"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

You’re All A Bunch of Lying Cock Roaches.....OR Are You Now a Mosquito?

I admit it. In this morning’s sermon I called everyone a “lying cock roach.” Everyone in our church is a lying cock roach. Everyone on planet earth is a lying cock roach. Now, who am I to say that? Answer----I’m a lying cock roach too. For those of you who weren’t at church this morning, I better explain…….

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The book of 1 John (1:5-10) talks about people who claim fellowship with God, yet walk in the darkness versus people who claim fellowship with God and walk in the light. According to John the first group is made up of “liars” because they claim one thing while their life proves something else. Cock roaches HATE the light. If you turn the light on in a room with cock roaches, they scatter as quick as they can. They despise the light. “Human cock roaches” despise the light as well. Not physical light necessarily, but the Light of the world--Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus said: "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19 NASB) Do you love the darkness and reject the light? Are your deeds evil? Then you qualify as a “human cock roach.” I ought to know….I used to be a “human cock roach” too. But what happened to change that? Colossians 1:13 happened--- “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. God takes “human cock roaches” and transfers them to the kingdom of light. He changes their nature. He gives them a new life. He makes them new creatures and he turns them into “human mosquitoes” if you will. Mosquitoes love the light. On warm summer nights, they can’t stay away from it. They’re constantly buzzing around light bulbs. They love the light and their love for the light leads them into fellowship with the light and fellowship with other mosquitoes who also love the light. Does that make sense? Would you rather be called a mosquito than a cock roach?

John went on to say that those who walk in the light have fellowship with one another. Christians want to be around other Christians. The Holy Spirit lives within them and He draws them to Himself and He draws them into communion with each other. If you HATE being around other Christians, then you must NOT be one yourself. Some Christians may grade your nerves (I probably do for some of you)….but there will be SOME desire to be with other believers in SOME church if you are a believer. You’re like a mosquito buzzing around a light bulb and you can’t stay away from other mosquitoes. One other thing about mosquitoes…..they live because of someone else’s blood. The spiritual analogy here is obvious. John said, “The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

So, are you a cock roach or are you a mosquito? I know what your thinking….Isn’t there a third choice? No, not really. You’re either in the kingdom of darkness or you’re in the kingdom of light. Some are deceived about what kingdom they're in. They’re cock roaches that think they’re mosquitoes. According to John, some are just flat out liars. They know they walk in darkness, but claim fellowship with God. Then there are the true mosquitoes. They love the light. They CAN’T STAY AWAY from the light. They love Jesus, they follow Jesus, and they imitate Jesus. And they’re not really mosquitoes……..they’re Sheep. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28 NASB) So what are you? Are you one of His sheep on the narrow road that leads to life? Or are you a cock roach who hates the light, rejects Christ, and scurries on down the WIDE ROAD to the eternal torment of Hell. By the way…there won’t JUST BE cock roaches in Hell. Jesus said it’s a place where “the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:44) You better figure it out on this side of eternity? Are you a cock roach that’s going to the worms? Or are you a sheep that’s going back to the Shepherd?…The Shepherd, who IS the LIGHT of the World….May His Name be forever praised…..By the Sheep…..who were ONCE cock roaches.

Everybody Will Worship SOMETHING…..So Why Don’t They Worship GOD?

Acts 19 gives an interesting account of the Ephesian people going berserk over their neighborhood idol, Artemis (aka-Diana). An idol-maker named Demetrius stirs up a crowd to oppose Paul and the Christians because they were teaching that idols are all phony and that people need to turn to Christ. Demetrius and many others were motivated by money. They made silver statues of Artemis and made a fortune peddling them. But why would people buy them? Isn’t it obvious that a “god” made by a man’s hands is not a real “God?” God makes men…Men don’t make God. So why worship an idol? Or why worship at all?

I want to try and answer two primary questions: First--why do people worship? Second, why DON’T they worship the REAL God?

