Pastor Larry's Blog

The Revelation of God's Wrath, part # 1

2012-02-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

Romans1:18–25 (ESV)

¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, …²¹Foralthough they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him,but they became futile in their thinking…²⁴Therefore God gave themup in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodiesamong themselves,

²⁵because they exchanged the truthabout God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than theCreator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

This passageconnects man’s inability to respond to God as the Creator to God’s wrath. Though God created man to rethink God’sthoughts and recreate his creation because of unrighteousness his naturalinclination is to go the other direction. In this the wrath of God is revealed.

Verse 24gives us the first way that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against ungodlinessand unrighteousness of men. Becausenatural man has chosen to not honor God or give thanks and has begun to worshipfalse gods, God gave them up to in their lusts to impurity. God is not the author of sin and thereforedid not tempt them, but because of their rejection he allowed their lusts to growand they in turn dishonor their bodies among themselves. This comes about because they did not followthe truth, but made a lie and worshiped the created being instead of theCreator Himself. Many have argued ortaught that the wrath is revealed simply in the consequences of sin, that isnot the case. Yes, God’s wrath inScripture is a consequence of sin, but here the construction of the versebrings us to an understanding that the entanglements of sin are a consequenceof the wrath of God as well. Though Godhas given them over to this sin it does not mean that he has forsaken thementirely. Though unregenerate man’sentire goal is to “suppress the truth” he is, to be sure, not entirely successfulin his endeavor and is never as evil as he could be; he is quiteinconsistent. We call this area ofinconsistency Common Grace. It is tothis natural knowledge of God and the discrepancies of lifestyle that thegospel appeals. The majority of men will never come to Christso will not see as Romans 2 says, “that God’s kindness leads them torepentance.”

Romans1:26–27 (ESV) ²⁶For this reason God gave them up to dishonorablepassions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that arecontrary to nature; ²⁷and the men likewise gave up natural relationswith women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committingshameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for theirerror.

God’s wrathis further revealed as women and men choose to do what is contrary to natureand are consumed with passion committing shameless acts and thereby receive inthemselves what is due to them because of their ungodly choices.

Our hopeis that each listening may experience the mercy of God by repenting of theirsin.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton First Word # 76

Sparks highlight 2-15-12

2012-02-17T06:52:00.001-08:00

This whole last Sparks year we have been learning aboutsalvation – our Bible heroes and their lives are pictures of Jesus. They were saved or were used by God to savesomeone else. We learned that Christmaswas when Jesus – God’s Son, God in human form – came to earth in human flesh asa baby. Last week, for Valentine’s Daywe talked about God’s love for us that He gave us that gift of Jesus that whenwe believe on Him, we can have everlasting life. That gift of love took the punishment of oursin, which was death. He was and is our salvation from thepunishment of our sin. Tonight, and forthe rest of the Sparkie year, we are learning about who Jesus is and why He isthe One who is fit to take that punishment and to claim He is God in theflesh. To claim why He is the One andOnly One that can grant us salvation. Specifically, tonight, we are looking at Jesus’ character of Holiness. He was tempted to sin, yet did not. He could not take the punishment for our sinif He Himself was a sinner and He would be no different that you and me. Indeed, we are not perfect as Jesus to neversin, but we can use His example to help us try not to sin. Jesus was tempted three times in MatthewChapter 4, and each of those three times, He used the help of His Father God toresist the temptation. Those words Hequoted were words of His Father, and you know, we have those same words inscripture. That is why it is soimportant to learn God’s words, memorize scripture. These verses your Sparkie works on every weekare the words of God! They can hide those words in their hearts thatthey might not sin against God. Askyour Sparkie why he/she made a STOP sign tonight.

You are welcometo join us anytime at Sparks! You canalso check out the AWANA program at www.fbc.littletonil.org.

Mrs. Jennifer Schroeder, Mr. RogerFox, Mrs. Barb Stein.

Sparks Highlight 2-1-12

2012-02-03T08:18:00.001-08:00

We have learned thus far about manyheroes who obeyed, but there were heroines, too. One such was Esther. There is even a book of the Old Testamentbearing her name that accounts her amazing obedience to God. She was a queen who saved the whole nation ofIsrael. The evil king’s advisor Hamanhad plotted to kill all the Jews. Estherwas challenged by her Uncle Mordecai that she needed to tell the king she wasJew and that her people needed to be saved. Esther would have to present herself to the king without being called bythe king – this was unheard and might cost her life. Mordecai pointed out to her that God may havejust put her in this certain time in history for His special purpose. It was true then and even so true now. Esther pleased the king and thus he extendedhis golden scepter, as an invitation, to her which was the sign that she couldapproach him. Esther was able to saveher people from death after she accepted the king’s scepter (invitation) to inform him of the plot tokill the Jews. Again we see the picture of God’s salvationfor us. He extends the open invitationto us to come, to approach Him. The“golden scepter” that He extends for us is Jesus, and we are allowed toapproach God when we accept Jesus. Andwhen we accept Jesus, we are saved from eternal death – the certain punishmentof our sin. Esther saved her peoplefrom physical death, and Jesus saves us all from eternal death.

