The Existence of God

On Wednesday nights we are going through our systematic bible doctrine, each week our article will deal with our study on Wednesday nights. I hope you enjoy a very short version of what we are studding at our church.

When we look at the existence of God we look at the very fact that He indeed exist. While it is certain to most of us that He does, and to all Christians that He does there are many who do not believe in Gods existence. While we are not attempting to change their minds we are attempting to explain why we believe God exist. I believe to begin our study we need to detail whom it is that we as Baptist and other Christians believe to be our God, and that is Jehovah God. We do not believe in any other god or gods and believe that all other gods are insignificant or non-existent altogether. The existence of God is provable in many ways and this week we are going to look into a few ways that we believe our God exist. The existence of God is assumed in the bible, God never seeks to prove His existence because He doesn’t have too. The fact that God exist is so easily provable, therefore why would God seek to prove it. Paul told us in Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" The simple fact that the world exist is proof that God exist because it could not have existed without a creator. The teaching of evolution is so full of ignorance that we are not going to waste valuable print space to deal with it. The world and all of its substance is so wonderful that it could not have ever have come to be by a simple non-explainable bang. Oh no; it must have had a creator and a designer; it is simply to wonderfully put together not to have had one. The next area of un-debatable evidence is animate creation which is “living matter” or things created that have life. This is a point that the evolutionist have a serious problem with and that is life; their only response is “well where did God come from” which is an ignorant question. No; life must have come from life and since we only have one logical explanation then it would seem that it must be from God. Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Next is the order and design of the universe; it would take a pretty ignorant person to believe that this universe just banged itself into existence. As we look into the order and design of the universe we see much evidence that God created it. Let us look at the gases in space; the oxygen is perfect any more or less we would die or any other gasses if they were not all perfectly systemized we could not survive. That brings to the planetary system; it is so wonderfully systemized that only a creator could have set the sun for day and the moon for night. Only a creator could have set the sun just far enough from us in the winter that we do not freeze to death, and just close enough to us in the summer that we do not burn up. Folks, it would take total ignorance to believe it all just happened by a big bang in space. The next point of proof is the human conscience, from whom or from where did it come? Could it be that man just developed it? No, God gave it to us and how wonderful it is, another writer said the human “conscience may be defined as man’s power or facility of approving or condemning his actions on a moral basis.” In other word our conscience is what approves or disapproves of what we do in life. Paul wrote in Romans 2:14 - 15 "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: (15.) Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)" indeed it is and how wonderfully we are put together as human beings. Folks I am out of room therefore I must close but let me make this one simply observation before I close and that is the world, the orbit system, the gases in the air and every detail about mankind does not just demand a creator but also a designer, that has all knowledge in every single area and that is Jehovah God and none other; therefore next time one wonders if God exist just remind them that it is impossible for Him not to exist.

Maintaining Good Works.

“And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Titus 3:14

When Paul told Titus to remind these folk on the Island of Crete to “maintain good works” he was saying to make good works a priority in their life. Sometimes Christians and church members forget to “maintain good works” if were not reminded often then our minds tend to wonder and sometimes to far. This is the second time in this third chapter Paul spoke of “maintaining good works” he said in verse 8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” And Paul said if we do then “These things are good and profitable unto men.” Not just to the maintainer of good works but also to other’s around us. Our good works as well as our bad works affect the way others sees Christ and the Lords church membership; therefore it is always good for the Christian to maintain good works. It is by our works that the lost world sees Christ in our hearts. James told us in James 2:18 "…I will shew thee my faith by my works." And that is by “maintaining good works” It is profitable to the Lord, it is profitable to the Lords church, and it is profitable to you the Christian in so many ways that we cannot mention them all. But with all this being said we sometime tend to look at Christians that fail in this area and wonder if they are truly saved, and that is because God said if we fail “to maintain good works” then our faith is dead. In James 2:20 it says "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" while works is not a part of salvation they are a result of salvation and when a Christian fails to live by good works they are failing to show their faith therefore allowing other Christians to question their faith. Good works can include many things and at times it can lead to sacrifice and even the “ultimate sacrifice” in James 2:21 we learn “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” Now many will misunderstand the word “justified” and relate it to salvation but that is a gross misunderstanding, the Greek word means - to render; that is, show or regard as just – Abraham showed his faith in God by offering his beloved son as a sacrifice to the Lord. This is why James concluded in verse 24 "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." This is why Paul concluded in Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." Because Abraham was not justified in Gods sight by works but in mans sight, Abraham was justified in Gods sight by his faith. This is why Paul concluded in Romans 4:3 "… Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." God knows a mans heart but we do not, therefore we must see his works or he is justified in our sight by his works. Abraham showed his faith in God by offering to sacrifice his son allowing all the Jews around him to see. This is why we are to “maintain good works”. But not only for others to see but also “…for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Verse 14 it keeps us from being unfruitful in this evil world. This is the only way to prevent falling into Satan’s trap of sinfulness. This is what Paul was warning us of in Ephesians 4:27 - 29 "Neither give place to the devil. (28.) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. (29.) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Beloved your works are so important in so many ways and many of people; some whom you may not know and may never know could be impacted by your works. If you call yourself a Christian then act like it and “maintain good works” for the glorification of God and the edifying of others around us, other wise we show ourselves unfruitful.