People are born with a desire to worship SOMETHING. Even a casual read of the book of Romans bears this out. Paul writes: That which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20 NASB, also see Rom. 2:14-15)  In other words, there is enough evidence of God from creation and from an internal stamp of the Creator that ALL people, deep down, know there is a God, that He should be worshipped, and they are accountable to Him. Man was created in the garden of Eden to worship and glorify God…and this desire to worship exists even after the fall of man. But when Adam fell in sin, and the world became “sin cursed,” something else happened too. Man in his sinful depravity KEEPS the desire to worship, but SHUNS the worship of the One, True, GOD. So here’s the short answer to the questions: Why do people worship? Because they were designed to. Why don’t they worship God? Because they’re too sinful to. Now if you want the longer version…keep reading.

Ultimately, the reason people don’t worship God is because of sin. That shouldn’t be a surprise to you. But you may be surprised to know how far reaching the effects of sin are. Sin doesn’t just make you “less than perfect.” Sin SEPARATES you from God in a devastating kind of way. Sinners don’t have a relationship with God, and what’s worse, they (you) don’t DESIRE a relationship with God. So don’t buy into the lie that the world is full of sinners who LONG to be saved and know God, but can’t because God’s too mean to let them. Sinners want nothing to do with the worship of Jesus Christ….unless they are “born again” sinners (see John 3). So what makes a sinner NOT want to become a Christian? Sin…right. But what kind of sin?

For some it may just be laziness. You share the gospel and the demands of Christ to turn from sin, deny yourself and follow Him….and people say NO WAY. Following Christ is hard. Living for my own desires is easy. So people choose self over salvation. But some religions DO call people to self-denial, yet are still false. For example, Islam calls people to fast and deny themselves and to pray in a very disciplined manner. If a person is willing to do all of that “hard stuff” why don’t they just turn to Christ? Again, the short answer is sin. The long answer is that they take that longing to worship SOMETHING and they perceive that true worship must take work….so they buy into a “works salvation” in a false god. Out of all the various “religions” they choose the one that seems right to them. They can remain a hardened sinner and follow Mohammed, or Buddha, or anyone else for that matter. Why? Because their sin doesn’t separate them from Mohammed…in fact it unites them because Mohammed was a sinner too. Their sin separates them from Christ. And they have no desire to turn to Christ because of that sin nature. This leads to another reason people don’t worship the true God----their culture.

Go to a “Muslim country” and most people will be Muslim. The same is true of any other religion. This is because people are not JUST sinners….they are also “cliquish” sinners. They want to be like everyone else….and in some countries they HAVE to be or they’ll be disowned. But let's be sure to stay off our American high horse and not pretend our country isn’t the same. Americans are probably more cliquish than any country. We clique up over everything (religion, politics, sports, etc.). Of course we don’t “clique up” over Jesus, because contrary to 3^rd world opinion, America is NOT a Christian country….and it hasn’t been for a LONG time. But that’s a blog for another day.

One final reason I’ll mention for why people don’t worship the Real God. Some people drop out of religion all together. They are secular and say either: all religious are wrong or all religions are the same, therefore it doesn’t matter what I do. They’re ALMOST right. All religious are wrong (except Christianity) and all religions are the same (except Christianity). They’re all the same in the sense that they’re all wrong about Christ and thus all lead to the same eternal damnation. The last couple of sentences sound extremely arrogant to our 21^st century ears. But, like it or not,…..that is the ESSENCE of the teaching of Jesus Christ. He preached a gospel that is as exclusive as it gets. “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except by me.” (John 14:6)

When you read Acts 19 and see the riot that occurred over Artemis the false god, it is somewhat fascinating. These lunatics paraded through town and then gathered at a stadium and shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” for 2 hours. That’s what religions do. They are excited about their god. Is it hard for you to imagine someone being excited and shouting for 2 hours? How about 4 hours? In hard stadium seats? Ever seen a Chiefs game? By the way….I’m NOT joking. The Ephesians were fanatics (fans) of Artemis. They yelled for Artemis. They packed a stadium for Artemis. They were willing to fight for Artemis. Does this type of religious zeal exist in America? Yes….its just NOT over religions that are spiritual…its over religions that are “American.” How many people in this country worship athletes, or singers, or movie-stars? The passion for false religion is alive and well in America….its just not always what we think of as “religious idols.” There’s nothing wrong with being a fan…but is your greatest passion the Chiefs, or the Christ?

