THEOLOGICAL

A FEW PHOTO OF MY TRIP TO LEXINGTON AND ERIC TOOK ME UP ON HIS LADDER TRUCK 96 FEET INTO THE ARE AND GETTING A VIEW OF LEXINGTON, KY.

Theological controversies and disputes
(Letters of John Newton)

I am not to expect others to see with my eyes! I am deeply convinced of the truth of John the Baptist's aphorism in John 3:27, "A man can receive nothing--except it be given him from Heaven." I well know, that the little measure of knowledge I have obtained in the things of God--has not been owing to my own wisdom and teachableness, but to God's goodness. Nor did I learn everything all at once--God has been pleased to exercise much patience towards me, for the past twenty-seven years--since He first gave me a desire of learning from Himself. He has graciously accommodated Himself to my weakness, borne with my mistakes, and helped me through innumerable prejudices, which, but for His mercy, would have been insuperable hindrances! I have therefore no right to be angry, impatient, or censorious to others, especially as I have still much to learn, and am so poorly influenced by what I seem to know!

• I am weary of theological controversies and disputes, and desire to choose for myself, and to point out to others, Mary's part--to sit at Jesus' feet, and to hear His words. I cannot, I must not, I dare not--be contentious! Only, as a witness for God, I am ready to bear my simple testimony to what I have known of His truth, whenever I am properly called to it.

Of which all of us such remember as we study the Word Of God today.

KEEPING YOUR DDDP

Four Questions to Keep Your Passion Thriving

Four questions that you might need to ask yourself to make sure you're going to keep your passion. (If you want to keep your PPPD going, Passionate Playful Personality Disorder)

These are great questions all of us need to ask ourselves regularly to make sure that we don’t lose our passion for Jesus, the church, and ministry. Here they are:

1. How much time do I spend listening to God?

• The challenge in leadership is as simple as listening to God. But in order to listen to God, it takes time… consistent, uninterrupted time. Are we asking God to allow us to see what He is doing in our ministry? What I personally mean by listening to God is, within my spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my mind toward God as I study and read and pray; and praying that my mind is open to the work that God is doing around me.

2. Am I more concerned with being discovered or being developed?

• This is a constant temptation for most of us and most other great leaders that I know. You must stop thinking constantly about what other people think of you or your ministry (and stop trying to impress them!) and instead, allow God to develop your relationships with others and Him. Also allow God to develop your character and your ministry skills.

3. Am I believing any lies?

• It seems every leader believes certain lies throughout their ministries that hold them back, and in fact, admitted to running from some really stupid things in his ministry. Don’t allow your critics to doubt what God is calling you to do. And when you get depressed or discouraged, simply go back to where God found you. There you will find the strength and answers and fortitude to move forward and not give up.

4. Am I risking or am I playing it safe.

• Leaders must constantly risk. Many pastors, in fact, are one risk away from a breakthrough. Some leaders just take forever to put out there what they believe would be good to say or do.

• The idea is not to be afraid to fail. Here’s how he looks at leadership: “Take a risk… fail… take another risk.”

• If your spirit is directing you to do something, do it… even if others think you're crazy.

I thought these were great questions to ask ourselves constantly. Take some time today to ask yourself these questions. If you’re feeling ‘less than passionate’, the answers to these questions will help you get back.

If being passionate and playful is getting you into trouble with someone, just say, "Get over it."

PHOTO:

Kyle, Chad, Becki, Charity and Charles

LIFE IS FROM GOD TO GIVE AND TO TAKE IS NOT YOURS

A LIFE IN A HAND, ITS IN YOUR HAND, LIFE

NOT TO TAKE A LIFE

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 02, 2008

10 and 11 a.m. and lunch at 12:15 and afternoon 1:15

OKAY YOUR CHAP FOR THE WHITE HOUSE LOSES!

What If Your CHAP, well, Gentlemen Loses?

Fifty percent of those voting will lose their choice of who they wanted to win.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO THEN, FOLKS?

Well, every four years in America we vote for the POTUS (President of the United States), and every four years on the day after there is weeping and gnashing of teeth by the losing side. And the truth is, the losing side is just about as large as the winning side. Amazingly, there could be 60 million people who vote for the ticket that does not win on November 4th, 2008. That's a ton of people who'll have a choice to make.

