I Demand My Rights!

What happens when God asks you to face yourself, to look at yourself and make an honest evaluation? In Matthew 5:38-42, He does just that. Our response? Often it is to explain it away; to come up with another understanding that makes God's Word palatable.

The above passage is very familiar with both Christians and non-Christians. Everyone can recite, "turn the other cheek." Often they understand these words to teach pacifism. However, they miss the point of Jesus' words. God gives permission to fight crime and wage war. (See Genesis 9:6 & Romans 13 as examples.) Also, self-defense is not rebuked.

What then does the passage teach? It teaches us to examine our personal rights, our responses to those that ask of us. In the United States, rights are everything, and with good reason. However, when a culture is created around personal rights, in time these rights trump all others, and any sense of humility and submission is lost. Humility and submission must be taught alongside of personal rights to keep a culture in balance.

Jesus taught these concepts and did so in a way that made the listener consider self and selfishness. He asks us to walk the second mile. A Roman soldier could rightly demand of anyone to carry his baggage for one mile. Jesus tells us to go two. Why? When we go the "extra mile" we are doing that which is not rightly demanded of us. We gain freedom from the moment by going beyond the required. The soldier then must ask us to not do so or accept our gift. The second mile becomes an act of grace. And it gives us, the one carrying the burden, freedom that we did not have during the first mile.
I'll expand this in the weeks to come.
-Mark

Calling All Scrooges

This year I have been somewhat of a scrooge. I sat on the sofa and watched as Debbie decorated the tree. I did all my shopping online in about 45 minutes. So maybe it is true, possibly I am a Scrooge. What then can I do to recapture the magic of Christmas.

Last Friday, I did something that helped. I, along with Debbie and her brother Dan, went to New York City. We had a great time. We window shopped, went to FAO Schwartz, walked around Central Park, ate in Little Italy, and attended the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. I can say now, because of Santa and the Rockettes, I have regained some of the Christmas magic.

What was it that Santa and the Rockettes did to re-ignite the magic? During their show, two dramatic numbers taught me three lessons:

1) Develop the right attitude toward gifting. Often I find that I am a competitve gifter. If someone gives me something, I feel inclined to gift them back with a gift of greater value. What I should do is find the right gift. Santa said in the spectacular, "The right gift will find you." This is liberating, because I do not need to worry about monetary value. In our relationship with God, we find that we cannot out give Him. Once we realize this, the fact that we are free from trying to impress God, then we can truly begin to understand His grace.

2) Quit filling Christmas with junk. Do we really need another coffee mug, candy we should not eat, or knick-knacks that take up space and attract dust? Focus on value, quality, not items meant for the dump or the re-gift drawer. Again in the show, Santa stressed the right gift. The boys located the perfect rag doll, with the help of the Rockettes, for their sister. In our relationship with God, He asks us to give of ourselves (Romans 12:1,2) Maybe this should be our practice in our Christmas giving.

3) Finally, get the focus of the holiday back on Jesus Christ. Recently, I attempted to buy a Christmas card with Jesus on the front. Out of 200 cards, I could only find one that had a spiritual theme. Just because our culture is shifting away from the Christ of Christmas, we do not have to do the same. The final, and most dramatic scene at Radio City Music Hall was the recreation of the Nativity. Through Scripture reading, song, sets, and acting, the good news of Jesus Christ was clearly presented. It changed the entire event and was a blessing to all.

So I think I will work on making Christmas simple, the giving of self, and with a focus on Jesus.
-Mark


Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org

God's Peace

In Luke 2:14 the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." It was this text that started our study and it was the subject of peace that we studied.

In the study we covered the basics on peace. Two of the three points were 1) The Gift of Peace in a Person - John 14:27, and 2) The Gift of Peace in a Response - Romans 5:1. Instead of me taking you through the message, I would like to encourage you to personally study those verses and consider the peace that God offers.

