Seek The Lord

               As I read the scriptures in Zechariah 8:20-23 quoted below, I am reminded what Jesus told us in Matthew;

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Not only are we “…to seek the Lord…,” we are to “Go ye…”  It is God’s command through His only Begotten Son Jesus the Christ.

              In our “seeking,” it may for some be an hourly need, to others a daily or weekly need.  In any case, “seeking” must be with a humble, repenting attitude.  If we are “seeking” as an obligation rather than a need, what do we expect from God?  (Not sorry for all the grief we have caused Him.)  Yet, our first request is always, “Bless me, Oh Lord!!!!” 

              We must go to God in Love for Him and His Son, knowing the Holy Spirit is a part of us.  “…Seek the Lord…” with compassion, with sorrow, and repentance in our hearts.  When we as individuals have finally broken down and become the servant of the Lord, then we need to “Go.”  Our “Going” is first here in Wellington, Texas, (including Collingsworth County.)  We are Missionaries for the Lord in our home town.  We send Missionaries to the foreign fields (all nations) to help us with  the “all.”

              Our theme for the year here at Fundamental Baptist Church is “Revive Us Again.”  It was derived from:  Habakkuk 3:2  O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

              Revival must begin here at our local level.  It is not something that starts on the National level.  It must begin in our hearts, nowhere else.  We often use:

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.

We have always applied this to our Nation.  However, I believe God wants it applied to our individual Christians hearts.  Once this happens, our Nation will “be covered.”  This is why we need revival, to hear God’s Word, and apply it to our hearts.  Repent and “…seek the Lord…”         

Bro John R. E Chastain

(Zechariah 8:20-23 KJB)  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:  (21)  And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.  (22)  Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.  (23)  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Delight In His Law

           As I read the scriptures I am reminded that my older daughter once told me that I seem to “lower the hammer” on Fathers every Father’s Day, and as a son and a Father, I do tend to lovingly lift Mothers up on Mother’s Day.   

              In Psalm 1:1-3 quoted below, we are told where we are not to tread.  However, we as men are more likely to seek the counsel of the ungodly, stand with the sinners, and become a part of the scornful.  We seem to delight in going against the grain of God, rather than walking with Him.  Being “macho” seems to require us to defy God with all our being.  We seem to act as if the “blessings of God” are “modern charity” or welfare.

              God blesses those who earn the blessings.  To delight in God’s law and to meditate (pray) night and day is hard work for all of us, especially for men.  For us to find time to read our Bible, to spend time in focused prayer, and to consider God’s law and how it concerns our family is not easy.  When we intentionally, from our heart, seek to satisfy God’s Will, we will have honestly earned what blessings God gives.

              Fathers, it would behoove us to follow God’s direction, and to do his Will, for our delight ought to be in His law.  Our delight ought to be in pleasing God through His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ.

              We, as Fathers, must be that mighty oak planted by the river, strong within the Lord, obedient within the Lord, and prospering within the Lord.

              This Father’s Day, resolve in your heart: first to start looking towards God, start removing yourself from the counsel of the ungodly, and then start looking more fervently towards God and repenting of those sins you have acquired.  As the final step towards God, remove scorn, (a bad, hateful, bitter attitude) from your being, and start delighting in the presence of God. 

              As I have been writing this devotion, the song, “Precious Memories” has been playing, and the lyrics, “He is the peace before the storm” brings to mind we know that a storm is coming.  Let us prepare, with God firmly within our heart, so when that storm does arrive, we know we will have an anchor that not only holds, but lives within us.            

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 1:1-3  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  (3)  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Happy Father’s Day

              When I read the verses below, I just could not come up with a positive spin for our Fathers today.  My older daughter is always giving me a hard time about being nice to Mother’s on Mother’s Day and laying the gavel down on Fathers on Father’s Day.

              So I have been pressured to say something nice.  I believe the reason for the “gaveling judgment” on Fathers is due to the responsibility Fathers have toward God and his family.  As leaders of our households, and as the spiritual leader in the home, we as Fathers and husbands have great responsibilities laid at our feet.

              Not only are we the spiritual leader, we are the protector of our flock.  I know my flock has gotten down to my wife Sharil, and our daughters now have their spiritual leaders and protectors.  Regardless, I know that as a Father I am guilty of stepping over that boundary and advising or usurping our daughter’s authority.  Sometimes we with our age and experience can see without the “Rose Colored Glasses” better than the younger. 

