Blog https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:44:41 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Restraint Of Power: Who Tells The Leader When He Is Wrong? https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/restraint-of-power-who-tells-the-leader-when-he-is-wrong https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/restraint-of-power-who-tells-the-leader-when-he-is-wrong#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/restraint-of-power-who-tells-the-leader-when-he-is-wrong      I live in Barron County Wisconsin. Last night about 60 citizens attended the Barron County Board Meeting to give feedback to the board about a recent decision to require Barron County empoloyees to wear masks in government buildings again. I'm not sure if the board will listen but their constituents spoke loud and clear that we do not want government beuracrats forcing health care decisions on the population. This decision to require masks is beyond constitutional authority of a county board or a county supervisor.

So what is a Christian supposed to do with overreach of authority? I've heard a lot of quotes and statements about Romans 13 in the last year as if the text of scripture tells believers to submit to every abuse of power. The scripture does instruct us to submit to the governing authoririties; but does this mean that we must comply with orders that are causing harm to people?

This is not just a Constitutional question. It is also a Bible question. The Constitution gets its ideas about the limits of human authority from the Bible. In fact, Romans 13 calls government officials "God's servants for our good(v.4)."   

If you pay attention to church leadership in the Bible, you will find that multiple elders were appointed as the leaders in every church(Titus 1:5). Why is this? Because God demands accountability and restraint for authority in the church. One man with unilateral authority is a recipe for disaster.

Yet, isn't that what we have seen in the past year and a half? Government leaders, education leaders, business leaders, and even church leaders over-stepping the bounds of their God-given authority in order to make health care decisions for families?

You see, it isn't unbiblical to resist an authority who is enforcing his will against a situation that is not in his jurisdiction. Throughout the Bible the prophets would speak against kings that used their civil authority to cause the people to stray away from the Lord into the sin of idolatry. Were the prophets in unbiblical rebellion? I think not since their message of warning came directly from God.

Let's learn to think more clearly about these matters of authority so that we can be sure to submit to Christ in all things and not the abusive policies of unchecked human authority.       

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     I live in Barron County Wisconsin. Last night about 60 citizens attended the Barron County Board Meeting to give feedback to the board about a recent decision to require Barron County empoloyees to wear masks in government buildings again. I'm not sure if the board will listen but their constituents spoke loud and clear that we do not want government beuracrats forcing health care decisions on the population. This decision to require masks is beyond constitutional authority of a county board or a county supervisor.

So what is a Christian supposed to do with overreach of authority? I've heard a lot of quotes and statements about Romans 13 in the last year as if the text of scripture tells believers to submit to every abuse of power. The scripture does instruct us to submit to the governing authoririties; but does this mean that we must comply with orders that are causing harm to people?

This is not just a Constitutional question. It is also a Bible question. The Constitution gets its ideas about the limits of human authority from the Bible. In fact, Romans 13 calls government officials "God's servants for our good(v.4)."   

If you pay attention to church leadership in the Bible, you will find that multiple elders were appointed as the leaders in every church(Titus 1:5). Why is this? Because God demands accountability and restraint for authority in the church. One man with unilateral authority is a recipe for disaster.

Yet, isn't that what we have seen in the past year and a half? Government leaders, education leaders, business leaders, and even church leaders over-stepping the bounds of their God-given authority in order to make health care decisions for families?

You see, it isn't unbiblical to resist an authority who is enforcing his will against a situation that is not in his jurisdiction. Throughout the Bible the prophets would speak against kings that used their civil authority to cause the people to stray away from the Lord into the sin of idolatry. Were the prophets in unbiblical rebellion? I think not since their message of warning came directly from God.

Let's learn to think more clearly about these matters of authority so that we can be sure to submit to Christ in all things and not the abusive policies of unchecked human authority.       

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The Power Of Showing Up https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/the-power-of-showing https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/the-power-of-showing#comments Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/the-power-of-showing    How many people in your life can you count on to show up no matter what? In the last 10-15 years in America there has been a noticeable decrease in dependable job attendance, volunteer hours, church attendance, and community involvement. The isolation of Covid most certainly made things worse but this has been a trend for quite a while now. 

   When we evaluate the impact of our lives in the world we tend to focus on our skills, status, position, and wealth. The most unnoticed area of impact in our daily disciplines tends to be this idea of dependability. Have you noticed that dependability is a hard quality to find? Have you considered that your greatest area of impact in your family, church, job, and community could be coming from your willingness to show up each and every day and ask God what He wants you to do to make things better? At a time when many people are able to work from home the greatest need they have is to find dependable and reliable relationships. At a time when most people are trying to free up their schedules for personal pursuits there are a lot of opportunities for people who are willing to sacrifice their time and resources to meet the needs that are around them.

How would it change your life and the lives of those around you if you decided to stop doing things half way and instead started to show up with a heart full of gratitude asking God to show you how to make things better? Here are five places in your life that you can show up to and make a significant difference in Jesus' name!