You are welcometo join us anytime at Sparks! You canalso check out the AWANA program at www.fbc.littletonil.org.

Mrs. Jennifer Schroeder, Mr. RogerFox, Mrs. Barb Stein.

Reasons for God's Wrath

2012-02-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:18–23 (NKJV) ¹⁸For the wrath of God isrevealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, whosuppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹because what may be knownof God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰Forsince the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power andGodhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹because, although theyknew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futilein their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Professingto be wise, they became fools,

²³and changed the glory of the incorruptible Godinto an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals andcreeping things.

The first reason for God’s wrath mentioned in this passageis that men “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The sinful actions of men suppress or keepGod from being known as He should. Menlove darkness rather than light, so when it comes to truth they do all they canto avoid it and not let it be a part of their life.

Paul continues in verse 21 and says that they “did notglorify Him as God, nor were thankful.” When man chooses to live following his own desires he does not considerGod’s. In doing this, he tries toglorify himself rather than choosing to revere and honor God. He fails to thank God for the life that heallows them to live, for the provisions that he gathers for them, and everyother area of blessing that comes from God. Since God is not getting any credit this man’s thinking is futile orvain. There is no purpose in it, it issimply useless. This results in adarkened heart a heart that has no light from God in it.

In their self-proclaimed wisdom reveal their foolishness bygiving up the worship of God and begin to worship false gods made after theimage of man and animals. This worshipis not always as easily seen as an individual bowing before an idol though inplaces it can be. For many it is simply the worship of self or another thatthey make more important than obeying and revering the almighty CreatorGod. When our ways are better than God’sways and we choose as Proverbs says to “lean on our own understanding” rather thanacknowledging God (Prov. 3:5-6) we have made ourselves God.

Remember these individuals are under the wrath of God. When they suppress the truth they aredirecting people away from the God of the universe. When they fail to be thankful they takecredit away from the great and loving Shepherd who provides all. When they allow other gods to take the placeof the True God they are guilty of idolatry and God is a Jealous God.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 70

No Excuses!

2012-01-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:18 – 21 For the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress thetruth in unrighteousness, because what may be made known of God is manifest inthem, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world hisinvisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that aremade, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor werethankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts weredarkened.

God's wrath is revealed against man that is rejected him.Every man is accountable because God has revealed himself to them. God revealshis attributes through creation and through these created things takes away allour excuses for not submitting.

“Paul’s point here isthat, even apart from His written revelation, that which is known about God isevident within even pagan Gentiles, for God made it evident to them. The Lordtestifies through Paul that His outward, visible manifestation of Himself isuniversally known by man. It is evident within them as well as without them.All men have evidence of God, and what their physical senses can perceive ofHim their inner senses can understand to some extent. The Philistines both sawand acknowledged God’s power, as did the Canaanites, the Egyptians, and everyother people who have lived on earth. The rebels who built the tower of Babelboth saw and acknowledged God’s greatness, as did the wicked inhabitants ofSodom and Gomorrah. All men know something and understand something of thereality and the truth of God. They are responsible for a proper response tothat revelation. Any wrong response is “inexcusable.”

Unregenerate man has “no help and [is] without Godin the world” (Eph. 2:12), not because he has no knowledge of God but becausehe naturally rebels against the knowledge of God that he has. As Paul hasalready attested (Rom. 1:18), sinful mankind naturally suppresses God’s truthwith his own unrighteousness.”^{^[1]}

No one can claim that they were ignorant ofGod. Everyone is accountable to God torespond to His revelation.

David affirmed in Psalm 19 that God reveals Himselfin nature. Psalm 19:1–3(NKJV) ¹The heavens declarethe glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. ²Day untoday utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. ³There isno speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

God’s revelation makes all of us accountable to Him suchthat when the day of judgment comes we will indeed be without excuse and thoughwe will bow the knee and confess Christ as Lord then (Phil 2:10-11) for many itwill be too late. They will be subjectto the wrath of God as it is released.

May you come to know the God of Creation!

^{^[1]}John MacArthur, Romans (Chicago:Moody Press, 1996), 77.

