Dedication of Children

On Sunday, July 16th, during our morning worship, we were pleased to have six families dedicate their children to the Lord Jesus Christ. There following children were presented before the church:

Samuel Klungler
Jackson Leland
Lilly Rajaniemi
AJ Kalacinski
William & Emily Devers
Sarah & Hannah Frederick

The purpose of dedication is threefold. First, to trust God for the salvation of these young souls at the earliest possible time. Secondly, for the parents to be committed in raising their children faithfully in the "nurture and admonition" of the Lord. Lastly, to trust the Lord to watchover and protect these young ones as they grow and mature to become fruitful and successful Christian adults.

The charge to the parents from the pulpit was given using Mark 10:13-16 as a text.

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

The scripture clearly reminds us of the simplicity of the Gospel as God's saving message can be believed and understood by even a young child. We as adults must not over complicate the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ and the simple means of being born again by receiving as our very own Savior and repenting of our sin. We must approach Him with the same trusting childlike faith.

Jesus said, "suffer (allow) the children to come unto me." There are five essential areas where parents need exhortation regarding the spiritual aspects of raising their children in Christ.

Salvation - It is not my intent to address the issue of the age age of accountability in this article. I do however think that there is an age in which most children can understand the Gospel and truly repent and trust Christ as their Savior. Although the age differs it is generally thought to be between 4-6 years old. Paul reminded Timothy how his mother and Grand mother raised him according to the scriptures.

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. II Tim 1:5

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. II Tim 3:14&15

Growth - Most all young parents are specifically concerned about the physical growth and development of their children. Yet, not all Christian parents are greatly concerned about their child's spiritual maturity. Getting them up before school to pray, family devotions and church attendance is vital during these early years. Teaching our children living faith is also an important aspect of their spiritual development.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. I Peter 2:2

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Peter 3:18

John the Baptist showed great spiritual growth as a child and our Lord Jesus was in the Temple discussing spiritual things with the experts of that day while his parents had already made a days journey back home.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Luke 1:80

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:49-52

Heritage - Children are a godly heritage as well as a gift from God. When brought up correctly, they will be an incredible blessing. When not properly parented, they will undoubtedly "suck the life right out of you!"

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons. Duet 4:1-9

Worship - Children need to be taught worship at home and in the house of God. It is important to provide a disciplined environment for them to learn. Today we even provide special services such as Sunday School and children's' Church so that they can be ministered to on their level. Family devotions should be geared to their age group and ability as well.

Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, 31 As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. Joshua 8:30-35

Notice how the Bible clearly infers the need for the "little ones" to be present and participating in Worship.

And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. II Chron 20:13

Service - We should also do our best to teach our young children to serve. Whether it is being a witness and testimony of the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ or doing something particular for Jesus at church, the little ones should always endeavor to pleas Him. Even as a little boy, Samuel was a faithful servant at the Temple. The little maid in II Kings chapter five earnestly bade her master to to seek the man of God

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. I Sam 2:18-20

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. II Kings 5:1-3

Children are a gift and a blessing from God. We as parents need to be sincere about raising them for Christ. Dedicating our children is a tradition that can only strengthen families and churches.

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. prov 17:6

Our Salvation

Salvation is God’s gift of Love reaching out to fallen man. Religion is man’s way of reaching out to a Holy God. Biblical Salvation differs from man’s religion in a very basic and fundamental way. Religion denotes the myriad of avenues in which sinful man tries to earn salvation by doing “something.” Salvation, according to the Scriptures is solely based on “faith” in what God has done on our behalf by providing a perfect sacrifice to redeem us from our sin. The shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross is the only means to access God’s forgiveness, and faith is the only way for us to receive God’s free and eternal gift.

Our Sin – This is our problem, plain & simple. We are “born dead in trespasses and sins” because we inherited a sin nature from Adam, our forefather. Our sin is what separates us from a holy God and renders us unqualified to spend an eternity with Him in Heaven.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23


Our Savior – Jesus is our only possible Biblical solution for having our sins forgiven. He is the only acceptable sacrifice and the ONLY avenue available for us to secure a home in Heaven for all eternity. His blood sacrifice is the only way to satisfy God’s demand for perfect holiness & righteousness. Jesus died on the cross in our place because of His infinite love for you & me. The depravity of the human soul renders us incapable of providing any means to save ourselves.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:8&9


Our Salvation – Salvation is a free gift from a loving God received only by faith and rooted in His loving grace. Each one of us must receive Christ into our heart as our very own Savior from sin.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9


Our Repentance – We must turn from our sin to a Holy God. This doesn’t imply that we will be sinless, but that our desire will be in pleasing our Savior and not in the carnal enjoyment of the “pleasures of sin for a season.”

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3


Our Receiving Christ – Knowing about Jesus is not good enough. The Bible requires that we are born again by the Holy Spirit by repenting and receiving Christ into our hearts by faith. Trusting Jesus as personal Savior is much deeper than repeating a prayer or having a spiritual experience.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12


Our Regeneration – Being born again provides a whole new and eternal life in Christ. This is not to be confused with the reformation of our existing life, but a life changing event that commences the very moment that we believe.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17


Our Assurance – God wants us to know that we belong to Him forever. He does not want us to wonder or worry. We must know our eternal destiny here in this life before we die and it is too late.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:11-13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Grace

The Bible clearly tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ came "full of grace & truth." It would benefit us as Christians to try and become more like our Savior each day. Some believers are full of truth but lack grace. Others are big on grace and void of the truth of God's word. It is evident that we need both!

John 1:14-17
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus.

Salvation is also obtained by grace. Grace is receiving from God something that we don't deserve or God's unmerited favor. We are sinners and deserve to spend eternity in hell. But because of God's love in sending His Son Jesus to die in our place, we are saved by His grace when we repent and place our faith in the precious shed blood of our Savior's cross.

Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.

Ephesians 2:8&9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There are six areas in our lives that are performed by God's grace upon us.

Clothed - The Bible states that our Lord Jesus, even as a young child was "clothed with grace."

Luke 2:40
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

I believe that the same grace covers or clothes each one of God's children who have been saved by grace. Grace is something that we put on each day and wear all the day through. It is possible to stand for the truth in a way that conveys God's grace to the unbelievers. It is this very grace coupled with truth that the Holy Ghost will use as a strong testimony for the Gospel in the lives of our loved ones, friends, neighbors and work mates. Remember always that you are clothed in grace.

Content - The apostle Paul gave a litany of sufferings that he experienced while serving God with all his being for many years in II Corinthians, chapter 11. He then tells of a miraculous spiritual experience that left him with a taste of heaven which God used to motivate him in his selfless Christian service. He claims that he learned to be content, no matter what the circumstance. It was the grace of God that provided him with that contentment as he went from city to city preaching the riches of Christ's Gospel. No matter what we are facing, God is still in control. He will do the same for us today as He did for the apostle Paul. The Lord often reveals His grace to us by revealing someone else's plight which is far worse than ours at the very moment we are about to be overtaken in self pity. His grace is sufficient!

II Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Commissioned - We see in this passage how the early church saints spread the Gospel in the mighty working power of the Holy Ghost with great grace enveloping each one. Want more Holy Spirit Power? Do you want to have a more powerful testimony and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ? Then pray for more grace.

Acts 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Called - Are you a preacher, missionary, Sunday School teacher? Whatever your calling and service for the master be sure that it was all of His grace. It is truly a privilege to serve Him in whatever capacity He desires for us. We don't choose, He calls. We do not serve in our power but he empowers us with His precious gifts to enable us to be used of Him and give all the Glory to His precious name.

Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace.

II Timothy 1:8&9
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

Courageous - I give the same advice to every young preacherboy preparing for the ministry. I tell them plainly, "Grow a hide, everything that you say can and will be used against you." As Christians we all need a strong backside. When provoked by someone energized by the devil to destroy our testimony or ruin a relationship, we need to respond in the Spirit and not react in the flesh. The strength to do this comes purely from grace. We ought to defend Christ, not ourselves. It's not about us, but about Him and his bloodstained cross.

II Timothy 2:1-6
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Continuous - This is the best part of all. His grace is never exhausted! It continues forever. It is always with us and will never leave us.

Ephesians 2:5-7
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Got Grace?

For You!

II Corinthians 12:14&15
14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Seek You - Paul told the problem plagued church members at Corinth that he was yearning for them. Not for what they had, or who they were; neither how they were able to benifit the church, but, he sought their very soul & spirit! He wanted them to give themselves wholly to the Lord. The Lord wants our hearts, that is to say, "all of us." The minister seeks his people out of a deep love for each of them that he might assist them in being spiritual and have their own personal relationship with the Savior according to the Spirit of God and in compliance with the Word of God. The preacher seeks them that they might seek Him, that is the Lord.

According to II Corinthians 8:1-5, This mission was a success as the people were wholly given and submitted to God and his perfect will. "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

According to the Apostle's own testimony, Paul gave himself first to the Lord in every aspect of life holding back nothing.

Philippians 3:7-9
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Paul said, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." This is the love that every preacher must show his people. I am glad that when I was a young Christian that my Pastor showed a personal love and interest in my spiritual well being and helped me whenever I needed Him.

The Preacher seeks his people so that they might grow to serve and worship as Christians who please the Lord as they spend their days waiting for the Savior and ministering in and through the local church. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thes. 5:23.

Spent for You - Just as our Lord Jesus gave himself for the sheep, all good ministers of the gospel live to please Jesus and to bless and help the Christians that God has called them to reach with the Gospel and build up in the faith. Paul gave some moving last words to the church leaders of Ephesus in Acts 20:17-24:

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

His life did not matter, but their spirituality did. This was the very example that the church leaders witnessed so that they might carry on their leadership with Paul's example. I know many pastors who are spent trying to serve their people! Being a good pastor means giving to the saints and to the Lord in a sacrificial way.

Acts 21:10-13
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

II Timothy 2:8-12
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.

Love You - Love is the glue that holds us together with Christ. We must remember that our love is always in the Holy Ghost and can never be contrary to the Scripture. Love is not enabling our people to sin. Here are 5 things that we should know about love in order to effectivly minister:

1. Love is Commanded - John 15:9-12 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 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. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

The command is not simply to love, but to love with the same quality that our Savior loved us. This command came from Jesus and should be stressed and followed just as seriously as the command to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel."

2. Love should be Confirmed - John 13:34&35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Our love for eachother should be confirmed by the unsaved. We should be concerned about the testimony of our church. Each one of us contribute to that testimony when we are out in the world. Is our church a place that they would feel welcome or is it just like the worlplace and like other social circles that are degraded by clicks, contention and division.

3. Love should Continue - I Thes. 3:12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you."

Notice that our love for one another should not only continue, but should also increase! We ought to love who Jesus loves and He loves every one of his saints. I realize that all of us may be hard to love at times, but we must make that effort to maintain a sweet spirit in our church.

4. Love should be Complete - I Peter 1:22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently."

We should love eachother fervently and completely. We may not always get along or agree. We may irritate eachother from time to time. But it is always important to love for "love covers a multitude of sins."

5. Love is Courageous - I John 3:16 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

True love is giving yourself for another like Christ did for us. We need to look around our church and ask ourself if we would be willing to give ourselves for the others sitting there. And if the answer is no, then we must ask our Savior to give us of His courageous love.

