Everyone Has Something to Be Thankful For

On Thanksgiving Day millions of us will enjoy and be thankful for a delicious meal. (Deep fry my turkey, please.) As we prepare to dig in to the turkey, dressing and gravy, we may express our gratitude for the family and friends. Perhaps we will go around the table and share specific things that we are thankful for. Truly, we are a blessed people living in a blessed land.

However, there are many hurting people living in sorrowful circumstances. For them it may be difficult to see and list things that are easily appreciated. At times, life can be hard. We all have burdens, hardships, problems and disappointments. It is the stark reality of living in a sin-cursed world. But, there are some very precious truths for which we can always be thankful.

Psalm 100 is a favorite passage of scripture for the Thanksgiving holiday. Consider the last two verses of this short but powerful chapter.

Psalm 100: 4-5 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (5) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

We can perform the instructions of thankfulness in verse four because of the attributes of God given in verse five. We can be thankful, praise and bless the Lord because He is eternally good, merciful, and true. With that in mind consider these four basic yet profound facts that you can be thankful for today.

1. You can be thankful that “GOD LOVES ME”

1John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God has expressed and demonstrated His boundless love for you by sending His Son, Jesus, to earth so that we could have a personal relationship with Him. 

2. You can be thankful that “JESUS DIED FOR ME”

1John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sin of every person who has ever lived. That means He died on the cross for you and for me.

3. You can be thankful that “SALVATION IS OFFERED TO ME”

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Salvation means that my sins are forgiven and that I am redeemed from the debt of sin I owed.

John 1:12 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:

Salvation means that I have a relationship with Holy God. I am no longer His enemy; I am His child.

Romans 10:9-10 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. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

To receive the OFFER of salvation I am told by the Bible to sincerely believe and simply receive that Jesus is God’s Son and that He alone can save me. I cannot save myself.

4. You can be thankful that “HEAVEN IS WAITING FOR ME”

Jesus said in John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Jesus went on to say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

You can KNOW right now that you are saved – that you are born again. You can know that your sins are forgiven and that you have peace with God the Father. You can know that you are a child of God and that you have an eternal home in Heaven. But, the ONLY way to know you are saved is to KNOW Jesus as your Savior.

Now, THAT is something to be thankful for!

How To See Great and Mighty Things

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

What are these “great and mighty things”? In Jeremiah’s day it was the miraculous prophecy that God would one day return Israel in great glory to Jerusalem. At the time they were being overtaken by the most power nation (Babylon) under the threat of the most powerful King (Nebuchadnezzar) on earth.

For us the great and mighty things are the blessings that God wants to give us if we will simply yield ourselves to Him. Our Heavenly Father knows what is absolutely best for us. He wants to give His best to us. Some of it, we cannot even comprehend. The great and mighty things are the priceless, awesome, indescribable blessings of living a life that is dedicated to God.

This famous scripture verse tells us how to see them in our lives.

I. ASK (CALL )
It starts with a request. God does not force Himself on us. Just as He offers salvation; it is then up to us to receive it. He has wonderful blessings for us; but He waits for us to ask. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

II. ASK THE ONE WHO CAN DELIVER (UNTO ME )
We do not ask hoping “somebody” will hear. We call on the Lord for He is able. Our prayers are singularly directed to God. Jesus gave us a model prayer which begins by addressing the Father.   Luke 11:2 … Our Father which art in heaven, hollowed by thy name. …

III. EXPECT TO HEAR FROM THE LORD (AND…there’s more )
We are to ask the One who can deliver in full faith that He WILL answer! Our prayer should reflect our confidence and our trust in Him. The book of James instructs us to “ask in faith, nothing wavering.”

God is always looking for people who will exercise and demonstrate faith in Him - not just talk about it. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Remember the priests at the Jordan River were told to carry the Ark of the Covenant across Jordan. They had to step into the water with the heavy ark on their shoulders. Then God parted waters. Jesus, walking on the water, called on Peter to act in faith when He said “come.” Peter had to step out of the boat before he walked on the water.

Are you exercising or demonstrating your faith in God? What step of faith have you taken for the Lord recently? 