Obedience - Sparks highlights 1-25-12

2012-01-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Obedience to God is very important.We learned how the Hebrew men obeyed God and were saved from certain death in avery mighty way. And because of theirobedience and God’s amazing power of salvation displayed, others – includingtwo very important kings believed. Thisweek we see some disobedience - Jonah was a prophet of God that had a job to do– specifically outlined to him by God. But Jonah was unlike Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as he choseto disobey God. Through Jonah’s running,he boarded a ship going the opposite direction of God’s directions. Jonah wasn’t on that ship very long as hefound himself thrown overboard into the sea. God sent a large fish to swallow him so that Jonah could repent of hissin of disobedience and purpose in his heart to serve God. God saved him from drowning- certain death –so that Jonah could have another opportunity to obey. Jonah did repent of his sin in the fish andpraised God for that second opportunity to obey. God again proved His salvation frompunishment once man repents and plans to turn his ways.

You are welcometo join us anytime at Sparks! You canalso check out the AWANA program at www.fbc.littletonil.org.

Mrs. Jennifer Schroeder, Mr. RogerFox, Mrs. Barb Stein.

OT Illustrations of the Just Living By Faith

2012-01-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Having seenthe connection between Habakkuk and the theme of Romans "the just shalllive by faith" we were challenged and have a greater understanding of thebook of Romans,but our information does not end there. On this side of the story we have the privilege to read of the saintswho endured the captivity, the story of the remnants release, and the storiesof their journeys home. In other words,we get to see exactly how it all played out with the “just” lived “byfaith.” We read the stories and lamentsof Jeremiah, the prophet who stayed back in Israel, the stories of Ezekiel whowas the prophet carried away, the four who refused to eat the meat ofNebuchadnezzar—three of which were thrown into a fiery furnace where fourappeared and the other who was thrown to the lions, all without any harm. We can read the story of Esther. All of these stories were direct fulfillmentsof the prophecy put forth in Habakkuk 2:4 and can be carried into ourunderstanding of Romans.

The connection may not be so obviousat first, but if we keep Habakkuk in the back of our mind as we read Romans wewill so more and more how it relates. The structure of the epistle is such that justification and faith aredefined in a prolonged explanation. Indeed, this is what most of the first eleven chapters tell us. To have in mind the real life examples givento us puts flesh to the bones of what would otherwise simply be doctrinalstatements. They are the life behind thedefinitions. They are the stories thathelp us connect the dots and make direct applications to our personal lives.

It goes beyond this though too. When we look at the end of Romans 8 we canscarcely make the connection between Paul’s words and those of Habakkuk 3. Romans 8:33-39 (NASB)

33Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one whojustifies; 34who is the one whocondemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is atthe right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35Who will separateus from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, orfamine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 Just as s it iswritten,“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED ASSHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”

37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Himwho loved us. 38For I am convincedthat neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor thingspresent, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nordepth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the loveof God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May we each have the faith of these Old Testamentsaints.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/users/churchoflittleton FW # 66

The Just Shall Live By Faith - Habbakuk and Romans

2012-01-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

Paul’s theme to the book of Romans is stated in1:17 in the line, “The Just shall live by faith.” Today this line resonates in the hearts ofevangelical believers some nearly 500 years after the Spirit regenerated MartinLuther while he was in the privy and studying the book of Romans. Indeed this short line rocked the world somenearly 1500 years after Paul wrote it in his epistle to the Romans. But the fact of the matter is that Paul wasmerely quoting words penned some nearly 500 years before he was even born. He was quoting Habakkuk 2:4 which is evidentwhen he wrote, “As it is written.” Inorder to understand better what Paul was trying to convey in the book of Romanswe would do well to have some understanding of the book of Habakkuk.

Habakkuk lived in that perilous time afterIsrael had fallen, and Judah was a weak nation far from the Lord. Indeed, he was a contemporary of Jeremiah;however, whereas Jeremiah focused more on the people repenting Habakkuk focusedmore God’s apparent reluctance to judge his people. He pleads in chapter 1 for God to interveneand stop the destruction, violence, and complete disregard of godliness, andGod answers that Habakkuk will not be waiting long for his answer. The Babylonians (Chaldeans) would soon chargethrough as the chastening hand of God. The idea of the Babylonians, an even more vile nation than Judah, beingthe chastening hand of God was utterly repugnant to Habakkuk who stated such inthe rest of chapter 1. After he hadmade his case to God in 2:1 Habakkuk says, “I will stand on my guard post Andstation myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what he will speakto me, And how I may reply when I am reproved.” (NASB).

Well answer God did, and part of the answer was in 2:4 whenhe said to Habakkuk “The just shall live by faith” or “his faithfulness.” The victory of the wicked would be shortlived, to be sure. One may argue thatthis doesn’t seem like much of an answer, but indeed Habakkuk’s perspectivechanged dramatically. We get to see hisanswer in chapter 3, and the final verses are some of the most encouraging ofall verses in scripture. Habakkuk3:16-19 (NASB)

¹⁶ I heard andmy inward parts trembled,
At the sound my lips quivered.
Decay enters my bones,
And in my place I tremble.
Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress,
For the people to arise who will invade us.
¹⁷ Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
¹⁹ The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.