Paul said that the more he loved them, the less they seemed to love him. It is not easy being the preacher because you must always love the Lord enough to stand by His Word and not just tell people what they want to hear. You must love your people enough to tell them what's right eventhough it may be hard for them to swallow the truth. The devil attacks the church in two ways, from without and from within. The devil's favorite game is to turn the people against the preacher. If you are not walking with God you may find yourself mixed up in the devil's snare. Preachers need to love their people so that they know that they are being cared for and prayed for and loved.

Missions Revival 2006

The last few weeks have been spent in preparation for our annual Missions Revival always held the week before Memorial Day. This year the Revival started Thursday evening, May 18th and ended on Sunday, May 21st. Dr. Don Davis, Director of Prayer Baptist Missions International was our main speaker and he brought two families from his mission board.

Moses Yoder, Pastor of Hardwick Bible Baptist Church, Hardwick, VT opened the conference with a captivating message on the "PERSON Driven Life" as opposed to the "Purpose Driven Life." The "person" of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our worship and service must be motivated out of love for Him. Oftentimes many people are caught up in what they are doing rather than who they are doing it for! Pastor Yoder beautifully articulated why the Bible must be our basis for faith and practice rather than the latest fad or teachings of current popular personalities in Christianity.

Our Saturday Service started with breakfast at 9am ended with a great barbecue chicken dinner at noon. We held our meeting in between. It was such a blessing to have our first major conference at our new venue. We had plenty of room for seating and we were also able to set up tables for the two meals right in the auditorium. The kitchen was a real Godsend and we certainly appreciate the folks from our church who work so hard to be a blessing to us and the Lord.

Both missionaries spoke at the meeting. Joshua Sykes is a young man who is called to plant churches in the Mormon dominated state of Utah. He is a graduate of Crown College and has a wife, Christie, and two small children, Jesse and Chloe. Marty Goddard is a missionary to Mexico and brought his wife, Dawn, and their five children. They provided special music for the conference and Bro. Marty preached a great message on "Temptation."

The revival concluded on Sunday evening with a message from Bro. Sykes on, "Where is Your Faith," and a stirring message by Bro. Don on "Hindrances to Faith." Bro. Don highlighted the behavior of the Prodigal Son's elder brother who was displeased with his younger brother's repentance and return. He skillfully applied the message to all of us as we interact together in the local church. It was a wonderful week of blessing and fellowship and we thank our missionary guests as well as our own people who labored to make it such a special time.

Eating at the Hand of God

The Bible is a book about giving. We are told in John 3:16 that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." Christians ought to be giving people. Giving to God should be a joy, pleasure and priority. I feel so sorry for so many Christians who have not experienced the joy of giving. They are missing out on an important part of their relationship with the Lord. First let me illuminate the real problem. For some giving is about money. Biblically this is wrong for giving, like all other aspects of the Christian life is about faith.

Luke 21:1-4
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the
treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two
mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath
cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in
unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living
that she had.

Faith, exemplified by the poor widow, is giving what God wants you to give and trusting him to provide. Simple but not always easy. The question that we must ask ourselves is this - are we providing for ourselves, or are we eating at the Hand of God? Often Christians trust the limits of their paycheck and the meager extras of overtime instead of the mighty outstretched arm of God. Many Christians have given up their church attendance to work a second job. God cannot bless this approach for it is carnal and not spiritual. The problem is that we like to be in control. Okay, come on now, admit it; wouldn't we be a whole lot better off if we allowed the God that spoke the universe into existence to control our lives, yes, even our finances? When we are in God's will and obedient to His word, His great provision provides far more than we can possible earn on our own and He supplies in ways unknown to our frail human logic proving once again that faith is the only way to please Him and receive His might bounty from glory. Trusting the Lord with our eternal soul took far more faith than trusting him with our finances. God's plan and program for this age is to work through the local church. That is where your giving should be focused. Eating at the hand of God and giving by faith will usher you into a spiritual realm that you may have not visited before. Here are 7 Biblical steps or principles to follow:

1. Start with Tithing (10%)
Some say that tithing was only meant under the dispensation of Law. Yet, Abraham tithed before the Law was given. He gave tithes to Melchizedek, King of Salem, who was a forshadowing of Christ to come.

Genesis 14:17-20
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the
slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of
Shaveh, which is the king's dale. 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought
forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he
blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of
heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered
thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Jacob vowed to tithe "of all that God would give him." Somehow he knew who was providing and what his responsibility was to give back of God's generosity.

Genesis 28:10-22
And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he
lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was
set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and
lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set
up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of
God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above
it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the
land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And
thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the
west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in
thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I
am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will
bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done
that which I have spoken to thee of. 16 And
Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place;
and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this
place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had
put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of
it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that
city was called Luz at the first. 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God
will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread
to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house
in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have
set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I
will surely give the tenth unto thee.

God determined that 10 % would be given for his work and service through the Levites. I don't know what Christians who don't give through their local church are thinking. How is the building payed for? How does the Pastor get payed? The answer usually is "through someone else's tithe."

Numbers 18:20&21
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their
land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine
inheritance among the children of Israel. 21 And, behold, I have given the
children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service
which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

People who think that Tithing is strictly OT have not read Hebrews chapter 7. God validates tithing for the NT as well. The illustration is regarding the account of Abraham paying tithes to Melchisedec. The point made is that the Aaronic priests who received tithes under the Law were the descendants of Abraham. So, why did Abraham pay tithes to Melchisedec? Because he was greater than Abraham. Hebrews 7 tells us that the priesthood of Melchisedec was also greater than the preisthood of Aaron. So if Abraham payed tithes to Melchisedec before the Law, and Jesus our Savior is a better high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Doesn't He deserve and expect our tithes in this age through the local church. If you are confused now please reread this until you grasp it.