Later that evening, Ricky, one of our members approached me and stated, "It is God's perogative to offer peace." I agree with this statement. According to His sovereignty, God gives His peace. Always, God is the one reconciling man to himself. God seeks to make peace with us. That is His nature. We never seek God out to make peace with Him. That would be against our nature. I'll offer up two verses to make my point: Colossians 1:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

There is much more that could be said. For instance, do you lack peace due to worry or to a known sin in your life? God does not want either in your life. The verses offered above address both. If you live a life of worry, God desires that you pray and receive His peace. Read Philippians 4:6-7. If you are living in sin, either without hope because you have not received God's reconciliation, or as a believer who has broken fellowship with God because of sin, you need to call upon your savior and cast yourself upon Him (faith). I might also add for the believer that has wandered away, develop a hatred for sin. As long as you hold on to the things of the world you will not have peace in your life.

We'll talk next week.
-Mark
Please visit our website at www.wakefieldbible.org

2,800 Opportunities

This week I was pleasantly surprised to learn that our website, www.wakefieldbible.org has received 2,800 visits during the past year. I am smart enough to know that 2,800 is a small number for some websites, however for Wakefield and what we are attempting to accomplish, I find the number thrilling. For me, they are 2,800 opportunities to share Christ, His grace, and Wakefield Valley Bible Church.
Now that I am aware of the 2,800 I am looking with a critical eye at our website to make sure it is accomplishing its purpose, to share Christ and the church with all who visit. So check back in the weeks to come and give me some feedback.
-Mark

An Honest Evaluation

Life is often upsetting. Things do not go as planned. However, if I am honest, if I evaluate my life honestly, then I must admit that I have lived a blessed life. I believe if you would honestly count your blessings you would find that your life is truly blessed, regardless of your circumstances.
Believers often make the mistake of evaluating their circumstances in the same way as unbelievers. We point to our bank account, our home, or automobiles, and say "God has blessed me." We also may lift up family, especially those that are walking with the Lord, as evidence that God has blessed. However, I would say that the Scripture looks at life differently. It does not deny the blessings given above, but puts it all in proper perspective.
Take a moment and read through chapter one of Ephesians. Focus on verses 3-14. What are those spiritual blessings spoken of in verse 3? Well, you were chosen, predestined, and adopted. God has lavished on you His grace, His forgiveness, and His wisdom. On and on it goes until the verses conclude with this thought, "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." Wow, how we are truly blessed!
In many respects my life is not how I planned it. Much of it has fallen short of my goals and expectations. But the blessings of God found in Ephesians far exceeds anything I could have planned. I think I will sit down with Ephesians and count my blessings all over again and name them one by one.
-Mark

Seeing Grace - Acts 11:23

Wakefield is going through an exciting time. We are seeing new families visit. We are seeing visitors stay and join the family. But more importantly we are seeing lives transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ!
What has led up to this time? How did it happen? There are a few things that could have caused this change. 1) It is possible that the body is now comfortable with me as their pastor. Like any church going through a change in leadership, we lost a few. However, maybe those that stayed are now becoming comfortable with me. 2) We are now doing some things right. One good improvement was the introduction of our Bodybuilding class. Bodybuilding 101 & 201 have accomplished their goals. These classes have discipled a small group of people. They have also knit these people together in a small group. We have used it to both teach and create fellowship within the body. 3) People are starting to put shoe leather to their faith. Over the past number of months we have seen several trust in Christ. This is due of course to the work of the Holy Spirit. However, if I am permitted, I would like to add to that the fact that God has been using the believers of Wakefield to accomplish His will. This year a Grow Team led Melvin to Christ. He invited Kevin, who last Tuesday evening prayed to receive Christ as savior. Al took Dan to visit two family members. They put their trust in Christ after Al and Dan shared with them. Samantha has been attending Wakefield on and off for the past year. Finally, Bruce and her boyfriend shared Christ with Sam. (Steve and Samantha are in the above picture) Now we have a new sister in Christ. I could go on, talking about Cindy and Jamie, Al and Dave, and Barbara, Eta, and Jean, but I think you get the picture. People are excited about the Lord and this excitement has led them to share with others.
Two things I want to share that I believe are on the horizon. 1) I believe that The Truth Project, which begins in January, will have an even greater impact on our people. It will be a tough transition for some, the adoption of small groups. But I feel that this curriculum and the small group concept will drive us into an even deeper understanding of our God and even deeper relationships with each other. 2) I believe that strife is on the way. We will be tested as a body in the near future. Recently, I was talking to a pastor friend of mine. He said, "Every time we get to a point in the church where I think things are going to take off, something happens. Because of that we never seem to grow." I do not have an answer for my friend. I do not know his dynamics. But I can take his words as a warning. Something will soon happen that will test us. "Let us be strong, Lord Jesus, and lean on you."
-Mark