All people worship something. Some won’t admit it…but their life bears it out. Some worship “false gods” in the form of another religion (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc., etc.) Some worship false “Christs” (Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Liberal Christianity, etc., etc.). Some worship other things (money, self, people, possessions). Few…very few…truly know and worship Jesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We CAN’T change their sinful hearts…but we can mourn over them. We CAN’T argue them into the kingdom…but we CAN (and are commanded to) tell them how to get there. But realize this…Christianity, the REAL Christianity, not the one of American “ear-ticklers”…REAL Christianity is a HARD message. It won’t “sell.” That’s why GOD gives it as a “free gift.” And ultimately, its only GOD that can change their heart. Everybody’s going to worship something or someone…..WHO will YOU worship?

The “Highlights” of Game Night---Singing, Fellowshipping, and Flying Dinosaurs

What looks like a dinosaur, has wings, has a large growth in its throat, and has something to do with Revelation? Give up? One of the “horses” of the Apocalypse, as drawn by Brian in a game of Bible Pictionary. Wanna try another one?: What looks like fire, has flames shooting into the sky, and is red? Give up? Moses parting the Red Sea, (as drawn by Kolbee). One more----What is tall and has 5 squiggly lines coming out of it? Answer? The Tower of Babel (as drawn by Harold). OK---one more---What do you call an embryo driving a lopsided chuck wagon? Answer--Elijah riding on a Chariot of fire (again, thanks to Brian). Alright, I’ll admit, my art work isn’t any better. In fact I noticed that NO ONE (except maybe Mary Jo) had the ability to draw an animal. They all kind of looked like blobs of goo with legs sticking out and we were supposed to guess if it was a camel, donkey, horse, or pig. But that’s all part of the fun of a roaring game of Bible Pictionary.

Saturday night we celebrated Pastor Appreciation month by having a “game night” at the church. Lynnae served as “game show host” to our modified version of Pictionary. In our game, all of the cards had Bible scenes, and it was our job to draw them, without using words, in such a way that our teammates could guess what it was. Yes, I admit, my team lost: 27 ½ to 27 (or something like that)---Though “Team 2” didn’t win because of their knowledge so much as because of their “bonus points” for singing “Zaccheus was a wee little man.” One thing is for certain---anyone who says Christians don’t know how to have fun should see our church embroiled in a game of Bible Pictionary. If you had walked in off the street you may have thought we were having a keg party---there was laughing, singing, a lot of hollering, more laughing, and even some crying (from all the laughing). So what was the point of Saturday night? The point was a church family getting together and having fun in the name of Christ----otherwise known as “fellowship” or is it “socializing” or is it both?

In Sunday morning’s sermon, I spoke of the difference between “fellowship” and “socializing.” Socializing involves people getting together with other people and having fun. Fellowship is getting together and enjoying one another’s company, in a spiritual way. Socializing isn’t necessarily bad, but its not the same as fellowship. Socializing is sometimes needed. Fellowship is NECESSARY to the life of a church.

In many ways, game night was like the church campout. It was just intended to be fun. There wasn’t a Bible Study or a worship service. But there was a lot of love in the Spirit being shared. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. It felt very much like a “family gathering” which is really how all church functions should be. Some family members have been in the family for decades, others for only months, but they should all feel apart, welcome, and loved. That’s what we experienced Saturday night, and what we need to cultivate more and more in our church. We need the days of fellowship, so we will know and love each other enough to get through the days of trial. Families laugh together…..and when dark days come, families cry together. We’ve experienced both in the past, and we will experience even more in the future. But just think…a day is coming in which we as Christians, along with all other Christians, will enjoy perfect and eternal fellowship in Heaven….with each other, and more importantly…with GOD!

