At Bible Baptist Church, being fundamental and Bible-believing is not just an idea, it is our practice. We have a strong Bible-based teaching ministry and believe in saturating everything we do in the Word of God.

Believing that Christians are to witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ, Bible Baptist Church practices weekly soul-winning and visitation. Our Sunday School, Bus Ministry, Nursing Home, Retirement Home and Prison Ministries are centered on declaring the Gospel message. Our bus and van volunteers provide transportation to the church, encourage and give Godly examples to some children.

In Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord told Jeremiah that He had accomplished four acts on his behalf. First the Scripture states that the Lord formed him. It is necessary to remember that children are not the product of the union of a man and woman. Children are given by the Lord (Psa. 127:3). God is the One Who has created us and brought us into existence.

Then, the text records that the Lord knew him. Not only is our God over all of His creation, but He is also involved in all of His creation. It is a comforting thought to the believer to realize that God knows about everything. He knows us (Heb. 4:12), and He knows all that we are experiencing.

Jeremiah is told that the Lord sanctified him. God sets apart His people to accomplish His work. The divine purpose and plan of the Lord is accomplished through His followers. Job reminds the reader of Scripture that those whom God separates, He protects (Job 1:10).

Finally, the Lord declares that He ordained Jeremiah as a prophet. A prophet was to deliver the message and testimony of God. Christians have this commission. We are to be a light (Mt. 6:14-16) to those who are in darkness (1 Cor. 4:3-6).  As a witness for Christ (Acts 1:8), we must be faithful to that which the Lord has entrusted to us(1 Cor. 4:2).

May the believer find comfort and challenge from Jer. 1:5. The providence of God assists to settle the doubts and adversities of the world. The purpose of God inspires us to commitment and service.

Forgiveness is an interesting subject. There are two basic realms where forgiveness is essential. In relationships between people, one will find that at times it is required to seek or give forgiveness. In one’s relationship to the Lord God, sin will occasionally become a problem (Rom. 3:10, 23). Forgiveness from God is the only way to avoid sin’s consequences (Rom. 6:23, Jas. 1:15).

When a person needs another person to forgive him/her, it is easy to rationalize that the offended person should give forgiveness. Human nature is such that we minimize our own transgressions as “minor,” but if we are the wronged party things are different! That person who treated us wrong or did something bad needs to be taught a lesson. The Scriptures are filled with admonitions to forgive one another (Mt. 6:14, 15; 18:21, 22; 2 Cor. 2:10; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13). Some erroneously believe that forgiveness must be earned. It is true that one can ask for forgiveness from another, but it must be given. Withholding forgiveness is unscriptural.

Forgiveness, by nature, means to restore a relationship. One has not forgiven someone if they hold animosity toward the individual. Forgiveness is difficult as long as one is centering his or her thoughts upon self. Forgiveness is made easier when one recalls that each of us is a guilty sinner, and Christ has been gracious toward us. So likewise forgiveness should be extended to others (Eph. 4:32). It should be noted that Christ forgave us before we asked for it. Therefore, we should forgive others even if they do not ask us too.

Believers sometimes struggle with accepting that their sins are completely forgiven. The Scriptures are filled with passages that state that Christians are forgiven by God’s grace (Rom. 4:7; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 2:13; 1 John 1:9; 2:12). God is perfect. His work is perfect (Deut. 32:4). His ways are perfect (Psa. 18:30). Therefore, His forgiveness is perfect as well.

As children of God, we should follow God’s admonitions. We should completely forgive others.  We should refuse to hold grudges (Jas. 5:9). We must accept that the Lord has totally forgiven our sins. We need to walk in a spirit of forgiveness!

As the celebration of the birth of the United States of America approaches, one must turn to the Scriptures to understand what God ultimately expects of a nation. Proverbs 14:34 declares that according to the LORD, it is righteousness that exalts a nation. Until our country decides that righteousness must be our intended goal, we will be faced with greater adversities.