              However, we as men of faith must show all our family what we claim to be.  The problem most of us men have is: we are one man in church, another on the job, and again another at home.  In actuality, we need to be one man, a Godly man, (the churchman?) who leads our family.

              So our question is, “who are we?”  and “What do I need to do?”  I have over my monitor in my study a portion of Acts 9:6 which states “…Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?...”  As a Pastor, I ask a question of myself very often.  It is probably my life guide verse.  I know some will tell me it must be John 3:16, or Romans 10:9 which are all good verses (that I do use in my messages,) however, in my Spiritual walk I must continually ask God this very question time and time again.  Also as a Father, even though my children are no longer children, I ask for them, “Lord what must I do for them?” 

              We as men must seek God’s will as it is our task as a Christian.  We each must seek God through prayer, Bible study, and worship services.  Then as we take a new look at our verses below we can see we are not working in vain.  We know that our labour will bear fruit, and fruit is reward gain in heaven.  Serving Him is a must, and relying on Him is a must.  “Father what are you going to do?”

Bro. John R. E Chastain  

Psalms 127:1-5  Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  (2)  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.  (3)  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  (4)  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  (5)  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Contending For The Faith

      The front cover of our bulletin reflects the “Faith of our Fathers.”   As a young boy, I never saw a faith of my Father.  I believe he was an admiral man and I believe he loved me, however, I never heard that from him, nor did I ever see faith in Christ. 

      As a Father, I don’t remember telling my children I loved them as they grew up.  Through a crisis in our lives, before my salvation, I determined not to ever let that happen again.  I tell my daughters, my grandchildren, my aunts, and my cousins I love them.  

      The verses below speak of contending for the faith.  That is my subject today, faith, not just having faith, but contending for it.  We all say “I am saved and I said that prayer and got myself Baptized.”

OK, but then what?  Our scripture states we need to contend for the faith.  (Contend means to strive as in a competition; to strive to win.)

      For what are we contending?  I believe the context is our looking for the old Gospel, not the new.  It is you working within your own soul to increase your faith, to increase your heavenly reward.      You see, when we accepted Christ and His eternal life in Heaven; we committed our lives to Christ.  It is God’s will that we will serve Him and sacrifice our lives by winning souls, supporting missionaries, and tithing.

      Are you contending, or just passing time? 

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

      Only through God’s Word can we strive (contend) for the faith of our Fathers.  Only in our King James Bible can we find that “Faith Of Our Fathers Living Still.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Jude 1-6  Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:  (2)  Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.  (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.  (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.  (5)  I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.  (6)  And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Where Is Your Faith?

              In Luke 8:22-25 quoted below, Jesus asks His disciples a very serious question, “Where Is Your Faith?”  As I ponder Christ’s question, I see another question posed by Paul in Acts 9:6  … Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?...  These two questions seem to always get me to stop and examine my Faith.  I have no doubt concerning my Salvation.  I know when I die I will be with the Lord Jesus and in the presence of God Almighty.  However, “How deep is my Faith?”  The questions remain, can I move buildings, or can I move mountains?  I know physically I cannot, however through my Faith, and in prayer, I can call on God to remove my mountains of doubt, my mountains of unfaithfulness.   

              There are questions that we can make into mountains.  Some feel that the King James Bible is out dated, and that “old” English is hard to read.  Therefore, they resort to other versions for clarification, (not as a commentary, but as a replacement.)  They have exchanged a precise language for an indistinct mauling of the English language.   They have exchanged God’s Word for a “modern definition” of God’s Word, (man’s word,) and have redefined God’s Word.       

              I have noted some are trying to reconstruct our history.  They are going back to the documenters of the history as it happened.  The King James Bible was born out of the sources, copies of copies of the books of our Bible.  There were many copies then, and there still exist copies that were transcribed over the centuries.  Our King James Bible reflects those copies.  When needed, the transcribers added words to complete a thought.  These were put in italics so we would know what they added to God’s Word.  These words in italics are a God inspired addition. 

              I believe God adds thoughts to my preaching, (not new scripture, but illustrations from the Bible or from my experiences in life)

              So, where is my Faith?  My Faith rests on God’s Word, which is the King James Authorized Bible.  It is in God’s infallible, inerrant Word, His Son, our Lord, and Saviour Jesus the Christ.  Where is your Faith?