First, you need to show up before the throne of God. The book of Hebrews tells us that Christ has atoned for our sin so that we can boldly approach the throne of God and find the grace we need for every day. Once we learn to walk in God's grace and forgiveness we can then grow to start intereceding for the needs of the people that are around us. The Holy Spirit loves to share the burdens that He has for this world with us so that we can pray and then work to be a part of His redemption plan. Make sure to start every day with prayer and go back to the Lord in prayer as needed throught the day. He loves to answer those who look to Him and cry out to Him.

Second, you need to show up at home. Home is the primary place for growing us up out of our selfishness. If you pay attention at home there's a lot that you can do there to serve your family with the love of Christ. The question is are you willing to see what needs to be done and then be a part of meeting the need? This kind of mentality will require you to break out of your lazy indifference. It will mean that you will have to put the phone down. But if you do, you will find yourself growing closer to your family as you see God meeting needs through your sacrifice. 

Third, you need to show up at work. Work is a blessing from God! We get to be productive and creative because we are made in His image. He's the One that has given us the ability to make a living; so our work is an act of worship to what or who we value the most. If money is our highest goal then we will be tempted to do whatever it takes to make enough money. If status is our highest goal then we will work to seek a desirable position so that people respect us. But if we work as unto the Lord then we will have an eteranal purpose in all of our work. Rather than trying to please rude people, we will work in order to hear "well done good and faithful servant" from the Lord. Have you ever stopped to think how much your work has an impact when it comes from a thankful and serving spirit? Your work is accomplishing more than you realize. Keep offering it up as a sacrifice to the Lord!

Fourth, you need to show up at church. The gathering together of God's people is necessary more than ever. Satan's goal is to isolate people and destroy them. Christ's goal is to reconcile people to the Father and to one another, and then to bring them into fellowship with other believers for encouragement. If you are a believer, where is your congregation? Christian, your input and gifts are needed in a local, Bible preaching church. If you are not joining in the fellowship then there are most certainly other believers going without much needed encouragement and fellowship. In many churches most of the input and ministry is done by church staff rather than the congregation. This is going to need to change if we are going to obey the call of Christ to preach the gospel to all the nations and disciple those who believe. What does God want you to do as a part of His church? You will not know the answer to this until you show up consistently and ask Him.

Fifth, and finally, you need to show up at the place of need. Believers down through the years have ministered the gospel while meeting the needs around them. This showed that their message had credibility from God. Did you know that Sunday School got started during the Industrial Revolution? Many poor children were forced to work in the factories during that time and couldn't attend school, so there were believers that started Sunday Schools to teach those children to read. They learned the Bible and many of them became believers because there were Sunday School teachers that cared about them. Who does God want you to care about? What needs are there around you that would require sacrifice to meet? Is there a team to coach, some meals to deliver, or some one-on-one mentoring to do? Look for a need and then meet it. Find your niche of service and devote yourself to it! When you show up you will be providing something that a computer screen can never offer. Love, guidance, and friendship.

Blessings!

Pastor Paul    

]]>
   How many people in your life can you count on to show up no matter what? In the last 10-15 years in America there has been a noticeable decrease in dependable job attendance, volunteer hours, church attendance, and community involvement. The isolation of Covid most certainly made things worse but this has been a trend for quite a while now. 

   When we evaluate the impact of our lives in the world we tend to focus on our skills, status, position, and wealth. The most unnoticed area of impact in our daily disciplines tends to be this idea of dependability. Have you noticed that dependability is a hard quality to find? Have you considered that your greatest area of impact in your family, church, job, and community could be coming from your willingness to show up each and every day and ask God what He wants you to do to make things better? At a time when many people are able to work from home the greatest need they have is to find dependable and reliable relationships. At a time when most people are trying to free up their schedules for personal pursuits there are a lot of opportunities for people who are willing to sacrifice their time and resources to meet the needs that are around them.

How would it change your life and the lives of those around you if you decided to stop doing things half way and instead started to show up with a heart full of gratitude asking God to show you how to make things better? Here are five places in your life that you can show up to and make a significant difference in Jesus' name!

First, you need to show up before the throne of God. The book of Hebrews tells us that Christ has atoned for our sin so that we can boldly approach the throne of God and find the grace we need for every day. Once we learn to walk in God's grace and forgiveness we can then grow to start intereceding for the needs of the people that are around us. The Holy Spirit loves to share the burdens that He has for this world with us so that we can pray and then work to be a part of His redemption plan. Make sure to start every day with prayer and go back to the Lord in prayer as needed throught the day. He loves to answer those who look to Him and cry out to Him.

Second, you need to show up at home. Home is the primary place for growing us up out of our selfishness. If you pay attention at home there's a lot that you can do there to serve your family with the love of Christ. The question is are you willing to see what needs to be done and then be a part of meeting the need? This kind of mentality will require you to break out of your lazy indifference. It will mean that you will have to put the phone down. But if you do, you will find yourself growing closer to your family as you see God meeting needs through your sacrifice. 