For the choirdirector, on my stringed instruments.

To be sure, the whole world couldfall apart and Habakkuk’s resolve to serve the Lord had only been steeled.

May we all show the faith of Habakkuk.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/users/churchoflittleton FW # 65

Paul's Debt

2012-01-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:14– 16 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and tounwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who arein Rome also. For, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

In thisverse when Paul uses the word debtor he's not referring to money that he oweshe's referring to the obligation he has to the Greeks and the barbarians to allwho have never repented. This was made clear even to Ananias following thecalling of Paul on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:15 – 16 but the Lord said tohim," go, for he is a chosen vessel of mind to bear my name beforegentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how manythings he must suffer for my namesake." From the time Paul came out of thedesert till he died, he was faithful to this call, faithful to this obligationto share the gospel with those who had never heard it. He recognized hisresponsibility.

Not only wasPaul faithful in his responsibility of fulfilling his obligation. But Paul wasalso faithful that he was ready to go. As we look to the previous verses we seethat Paul had desired for some time to go administer the word of God to theRomans. But in God's will he'd been hindered from doing so. Although God hadnot allowed him to go, he continued to seek the opportunity and pray for theright time. He also continued to be ready to preach to these people at thefirst opportunity he that God provided.

The reasonthat Paul remained ready was because he recognized with the gospel was and is.It is the power of God to salvation to all who believe. Paul recognize that hehad to preach the gospel and that individuals had to hear the gospel beforethey could ever trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Paul clarifies this gospelin I Corinthians 15.

I Corinthians 15:1 – Four Moreover, brethren,I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also he received inwhich you stand, but which also your saved, if you hold fast that word which Ipreached to you – unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first ofall that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to theScriptures, that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day accordingto the Scriptures, and that he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

Paul'sreadiness Paul's responsibility and Paul's reason all centered on the fact thateach and every individual person must put their faith in the death burial andresurrection of Christ, believing that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for theirsin. And that his resurrection proves him to be Lord and gives us hope for thefuture resurrection for all believers.

May we understand the power of the gospel andbe ready to share it with those we love.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW #64

Praying to do the Right thing in the Right Time!

2012-01-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:8 – 13 First, I think my God through Jesus Christfor you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For Godis my witness whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his son, thatwithout ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if,by some means, now at last I find a way in the will of God to come to you. ForI long to see you, that I may impart you some spiritual gift, so that I may beestablished – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutualfaith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brother and,that I often plan to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I mighthave some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

As we returned the data Romans chapter 1, we are going tolook further into Paul's request. Paul in his prayer to God was requesting theopportunity to visit the Romans. His statement in verse 10 and his statement inverse 13 make it clear that this had been his desire for some time. Yet hemakes it all so clear in verse 10 that he does not want his desire to overruleGod's will. Though he recognized the good that could come from his visit to theRomans he also understood that to be blessed and it it needed to be accordingto God's will. One writer put it this way," we must be concerned withdoing things right (management), but we also must be concerned with doing theright things (leadership)." Paul's comments reveal that he was trulyconcerned with both of these areas.

One of the primary reasons for Paul's desire to visit was sothat he might impart a spiritual gift to help strengthen our established thebelievers at Rome. Paul getting to spend time with the Romans would allow hisspiritual gift of teaching and preaching to be used to build their faith and tostrengthen them as a body of believers. But Paul also realized that by beingthere not only could he encouraged the Romans but they through their faithcould also encourage him as well.

In this request we find Paul praying desiring God's will heand at the same time desiring to see the growth the Romans. How often do webecome selfish and our prayers ignore the will of God and what his desire isand forget about the benefit of others and their need to grow spiritually? Whenwe recognize the opportunity to minister are we patient enough to wait forGod's timing?

May our prayerslike Paul's be concerned with the will of God and the growth of other believersthat we might see fruit in their lives.

The Video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 63

Paul's Rejoicing

2012-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:8 First,I think my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken ofthroughout the whole world.

In thisverse Paul is showing the priority he gives to being thankful for the salvationof the Romans. Remember, these are people that Paul has never met and that livemany miles from him, yet he is thankful for their salvation. How often do we asindividuals rejoice when we hear of the salvation of individuals in foreignlands? When missionaries send a letter tells of fiveindividuals being saved do we get really excited? Do we take time to praise Godbecause these people have been saved, that they've trusted in the blood of JesusChrist to cleanse their sin?

Not only isPaul thankful for their salvation but goes beyond that. when he rejoiced thattheir faith was known to many people around the world. In fact their testimonyhad spread to other believers throughout the world. They had apparently stoodup for what they had been taught and the impact was far-reaching. How well isour faith known? Do our neighbors who live across the street even know of ourfaith?