Bro John R. E Chastain

Luke 8:22-25  Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.  (23)  But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.  (24)  And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.  (25)  And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Rejoice In Hope

              In Romans 5:1-5 quoted below, Paul is relating to us the “experience of tribulation.”  Tribulations are not a situation we relish in encountering.  The last thing I want today or any day is a “good” tribulation.  These tribulation days are days we each dread, but the problem is, tribulations do come.  (I have never asked God to send me a “good” tribulation, and I expect I never will ask Him.)  Yet, here we find Paul telling us to rejoice over the tribulations we receive. 

              I have had at least two tribulations in the last year, both involving my shoulders.  Rotator cuff surgery is a tribulation that will slow you down a bit, but allows some reflecting time.  I had trouble reading my Bible, however with my right shoulder, I was allowed the time to read my Bible through in just over ninety days.  For that, I rejoice.  I am in the process of reading it again and hopefully within the next ninety days.  God knows some days we need to slow down, and through tribulation, He can accomplish what He wants us to do. 

              Paul tells us that tribulation gives us “patience,” something I lack.  However, Paul tells that this patience gives us “experience.”  Through that experience, we gain “hope,” hope of our future, and the hope of our existence.  It isn’t, “I Hope I am saved.”  It is a hope that knows the existence of our salvation.  It is a hope that not only knows, but also “rejoices” in the coming tribulations, (knowing through that new experience that my hope and my love towards my Lord will grow stronger day by day.)

              Our love for our Lord and Saviour ought to be shown in our “walk.”  Our “talk” should reflect our walk and show the love of Christ.  That love for Christ is a love, with the hope that allows us not to be ashamed of being what we are.  I am what I am only by the Grace of God, (that Grace being our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.)

              Do you love Him, as you should?  Are you “rejoicing” in the tribulations you are going through?  (I honestly have a problem rejoicing as I should.) 

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

In that love, and in that tribulation, we need to trust in the Lord with all that we have.

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Love Him; Trust Him; Rejoice in all that He brings.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Romans 5:1-5  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  (2)  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3)  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

O God Hear My Prayer

              Psalm 4:1-5 quoted below is a portion of one of the Psalms of David.  King David was a warring King, but a man after God’s heart. As I use his words, words given to him by God, I am using God’s Word to define this devotion, “…O God hear my prayer …” I use these Words daily for my own prayers.  On this day, I plead to God that He will hear our prayers, prayers for our men and women who are standing in harms way to defend us back home, (defending our freedom.)

              On this day, we find so many who are disrespectful of our Veterans, and all those who have died defending our Constitution and our Freedom.  (People who gather to disrespect the Memorial Service of a Soldier who died giving them “the right to defame him and his family,” and doing it under the flag of God.)

              This Memorial Day is a day we as Americans have set aside to honour those who have died defending our rights, our freedom, and our rights to be stupid. Yet, to many this is just a “cut loose weekend,” the end of school, the beginning of summer, vacations, pool parties, Bar-B-Q time, just a good time for all. 

              For Sharil and I, it is our wedding anniversary weekend.  Yet the importance of our honouring those men who have given all, their family, their children, and ultimately their lives, remembering them is more important than a wedding anniversary.  (Which is very important.)  There is a saying that goes something like this, “There have been two defining forces in the world willing to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.  Jesus died for your soul and the American Soldier died for your freedom.” 

              This week, remember why you have the time to play, as “one of our boys” may be taking a bullet for you.  He is giving his all.  Take time out of your day and beg God to hear our prayers. Ask Him to protect our soldiers, (those who are protecting our right to worship, and our freedom,) and to keep their families from harm.  As we are a nation that is stepping away from God, beg Him to give us new Godly leadership, leadership that will follow Him.

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.

              This is God’s process.  It must begin with our heart, a heart that knows God and His only Begotten Son Jesus, and a heart full of repentance, sorrow, and a willingness to pray.  Seek Him and turn away from your iniquities.  So, what are you going to do this weekend?  Our scripture asks us to “…put our trust in the Lord.”  Have you done that?  Can you put your trust in Him?    