Third, you need to show up at work. Work is a blessing from God! We get to be productive and creative because we are made in His image. He's the One that has given us the ability to make a living; so our work is an act of worship to what or who we value the most. If money is our highest goal then we will be tempted to do whatever it takes to make enough money. If status is our highest goal then we will work to seek a desirable position so that people respect us. But if we work as unto the Lord then we will have an eteranal purpose in all of our work. Rather than trying to please rude people, we will work in order to hear "well done good and faithful servant" from the Lord. Have you ever stopped to think how much your work has an impact when it comes from a thankful and serving spirit? Your work is accomplishing more than you realize. Keep offering it up as a sacrifice to the Lord!

Fourth, you need to show up at church. The gathering together of God's people is necessary more than ever. Satan's goal is to isolate people and destroy them. Christ's goal is to reconcile people to the Father and to one another, and then to bring them into fellowship with other believers for encouragement. If you are a believer, where is your congregation? Christian, your input and gifts are needed in a local, Bible preaching church. If you are not joining in the fellowship then there are most certainly other believers going without much needed encouragement and fellowship. In many churches most of the input and ministry is done by church staff rather than the congregation. This is going to need to change if we are going to obey the call of Christ to preach the gospel to all the nations and disciple those who believe. What does God want you to do as a part of His church? You will not know the answer to this until you show up consistently and ask Him.

Fifth, and finally, you need to show up at the place of need. Believers down through the years have ministered the gospel while meeting the needs around them. This showed that their message had credibility from God. Did you know that Sunday School got started during the Industrial Revolution? Many poor children were forced to work in the factories during that time and couldn't attend school, so there were believers that started Sunday Schools to teach those children to read. They learned the Bible and many of them became believers because there were Sunday School teachers that cared about them. Who does God want you to care about? What needs are there around you that would require sacrifice to meet? Is there a team to coach, some meals to deliver, or some one-on-one mentoring to do? Look for a need and then meet it. Find your niche of service and devote yourself to it! When you show up you will be providing something that a computer screen can never offer. Love, guidance, and friendship.

Blessings!

Pastor Paul    

]]>
5 Reasons Why Fewer Christians Are Attending Church In America https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/5-reasons-why- https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/5-reasons-why-#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/5-reasons-why-  

5 Reasons Fewer People Are Attending Church

   I’ve seen the stats on declining church attendance in America. As a pastor, I’ve observed from the front row how Christians have become less inclined to gather together on a regular basis.

   Why is that? There is a clear biblical command to gather and we are created with a longing for community, so what is holding us back? I’d like to share 5 reasons for this decline in attending church. You can let me know if you agree, disagree, or have something to add.

 

First, God’s People Have Been Scattered By False Shepherds

   There are lots of solid, compassionate pastors out there shepherding their flocks well. But in this day of rising narcissism, the pulpit has far too often been used as a promotion point for one person’s agenda to the exclusion of pastoral care. This has left many believers with scars from traumatic situations and a reluctance to return to fellowship.

   Jesus warned about hireling pastors that do not care about the sheep in John 10:13. Paul the Apostle is recorded in Acts 20:29 saying this, “after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”   

   Has this happened to you? If so, I want you to know that I’m praying for you that God will gather you into a congregation where there is biblical pastoral care and an evident love from Christ among the people. God gave a warning to the false shepherds in Jeremiah 23. He warned that He would judge the actions of selfish leaders that do not shepherd God’s people; and then He gave a promise that He would put His people under true shepherds that will care for His people. I pray based on the truth of that promise.

 Second, God’s People Have Been Disillusioned By Secular Church Growth Strategies 

   Christians are just flat out tired! They have been told to constantly do more and give more to make church attractive to more people. Decades of church growth strategies and gimmicks have left believers burnt out and wary of church involvement. If they start attending a church they could quickly get roped into leading the whole children’s ministry!

   What happened to the days when “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved?” Business sales ideas have no place setting the agenda and goals of a local church. The church is to be a family gathering of God’s people, not just another marketplace where we try to use each other to get ahead. It’s time for us to abandon number based materialistic church growth strategies and start serving one another with the strength that God supplies.

 

 Third, God’s People Have Not Made Meeting Together A Priority

   We all find the time to do the things most important to us. Our work attendance is important because our livelihood depends on it. Our kid’s school and sports practice attendance is important because their development depends on it. So why do believers in Christ only meet together when it’s convenient?

   Somehow we believe online sermons, podcasts with spiritual content, and individual Bible reading can get us by. The problem is that none of those individual pursuits can teach us how to love our Christian brothers and sister according to Christ’s commands. That kind of experience can only be gained within the family of God.

   It is Christ that established the church. Do we have the option of neglecting the local gathering without disobeying Him and discouraging His people?

 

Fourth, God’s People Lack The Grace For Proper Conflict Resolution

   Any Christian who has been part of church for any length of time has dealt with conflict. Controversy can be very painful, and when leaders don’t navigate it well the pain is greater and longer lasting.

   Those who have been mistreated and misunderstood in times of conflict may be tempted to give up on church. But let’s remember, brothers and sisters, we have a faithful high priest who was betrayed by His own spiritual leaders. He will give us the grace to keep trusting, to keep loving, and to keep meeting around His Word and the encouragement of His people.

