Changes Again

               Sharil and I have had many emotional “ups and downs” during the last few months.  We knew the day of our departure was, if not at hand, coming soon.  We both have spent much time in prayer, seeking an answer from God.  God finally gave us the “peace” of knowing we were retiring, and eventually we had a date.  (I am not sure God chose the actual date, as it is our Fifth Anniversary here at Fundamental Baptist Church.)

               The time has come for our reflection over accomplishments and disappointments.  In my heart, the accomplishments are many and the disappointments are few.  God has allowed our building’s exterior to be completed.  In my Introduction Article five years ago, I stated I wanted to follow the direction Bro Tom Lewis had set before me.  I am not certain that he would have agreed on the metal siding; however, it certainly beautifies the building, and our surrounding community.

               I also want to thank you, The Community of Wellington, who convicted by God, helped us physically and financially.  Without you, we could not have completed our Building.

               Through prayer, The New Testament Church Planters contacted us to help.  The added support of Central Baptist Church in Amarillo, (Pastor Gerrald Chadwick and 16 of his Churchmen) came on our first Work Saturday and gave us a huge start on the building.

               I also want to thank the “Wellington Leader” for accepting “Fundamental Thoughts” as a regular feature.

               Last, but not least, I want to thank the members of Fundamental Baptist Church for responding to God, and calling me to this Church.  (I know my tenure isn’t as long as some, however, much longer than many.)  As Pastor, I have grown to love this Church (you the people.)  Sharil and I will miss the fellowship, the dinners on the ground, and the camaraderie of “Our Church Family.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retiring Pastor

Fundamental Baptist Church

Wellington, Texas

Peace In The Valley

               While reading Micah 4:3-5 quoted below, we must take note that Micah is prophesying about a yet unfulfilled future time.  It is the time when Jesus the Christ will once again walk this earth.  So, our selected verses are speaking of The Millennial Reign of Jesus.

               With this context, the song, “Peace In The Valley” is brought to my mind.  It describes the peace and the tranquility of a time in which we all yearn.  (Peace In The Valley was probably the first song, [religious song] I remember.  It was sung at my Father’s Funeral, along with “It Is No Secret.”  Today, these songs are only remembered as “popular” songs, songs we heard on “The Hit Parade.”)  One speaks of God’s Power, the other speaks of His Peace.  (As far as I am concerned they are good songs.  I was told once when I requested, “It Is No Secret” to be sung at my Mother’s Funeral, only the Tammy Wynette’s of the world sing that song.)   

Our scriptures also speak of God’s Power and His Peace.  Only through His Power to save can we ever expect to have the Peace He gives through His Son Jesus the Christ.

Romans 10:9  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.

Without our belief, where are we going?  God tells us in these verses that IF we will believe He [God] has raised His Son Jesus from the grave, and confess to others that we believe that God did Raise Jesus, God will save us eternally. With the eternity of Christ Jesus, His Peace is given.  It is given eternally.

John 17:1-2  These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:  (2)  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, with conviction, and a sincere heart, eternal Salvation has been given.  It is never because you worked to earn your eternity with Jesus.  He gave it because of your belief.

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

You and I received the same “deal” with no strings attached.  It happened through your faith, your knowledge of Jesus, and your belief in Him.      

               “Reader, do you believe?   Do you have the Peace In The Valley?”                                

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Micah 4:3-5  And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4  But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. 5  For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. 

Our Strength

               While reading Psalm 28:6-9 quoted below, and the coming Tenth Anniversary of our 9/11 Tragedy, I pondered that portion quoted below that states, “The LORD is my strength and my shield.”   I remember a few days after the tragedy, our Congress convened on their steps and sang, “God Bless America.”  It was such a thrill to actually hear them sing to God, in light of what had just happened.

               “Our Strength” in God was displayed before the world that day.  Yet, where have we gone since?  It seems each ensuing week more of God’s strength is removed and assumed by our government, or one of its agencies.

               It all started when we allowed a court to put the Ten Commandments in a locked janitor’s closet in Georgia.  Since then TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency,) and our President, (along with Congress and the Supreme Court,) and others have assumed God’s Strength.  I have no idea what our National leaders will do on this anniversary date, but in my mind, if they decide to sing “God Bless America” again, it will be a blasphemy to God, (them singing to a power they no longer consider.)

               Our Government, in the name of “security” has usurped many of our individual freedoms “to protect us.”   Our politicians that “We” have elected have turned on us, and in so doing are creating a vast social government that no longer resembles the Republic that God gave us.

Hosea 7:13  Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

               I know that Hosea (speaking for God) was condemning the Northern Tribes that had separated themselves from Judah and Benjamin.  Yet, knowing history repeats itself, all we must do is read our history books and apply what we see in “our day” to realize we are becoming that Israel of old who fashioned idols, accepted gods of other nations, and accepted the morality of the heathens.

               We no longer consider it a shame to have a child out of wedlock.  It is no longer a problem for a young girl to “know” many men, (even women).  We have allowed our daughters to become whores, and our young men to become whore mongers, and we allow it with delight and our approval.  We as a God fearing people (Christians), must stop this rampant usurping of God’s strength.

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.

               “When was the last time our President, our Congress, and our Judicial System actually (not singing on the steps) humbled themselves to honestly pray, to seek God’s Wisdom, and to turn from their (apparent) atheistic ways?”

               Now Christian, I ask you the same question, “When?”   We wonder how it all came apart.  It started back in the early 1900’s, however, it has escalated tremendously since we rejected God and locked His Ten Commandments in that closet in Georgia.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalm 28:6-9  Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. 7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.  8  The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. 9  Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.