Hebrews 7:1-10
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met
Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed
him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without
descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like
unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how
great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of
the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive
the office of the preisthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the
people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come
out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from
them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so
say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he
was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

The fact is (don't get nervous here) that Tithing is the Start or Beginning of giving according to the NT. The next step is

2. Offerings

The Bible talks about Tithes and Offerings. Offerings refer to giving above and beyond the tithe which is given to the Lord and goes to the support of his church of which he is the head.

II Cor 8:1-11

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the
abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their
liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their
power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that
we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own
selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we
desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same
grace also. He urges the Corinthians to be liberal 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every
thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your
love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by
commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the
sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his
poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is
expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward
a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a
readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

We should give Liberally (vs2). We should give Willingly
(vs3). We should give of Ourselves (vs5). Our giving should Abound (vss 7&10). We should give out of Love (vs8). According to vs 11 our giving is a Performance. Chapter 9, vs 7 says that we should give Cheerfully. Are you still with me? God
met every need exactly for those that "ate at the hand of God." (II Cor 8:15)
"As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had
gathered little had no lack." If we are tight with God, he'll be tight with us. (II Cor 9:6) "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

3. When should we give? Sunday - the First day

I Cor 16:1&2
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let
every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be
no gatherings when I come.

4. Give the Firstfruits
Always give to God First! Of your Gross pay, not net. God is like me, he doesn't care for leftovers. You give the government a lot more and they get theirs off the top. Show your Savior the same respect. If you don't, I will guarantee that you will never have any leftover and God won't get much if any.

Neh 10:35-39
And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits
of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD: 36 Also
the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law,
and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of
our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: 37 And that
we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the
fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the
chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the
Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of
our tillage. 38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites,
when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of
the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure
house.

5. Bring your gift to the House of God.
Some Christians will give to TV and radio ministries and a host of missionary endeavors instead of tithing to the church that they should belong to. This is wrong. Most churches sponsor missionaries through Faith Promise or dedicated missions giving in the local church. The idea of "individuals partnering" with certain missionaries is not a good idea in my opinion. Let the whole church get behind a missionary and pray for them. They will lose a lot less support once they get to the field. (Exodus 36:5) "And they space unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make."

6. Your giving should support the Man of God.
The preacher should not be the poorest man in the church. The church should honor God by caring well for their Pastor. He does not have to live lavishly but shouldn't have to beg either. (I Cor 9:14) "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." I know how difficult it is to work full time and Pastor. I thank God that our church is able to support me well and has been for the past many years. That is a great testimony for a small church.

7. Giving invites the Blessings of God.
Everyone down South wants to be "under the spout where the blessings come out." Amen to that Brother. God will bless our obedience if we are sincere about eating at his hand.

Malachi 3:8-11
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye
have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith,
saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour
you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the
time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

Giving is the one area in our Christian lives where God challenges us to put him to the test. He promises that he will open Heaven's windows and dump a heaping bucket full of blessing upon us for trusting Him and being faithful. However, he also warns that those who withhold are stealing from him. We would never think of putting our hand in the till but somehow not giving to God does not bother us as much. Not only do we rob from God when we don't give, but he claims that he allows the devil to take away from our spending power. Haggai called it "putting money in bags with holes." We can lay up treasure in heaven or serve the god of mammon and consume all that God has blessed us with on our own lusts. The key to understanding how to eat at the hand of God is found in the doctrine of Stewardship. You know well that "we are not our own" but that we are "bought with a price." And everything that we posses comes from the very hand of God. I am trying to encourage you to get in on one of the greatest blessings of the Christian life that will bring endless joy and encouragement to your Christian walk. There is nothing more wonderful than seeing God's hand at work in your life. Start giving and see what God does. You will be amazed.

Sign of Jonah

The proof that Jesus gave to the unbelieving Pharisees that he was in fact the true Messiah was the "sign of the prophet Jonah. The Bible tells us clearly that Jesus our Savior, "died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." I Cor 15:3&4. So then the "sign " of Jonah was a forshadowing of our Lord's death burial & resurrection. In fact, the cornerstone belief of Christianity is resurrection.

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying,
Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto
them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh
after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign
of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in
the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of
Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. Matthew 12:38-41

In order for the sign of Jonah to be correct and accurate, I believe that it must also include resurrection and that there is Biblical evidence of this is in the Book of Jonah. Matthew 12 tells us that Jesus spent 3 days & nights in the heart of the earth and we also know from other Scriptures that he was physically dead. His resurrection is the victory over hell and death for all that believe. As Jonah spent the same amount of time in the belly of a great fish, I believe that he too was also resurrected.

Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And
said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out
of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3 For thou hadst
cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me
about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am
cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5 The
waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about,
the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the
mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought
up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me
I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I
will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I
have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. He is delivered from the fish 10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah 2:1-10

Many unbelievers ask the question, "how could a man live for three full days submerged under water in the belly of a fish?" That is a great question! Eventhough I believe that ALL things are possible with God, I think that the Biblical answer regarding Jonah is that he didn't. When Jonah prayed in verse one, he cried out of the fish's belly. That word simply means "hollow place." In verse 2 he gives more detail and says that he cried out of the belly of hell. This is the OT word sheol equivalent to the NT hades which simply means "underworld." In verses 3&5 he speaks of being "compassed about" in the depths. Verse 6 gives the clearest evidence where he states that he "went down to the bottoms of the mountains," and that the "bars of the earth" were about him for ever. This certainly speaks of an "out of the belly experience" (please excuse the pun). He also claims that the Lord brought his life up from "corruption." I Cor 15 also uses this word to speak of physical death. I believe that the context here and that the sign Jesus gave clearly imply that Jonah had died physically and was resurrected. Chew on that for awhile, if you don't like it, you can always spit it out.