What Trumps Grace?

We closed our short series on Marriage and Divorce with this verse, "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." (Romans 5:20) This amazing verse teaches this amazing fact, that whatever sin you bring to Christ, regardless of how base and perverse it may be, God's grace is greater.
I know that some of our divorcees struggled with this series. Although they learned of two valid reasons for divorce, many came to their divorce by other routes. However, what was stressed in this message was the power of grace. God's grace is always greater than our sin.
-Mark

A Good, Better, Best Weekend

What a great weekend! - This past Saturday we had an outstanding turnout for our first Men's Steak Night. It was a great time! 40 men attended and we were ministered to by Dr. Ralph Rice of Good, Better, Best Ministries.

The most impressive part of the evening was the teamwork. Men from within the church and without participated in the setup, the cooking, and the cleanup. I won't mention any names, because I am apt to forget one and then cause offense, but I am in the process of writing each man personally to thank them. Also, we will visit some of our guests in the weeks to come to say thanks and follow up.

Dr. Rice also spoke to the church on Sunday, for both the morning and evening service. Both events were well received, but I think Sunday evening was the best. He, and his wife Maryana, took us through a message on elevator words, words that can be used to lift up or lower others. It was a special evening.

I would like to say that things will now slow down, however with the holidays approaching that is not the case. Please pray for the church as it approaches the Thanksgiving - New Year's stretch. Also pray for the elders as we further plan our first attempt a small groups. We will start sometime in January and participate in the Truth Project.

-Mark

Rediscovering Joy

I have started to read Total Truth, by Nancy Pearcey. I am only in the 1st chapter and am enjoying it. However, I do know it will be a slow read, because I have so much else that I need to read. Looking ahead in the book I noticed title for chapter 2, Rediscovering Joy. I am unsure what Dr. Pearcey will write about in that chapter, but the title did resonate with me, for I sense that the church has lost its joy.
For me the two most important passages in Scripture regarding Joy are found in 1 John 1:3-4 and Hebrews 12:2. Look at the latter, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." What was the joy that Christ saw as He approached the cross? Whatever it was motivated Him to take the beatings, the nails, the torture, and the death. Whatever the joy was motivated Him to endure all that for our sakes. What then was this joy? I think it was that He saw those saved, who would live with Him forever, because of their trust in Him and His finished work, death and resurrection.
Then in 1 John 1:3, 4 we read, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (4) And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." Our joy is realized when we realize that through faith in Christ we have fellowship with God and with all believers. Many walk this world seeking intimacy and purpose. They search for it in many ways: work, education, relationships, and accomplishments. However, the believer comes to know that true intimacy and purpose is found in Jesus Christ. That understanding should bring joy to all of us.
I don't think that Dr. Pearcey will approach joy from this direction, but I do look forward to reading her views. In the meantime, I hope that these two facts: the realization that Christ endured the cross because of the joy He would experience at your salvation, and the fact that our joy can be found in our fellowship with God and other believers, will encourage you.
-Mark

God is a Divorcee

This past Sunday we took our second look at Marriage and Divorce. Two weeks back (we were interrupted by the Missions Conference) we examined marriage. Yesterday we looked specifically at divorce. We examined Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 5:31-32, 19:1-10, Leviticus 20:10; 1 Corinthians 6:15-16; and Jeremiah 3:6-8.