This IS the gospel. Fellowship with GOD the Father, through Jesus the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship with Perfection, granted to people who are completely without perfection. Fellowship with a Perfect Creator, granted to His imperfect creatures. God gives us more, WAY MORE than we deserve….yet he continues to bless us. He blesses us with His Presence in worship. And for those days when we need the “physical touch” he provides us with fellowship in the Spirit, through each other.

Until that day of perfect fellowship in Heaven, we need to enjoy as much fellowship as we can on Earth. We need to enjoy each other’s company. We need to spend time together and love each other like a family. We need to laugh, and cry, and play, and sing together. We need. We NEED. We need…..each other. Its how we were designed. Its part of God’s plan. And when true “fellowship” happens….its beautiful to be apart of. Regardless of whether it happens at a “game night” or a “camp out” or a “carry in dinner” or in the Great Throne Room of our Lord. Heaven is coming. But until it does…let’s carry on in the “fellowship” of the Spirit for as many days as HE gives us together...on the Earth.

ADMITTANCE of Sin vs. REPENTANCE of Sin….Is Salvation HARDER Than ABC?

In Acts 19:17-20, we are told of a group of people in Ephesus who appear to have been saved. After the incident with the demon possessed man and the failed exorcism of the Sceva boys---we read that “Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.” (Acts 19:18 NASB) Magicians were being saved and (it appears) were repenting and turning to Christ.

I think this is very important to point out----We are NOT saved by ADMITTING we are sinners and “asking Jesus into our hearts.” I have heard evangelism pleas numerous times that say things to this affect. As a case in point, perhaps you’ve heard that salvation is as easy as A-B-C. Admit you’re a sinner, Believe in Christ, and Confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart. Sounds good doesn’t it? Its clever, its cute….but it doesn’t go far enough in sharing the true Biblical gospel. Here’s the problem.

Admitting you’re a sinner is a far cry from repenting of your sin nature. I can catch my son picking on his sister and force him to admit his guilt, and even force him to give her a mock apology….but is he REALLY sorry? Of course not. The same is true of us spiritually. Anyone can admit they’re a sinner. But Jesus said,  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 3:2 NASB) AND “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5 NASB)

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Here are some differences between ADMITTANCE and REPENTANCE. Admittance requires only head knowledge. You tell someone what they did is wrong, and they agree with you. Repentance requires head knowledge AND heart affection. To repent means you genuinely feel bad (towards GOD) because of your sin. Admittance requires no conviction. Repentance requires Holy Spirit conviction. Admittance requires no change in behavior. Repentance leads to a changed life. Admittance has no saving power (contrary to the cute gospel presentation above)--- Repentance is required for salvation. Unless you turn from your sins in REPENTANCE and place your faith in Christ as Lord…you will perish.

The ABC gospel is a very “American” type gospel. Many Americans don’t want to be told they must turn from their sin to be saved. They want to continue in their sin and get eternal Heaven to boot. The problem is you can’t reconcile that with what Jesus continually taught. But many preachers (some naively) have taught that all you must do is Admit, Believe, and Confess. Its scary to think that Hell may be running over with people who “admitted sin” and prayed a “sinner’s prayer” yet had NO TRUE change of heart---which is proven by NO TRUE change in behavior.

What about “believing?” We must believe to be saved right? Yes, but we must be sure to tell the lost (and understand ourselves) that “believe” means more than simply believing the truth or validity of a statement. Believe means to “put your faith in.” Saving faith (belief) involves NOT ONLY believing the “facts” about Jesus. But bowing to Him as the One and Only, Supreme LORD of your life. One of the saddest statements you’ll ever hear is to hear someone who just lost a loved one say, “I know they’re in Heaven because they ‘believed in Jesus.’” Sometimes you’ll hear this said of people who clearly were NOT followers of Christ on earth. Yet they and they’re loved ones are deluded into thinking salvation comes by mere “intellectual belief.” It doesn’t. Jesus never said it did.

