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The faith of Abraham

The Preacher Leave a comment

 

The scriptures say, “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Ro 4:3

Have you ever wondered what it was about Abraham to receive such praise? I have, so I looked into the Bible to see about this wonderful man. As I studied his life, I came across the story of God’s demand of Abraham…..

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Gen 22:1 KJV

You’ve heard the story before, but perhaps you have yet to notice one little part. It’s found in vs 3, after God commands him to take his only son and offer him as a burnt offering it says, “And Abraham ROSE UP EARLY..”

HE ROSE UP EARLY….

I have no idea about you, but ME, would I get up early to go and sacrifice my only son. I have 3 sons, would I rise early to sacrifice any of them? Abraham did. I wonder how well he actually slept that night. Was he worried, was he afraid, did he have any doubts?

To find the answer, we need to continue to study our bibles. As we do a word search, we would find this scripture;

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 8 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Heb 11:17 KJV

I believe that Abraham had no worries, no doubt, no tossing and turning that night. He had non of these troubles because he knew, “…that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;” NOW THAT’S FAITH!

He believed God, and then ROSE EARLY. I have a question; Would he have gotten the label as a man of faith had he failed to take Isaac to that mountain? Consider this verse and tell me if it has any bearing on the answer…

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, WHEN he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Jas 2:17

I emphasized one of the words in that passage to point it out to you, WHEN. Abraham was justified WHEN he had offered Isaac. Abraham was fully convinced that God was able to do what He promised, just as he was fully convinced in Gen 15. (Rom 4:21) Are we in any different a position? We’re told to have faith, Heb 11:6, but how do we know that we have a faith like Abraham?

WHEN we do whatever God says.

  • Lu 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
  • Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  • Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

 

spencer

Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

4 step formula for success

The Preacher Leave a comment

I heard of a lady that had been kicked out of her apartment by her boyfriend. She had called her former employer, this person had only used her once to clean a rental house, seeking help. She wanted to avoid any shelters so as to be able to keep her kids, though her kids were with other people. She had no money, no one to turn, no place to go zip, nada, nothing.

Without trying to sound incompassionate, this question came to mind; How does one get to a point in their life that they have nothing? How do you burn every bridge so that you have no bridge to cross? I’m speaking about people that have options and without disabilities to prevent them from having some semblance of success. (incidentally, I’ve met folks with major obstacles in their lives and have overcome)

How do you live an honest life, lacking nothing?

Would you like a life like that? Honest living, lacking nothing? There are little treasures in the scriptures that God gives us to better enjoy our lives. He said in 2Pet 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, KJV. These “things” are more than just the churchy stuff. He provided information about life.

So, turning to the scriptures we find this little gem…

1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Here we see a worthy ideal, having an honest life toward folks, and a lack of nothing. This verse says “that ye”, meaning that the formula is in the previous verses where we find the 4 step formula….

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (1Thess 4:9-10)

Let’s break this down for you…..

  1. LOVE – In vs9 He says that we are to love one another, then in vs10 to “increase more and more“. We should do more than just increase, but that He was urging us strongly to make this increase. Notice the word “beseech“.
  2. Pursue PEACE– In vs11 we see “study to be quiet“, meaning that we need to seek peace, a quiet life. Do you see how these first two steps can really change how our lives unfold?
  3. Mind your own business – Also in vs11 we see “to do your own business“. This is about being a busybody, or meddling. I think it’s referring less about what to avoid and more about what to do, take care of your stuff, look after your needs. This is not a selfish ambition, but rather making sure that the beam is removed from your own eye. Mat 7:5
  4. WORK with your own hands – now this may make sense to some of you, but to others this is a four letter word. From the very beginning, man has been assigned work to do. Work is the thing that provides all the necessities of life; food, clothing and shelter. If you don’t work, someone has to. Think of work as a blessing, not a curse. Though work is a struggle for mankind, it’s still the only thing that provides for our needs. On another note, there’s another benefit to work, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Eph 4:28). KJV

Love – Peace – Mind your own – Work

Had I told this to certain audiences, they would reject this formula simply for being from the Bible. If I were to share this without the scripture reference, they would hail it as just good ‘ole common sense. These things work whether you’re a believer or unbeliever.

If you’re an unbeliever, then what’s the point of any of this? If you don’t have a hope of heaven in Christ, then you’ve got nothing and that is one bridge you want to keep from burning. He’s told us how to cross that bridge too. Click here to see what saves you.

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

unconventional evangelism

The Preacher Leave a comment

I actually want to look at evangelism in a way that seems to be missing in many Christians, but first let me tell you a story……

I was attempting to eat at a restaurant where I live in Borger, Texas. I say attempt, because the entire staff for this particular restaurant was outside smoking. Had they been in the back by the dumpster, my recommended smoking area for any restaurant, I may have never noticed. Nay nay, they were by the front door!