In the end these conclusions were reached:

1. Marriage was designed to be a life-long relationship between a man and a woman.

2. Sin perverted marriage

3. The Bible protects marriage

4. Jesus confirms the original design of marriage and limited the reasons for divorce.

5. Divorce for any reason other than adultery is illegitimate

6. If someone divorces for a reason other than adultery it can lead to further adultery.

7. If someone marries a divorcee that participated in an illegitimate divorce, then they too are committing adultery.

8. Although God hates divorce, He loves the divorcee. Why? Because God himself is a divorcee.

In two weeks we will continue our study on divorce. We will examine 1 Corinthians 7. This will allow us to add to the idea of legitimate divorce. Adultery allows for a legitimate divorce. 1 Corinthians 7 teaches that abandonment on the part of an unbelieving spouse is also grounds for a legitimate divorce. We will also determine what to do if you are in an illegitimate second marriage.

The above notes are greatly abbreviated and may lead you to even more questions. Feel free to ask them and I will attempt to answer. Those that have known me for a number of years realize that the above teaching is a change in my position on divorce. Coming out of seminary I held to a No Divorce, No Remarriage position. However, now that I have had time to further study the topic and have had time to develop an understanding apart from the views of others, I have changed my position.

Pray for our Family Weekend that is coming. On Saturday we will have a Men's Steak cookout. Ralph Rice will challenge the men. Ralph will be with us Sunday as we focus on family. Thanks for your prayers.

-Mark

Missions Conference

On Sunday we started our Missions Conference. Our conference runs Sunday - Wednesday. Monday-Wednesday we meet in the evening at 7:00 PM. This year we have been blessed with three missionary families. They are featured below. Please take the time to read the short bio. I will add some pictures to this post in a day or two.

Greg and Chris Miller (CrossWorld)
have served for over 30 years in Brazil. Their ministries varied from Third Culture Kid education and care to theological education to leadership development. Now they are part of the Source of Light Ministries International Ministries team developing and producing quality educational and discipleship material in 23 languages and in 90 different countries. They have a website: gregandchris.org.

Chris and Joy Konop (Missionary Aviation Fellowship)
Due to the Missions Conference
this week, there is no choir practice this evening.Chris, originally from Maryland, prepared to serve the Lord at Moody Bible Institute. While training in their aviation program in Spokane, WA, he met Joy who was a nursing student at Whitworth College. They married in 2006 and plan to serve the Lord in the Congo using their aviation and nursing skills.

Thom and Carolyn Cunningham (New Tribes Mission)
served in evangelism, discipleship and church planting for 23 years in Austria, England and Scotland. Later their ministry expanded to teaching in Papua New Guinea at NTM’s Interface Program. Thom specializes in partnering with local churches through teaching seminars – “Each One REACH One – Each One TEACH One” and “Opening the Scriptures”. Their burden and passion is to assist churches in mobilizing believers to make disciples at home and to the ends of the earth. The Cunninghams now serve as NTM representatives in New England.