The choice to whine, complain, bemoan, and blame—or simply bring personal accountability to their daily walk "What can I do today to move on?" "How can I be my best on the job?" and "What can I do to serve people?" These questions enable those whose candidate remains a U.S. Senator, to avoid the humanness of finger-pointing, victim thinking, and discouragement.

And for the slightly larger winning side, where does personal accountability come into play? Will this group think that now all is right with the world? It's so easy to give a U.S. President too much power—in our minds—over our lives. It always makes me laugh when, with our massive, ever-changing, and complex economy, we think it's all about the man in the Oval Office. The truth is, economies go up and they go down—and then they go up again. By their very nature they are cyclical. When they're strong, the President gets too much applause, and when they slump he's buried in way too much blame. And so, in that vein, for the winning voters on Wednesday morning November 5, how dangerous these thoughts would be: "Yes! My guy won! Now I'll have a better job and more income and good finances and perfect health and a happier life and ... !"

Really? Does the POTUS have that much power, influence, and control? Would we, in a democracy, want him to? Can he give and take away joy? Will he help me get my personal finances in order? Will his tenure improve my relationships or keep me in shape? Do I really need my guy to be in the Oval Office for me to excel at my work, love and provide for my family, and contribute to the lives of others?

Why I get so many email's about this matter is beyond me?

Politics, Activism and the Gospel

Politics, Activism, and the Gospel

John MacArthur, Jr.

• With the nation focused on the November elections, we thought a post on politics might be appropriate. The point of this article is not that we should abstain from any participation in the political process, but rather that we must keep our priorities straight as Christians. After all, the gospel, not politics, is the only true solution to our nation’s moral crisis.We can’t protect or expand the cause of Christ by human political and social activism, no matter how great or sincere the efforts. Ours is a spiritual battle waged against worldly ideologies and dogmas arrayed against God, and we achieve victory over them only with the weapon of Scripture. The apostle Paul writes: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

ROLE OF THE PASTOR TO HIS PEOPLE

ROLE OF THE PASTOR TO THE CHURCH

FEED

Feed -- Greek, "Tend as a shepherd,"

by discipline and doctrine.

Lead, feed, heed:

by prayer, exhortation, government, and example.

The dignity is marked by the term "elder"; the duties of the office, to tend or oversee, by "bishop." Peter has in mind Christ's injunction to him, "Feed (tend) My sheep . . . Feed (pasture) My lambs" (John 21:16). He invites the elders to share with him the same duty (compare Acts 20:28) . The flock is Christ's.—Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

.

That pastor who is pastoring alone—prior to the formation of a plurality—needs to make clear to the church that he is devoting himself primarily to this task of study and teaching in order to serve the entire church. Other provisions can be made for the important need of biblical counseling through other individuals, who might not even be staff members or part of the pastoral team at that time. We are in the process of putting together a team of those who will help with the biblical needs of the church.

.

Photo: Holly Frye is the daughter of Beverly (who was saved in First Baptist Church in 1983. And Beverly has raised her children in church from that time to now. ) Holly is getting married next year to a find young man. Holly was born when her mother was playing the piano and I said to Beverly, "You need to have the baby on Monday, so you can be in church the next Sunday." Kidding of course. But you know that is just what happen. And all the years Charity and I were in Altoona, Beverly came to all the services and played the piano and raised her kids in church. A number of parents have raised there kids in church under the teaching of the Word of God.

GETTING A ARK FOR NOAH IN 2008

NOAH'S GETTING AN ARK IN 2008

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah,

who was now living in the United States, and said:
"Once again, the earth has become wicked and over
-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me."

"Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing
along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying:
"You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will
start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Read the rest on the site click and hear and read

Thanks RoseMary

THE JOY OF SPIRITUAL MINISTRY

THE JOY OF SPIRITUAL MINISTRY

OUTLINE FROM SUNDAY NIGHTS MESSAGE:

Philippians 1:12-21

"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, So that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

The Ministerial Life: It’s aim, pursuit, and success ought to be: transparent in duty, desire and privileges.

THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH THE APOSTLES IMPRISONMENT.

The Christian’s attitude toward the restrictions of life will determine largely the depth of spiritual experience.