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 4:1-5  Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.  (2)  O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.  (3)  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.  (4)  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.  (5)  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Our Salvation

              When I read Exodus 15:2 quoted below, and I put it together with Memorial Day, I started pondering Salvation and our Soldiers.  (I am using the word Soldier to be inclusive of all men and women serving in ALL Armed conflicts.)  I know each Branch of the Services have Chaplains, but most probably not of the mindset of, “Once Saved Always Saved.”

              My concern is that those who are doing battle may not have the assurance of their Salvation.  They may be listening to a false prophet who tells them they can lose their Salvation, daily, hourly.

              Consequently, it is so important for us to get our children in church at an early age, and teach them the rudiments of Salvation.  Our children must know before they get into the trenches that regardless of what the day brings, Heaven will be their home.

              Whether or not our children go to war, they will be in “trenches” and “warring” with the devil all their lives.  The devil will interfere with their married life.  He will interfere with their children.  He will interfere in all aspects of their lives.  The devil is that roaring lion Peter speaks about.

(1 Peter 5:8)  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

              Our children need to be taught how to do battle with the devil.  We would consider it unconceivable for us to send boys out to do battle, with their lives at stake, without the proper training.  Yet, when our children finish high school, we send them off to a secular college, without the training and expect them to survive. 

              As fundamental, independent Baptists, we are to lead our children, and guide them in all aspects of life training.  Nevertheless, the fundamental problem is that we no longer lead our children they lead us.  Our government, “The Village” is taking over the raising of our children.

              We must get back to the fundamentals of teaching our children scripture, and teaching them the value of Salvation.  We must teach them the Eternity of God’s great and amazing gift of Eternal, Everlasting, and Forevermore Life so they know without a doubt where to turn when the devil shows up at their door.  They need to know to read their Bible, and know how to pray.  Have you taught them?

Bro. John R. E Chastain  

Exodus 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Precious In The Sight Of The LORD

      Today, this day before Memorial Day, as we recognize our Military Men and Women who have given their lives for their nation, I again am reminded of my Father, 1^st Lieutenant R E Chastain.   My Father, was not a Medal of Honour recipient.  Yet, his record shows seventeen Air Medals and seven Distinguished Flying Crosses.  So he ranks above many.

      As his son, I would never want to tarnish my Father’s name, and  I will not.  He died so my sister and I could live in a free nation.  He was career Army.  He did not intend to leave the Army.  These men need recognition, and we as a nation, regardless of our convictions on war.  The Men and Women who have lost lives in those wars have allowed us the freedom to have personal convictions regarding war.

      As a Pastor, I am torn between being a Patriot for my country and being a Servant for God.  I know I am allowed to be both, however, my being a servant for God MUST come first.  There are days when my Patriotism seems to over-ride all I can think about.  Folks do understand that is wrong.  God should be prevalent in our hearts by the hour, regardless of what we want to do.

      As we celebrate and memorialize our fallen Men and Women, we must understand they each died for one nation, our nation, yet Jesus died for all nations, and man-kind. 

      On Easter Resurrection Day, we come and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, yet that is why we come to church every Sunday, to celebrate His death and resurrection.

      While you are turning those ribs over, or when you are placing that wreath on a loved ones grave stop and thank Jesus our Lord for dying for you, and especially the fact He arose and will come again for you someday.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Psalms 116:12-19  What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?  (13)  I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.  (14)  I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.  (15)  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.  (16)  O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.  (17)  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.  (18)  I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,  (19)  In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

What Would Jesus Do?

              Reading John 14:8-11 quoted below, we are told that “[God] he doeth the works.”   So since Jesus tells us, “…I am in the Father and the Father in me,..” then we as Christians can answer the question, “What would Jesus do?”  It is obvious from the verses quoted below that He [Jesus] would do the Will of the Father [God].

              Our job as a Christian is to emulate the Lord Jesus and do as He did while walking here on earth.  The only way for us to know what He did is to read our King James Bible faithfully, and be under the teachings of God.

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

For us to grow in faith, we must be hearing the preaching of God’s Word, along with our studying of His Word.  Jesus didn’t study the Word because “He is the Word.”  Jesus would and always will do the right thing regardless because “He is the Word.”

              I am a sinner saved by God’s Grace, Jesus.  As a saved person heading for Heaven, I always try to do the right thing; yet, in many instances I fail, sometimes badly.  When I fail, the only thing I have left is to apologize to anyone I may have hurt, and ask my Lord Jesus to forgive me “one more time.”  There is always a possibility of being forgiven “one more time.” 

