings hundreds of children to our church in the ministry of Vacation Bible School this week, we should let the Word of God instruct us as to “the value of one child” to God and to the world. “ . . . and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 3:15 A child won to Christ and living for Christ is a whole life saved and a whole world blessed.

“Marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Nothing could be more true. “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” Hebrews 12:15 Grudges, bitterness, lack of forgiveness destroys love and trust in a marriage. Modeling forgiveness of your spouse begins with a true experience of grace in personal forgiveness from God. “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47

The Psalms are the Prayer Book of Scripture. The Psalms help us to walk rightly related to God. The Proverbs help us to live rightly related to man. A daily devotional life in the Psalms and Proverbs will lead to a strong Christian life. Prayer in the home, or a family altar, is a vital part of Christian upbringing by parents for children in the home. When the child hears the parents pray to God in Heaven for them by name, they are touched in their soul that God is real and watching over their lives.

The Holy Spirit, through King Solomon, is the author of Psalm 127. King Solomon realized by experience, the value of the family over the vanity of the world. His book of Ecclesiastes declares, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Then Solomon concluded life’s true value was this . . . “Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Nothing has more value than the family and the home over the vanities of the world.

Psalm for the Family - A Mother's Day Message

On the afternoon of the first Easter, a most wonderful story unfolds in Luke’s Gospel on the six mile road to Emmaus from Jerusalem. The Risen Lord appears to two disciples, Cleopas and, no doubt, his wife. How wonderful it is to us that Jesus wanted to be with all of us not just with the Apostles. He died for all of us and wants to be in daily, loving, vital, real fellowship with you and me every moment of the day. The news of the Resurrection had spread rapidly. Jesus engaged in normal real life conversation wanting to meet the disciples where thy were and bring them to where they needed to be.

The Cross is the great divide of human life. The Cross cut the calendars of earth into two parts—B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini–The Year of our Lord). At the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains there is a spot where the slope will carry a drop of rain water to the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean depending on a one inch difference of where the drop falls. So it is with the Cross . . . depending on your relationship with the Cross and the Saviour determines the destiny of a soul in Heaven or Hell. The word “crux” comes from “cross” and means “the essential point or main feature of an argument.” The Cross is the crux of human life. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me (John 12:32). As He was lifted up from the earth on the Cross, He is our Victorious Lord. Let us examine our Victorious Lord from the time He came down from the Cross and began to reveal Himself to His disciples and then “draw all men” unto Himself.

Our title today, “Unleash the Power,” describes what happened in Gideon’s day to bring Israel back to God and what can happen to every believer and body of Christ today. In the follow-up message to week of preparation and to Solemn Assembly last Sunday evening, we trust God to unleash His power in our lives. Next Sunday evening, the Prayer Committee will present an “Unleash the Power” prayer emphasis based on Gideon’s ministry as follow-up to our days of Solemn Assembly.

We are in a time of solemn assembly and desirous to get totally right with God. What happens when God’s people really get clean before Him and earnestly pray?

Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead so we could have the knowledge of God and be a praying people. The sure sign of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus Road was given in Acts 9:11, “Behold, he prayeth!” For the first time in Saul’s life he really could pray. He was saved, and the doors of Heaven’s Throne Room were now opened by the blood of the Lamb.

After the coming of God in Christ to the world, the most important event in the two thousand years of church history is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote fourteen books of the twenty-seven New Testament books. Paul established the first churches in Europe and set the course for Western Civilization. Big doors turn on small hinges. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus turned the world upside down. Every conversion is just like Paul’s and just as important. A life truly converted to the Lord Jesus Christ will still change the world.

The Holy Spirit three times in a brief space in the Psalms begins three chapters with the strong declaration, “The Lord reigns.” Psalm 93:1, 97:1, 99:1. This trinity of truth presented to us is intended to gain man’s attention to the infinite sovereignty of God and of our absolute dependence upon God for all things, which dependence should lead to humility, fear, repentance, cleansing, holiness, faith, and worship.

The book of Acts is summarized in this manner . . . The Lord went up! The Spirit came down! The disciples went out! The lost came in! The Gospel conquered on! The vision of the church in every generation is to be like the first church in the book of Acts.

The church in the book of Acts was alive! They preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ with conviction. Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit, purity, and power. Like a great, mighty river, the Gospel in the church went forward rolling over every obstacle, giving salvation to all who drank from its life giving message.