Obama or Not Obama? - That is not the Question

Over the past number of elections, evangelical believers have increasingly become engaged in the political arena. This increase has propelled the evangelical church to a place where the media tracks its voting habits and its positions on various ballet issues. Candidates of every stripe then court this vote, emphasizing positions, and even quietly changing positions to win the evangelical endorsement. I, too, am political. I enjoy watching conventions and debates, and I strive to understand a candidate's position on a number of issues. However, in the pulpit and in my Bible teaching I maintain an apolitical stance. It matters not to me whether a person is a Democrat, a Republican, or some other stripe. What matters to me is whether a person has placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
Just prior to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus warns His disciples that if they live the life of the Kingdom a result will be persecution. Then, before they can catch their breath and head to the hills to hide, Jesus implores them to be salt and light. Believers are to stay engaged with society. We are to make movies, write books, teach in schools (yes, even public schools), lead scout troops, coach ball teams, and of course vote and hold political office. All of this is important. Society is affected not when believers hide, but when they become engaged. That said, whether we write a bestseller or become a senator will have limited impact on our culture. What does make the difference? What activity or office will make a change for the better, a change that will last generations? None of the above. The only lasting difference that can be made is made with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the local church loses its way, focusing its efforts on things other than the life-changing gospel, then society is affected for the negative. Ministries lose workers, various peoples of different persuasions are offended, and those that we should have shared Christ with go without a witness. By all means, go and vote. Pull the lever for your candidate. But after you do, put an even greater energy and focus on sharing Jesus with your neighbor. Only the good news of Jesus Christ can make an eternal difference in our society.
-Mark
For a good article on this matter read John MacArthur's post on Politics, Activism, and the Gospel.

I delight in your deliverance

Well we have finished chapter one of The Song of Songs. I can tell a few things as I look out at the group: They are not a group who easily understands poetry. They are uncomfortable with all this sensual language. They would like a bit more spiritual application. This week I thought I would share some of the applications that we gleaned from the first chapter of the Song.

In 1:2-4 we found that the young woman desired the man physically. This kind of raw attraction is somewhat troubling to some of us because we are aware of Christ's words in Matthew 5:27-30. From those verses we assume that all desire toward physical romance is sin. I feel this would be a wrong assumption. God has placed in us a natural desire toward the opposite sex. Our lack of discipline in the matter leads us into sin, both in the mind and in our actions. Where God-created natural instinct turns into sin is more difficult for me to determine. Where is the line we cross? I will give it some thought and comment later in a future post. However, since the Song makes no moral statements, I too will avoid in so doing.

In addition to her physical attraction, she is attracted to his good character. This can be understood in verse 3 where she praises his name. Like many a smitten person, she probably repeated his name over and over. But it is more that just the sound of his name that moved upon her. In oriental thought, the name of a person speaks of his character. She then is attracted to his character, the person he is on the inside.

Another application we arrived at is found in verses 5-17. Initially we find that the young woman is confident in her physical form. In verse five she refers to herself as "comely" or "desirable." Desirability needs more than self - or to be desirable, you need to be appealing to others. She is confident that her lover will find her physically desirable. We, the reader should be drawn to her confidence. However, this confidence begins to waver as she compares herself to the women of the court. They are probably pale and soft. She is dark and hardened. She begins to lose her confidence when she says in the end of verse 6, "my own vineyard have I not kept." For the remainder of the chapter, as she dialogues with her lover, he focuses his words on her beauty, restoring her confidence. This is a great lesson - A lover should build the other person up. A lover should focus his efforts on lifting his beloved up. The young man in the song does just that.

Craving for spiritual application we took this last idea, of the lover who purposes to build the other up, and applied it to our Savior. When we find ourselves in the presence of our God, we quickly realize that we are not as appealing as first thought. We quickly see our spiritual "figure flaws." However, our Savior is not one to attack and degrade. He does not point at our faults in order to demean and diminish. Rather He lifts us up. As we find ourselves more in His presence we find words of praise similar to the prayer in 1 Samuel 2, where Hannah praises her Lord. Like Hannah we should find our delight and purpose in the fact that God delivers us and raises us up.

-Mark

Watch Yourself

The last two Sunday mornings we have taken a slight turn to the south in order to examine the sinfulness of sin. I believe it has been a productive study, for we are often unaware of the depth of our sin and the height of God's Grace. As we examined the Scripture yesterday, I asked the church to keep focused on God, His Grace, and His Love. In the end I feel we did so.
If there is one thing I thought I would share from the message in this post, it is the idea of how man was originally tempted and how today we are tempted in the same way. I must confess that this teaching comes from a former professor, Dr. Fowler. A few months back, he went to be with Christ. His enthusiasm is missed on this side of heaven.