1. My responsibility to Jesus Christ as a believer is to decide to live my personal life in faith. I trust and leave it to the sovereignty of Christ and not to whine and wince under life’s circumstances.


2. To remain consistent above my surroundings and life’s situations.

THE KEY TO THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE’S ADVERSITIES

• It’s the attitude of my heart. It’s not God giving me what I desire, but accepting what God sends.
  

THE CHRISTIAN JOY IS TO REMAIN CONSTANT

• 1 Thess. 5:16, “Rejoice evermore.”
  
  When a believer stops rejoicing in the Lord, it is _SIN

KEY VERSE IN THIS SECTION OF VERSES:

• 1:18 “I will rejoice,” in imprisonment if necessary.
  

The measure of a person’s spiritual character, integrity, the measure of one’s spiritual strength, maturity, is what it takes to steal their joy.

Christian living is not an escape from trouble and suffering. It is the basic component
of the Christian experience

How you respond to reverses in life will show the level of spiritual maturity?

JOY IS THE PRODUCT OF A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE.
We ought to expect trouble John 16:33

• 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  
• SOME PROFOUND BLESSINGS AND REASONS FOR DIFFICULTIES

1. Stimulates public interest.
2. Authenticates one’s witness.
3. Stimulates other believers to new zeal.
   
   THE KEY IS LEARNING TO YIELD TO THE CONTROL OF THE SPIRIT AND NOT BE OVERTAKEN IN THE DIFFICULTY.
   
   Do we read in Paul’s life’s account, that he was despondent? But rather determined to show forth more joy.
   
   Let’s take a view of Paul’s circumstances
   Acts 21:27-28, 33
   Acts 23:12
   Acts 24:26-27
   Acts 25:10-11
   Acts 28: 30-31
   

Footnote: No, I did not teach this lesson at the putt putt course, but Charity took this photo on one of my birthday outing.

PREACHING

Listen to this penetrating thought by John Piper,

• Laugher seems to have replaced repentance as the goal of many preachers. Laughter means people feel good. It means they like you. It means you have moved them. It means you have some measure of power. It seems to have all the marks of successful communication–if the depth of sin and the holiness of God and the danger of hell and need for broken hearts are left out of account.

This quote from Spurgeon hits the nail on the head:

• I dare not preach to this congregation as if you were all Christians, for you are not. I dare not deliver even one discourse under the delusion that all my hearers are saved, for, alas, they are not. This is the fault with multitudes of sermons—that they seem to carry the whole congregation to Heaven when possibly the major part of those present may be going down to Hell! That will not do (Spurgeon, quoted in The King in Pilate’s Hall, Majesty in Misery vol 3 (BoT), p. 119, ).
  

John MacArthur, Jr who has taught the scriptures for 40 years...

• Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because it brings the preacher into direct contact with the mind of the Holy Spirit, the author of Scripture. It is for that reason that the preacher of the Word finds the process of study and discovery to be even more rewarding than the preaching that results from it, gratifying as that can be.It is tragic and puzzling that so many preachers who recognize Scripture to be God’s own Word spend more time investigating and interacting with the limited and imperfect minds of other men than delving into the infinite and holy mind of God. Part of the reason, of course, is that many hearers do not really want to delve into the depths of God’s righteousness and truth, because it exposes their own shallowness and sin. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul warned his son in the faith about the danger of those who hold “to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power” (2 Tim. 3:5). Later in that same epistle he would warn again that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;. . . and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3–4; cf. Acts 20:29–30).
  
  

  When we think of the word “apologetics,” we typically think of giving a defense of the faith when confronted with objections by non-Christians. Many divorce the work of a preacher and apologist by seeing the two as entirely separate roles in the church. However, I would like to argue that preaching is apologetics.
  Expository preaching (also referred to as systematic exposition) is a form of preaching that expounds upon the meaning of a particular text or passage of Scripture. While the term could be used in connection with any religion that has organized worship that includes scriptural teaching, the term is most usually used in relation to Christianity, and is thus concerned with the exposition of the Bible. The practice probably originated from the Jewish tradition of the rabbi giving a "Dvar Torah", explaining a passage from the Torah, during the prayer services. on line dictionary.

