Everything is Awesome!

In the Lego movie, there was a song used repeatedly by artists Tegan and Sara titled Everything is Awesome. The lyrics in part say, “Everything is awesome, Everything is cool when you're part of a team, Everything is awesome, when we're living our dream. Everything is better when we stick together, Side by side, you and I gonna win forever, let's party forever, We're the same, I'm like you, you're like me, we're all working in harmony.”

While I cannot speak to the meaning of the lyrics from the author’s point of view, I do want to make some simple comparisons with the Christian life and with being a member of the Lord’s church.

First, let us notice that everything is awesome. Psalm 118:24 tell us that “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” That doesn’t mean every day is going to be perfect from a worldly sense or that everything will work out the way you want it. Instead, it means that we trust God and live according to His will. In doing this, everything is wonderful. I can “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! … Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4,6-7). With complete trust in God, we can say everything is awesome.

Second, when we walk in the Lord, we are not alone. In fact, everything is cool when you are a part of a team: Christ’s church. We are told to love one another (Jn. 13:34,35), be devoted to one another and have harmony (Rom. 12:10,16), forgive one another (Eph. 4:32), teach and admonish one another in worship in song (Col. 3:16), encourage/build up one another (1 Thess. 5:11), exhort one another (Heb. 3:13), consider and stir up one another (Heb. 10:24,25), and have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). We are to have unity (1 Cor. 1:10). We are described as the body of Christ, the family of God, the flock, and the church. All of these show us a connection. In this connection, we should work together, serve together, love together, rejoice and weep together, worship together, and stand together. Everything is awesome when we have unity and work together. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1).

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Let’s be honest. Life is hard sometimes. It can be very difficult. The Christian life should not be one of denial and pretense that everything is superficially wonderful. It isn’t always wonderful to suffer health issues, to lose a loved one, to have a tragedy that takes away possessions or friends, or to lose a job. I am not suggesting we be fake people walking around with “positive mental attitude” and not be grounded. What I am suggesting is that when we have the right attitude, when we have our trust in God, when we work together as a team as Christians, and when we keep our focus on being ready for eternal life, the problems of this life will not be to us “the end of the world.” Instead, we can have the attitude of Paul: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). We will be content in life (Phil. 4:11,12). And we will be ready for the reward (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Truly, as a Christian, everything is awesome! 

The Foolishness of Men

Jamie Coots, a Middlesboro, Kentucky preacher for the “Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name” church and co-star of the National Geographic TV show Snake Salvation, died on Saturday night after he was bitten by a rattlesnake that he was handling while leading their denomination in “worship.” He was bitten on the hand during the service but when offered medical care at his home later that evening, he refused the care of the EMS or being taken to the hospital. Less than an hour after refusing medical, Jamie Coots was dead. He is not the first to die in that particular denomination (Melinda Brown 1995) or among those who practice snake handling. He will not be the last if they continue the practice, which I am sure they will.

Why do they do this you ask? Because they have a faulty view of Mark 16:17,18 — “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” They do not understand that miracles had a purpose to confirm the word preached (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:1-4). Those miracles were not done to test God but to prove that the sermon they preached came from God. Those miracles have ceased with the death of the last apostle and with the temporary nature of the miracles (Acts 8:14-17; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Because of their failure to understand the word of God, they have developed a faulty interpretation that cost Jamie Coots his life and will cost many people their souls eternally.

The members of that denomination are not the only people on the face of the earth that pervert religion and The Faith by their own false doctrines. Too many believe God’s ways are foolish and choose their own path. As a result of the foolishness of men, they will reject the wisdom of God laid out for mankind in the Scriptures and will be lost.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 — “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe…but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called…Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Errors of all sorts have been added to the worship and practice by a variety of denominations and religions. Everything from exorcism in the Catholic church, baptism of the dead in the Mormon church, nudity in Jainism, refusal of blood transfusion by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, mistreatment of women by Islam, a variety of strange ideas of Dianetics and Scientology, as well as worship of ancestors by Eastern religions have become part of the worship and life of those following the ways of the world. Snake handling is an addition of men never intended by God to be part of the authorized worship.