Mankind was tempted in three areas:
1. Self-Preservation. When Eve (and Adam) looked at the fruit, she first saw that it was good for food(Genesis 3:6). Man has built into him a desire to survive. Like all desires, this can take a person beyond the norm and into sin. Although Adam and Eve had all of the garden in which to eat, they now felt that this plant was necessary for survival. Satan is a creature of habit, or one that returns to what has worked in the past. For that reason we see over in Luke 4:2-4, Satan attempting to tempt Christ in the same manner. Satan appeals to the hunger that Christ must have been suffering and the desire for survival, self-preservation. Jesus did not bite but stated that man's survival is due to every word of God, not just food. Today, we too are tempted in the same manner. You can see this taught in 1 John 2:16 where we see that the world tempts us with the lust of the flesh.
2. Self-Gratification. Returning to Genesis 3:6, Adam and Eve are next tempted with self-gratification. This is broader than self-preservation, for it speaks to the idea of satisfying your own desires, whatever they may be. Satan returned to this approach with Jesus in Luke 4:5-8 when he showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. In so many words, Satan was saying, "worship me and I will give you the desires of your heart." Again Christ rebukes him by using Scripture. Jesus reminds Satan that only God is worthy of worship and it is Him we should serve. Look at 1 John 2:16 and you will see the world tempting you in the same way by offering you "the lust of the eyes."
3. Self-Exaltation. Finally Adam and Eve bought into the idea that the tree would make them wise. In Genesis 3:5 Satan told Eve that the fruit of the tree would make her "like God." She fell for it. Satan in Luke 4:9-12 makes the same pass at Jesus. He wants Christ to demonstrate His deity. Again Jesus refuses and responds to Satan's temptation with Scripture. Look over at 1 John 2:16 and you will see the world following the same pattern of temptation where it says, "the pride of life."
So the world tempts us just like Adam and Eve were tempted and just like the temptation of Jesus. Now that we are aware of such, we need to daily evaluate what is placed before us. Is it appealing to my desires of self-preservation, self-gratification, and self-exaltation? If so, there is only one response, obey the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the same three areas he rebuked Satan (the temptation) with Scripture and obedience. Let us do the same.
-Mark

I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine...

I have enjoyed preparing for our evening series on the Song of Songs. I must admit that although I have read through the book, I never engaged my mind in the text and attempted to understand what this love poem is about. I thought in this post that I would tell you about three sources that I am using for preparation.

First, I am reading Tommy Nelson's The Book of Romance. This book does not attempt to be a line-by-line verse-by-verse analysis of the poem, however, it does develop good applications for the reader. I use Pastor Nelson's applications to help the members of the congregation move the text into their daily lives. I would recommend this book for high school or better yet adult singles. There are great insights into dating, courtship and early marriage.

The second text that I use is Solomon's Song of Love by Dr. Craig Glickman. It is like that of Nelson's, in that it works in the land of application. However, I would say its purpose is different. Whereas Nelson has great application for the adult single, Glickman appears to target the married couple that has lost the spark of romance. Married adults could use this book for devotions or joint study. (Hmmm, Maybe I should suggest such to Debbie?)

Finally I am using Song of Songs by Richard Hess. This is a part of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament. This book dives into the language and meaning of the Song. I have truly benefited from Dr. Hess' work. It keeps the study honest.

In the weeks to come, I will give you some of my thoughts concerning the Song. However, as I close I will offer this teaser. I do not think Solomon wrote the Song. I think that it was written by a woman.

-Mark

The Power Over "I Will..."