• Expository preaching differs from topical preaching in that the former concentrates on a specific text and discusses topics covered therein, whereas the latter concentrates on a specific topic and references texts covering the topic.
  
  

Birthday and Reflection on Ministry

OKAY, SO CHARITY MAKES A GOOD CAKE FOR A SIXTY ONE YEAR HUSBAND

We braved the weather Wednesday Night at Bill and Linda Aldridge's place, to have a great time of cold fellowship, and for our birthday.
The good folks at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church gave us some very nice birthday cards, a gift card to Praises and a pastor's appreciation card and some good fellowship around the fire on Wednesday.

MICHAEL MAPLE

• I mentioned to my father in law yesterday that it's good to back in the pastor/teaching ministry. We went to Bremen, Ohio, for a funeral viewing. Michael Maple, who died Monday, is the son of Roy and Lana Maple,with whom I went to seminary. Mike was the associate pastor with his dad there in Lancaster, Ohio. Our love and prayers are with the family.

WHY SOME COME TO CHURCH:

I sometimes wonder why people even come to church on Sunday, then Sunday Evening and then again on Wednesday. I am sure there are many reasons why people believe they need to attend the services at the church they attend. Some people will drive a good distance to come even to Rivers of Joy, while others who live across the street do not attend any church.

As a Pastor you desire folks to come and really experience the joy of the Lord in their hearts while they lift up their hearts in worship to the Lord. You desire that the experience is not so emotional that when they get in their car and leave the parking lot, that they lose the joy of the Lord before they get home.

We sense a safe havan in the church building and hopefully around Christians believers, then we get out into the real world, and experiece all the difficulty that we face each moment. Life has a way of giving us the shock treatement. And without a dose of the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we would be powerless to cope with every day life.

I can't imagine what Roy and Lana Maple are going through in losing their son, or Mike's wife is going through now. Here is a family without question who has given their life to the Lord, and yet in God's plan, Mike was taken to the Lord. While going to Heaven is really is a good idea, it's so hard on the family.

I have come to realize that God has a plan for us to live a certain amount of time in this life, and then it's over here. So what we do with this life now, each moment, each day, is important to give to the Lord. I certainly would pray that when my time on earth is ended, that I am in the will of God. I would rather be preaching and teaching and around good Chritians friends, then out of church, sitting at home, and mad at God.

THANKFUL AND BLESSED

I am thankful the Lord has allowed me again to pastor a church. I am glad the folks at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church have allowed me to be their pastor. Charity and I are a team, and we love the Lord and the sweet folks there at the church.

May the Lord give us another day to serve Him, and that we will be serving Him when He calls us home to be with Him.

BIRTHDAY TIME

SIXTY ONE AND MOVING ON

Rivers of Joy Baptist Church had an outside fellowship on Wednesday and

a very good group of folks came out for our birthday.

Frankie and Danny Dawkins were having a good time

Mandy, Linda, Charity, and Stephanie












THE GIRLS AT UNION MILLS, HAD A NICE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE FOR ME ON TUESDAY AT THE PUTT PUTT COURSE. GREAT TIME WITH BOB AND WILLARD AND THE GIRLS.....


Charles putting.




Debbie, Kindra and Mary and Keri
Bob and Charity

AM I A FUNDAMENTALIST OR NOT?

AM I A FUNDAMENTALIST OR NOT?

I am sure if you were to ask other preachers who say they are fundamentalist, they would have different opinions as to whether I was or not. The definition of a fundamentalist today is not the same as it was last week, it seems. What brand of independent fundamental baptist are you? Just that I would say, independent, fundamental and baptist.

Joyce Meyers and Paula White say they are getting their teaching points from the Bible. Would you rather hear Meyers and White preach than let me see, Charles Whisnant? Please don't don't answer that one! They both swear that they believe what the Bible says. And I would say they really do believe that.

I believe I am a fundamental baptist. But the definition from one group to another will change. A Jack Hyles fundamental, to a John R. Rice fundamental, to a Bob Jones fundamental, to a host of other groups that say they are the real fundamentalist group. Labels are not always so good are they? Even the World Baptist Fellowship and the IBFI group will say they are the real fellowship that hold to the real biblical standards. And there are another dozen groups that will say they are.

