The Holy Spirit

               Romans 14:17-19, quoted below teaches us that we are a part of “…the Kingdom of God…,”  so we must know to whom God is seeking via Paul.

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus tells us that in order to be a part of this “…Kingdom of God…,” we must “…be born again…”  This has never been a suggestion, nor relayed as a good idea.  We are told it is a commandment.  Yet, once we have accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour, we find a new life, and we have become a new creature, ready to let God mold us into what He wants for each of us. 

              God gives us The Holy Spirit as a part of our new birth.  The Holy Spirit [Ghost] as an inseparable attachment to our soul gives us a new direction.  (Our righteousness is a direct function of The Holy Spirit.)  He is what leads us down the narrow path.  He is what speaks to us in guidance of our decisions in life.  He brings to our memory what God has given, and how God wants us to walk.

1 Corinthians 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The Holy Spirit’s [Ghost’s] teaching is Spiritual.  He contains God’s Wisdom; therefore, we have within us the ability to discern, (within our individual capabilities,) as we read God’s Word.  Without The Holy Spirit, our reading of His Word is read through worldly eyes, (eyes that have not seen the Word of God, though they may have read the complete Bible,) because they lack God’s Wisdom through The Holy Spirit.

              Are you a Christian defined by The Holy Spirit, consequently a member of God’s kingdom?  Can you define your righteousness within the same judgment you might use on another Christian?  With righteousness, we gain the “Peace of God” by knowing He loves us and He cares for us monumentally. 

              Then we “get” to the joy God gives us.  God, through His Son’s blood on that “Old Rugged Cross” has blessed us with eternal, everlasting, and a forevermore life in Heaven with Him and His Son Jesus.  As we look down the road to a nebulas moment in time, there should be a joy knowing that someday soon, we will be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus.  As a Christian, catch the Joy of the Lord, today.                                        

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Romans 14:17-19  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  (18)  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.  (19)  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Give Them Water

            In Numbers 21:14-16 quoted below, we are told,  “...give them water.” 

Jesus asked the woman at the well to give Him a drink from the well.  As we read this story, we can see the woman never gave Jesus a drink of water.  Yet, Jesus gave her His water from a well of Living Eternal Water.

(John 4:13-14)  Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:  14  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

     I am not saying she did wrong, just that Jesus convicted her heart, and she forgot to give Him the water from the well.

     Sometimes here at church, we also get excited about what is going on and forget the more important aspects of the church.  We have a Missionary and his family here with us today.  Let us not forget why they are here.  One they were invited; two, they need prayer and financial support.

     Yet, the most important reason they are here is so they can get to Croatia, so he and his family can lead a lady at the well to the Lord, and so she can in turn lead others.  (Brother Holcomb and his family have submitted to the great commission.)

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

     Once settled in Croatia, their task will be to start churches, lead Croatians to the Lord, and train others to do the same.  We as a church here in Wellington, are also to lead and train others.

     “…Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” 

We lead them to the Lord Jesus, and He gives them His Living Eternal Water.                     

Bro John R. E Chastain

Numbers 21:14-16  Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,  (15)  And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.  (16)  And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

Stop, Look and Listen

            The scripture Psalm 46:8-10 quoted below remind us that at times we talk to much and refuse to be awed by the splendor God has surrounded us with.

            This time a year as we harvest the crops, we need to remember to Stop and reflect on His greatness, and His majesty.

            Without God, where would we be?  All just meandering around, never sure of anything, just our abilities, and what would they be without God?

            If we just Looked around in our congregation and looked at the various ages, and think about how God has led all of us through some mighty depths.   Depths we could have never gotten through on our own.

            Then if, not on Sunday, we would go out and just Look at the crops, what God has allowed to grow, and harvest, for our income and our livelihood.  Just Stop and Look, Look at some bovine and imagine what it would be like without them, what would your life be like?  Listen to the wind, the birds, the animals and critters, just Listen those sights and sounds should thrill your soul, just Listening and Looking.

            Now Look at our auditorium, consider what it was like, what it could have Looked like, and now consider what God has done.

            The railroad has a saying on all their “Cross Bucks” “Stop Look and Listen.”  Isn’t that what the verse below is telling us to do.  Read your Bible more, it requires you to Stop for awhile, then Listen to God in Meditation, (silent prayer considering what you have read,) now Look to God, Follow Him, Love Him, Trust Him, and above all Obey Him.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 46:8-10  Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.  (9)  He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.  (10)  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Salvation of Our God

              When I read the portion of Psalm 98 printed below, the vastness of our electronic world came to my mind.  We have a Space Shuttle orbiting the earth, working on a telescope placed there to prove the non-existence of God, and to prove the reality of the “Big Bang Theory.”