Confess. What does it mean to confess. Some would say it means to “agree with God about your sin.” Some would say it means to publicly confess your sins. Both could be true. But once again we must realize that mere confession (taking to a priest or pastor, etc.) does not save. We must confess Christ as Lord to be saved. This means our faith MUST be public. Incidentally Biblical public confession NEVER means coming forward at an altar call. They didn’t have altar calls in the Bible--and we don’t have to have them today. People are saved by turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ as Lord (faith). The church ordinance we are called to do to publicly “confess Christ” is baptism. Of course if you’re not “confessing” Christ with your life, then your baptism didn’t amount to much anyway but a public dunking. Baptism is required for obedience, but not for salvation. (Don’t forget--saved by grace, NOT works…but true salvation leads to works, such as baptism). Baptism is scriptural, altar calls aren’t (but that’s a blog for another day). Which is why when we do the invitation, I NEVER say, “come forward and be saved.” You’re not saved by changing locations in a building. I do invite people to come and pray with me, or to come and make a public “decision.” Oh well, I’ve chased that rabbit far enough…

Salvation involves more than “Admit, Believe, Confess.” Salvation involves REPENTANCE and FAITH and it leads to a changed life. The Ephesian magicians gathered up all their magic books and burned them publicly. That seems to be an evidence of genuine salvation. Of course some of them could have been caught up in the excitement and acting rashly. How do you know if they were really saved? You look at their life one year, five years, ten years down the road. Are they following Christ, or are they pulling rabbits out of their hat? Acts 19:18 says they “kept coming” and disclosing their evil deeds. It was continuous. So is true saving faith. We are NOT called to make “converts” who admit, believe, and confess. We are called to make “disciples” who deny themselves, persevere, follow, and if necessary die for their King. Do you want to be a convert or a disciple? Do you want to admit or repent? Do you want to go to Hell or Heaven? Do you want Jesus as your Lord, or do you only want Him as eternal “fire insurance?” If you don’t REALLY love Him, and follow Him, then you won’t REALLY go to Heaven…because you’re not REALLY saved. Sound harsh? Sometimes the truth hurts. But not as bad as eternal judgment does. Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles ?’  And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me you workers of iniquity.” (Matt 7:21-23)

So who are the one’s who are saved? Those who “repented.” Who are the one’s who are deluded? Those who “admitted.” ……. Which one are you?

CHURCH NEWS: Officers Elected, Mike’s Leaving, and I’m Back

Yesterday was quite a big day at church. Our annual church officer elections proved to be somewhat routine (thankfully). All nominees were elected unanimously. That’s what we expected, but you NEVER KNOW when something strange may happen at church. The elections were good news….Now for some “bitter-sweet” news…

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Our Youth Pastor Mike announced to the Youth on Sunday night that he was resigning. While it was quite a jolt to the kids, we know that God has a perfect plan for Mike AND our church. Mike and Rachel will be missed, but we rejoice to see them being used of God in other places as well. They have had several opportunities coming their way, and Mike will probably end up doing something in the area of evangelism. Be in prayer for Mike and Rachel as they move into the next phase of their life. And be in prayer for our Youth Group. They’re good, solid, kids…but they’re obviously saddened by the news. Youth Pastor/ Youth Group breakups are never fun. I remember my own days as a Youth Pastor and the tremendous pain of telling my kids I was resigning. I think it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Its tough for all involved…but the world keeps spinning, God’s still on His throne, and He will lead the way if we are willing to follow.

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This Sunday was my first Sunday back after being on vacation for the past 2 weeks. It was nice to be back in the pulpit (at least it was nice for me, maybe not the congregation). We began our new series on 1 John, and I was planning on preaching through the first four verses…but God had another plan and I spent the majority of the time on verse one and decided to save the rest for next week. Incidentally, last Wednesday night in Bible Study I didn’t get through all of the verses I had planned either---SO, since coming back from vacation I’ve prepared two sermon/ Bible Studies, and didn’t finish either one of them. Of course Wednesday night wasn’t completely my fault----we got immersed in an interesting discussion on “demon possession.” I won’t say who (Marilyn) got us off on that rabbit trail (Marilyn) but I’ll (Marilyn) give you a hint (Marilyn) her initials are M.M. (And her last name is Michels). But I wouldn’t want to reveal her identity.