Christians are not exempt from additions of false practices in worship. Some have perverted the means of entrance into the church rejected the clear teaching of Scripture that we must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Some have perverted the authorized leadership within the church from qualified men to just about anyone including women (1 Timothy 3:1ff). Some have perverted the Lord’s Supper by taking it on some other time than the first day of the week or by not taking it on a weekly basis (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17ff). These practices are just a few of the departure from the truth of God’s Word but they are just as wrong as snake handling. 

When it comes to worship, let us be a people who worship according to the pattern of the New Testament (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).  — Denny Wilson

Psalm 22

Psalm 22 – Psalm of the Cross

In the first verse of this psalm it becomes obvious that the psalm is prophetic and that it is pointing to the cross upon which our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ was executed. This psalm is the most quoted in the New Testament. Here are just a few where it is quoted: Verse 1: Matthew 27:46; Verse 6: Matthew 27:39-44; Verse 8: Matthew 27:39,43; Mark 15:29-30; Luke 23:35; Verse 16: John 19:37; Verse 17: Luke 23:27,35; Verse 18: John 19:23,24; Verse 22: John 20:17; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:12; Verse 31: John 19:30. This psalm has also been referred to as “A Passion Psalm” because it pictures the rejection and pain of Jesus as He died on the cross for our sins. It has long been thought of as a “messianic” psalm.

At the same time, this psalm deals with the pain felt by David. David suffered much loss in his life. He was separated from Jonathan his good friend. He suffered because of his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. He felt the pain of losing his son Absalom. He almost gave up the throne to Adonijah. He understood both victory and defeat. He knew how important it was to turn to God and trust in Him with a faithful life. Thus David points us to the Messiah, the only One who could save us from sin and give us victory.

Christ bore our sins on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). He had to humble Himself and be faithful until death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-12). His death was cruel and unlawful, but He willing died so that we might have life. In so doing, He realized that separation from the Father so that we might be united with God once again. Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Since there is not a one of us who is sinless or righteous we need a Savior so that we would not suffer the consequences of sin, including being lost and spending eternity in Hell (Romans 3:10,23; 6:23).

In Psalm 22 we recognize the pain and frustration of this world can be taken away by the Savior because of His death on the cross. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus spoke those awesome words, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus suffered amazing pain and loneliness for each of us because of His love (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). If you love Him, you must obey Him (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 5:3). If we can help you to know, love and obey God, don’t hesitate to contact us.

What Do You Dream About?

“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” Socrates

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” Og Mandino

“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Jim Rohn

Each of these quotations from men tells us that we can accomplish great things but we must take responsibility for our actions and our lives. Socrates suggested we ought to be who we pretend to be in our minds. So what do you dream about in your mind? Are you thinking about being an athlete, business man, or celebrity? Do you ever dream about being the one who tells your friends and family about Jesus? What do you pretend to be in your mind?

Walt Disney believed if you set your mind to it, you could accomplish your dreams. It takes work. It takes dedication and determination. But you can accomplish your dreams. Do you ever dream about how you can make a difference in the life of someone who is hurting or suffering?

Og Mandino asserts that if we will plant seeds with all of our might toward those desired goals, eventually we will have a harvest. Are you planting seeds in the vineyard of the Lord?

Jim Rohn made a wonderful statement making it very clear it is up to us to reach our desired destination. If we allow the world to dictate our direction in life, or if we fail to work toward our desired goal, we will accomplish absolutely nothing in life. What designs do you have for your life? Are you striving to be a soul winner, a servant to God and your fellow man, a faithful soldier in the Lord’s army? What are your designs for your spiritual life? Are you determined to know the Bible more fully? Are you focused on steady growth and progress as a Christian? What are your spiritual designs for your life? If you do not plan and work toward that end, you will not accomplish anything for the Lord during your lifetime?