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:25) The Lord loves the church, and so should we. The church is the “bride” of Christ (Ephesians 5:31-32), the building of Christ (Ephesians 2:20-22), and the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). Our families are vital, and the church is the family of God. Home and church are God’s two great institutions for the welfare and blessing of humanity and each bless and come with love the third institution of government. Every person needs three homes . . . a loving earthly home, a heavenly home through Jesus, and a Bible preaching church home. We must love the church!

The book of Acts can be summarized in these statements—The Lord went up! The Spirit came down! The saints went out! The lost came in! The Gospel goes on! The book of Acts is an exciting account of the mighty works of God in establishing His church and a model for us. The church was alive! Our vision in 2011 is for the church alive being the church, the body of Christ to our needy world for God’s glory.

A Pastoral Message for the New Year

The Humility of Christmas—Philippians 2:5-8 The Humility of His Person—Philippians 2:5-7 The Humility of His Passion—Philippians 2:8 The Majesty of Christmas—Philippians 2:9-11 His Exalted Name—Philippians 2:9 The Bended Knees—Philippians 2:10-11 The Expectancy of Christmas—Philippians 2:12-16 Transformation in the Heart—Philippians 2:12-13 Our Sincerity—Philippians 2:12 His Sovereignty—Philippians 2:13 Tenderness in our Relationship—Philippians 2:1-4, 14 Testimony to the World—Philippians 2:15-16

Dr. Luke claims personal contact with the witnesses of the Gospel as he writes. He had interviewed Mary gaining first hand knowledge of the months before the birth of our Lord. Mary was called by God through the mighty angel Gabriel. Mary’s Christmas call from Heaven was met by her calm and determined commitment.

Matthew Henry, the famous Bible commentator, was once mugged and robbed. That night he wrote in his diary, “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because, although they took my money, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.” That is true Thanksgiving.

Why is it so difficult for us human beings to be thankful? It must be that we are blinded by sin and pride and feel “entitled” to the best. Often God has to take away blessings for a brief time to make us thankful for our blessings. Remember, your life, breath, heart beat, brain wave, and next meal are blessings from a Loving-Creator-Redeemer Lord. Let us be thankful!

This Lord’s Day is our annual Missions Month Sunday. It is the day we celebrate what God is doing in taking the Gospel to the nations one person at a time and how God uses people like us to fulfill His Great Commission.

World Missions Month is a season where we celebrate what God is doing in using His people to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20; “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:20

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 On the day which the world calls “Halloween,” we preach a message which give the truth about the other world, the spirit world, and life after death. Halloween often becomes a satanic interpretation of the spirit world, emphasizing ghosts, witches, the Devil, and the frightening power of evil.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer . . .” Ephesians 6:16-18 The book of Ephesians tells the church what we have in Christ and how to live in Christ—

The book of Revelation is about That Day, the coming and return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth. The information about That Day in Revelation is to bring life transformation to us Today.

Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” The Christian must face the presence of evil and the personality of an Evil One which continually opposes God and ceaselessly attempts to destroy humanity and separate us from God’s love. We must be spiritually alert and spiritually strong in the Lord.

Revelation is the ultimate worship service recorded in Holy Scripture. The book of Revelation will correct the Spirit of the age and link us with God’s direction and Spirits will guide worship on earth. Remember, God promises a special blessing to those who read the Revelation. The purpose of this information about “That Day” is life transformation for today.

The book of Revelation immediately takes us from earth to Heaven to help us live for Heaven while still on earth. Someone told G. Campbell Morgan, Pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, that the preacher must catch the spirit of the age. Immediately this great preacher answered, ‘God forgive the preacher who does that. The preacher’s business is to correct the spirit of the age.’

Revelation 4-5 is a striking Scriptural passage which gives us a glimpse into Heaven and a holy window through which to view the glories of our eternal home. We are limited, in our current fallen state, to understand or appreciate all that is awaiting us in Heaven as redeemed, Blood bought children of God through Jesus Christ. “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” I Corinthians 2:9-10

The message this Lord’s Day morning is about spiritual preparation for His coming and for the day we will see Christ face to face. At the funeral of Pastor A. W. Tozer it was said, “He lived for this day!” Are you preparing and living for the day when you will see Jesus? As children we enjoyed playing “Hide and Seek” on summer nights. Children took turns being “it,” or the person who does the looking for those hiding. The person who was “it” had to count to ten, slowly and loudly, to give the “hiders” time to find a clever hiding place so they would run back to home base first. The game was on when the “hunter” cried out “Ready or not, here I come!”