Today most churches and preachers say they believe the Bible, and have the real bible to preach from. And they are generally different in their methodology and theology. And if they are not their brand, they are likly to say they are not the real deal.

Its no wonder our people in our churches are confused as to what is the real deal.

IS THE GOSPEL THE END OF THE SEARCH FOR PERSONAL HAPPINESS?

IS THE GOSPEL A STORY OF HAPPINESS TO BE ACHIEVED BY SELFISH SEARCH?

I have preached from I Thessalonians since becoming the pastor/teacher of Rivers of Joy

Bapstist Church in July. The subject of the Gospel has taken up a lot of the sermons I have preached. I don't think a lot of folks today know what the gospel is biblically.

What is the gospel?

Folks in the most interesting places are asking that question these days. When I was growing up, in the 50's and 60's no one had to ask what the gospel was. We knew. It was the answer to the question: "If you were to die tonight, how do you know for sure you'd go to heaven?" The gospel was what got you saved. We knew what getting saved was, too. Getting saved was being placed in the heaven-bound category. And we knew what heaven was. Heaven was the pleasure place where everybody wanted to go after death. Hell was not our place to want to go.

But now folks like N.T. Wright (from a New Testament historical perspective), and Dallas Willard (from a spiritual formation and discipleship perspective), and Shane Claiborne (from a community perspective), and Brian McLaren (from a general gadfly perspective), are calling us to rethink what the gospel really means. So what do I think about these new ideas about the Gospel. I have spent a few weeks at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church on this subject.

A journal called Journal of Happiness Studies. "Positive psychology" is the big new trend in social science over the last decade, so all kinds of researchers have decided to explore the northern rather than southern hemisphere of human emotions. "Aspirations, along with attainments, play an important role in shaping well-being." I checked out a few of their articles on their website.

One theme that keeps popping up is the happiness paradox: "the more directly one aims to maximize pleasure and avoid pain, the more likely one is to produce a life lacking of depth, meaning, and community." One article listed facets of the happiness paradox. Another explained the principle of indirection: happiness, by its nature, cannot be obtained by direct pursuit. You have to sneak up on it. Or rather, you have to let it sneak up on you while you're pursuing something more important. "You know how to sneak up on a rabbit?"

It struck me that the traditional expression of the gospel I heard growing up fell into a similar trap. There was not much serious thought about the true nature of heaven. (If you've been avoiding God all your life, would you want to be in heaven? It appears that God will be very hard to avoid there.)

Maybe the "if you were to die tonight" version of the gospel falls victim to the happiness paradox. If "heaven" is understood as "ultimate happiness," then I can seek to obtain it while remaining trapped in my self-centeredness. If "heaven" is understood as the eternal pleasure place, then obtaining it has no intrinsic relationship to transformation, therefore no intrinsic relationship to discipleship. And if you note, most people's opinion of their heaven, is beautful and full of happeness and fun things to do, with no regard to any personal change in our life-style on earth, waiting to get to heaven. Maybe a few prayers a few times a day, and maybe wearing a set of black clothes and covering my face, etc.

But if the gospel really is the announcement of the availability, through Jesus, of the "with-God life," then things begin to fall into place. Grace is not just the forgiveness of sin, it is the power to live the with-God life from one moment to the next. Heaven is not a pleasure place that an angry God chooses to shut some people out of because they don't pass a theology test; it is a community of servanthood that can only be enjoyed by a certain kind of character.

Discipleship or obedience is not something we have to sweet-talk people into by obligation or gratitude ("after all, Jesus died for you; the least you can do is deny yourself happiness for a while on earth"), it is simply the process of learning to enter into the good, with-God life. The gospel becomes social as well as personal—not because individuals don't matter, but because to be "saved" means (among other things) to be delivered from the chronic selfishness that contributes to the world's hurt and to my misery.

We do have a ways to go on one great task regarding the gospel. And that is how to articulate a biblically sound, spiritually powerful gospel in a way that calls for great clarity of decision.

• The reason the old "if you were to die tonight" gospel was so popular (and, I think, has been used by God to a large degree), is that at least it helps people be very clear that they've made a decision about something. ("I'm not going to earn my way anymore; I'm on the grace plan.") And that decision itself is often enough to start people on the road toward God.

