What Can We give the Savior?

We are 10 days away from Christmas, and I'm sure some of you are stressed by the fact that you have not purchased gifts for all those on your Christmas list. I would guess that some of those who are still on the list are those who are difficult to buy for. I think people are challenging to find a gift for because of one of these three reasons: (1) They are people that don't seem to need anything. (2) They are people we don't know really well (like teachers and co-workers). (3) They are people you don't really want to buy, to begin with. Someone said, "There are generally two kinds of Christmas presents: the one you don't like and the ones you don't get." None of us want to get or give gifts that fall into either of those two categories. As a way of stimulating our thinking about gifts, and to remind us of the person who is to be honored above all at this season it seems best to focus on the most famous gift givers of all, the gifts of the Magi. The gift of gold acknowledged the Kingship of Christ. Gold was a gift that denoted royalty, authority, and power. The gift of frankincense acknowledged the Priestly Ministry of Christ. Frankincense was used in the offerings in the temple. They added a fragrant aroma to the sacrifices. The gift of myrrh acknowledged the Sacrificial nature of Christ. Myrrh points to the sacrificial death of Jesus. Now I don't for a moment believe that these Magi understood the significance of these gifts. But they were designed by God to carry a symbolic meaning. So, here is the present question: What Can We give the Savior?  Let me give you some suggestions. First, we can give Him something from the heart. Whatever you do to honor Christ this Christmas make sure it is from the heart- an honest desire to honor and worship the Lord. Second, we can give Him something of value. Maybe you can give your time in serving as a volunteer or helping with repairs or in some other way in the church or in your community. Third, we can give Him something personal. One of the best gifts we can give to our spouse or children is to give them undivided attention. Perhaps a similar gift would be appropriate for the Lord. Finally, we can give Him something symbolic. In Matthew 25 people are commended on how they showed love to Christ. This love was shown in how we dealt with "the least of the brothers." We show God love when we treat those around us in a loving way. The point of all these suggestions is that it is easy for us to forget the guest of honor this Christmas. It is too easy to get so wrapped up in the activity that we forget the Savior. Friend, how do you plan to honor Jesus this Christmas? Is He still on your Christmas list? May God bless you and keep you always.

Pastor Dimas.

God's Redemptive Plan

A legend recounts the return of Jesus to heaven after his time on earth. Jesus bore the marks of his earthly pilgrimage with its cruel cross and shameful death. The angel Gabriel approached him, so the legend goes, and said, "Master, you must have suffered terribly for men down there."  "I did," Jesus replied. "And," continued Gabriel, "Do they know all about how you loved them and what you did for them?" "Oh, no," said Jesus, "not yet. Right now only a few people in Galilee know." "Gabriel was perplexed. “Then what have you done," he asked, "to let everyone know about your love for them?"

Jesus said, "I've asked Peter, James, John, and a few of my friends to tell other people about me. Those who are told well in turn tell other people about me and my story will be spread to the farthest reaches of the globe. Ultimately, all of mankind will have heard about my life and what I have done." Gabriel frowned and looked rather skeptical. He knew full well what poor stuff humans were made of. "Yes," he said, "but what if Peter and James and John grow weary? What if the people who come after them forget? What if way down in the twenty-first century, people just don't tell others about you? What then? Haven't you made any other plans?  Jesus answered, "I haven't made any other plans. I'm counting on them." Twenty centuries later, he still has no other plan. He is counting on us (Hewett, J.S. Illustrations Unlimited. Wheaton: IL: pp. 70-71).