              In terms of your salvation, without it, tomorrow never comes.  Therefore, we know what Jesus would do.  “What about you?”  As a Christian are you ready to start working on doing the right thing, or is that going to be put off until tomorrow?  Have you considered your reward?

              If you have never accepted Jesus, then accept Him now.  God has never asked great things of men and He has never put a burden on anyone who could not bear it.  All He has asked of anyone is to believe on His only Begotten Son, Jesus.

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.

Confess Jesus in your heart.  Believe God has raised Him from the grave, and God will save you.  Salvation happens when you confess Jesus in your heart.  Then confess Him to others.   Let them know Jesus has just saved you.   

Bro John R. E Chastain

John 14:8-11  Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  (9)  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  (10)  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  (11)  Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

God Is A Merciful God

            The scripture verses below tell us most assuredly that IF you and I seek God, we will find Him.  The problem, generally speaking is the latter portion of verse 29, which states, “…with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”

            We give our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren all of our heart, and all of our soul, but God takes the back seat.  We come to church, we pay our tithe, we pay our offerings, but when it comes to our heart, it usually goes home with our soul.

              Yet, when tribulation comes, and we are in that deep valley, whether it is financial, spiritual, or depression, we call on God for help, and in some cases promise Him our heart and our soul.  Yet, when the prayers are answered, God has done His portion of our bargain, and it is time to pay the piper, we usually pay with lip service.  “As soon as I can get some bills paid, as soon as I…” We put more conditions on our side we always seem to have another excuse.  We forget what we promised God we would do, and we just go back to our lives as if there had been no change.  God did His part, yet, we walked away.

            However, our scripture tells us if we will follow in obedience, He will not forsake us.  Why?...because, “…thy God is a Merciful God;…”  Though you walked away, broke your promise to Him, He will not forsake you.  God has made a covenant and He will not break that covenant.  Why again?  “…thy God is a Merciful God;…”

            God sincerely loves us, He gave His only begotten Son for us.  He wants our soul in Heaven with Him.  God is long suffering, patient, and waiting for us to remember our promises.

              Go to Him on bended knee and ask for forgiveness, but do it with a true (sincere) heart.

(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.

            Decide in your heart to change and become more diligent in your walk with God.  We all must understand it is you and I who must change. God will not, because He cannot change.  It is up to you, but He will extend mercy to us as often as we ask.

Bro John R. E Chastain

Deuteronomy 4:29-31  But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.  (30)  When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;  (31)  (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

We As Christians

            The scripture verses below remind us of our direction in our life.  We as branches of Christ should be fruitful, or we will be taken away.  As a Christian, we are expected to be fruitful.  We are expected to ask others to accept Christ as their Saviour just as you have done.

            Can I say, there are no exceptions. “If” you are a Christian and Jesus the Christ is your personal Saviour, you are a branch.

            As a “Branch,” we are all involved with our Religious Survey, and I believe this Religious Survey is crucial to the life of this church.  Regardless of the outcome, we as individuals, and as a Church we are being fruitful.

            This Survey is Step Three of a multi-faceted plan to strengthen your heart and build your Faith.  Step One was when you were strengthened in belief by reading your Bible, and defining the King James Bible as the Word of God.  The Second Step was defining “Missions” as the core of our Church. 

            There are many more steps and chores that must be completed: learning to be faithful in Church attendance, learning that tithing is required, learning, learning, and more learning.

            We as Christians must realize that to retire from Christian service isn’t a good thing.  God tells us in these verses below that He will take away un-productive branches.  I believe He is telling us we can be called home short of a full life here on earth when we fail to respond to His call to produce.

            Wellington is a farming community, of farmers that know about growing crops.   You and I are the tillers of the ground for God.  Our job is to turn the soil and seek the lost, gather them to the flock, teach them and let the Holy Spirit convict their hearts, and then teach them, to plow and turn that soil for more lost souls.

            Jesus came and turned the soil for you.  He sought you in the bars, in the gutters, in homes where no god lived, nor where there was no hope.  He gave you Hope and eternal life.  Give to those who have no hope and help them gain their eternal life.

Bro John R. E Chastain

John 15:1-4  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  (2)  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  (3)  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  (4)  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.