On the last day of the earthly ministry of Christ on earth on the day of His crucifixion, our Lord gave two great discourses on spiritual life. In the morning on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Eastern Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem, our Lord delivered the Olivet Discourse about His Second Coming. That evening in the Garden of Gethsemane, just at the foot of the Mount of Olives, our Saviour shared the ministry and work of the coming Holy Spirit and prayer as recorded in John 14-17. At the end of that discourse in the dark night, the soldiers led by Judas, put the Saviour in chains to be delivered to His determined destiny at Calvary.

On the last day of the earthly ministry of Christ on earth on the day of His crucifixion, our Lord gave two great discourses on spiritual life. In the morning on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Eastern Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem, our Lord delivered the Olivet Discourse about His Second Coming. That evening in the Garden of Gethsemane, just at the foot of the Mount of Olives, our Saviour shared the ministry and work of the coming Holy Spirit and prayer as recorded in John 14-17. At the end of that discourse in the dark night, the soldiers led by Judas, put the Saviour in chains to be delivered to His determined destiny at Calvary.

In the first message in the series on the Second Coming and end times we began by listing ten strong Biblical reasons we should preach on, study, think about, talk about, look, and hope for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7 A summary of those ten reasons are on our website www.fbct.org and were distributed in the “Sunday’s Coming” devotional.

A theme will be sounded in these weeks of Bible study and preaching, the theme of Explanation which leads to Expectation or Information which leads to life Transformation. We will do our best to explain many passages in the Bible on the end times from Genesis to the Revelation. Each message will then declare that the explanation we learn must lead to expectation in holy, righteous living. Biblical information we receive must lead to life transformation today. “That Day” will change us “Today.”

This Lord’s Day we conclude our Bible series on Revival based on the ten great revivals in Judah and Israel recorded in I and II Chronicles. Revival is a coming back to life that which is dying or declining. Revival is renewal to a passionate love for God, His people, and His purposes. Revival is when God’s people become desperate for a new touch from God and pray, “O, Lord, do it again!”

HOPE . . . What a wonderful blessing is hope! As we continue in our Biblical series on revival in the Old Testament, we meet one of the most hope-filled revivals in Bible history. It is a revival of King Manasseh who received a new touch from God while in prison.

King Hezekiah was a godly man, whose name means “Jehovah is mighty.” Hezekiah was a mighty man of God. His life, ministry, and influence are so mighty and so massive that we dedicate two sermons in this series on Revival to Hezekiah. Hezekiah led a Revival of prayer among the people of God.

Father’s Day is a time when we say to Christian men, “Thank you for your loving, godly leadership.” A godly man in Christ is a powerful force for the Kingdom of God. King Hezekiah was indeed a godly man, one of the greatest kings of Judah. His name means “Jehovah is mighty.” Hezekiah was a mighty man of God. His life, ministry, and influence are so mighty and so massive that we must dedicate two sermons in this series on Revival to Hezekiah. Hezekiah led a Revival of prayer among the people of God.

This Lord’s Day we look at the revival under good King Uzziah, the King whose death Isaiah mourned in the year of Isaiah’s call to preach. Uzziah’s ministry as King is marked by spiritual preparation for spiritual warfare. God’s presence was with Uzziah and Uzziah had the wisdom to fortify Jerusalem and the Kingdom spiritually and militarily against Israel’s enemies. He led a revival of spiritual warfare. As in all these Biblical revivals, these are Old Testament examples for our profit and benefit today. “Now these things became our examples.” I Corinthians 10:6a We pray . . . “O, Lord, Do It Again!”

Our Prove the Tithe Sunday, June 6 is just like the Revival of giving under King Joash. Let’s all be obedient and see what God will do in heavenly response! “Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” I Samuel 2:30

Today we will look at God’s Word in the great Ephesians 5-6 passage on Spirit-Filled Family Living. Marriage and family are about Jesus, His Gospel, and His Glory. The commands to family members “go against” our natural, self-centered tendencies. Words like “submit,” “love,” or “obey” run contrary to our Adamic nature. (We all came from Adam, the original sinner.)

In the aftermath of the 2010 Floods, listen as Pastor Freeman shares truth from God's Word.

Spiritual Preparation—II Chronicles 14:1-5 Preparation in the fear of the Lord—II Chronicles 14:2 Preparation in Holiness—II Chronicles 14:3-5 Preparation in Obedience—II Chronicles 14:4

In the Chronicles of the kings of Israel, you will meet Bible heroes which you would otherwise have not known. King Abijah is the man of revival for his generation and only II Chronicles 13 tells his story, a revival of faith.