I also believe that when the apostle Paul was stoned at Lystra in 46AD, that he actually died and was brought to life again as the disciples stood round about him.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who
persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about
him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with
Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city,
and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in
the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of
God. Acts 14:19-22

In 60AD, Paul humbly writes about this experience in the third person so that people wouldn't not glory in him, but in the Lord.

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and
revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell:
God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such
a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory:
yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I
would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now
I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be,
or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the
flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above
measure. II Cor 12:1-7

In verse 2, Paul states that it was 14 years previous. If you examine the context you will discover that he was trying to deflect all attention away from him personally. If you read the previous chapter you will be amazed at what Paul suffered to serve Christ and establish the churches. I have no doubt that this "glimpse of Glory" is what motivated him and kept him going unto the very end. Paul said in Romans 8:18, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

The Bible does not teach "soul sleep." It clearly states that when we are "absent from the body," we are "present with the Lord." II Cor 5:8. We are created in God's image and likeness, we are tri-partate being consisting of body, soul and spirit. When we die, our soul & spirit go directly to Heaven (if we are saved) and our bodies go into the grave. I Thess 4:13-18 explains this perfectly:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are
asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus
will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not
prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one
another with these words.

The Bible teaches that the bodies of the dead in Christ are in a state of "sleep" while waiting to be resurrected and glorified when united with the soul & spirit at Christ's return. Christ's resurrection makes it possible and even immutable for Christians to take part in the "sign of Jonah." The next time some zodiac loving unbeliever asks me what my sign is - I think I'll be like Jesus and just say , Jonah.

Valley News Goes to Church

Olivet Church Celebrates Rebirth
Easter Services Finally Held in New Home
By Carolyn Lorié
Valley News Staff Writer

West Lebanon -- With wispy hair and a dress the color of cotton and daffodils, 18-month-old Emily Devers looks around the new church, wide-eyed and silent, as Pastor Joe Scearbo invokes the story of Jonah and the whale, the miracle of the raising of Lazarus and the Acts of the Apostles.
It is an Easter sermon about resurrection, but yesterday morning the story of the Olivet Baptist Church was one of being born again.
Started in 1993 by Scearbo, the church has grown from a handful of people gathering in the home Scearbo shares with his wife, Michele, to about 50 people showing up for sermons in a cramped space on Railroad Avenue to yesterday's inaugural service in the parish hall of the former Holy Redeemer Church on Maple Street.
“We are just so excited, because we've actually prayed about this whole property since the Catholic Church closed,” said Scearbo, minutes before his sermon.
The path to the parish hall, however, was a complicated one paved with deals between developers and a diocese, zoning board decisions and threats of lawsuits.
In 2003, Holy Redeemer Church closed because of a lack of priests, but the Catholic Diocese of Manchester held onto the property. Last year, it was in negations to sell the 3-acre lot, the church and the parish hall to Smith-Jackson, a development company based in Nashua, N.H. Part of the deal would have included ousting the Montessori School housed in the basement of the parish hall and selling that building to the Olivet Baptist Church. But Elise Thayer, head of the school, refused to leave, and threatened a lawsuit against the diocese.
In the meantime, the Lebanon Zoning Board rejected Smith-Jackson's plan to subdivide the lot, by selling the hall to Olivet, tearing down the old church and building single-family houses in its place. The deal eventually fell apart, leaving the school and the church facing an uncertain future.
Finally, Hanover developer Jolin Salazar-Kish bought the property, signed a five-year-lease with the school and rented the hall to Olivet.
“It's wonderful,” said parishoner, Lorraine Slack, of Lebanon. “We felt we needed growth and the lord led us to this space. And we feel the Holy Spirit already.”
Before starting the church, Scearbo, who is 48, was businessman living in the suburbs of Boston. He was raised a Catholic, but at 24 he said he was “called by the Lord” at which time he became a minister. Scearbo and Michele moved to Lebanon with their three children 13 years ago and put a sandwich board in their front yard inviting people to a bible-study class they held on Thursday evenings.
“We started with no one,” said Scearbo.
But word of the new church -- named for the mountain where Jesus was said to have spent his last hours in the garden of Gethsemane -- spread, and yesterday morning about 60 people gathered to listen to Scearbo preach. As he did so, he paced the dais, raised his arms and even jumped once to emphasize a “hallelujah.” He rarely looked at his notes and spoke in a stentorian voice that could be heard in the basement where the children had gathered for Sunday school.
Whatever twists and turns it took to get the church to Maple Street, its members, like Slack, spoke of the process in terms of faith and patience.
“It was a blessing because it showed us the power of God and the power of prayer,” said Rocky Moxley of Hartland.
Moxely said he joined the church five years ago and throughout Scearbo's preaching, he punctuated points by calling out: “Amen,” or “Yes, Lord God.”
Unlike many churches, which seem to be dominated by an aging population, Olivet has attracted a large group of young people. Among them are Michelle and Patrick Wade, who are 29 years old and 30 years old, respectively.
The couple moved to the Upper Valley from Michigan eight months ago with their two young sons and began searching for a spiritual home.
Though they have not officially joined Olivet, they said they are through looking. The Wades were one of many couples who held babies and toddlers on their laps throughout the service.
The church has about 50 core members, which Scearbo described as having a “great spirit” and being “one big happy family.” The hope, he said, is to double in number over the next five to 10 years -- but to not change in the process.
“My goal is to strive to maintain that spirit as we grow in the future,” he said.
As Scearbo closed his first sermon in the parish hall on Maple Street, a muted gray light seeped through the windows, the congregation stood for a final hymn and Emily Devers slept on her father's shoulder.
Valley News staff writer, Mark Davis, contributed to this article.
Carolyn LoriÐ can be reached at clorie@valleynews.com or (603) 727-3220.
Photo by James M. Patterson, Valley News