The faith ofthese Romans may have been much like the faith of Chinese Christians today.Christians whose lives are on the line day by day. I recently heard ofbelievers in one particular church that have been locked out of their building.The authorities of the city kept them from being able to rent any properties intheir city. Despite this we are hearing that these Christians continue to meettogether on a regular basis even outdoors in the wintertime. Because ofconstant surveillance of the pastor’s home meetings cannot be held there. The faith of these Chinese people is beingreported today the world over just as the stories of the Roman faith had cometo Paul half a world away. Some of theseRoman believers would some day face the persecution of Nero

Paul movedfrom rejoicing in the faith of the Romans to his desire to go to Rome. He had desired to go for some time as can beseen in verse 13; but he had been hindered from doing so. Paul made it clear in this passage that hewould not put his own desires above those of God’s and would not go until suchtime that he knew it was the will of God. From this it can be surmised that we are to seek God’s will above ourown.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 62

Are you a Saint?

2012-01-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

Romans 1:5 –7 Through him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faithamong all nations for his name, among whom you also are the called of JesusChrist: to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace toyou and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In thisfirst chapter of Romans, we have met the apostle Paul, a bondservant of JesusChrist. He has reminded us of the prophecy that Jesus Christ would be born ofthe seed of David and declared to be the son of God through His resurrection. Continuing on Paul reminded us that throughJesus Christ we received grace. Grace is favor. God chose to bless us eventhough we don't deserve it and could do nothing to deserve it.

God wasgracious in making Paul an apostle through whom so many would come to obediencein faith. Paul makes clear to the Romansthat they were called of Jesus Christ to salvation through the preaching ofGod's word (Rom. 10:9-13) and by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Individualswho respond to the call of God to salvation are called saints. Some believethat a saint is an individual who never does wrong and achieves some greatstatus before God. In reality a saint is one who has been put in a position ofsainthood by God. A saint is one who has been declared righteous, that isjustified. To clarify, a saint is not one that is deemed a saint by the church.A saint is a person that is deemed a saint through salvation by the blood of JesusChrist. Paul was addressed all the believers at Rome who had trusted JesusChrist and Him alone for salvation. The same is true today. Every individual who has trusted in the bloodof Christ to cleanse their sins for salvation is a saint.

Paulfinished his introductory paragraph in verse seven when he offered thisblessing, “grace and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ."His desire was that these believers in Rome would continue to experience God'sgrace in their lives. This grace would come in many forms as they grew in theknowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and conformed to His image. This blessing alsoincluded peace.

Whenindividuals come to Christ for salvation they are no longer enemies of God andexperience peace not only because of this but also through trusting in Christalone for guidance. It is through this life of obedience thatindividuals recognize Jesus Christ as Lord.

Our hope is that you too experiencethe grace and peace of God the father our Lord Jesus Christ.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 61

Acknowledge God's Discipline

2012-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Proverbs3:11–12 (NKJV) ¹¹My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; ¹²Forwhom the Lord loves He corrects,Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

The fourthprinciple we see in Proverbs 3 as we begin this New Year is “Acknowledge God’sDiscipline.” The writer begins verse 11saying “do not despise the chastening of the Lord.” God’s chastening was part of the promise toDavid in 2 Samuel 7:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴I will be his Father, and he shallbe My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men andwith the blows of the sons of men. For those he loved if they departed fromGod’s ways and walked in iniquity they would be chastened even the king. The challenge goes on to not “detestcorrection.” It may be important here toremember the difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline or correction desires to bringback to the proper behavior and fellowship. Punishment on the other hand is payback for what was done wrong.

Disciplineor correction is a sign of God’s love just as it is a sign of aFather’s love. Proverbs 13:24 (ESV) ²⁴Whoeverspares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to disciplinehim. So rather than despising God’s discipline and correction we can bethankful for it rather than like a fool who “despises his father’s instruction”(Prov. 15:5; cf. Prov. 12:1; 13:18; Prov. 29:17).

Just as some children foolishly resist parental discipline, we arewarned not to ‘reject the discipline of the Lord,or loathe his reproof’ (v. 11). Some professing Christians become bitter andeven angry with God when they endure physical and emotional pain. Others aretempted to despair, wallowing in their misery. Instead, we should remember thatwe are children in whom our heavenly Father delights (v. 12b) and that he is sovereignly allowing us to suffer because heloves us (13:24). Thank God that he cares enough about us to discipline us as afather and doesn’t let us get away with much for long. Unlike that of ourearthly fathers, God’s discipline is perfect (Heb. 12:9–10), which means thatyou can be sure that every trial that comes into your life is perfectlydesigned by your heavenly Father for your benefit. It has been said, ‘He willmelt you in his furnace that he may stamp you with his image.’ The psalmiststates, ‘Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word’ (Ps.119:67).^{^[1]}

The promise that comes with this principle is that God’s love bringsmaturity. We are promised that we arebeing conformed to the image of Christ! (Rom. 8:29)

May we all respond quickly and correctly toGod’s discipline and correction.