Seriously, it was an interesting Bible Study and its always fun to see how the Holy Spirit will lead our discussion time. Of course on Sunday mornings I do all the talking, so I have no one to blame but myself…But I like to think the Holy Spirit leads the way on Sunday mornings too.

One more thing of note I’ll mention from Sunday. Debi U. announced that Toy Express would now be run by Emergy-stat (aka--the ambulance people). We will still be able to donate Bibles or tracts, so it’s a “win-win” situation. Thank you Debi for all your years of hard work and faithful service to the children of Linn County. You have a crown awaiting you on the other side…And we’ve got PLENTY of things for you to do around the church starting in January (like writing my paycheck). So don’t be surprised to see me going out of my way to be nice to Debi now.

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Well, there it is. A day in the life of FCC. A new slate of church officers look to begin serving in January. Mike looks to begin serving in a new area very soon…And I just continue to preach until Jesus comes back or the noon whistle blows, whichever comes first. See you next Sunday…

Do Demons Know Your Name?

“Demon” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in our culture. You frequently hear of people who are “fighting the demons from their past.” Or you may even hear of sports teams called “Demons.” Wake Forest University is called the “Demon Deacons”---if you don’t know what that is, then start attending a Baptist church and you’ll soon encounter some. (ha ha).

But seriously----demons are real and exist even today. In Acts 19, something very fascinating happens between a demon and 7 “wanna be” exorcists. Here’s the deal---God was doing some tremendous miracles by way of the Apostle Paul. Of course Paul used this opportunity to preach Christ (as opposed to promoting himself). So, as a result the name of Jesus was being proclaimed. Seven brothers, who were sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva, traveled around performing exorcisms (real or illusionary we don’t know). At any rate, the 7 brothers recognized something powerful about Jesus, and tried to cast a demon out of a man by doing it in the name of “Jesus, whom Paul preaches.” Notice how the demon answers: “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Acts 19:15 (NASB) How humiliating is that! The demon knew Jesus quite well---after all Jesus had made his life miserable. The demon also knew Paul, by reputation. He had heard about Paul and knew him to be a threat to the kingdom of darkness. The 7 brothers? He’d never heard of them, and didn’t really appreciate them invoking the name of Jesus on him--especially since they didn’t really know Jesus anyway. The result? The demon used the man he was inhabiting to attack the 7 brothers. They escaped “naked and wounded.” Scary stuff isn’t it?

In all of the drama of the event, we can easily miss something very important. Demons have knowledge of some people and could care less about others. Undoubtedly, demons are concerned about people who might adversely affect Satan’s kingdom. Would that include you? Are any demons “losing sleep” because of your impact upon their world? I think this idea would scare many Christians. Most people don’t want to anger a demon----my question is: Would you rather anger God? Who are you living to please anyway? Who is your Lord? By definition…our Lord is the one we aim to please…and you can only have one true Lord.

Rest assured demons have no power or authority over Christians. They can make your life miserable---but no without God’s permission. The Bible has numerous examples. Remember Job? Satan couldn’t touch him without God’s permission (see Job 1:12). Right before Jesus went to the cross He told Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Luke 22:31 (NASB) Satan wanted to destroy Peter---but he had to get God’s permission first. Why would God allow something like this? Because through Satan’s trials--our faith can be tremendously strengthened. What Satan intends for evil, God uses for good. (see Gen. 50:20) Satan and his kingdom cannot touch you as a Christian without God’s permission. The question is--are you doing anything that would get their attention anyway?

I think anyone who tries to live for Christ and share the gospel will experience demonic attack of some sort. But demons don’t deserve our fear---after all fear is a sign of respect--and no one deserves our fear (i.e., reverence) but God alone. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt 10:28 (NASB) Who can destroy the body? Man, demons, Satan. Who has the authority to cast you into eternal Hell? God…and God alone. Fear God! Don’t fear Satan, nor his minions. Live a life of faithful service to the Lord and look to the reward which comes from knowing and one day being with Christ. Live your life in such a way that Satan and the demons of Hell know your name….and despise it! Live in such a way that makes Satan want to pull his hair (or horns) out because of your impact upon his evil kingdom. You are one of the Good Shepherd’s sheep. Satan is a wolf who wants to destroy you….but to get to you he has to get past an ALL POWERFUL, MIGHTY, VICTORIOUS, WARRIOR SHEPHERD, who has NEVER lost a battle (unless He chose to of His own accord and even then He was victorious over sin and Satan). Don’t fear Satan! Fear the Lord!