            Throughout history, the United States has benefited from God’s blessings. This nation was established upon Biblical principles. God has honored such a foundation and allowed America to become a leader in the world.

            However, today we are seeing increasing evidence of “political correctness.” Politicians conduct polls to see what is popular instead of seeking the correct action. Righteousness is defined in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary as “conformity of heart and life to the divine law.” Most believe that truth is relative. They cry as Pilate, “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

            The reader of Scripture will understand that it is impossible for anyone to always do what is right. Even the Apostle Paul admitted that he struggled with doing right (Rom. 7:15-25). The Bible further declares that those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior cannot please God (Rom. 8:8, 9).

            What then should a Christian desire of his or her government? Is it enough that our elected officials work to better the economy and secure jobs for the people?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 provides an answer. Christians should pray for all in authority to lead in godliness and honesty. This may be the New Testament parallel to the righteousness of a nation (Prov. 14:34). It is impossible to establish a perfect society, but it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God” for His children to seek His aid for our leaders. The “liberals” ignore God’s truth concerning the sins of society such as homosexuality and abortion. The “conservatives” demonstrate a critical spirit and ignore the Scripture’s commands to have compassion. What we need is for God’s people to pray. James 4:2 reminds us that if we do not ask, we will not receive.

The Apostle Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, encouraged the Christian to press forward (Phil. 3:14) towards the mark of Christ. When one considers the adversities that Paul faced (2 Cor. 11:23-28), it is easily understood that he was aware that such faithful service would not be convenient. Paul realized that his call for the brethren to keep going forward would be ignored by some Christians. Paul did encourage others to follow him as he followed Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).

James 3:15 identifies three enemies of the Christian: the world, the flesh and the Devil. The world is contrary to Scripture. One man said that a possible way of discerning the will of God was to see which way the world is going and go the opposite way! This may be an oversimplification, but it does provide a starting point. The Christian can use the good things of the world, but caution needs to be maintained not to abuse our liberty in Christ (1 Cor. 7:31).

If one ever wins victory over the temptations of the world, then he or she will certainly have to fight against his/her own flesh. Paul admitted (and so should we) that there is nothing good in our flesh (Rom. 7:18). Paul taught the necessity of the Christian to die to the desires of the flesh (Rom. 6:6-13) daily (1 Cor. 15:31).

One who faces conflict with the Devil must realize that he or she cannot strive alone. The Devil can only be defeated through the power of the Lord (Eph. 6:10-13). Resistance to Satan is accomplished when a believer submits to God (Jas. 4:7).

The child of God can enjoy a life of fellowship with the Lord. While it is not possible to be sinless (1 John 1:8), it is possible for the Christian to enjoy victory by exercising faith in God (1 John 5:4; Heb. 11). Beloved, we must quit looking at the difficulties and press forward!

Sunday, May 9, is Mothers’ Day. The Bible speaks highly of those women who have been blessed by God to bear children. For this meditation, the focus is not to praise mothers but to instruct children. The concept of honoring mothers should not be an annual event; it should occur daily.

Ephesians 6:1 instructs children to obey their parents. Obedience is mentioned before honor (Eph. 6:2). It is not possible to honor if there is not obedience. Obedience is an action while honor is the product of attitude. Children are expected to obey their mother.  Jesus obeyed His mother (Lk. 2:51). Excuses have been made throughout time by individuals who did not obey their mothers. The command of Scripture and example of our Savior indicate that God expects obedience.

The Bible dictates that mothers (and fathers) be honored. The principle is so basic that it is included in the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:12). Honor extends past obedience. Jesus Christ honored His mother when He commended her care to John at His crucifixion (Jn. 19:26, 27). Her continued participation with His disciples in Acts 1 would suggest that the believers were assisting her in His absence. Certainly they had noticed His provision and care for His mother.

Ephesians 6:3 records that God gives a promise of long life to those who honor their mother and father. A close examination reveals that the promise is not just to obtain a long life but a blessed life (“that it may be well with thee”). No Christian would desire a long life of misery. The blessings of God are what bring joy to our existence!