IV. EXPECT TO SEE THE LORD WORK (I WILL )
We KNOW that God is at work on our behalf. So, we can LIVE in light of that precious truth. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Confidence in God’s ability is also confidence in God’s timing. Believe God and let God set the time table. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

V. SET LIMITS ASIDE (SHOW THEE )
This wonderful scripture is not only for the preacher, the missionary, the out-going person, or the talented. Don’t limit God about the “great and mighty” things in your life. He wants YOU to experience the amazing works of grace and glory that He knows is best for you. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God:
With God – it’s all about Him - in YOU. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

VI. GOD WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU (GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS )
His best in our lives are the “great and mighty things.” He is ready, willing and able to display them in our lives for His glory. We can live confidently and victoriously as God put on an amazing display through us. 2Timothy 1:12 … I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Work of the Word

The Bible is the most powerful book ever written. It is the very voice of God for us to hear; the very words of God for us to learn. Consider the magnificent description of the Bible in Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Unlike all other books (authored by humans) the Holy book of the Bible (authored by God) is an active entity. It “does things.” It accomplishes certain aims that God has directed.

1. WE ARE BORN AGAIN BY THE WORD
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
It is an integral part of God’s plan that the Word of God is the “birthing” agent in salvation. Jesus said, “Ye must be born again” – that is done WITH the Word of God. We received NEW birth and became new creatures in Christ Jesus.
1Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

2. WE ARE SAVED BY THE WORD
1Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
When we do what the Word says, the first thing it will lead us to - is salvation. The conditions for salvation are repentance and faith. It is the Bible that brings us to both of those affirmations.
It tells us that we are sinners and that we cannot save ourselves. It tells us that our sin keeps us from a relationship with Holy God and that our sin will ultimately condemn us to eternity in Hell. We must turn from our sin – repentance.
Then, the Word of God clarifies that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” It is the grand message of the Bible that God sent a redeemer to bring us back to God. We must accept the offer of salvation in Jesus Christ – by faith.
The Bible leads us to the truth of the gospel that brings salvation.
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

3. WE ARE CLEANSED THE WORD
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Reading, hearing and obeying the Word leads to a daily CONFESSION of sin. The repeated application of the Word on believers (and on the church) is a cleaning (purifying) agent to keep us clean from the blemishes of sinful behavior.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

4. WE ARE GROWING BY THE WORD
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
The Word is more to us than just INSTRUCTIONS it is the very nutrition that fuel our life in Christ. It brings us the “joy and rejoicing” of living more and more like Jesus. Growing in the Lord develops within us an appetite for the Word. This appetite will grow to a CRAVING for the Word.
1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

5. WE ARE SANCTIFIFED BY THE WORD
1Timothy 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Sanctified means “set apart for God’s use.” That is what every believer is supposed to be. We are not our own we are purchased by the blood of Jesus. Sanctification expressed in our life is an on-going process. It is “progressive growth in righteousness.” We are to be perpetually becoming more like Christ. This is accomplished by the Word of God – changing us from what we are to what He wants us to be. Jesus prayed for us in John 17:17 saying, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

6. WE ARE ENLIGHTENED BY THE WORD
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
We are living in dark days. There is a palpable darkness looming around us morally, ethically, and spiritually. The darkness eminates from the deception and errors propogated by the devil and consumed by a sin cursed human race. God’s Word (in its divine purity) provides spiritual light and clarity of understanding. It is the holy beacon of absolute truth. Our pathway is illuminated by the wisdom of God found in the pages of the Bible. Truth shines brightest in the darkness of lies and deception.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

7. WE ARE KEPT BY THE WORD (protected, secured)
Psalm 17:4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
God’s Word gives WARNINGS for the paths of sin. We make choices everyday between right and wrong – what the Bible calls righteousness and UN-righteousness. The scripture also sharpens the contrast as being a choice between obedience to God or sin. Satan is always luring us to the wrong things, the sinful things. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God we are equipped to identify the lies of Satan and make the right choices. Following the principles and examples in Scripture will help protect us from Satan’s temptations.
1Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

CONCLUSION
The Bible is a “productive” entity; it executes desired objectives. It accomplishes good things in our lives when we read it, learn it, and commit to heeding it. The Scripture should never be viewed as a book to outline our religion. No! It is the book to nourish, equip and guide us through every aspect of our lives.
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

The AUTHORITY of the WORD of GOD

We live in a culture that has been, for a couple generations, openly rejecting and rebelling against proper authority. The latest manifestation of this trend is the “occupy” demonstrations. More accurate would be to refer to them as the “occupy” squatters. These spoiled vagrants throw their violent temper-tantrums in an illogical protest of … uh, what? Well, that depends on who you ask.