There is a God in Heaven, and life has a purpose.

We need a revival of the glory of God. We do not appreciate or are even aware of the glory of God. We have lost the glory of God. We have run from the glory of God. Glory means, “weight, honor, respect, shining, perfection of character and attributes. We need to recapture the meaning and presence of the glory of God and experience a revival of the glory of God.

Pastor Roger Freeman's first Sunday back since his January heart attack. The Holy Spirit gave us a summary of the life of David in I Chronicles as a “man after God’s own heart.” Though King David failed miserably at one point in his life, the grace and mercy of God prevailed. God chose David from the sheep fold because David had a heart for God. In the story of David we see ten ways David demonstrated his heart for the Lord.

Message from Dr. John David Laida, Pastor Emeritus.

“Revival is the supernatural, often immediate, continuing work of the Holy Sprit in the people of God when we are awakened and gripped in our inner most being by the absolute truth of God’s Word, the white hot holiness and righteousness of God, by our own utter depravity and sinfulness before God which leads the people of God to fear the Lord and to approach Him in a spirit of repentance and brokenness through the blood of Christ for forgiveness and empowerment with a spirit of humility and meekness which lead us to a passion for a holy, righteous lifestyle and zeal for the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to be known by the people in the earth.”

“Revival is the supernatural, often immediate, continuing work of the Holy Sprit in the people of God when we are awakened and gripped in our inner most being by the absolute truth of God’s Word, the white hot holiness and righteousness of God, by our own utter depravity and sinfulness before God which leads the people of God to fear the Lord and to approach Him in a spirit of repentance and brokenness through the blood of Christ for forgiveness and empowerment with a spirit of humility and meekness which lead us to a passion for a holy, righteous lifestyle and zeal for the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to be known by the people in the earth.”

Imprisonment of God’s man—Acts 12:1-4 “Herod the King killed James the brother of John with the sword and . . . put him (Peter) into prison . . . intending, after (Passover) to bring him forth to the people (to kill him with the sword).”

Ephesians 6:18 may be the most comprehensive teaching on prayer in one verse in all the Word of God. The Bible instructs us as we pray to pray “in the Spirit.” As we engage Satan in the spiritual warfare of prayer, we rely on the anointing of God on our lives in the innermost heart.

Ephesians 6:18 may be the most comprehensive teaching on prayer in one verse in all the Word of God. The Bible instructs us as we pray to pray “in the Spirit.” As we engage Satan in the spiritual warfare of prayer, we rely on the anointing of God on our lives in the innermost heart.

The Worship in Prayer— “For this cause I bow my knees” Ephesians 3:14 Prayer “Pros Kuneo”— “to bow the knees” - a word for worship.

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

Come clean with God. God will not fill a dirty vessel. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” II Timothy 2:21

Give thanks to the Father that in Christ He hears your prayers and will answer them for your good and His glory. Review your life today and name the times He has rescued you from danger and destruction. Thank Him for saving your soul and for daily giving you life, health, and a future in Christ here and hereafter. Immerse your heart in gratitude for life, love, job, family, church, and His saving grace. Thank Him that you have the privilege to approach the Throne of Grace in prayer to our loving, mighty God. Now you are ready to pray and to keep praying for the glory of God and the blessing of your soul and your walk in Christ.

The disciples are never recorded saying, “Lord, teach us to preach.” The Holy Spirit does record in the faithful Word that the disciples asked, “Lord teach us to pray.”

"And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.”

Desire in Prayer To fulfill covenant relationship to God— “The sons of Judah” I Chronicles 4:1; Ephesians 4:1 To develop character before God— “Jabez was made more honorable (noble) than his brethren.” I Chronicles 4:9

Prayer is the greatest unfinished work of Christ and the Church which continues today at the Father’s right hand. Hebrews 7:25 Look to Jesus. He is praying for us today and invites you to pray to the Father with Him.

Spiritual Blindness • Blind to the Lord’s Purity (Balaam) - Numbers 22:22-31 • Blind to the Lord’s Power (David’s Brothers, King Saul) - I Samuel 17:26, 32-36, 47 Saul saw a giant. David saw God. • Blind to the Lord’s Purposes (Elisha’s Servant) - II Kings 6:15-17 • Blind to the Lord’s Presence (Road to Emmaus) - Luke 24:29-32

Sunday School is our church's primary small group ministry. Worship and Bible study in Sunday School go hand in hand. We have a vision to do ministry and missions through our Sunday School.