              Yet, on the other side of this coin, we see an internet that is so profane on one hand, but on the other hand can be so good to get the Gospel of Christ out to this world.   Our world, because of technology, has become so small, yet when we compare it to the vastness of space, earth, our world is but a grain of very, very fine sand.

              I believe we have gotten the Gospel out to a vast majority of the world.  Not all, but God tells us “…all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.”  I believe He is talking about His Creation, the trees, the flowing streams, the fishes, the deer and all other creatures of His Creation.  In other words, they know of God because they can see the wonderment in front of them. 

              Yet, in our “knowledge,” we have dismissed God, and have accepted the god of evolution, the god of nature.  I suppose we have accepted the “UNKNOWN GOD” Paul speaks of in Acts.

              Today we have a Missionary with us.  His job is to explain God’s creation, but also to tell of His love for us, and that He put His Son Jesus on the Cross to die for such a worthless lot as us. 

              God’s creation is known throughout the world, however, Jesus’ name is not known throughout the world.  That is why Missionaries are called of God and are convicted to spread the Gospel.  With this in mind, that is why supporting Missions is so important. 

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

Missionaries “Go” because of conviction of God, not because it is an easy job, and because the pay is so good.  By supporting Missions and Missionaries, we as individuals and as a church are involved in reaching those who have not known of, nor have they accepted Jesus the Christ.

              If we as individuals are not supporting Missions, then we, as a “Temple of God,” are not a part of the “Spreading The Gospel.”  Your help is needed.  Join with others and let this Church be the solid Missionary Baptist Church we claim to be.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 98:1-4   O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.  (2)  The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.  (3)  He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.  (4)  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Ye Children of Christ

                Joel 2:23-24, quoted below brings to mind the verse:

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

When we think about all that God has supplied to each of us, and then consider what we have given back, we find that we are “pikers.”  (Someone who has fallen short, maybe intentionally.)  Regardless of our situation, we still rejoice in what God has given.  As a piker, we seldom give God the credit.

              Our Scripture tells us how God has given, and given, and given again.  He has given before, and He will give again later.  We read of the abundance He will give and He tells us that our bellies and our pantry will remain full.

              God is not giving as a “welfare” state, He is giving through our honouring Him.  He gives in abundance to those who honour Him in abundance, whereas those who have become “pikers,” He gives accordingly. 

              He gives us Salvation through the blood of His Son Jesus who died on that “Old Rugged Cross.”  Once we have accepted Jesus, the expectation is to honour God through His Son Jesus.

              Therefore, as a Christian, we need to be “sold out” for the cause of Christ, souls for Heaven.  Our Church is “sold out” to supporting Missionaries. We support several with just a few people.  Yet, that is only a start.  We as Christians are the Missionaries of our city.  As individuals, we must seek the lost and give them the Gospel of Jesus.  With this knowledge, they may accept Jesus as their personal Saviour.  We should go out rejoicing, knowing we have a reward when we get to Heaven.  What rejoicing will happen when “My Jesus I Shall See,”  “What A Day That Will Be.”

              Rejoice today in what God has given you, knowing He will provide for you.  “Just Do It,” as the NIKE footwear giant used to say.                                                                                         

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Joel 2:23-24  Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.  (24)  And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

He That…

              When I read the verses below, I saw the personal part, that portion that requires the me, myself, and I to do something.  We each have to make decisions daily, choosing one way or another.

              Yet, I read an e-mail that stated when a Doctor of Medicine speaks, it is gospel.  There is no decision on our part except to follow the Doctor’s orders. Whereas when a Preacher preaches the Gospel, we decide how we are going to use the information, (accept it fully or in part, or reject the premises entirely.) 

              However, our verses below tell us we will never hunger nor thirst if we will accept Jesus’ Gospel.  Jesus is telling us that He will meet our needs and He will remove this hunger and thirst.

              Again, the problem is you and I.  We listen to the Doctor, yet, when the chips are down, the Doctor is the god.  Also, when at the bottom of the barrel, we realize, if we had let Him, Jesus would have kept us “from the bottom of the barrel.”  We as individuals, and we collectively put more emphasis on the world and what is happening in the world than what is happening in the church.