Paul instructed the church at Corinth saying, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). This type of instruction is a wonderful motivation for the Christian to work toward faithful living with purpose and courage. We must have a dedication to keep on fighting for what is right with the strength of character that will carry us to the end in victory (1 Cor. 15:57). We can accomplish great things for the Lord but we must have both a goal and a plan. We will not accomplish anything if we do not have a direction we want to go.

2 Timothy 2 helps us understand the right mindset. There Paul told Timothy that he should be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ (v.1). He was to teach faithful men who would teach others also (v.2). He was to fight the Christian warfare as a soldier focused on the commands of Christ with a determination to overcome hardship (v.3,4). He was to run like an athlete trying to win a race (v.5). He was to plant and work like a farmer looking toward the harvest (v.6). Like his instruction to Corinth saying have a goal for your spiritual work and life and be determined to accomplish it, Paul is telling Timothy that he could do great things for the cause of Christ. It would require strength, hard work, determination, dedication, and focus. With a dream, goal, plan, or focus in life, he could make a difference in the lives of the people in Ephesus and he could live faithfully in Christ Jesus.

What are your dreams: not your physical or financial dreams; but what are your dreams as a Christian? What will you accomplish for the Lord? Know this: if you make the right plans and work hard, you can do it! You can have your dreams come true! — Denny Wilson

Psalm 21 - Rejoice in the Lord

Psalm 21 – Rejoice in the Lord

The 21^st Psalm is a declaration of the wonderful blessings that King David received from the Lord. David received joy, salvation, his heart’s desires, goodness, length of days, and the crown from God. David praised God for the honor God had granted to the king. These blessings came because David was “exceedingly glad with (God’s) presence” and because he put his trust in God. As a result, David rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord (v.1).

We should follow David’s example and praise God for the salvation He has made possible in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; Luke 15:7,10,24,32). There is only one way to be saved (Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15). God desires for all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He does not want anyone to be lost but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Who then shall be saved and be able to have joy in the salvation of the Lord: Those who hear the word of God (Romans 10:17); Those who believe Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24); Those who repent of their sins (Luke 13:3); Those who are baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21); and those who live faithfully in this life (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 2:10). Those who follow the teaching of God will be saved and this salvation brings joy into the hearts of the child of God (Acts 8:39; 16:34).

Sadly, there are many who will not obey the will of God and they will be lost (Matthew 7:13,14). The Psalmist used language that describes the end of those who are enemies of God: fiery oven, anger, swallowed up in wrath, fire shall devour, destroy, and arrows toward them (8-12).

Friends and neighbors don’t wait until it is too late. Turn to the Lord who can save you from sin. Your life will be blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Then as a faithful child of God, you can rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). If you would like help in coming to know God, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to help. Don’t forget to ask for a free DVD.

Accurate Information

Have you ever received a phone call, email or heard someone tell a story telling about a person, an event or some news report proclaiming doom and gloom? I’m sure you have. I am sure we all have. Many times upon receiving such information, I was eager to pass that on to someone else. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I found out the information was not true. In our information age there are many internet sources that cannot be trusted. In fact, some “sources” are actually satirical in much of what they produce. An unknowing individual will read the report and pass on that report as if it were fact. It is kind of like the old game “telephone” where the person at the start of the line says something like “my shoes are red” and by the end of the line the last person declares to the whole group, “he said ‘I choose to go to bed.’” We must be careful not to gossip or spread lies or false information, knowingly or unknowingly.

In dealing with the Sadducees, Jesus had to explain that they were basing their views on some faulty assumptions. They thought they would trap Jesus with a question about marriage and the Jewish Laws/Customs in dealing with bringing up a child for a deceased relative. Their question would mock the resurrection asking, “In the resurrection whose wife...will she be?” To their foolishness Jesus declared “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). They had faulty information causing them to be wrong about the resurrection. They needed accurate information so they could believe and obey.