 

Fifth, God’s People Have Been Discouraged With The Lack Of God’s Presence

   Anyone who is a faithful believer in Christ knows that the presence of God is real and needed in every generation. A true believer knows that the Lord loves to act on behalf of His people and reveal who He is. He loves to pour out His love on a people that are calling out to Him and Him alone with a single purpose for the glory of His name! This is why it breaks our hearts to see evil increasing in this world without an authoritative, God-ordained response from the church.

   Elisha said this in 2Kings 2:14, “where is the God of Elijah?” Have you had similar thoughts struggling with the lack of God’s Word and promises changing people’s lives in America? If we see a lack of God’s power and presence in the church, that’s a good time for God’s people to gather for the purpose of calling out to Him and looking for answers to these unanswered prayers. In a day when only a miraculous response from the Lord will meet the needs in front of us, are God’s people willing to turn from disobedience and gather again to pray and seek Him?     

In Conclusion:

   Declining church attendance is a symptom of a deeper problem. The true problem has more to do with the state of our relationship with God and each other. Do we actually believe that Jesus is the Prince Of Peace and can reconcile any situation? Do we believe that He has the power to redeem us from sin? The way we respond to His command to gather together is going to show how much we believe. I will see you at church!

  P.S.  If your area doesn't have a solid church where the Word of God is preached and the love of Christ is expressed I want you to consider starting a gathering even if you don't feel equipped. The Lord has a way of equipping what He wants done when we walk in obedience to Him. Reach out and let me know how I can be a help to you in this biblical desire to be a part of an encouraging gathering together of God's people 

  

 

 

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5 Reasons Fewer People Are Attending Church

   I’ve seen the stats on declining church attendance in America. As a pastor, I’ve observed from the front row how Christians have become less inclined to gather together on a regular basis.

   Why is that? There is a clear biblical command to gather and we are created with a longing for community, so what is holding us back? I’d like to share 5 reasons for this decline in attending church. You can let me know if you agree, disagree, or have something to add.

 

First, God’s People Have Been Scattered By False Shepherds

   There are lots of solid, compassionate pastors out there shepherding their flocks well. But in this day of rising narcissism, the pulpit has far too often been used as a promotion point for one person’s agenda to the exclusion of pastoral care. This has left many believers with scars from traumatic situations and a reluctance to return to fellowship.

   Jesus warned about hireling pastors that do not care about the sheep in John 10:13. Paul the Apostle is recorded in Acts 20:29 saying this, “after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.”   

   Has this happened to you? If so, I want you to know that I’m praying for you that God will gather you into a congregation where there is biblical pastoral care and an evident love from Christ among the people. God gave a warning to the false shepherds in Jeremiah 23. He warned that He would judge the actions of selfish leaders that do not shepherd God’s people; and then He gave a promise that He would put His people under true shepherds that will care for His people. I pray based on the truth of that promise.

 Second, God’s People Have Been Disillusioned By Secular Church Growth Strategies 

   Christians are just flat out tired! They have been told to constantly do more and give more to make church attractive to more people. Decades of church growth strategies and gimmicks have left believers burnt out and wary of church involvement. If they start attending a church they could quickly get roped into leading the whole children’s ministry!

   What happened to the days when “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved?” Business sales ideas have no place setting the agenda and goals of a local church. The church is to be a family gathering of God’s people, not just another marketplace where we try to use each other to get ahead. It’s time for us to abandon number based materialistic church growth strategies and start serving one another with the strength that God supplies.

 

 Third, God’s People Have Not Made Meeting Together A Priority

   We all find the time to do the things most important to us. Our work attendance is important because our livelihood depends on it. Our kid’s school and sports practice attendance is important because their development depends on it. So why do believers in Christ only meet together when it’s convenient?

   Somehow we believe online sermons, podcasts with spiritual content, and individual Bible reading can get us by. The problem is that none of those individual pursuits can teach us how to love our Christian brothers and sister according to Christ’s commands. That kind of experience can only be gained within the family of God.

   It is Christ that established the church. Do we have the option of neglecting the local gathering without disobeying Him and discouraging His people?

 

Fourth, God’s People Lack The Grace For Proper Conflict Resolution

   Any Christian who has been part of church for any length of time has dealt with conflict. Controversy can be very painful, and when leaders don’t navigate it well the pain is greater and longer lasting.

   Those who have been mistreated and misunderstood in times of conflict may be tempted to give up on church. But let’s remember, brothers and sisters, we have a faithful high priest who was betrayed by His own spiritual leaders. He will give us the grace to keep trusting, to keep loving, and to keep meeting around His Word and the encouragement of His people.

 

Fifth, God’s People Have Been Discouraged With The Lack Of God’s Presence

   Anyone who is a faithful believer in Christ knows that the presence of God is real and needed in every generation. A true believer knows that the Lord loves to act on behalf of His people and reveal who He is. He loves to pour out His love on a people that are calling out to Him and Him alone with a single purpose for the glory of His name! This is why it breaks our hearts to see evil increasing in this world without an authoritative, God-ordained response from the church.

