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.

The Comforter

                In John 16:12-15, quoted below we know that it is Jesus speaking.  (This is just prior to Chapter 17 where we read, “The Lord’s Prayer.”)  In this portion of Chapter 16, Jesus is speaking of the forth coming of the “Comforter,” The Holy Spirit.

              We as Christians tend to overlook the existence of The Holy Spirit.  For the most part, we have given Him over to the people who claim He performs miracles.  (He doesn’t perform miracles.  They seem to place more importance on Him, than on Jesus.) 

              Yet, we are taught He is the silent one of the Trinity.  As an Abider within us, He teaches and directs our thoughts, and transmits our prayers to the Lord Jesus. 

              We as Christians must know He is what keeps us on the right track.  He guides us down the “right beaten path.”  He shows us the way to the “strait gate.” 

Matthew 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

              He is the “spirit of Truth.”  Moreover, as “The Holy Spirit” He leads us unto new life and He leads us to our eternity. 

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

He never pushes our emotions “into frenzy.”  He is our Teacher, our Guide.  He allows us to accept the teachings of Christ, and through “our memory” reminds us of things that we have been taught.

              Once the Salvation of God has been accepted, we receive the Holy Spirit.  Once we have received Him, He will abide within us until we are called home.  Once we attained Him, He is eternally with us. 

              How many times have you heard someone say, “When I walked into that Church building, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in there.”  (The Holy Spirit resides within a human Tabernacle, so “when we walk in,” The Holy Spirit goes in too.  Consequently, the person making that statement is probably admitting that The Holy Spirit is overjoyed that “they” finally went to Church, His Father’s House.

              If you haven’t accepted Jesus, do it now, and receive the Holy Spirit with joy.  Knowing, through Christ, He will help you.       

Bro. John R. E Chastain

John 16:12-15  I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  (13)  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  (14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  (15)  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Let Us Put On The Armour Of Light

                In Romans 13:12-14, quoted below we find our title, “…let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light …”   This title brings to my mind:  Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Both verses from Romans and Ephesians are discussing the “…wiles of the devil …” Yet, we as Christians put “new titles” on some of these sins, so they will not be so devastating in our minds.  If we walk honestly with the Lord, none of these: “…rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying…” should ever be on our minds.

              So what are these?  “[R]ioting and drunkenness” is “Reveling; indulging in excessive feasting drinking of alcohol.”   It would be referred to as “Partying” in our days.   (We wouldn’t want anyone to know we were rioting.)  Another word we see is “chambering” which means “Wanton, lewd, immodest behavior.”  Wanton is “Wandering or roving in gaiety,” Lewd is “addicted to fornication or adultery.” 

              “Oh, but we have made those “lifestyle” choices.  Times have changed, and so has God.  He understands.”  God understands alright, He knows these as blasphemy to Him.

              We encourage our children to dress like chambering, wanton, lewd people who are noticed because of their choices.  As far as the world is concerned, it is their choice, (a wrong one, but it is theirs.)  

              Think about the young men and young women who have fought and died so we can lead our children to live a life without the “armour of light” and the “whole armour of God.”  However, as a Christian we are not entitled to those choices.  Our choice is to walk with the Lord modestly without allowing the lust of our flesh to be seen or shown.  Being rebels against the Lord is not good.  Being a rebel to the world (only in the sense of not following the world) is also not good.

              We as Christians are to put on Jesus Christ and follow Him.  We are to be honest in our walk, and in our talk.  We as Disciples of Christ must walk within the circles of the world.  While within these circles, we must be seen as honest, true to them, and to our Lord. 

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

This verse defines a Christian’s walk.  Live up to it.  Be what Christ expects from you.  Live Him.                                            

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Romans 13:12-14  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  (13)  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  (14)  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Let The LORD Be Glorified

(Isaiah 66:4-5)  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.  5  Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

                        

              In the verses above Isaiah 66:4-5, a lot is stated.  The first thing I want define “evil.”  

(Isaiah 3:9)  The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

We find that Isaiah shows sin and evil as being synonymous, in other words “they mean the same thing.”

              We as Christians need to “Hear the word of the LORD…” If we actually heard God speak, we would tremble.  We have cast our “fear of the LORD” away to the point we don’t even look back to see if He is watching.  We don’t care.  We have driven ourselves so far from God that it will be a miracle if we can ever find our way back.  In our text, God is talking about His chosen people, believers.  

              This devotional is to believers. We as believers have allowed the world and our government to control our lives.  We never concern ourselves with God, but we will sure consider Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and all the other elected officials.

              Our problem is, I believe, we have forgotten how to Glorify God.  Maybe some never knew how, but for most who call themselves Christians, we have forgotten because there was never a reason to continue.

              Our scripture tells us “…Let the LORD be Glorified…”  The “Let” tells us we must do something for the LORD to be Glorified.