In Acts 19, Paul traveled to Ephesus and found an interesting situation that needed some accurate information. Paul found some disciples that had believed and been baptized in John’s baptism. They didn’t understand being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They didn’t know about the Holy Spirit. They had tried to do the best they could with what they knew and were even baptized into John’s baptism. But something was missing. They needed to know whole truth. Paul preached unto them Jesus and they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus (v.5). Once presented with the accurate information, these 12 men obeyed the gospel. In order for our friends and neighbors to have the opportunity to do the same, we must tell them about the Lord’s plan of salvation so they too can be saved.

In the previous chapter, Acts 18, we learn of a man who was also willing to obey once he learned the truth. “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue” (v.24-16). When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, the realized he didn’t know the whole story. He needed to gain the accurate information. So they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. We know that Apollos obeyed the gospel and went forth preaching the gospel in accuracy from this moment on because the brethren in Ephesus wrote of letter to pass on to the disciples in Achaia when Apollos traveled to work with them. We are told that he “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (v.28). Apollos had the courage and character to be corrected and make adjustments in his life when he heard the truth. All he needed was the accurate information.

It is interesting that in each of these accounts, someone had to tell the others that they were mistaken. Jesus told the Sadducees the truth, but they rejected the gospel because they did not believe in a resurrection. They chose to follow the false information of men. Paul helped the 12 men know the difference between following John and following Christ. Those men had the courage to obey the gospel and to get busy in the kingdom. Aquila and Priscilla had the courage to take Apollos aside and show him that he was missing some of the vital information in being a Christian. Apollos was willing to accept the message and give his life to following Christ while preaching the gospel to the lost. We appreciate those who will tell others the truth.

Additionally, we understand that each of us has a responsibility to respond to the accurate information. The Sadducees rejected the message of Christ because of their own bias. The 12 men were humble enough to listen to Paul and obeyed the gospel. Apollos, who had so much going for him (zeal, powerful speech, and eloquence), did not reject the truth in arrogance but received the message in submission to the gospel of Christ. Let us be a people who speak the whole truth and obey the whole truth when it is spoken to us! 

Psalm 20 - The Day of Trouble

Wilson’s Weekly

Psalm 20 – The Day of Trouble

Some days are better than others. Some days are filled with excitement and our hearts are filled with a zest for life. Some days are filled with grief and sorrow so that our hearts ache from the difficulties of life. You have heard the expression, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” While it may not always be so easy…my luck is I wouldn’t have any sugar or ice…our outlook does affect the direction of our life.

In the day of trouble, David declared a glorious blessing upon those who call upon our Lord and King (v.9). The Lord will defend, protect, strengthen and remember us, accepting our offering if we do His will (v.1-3). God can make all of our dreams come true (provided they are in accordance with His will). Notice David’s blessing for God’s children: “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand” (v.4-6). My first reaction at reading these words is to say “WOW!” My second reaction was to say, “I want some of that.” Seriously, Our God is a great God and He “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Let’s dig a little deeper…

The key to receiving the blessings of God is that we must first be in Christ for all spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). We must be subjects to the King. Our hearts desires and our purpose should be to serve our King faithfully. In those difficult days, God will help us because we are His children and are living according to His purpose.

Sadly, many think they should receive the blessings of God even though their hearts desires, their purpose and their citizenship have nothing to do with God. Too many put their “trust in chariots” or in “horses” (v.7). In our day, people still put their trust in uncertain riches. They are not aware that “life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). They do not realize that they are lost if they lay up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

If one will remember the name of the Lord and serve Him, salvation is waiting. God will be there to fight for us and help us in our journey. Our dreams will come true because we are living according to God’s purpose. Whether it is a good day or a bad day, our focus should be on serving the One True God. 

You may have thought that the way this article started you would find it reaching the conclusion you see on so many TV “preachers” that if you serve God you will be rich, especially if you send me your money. However, in truth the article reaches the conclusion that is the main theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation: the redemption of man. Our prayer for this community and for our world is that all will become citizens of the kingdom of God with all its reward: abundant life (John 10:10). If we can help you to know God and His plan for men, please contact us. We would love to study with you. We have a free DVD we would love to share with you. Let us know how we can help you grow closer to God.