Multiple reasons exist to obey and honor our mothers. Perhaps Paul summarized it best at the end of Eph. 6:1 when he stated: “for this is right”. As Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to preach, “Do right!”

Many people mistake the Bible’s emphasis upon works as a requisite to obtaining salvation. Rather than considering the Scriptures that emphatically declare that salvation is by God’s grace (Tit. 3:5; Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 2:16), they isolate passages that record promises for those who perform labors for the Lord’s work (Lk. 19:11-26).

If salvation is conditional on man’s labor, then the sacrifice and redemption of Christ are proportionally decreased. Forgiveness of sins must not be the product of faith in Christ’s atonement in addition to man’s works because this would logically be an admission that Christ’s sacrifice is insufficient. If Christ cannot provide complete forgiveness for man’s sin, He is not deity. Jesus would no longer be “the way” (Jn. 14:6), but instead He would be the “starting point” of a journey that individuals have to endure and complete through their own efforts.

Works do have an important part in the life of a believer. Labors for our Savior allow the Christian to manifest his/her love (Jn. 14:15). It would be frustrating for a believer if he/she could not serve the Lord. True love motivates one to action (1 Cor. 13). It is the grace of God that He allows us to work for Him and thereby demonstrates our love.

Works are expected in the life of a Christian. Eph. 2:8-10 declare that salvation is by grace, and God has ordained that man should produce good works. A lack of works in a believer’s life would indicate a spiritual problem. If the fruit of the Spirit is not produced in a Christian’s life, the failure might be related to a lack of spiritual progress (Gal. 5:17-24). The works of a believer allow him/her to examine his/her life (2 Cor. 13:5).

Works are a testimony of salvation. God looks upon the heart (1 Sam. 16:7), but man can only view the outward appearance. James 2:14-20 emphasizes that a mere profession of salvation is inadequate. The life of one who has received Jesus Christ as Savior will be evidenced by a transformation (2 Cor. 5:17). Spiritual maturity should come with time, but a change in attitude and direction should also be evident in the life of a Christian. Salvation is by the grace of God alone. Works are necessary in the life of a believer for him/her to enjoy the blessings of God. Works provide a testimony of the power of God to redeem and radically change the life of a person. Our world needs to see Christians who manifest such a testimony.

In Romans 12 the Scriptures define our life of service to Christ. The first verse of the chapter lays a foundation necessary for performing this task. An examination of the verse reveals three important needs in order to offer our “reasonable service.”

First believers are commanded to surrender themselves (“present your bodies”). This presentation is reminiscent of Paul’s exhortation to yield ourselves to God (Rom. 6:13). This action is personal – each individual is responsible for his/her own willingness to surrender to God’s will. There must be a denial of our desires if we are to seek His will.

Next we read of the importance of sacrifice (“a living sacrifice”). It should cost to minister for the Lord. Even though the Lord blesses our sacrifices, it still costs the Christian – time, effort and finances. To those who attempt to serve God without cost, we can hear David’s declaration that he would refuse to offer his Lord anything that did not cost him (2 Sam. 24:24).

Finally, one finds in Romans 12:1 the need for separation (“holy, acceptable unto God”). Jesus told His disciples that no one can serve two masters (Lk. 16:13). To serve the Lord we are encouraged to be clean vessels (2 Tim. 2:19-21). No one is sinless (1 John 1:8), but we must be striving to be separated from unrighteousness (2 Cor. 6:14-18).

Beloved, if we surrender ourselves to God’s purpose; He will bless and use us. If our lives exhibit sacrifice and separation, we will not be conformed to this world but we will be empowered to perform the will of God.

It is a wonderful blessing to know that one is forgiven of sin and reconciled to the Creator of the world. Nothing can compare to having the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). All men are sinners (Rom. 3:23) and worthy of death in hell (Rom. 6:23). When a people are born again, they should go on their way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).