In our day, I think, we are seeing more accurate ways of understanding the gospel. But we need clarion calls of directness to help people respond today.

When Jesus walked the earth, the call "Follow me" was easily understood. People would actually, physically, bodily, walk with Jesus. People knew if they were following.

When the church formed, the call to follow Jesus was easily understood. There was an alternative community that met daily, that radically transformed people's financial lives, social lives, time, learning, allegiances, and hope. People knew if they were following.

In our day, that experience has become so diluted and enculturated that people have a hard time knowing.

• The availability of life, with God, in his favor and power, as a gift of grace we receive by repentance and trust, through the death and resurrection of Jesus—that's the gospel with power.

What needs still to be done is to find ways to express this with great clarity and simplicity, ways to help ordinary people know for sure they have made the great decision, the great commitment of their lives.

Adopted from an article by John Ortberg, with my thoughts inserted therein and researched personally and experienced personally.

Good Group of Kids

LATER I WILL POST SOME OF THE PHOTO OF THE JEREMY FRYE WEDDING

ANOTHER TRIP TO LEXINGTON

OUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW LESLIE WHISNANT OUTSIDE CHILE'S
IT SEEMS WE GET TOGETHER TO EAT
Okay the hats? I have a birthday this October 22nd

Having forgotten Eric's camera on Saturday, Charity and I traveled to Lexington on Monday. So we got together with Kyle and BRITTNEY and Leslie and Becky at Chile's. Both Leslie and Becky took their lunch break to eat with all of us.
Eric was finishing up an outside painting job.

Chad was working at Holiday Inn.

And
Leslie is pregnant and doing well.

VISIT WITH FAMILY

A GREAT VISIT IN LEXINGTON KY, VISITNG WITH KYLE, BECKY AND BRITTNEY

A GREAT SUPPER WHERE BECKY WORKS,
CHAD, GIFT FOR MY BIRTHDAY

VISIT WITH MY SON ERIC AT THE THE FIRE STATION

A VISIT 96 FEET I BELIEVE ON THE LADDER TRUCK WITH ERIC

FOUR INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVE

FIRST THESSALONIANS SERIES
PASTOR/TEACHER CHARLES E. WHISNANT
FOUR INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVE
1THESSALONIANS 1:5B 52.8

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; 1 Thess 1:5 (KJV)

for our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. (new american standard version)

THE SETTING FORTH OF THE GOSPEL MESSSAGE MUST HAVE FOUR INGREDIENTS TO OPEN THE DOOR TO SAVING FAITH.

1A “THE GOSPEL CAME: NOT UNTO YOU IN WORD ONLY”

• The GOSPEL must be preached IN WORD.
  Romans 10:17, Mark 16:15-16, 1Corinthians 9:16-17, Acts 11:14, Titus 1:2-3, I Corinthians 1:21, Romans 10:13-15.


• BUT NOT IN WORD ONLY: Not merely a dramatic speech (a hollow and heartless rhetoric.) But with right content and meaning.

2A BUT ALSO IN POWER: <1411> Divine Energy. Truth announced in divine energy. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. Matthew 22:29, 1 Corinthians 4:20 Luke 1:35.

“POWER” our word is dynamo, or dynamic.

The dynamic of the Gospel: Phil 3:10, Act 1:8, Eph. 1:18-19. Power of the resurrection.
The dynamic of the Gospel that works inside believers: Romans 1:16, 15:13, 2 Corin. 12:9.
The dynamic of the Gospel must come into your heart.
The dynamic of the Gospel came into their life and changed them. Galatians 2:20.

3A IN WORD, IN POWER, IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Paul preached with conscious power and the Spirit was with them, and they experienced an overwhelming conviction of the truth of their message. 2 Corinthians 2:1-5. Acts 1:8

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO EXPERIENCE THIS POWER:

• An unusual energy in your heart.


• An unusual clarity in your mind.


• An unusual facility with words.

“A sense God is pulling all the factures, all the dynamic of communications together and something is happening which transcends you.” Quote. Isaiah 55:7.

4A IN WORD, IN POWER, IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN MUCH ASSURANCE <4136>

In full conviction, full assurance, and confidence. Colossians 2:2, Hebrews 10:22, Acts 17:31, Hebrews 6:11.