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 60

^{^[1]} Jim Newheiser, Opening Up Proverbs (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008),64-65.

Sparks Highlight 1-11-12

2012-01-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

Kids and young people can make gooddecisions to serve and obey the Lord – such were three Hebrew young men namedShadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Theyknew that that God did not want them to bow down to the golden statue of theking. The penalty of disobeying the kingwas to be thrown into the fiery furnace. The three young friends obeyed God, instead of the king, and refused tobow before the statue. Under penalty ofthe law, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. But, God did not allow them to be burned oreven harmed by the fire. When the kinglooked into the fiery furnace he saw not three people, but four. The king saw the fourth person, an angel ofthe Lord, sent to protect the three friends from the flames, to save them. That is exactly what Jesus does for us. He saves us from the fire – the Bible tellsus there is a lake of fire that burns night and day for eternity apart fromGod. That lake of fire is the place ofpunishment for the penalty of our sins, but when we accept what Jesus did onthe cross and make him the Lord of our life, Jesus saves us from thatpunishment. We continue to see the planof salvation through the lives of ordinary people - this time, three young men who obeyed andonly served the Lord. Read about them inDaniel 3.

You are welcometo join us anytime at Sparks! You canalso check out the AWANA program at www.fbc.littletonil.org.

Mrs. Jennifer Schroeder, Mr. RogerFox, Mrs. Barb Stein.

Acknowledge God's Daily Provision

2012-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

In Proverbs3:9–10 (NKJV) ⁹Honor the Lordwith your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; ¹⁰Soyour barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with newwine.

Today’sprinciple for the New Year is to Acknowledge God’s Daily Provision. Solomon’s statement in this verse is, “Honorthe Lord with your possessions.” To dothis we must remember that everything belongs to God. Since everything is His we are simplyentrusted as stewards to care for these possessions. We must not forget that it is God that givesus the ability to work for it is “in him we live and move and have our being”(Acts 17:28). As a steward we can Honorthe Lord with my possessions by using them to honor and glorify Him from day today. But the writer gets specific whenhe tells us to “Honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all your increase.” In giving back the “firstfruits” we acknowledgethat God is the one that gave us the ability to earn the money that we have. It is God that sustains our life so that wecan work and provide (cf. Ex. 23:19). The most practical way we can do this is to give God the first cut of paychecks. Although in our society the government maytake their portion out before the check is received, we can write their firstcheck to our local church to give back “tithes” or 10%. We are told by Christ in Mt. 22:21 to “renderto God the things that are God’s.” InMalachi 3:8 the prophet made it clear that the “tithes and offerings” wereGod’s and to hold them back would be to “rob God.”

The promiseto those who will obey and “honor God with their possessions” is abundantblessing in their income. Yet thiscannot become our motive.

One writer clarified this passage by saying, “The word translated‘honor’ (v. 9) literally means ‘heavy’. Such giving shows how highly you valueGod or how weighty you consider him to be. Giving is also an act of gratitudetowards God who has given us all things (Deut. 8:18). Giving is an act of faith.When you give generously, you are expressing confidence that God will meet yourneeds and that you won’t regret your charity.”^{^[1]}

It is also important to give wisely. “Many religious organizations clamorfor money. Some make spectacular promises of worldly prosperity and health fortheir donors. Other people who seek our charity are poor because of theirlaziness and should not be helped (10:4a;2 Thes. 3:10). When you give foolishly, you are not giving to God.”^{^[2]}

Remember, acknowledge God with your possessions by being a good stewardand giving back what is already His.

May we all be honoring God with the thingswith which He has blessed us.

The Video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 59

^{^[1]} Jim Newheiser, Opening Up Proverbs (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008),62-63.

^{^[2]}Jim Newheiser, Opening Up Proverbs (Leominster: Day OnePublications, 2008), 63.

Acnowledge God's Desire

2012-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 3:5–8 (NKJV) ⁵Trustin the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶In all your waysacknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ⁷Do not be wise inyour own eyes; Fear the Lord anddepart from evil. ⁸It will behealth to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Solomon’schallenge here is to “Trust in the Lord”. This trust is characterized by totalcommitment in the phrase “with all your heart.” When I am trusting God I am not reliant on my own wisdom, I don’t “leanon my own understanding.” Rather, I becomefully reliant on God “acknowledging Him” and choosing to do what is pleasing toGod. Our own pride causes us to “be wisein our own eyes.” Yet, when I “fear theLord” I will quit my sinful ways and turn to following His plan for my life. Solomon here is calling for us to live inabsolute obedience and surrender in every area of our lives. Then we experience the“straight paths” or “directed Paths” which are in opposition to the crookedways of the wicked or perverse.