Since it was a buffet, I seated myself, retrieved my own food and served my own beverage. Oh, you may say that it was a buffet, what do you expect. Folks, the drink dispenser was in the kitchen, had it been self serve I would have no problem. No one cleared my plates, too many by the way (I need to work on that problem), no one offered a refill. AND no one brought me a bill. I even attempted to wait on another table as they were in the same plight as myself.

As I went up to check out and paid my bill with my card I was faced with the dilemma when filling out the “tip” line. ….

Many of these folks would identify themselves as a Christian

Here’s what got me thinking, As a Christian, how should our work ethic be perceived? Another thing I got to thinking about, looking at myself, If I demand such HIGH expectations from the purchases I make, shouldn’t I GIVE the same or better quality in the services I provide?

Is there a guiding Biblical principle for these Ideas? Yes…...the Christian work ethic……

  1. Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: KJV
  2. 1Pe 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: NKJV

All of these are sufficient to show HOW a Christian should work, but I want to show you WHY this is so important. This will also get to the point of the title of this blog…….Evangelism through our work..

  1. 1Pe 3:1  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (lifestyle) of the wives; (speaking of wives, but could easily apply to any spouse)
  2. 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (this is speaking to Christians having a positive, hopeful attitude in the midst of trouble)
  3. Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Let us remember, we are here to be a light to the world, spreading the Gospel. I will leave you with this……

“Christians should always be preaching the Gospel, and if necessary, use words.” unknown

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

I’m Pro Choice

The Preacher Leave a comment
 It may surprise you to know that I am pro choice

You may say, “What!! A Preacher that’s pro choice!”

Yes, I am. Let me explain something, when it comes to abortion, a person has had many many many more choices that they failed to make wisely BEFORE they became pregnant.

You could choose…….

not to be alone with a person in the back of a car
not to engage in the hormonal passions
not to be groped or to grope another
not to take off your clothes

You could also choose…….

to save yourself for marriage
to always go on dates with a chaperon or on double dates for accountability
to talk about your intentions with your girlfriend or boyfriend

This reminds me of the slogan….

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

You’ve seen that before, right? Of course you have, it’s on bumper stickers, t-shirts and arm bands. I love the idea of asking what Jesus would do in any given situation. What bugs me is WHEN people ask that question.

You see, there’s no trouble in asking the question. Just ask it sooner.

If you ask the question, WWJD?, while locked in the arms of passion, in the back seat of your fathers minivan, parked in some quiet, dark and private location, you may have asked it too late. At this point, hormones and ego may get in the way of doing what Jesus would do. As a matter of fact, Jesus WOULDN’T do what you’re doing.

Borger High School teens, This one’s for you,

The best way to get the most out of the question, WWJD?, would be to decide now, today, what you would do in many of the situations that young people find themselves engaged. BEFORE you find yourself in those situations. This really applies to any person, young or old.

Jesus would do a lot less than what we’re doing. If Christ is our example, 1Co 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (NKJV), what manner of person ought we to be?

In our thoughts
In our character
In our actions
In our relationships
In our business dealings

If you haven’t figured it out, I am against abortion. It’s wrong, it destroys the life of an innocent that has no choice. There are choices for an unwanted pregnancy. There’s adoption for one.

If you need help because you’re trying to make a choice, let’s talk. If not with me, speak with someone who will give you more than just the one choice of aborting the child. They say that they’re pro choice, in reality, they offer none.

I was a fetus once and so were you.

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

6 thoughts every christian must think

The Preacher Leave a comment

A friend of mine said one time, “Who needs Satan to tempt me, I can do this all on my own.” What a very profound statement. The Bible confirms this in James 1 vs 14-15; But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) It’s so comforting to find a cause for our failures in other places. We blame Satan, or people around us. Certainly, some culpability can be found there. Some would even blame God, as seen in the above James passage vs 13. In reality, we are the first defense to our own sins. According to the passages already quoted, sin begins in the mind. We become what we think about. Pr 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: If this be true, then what ought a christian think about? In the book of Philippians, Paul gives us a list of 6 things to think about: vs 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. (NKJV)

1-TRUE – You may think that this is honesty, in reality, this is talking about…reality. So often we find ourselves believing lies. Jesus, while praying in the garden said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Joh 17:17 So, to me this says to think on true things, which is the word of God.

2-NOBLE – This word is only used 3 other times in the new testament, as far as the Greek word <semnos> is concerned and it is used for the leaders in the church. These folks are to be noble, which means grave. (grave = serious or solemn in manner or appearance; somber.) My understanding is that we should take things seriously. Does this mean that fun is dissallowed? No, it just means that we need to be able to put aside the passing pleasures of sin and be able to do that which is right. Heb 11:26

3-JUST – also translated as “righteous”, this speaks to things we do that are right (righteous). Consider this verse, Mt 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (KJV) Jesus uses “just” comparing those that are wicked. So, “just” is the opposite of wicked.

4-PURE – This word is translated as chaste, clear and pure in the New Testament. We know what chaste means. When speaking of sexuality, a chaste person is one that keeps their marriage vows, or remains a virgin until marriage. Outside of that context, it can be guiltless. No charge can be brought against you.