Easter

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:1-4

This is the only place in the Bible that the word Easter is found. I have been told many times by many Christians over many years that my beloved King James Bible has a mistake in this verse and the "correct" translation should be Passover. Since I believe and the Bible claims not just to be inspired but also to be preserved; and that the Word of God is inerrant and infallible, I cannot let this false charge to go unanswered. The KJV differs from all modern bible versions in that it is the only one that originates from the correct source, the Received Text or Textus Receptus. All other bibles come from or are at least influenced by the Alexandrian text which I believe to be corrupt. Although these versions differ in thousands of passages, to the best of my knowledge they all incorrectly translate the word Pascha as Passover in Acts 12:4.

Why did the KJV translators, who were noted for being consistent in translating words according to their context, use the word Easter in this passage alone and not use the word Passover as they did in every other occurrence? The answer is simple - it would just plain be incorrect!

Please note the context here. The subject is a heathen King (Herod) who is persecuting believers to please the Pharisees. The Jews honored the Passover, however the heathen celebrated Easter ( not exactly the same as our "Christian" Easter).

Secondly, I am told by Greek speaking people that they use the same word pascha when referring to orthodox Easter.

Lastly, and most importantly, Easter is the only translation of this passage that agrees with Scripture.

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the
firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of
Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. 13 And the blood shall be to
you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will
pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite
the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye
shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it
a feast by an ordinance for ever. 15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened
bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for
whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that
soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 And in the first day there shall be
an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation
to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must
eat, that only may be done of you. 17 And ye shall observe the feast of
unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the
land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an
ordinance for ever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the
month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of
the month at even. Exodus 12:12-18

Notice the date of the Passover, it is the first month and the fourteenth day and it is followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S Passover.
And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened
bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. Lev 23:5&6

Looking back at Acts 12:3, we see that Passover had already gone by for "Then were the days of unleavened bread." Verse 4 plainly states that it was Herod's intent to bring forth Peter to trial and execution after Pascha. Since Passover was over and the feast of Unleavened Bread was already being observed (vs 3), the only correct translation is to use the word that agrees with scripture and is most likely the same context used by a heathen king. I believe that word in this lone passage to correctly be Easter.

Believers Baptism

There are a wide variety of doctrines associated with baptism and I would like to explain Baptism in the NT and comment on a couple of errant views. First, the word baptizo literally means "immersion." Sprinkling or pouring is not the same as scriptural immersion. Immersion is the only correct manner because it fulfills the picture of the gospel in Romans 6, meaning death, burial and resurrection.

Baptism's Purpose

The purpose of baptism has always been for identification. Long before John the Baptist, religious sects and secret societies required baptism as an official part of initiation or acceptance thus proclaiming ones identification as part of that group or sect. So long before Christian baptism, Satan had a counterfit baptism as explained so well by Rev. Hislop in his work called Two Babylons. Because the method was by immersion, and the purpose was for identification, this prevented what is currently practiced around the globe regarding infant baptism which is by sprinkling or pouring. This is why it is called, believers Baptism.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of
one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a
leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round
about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their
sins. Matthew 3:1-6

John was certainly preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom when he cried for repentance and identification with the Kingdom at hand. It was John who was ordained of old to introduce the King of the Kingdom shouting, "prepare ye the way of the Lord."

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and
comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so
now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from
heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (vs13-17)

Some wonder why Jesus himself demanded of John to be baptized. Since John was the chosen one to herald the first advent of the Messiah, Jesus himself was immersed to identify not just with the Kingdom, but also as the King. God bearing him witness by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and by the voice from heaven proclaiming Christ as well.

Paul, in Acts 19:1-6, meeting Appolos and his crew asked what baptism they had received. When they responded "the baptism of John," Paul baptized them over again in Christ. Why? So that they would correctly identify with the current message being the Gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

Although the disciple's of Appolos in Acts 19 received the Holy Spirit at that time we must remember that the book of Acts was the transitional book taking us from the Gospels (law) to the new dispensation of Grace or the Church age. According to Mark 16:19&20, The Lord gave his "stamp of approval" to the early church disciples while the churches were born and the NT nearing completion. Cf: I Cor 13:8-12.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Not The Same As Spirit Baptism

Water baptism and spirit baptism are not the same. On the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, the early church disciples were baptized with the Holy Ghost the day the church was born. Then, those that gladly received the word were baptized by water upon their profession of faith in Christ, Jesus. (vs 41)

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. I Cor 12:13

The context of this passage is obviously refering to "Spirit Baptism." The Bible clearly teaches that for NT Believers in this age, we are baptized by the Holy Ghost the moment we believe. His Spirit quickens or brings to life our dead spirit and we are Born from above according to John 3.

Not only are we baptized with the Holy Ghost the moment we repent and receive Christ; we are also sealed by His Spirit. Once the Church Age had commenced and the NT completed there was no longer any need for the "laying on of hands" in order to receive the Holy Spirit as cataloged in Acts 19:1-6 regarding those that were saved under John's ministry and message. We now are sealed from the moment we believe.