I cannot try to live my life half for my own desires and half trustingin the Lord. I have to get the sameattitude as the psalmist in Psalm 119:113 (ESV) “¹¹³I hate the double-minded, but I loveyour law.” Christ challenged us withthis in Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “²⁴“No one can serve two masters, foreither he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to theone and despise the other.” And thenagain in Mark 12:30 (ESV) “³⁰And you shall love the Lord your Godwith all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with allyour strength.’

The wise person is characterized by continuous contemplation of God anda ready observance of his will, not only in the great issues of life but alsoin day-to-day routine. No matter is too small for God’s attention. Toparaphrase one commentator, it is self-idolatry to think we can carry on eventhe most ordinary matters without his counsel.^{^[1]}

The final challenge in these verses is to “Fear the Lord and depart fromevil.” To revere the Lord and avoid evilgives us a second contrast between our human wisdom and God’s wisdom. Unfortunately, when many people seek counselthey go and find counselors who will tell them what they want to hear. It is rare to find individuals who will seekout counsel based upon the principles of God’s Word.

But forthose who will be follow God’s desire and fear Him they are promised: God’sdirection, health, and strength. Howmany miss out on these blessing because they will not be obedient?

May yourlife be one that is characterized as “Trusting in the Lord!”

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 58

^{^[1]} Jim Newheiser, Opening Up Proverbs (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008), 61.

Acknowledge God's Direction

2012-01-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

As we have begun the New Year many have made resolutions andare striving to change their lives in some way. During the next few days we will look at ways we need to acknowledge Godin the New Year. The principles aretaken from Proverbs 3.

Proverbs 3:1–4 (NKJV) ¹My son, do not forget mylaw, But let your heart keep my commands; ²For length of days andlong life and peace they will add to you. ³Let not mercy and truthforsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of yourheart, ⁴And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God andman.

We need to acknowledge God’s direction or learn God’s truth. The challenge in verse one is “do not forgetmy law”. To forget would mean that I amnot mindful or I do not have a proper response to God’s law. The first step in not being forgetful is toknow, to be “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10) and HisWord. God reveals his law, which is Hiswill, in His Word. Practically Iacknowledge God’s law by reading His Word, putting myself under the teaching ofHis Word, working to memorize His Word. (Psalm 119:11) The positive side of this challenge is “Letyour heart keep my commandments.” Whenour heart, that is our mind and will, is set on being obedient to God’scommands we will want to know these commandments by heart. Our desire to obey will drive us to want toknow God’s Word.

In verse two the writer continues “do not let loyal love andfaithfulness leave you.” This “mercy” or“loyal love” is “fidelity to obligations rising from relationships.” And “truth” or “faithfulness” is that whichcan be relied on because of stability. But when these words are put together they are “faithful love” combined theseindividual words give us a further meaning. The “binding” and “writing” is stressing that the teaching become secondnature, a regular part of the life. Theramifications of this terminology are that the disciple is actually subject tothe Lord, not the teacher, and that the requisite “discipline” is respect andobedience for the Lord and his teaching and not merely for a human instructor^{^[1]}

With these principles come some promises which arelength of days, long life, and peace. One does not have to talk with too many individuals to realize thatpeople desire long life, but even more than that they desire the life they haveto be peaceful, yet how many are willing to get to know God’s Word so that theymight experience it? The second promiseis to have favor and a good name by God and man. An individual may have a good reputationbefore man, but this goes beyond that to having a life of integrity before Godand being pleasing in His eyes. Theseblessings are in opposition to the individual who is not faithful who ispromised in Prov. 13:15, “The way of the unfaithful is hard.”

Our hope is that you might Acknowledge God’sDirection in this New Year!

The video version of this is available at www.youtube.com/user/churchoflittleton FW # 57

^{^[1]} Allen P. Ross, "Proverbs"In , in The Expositor's Bible Commentary,Volume 5: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, ed. Frank E.Gaebelein (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), 916.

Sparks Highlights 1-6-12

2012-01-07T12:54:00.001-08:00

**** Wow! It is great to be together again! We hope you had a Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of ourSavior. We hope, too, you are lookingforward to the upcoming year and for the great blessings God has in store forus. We have spent the last few weeks inSparks learning about the promise of our Savior and His earthly birth. All year, we have been discussing our needfor His birth and life. Before reallyfocusing on Jesus, the rest of the Sparkie-year we are going to learn about afew more Old Testament biblical stories that point to Jesus. One such was Josiah – did you know that thenation of Israel had a king who was only 8 years old? If Josiah were living here now, he would bea Sparkie! Did you know that that 8year old was very wise? Josiah was wisebecause he led his people to obey God. Obeying God is a wise principle to live by and a great New Year’sresolution – if you are still looking for one! Your Sparkie made him/herself a crown tonight to be a reminder ofJosiah, the Sparkie-aged king, that obeyed God. You are welcome to join us anytime at Sparks! You can also check out the AWANA program at www.fbc.littletonil.org.