              Our church operation, (paying bills, salaries, and our obligation to our Missionaries) require, “he that…” will tithe, give to missions, and support the church and all the church functions, sacrificially.  We are supposed to be “one body” in Christ, solely living to glorify God. 

As we approach decision time for our Faith Promise Month,  it is a time to be praying fervently and asking God’s direction about our giving.  Pray over the cards we passed out.  Ask God to give you an amount that He will give you so you can faithfully give to Missions.

              While you have God on the line, talk to Him about your tithe, and ask Him to help you to tithe faithfully.   Be a “he that…” does God’s bidding.

Bro John R. E Chastain

(John 6:32-35)  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.  34  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.  35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 

Stand In Awe of Him

(Psalms 33:8-12 KJB)  Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.  9 For he spake, and it wasdone; he commanded, and it stood fast.  10  The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the   people of none effect.  11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.  12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD;and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 

  

            When I read the verses above, I thought of our Congress.  Recently they were the “Do Nothing Congress,” and now they are the “Let’s Do It Now Before We know What We Did Do Congress.”  Once they have nationalized the Health Care Industry, I wonder if our Farmers will be the next big industry to nationalize, along with all our Oil Companies.  Back in the ‘50’s they called this Communism. 

I remember a few days after 9/11 they were on the steps of Congress singing, “God Bless America.”  How quickly they forget.  Unfortunately, how quickly we forget.  We have put the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and II, along with Korea, Viet Nam, our Constitution and our Declaration of Independence in the “waste can” of forgotten memories.

              We as citizens can only remember what is going on today.  We still have a few people who do remember the “Great Depression.”  However, most of them were in their youth at the time.  We as a nation and we as citizens have never learned a single lesson from our history.  (Of course, I am not sure, but I understand they don’t teach history any more.)  Our country was built on the will of the people, with God’s Law in their hands.  We now have a country solely created for me, myself, and I.  It doesn’t matter if what is being done today to solve our economic woes has never worked in the past, just send me, myself, and I my check. 

              We as a nation have gotten so far away from God.  We are so self-centered, that nothing else matters but ourselves.

              Our only fear is “my space not being violated,” regardless of “who else’s space I violate.”  (We listen to the guru’s of the world, Dr. Phil, Oprah, and so many others who tell us it certainly is all for me, myself, and I.  They tell us it isn’t our fault, my Momma caused the problem.)

              Where is our fear of the Lord?  It is His counsel we need to seek, as His counsel is a forever counsel.  God’s counsel isn’t based on a Freudian principle from a perverted psychiatrist. It is His solid counsel.  It is something you and I can lean on, something you and I can count on, with no doubts and no costs.

              Stand in awe of God.  He is what built this country.  He is what puts the food on our table. He is what blesses us in spite of ourselves.

(Deuteronomy 6:5 KJB)  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJB)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

            If we love our God as we should, then we know to stand in awe of Him.   I hope and pray you have stopped to consider what God has done for us, and realize the blessings He alone has bestowed upon each of us.

Bro John R. E Chastain
This was an article for our local newspaper several weeks ago.

The World Today

(Philippians 4:7 KJB)  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

            Our Government and the news media are always up in arms concerning peace.  We have a President, a Congress, and a Press who believe they can sit down and “talk peace” with the Saddam Hussein’s, the Adolf Hitler’s and the Genghis Khan’s of the world and get peace. 

We have seen in recent months where Bernie Madoff, "made–off" with billions of dollars from family, friends, and business associates.   As far as those who lost their fortunes through Bernie, they would put him in the class of those who are willing to talk but not change.

            The problem is they do not know the Peace of God.  All they know is me, myself and I.  It doesn’t matter what happens to you so long as I get what I want.  This is where our World is today.  It is a me, myself, and I world.  Just so you understand, it has always been that kind of world, because the prince of the world is in control.

(Ephesians 2:2)  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

            This prince is in control of our President, our Congress, and a good per cent of our news media.  He is in control of our education system, our social lives, and all that consumes our thoughts.

            If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, then this prince will no longer have control of your life.   The problem we Christians have is we keep looking over our shoulder, peeking back, and in some cases longing for the old times, when sin and the prince of the air controlled our lives.