High on God's priority list is saving the lives of men and women. God's heart beats for the souls of men and women. In fact, it is his constant thought, his continual pursuit, and his consistent plan. This passion is reflected in Jesus. Jesus is God revealed. And Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). It is reflected in Jesus' commission to the church. The church is the body of Christ in the world today. The church is to "Go and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:20). It is reflected in some of Jesus' final words while on earth to individual believers. Each believer represents Jesus. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Just as God is in the life-saving business so is Jesus, so is the church, and so are individual believers. We can't escape that fact. The plan for saving those lives that was given to Jesus, then to the church, and then to individual believers has not changed. There is no other plan. You and I are believers today because a few disciples took Jesus at his word. They told people who in turn told other people who in turn told other people. And the word spread from generation to generation, from culture to culture, from century to century. And now we are responsible for telling others about the love of Jesus so the chain will not be broken. It's the only plan that Jesus has. We can't grow weary. We can't forget. We must tell others about Jesus. Jesus has made no other plans. God bless you and keep you always.

Pastor Dimas

Who can be Against Us?

Who can be Against Us?

Romans 8:31-34

In our country, once the court has set you free, you cannot be charged for that crime again.  It is called double jeopardy. In the devotional Our Daily Bread there was this piece; There was a man who confessed to a Wisconsin judge that 2 years earlier in the same court he had been charged with murder and was found innocent. "But I was guilty," he admitted. The judge quickly conferred with the district attorney to see if the man could be brought to trial for murder. They discovered, however, that because of the principle of double jeopardy the man could not be tried again for that crime. Although he was a murderer, he could not be punished for it. According to God's justice, we who are "in Christ" were as guilty as that man before we were converted, but now we are just as unpunishable. Why? Not because of a legal technicality. Rather, it's because any and every sin we've ever committed or will commit has been fully prosecuted in Christ on the cross. And once is all that the law demands. There are still consequences when we do wrong, even as believers. But as far as the penalty of the law is concerned, Jesus' death places us in a beautiful position of being exempt from eternal punishment. Thank God for His principle of "double jeopardy"! (Our Daily Bread Oct. 29, 2000)

Do we fail? Yes. Is some condemnation deserved? Absolutely. Are there times when our relationship with God will be strained because of our sin? Yes. Can these things invalidate our salvation?  Never!  Our sin has been paid for. God has already justified us or declared us “not guilty”. I wonder; do you feel abandoned today?  Do you feel the sting of accusation? Are you so overwhelmed by your own failure that you not only think that others condemn you, but you believe God condemns you as well?

My friend, Jesus died for those very things that haunt you. He paid for the crimes you committed. If you will turn to Him, receive Him, and trust Him for salvation and new life, the voices of condemnation will never be able to hurt you again. There will still be those who take every opportunity to remind you of your failures (those people are NOT your friends), but because of your faith in Christ, you can know that even though some of the charges are true, they will not stick in the court of God. You have been set free, declared innocent, and made new. I encourage you to come to Him today. May God bless you and keep you always.

Pastor Dimas

Be Thankful

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Psalm 107: 1, 8-9). 

It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas and draw up a list of resolutions for New Year. But there is another list we often overlook, a Thanksgiving Day list of all for which we are thankful. Let me read a part of the record that several housewives compiled. They wrote that they were especially grateful: "For automatic dishwashers, because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks". "For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals". "For children who put away their things and clean up after themselves. They are such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents". "For teenagers because they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language". "For smoke alarms because they let you know when the turkey is done."

Now our list might not be the same as theirs, but I'm convinced that if we began to make a list, we would find that we have much more for which to be thankful than just our material possessions. Like you, I'm sure, my list would include the significant thing, life, health, family, friends, church, and this country we live in, despite all its flaws. But even more than that, I'm thankful for my salvation, our church family, and the mercy that God showers upon us each day. With Jesus, we have so much for which to celebrate on Thanksgiving. I want to quickly and just give you a list of some of the things we should be grateful for.

We should thank God for His character. We should thank God for His goodness and love. We should praise God for His faithfulness. We should thank God for His power and strength. But indeed, the greatest blessing to give thanks for this Thanksgiving Day is the gift of His grace. It is true that every day should be Thanksgiving Day. It is also true that we often forget to be grateful. So, while we are thinking about gratitude, let's do it right. Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you always. 