There are two things worse than Satan hating you? One, is that he would be pleased with you (that should be obvious). Two, that he would be indifferent towards you. Remember the demons words, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about…but who are you?” Hopefully we are living in such a way that Satan and his demons would say, “Shane I know…Kevin I know…Mary Jo I know…Ronnie I know…Alex I know…Danny I know…Kodee I know…The First Christian Church of Pleasanton, I know… because they are wreaking havoc upon my evil world by shining the light of the gospel in it.” Or….maybe when demons hear your name they just laugh and scoff saying. “Ha! That person claims to follow Jesus, but he serves our world much more than he does Christ’s.” Or maybe…when demons hear your name….they just go right back to sleep. You’re not affecting them one bit. They’ve got you right where they want you….and you’re whipped. Now THAT’S pathetic!….Are you Satan’s whippin’ boy?….Are you Satan’s prized possession? Or are you Satan’s worst nightmare?…Do demons know your name?…Would they have ANY REASON to? Just something to think about…

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“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers, and world forces of this darkness--against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13

Back on the Blog (After 2 Weeks Away)

We arrived back in Pleasanton on Sunday evening after spending the last two weeks on vacation. Needless to say, we were glad to be back at home. The vacation was nice, but everyone was glad to get back to the “normal life.” Savannah began to get homesick for Pleasanton after about 10 days. She would whine a lot about wanting to go back home. I started asking her if she missed various people in Pleasanton, just to test her. “Do you miss Amber, Lynnae, Kathy, Caleb, etc., etc.?” I named almost everyone in the church and she said yes on all except one. I asked her, “Do you miss Kevin?” Her response: “NO, but I do miss Debi.” Sorry Kevin. But, she was smiling when she said it, so maybe she was just joking…(but then again...maybe not).

Andrew, on the other hand, was quite content in Oklahoma and not really eager to get back. Two weeks of riding Grandma’s horse, fishing, camping, going to the fair, and overall “spoil-ation” by grandparents, aunts, and uncles--suited him just fine. But by Sunday, he too was ready to get back to his friends. Neither Andrew or Savannah said much on the way home, until we got to Fort Scott---then all of the sudden the “lights came on” and they got excited because they recognized where we were. Its probably the only time in human history when two people were actually “excited” to see Fort Scott.

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While we were gone, I did write a couple of blogs. But for the most part I stayed away from the computer. Many of my blogs spring out of my work in studying for sermons so two weeks out of the pulpit left me “blog-less.” But that should change this week. I’ve been immersed in the study of 1 John and I’m looking forward to starting the series on Sunday. What a powerful book! I don’t know if you can study it without being changed in one way or another (encouraged, angered, etc.).

I’ve also been continuing to study the book of Acts for our Wednesday night Bible Study. In this week’s episode---Revival breaks out in Ephesus (Acts 19)--and a demon possessed guy whoops 7 brothers. To hear more, you’ll have to be at the church at 7:30 tonight.

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In closing, I want to say thanks to everyone who “held down the fort” while I was away. It was good to be away. But it’s even better to be back home…….Until next time…

A Foretaste of Heaven………in Minnesota?

Having spent the past weekend at the Desiring God Conference in Minneapolis, I experienced moments that I think were a “foretaste” of Heaven. The conference had a sold out crowd of 3,100 people who were focusing on, singing to, and praising the Triune God. In the midst of the powerful worship and God exalting preaching, all the problems and trivialities of life seemed to fade to the background….at least for a few moments. Some of the highlights for me…

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Voddie Baucham’s message on the “Four Questions all people ask” was powerful. Who am I? Why am I here? What’s wrong with the world? How can it be fixed? --- He pointed out that the world answers these questions much differently than the Bible does. The world says you’re nobody. You’re a cosmic accident (evolution) who is here to do nothing but “consume and enjoy” whatever you want in the world (materialism). The world says most problems stem from a lack of education or a lack of government. People need to be taught and controlled. But what does the Bible say?