Mrs. Jennifer Schroeder, Mr. RogerFox, Mrs. Barb Stein.

Principles for a New Year

2012-01-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

As the NewYear rolls by many will be making New Year’s resolutions, yet my challenge toyou today is to take to heart some principles from Proverbs chapter 3. These principles not only will change thefocus of most individual lives, but will also bring about God’s blessingbecause each of these principles comes with a promise.

Proverbs3:1–12 (NKJV) ¹My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keepmy commands; ²For length of days and long life And peace they willadd to you. ³Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them aroundyour neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, ⁴And so findfavor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. ⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean noton your own understanding; ⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him, And Heshall direct your paths. ⁷Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. ⁸Itwill be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. ⁹Honor theLord with your possessions, Andwith the firstfruits of all your increase; ¹⁰So your barns will befilled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. ¹¹Myson, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,Nor detest His correction; ¹²For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom hedelights.

Principle One: Learn God’s Truth (vs. 1-4)

Solomon in verse one says, “do not forget my law, but letyour heart keep my commands.” One has tolearn the law before he can forget it. For my heart to keep commands I have to sincerely desire to observethem.

The promises that come with this principle are length ofdays, long life, and peace (vs. 2). Aswell as, favor and esteem from God and man.

Principle Two: Obey God’s Will (vs. 3-8)

Solomon’s challenge here is to “Trust in the Lord”. Becoming fully reliant on God will cause usto “lean not on our own understanding” but to “acknowledge Him” as we choose todo what is pleasing to God. Our ownpride causes us to “be wise in our own eyes.” Yet, when I “fear the Lord” I will quit my sinful ways and turn tofollowing His plan for my life.

The promises here are God’s direction, health, andstrength.

Principle Three: Acknowledge God’s Provision (vs. 9-12)

God through Solomon here challenges us to “Honor the Lordwith your possessions.” By giving backthe “firstfruits” I acknowledge that God is the one that gave me the ability to“make” the money that I make. He sustainsmy life so that I can work and provide. Since all belongs to Him, I give back my “firstfruits,” whichpractically is the first cut of my paycheck. In Scripture this is at least the first 10% of His provision.

The promise here is abundant blessing in my income.

This article was originally published in the pastor's column of the Rushville Times December 28, 2011. The video version can be seen at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton FW # 56

Bearing with and Forgiving One Another

2012-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Ephesians4:1–2 (NKJV) ¹I, therefore,the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with whichyou were called, ²with all lowliness and gentleness, withlongsuffering, bearing with one another in love.

As believerswho have been called “out of darkness to His marvelous light”, we have a mannerin which we should live. Paul calls usto this lifestyle when he calls us “to walk worthy of the calling with whichyou were called.”

He thenbegins to describe some of the characteristics of this lifestyle, “lowlinessand gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” Al Broom described this concept in this way,“The word ‘bear’ in Ephesians means to be tolerant toward Christians: to bearwith them; to patiently endure their idiosyncrasies and weaknesses; to have aforgiving spirit toward others who may sin against us.”[1]

InColossians 3:12–13 (NKJV) it says , “¹²Therefore, as the elect ofGod, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness,longsuffering; ¹³bearing with one another, and forgiving oneanother, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you,so you also must do.” We are to clotheourselves with these traits. We forgivethose who wrong us remembering the manner in which Christ forgave us. He forgives completely. He forgives and does not remind us of oursin. He forgives and never brings it up again. When we get a true understanding of the forgiveness that we have inChrist Jesus we can more easily forgive others in the same way.

What Paul isdescribing here is sanctification, the ongoing process by which a sinner ismade holy, separated, by God. Forgivenessis just one aspect of that. As we aregranted a fuller and fuller knowledge of what God has forgiven on our behalf weshould find it easier and easier to overlook the shortcoming of those around usand reach out to others with “tenderness, kindness, meekness, andlongsuffering.” And may others do thesame for us.

This lessonis a final installment from “Putting Value in the Local Church.” If you would like to be challenged on many ofthe other “one another” commands of Scripture look back to episodes 32-36 and43-46.

The video version of this can be viewed at www.youtube.com/churchoflittleton FW # 55

[1]Broom, Al & Lorraine, One to One Discipling, MultiplicationMinistries, pg. 61