D. Martin Lloyd-Jones, in his book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, used Matthew 5:27-30 to address the "exceeding sinfulness of sin." We too at Wakefield Valley Bible Church, have taken this opportunity to study the depth of sin. Yesterday we dived into a study on the depth of sin. This study began with the angelic origin of sin, namely the fall of Lucifer.
In that study I asked the body if they saw themselves in the person and sin of Lucifer? Many commented that they did, especially in the area of pride. A telling moment came when we looked at John 8:44. In John 8:44 Christ is talking to the Jews and the conversation has grown heated. They continue to claim, that first Abraham is their father, and then God is their father. Christ says "no" to both claims, and in verse 44 He points out who is their real father. He tells them that Satan is their father and because of this, they do what comes natural, what their father does.
This is a disturbing commentary on the state of unsaved man. Unsaved man, like his father the devil, makes the same claims found in Isaiah 14:12-14. Unsaved man moment by moment says, "I will ..."
Take some time this week and read through the "I will" statements of Lucifer. Lucifer longed to take over the highest heavenly position. He desired to rule over the angelic kingdom and over all the earth. Lucifer wanted all the glory of heaven. And finally he wanted to be like God, a lie he later told Eve in Genesis 3:5.
For unsaved man the "I will" statements are part of daily life. However, what about the believer? Next Sunday we will study the advent of sin in the human race and further understand the exceeding sinfulness of sin.
-Mark

What True Worship Isn't

In Matthew 5:20 Jesus says, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." We can easily understand that as believers, God has given us His righteousness (Romans 3:22) but those listening at the moment might have found this statement troubling. However Jesus quickly follows up with six illustrations to help all understand.
The first illustration is found in Matthew 5:21-26. Jesus teaches that the one that is angry is guilty of the same sin as murder and deserves the same punishment. However, what really speaks to me is the point Jesus makes in verses 23-26.
In verses 23-26 Jesus teaches that true worship cannot include disunity. When one remembers that his brother has something against him, he is to cease in his worship and find his brother and make all things right. Jesus does not point out who is at fault. It makes no difference if it is the brother or the one attempting to worship. However, Jesus does put the responsibility on the one who remembers to repair the relationship. Later using the idea of a debtor's prison, Jesus teaches that the healing of the relationship should take place immediately, before God begins to judge the situation.
All this teaches me that true worship is about unity in the body. At Wakefield we have an organ. For years it has been broken and cannot be used in worship. I, and many others, miss the organ. However, the presence of an organ will not truly enhance our worship. What will? Unity in the body. According to many, over the last 18 months Wakefield has come a long way in this area. However, I feel that this is something that we can always be working on (as well as every other church).
This week examine yourself. Ask God to show you if you harbor any anger in your heart. If God exposes such, then seek out the players in the situation and make things right. Then you can begin to experience true worship.

-Mark

Taking a Detour

Once we arrived at John 6, I thought it best to study what occurred between chapters 5 and 6. John allows the synoptics to cover this peried. Therefore, we are now studying The Sermon on the Mount. This study will allow us to see and understand what Jesus was teaching during this time and to understand the full rejection addressed in John 6.
Once we finish Matthew chapter 7, we will briefly return to John, only to return to Matthew to examine Christ's parables. What is important for us, is to keep Christ in the center of our teaching, to focus our Sunday AM services around Jesus Christ.
Last week we started FAITH Evangelism training. Our first two students are Ricky and Zane. We had a great first lesson and also a great first visit. Next semester we hope to grow to 9 total team members. This will be harder to accomplish, but I am certain that God is already selecting those that He wishes to attend.

-Mark

Laying A Course to the Future

Wakefield is in the midst of change. Our Missions Committee is hard at work developing our first ever missions policy. It is hard to imagine that Wakefield, with over 80 missionaries supported, has never had a policy. Soon though we will have one. I say soon, but I doubt it will be sooner than January 2009. However, after over a 100 years without, 2009 will seem soon.

Next month Oren and Gordon will go with me to Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg VA for training. I am certain that this training will be of value.

Please pray for the missions committee as they continue in this valuable task.