The first words of the New Testament are “THE BOOK.” Christianity is a faith known only through “The Book.” The Bible is the Book about Jesus. In our Vacation Bible School June 7-14, our vision is to reach hundreds of children with the Bible and knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. The Old Testament begins with the repeated phrase, “And God said” (Genesis 1:3). The universe was created by the Word of God! The Gospel of John links the written Word with the living Word, our Lord Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Bible is the only link to knowing Jesus Christ! In Psalm 138:2, the Bible is exalted by the declaration of the Spirit, “For Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.” Our attitude should be like the people of Israel in Nehemiah 8:1 who said, “Bring the book!”

The Will of God can be known, accomplished, and rediscovered— “Understand what the will of the Lord is.

Love is Christ caring through you. Joy is Love shining through you. Peace is Love resting upon you. Longsuffering (Patience) is Love waiting. Gentleness (Kindness) is Love touching. Goodness is Love respecting. Faithfulness is Love serving. Meekness (Gentleness) is Love submitting. Self-Control is Love guiding.

God uses people who are broken to the touch of the Master’s hand. Meekness is also translated gentleness. This fruit is a heart fruit, “an inward grace of the soul.” This fruit grows in the spiritual seedbed of humility, gentleness, and brokenness. This fruit is a humble and gentle attitude that is patient under every offense. Meekness is “an inner view of yourself that begins with lowliness.” It is the opposite of “self-assertive.” Meekness is definitely not weakness or mildness.

Opportunities for Faithfulness—II Timothy 2:2; John 20:27; Revelation 2:10 Personal Life Holy Lifestyle and Holy Habits Daily Devotional Quiet Time with God Home Life Faithfulness to Marriage Vows Faithfulness in Spiritual Focus for Children

The Sweet Fruit of Goodness— “but the fruit of the Spirit is . . . goodness.” Galatians 5:22-23; Genesis 1:21; Genesis 1:31; Psalm 100:5; Matthew 7:17-20; John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:20-21; Romans 12:2; Romans 12:9; Acts 9:36; Acts 11:24; Ephesians 2:8-10 Kindness is a disposition where everything harsh or austere is gone. Goodness is the overflowing of kindness in good works of love and edification for the body of Christ. “Goodness is kindness in action.”

The Possibility of Kindness in us—Ephesians 4:32 Speak softly and carry a big heart. Proverbs 15:1 Pray much before you speak. Proverbs 15:8, 15:29 Let joy and gratitude make your heart grateful. Proverbs 15:13, 15-16 Ask for wisdom to speak the right words at the right time. Proverbs 15:23 Remember humbly how merciful God in Christ has been to you. Proverbs 15:33

Longsuffering or Patience is the fruit of the Spirit that is willing to wait on our God of love as He handles our life. Longsuffering is an outward fruit of the Spirit to others. Love is the “first fruit” of the Spirit.

Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7) over nations and individual lives. Giving peace in life’s storms is a special work of grace from Christ. Peace is not the subtraction of problems from your life but rather the addition of power in your life to meet the problem. He alone gives peace in life’s storms. Only Jesus can give peace in your storm!

Joy was stolen by sin (Genesis 3:15-19; Romans 3:10-19) and restored only by the Cross.

The First Fruit of the Spirit is Love. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love.” The Priority of Love—I Corinthians 13:1-3 The Portrait of Love—I Corinthians 13:4-7; I John 4:8 “God is Love.” The Permanence of Love—I Corinthians 13:8-13

Welcome Back, King Jesus Series

The primary spiritual goal for a Christian parent is to place the Word of God in the heart and mind of our children. The written Word always leads our children to the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16 about Jesus and II Timothy 3:16 about the Bible go together beautifully!

In the wonderful Providence of God the “Fireproof Marriage Conference” on Saturday, November 1 comes the exact week our Happiness@Home sermon series looks at the Word where the Lord lovingly instructs us on how to “fireproof our homes.” The Lord is good . . . all the time. Let us pray and work to fireproof our marriages for Happiness@Home

Walls, Strongholds to Conquer and Victories to Win— “For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” II Corinthians 10:4 “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.” Hebrews 11:30

Heaven turns toward earth! Psalm 18:6-9 God is pleased when we pray. Revelation 8:3 We touch the very Throne of God and link hearts with the Son of God when we pray. Hebrews 4:16 Things will change because we prayed. Luke 18:1-8

Fear must not be allowed to dominate our lives. Hebrews 2:15— “. . . and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

Pastor Roger Freeman