            Instead of looking back, we need to look at our President and our Congress, and remind them who they work for, and that abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, and marriage other than one man and one woman is contrary to the Word of God.   The taking of lives and the ruination of marriage as God created is beyond the Peace of God.

            Our real problem is a great falling away of the Principles on which this country was founded.  We are falling away from the Principles God set in place.  The Ten Commandments have been hidden behind locked doors in a basement of a court house.  Some want to remove God’s name from our Pledge of Allegiance and our currency.  It won’t be long and we will change our National Anthem to some rap song.

            Our country is in dire straits.  We as a nation need to get back to the Lord.  Remember Him, and pray for His mercy.

(2 Chronicles 7:14)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

            Our churches are diminishing in size.  Christians are walking away from Bible teaching churches, and some are even returning to their wicked ways.  We must get back to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bro John R. E Chastain

What Is The Will of The Lord?

              When I read the verses below, I wondered to myself how many of the members of this church know what the “…will of the Lord…” is in their personal walk.  Consequently, my concern is for the Church, and if our body is wholly fragmented with believers who know and with believers who have no idea what God would have them do with their lives, we as a Church could be in a lot of hurt.

              We are at a crucial time in our Church’s history, planning our 70^thAnniversary, working on remodeling our building, and strengthening ourMission program.

              We must first look at each of these important items and determine importance.  70 years as a foundation in a community is a great achievement. We have a spectacular heritage behind us, and we are looking forward to 70 more years here in Wellington, if the Lord continues to tarry.

              We next need to look at our remodel.  Our building is 60+ years old,  and in dire need of a face lift, to keep it from looking like an abandoned church building.

              Lastly, we need to look at our Missions, a program setup and conceived by God to get His Son’s message out to the world.  This is our current heritage, supporting Missions.

              Now that we have looked at them all, which one will honour our Lord and Saviour the most?  Which one will, without doubt, show us the “…will of the Lord…” in our own lives and the life of the Church?  All of these are important. God teaches us to remember our Heritage, and we should.  He allowed Solomon to build a beautiful Temple.  Yet, the “…will of the Lord…”  Biblically is shown to us through men in the Old Testament and through Jesus as He built His NewTestament Church.

              We see that Jesus never built a church building.  He taught us to be fishers of men, to spread His Gospel throughout the world.

              Our mission here is to Glorify God and support those who are “…fishers of men.”

(Matthew 4:19)  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

             When we became a Christian, we said, “I will follow Jesus.”  This is the day to prove whether you know God’s will in your life.

Bro. John Chastain

(Ephesians 5:15-20)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 

Live The Life Of Light

When reading the scripture below we see “In him was life…” It goes on to tell us He is the light of men.  For most of us to grasp the concept that Jesus is the Christ (God) is not an easy chore.  Some keep the notion that Jesus is the man-god and God is the Father.  All of that is true except it is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and all are one, yet separate.

(John 10:30)  I and my Father are one.

God and Jesus are one and it is Jesus who is our light.  He illuminates us each individually, and He illuminates the church.  It is the responsibility of the receiver of this light to carry that light forward to glorify God and to let others see God’s plan.

(Romans 12:1-2)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

This light is being the living sacrifice, us presenting our bodies to the world as lives of Christ.  We are to be one with Him, doing what He did.  I know as do you that we cannot go about healing, giving life to the physical dead, but through Christ we can give spiritual life to the living dead, not through some magic or voodoo, but through the Word of God, Jesus.

            Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God, and has always been God.  By living our lives and showing our testimony of God, lives can be changed.  Those changed lives will live with life, the life of God.

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

            Give the life that was given you today, live the life that was given you.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

(John 1:1-5)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.   4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

His Own Will

              Our God begat us because He wanted us to be with Him in heaven.  It was His will that we be first fruits of His Creation.  We as individuals must understand, God does not change.  “…His own will…” is and always has been that you and I come to Him.  God gives us what will stand the test of light.  He never gives us something we will be ashamed of, or will embarrass us in the daylight.  

              We are the ones who change.  We are humble and worshipful one hour, and the next hour our pride is so puffed up that it is hard to be around ourselves.  One moment we give God His due, and then turn around and rely on “luck” or give “Mother Nature” all of the blessings God has given us.  We blame God for all the temptations He laid in front us knowing He did not put them there.

(James 1:13 KJB)  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

              Our biggest problem is ourselves.  We are so centered on me, myself, and I that finding time to humble ourselves before God is time we don’t seem to have. 