When they preached, they knew in that experience God was working and God was working through them to affect something in those to whom the powerful message came.
Paul, Timothy, and Silas believed the message that he preached. They were powerful, Holy Spirit driven, confident, and assured of the message they preached.

And they knew by their experience, in these four areas that those in this church were elected by God.

WHEN someone has sat under the powerful, Holy Spirit anointed, convicting preaching/teaching of the true Gospel, and they really understood it and came to them in the energy of the Spirit of God, that is a good indication that they were dealing with the reality of salvation.

THE WORLD AND THE CHURCH

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "Shall not perish." Ponder those three little words. Some people perish.They don't make it.

Here's another verse from John 3. This one is less well-known, but it is just as true as John 3:16.

• Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him (John 3:36).

Or we can see it even more plainly in 1 John 5:12.

• He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Or if you want to go to the end of the Bible, consider the solemn words of Revelation 20:15.

• If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. I wonder how God could make it any clearer.

You + Jesus = Eternal life.You - Jesus = Eternal death.

Here is the difference between the church and the world.

The true church -- that is, those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, those who know him and love him and believe in him and follow him -- is delivered from sin and guilt and given eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The world -- that is, those who live without knowing Jesus, who follow their own way, who trust in religion but not in Christ, or who reject all religion, who believe that this world is all there is, or who believe in salvation through self-effort, or who think they don't need to be saved, or who simply become so immersed in the pursuit of sex, money or power or the glory and fame this world offers that they have no time to consider their own soul -- perishes forever in hell.

The people of the world are lost, doomed, and sent to destruction just as surely as the ancient Egyptians perished in the Red Sea.

WHAT REALLY IS THE TRUTH

But God is a gracious God, smiling patiently from heaven as we slowly mature.

WE HAVE BEEN LEAD TO BELIEVE

WHAT IS NOT TRUTH BUT THE TRUTH IS:

The truth is: GOD IS. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three persons in One. There is only ONE God, God Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are one yet with three personality.

The truth is: ONLY ONE NEW EARTH AND NEW HEAVEN. ETERNITY IS ONE OF TWO PLACES: HEAVEN OR HELL. ALL PEOPLE OF EVERY TRIBE, NATIONS AND PEOPLE WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN ONE OF THOSE TWO PLACES.

CONTENTMENT OR DISSATISFACTION

Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent(J. C. Ryle, "Be Content" 1885)

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

These words are very simple. A little child might easily understand them. They contain no high doctrine; they involve no deep metaphysical question; and yet, as simple as they are--the duty which these words enjoin on us, is of highest practical importance to all Christians.

Like all precious things--it is most uncommon. To practice contentment, is very hard. To talk of contentment in the day of health and prosperity is easy enough; but to be content in the midst of poverty, sickness, trouble, disappointments, and losses--is a state of mind to which very few can attain!The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content.

• The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content.

• Adam and Eve had the garden of Eden to live in, with a free grant of everything in it excepting one tree--but they were not content.

• Ahab had his throne and kingdom, but so long as Naboth's vineyard was not his--he was not content.

• Haman was the chief favorite of the Persian king--but so long as Mordecai sat at the gate--he was not content.

It is just the same everywhere in the present day. Even in 2008. Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent with what we have, meet us at every turn.

• To say, with Jacob, "I have enough," seems flatly contrary to the grain of human nature.
• To say, "I want more," seems the mother tongue of every child of Adam.
  

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Paul's direction ought to come with power to all our consciences: "Be content with such things as you have," not with such things as you once used to have--not with such things as you hope to have--but with such things as you now have. With such things, whatever they may be--we are to be content. With such a dwelling, such a family, such health, such income, such work, such circumstances as we now have--we are to be content.

Let me tell you--what you should do, if you would be content.

• You must know your own heart, seek God for your portion,
• take Christ for your Savior,
• and use God's Word for your daily food.

Contentment must be learned at the feet of Jesus Christ. He who has God for his friend, and heaven for his home--can wait for his good things, and be content with little here below.

I took the photo on Maple-Bender Road as we go to Rivers of JoyBaptist Church. Wonderful fall trees. The top photo I took on Scioto Trail Road.