   Elisha said this in 2Kings 2:14, “where is the God of Elijah?” Have you had similar thoughts struggling with the lack of God’s Word and promises changing people’s lives in America? If we see a lack of God’s power and presence in the church, that’s a good time for God’s people to gather for the purpose of calling out to Him and looking for answers to these unanswered prayers. In a day when only a miraculous response from the Lord will meet the needs in front of us, are God’s people willing to turn from disobedience and gather again to pray and seek Him?     

In Conclusion:

   Declining church attendance is a symptom of a deeper problem. The true problem has more to do with the state of our relationship with God and each other. Do we actually believe that Jesus is the Prince Of Peace and can reconcile any situation? Do we believe that He has the power to redeem us from sin? The way we respond to His command to gather together is going to show how much we believe. I will see you at church!

  P.S.  If your area doesn't have a solid church where the Word of God is preached and the love of Christ is expressed I want you to consider starting a gathering even if you don't feel equipped. The Lord has a way of equipping what He wants done when we walk in obedience to Him. Reach out and let me know how I can be a help to you in this biblical desire to be a part of an encouraging gathering together of God's people 

  

 

 

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Don't Lose Heart! https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/dont-lose-heart https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/dont-lose-heart#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/dont-lose-heart Don’t Lose Heart!

 

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

     So how are you doing today? Are you encouraged or discouraged? It’s most definitely been a difficult year of battling illness, loneliness, and political tensions. We have had a hard time maintaining a sense of purpose and meaning as many of our relationships and interactions have been severely disrupted. There is a lot of talk about what needs to be done to alleviate suffering; but the man made answers always seem to fall short. Our broken situations and struggles remain, and we are left alone to sort them out.

     The scripture offers hope to those that look to Christ. Jesus is the One who has “suffered in all the same ways that we have, yet without sin!” He is the Promised One sent “to bruise the head of the serpent(Satan).” He has defeated the power of sin and death and He proved it by the power of His resurrection.

    What does Jesus have to do with our situation? It seems that the threat of illness and death still has an impact on us. It seems that the fears of political upheaval can still be problematic; just ask the people in Kenosha, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C. Where are the signs of the blessings of Christ in this weary world? Well, you have to look closely, because Jesus kingdom has not come in completion yet. Those that trust in Him still suffer physical maladies and still battle with sin. Those that are longing for His appearing still groan under the weight of health care concerns and relationship problems. But they don’t do it alone! They continue to shoulder their responsibilities with hope in Christ and the internal renewal of the Holy Spirit. “His Spirit witnesses with their spirit that they are children of God.”

     Do you have this kind of hope that brings an internal encouragement from the Lord even as you struggle with outward circumstances and weaknesses of the body? Have you repented of sin and called on the name of Christ for your salvation? He draws near to those who humble themselves. He hears the prayers of those who stop trying to establish their own righteousness and instead trust completely in the finished work of Christ! Won’t you come to Him today for that spiritual refreshment? Those that come to Him will never be turned away.

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Don’t Lose Heart!

 

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

     So how are you doing today? Are you encouraged or discouraged? It’s most definitely been a difficult year of battling illness, loneliness, and political tensions. We have had a hard time maintaining a sense of purpose and meaning as many of our relationships and interactions have been severely disrupted. There is a lot of talk about what needs to be done to alleviate suffering; but the man made answers always seem to fall short. Our broken situations and struggles remain, and we are left alone to sort them out.

     The scripture offers hope to those that look to Christ. Jesus is the One who has “suffered in all the same ways that we have, yet without sin!” He is the Promised One sent “to bruise the head of the serpent(Satan).” He has defeated the power of sin and death and He proved it by the power of His resurrection.

    What does Jesus have to do with our situation? It seems that the threat of illness and death still has an impact on us. It seems that the fears of political upheaval can still be problematic; just ask the people in Kenosha, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C. Where are the signs of the blessings of Christ in this weary world? Well, you have to look closely, because Jesus kingdom has not come in completion yet. Those that trust in Him still suffer physical maladies and still battle with sin. Those that are longing for His appearing still groan under the weight of health care concerns and relationship problems. But they don’t do it alone! They continue to shoulder their responsibilities with hope in Christ and the internal renewal of the Holy Spirit. “His Spirit witnesses with their spirit that they are children of God.”

     Do you have this kind of hope that brings an internal encouragement from the Lord even as you struggle with outward circumstances and weaknesses of the body? Have you repented of sin and called on the name of Christ for your salvation? He draws near to those who humble themselves. He hears the prayers of those who stop trying to establish their own righteousness and instead trust completely in the finished work of Christ! Won’t you come to Him today for that spiritual refreshment? Those that come to Him will never be turned away.

]]>
Satan's Kryptonite (Part 2) https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite_2 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite_2#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite_2 Continuing our review of 1Peter 5:1-11, here are points 5-8 of How To Resist Satan And Win.