Preaching from Colossians 1, Voddie pointed out that the Bible answers the question of “who am I?” by first talking about Christ. (see Col. 1:15) He comes first, rather than us. And we (as humans) are the crowning jewel of creation, not a cosmic accident. We are here to bring Glory to God and magnify Christ in all things. The problem with the world is US. We are sinners and don’t do what we are put here to do. How is the problem fixed? Through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. (see Col. 1:21-22)

Voddie speaks on many college campuses and frequently gets debated by intellectuals who want to know, “if God is so good, then why is there so much bad in the world.” Of course this is a common question among people, but Voddie says it’s the wrong question. When he’s encountered with it, he responds by telling the person the question they SHOULD be asking is: “How can a holy, perfect, and righteous God who knows all the sins I committed yesterday keep from killing me in my sleep last night?” We want to call God into question, and judge Him by our standards…when it should be the other way around. Voddie continued, “How dare we breath God’s air, then use our words to call on Him to answer to us.” It was a powerful and humbling thought.

Tim Keller pastors a church in Manhattan (New York, not Kansas), and talked about how we must assume that the lost culture around us is completely illiterate of Biblical knowledge. Because of this, we often have to start much further back in telling the message of the gospel. This is similar to what I’ve talked about in our Wednesday night study. When Paul spoke in Synagogues to Jews, he had a “starting place” …the Old Testament. But when he went to Mars Hill pagans (Acts 17) he had to assume they didn’t necessarily accept the existence of God and start with God the Creator, before he got to God the Redeemer.

Another interesting speaker was Mark Driscoll who is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I wouldn’t agree with everything Mark does, but I enjoyed his message and agreed completely with his doctrine and much of his ministry philosophy. He strives to be Biblically faithful, and still “do church” in such a way that the unique populace of Seattle can relate to it. He says all Christians are missionaries and should act like missionaries to America…whatever part of it God has planted you in.  Obviously Mark's church would look much diffenert than mine, since a "missionary to Seattle" would be reaching a much different type of person than a "missionary to Kansas."  Of course ALL people are depraved sinners in need of salvation through Christ---but Seattle pagans think a little differently than Kansas pagans.

John Piper finished the conference with a typically powerful message on Joy---telling us that the Trinity has always been completely joyful in one another’s presence, and through the gospel they overflow their love and joy to undeserving sinners like you and me. God doesn’t need us….but allows us to partake in fellowship with Him, through Jesus Christ the Son.

Other speakers at the conference were David Wells and D.A. Carson--both seminary professors--and both highly intellectual. Yet also passionate about reaching our culture for Christ. Carson is particularly impressive---he is one of the foremost New Testament scholars in the world--yet devotes much of his “spare time” to sharing the gospel on college campuses around America. Wells has greatly influenced America and Christianity through his writings. He calls us to biblical faithfulness and bold witness. The church desperately needs both.

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Its hard to believe our vacation is now half gone…its flying by (like we knew it would). We are hoping to enjoy some special time with the kids this week and maybe get some rest. Though “kids” and “rest” don’t typically coincide very much. With that said, we look forward to seeing everyone in Pleasanton again in about a week….Though its kind of hard to relax when you’re a Pastor. The church marches on and you can’t help but wonder how things are going. I’m so used to being in control of the daily operations of the church that it feels weird to be out of town. But I trust all is well---God takes care of His people---no matter where they are….and no matter where their Pastor is. Ultimately Jesus is our Shepherd. And after all…the church is HIS church. He died for it. He sustains it. And He will come back to take it home one day. Until then, lets try to experience as much Heaven on Earth as we can by seeking His presence in daily communion and worship… in Kansas…in Oklahoma…in Minnesota…or wherever else you may be…