Are Pastors Under-Appreciated?

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18.) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." 1 Timothy 5:17 - 18

As I began this article please allow me to clarify that it is not pointed directly at the church I am Pastor. However it is directly pointed to all churches and all church members. The question is; is your pastor appreciated for being your pastor. The church has many members and she also has many officers but she only has one Pastor. Outside of her head Jesus Christ the pastor is the single most important person in the Lords church. This is proven out in the fact that there is only one in a church; he may have some more ministers under him but one is the pastor. He is a man called of God not to only preach the gospel but to also pastor a church. Please allow me to speak boldly here; your pastor spends many hours every week in order to fulfill the work that God has appointed him too. He cannot be replaced except by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. There are sometimes many men in the churches that has the learning, the ability, and the goodness in their heart to teach and fill in for a pastor if need be, however they are not called pastors and therefore they cannot replace the pastor. Beloved your pastor is there by the grace of God and can be removed at any time.

I have always believed any church that is doing things right in Jesus Christ in their hearts will never need. God will supply any needs they have. This includes their Pastor, only Jesus Christ can call one because it is He whom builds the church. Pastors are not a dime a dozen and neither do they fall off of trees. Since a Pastor is one of a kind and since they are appointed to spend their lives studding to teach the membership so they can grow in the Lord, shouldn’t they be most appreciated? The Lord said they are to be “…counted worthy of double honour…” do you as church members double appreciate your pastor. Is he worthy of double honor, the Lord also declared “…elders that rule well...especially they who labour in the word and doctrine…" Honor can be anything; it could be a pat on the back, it could be a thank you, it could be telling him how much you love and appreciate him, and it can include a raise in pay or a simple bonus. While honor can be shown many ways it is counted more honorable and worthy if it comes from the heart. Doing any of these things for your pastor is good but it is extremely more honorable if he can tell it comes from the heart. But beloved church members let me tell you an absolute truth “…The labourer is worthy of his reward." And please understand you will never do too much for your pastor, if he is worthy.

True appreciation comes from the same place true worship comes, the heart. One cannot be truly saved, cannot truly worship God, nor can they truly appreciate a pastor unless it comes from the heart. 1 Timothy 4:6 "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." Beloved be sure to let your pastor know your appreciation for him, if you feel in your heart to do so. I would never want anyone to do anything for me without it comes from the heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 13 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13.) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."

God Completes His Work.

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Oh! If there is one thing we all lack in this life it is confidence in this flesh. I have, oh, maybe twenty projects or more started and chances are good that some (if not most) may never get finished. One thing one cannot count on is that I will finish a project. But God is not like a man; He will finish every single work and without error and doubt. But here in Philippians 1:6 God assures us that the work He has started in us He will finish it. I am a firm believer that God always completes His work which He starts. This is the reason that churches do not fail but rather some or all the membership fails. God appointed Pastors do not fail; Pastor themselves fail. God did not create the world or man to fail but man caused both to fail. Failure is on mans part and not Gods. Therefore when a church or man fails at something then don’t blame God, He did not fail we did. However there are some thing’s that God will not allow to fail and that is the things that He has predestinated to finish their course and not even can the ignorance of man cause them to fail.

“…he which hath begun a good work in you…” Let us never forget that it is not us that make a work successful but rather God. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." This is for certain that the works we do are not our own but rather Gods. We are not in charge of a work nor do we control the work, however we can be the cause of it being unsuccessful. Christ Jesus started the church and He will see it through; however He has started many more and some have failed. Did Jesus set them up to fail, no He did not but simply allowed them to fail. It is like many Christians; He saved them to be successful Christians but due to their own bad ways that have turned out to be unworthy Christians and will not have any rewards in the life to come. But beloved this is our assurance that if God begins a work in you He will see it through, and not for a short time but “…until the day of Jesus Christ:” that is until Jesus returns. This is why we know that somewhere on this earth a church will exist when Jesus Christ returns no matter what.

Beloved this is our assurances in this life, that God cannot fail and He will see a work through no matter how hard it gets. We cannot be assured of much in this life but God is the one single thing we can have a one hundred percent guarantee in and should pray for often. The Psalmist cried; "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. (8.) The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." Psalms 138:7 – 8 Oh how wonderful are the promises of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 12 "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: (12.) That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."