5-LOVELY – This speaks to those things that are agreeable to others. Christians ought never be crabby or complainers. I guess you could say that we should be thinking positively.

6-GOOD REPORT – That is, whatever is of a good reputation. There are actions that people see as reputable. Kindness, charity, courtesy. It’s funny, liars hate being told lies. Thieves hate their things being stolen. There are actions that all agree are good.

 Jesus said in Mt 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” (KJV)

Would you like to read the Bible with me? Give me a call, let’s learn together.

spencer
Borger, Tx
806/274-5021
 Ask me how to make your calling and election sure. 2Pet 1:10

True wealth

The Preacher Leave a comment

There’s a story in the Bible about a wealthy man. This man’s labor brought him more than he needed or could use at one time. He had so much that he came up with a new plan…..

This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke :18-19 KJV

This man had figured he was on easy street and could then retire. Let me tell you about another person, my mother. She lived her entire life working hard, raising a family and generally living life like most of us, struggling. When she reached her 63rd year, not quite ready to retire and “take thine ease”, she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She was forced into retirement, spent her final 2 years fighting cancer with chemo, radiation and surgery. She died at 65. Let’s go back to our first story……

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Luke 12:20 KJV

You see, both of these folks died. One wealthy, the other not so much. So what’s my point? If we continue to read the scripture we shall see the point.

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21 KJV

Whether you have a lot of money or very little, all of us need to pursue a wealth that is not of this world, we need to be rich toward God. Why? Again let’s appeal to scriptures.

Mt 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

You see, being rich toward God brings you eternal life. This is a true wealth. Our money here on earth can be lost or stolen. Even if you manage to keep it all, like the earlier example, it stays behind when you die. There’s a joke about a wealthy man that attempted to take his wealth with him. In his will he left instructions to have all of his wealth be converted to gold and be buried with him. As the joke goes, which is not very accurate to the way things will go, he finds himself walking around heaven with a suitcase full of gold. God asks him, “Why are you lugging around pavement?” Rev 21:21 It’s just a joke, that’s not how things are going to go when we die. All of our possessions will remain behind. All of our work and planning will cease. Ecc 9:10 Besides all of this there is one more thing……

Mt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Are you living near Borger, Tx and would like to know more about how to be rich toward God, drop me a note.

Spencer
preachinthegospel at gmail dot com

Christians should be nice

The Preacher Leave a comment

Westboro Baptist founder dies

As news gets around about the passing of Fred Phelps, I need to say that he does not represent me as a christian, and I dare say very poorly represents Christianity at all. His death gives me no happiness, but it does give us all to reflect on our lives moving forward.

Ec 7:2 Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. – NKJV

You see, nowhere in the scripture is that kind of hatred allowed. As a matter of fact, Jesus said….

Mt 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” – NKJV

This passage is no authority for overlooking sin or allowing it. What it does speak to, is how we are to act toward folks. In another passage, which kinda reminds me of the protest of the Westboro Baptist church, we see people getting ready to stone a woman caught in adultery.

Joh 8:3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst,
4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.
5 “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”
6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. – NKJV

We need to learn from our Lord’s example. He pointed out to the crowd that they themselves are no better than this particular sinner. Look closely at how Jesus finishes……

10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” – NKJV

We all need to be nice, sin less and obey the Gospel. If you want to bring more people to Christ then let’s see what He said….

Joh 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – NKJV

 

spencer

Borger, Tx

 

IYADWYADYAGWYAG

The Preacher Leave a comment

IYADWYADYAGWYAG 

If you always do what you always did you always get what you always got

I learned this saying about 20 years ago while managing a restaurant. The basic premise is this, if you want something better then you have to do something different. Einstein said it this way, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

In business that is a fine way to go about it. If a business fails to improve, grow or update their technology, they shall eventually die.

Change in the church

As awesome as this is in business, this is a very dangerous thing for the church. Many today feel that the church needs to change. They say….

The old ways produce so little fruit.
We need to bring the church or even the Gospel into the 21st century.
We need to preach a modern Gospel.
Let’s begin programs and organizations that will bring people into the church.
Let’s build Community centers and sports facilities.

While speaking with a pastor at a particular denomination, he commented that their Wednesday study had a larger attendance than their Sunday service. Why? “We feed ’em!” He was speaking of a weekly spaghetti dinner.

You and I would agree that feeding is most certainly required; Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.-KJV

The “food” that one serves is what is at issue. Is that the point of the Gospel? Feeding people physical food, providing entertainment when we get bored? You see, what we’re converted with, we’re converted to. What happens when you take those things away?

What if following Jesus only provided salvation? Would that be enough?

Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
27 “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” – NKJV

The Gospel as it was written is RELEVANT TODAY –

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. – ASV

Eph 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles–
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), – NKJV

As you can see here and other places when you study your Bible, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant today, tomorrow and forever.

A final thought…..

The Apostle Paul gives this warning about changing the Gospel……Ga 1:6 ¶ I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. – NKJV

If you always do what is GODS will, you always get what is GOD’S way!

Spencer
Borger, Tx