Pastor Dimas

Praying for Us

Praying for Us

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do no know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts know what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

 It is encouraging to know someone is praying for you. It reminds us that we are not alone in the struggle to live faithfully before the Lord. How much more encouraging to know the Son of God is constantly interceding on our behalf? The author of Hebrews writes; But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf (Hebrews 7:24–25). We are saved by Christ and supported by the Son and the Spirit through unceasing prayer. Our needs will not fall through the cracks. We may ask for the wrong things, but they will not. we may get weary, they remain strong.

You may not know how to pray today. There may be confusion in your life. You may feel paralyzed by fear. Be encouraged: prayers are continually being made for you by the Son and Spirit who know what you really need and what to ask for on your behalf. When we are without words, the Spirit is not. When we are confused, the Spirit sees clearly. We must not give up. Thank you, Lord for being there for us! May God bless you.

Pastor Dimas

Trust in God

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

There is something that we know that those who are not part of God’s family do not know. It is that we have been given a new promise from Christ. The Apostle Paul begins this chapter declaring that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Everything else that follows in the rest of Romans 8 tells us why there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Because there is no condemnation and because we have a new promise from God "that all things work together for good" now we can place our trust in God.

It is hard to trust at times. Especially when you have been hurt, or you are confused, or you do not understand, but we need to learn to trust God at all times. Why can we believe God in all things and at all times? Because God has perfect wisdom. A. W. Tozer says concerning God and his wisdom: “Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision. All God’s acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time. Moreover, all His acts are as pure as they are wise and as good as they are wise and pure. Not only could His acts not be better done; a better way to do them could not be imagined”.[1]

Think about that! A better way cannot be imagined! We can’t improve upon what God has done. Think about these points about God’s wisdom. God sees everything in focus. He works despite man with flawless precision. He acts and doesn’t respond with perfect wisdom. God acts with perfect wisdom for the highest good, the most significant number, for the longest time with perfect timing. God has the complete picture and sees how one act affects everything else, in every way for all time.

It is no wonder Paul would say, Rom 11:33; “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Why else can we trust God in all things? Because He is working FOR OUR GOOD in all things! Do we really believe what Romans 8:28 says; How then do we approach the future? With humility before God. The psalmist wrote: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).

May God help you to trust in Him at all times and be at peace. Amen.

Pastor Dimas

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[1] Tozer, A. W. The Knowledge of the Holy. (p. 66).

The Storms of Life

The Storms of Life

 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15).

                                                     We’ve all experienced storms in our lives. A sudden

death of a spouse, extended periods of unemployment, news that our son our daughter is being deployed to a war zone or bad test results from the doctor. These times are difficult. No one likes being in the rain of these storms. For many of us, our gut reaction to the storms of life is to run through them. We hope that by running, we can get through the bad times quicker, find the sunshine and restore order. But the truth is the faster we run, the wetter we get. I believe God wants us to walk in the tough times.

When we walk in the rain, we are forced to slow down. As I reflect on my own spiritual journey some of sweetest moments have been the ones. I’ve spent with the Savior walking in the rain. Did you catch that? Jesus walks with us. I love the words of the old hymn “In the Garden”; “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me, I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known”. So many times, we start to blame the very one standing beside us in the rain. He is ALWAYS there, right next to you, not running, but walking and talking to you.

Listen to the Word of God: “…although Jesus existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:6-7) I’m not sure if your facing sunshine or rain in your life right now but let me encourage you. When the storms of life come, and they do, be patient. Start walking and while you do, look for Jesus. Look to him for healing, encouragement, and growth. You will never be let down. May God bless you always.