Also, the elders of Wakefield recently met to begin plotting a course for the future of our church. All agree that although many attend faithfully, Wakefield must increase its efforts in making disciples. The men all felt that we must be intentional in moving people toward greater levels of maturity and service. We just scratched the surface, but will meet again in May to move further ahead in our planning.

Please pray for God's guidance in this area. We long to see people grow in a greater love for and understanding of Jesus.

-Mark

A bowl of chili and the Tornado

Over the last few months we have seen God move at Wakefield in some wonderful and even unusual ways.

On March 8th, we were setting up for our first annual Chili Cookoff when a storm struck the area. Although not officially a tornado the damage was impressive; trees were ripped up by the roots and buildings knocked down. Over at Carl & Debbie farm the damage was beyond the norm.

About an hour into the cookoff word came of the devastation at the farm. Many of our men left the cookoff to help. The women pulled together all of the leftover chili, cornbread, and desserts. This food was taken a central location where those helping could be fed. In the end, the men of Wakefield could not be of much help because the farming community had already responded. However, the food items were greatly appreciated. Since then the family have been faithfully attending Wakefield. We are very excited to have Carl and Debbie. We are also excited to know that because of chili and a storm this couple is sitting under the ministry of God's Word and worshipping Him at Wakefield.

Just prior to this event a GROW team visited and led Melvin Meadows to Christ. The team visited Melvin one evening and after chit-chat shared the good news of Jesus Christ with him. Melvin, familiar with the Gospel, chose to receive Christ as his savior. It was a special time. Melvin served as one of our chili judges just a couple of weeks later. He too has been faithfully attending Wakefield ever since.

Last Sunday, Dave, a visitor since Easter, received Christ as savior. For over a week we could see that God was moving upon Dave. He often remarked of such. But this past Sunday he made certain of his salvation and received Christ!

Please join us in prayer for the Carl & Debbie, Melvin, and Dave as they continue to grow in Christ. Also pray for us that we adequately disciple these four.

-Mark

Blending of Conferences

Life has been hectic these past two weeks. In a ten-day period I attended three different men's conferences. The first was with Stauros Ministries, the second was the Men's Prayer Advance with Christ Life Ministries. The third was the Fellowship of Bible Churches Men's Retreat.

I must admit that by the time of the third conference I was in no mood to attend. However, all three, even the FBC conference, were a blessing. The Stauros retreat predominantly involved men who have struggled with either alchohol or drug addictions. The Prayer Advance was just that, a time of intensive prayer. The FBC retreat functioned more as a Prophecy Conference with speakers from Friends of Israel.

In the end I feel that I benefited from attending the combination of all three. The time hearing testimonies and getting to know the men of Stauros was great. Prayer and fellowship with the combination of Wakefield men made the Advance something special. And the exceptional Bible teaching of Dr. Renald Showers and Steve Herzig was a blessing (FBC conference).

Well now I'm home, trying to get my diet back into step with home food.

-Mark

Grace Upon Grace

I'm sorry for not posting these many months. Life has been busy. However, I should be able keep up with my future postings.

While reading John 1, I was struck by one certain verse, verse 16. It reads, "And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace."

The believer then wakes up everyday to receive another wave of God's grace. The grace a believer received is replaced with even more grace. Robertson pointed out that the Greek is like that of Luke 11:11 where a serpent is given for fish and in Hebrews 12:2 where joy replaces the cross. The image that comes to my mind is that of someone standing on the beach, knee deep in the tide, with wave after wave striking his legs. God's grace is endless and the believer never lacks with what God provides.

The first part of the verse speaks of "His fullness." I looked at Ephesians 4:13. There we find that the gifted people given to the church are being used by God to lead the body to a fullness of Christ. We are becoming more like Christ each and every day!

It seems though that John 1:16 is much different from Ephesians 4:13. In Ephesians the promise is for the believer. In John, I feel that the fullness of Christ is the Incarnate God, who walked among men. The only begotten, He in His fullness, came to man; and those that believe receive His grace forever more each and every day.

-Mark