 

  1. Be serious, because you have an enemy.

The military teaches a soldier to be constantly on the watch when on a mission because an enemy wants the advantage of surprise and will attack if possible when you don’t expect it.

The Apostle Peter puts it this way: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” If you know that you have an enemy then you have to watch out for an attack. This is part of being humble. Understanding your vulnerability to attack and preparing for it. There are many who don’t like this warning. They want to enjoy life and cast concerns aside. They don’t want to be too serious and they will tell those around them to loosen up and have a good time. After all, God wants you to enjoy your life right?  

Yes, God does want you to enjoy life, but He also gives warnings in His Word that must be heeded if you want to survive. Christians who behave as if there is no danger around them are easy prey for the temptation to sin, which is the invitation from Satan to take the path of pride and rebellion against God.  

 

  1. Resist the Devil with faith in the gospel!

We don’t have the strength to take on Satan one-on-one, but we can resist him by faith in Christ. Peter says in verse nine of our passage, “resist him, firm in your faith.” Jesus has already overcome the destructive work of Satan. He has already accomplished victory over all the accusations of the Devil.  Jesus is One who brings us to God and Satan cannot overcome the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, those who trust in Him cannot be overcome by Satan.

We can resist Satan by responding with faith in Christ in every situation and in every time of opposition. If we try to resist Satan by standing on our own accomplishments and knowledge, we will fail. If we try to resist Satan by taking up personal battles against people, something Jesus never commanded, we will fail. But if we resist Satan by humbly acknowledging our constant dependence on the righteousness of Christ, we can only succeed!

 

  1. Be prepared for the backlash.

Peter tells the believers to keep in mind that those who resist will suffer for it. He says this, “knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” In the early church they used to the battle stories of those who boldly remained faithful to Christ in the middle of heavy backlashes of persecution. This is where the book, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs came from. John Fox wrote down in the 1600s the stories that had been passed down for many generations among God’s faithful people.  

So how do you prepare for persecution when it’s something that you haven’t experienced much? Well, you will never learn how to endure through it before you experience it; but if you are mentally prepared for the reality of backlash it will help. First, it will help you to mentally prepare. Jesus told His disciples ahead of time that they would be persecuted and harassed. Anyone who takes God’s Word seriously and proclaims it in a wicked world will feel the heat of the animosity in response to the truth of God’s Word. The darkness hates the light and tries to attack the one who brings the light.

It’s a humbling process to suffer while doing good; but we do it by faith knowing that Jesus will reward those who faithfully endure to the end.

 

  1. Look forward to the kingdom of Christ!

We are given hope for the future in our call to resist Satan. Peter says,

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen”

This is an amazing promise for God’s people! We are to endure in the truth, humbly holding on to the promises of God. Satan is going to attack us because He hates God’s promises and God’s people; but he cannot defeat God’s purposes. Those that humbly endure in the truth while being attacked will receive their reward from Christ. They will see the dominion of Christ on this earth with their own eyes.

Knowing this truth we do not have to be people of anxiety or compromise. We are free to keep walking in the truth and speaking the truth of Christ. We don’t have to back down to intimidation neither do we have to take up intimidation as a pathway for our own survival. The Way of humility is a path of freedom. It says “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. Even so come Lord Jesus!        

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Continuing our review of 1Peter 5:1-11, here are points 5-8 of How To Resist Satan And Win.

 

  1. Be serious, because you have an enemy.

The military teaches a soldier to be constantly on the watch when on a mission because an enemy wants the advantage of surprise and will attack if possible when you don’t expect it.

The Apostle Peter puts it this way: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” If you know that you have an enemy then you have to watch out for an attack. This is part of being humble. Understanding your vulnerability to attack and preparing for it. There are many who don’t like this warning. They want to enjoy life and cast concerns aside. They don’t want to be too serious and they will tell those around them to loosen up and have a good time. After all, God wants you to enjoy your life right?  

Yes, God does want you to enjoy life, but He also gives warnings in His Word that must be heeded if you want to survive. Christians who behave as if there is no danger around them are easy prey for the temptation to sin, which is the invitation from Satan to take the path of pride and rebellion against God.  

 

  1. Resist the Devil with faith in the gospel!

We don’t have the strength to take on Satan one-on-one, but we can resist him by faith in Christ. Peter says in verse nine of our passage, “resist him, firm in your faith.” Jesus has already overcome the destructive work of Satan. He has already accomplished victory over all the accusations of the Devil.  Jesus is One who brings us to God and Satan cannot overcome the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, those who trust in Him cannot be overcome by Satan.

We can resist Satan by responding with faith in Christ in every situation and in every time of opposition. If we try to resist Satan by standing on our own accomplishments and knowledge, we will fail. If we try to resist Satan by taking up personal battles against people, something Jesus never commanded, we will fail. But if we resist Satan by humbly acknowledging our constant dependence on the righteousness of Christ, we can only succeed!