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Eph 1:12-14

In ancient times, declarations from the king were irrevocable when "sealed with the King's signet." Although we are able to grieve and quench the Holy Ghost within, as children of Heaven we are sealed by the Holy Ghost for all eternity Cf: II Cor 1:22 & 5:5. Ephesians 1:13 claims that being sealed by the Holy Ghost is God's earnest of our inheritance in Glory and for the redemption of the purchased possession - meaning our bodies. The word earnest means downpayment! Being sealed by God's Holy Spirit is His downpayment on those of us who were "bought with a price," even the precious blood of Christ." I Cor 6:30

Since we are sealed the moment we trust Jesus as our very own personal Savior, and because Spirit baptism and water baptism are different events, the idea of receiving a "second blessing" and loosing one's salvation do not hold up under careful examination of the Scriptures. Those that teach the second blessing believe that Spirit baptism happens post salvation and is also associated with evidence such as "speaking in tongues." I will address Eternal Security at another time.

Some also teach that water baptism is a necessary part of salvation. The first question that comes to mind is, "what about the thief on the cross?" To this they answer that Water Baptism only became essential after Christ's crucifixion. My following question is always "What about those that were saved under John the Baptist?" Christ had not yet been slain yet those disciples were instructed to be baptized! If it was not necessary, why were they compelled to do it. Of course, they have no answer. I also like to take them to I Corinthians 1;14-18.

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any
should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Paul clearly states that Christ sent him "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel." Of course, they are unable to answer this as well. We are to preach "all the Counsel" of God and "compare spiritual with spiritual" (scripture with scripture). When a doctrine is made from a single scripture or is largely confined to only one or two books of the Bible. We should immediately be suspect.

Not Required For Salvation

According to Romans 6:3-5, baptism is a picture of the gospel.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

It is very clear in the NT that baptism does not save. Baptism pictures the Gospel and enables us to identify with Christ's death, burial & resurrection on the cross for our sins. Baptism is our outward & public declaration that our hope for eternity lies squarely on the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus. We are baptized after salvation in obedience to his will and Word. Just because it is not essential for salvation does not mean that it is not important!

When the early churches were established in the Book of Acts, those that were saved were baptized shortly after their profession of faith to be obedient to Christ and to publicly declare their faith in Him.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
the apostles work miracles And they continued steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers. Acts 2:41 & 42

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:35-38

Note: verse 37, containing the gospel ("if thou believest with all thine heart") is missing from most modern bible versions.

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Act 16:30-34

The question in Acts 2:37 is simply "what shall we do?" The answer in verse 38 is " repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins." The converts of the first church at Jerusalem asked a general question. I believe that Peter correctly tells them to get saved and get baptized. The Question from the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:30 is more specific, he asks "what must I do to be saved." The answer in verse 31 is simply "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." Notice that the whole family believed the gospel and made a public declaration that same night through believers Baptism.

Commanded By Christ

Eventhough baptism does not save, the most important reason for every Born Again Believer to be immersed is because Jesus commanded it.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus commanded that His disciples be baptized publicly in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost. Baptism is an important step in the spiritual life of the believer to identify with the gospel and to be obedient to Christ's command. Baptism is the believers public proclamation of faith in Christ just as the Lord's Supper is a local church's public & corporate testimony of faith in Christ.

Pastor's Report 2005

This past year led our church through many ups & downs and trials and blessings. At the end of the year I can still truly say, “Praise God for His manifold Blessings.” The wedding of our daughter Elizabeth to Eric Shamansky on February 19th marked the start of 2005 with a very joyous occasion. Although I could barely walk due to a trial with tendonitis in my ankle, it was truly a blessing to officiate the ceremony of my last child to be wed. I was also honored to conduct a wedding service for Monica & Tony Kalacinsky on September 17th at Sunnymede Farm in Hartland, Vermont.

March 19th was a sad day for our church family as we said goodbye to a beloved sister in Christ. That Saturday, we packed over 90 people in our small church for the Funeral Service of our dear friend Ellen Marquay. “Mom” (as we affectionately called her) would have been very happy to know that the celebration of her entrance into Glory brought more people than ever to Olivet Baptist Church.

Hanover Terrace still remains my main focus of community outreach as I visit to encourage our senior friends in the Lord each week. Although too often friends pass on, it is always a blessing to have given them the Gospel. I would like to thank our people who minister with me at the services there. We also started a monthly service at the Westboro House in West Lebanon, NH. We thank God for this opportunity and the pleasure to see “Gram” (Beverly Potwin) each time we go.

Our annual Missions Revival was held on May 19-22. Bro Don Davis brought Arnold & Wanda Worley, Transporters for Christ, and the Mark Hill Family, missionaries to Ireland. It was a wonderful conference and both missionaries were supported by our church. Our Faith Promise Missions Giving was over $40K for the third year in a row.

The Rolands came again this November and treated us to our yearly dose of Southern Gospel Music. It is always exciting to have the Rolands sing at our church and quite uplifting.

Although the church was already too full on Sunday Mornings, the Lord brought in new people and some souls were saved at the end of the year. It is so encouraging to see God’s hand at work in our ministry.

The end of the year was also marked with the calling of Bro. Joe Poissant to the Pastorate of Green Mountain Baptist Church in Rutland, Vermont. Joe & Belinda faithfully and sacrificially served the Savior in our church and we were most delighted to see God lead them to a ministry of their own.

Our annual Christmas Gathering and Pageant was a smashing success. The children did a great job with the program as many relatives and visitors attended. The meal was fantastic as usual. We had record attendance in excess of 120 people at the Senior Center in Lebanon.

The year was most remembered by a lengthy endeavor to expand our ministry through the purchase of the Parish Center of the former Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Maple Street. In April, we agreed to a purchase price with a development firm under contract with the Catholic Church. The developers were to subdivide the property, sell us the Parish Center and tear down the church building to construct a handful of new homes. Later in August, we began the second phase of this endeavor by requesting approval from the City of Lebanon Zoning Board. After 3 months and three times going before the board we were unable to gain approval. This nullified our contract with the developers and their contract with the church. In November, the property was purchased by a local investment firm and we began negotiating with them, leading us to our present situation. I praise God that our people did not give up faith and hope in the power of our God to provide in a miraculous way. I would like to thank all of our people for their service to Olivet Baptist Church as well as the opportunity and privilege to worship with each one of you. You make our church the special place that it is. I Corinthians 15:58.