Some don’t like the fact that they are expected to pay back money loaned to them for their college education so they rebel against tax-payers who funded the program that loaned them the money. Some don’t like capitalism so they reject the authority of business owners and investors to make decisions that are best for their own companies. Some don’t like to be told they can’t camp-out in a public space and smoke marijuana all day, so they rebel against the police who patiently attempt to enforce the law. Some don’t like representative government so they rebel against the idea of participating in the election process. The bottom line is they don’t recognize or respect authority.

The timeless Word of God is the supreme authority for all of humanity. Whether recognized as such or not, the fact remains that God has given mankind absolute truth in the Bible. Certainly, believers should recognize, respect, and regard the authority of the Holy Scriptures.

There are several evidences of the authority of the Word of God.

The authority is in its authorship. God gave the Bible word for word through human writers that we might know Him. As we read it we learn the mind and the heart of God. 2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God … 2Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The authority is in its power. The message of the Bible has formed nations and restored individual lives. It gives direction for humanity to aspire and simple truths for a child to grasp. The Bible affects all who receive it – in profound ways. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The authority is in its perfection. The Word of God is without error. It is totally accurate; completely true in all its statements. It is absolute truth. The Bible makes declarative statements about the perfection of the itself. So, it is either totally true or a complete scam. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect,… Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

The authority is in its endurance. For centuries many have tried to dismantle it, destroy it, deride it and dilute it. But, the Bible remains the best-seller every year. Governments have seized it. Dictators have burned it. Scoffers have ridiculed it. Yet, still today, millions of people read it for comfort, guidance, and hope. 2Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

The authority is in its impact. No other writing as impacted humanity as the Bible has. No other book as the personal impact on one who reads and studies it as the Bible has. What a staggering thought, when you open the Bible you are opening the voice of God. Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:

Independent But Not Isolated

The Case for Churches Working Together

I am an INDEPENDENT Baptist. That is what I have always been and what I always will be.

I am an INDEPENDENT Baptist not only by my heritage but also by personal conviction. I am thankful for the godly men who lead a great surge of the independent movement in the 1940s and 50s. These inspiring leaders include men like: Lee Roberson, Harold Sightler, Bob Jones, Sr., Jack Hudson, John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, Joe Boyd, Lester Roloff and others.

These men paid a heavy price for their stand of INDEPENDENCE – from denominational control of their churches and their colleges. They stood for independence from liberal theology that was attacking the very fundamentals of our faith. They produced a two generations of independent servants of God. These servants are faithful pastors, missionaries and evangelists who have had significant impact for the cause of Christ in our country and in the world.

We have learned to value and defend our stand of “independence.” However, in recent years – many independents have become SO independent that we are practically isolated from each other. So careful are we to maintain our independent status that we seldom (if ever) join our efforts together for the work of God.

On the rare occasions that believers from different churches DO come together it is usually for “fellowship” such as a pastors meeting (with lunch, of course) or a preaching conference at a larger ministry.

Fellowship is fine and fellowship is appropriate, but fellowship does not get the work of the Lord done. “Working” gets the work of the Lord done. The Bible speaks much about the work and labor that is connected to our responsibility as believers.

1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

In our appreciation and application of independence we have formed a long list of reasons that we DO NOT work together – some are significant, most are trivial. Sadly, the independent movement as become fragmented into many smaller groups. These groups generally do not even fellowship together, much less work together.

Ironically, the world sees ALL of these independent, fundamental, Baptist groups as one homogenous entity with no discernible differences. While those of us within the movement see ONLY our differences never considering ourselves part of a united movement.