 

  1. Be prepared for the backlash.

Peter tells the believers to keep in mind that those who resist will suffer for it. He says this, “knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” In the early church they used to the battle stories of those who boldly remained faithful to Christ in the middle of heavy backlashes of persecution. This is where the book, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs came from. John Fox wrote down in the 1600s the stories that had been passed down for many generations among God’s faithful people.  

So how do you prepare for persecution when it’s something that you haven’t experienced much? Well, you will never learn how to endure through it before you experience it; but if you are mentally prepared for the reality of backlash it will help. First, it will help you to mentally prepare. Jesus told His disciples ahead of time that they would be persecuted and harassed. Anyone who takes God’s Word seriously and proclaims it in a wicked world will feel the heat of the animosity in response to the truth of God’s Word. The darkness hates the light and tries to attack the one who brings the light.

It’s a humbling process to suffer while doing good; but we do it by faith knowing that Jesus will reward those who faithfully endure to the end.

 

  1. Look forward to the kingdom of Christ!

We are given hope for the future in our call to resist Satan. Peter says,

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen”

This is an amazing promise for God’s people! We are to endure in the truth, humbly holding on to the promises of God. Satan is going to attack us because He hates God’s promises and God’s people; but he cannot defeat God’s purposes. Those that humbly endure in the truth while being attacked will receive their reward from Christ. They will see the dominion of Christ on this earth with their own eyes.

Knowing this truth we do not have to be people of anxiety or compromise. We are free to keep walking in the truth and speaking the truth of Christ. We don’t have to back down to intimidation neither do we have to take up intimidation as a pathway for our own survival. The Way of humility is a path of freedom. It says “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. Even so come Lord Jesus!        

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Question of the Week https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/question-of-the-week https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/question-of-the-week#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0600 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/question-of-the-week Do you have a question you would like Pastor to address?  Feel free to leave a comment, and Pastor Paul or one of the leadership will post a response to a question of the week here on faithbaptistcheteck.org.  

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Do you have a question you would like Pastor to address?  Feel free to leave a comment, and Pastor Paul or one of the leadership will post a response to a question of the week here on faithbaptistcheteck.org.  

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Satan's Kryptonite https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0600 https://www.faithbaptistchetek.org/blog/post/satans-kryptonite Satan’s Kryptonite

1 Peter 5:1-11

     The Bible gives the blueprint for how you can defeat Satan. Whether you are a church leader or an every day believer in the congregation, the instructions are the same. Now Satan is a fallen angelic  being created by God. He has far more spiritual power than you and I. So how is there anything that we can do to defeat him? Well, the Bible is very clear that there is one particular response that Satan cannot defeat. Do you know what it is? Here’s a clue. When Satan fell from heaven he was cast out because of pride. He had decided that he could rule the heavens and the earth better than God, so he rebelled. In other words, all the evil of Satan’s plans can be traced back to that act of pride.

     In fact, all of our rebellion and fallen condition as human beings can be traced back to joining in with Satan in that same pride. We think we know better, so we go our own way. Pride has brought the world to this place of hatred and destruction that we live in today. So have you guessed by now the key to defeating Satan in your life? It’s humility! As we can see in 1 Peter 5 God loves humility and Satan hates it. God draws near to those who are humble. Satan doesn’t know what to do with humility because he is all about self-exaltation.

 

Here Are 8 Steps To Resist Satan And Win

 

Submit Yourself To Biblical Authority

      Have you made a straight-forward decision to commit to biblical authority and to resist unbiblical authority? You have a lot of people trying to tell you what you should do. Do you know how to shut out the voices that are wrong and listen to the ones that are right? The way to do this is with the Bible. Peter tells the elders of the churches to exercise their God-given authority to watch out for the flock(God’s people). He tells them not to do this in a heavy-handed way or out of duty; but rather to do it with love and willingly out of care for the congregation.

    Peter also tells the congregation to submit to the decisions of the elders in a respectful way. He has to encourage them in this way because respect for authority doesn’t come naturally to us. In our pride we would rather question authority and do our own thing. However, living in pride is going to leave us vulnerable to the rest of Satan’s tactics as we are playing right into his hand. The way to resist him is to humble ourselves under the decisions of legitimate human authority as we would humble ourselves in the presence of God. Now if human authority in the church or government starts to act outside of the commands of God, there will come a time when the decision to humbly obey God rather than man will come. However, let’s be clear that a humble person submits to biblical authority. The people you listen to reveal what authority you submit to.

 

Wear Humility Like Clothes         

Peter not only encourages believers to submit to the commands of those in authority in the church. He also tells them to “clothe yourselves all of you, with humility toward one another.” He wants them to learn not just obedience to biblical commands, but also humility of spirit that is communicated in their very appearance.  If you have been in a church or family where the relationships are good, you have observed this up close. The way we treat one another and react to differences is a big deal. Doing this with a desire for reconciliation and peace will go a long way toward working through problems. On the other hand, starting with a combative attitude will always lead to more contention. So put on a spirit of humility every day in the same way that you take the time to dress yourself in an appropriate way.