Unfortunately, many Christians wrestle with doubt concerning their salvation. Some fear that they must “stay saved” by their works. It is important to examine yourself (2 Cor. 13:5) and make sure that you are trusting in Christ’s sacrifice for salvation. We must understand that our salvation does not depend upon us; it depends upon God.

We are not “keeping our salvation;” God is keeping us (1 Pet. 1:3-5). According to Jn. 10:29, the Christian is secure in God’s hands. If our salvation depended upon our ability, we would fail. The best that man can do is vanity in the sight of God (Psa. 39:5).

All of our righteous actions amount to a pile of filthy rags in comparison to the Holy Lord of Heaven (Isa. 64:6).

Our salvation is a gift from God, not the results of our works (Eph. 2:8, 9; Tit. 3:5). If people can not be good enough to merit eternal life, how can we be good enough to not lose it? Some argue that after salvation, it is possible not to sin anymore. The apostle Paul did not believe he was perfect (Phil. 3:12). He wrestled with doing right (Rom. 7). The Bible declares if we say we do not sin, we lie (1 Jn. 1:8).

Beloved, we do need to be sure that we have received Christ as our Savior (Jn. 1:12). Christians should live a life that is pleasing to God – not to keep salvation, but to manifest our love for God. But after that, we should rest in His sufficiency and not let Satan cause us to doubt God’s promises (Rom. 8:35-39).

           Two of the brethren were talking. The topic of a third believer came up. What does one say about a person when they are not present? No one would argue that it would be wrong to share a prayer request. But when does a prayer request become gossip?

            Men may try to hide their motives, but God knows and sees all. Webster defines a talebearer as “one who spreads gossip”. He further states that gossip is “idle talk or rumors”. The Bible declares that matters should only be reported by those who are actual witnesses of a matter (2 Cor. 13:1).

The Bible does teach that all gossip is wrong. Prov. 26:20 declares that strife ends when talebearers stop their wrong actions. 1 Tim. 5:13 warns of widows who are tattlers and busybodies (today, men are also found to be guilty). Christians are instructed to “study to be quiet, and to do your own business” (1 Thess. 4:11). 2 Thess. 3:11 warns the followers of Christ are not to be busybodies. It is even more enlightening when one notices that God groups those who are busybodies with murders, thieves and evildoers (1 Pet. 4:11). God does not approve of carrying tales.

            A casual look to the Scriptures would bring one to the conclusion that God wants people to mind their own business and guard their mouths. Nowhere in the Bible does God send His people to spread gossip. According to 1 Pet. 4:11, if we are going to open our mouths, we should speak God’s words, not the gossip of men. We must refuse the temptation of Satan to spread gossip!

            Mark 16:15 is one of the verses in the Bible that Christians refer to when they speak of the Great Commission. Most of contemporary Christianity has relegated the command to evangelize the world to being the church’s Great Omission. Sadly, instead of seeking opportunities to spread the Gospel message around the world, we are content to trying to keep the local ministries viable.

            The local church cannot be neglected. The saying that “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home” is true. We need strong, Bible preaching and teaching centers of evangelism that are actively attempting to reach their own Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). However, we must not center all of our resources on our immediate locale. The mission of the church is to go. There will be a cost to be paid. Going will require the people of God to extend outside their comfort zones. But we need to remember that the Great Commission is a commission! The command of the Lord is not a request.

            When Jesus told the disciples to go to every creature, He was not neglecting any person on the planet. The message of John 3:16 is that God loves the world. If we are viewing the need through the eyes of our Heavenly Father, we will understand that everybody, regardless of nationality, should have the Gospel presented to them. 

            The preaching of salvation to “the regions beyond” (2 Cor. 10:16) is not to be viewed merely as the duty of the church. It is really an act of delight! Have we become so mature in Christ that we have lost the joy that comes from seeing individuals trust Christ as their Savior? Let us pray for a revival. Let us pray that God will open our eyes of understanding to see the wonderful opportunities that He has given to us. May we stop forgetting the Great Commission and start seeking to fulfill it.