(Romans 12:2)  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.

We as individual Christians must be transformed back to what we were before. We are the only one who can change our mind.  God will help, but we must have that willing mind.  This is the only way we can ever approach and enter into the “…will of God.”

              Consider doing the best you can.  Consider calling on God, and ask Him to help you back to the center of His love, to the center of His will.  Now that you have considered, now just do it.                            

Bro John R. E Chastain

If It Had Not Been The LORD

(Psalms 124:1-8)  If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;   2  If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:  3  Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:  4  Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:  5  Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.  6  Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. 7  Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.  8  Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.  

                        

              In Psalm 124 above, we find the title of this devotional in the second verse.  Do understand that David’s context was Israel.  However, we as Christians can receive a lesson from this Psalm.  

              When I look back on my life since my college days, and consider where I was and look at where I am, I know “If it had not been the LORD” no telling where I would be today.  I could be burning an eternal burn in the pits of hell.  On the other hand, I could be lying in a drunken stupor somewhere.

              We all may be able to look back and see where we were headed if it hadn’t been for the Holy Spirit guiding us away from the gates of hell.  “If it had notbeen the LORD” all of us would be without hope.  We each would be stumbling around, struggling, and attempting to work (to better ourselves for not.)

              I thank God for what He has done for my wife, our family, and me.  I stop and think about the people of our town, and how so many appear to be going nowhere, and it appears they are on the same road I traveled.

              I read where Barna Research Group tells us, “If a person does not accept Jesus Christ as Savior before the age of 14, the likelihood of ever doing so is slim.”  This is why juvenile Sunday School, Discovery Clubs, and programs to reach those prior to the seventh grade are so important.  We must teach them in their formative years.  

              The liberalization of the public school curriculum will turn their hearts away from the narrow road to the broad way.

(Matthew 7:13-4)  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

They will only be taught the secular way, and Christianity will be debunked as another mythical tale that men have created.  The devil has already changed people’s eyes to view another version of a perverted bible.

              There was a time God’s Word was sanctified, honoured, and given precedence over law.  Only in the fundamental circles is that still true.

              We need to protect God’s children, teach them about God and His Holy Son Jesus, and then lead them to the Lord.  Encircle them with not only our love, but also the love of God.  Protect them from the horrifying flames of hell.  We cannot protect them from sin and its horrors; however, we can lead them away from hell.                                            

Bro John R. E Chastain

The Stimulus Package

(John 3:16 KJB)  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.

            Our news media is all in a “tizzy” over the Congressional Stimulus Package, a group of spending bills, tax cuts, and mostly wild hog and a forever debt.  Our government has forgotten its first love, which is God.  We are a nation founded under God, as a republic, a nation of laws for the people, by the principles God set down.

            Regardless of what the United States Government is doing, I want to relate to you another “Stimulus Package.”  God gave His only Son, hung Him on that “Old Rugged Cross,” allowed Him to die, and on the third day God lifted Him up from the grave.

(Romans 10:9 KJB)  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.

            God has told us “If” and “whosoever” will believe, He will give them everlasting life, a life with Jesus and His Father, our God in Heaven.  The only stipulation God has made is that we believe with our heart, a sincere heart, a heart that says I do believe without a doubt that God has raised His Son Jesus from the grave. 

(Hebrews 10:22 KJB)  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Understand when we have made that decision, God has entered our heart for eternity, never to leave.  With that decision, God and His Son has given us a Mansion that is built with love and Jesus’ blood, His sacrifice for us.

                 

(John 14:2 KJB)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it werenot so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

            Guess what?  With this mansion, there is no mortgage, no monthly payments, no Barney Frank to overlook the finances, a home of no debt, a home purchased by the blood of our Saviour, the One who died for our sins by a cruel hard death.

(Ephesians 2:8 KJB)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

            It isn’t a home you can purchase, nor can you earn it.  God will give it to anyone who will sincerely claim His Son Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour.  We are told that “Whosoever” believes.  The word “Whosoever” tells us God is not looking for just clean, wholesome, righteous people.  He is looking for all people to join Him and His Son Jesus. 

(Luke 19:10 KJB)  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

God doesn’t care what you have been.  He isn’t concerning Himself with what you are, or even what you are doing or thinking about doing this minute.  He does not approve of what it is you have been, but He wants you to humble yourself and ask His Son into your heart.  He wants us just as we are.

            God’s Stimulus Package doesn’t come with fine print or a lot of strings attached.  In return for our belief in His Son, He will give us an eternal, everlasting, forever and forever and forevermore home with Him and His Son in Heaven. 

Accept God’s Plan and secure your home in Heaven, a home without Government intervention, a home of rest and glory with Jesus.

            Trust and your heart, a sincere true heart, and accept Him today without delay.  Trust what God can do for you.

  

Bro John R. E Chastain