 

Bow To God, Physically      

In our day it’s become less common for Christians to physically bow before the Lord in prayer. Could this be related in any way to the spirit of pride that we struggle with in the church? Peter says that we must “humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.” If we serve the maker of heaven and earth, who holds the world together by His own Word, doesn’t it make sense that we would physically bow before Him when we are seeking Him in prayer? According to God’s Word through Peter, if we bring ourselves low before God, at the right time He will raise us up to do what He wants us to do.  

 

Bring Your Worries To God   

We are hard- wired to think on problems and try to find a solution to them. This is good when it comes to those matters in life that God has placed under our control. But in those situations that are outside of our control, it is an act of worship to the Lord and humility to cast our burdens on Him. It’s such a relief to be able to bring our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. However, we usually needlessly carry burdens around about things that we cannot change. This is an act of pride. Peter says that believers are to “cast their anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”  Are you willing to trust the Lord with those things that are outside your control? If not you are going to suffer a lack of encouragement and you are going to be tempted to act out of pride by manipulating and controlling other people.

 

 To Be Continued…Steps 5-8 will be in Satan’s Kryptonite Part 2

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Satan’s Kryptonite

1 Peter 5:1-11

     The Bible gives the blueprint for how you can defeat Satan. Whether you are a church leader or an every day believer in the congregation, the instructions are the same. Now Satan is a fallen angelic  being created by God. He has far more spiritual power than you and I. So how is there anything that we can do to defeat him? Well, the Bible is very clear that there is one particular response that Satan cannot defeat. Do you know what it is? Here’s a clue. When Satan fell from heaven he was cast out because of pride. He had decided that he could rule the heavens and the earth better than God, so he rebelled. In other words, all the evil of Satan’s plans can be traced back to that act of pride.

     In fact, all of our rebellion and fallen condition as human beings can be traced back to joining in with Satan in that same pride. We think we know better, so we go our own way. Pride has brought the world to this place of hatred and destruction that we live in today. So have you guessed by now the key to defeating Satan in your life? It’s humility! As we can see in 1 Peter 5 God loves humility and Satan hates it. God draws near to those who are humble. Satan doesn’t know what to do with humility because he is all about self-exaltation.

 

Here Are 8 Steps To Resist Satan And Win

 

Submit Yourself To Biblical Authority

      Have you made a straight-forward decision to commit to biblical authority and to resist unbiblical authority? You have a lot of people trying to tell you what you should do. Do you know how to shut out the voices that are wrong and listen to the ones that are right? The way to do this is with the Bible. Peter tells the elders of the churches to exercise their God-given authority to watch out for the flock(God’s people). He tells them not to do this in a heavy-handed way or out of duty; but rather to do it with love and willingly out of care for the congregation.

    Peter also tells the congregation to submit to the decisions of the elders in a respectful way. He has to encourage them in this way because respect for authority doesn’t come naturally to us. In our pride we would rather question authority and do our own thing. However, living in pride is going to leave us vulnerable to the rest of Satan’s tactics as we are playing right into his hand. The way to resist him is to humble ourselves under the decisions of legitimate human authority as we would humble ourselves in the presence of God. Now if human authority in the church or government starts to act outside of the commands of God, there will come a time when the decision to humbly obey God rather than man will come. However, let’s be clear that a humble person submits to biblical authority. The people you listen to reveal what authority you submit to.

 

Wear Humility Like Clothes         

Peter not only encourages believers to submit to the commands of those in authority in the church. He also tells them to “clothe yourselves all of you, with humility toward one another.” He wants them to learn not just obedience to biblical commands, but also humility of spirit that is communicated in their very appearance.  If you have been in a church or family where the relationships are good, you have observed this up close. The way we treat one another and react to differences is a big deal. Doing this with a desire for reconciliation and peace will go a long way toward working through problems. On the other hand, starting with a combative attitude will always lead to more contention. So put on a spirit of humility every day in the same way that you take the time to dress yourself in an appropriate way.

 

Bow To God, Physically      

In our day it’s become less common for Christians to physically bow before the Lord in prayer. Could this be related in any way to the spirit of pride that we struggle with in the church? Peter says that we must “humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.” If we serve the maker of heaven and earth, who holds the world together by His own Word, doesn’t it make sense that we would physically bow before Him when we are seeking Him in prayer? According to God’s Word through Peter, if we bring ourselves low before God, at the right time He will raise us up to do what He wants us to do.  

 

Bring Your Worries To God   

We are hard- wired to think on problems and try to find a solution to them. This is good when it comes to those matters in life that God has placed under our control. But in those situations that are outside of our control, it is an act of worship to the Lord and humility to cast our burdens on Him. It’s such a relief to be able to bring our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. However, we usually needlessly carry burdens around about things that we cannot change. This is an act of pride. Peter says that believers are to “cast their anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”  Are you willing to trust the Lord with those things that are outside your control? If not you are going to suffer a lack of encouragement and you are going to be tempted to act out of pride by manipulating and controlling other people.

 

 To Be Continued…Steps 5-8 will be in Satan’s Kryptonite Part 2

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