Pastor Dimas

Living with Urgency

LIVING WITH URGENCY

John 4:35

            God wants to do even greater thing in our lives than we could ever imagine if we just surrender our lives to Him. I have been thinking about and praying that God would give me the courage to pursue people for Christ. He has called me to live with urgency. As we settle for safety and security, rather than chasing our passions, those people that God is calling us to pursue, God maximum impact in us is stalled. Our stubbornness, lack of surrender, and limited view of God often hinder His power from having its maximum impact on our lives. If we prevent God from having total control of our lives, we end up settling for the good while God is urging us to pursue greatness.

            Living with urgency is what God is calling us to do. God has placed passions inside each of us. Going after the unchurched will require us to step outside our comfort zones, take risks, and at times look like fools. We must stop spending the majority of our time making plans for God and simply start seeking Him. Often, I think we make God’s will too difficult for our lives and we neglect seeing Him in the obvious. Instead of going with God, allowing Him to teach us on the journey, we end up wanting everything to be perfect, and we do nothing.

            Living with urgency will require to fully submitting ourselves to God. When we do that, we learn to thrive in difficult circumstances realizing that God’s glory will be revealed in what seems to be impossible situations. If we have the courage to wholly submit to Him and commune with his Spirit daily, He will do the supernatural things that he wants to accomplish through us. Jesus said: “Open your eyes and look at the field. They are ripe for the harvest.” (John 4:35) What did He want them to see? The fields! And what were the fields? The masses of people who were just waiting to be reached. Listen, the problem is still the same today. While we enjoy the fellowship and the teaching and the preaching the fields are waiting to be harvested. It is not a problem for the pastor only. It is not a problem for the church leadership. It is our problem, it is our harvest, those are our fields, and this is our work.

            When it comes to the unchurched in our community, we can either try to gain and understanding of who they are, or we can continue to dismiss them like the disciples did. We know what we should do; we too should lift our eyes unto our field: New River area and the surrounding community and see the harvest that is awaiting our laboring hands. Do you see the fields? They are greater and broader than we have been conditioned to see, but tonight I ask you to beg God to help you see them, to help you recognize them, to give you a burden for them, to keep you awake at night thinking of them, weeping over them, and to be heartbroken for them. You may very well need to begin by repenting of your own sinful thinking toward some of the fields. Ask God to forgive you for dismissing some of the harvest because they are not like you. Ask God to forgive you for not having a heart for the unchurched, unreached people in Jacksonville and let the change begin with you. Live with urgency. God bless you

Pastor Dimas

           

What can I offer the Lord?

What can I offer the Lord?

What can I offer the LORD?

for all he has done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and praise the LORD’s name for saving me.

I will keep my promises to the LORD

in the presence of all his people.

(Psalm 116:12–14).

Andrae Crouch in the song My Tribute wrote “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet You gave to prove your love for me.” The question we must face this morning is how we can truly express our thankfulness to God? Do you ever stop and think about how blessed you are if you are a child of God? Forgiveness, peace, purpose, direction, God’s Spirit, life beyond the grave, a constant companion and friend, a healing of the body and soul, the power of His Word, the fellowship of other believers, and thousands of little things, EVERY day.

The psalmist is thankful for God’s blessings, blessings that he knows he doesn’t deserve. And he wants to express gratitude. So, he asks this question in vs. 12, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” How do we respond to such kindness and love? The Psalmist gives us two responses: First, we worship. We give God the praise and honor that is due Him. Worship is not a chore that we do every week, it is an attitude of the heart every day! Corporate worship is the gathering of worshippers for a grand celebration. I hope you will be part of that celebration today. Second, we keep our promises to Him. We show gratitude when we do EVERYTHING He commands rather than merely the things with which we agree. Every time we come to worship it is a time of thanksgiving. It is a time for all of us to express unto God how grateful we are to Him for all that He has done for us.

 As Christians, we’re well aware of how important the attitude of thanksgiving should be in our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. Take a moment today to count your blessings. Don’t hurry. Savor. Give thanks. Then express your gratitude to the Lord in ways that will please Him. May God bless you and keep you always.

Dimas