In spite of that reality - I believe that we are compelled by the Word of God to work together. Consider 1Corinthians 3:1-11 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? [5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. [8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. [9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We are compelled to WORK TOGETHER by …

#1. by THE SCOPE OF OUR ASSIGNMENT

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Jesus commissioned us to take the glorious Gospel of Salvation to all the world. Today that is almost 7 billion souls. Most have never heard the message of Christ. One single local church will never accomplish the goal. Working together, striving together, pulling together we CAN reach the world in the name of Jesus.

#2. by THE SINGULAR FOCUS OF OUR MESSAGE: THE GOSPEL

Notice the verse 11 (1Corinthians 3) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There IS a singular focus to our message: it’s JESUS! What the world needs is JESUS. What Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia need is JESUS! What your county and your city needs is JESUS! We are compelled to work together by the MESSAGE of salvation found ONLY in Jesus Christ. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Jesus warned his disciples about becoming elitists in the ministry. He taught them to value the work of others who are spreading the gospel. Mark 9:38-40 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. [39] But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. [40] For he that is not against us is on our part.

#3. by THE PRINCIPLES OF SCRIPTURE

Notice the verse 4 (1Corinthians 3) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? [5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Clearly the work of Paul and Apollos were different. They attracted different followers who were quick to point out the contrasts. Each group identified themselves by their human leader. BUT, God blessed the effort of both Paul and Apollos. They were working toward the same goal. Paul clarifies the situation (writing as directed by the Holy Spirit) he says it is not me or Apollos – it is God’s work and it is GOD who gives the increase.

Answering THE common objection:

Some may object to working together with those who are not exactly like themselves. These folks will say, “The Bible says that we are to contend for the faith. We must fight against those who do not believe like we believe.”

Yes, we are to “contend for the faith.” The Bible says in Jude vs.3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

However, let us continue to look at the book of Jude to find out WHO it is that we are to contend with. Jude vs.4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude goes on to compare those (who we are to contend with) to: the angels who rebelled against God with Satan, the whoremongers who inhabited Sodom and Gomorra, and Cain the man who murdered his brother.

Many independents seem to be spending a lot of energy “contending” with each other over issues of music, dress standards, and who has the greater love for the King James Bible. I am not saying these issues have no significance. But, the book of Jude is teaching us that we are to “contend” (fight) against those who are ungodly, lascivious, deniers of the Lord.

Think about the pastor or church across town who uses some music a little less conservative than yours, or has women wearing pants to church, or doesn’t print “1611 KJB” on every piece of literature. Does that pastor or that church fit the biblical criteria of one who we are to “contend” with? Sadly, some pastors seem to feel they need to fight against every other independent Baptist church that is not a carbon copy of his church.

We DO need to pick some fights. Let’s pick a fight with those who deny the God of creation. Let’s pick a fight with those who are preaching “works” salvation. Let’s pick a fight with those who deny the deity of Jesus Christ. Let’s pick a fight with the health/wealth-gospel charlatans. Let’s pick a fight with somebody who is leading people AWAY from Christ.

There are PLENTY of those types out there. Let’s go fight with them! In fact let’s fight together against them. We can “gang-up” on them!

#4. by THE LOVE OF GOD

As believers we know that the love of God is in us. 1John 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God - love his brother also.

According the words of Jesus the love of God is to be expressed through us. 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.

#5. by THE COMMONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1Cor. 12:3-6 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. [4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

WE are the body of Christ. A body is designed with diversity of different body parts. The Bible uses this object lesson to teach us that “difference does not equal deficiency.”

See 1Corinthains 12:13-27. The Holy Spirit of God brings us together into the Body of Christ. Verse 13 and 14 says, “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. For the body is not one member, but many.” We preach this about our local church and that is a proper application. The proper interpretation of the text speaks of the entire body of believers. We are ALL to work together like a physical body of different parts.

#6. by THE IDENTIFICATION OF OUR TRUE ENEMY

Eph 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We have a vicious, wicked, aggressive enemy! We are in a war against Satan. The battlefield of this war (for now) is his territory. None of us are called to “Rambos” for God – single-handedly defeating an entire brigade of enemy combatants. We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. Soldiers work together focused on an enemy. Let us not only stand together – let us CHARGE together against the Devil.