Healthcare for Christians

With so many pastors, missionaries and church members needing affordable healthcare, here are some possible options to choose from:

Medi-Share is an affordable and biblical alternative to health insurance. It is a non-profit organization that gives Christian families the care they need without paying for the health issues related to the sins of the unsaved. Plan members must have a salvation testimony and current church membership and agree to abstain from sex outside of marriage, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Family plans start at $232 per month for the 911 plan which carries a $911 deductible per incident and the 250 plan which is a $250 deductible per year for $374 per month. For more info check their website at www.medi-share.org.

Evangelical Benifit Trust is a full blown PPO Health Insurance plan offered to ministers and Christian workers under a group plan for each church or organization. They offer 3 levels of coverage that include a prescription drug plan. Plans and rates are tailored to fit individual needs. For example, their 90/70 plan pays 90% coverage for in program and 70% out of program with a $250 deductible. They also offer an 80/60 plan with up to a $2000 deductible. Rates are based on individuals health and the particular program and deductible chosen. They can be reached at 866.902.6227 or at www.churchplan.org.

Olivet Baptist Church Relocating

OBC will be moving just a block up the street to our new location at 44 Maple Street, West Lebanon, NH. We will be meeting in the former parish center of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. We have been praying about this particular property for over two years now and believe that it is God's will for us to worship there. Our plan and desire is to purchase the property at the expiration of our lease. Our immediate goal is to turn the hall into a Sanctuary so that our local church may receive more people. We hope to have our first service at our new location sometime in April. Praise God for His Faithfulness!

Biblical Issues

Although these issues may be controversial to some and others may not agree, I believe that there is sufficient evidence in Scripture to claim the following statements as Biblical Truth:

Racism
Mankind was made in the image of God; every person is a descendent of Adam through Noah and his sons, from whom the races came; that unkind and unjust behavior toward someone on the basis of circumstances of birth is oppressive and forbidden by the Bible; the Lord Jesus demonstrated that right behavior toward someone of another race; and the presence of racist notions among believers is especially abhorrent to God because all who are in Christ are cherished by Christ, who is no respecter of persons. Gen. 1:27; 10:1; Exodus 22:21; Malachi 2:10; James 2:9; Eph. 5:29-30; Acts 10:34-35.

Separation
All the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances. Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1; II Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17;
II John 9-11; Lev. 19:28; I Cor. 6:19-20.

The Personality of Satan
Satan is an actual being, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10.

Creation
God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin.
Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11.

Civil Government
God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: the home, the church and the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Pet. 2:13-14.

Human Sexuality

1. God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess.4:1-8; Heb. 13:4.

2. The only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23.

Family Relationships

1. Men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors, elders and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for ordination by the church. Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12.

2. God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7.

Divorce and Remarriage
God disapproves of divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage are permitted in the case of fornication. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor, elder or deacon. Just as our Lord loves and forgives, we do not judge or look down upon those that have made mistakes in their lives, but try to encourage them as Christians. Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6.

Abortion
Human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the taking of unborn human life and is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable.
Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44.

Love
We should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; Col. 3:12-15; II Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; I John 3:17-18.

Missions
God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. That commission begins in our community, extends throughout our country and reaches to the ends of the earth. Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Cor. 5:20.

Giving
Every Christian is a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. A Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 9:11-14; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 8:1-3, 7-15; II Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17.

Sign Gifts
The sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophesy, knowledge and gifts of healing were temporarily used by God during a transitional period of the conception and the empowering of the early church. Speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. We believe that God does miraculously heal individuals in answer to prayer, but deny special apostolic power that was given primarily to the early church disciples. I Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22; Heb. 2:3-4.

Bible Believers

On our church sign and literature you will find that we refer to ourselves as Bible Believers. This means that we believe the Holy Scripture and endeavor to live by it. Our church verse is Philippians 1:17b, “set for the defense of the gospel.” We take the Word of God for what it plainly teaches and practice it by faith without apology. To please the Lord Jesus Christ and live for eternity is our ambition. We are for what God is for and against what God is against. Our aim is to encourage and convict so that the child of God may be fruitful in their Christian walk. We do not add or take away from the doctrines of scripture. When necessary, we warn the precious souls in our congregation against false teaching as commanded in the Bible. For those instances when the Bible is not clear we encourage our people to pray and seek God’s will and develop their own convictions as God leads. We believe this to be the true sense of Christian Liberty as taught in Romans 14. It is not our purpose to straighten every crooked stick or to force our views on anyone, only the Holy Ghost, through the Word of God and by the power of God can accomplish that task. We love and respect every truly born again child of God, eventhough we may not agree with their doctrine or practices.

We have been called legalists by more liberal Christians because we believe and obey the Bible and do not agree with their opinions. The more militant Christains have likewise labeled us as liberals. Because we do not agree with all of their convictions, we are viewed as on the fence and not taking a stand. We are neither legalists nor liberals but Bible Believers. My experience with those on the left has been that their beliefs are in some part based on what they think and how the feel and not solely based on Scripture. My experience with those on the right has been that their convictions have been placed above their beliefs and what they hold to generally comes from the views of a well known preacher and not from the Bible. As independent churches, we are to stand on the doctrines of the Bible and respect eachother’s convictions. It is human nature to gravitate towards extremes. We only become compromisers when we depart from God’s Word, either to the right or to the left. The only label that I care to pursue is that from the Lord Jesus himself, “well done thou good and faithful servant.” Amen