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.

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.

The concept of work is not popular in our society today. My father told me when I was a lad that if I would put in as much effort to do my work as I did to avoid it, I would finish my tasks and be better for it. I hope that I have learned some of that valuable lesson.

            The Scriptures mention work early in the first book of the Bible. In Genesis 2:2 we find God finished His work of creation. The Word of God declares that God did His work well (Gen. 1:31). As His followers, we should dedicate ourselves to perform our tasks to the best of our ability.

            Paul wrote to the congregation at Thessalonica to require individuals to work if they desired to eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Work is a part of God’s plan for peoples’ lives (Gen. 3:17-19). When one learns to appreciate the true value of work, he or she understands the intrinsic worth of labor. Work assists in giving meaning and direction in life, as well as, satisfaction.

            We cannot forget that God has promised to reward our work for His cause (Heb. 6:10). The prospect of hearing “well done” (Mt. 25:21) from the lips of our Savior should lift our spirits, lighten our load and lead us to appreciate the opportunity to work!

The Bible teaches that it is good for a person not to speak excessively. Proverbs 10:19 declares that within a multitude of words, sin will be present. The wise man, Solomon, warned people to have few words (Eccl. 5:2). The church at Thessalonica was instructed to be quiet (1 Thess. 4:11). Our Savior encouraged simple conversation to avoid evil (Mt. 5:37).

            Believers are encouraged to witness of Christ (Lk. 24:48) and to declare the Gospel message (Rom. 1:15-16). Every follower of Christ knows that God wants him or her to speak up for Him. But the Lord also wants a balance in our lives (Prov. 11:1; Phil. 4:5). A wise man once reminded his congregation that God gave people two ears and only one mouth – the Lord must want us to listen twice as much as we speak! James said much the same thing when he recorded the admonition to be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19).

            It would do us all well to pray like David did in Psalm 19:14. David’s petition was that God would find the words of his mouth, and the meditation of his heart to be acceptable in God’s sight. May God give us the discernment to know when to speak and what to say.

As we begin 2010, many Christians are considering the concept of making “New Year’s” resolutions. There is freshness about the beginning of a new year and a new decade. The Bible always encourages individuals to turn to the Lord and conform to His desires. Therefore, it would be difficult to find fault with a child of God who is using this time of the year to assist in his/her spiritual motivation.

The only warning that needs to be given is provided for us in Ecclesiastes 5:4: “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.” God is clear in expressing that He does not want us to make excuses or delays in the performance of things which we have promised to Him.

Christians should periodically examine their lives (2 Cor. 13:5). After reviewing our conduct and beliefs, decisions may become necessary to align ourselves with the tenets of Scripture. A vow (sacred promise) will aid the believer in expressing his or her determination to do that which is right. A good idea would be for the believer to write down his or her promise to God and then keep it in his/her Bible as a reminder. It could be used as a book mark for daily Bible reading.

Do not let the fear of failure hold you back from making promises to God. We live in days that lack commitment. This is true of most relationships: family, friends, and churches. As we start this New Year, may we earnestly vow to God to live for Him. And then may we perform it (2 Cor. 8:11)!