              I am going through Physical Therapy with my left rotator cuff.  The only way I will regain use of my arm is finding the time to exercise my shoulder.  That is true with God.  If we haven’t the time to talk with Him, meditate over His Word, then how do we expect to get to know Him and grow in our faith?

(Romans 10:17 KJB)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

                       

              Our primary goal as a Christian is to Glorify God in all manner of our life.  (Our individual walk and our individual talk.)  If we are living like the world and condoning all sorts of worldly activities, we are not Glorifying God, even if we never miss a Sunday or Wednesday night service.  We may have ourselves in a position where God may not be hearing our requests.

              Today, make a decision, what is important in your life.  Are those things God would accept?  If not you need to change your life style, and put those things and only those things in your life that will Glorify God.

Pastor John R. E Chastain

(James 1:17-18 KJB)  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  18  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 

A Good Name

                       

              In our verses below, God places a “good name” above all our worldly possessions.  Some of us cherish our family name, while others, “it is a name I was stuck with.”  That old Johnny Cash song called, “A Boy Named Sue” comes to my mind.  It is a tale of the strength gained by his given name.  Now I am not suggesting anything like that song.  However, God upon our Salvation has given us a new name.  I know my secular name, and I know God has given me a new name I will go by one day.

(Revelation 2:17 KJB)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

It may be that my new spiritual name is the same as my secular name.  At this point, I do not know.  I just know I have a new name, and I know that if God gives me a name like “Sue,” it will be a “good name.”

              God tells us a “good name” is better than a precious ointment.

(Ecclesiastes 7:1 KJB)  A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

A precious ointment could be a child doing well in his life, a sizable bank account, a sizable precious gem, or a fancy car.  (The “precious ointment” could be anything in your life that means a great deal to you.)  A “good name” will last generations, and do know a “bad name” will last even longer.

              Our identity as a Christian, our name, is what sets us apart.  When we are seen by the secular world, they may ask, “Is he a Christian?”  Or they may make a statement, “He is a Christian.”  Our walk and our talk is what indentify us as a Christian in the world. 

              Therefore, what are they saying about you?  Aare they asking questions and wondering, or are they certain you define Christianity. We are to be the reflection of God, like a lighthouse at the oceans edge, warning of the consequences of refusing God’s Son Jesus. 

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

              

               We are the “Go ye” people of this earth.  Our walk and our talk will get us started.  As we witness for God and His Son, our “good name” will develop right before the world.

Bro John R. E Chastain

(Proverbs 22:1-4 KJB)  A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.  2  The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.3  A prudent manforeseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.4  By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

The Law of The Lord Is Perfect

                        

              In our verses below, (Psalms 19:7-9) we read our title in that very first verse.  We as Fundamental Independent Baptist’s are called “legalists” because we feel separation from the world is God’s calling to us.  We call on the commands of our scripture and believe these are the things to do.  Therefore, the world says we “follow the law.”  

              First, let us define “law” from a Baptist perspective.  As a Baptist, we have two sets of law.  The first is Scriptural Law.  The Scriptural Laws we follow are the Ten Commandments God gave Moses, and Jesus’ Commandments.  We are also given other Laws within The Old and New Testaments which we as separated Christians follow.  

              The second set of laws we adhere to are secular, governmental laws, and civil laws.  Jesus tells us:

(Matthew 22:21)  They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Secular laws do not override our Scriptural Laws. Therefore, what are we talking about when God states, “The law of The Lord is perfect.”  The Psalmist King David tells us that God’s Perfect Law is the Lord Jesus Christ, which is God’s written Word.  

(John 1:1-4)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  

              We find that men continue to change God’s Word.  These changes benefit them and their ways and thoughts.  They bend things so they appear to be lawful without actually following the law.  They create new bibles (yes lower case) with a lot of God’s Perfect Law, but Jesus the Christ removed.  They have taken Christ’s blood out; they have changed Jesus from a Deity to a prophet.

              God’s Perfect Law does not change.  You, other men, and I change hourly, more likely minute by minute because Jesus never changes.

(Hebrews 13:8)  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

              Let us each look into our heart and ask, “Does God’s Perfect Law reside in our hearts?”  You see, you as an individual are the only one who can look into your heart.  Do it humbly, with repentance, and make sure Jesus is your Master.                                                                      

Bro John R. E Chastain    

(Psalms 19:7-9)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD ispure, enlightening the eyes.  9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.