#7. by THE REALITY THAT THE ONLY KINGDOM WE ARE TO BUILD IS GOD’S

Back to our initial text - 1Cor 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

We must be mindful that “the best of men are men at best.” All of us have a major besetting sin – pride. Those who lead are especially susceptible to pride. Paul acknowledged his own battle with pride in recounting the struggle physical affliction he endured. 2Corinthian 12:7 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.

The adulation that Paul felt and that Apollos felt would have been a great temptation to enter in to prideful attitdutes toward the other. Each man had a following of supporters. It is a natural temptation to build my kingdom by tearing down your kingdom. We must be careful to clarify to ourselves and to our followers the principle from 2Corinthina 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

CONCLUSION - I am not suggesting nor advocating that we or our churches join anything or make any long-term partnerships. I am certainly not suggesting that you compromise your Biblical convictions. The reality is you may not be comfortable to participate in every “work-together” effort.

What I am suggesting is this: Because the Bible teaches us that we should work together, let’s look for and find some opportunities to work together for God’s glory. We can work in cooperation on specific projects and special events.

Our church (Maranatha) is excited and encouraged to be WORKING TOGETHER with several other churches on a specific project and a special event. The project is the planting a new church in Athens, Ohio. The new church will be planted this fall (October, 2011). The special event is the God Bless America Rally, to be held on Sunday night, September 11. The 10^th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Over thirty churches will be coming together for a combined Sunday night service in Charleston, West Virginia.

Some wonderful benefits of these efforts are becoming evident in my own church even though this project and this event have not happened yet.

I truly believe that the cause of Christ, the message of salvation, and the kingdom of God will be advanced because of the WORKING TOGETHER of different churches and pastors. Take note of this familiar scripture. 2Corinthinas 5:21 - 6:1) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

May God deliver us from the vanity of our carnal nature and let us, TOGETHER, lift the blood stained banner of the cross HIGH, for ALL the world to see. As independent Baptists working together we can accomplish so much more for God than we can ever do toiling in isolation.

Love Your Neighbor Week

March 27 – April 2

Jesus said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

This is our emphasis and assignment for the week – not only by our words only, but by our actions. Today we are challenging, instructing and equipping every member of our church to be part of a a united concentrated effort to demonstrate Christ-like love to our community.

The command to love our neighbor is given in the Word of God ten different times. We are setting aside a special week to devote focused attention on this Biblical command.

Our strategy is that every member of Maranatha Baptist Church would perform “intentional acts of kindness” to demonstrate God’s love to coworkers, neighbors, friends, and complete strangers. The idea behind Love Your Neighbor Week is that we would point our community to the Lord Jesus Christ through our actions. With each act of kindness, we follow up with a simple reminder of God’s love—a card that says “God loves you” and has our church’s name and contact information on it.

As a church, we are looking this week for creative ways, as families and individuals, to demonstrate Christ’s love. And we are praying for those who will receive these acts of kindness, that seeds of the Gospel will be planted in their hearts.

I gratefully attribute this idea to Pastor Paul Chappell of the Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, CA.

2011 Theme: WORKERS TOGETHER FOR CHRIST

Everyone a servant; every servant trained.

WORK – it’s a four letter word! Some people work hard at avoiding work. But the children of God who appreciate what the good Lord has done for them are ready and eager to work. Our general thrust in 2011 will be: work and workers, servants and service, labor and laborers. The Bible has much to say about our duty as believers to be workers for the Lord.

The beauty of being part of the family of God is that no one works alone. As Christians we work together within the body of Christ. As a church family, we work together as part of this local church body (Maranatha Baptist Church). And, we work together with our wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is, after all, His work – not ours.

There is always a need for additional workers in the cause of Christ. Too many people watch, applaud and approve of the work going on around them without every getting involved themselves. But, growing Christians learn to serve the Lord.

Some people are hesitant to get actively involved in the work because they feel they “don’t know how” to do it. Dr. David Wood says, “Motivation without education always leads to frustration.” Therefore, this year we will challenge every member of our church to commit themselves to an on-going ministry. AND, we will provide specific training for every area of ministry within our church.