News & Announcements https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org See what's happening at FBC Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:18:23 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ The Verdict Is In https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-verdict-is-in https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-verdict-is-in#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:40 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-verdict-is-in “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have NOT seen yet have believed!” John 20:29

Eye-witness. First-hand account. Court-side seat. Present and accounted for.

  • Right there when the servant delivered the glass of fresh water and the wedding steward’s face lit up as he discovered that the quality of the wedding beverage had been kicked up a notch…
  • All ears when the royal official begged Jesus to come to his dying son’s bedside yet was sent home with the promise that the boy was living…
  • Uncomfortably present when Jesus broke tradition and took a route to the Temple that led through the infirmary filled with the diseased, afflicted, blind, hopeless sufferers. Shocked as were all present when the dude actually stood up on what moments before were just shriveled stumps and watched him walk off carrying on his shoulder the bed-mat which had carried him for 38 horrible years!
  • One of 12 “waiters” serving the continual supply of bread and fish to the picnicking crowd of 1000s spread across the grassy hillside as far as you could see in every direction. Empty basket in hand returning to where He was continually filling them again and wondering at what point will the supply be exhausted?
  • Sometimes wake up at night and wonder, “Did we really see Him walk over to us in the middle of that horrible storm? Walk right to us ON THE WATER?!”
  • Embarrassed to even admit it, but was one of those involved in serious theological debate about consequences of sin and who’s sin and…But He saw a man…a needy man…a hopeless man. And with mud on the eyes and a command to wash, the man who had NEVER seen was seeing!
  • Still get chills when recalling the moment His very dear friend shuffled out of the freshly opened tomb. Saw Him cry real tears. Heard Him cry out the dead man’s name. When HE cries things happen!

Yup. Saw it all. Witnessed all that and much, much more. But was totally unprepared for the grand-daddy of them all! Word kept coming from one source after the other. Rumors of Jesus’ return from His grave. That He was alive again. But they had beaten Him mercilessly. Then they had executed Him in the most inhumane manner known to man. After that they had speared him and all the fluid of life had gushed out from His side. It was absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for Him to be alive! No way. Could not be. Refused to believe it. They were delusional with sorrow. They were imagining what we ALL wished so badly would be true. But unless I touched those killer wounds with my own hands…

I wanted it to be Him. I genuinely hoped it WOULD be Him. It really was Him! He really IS alive again! “My Lord and my God!”

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with out eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” 1 John 1:1

“Many other signs Jesus did…these are written that YOU might believe that Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God: and that by believing YOU may have life in His name!” John 20:30-31

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have NOT seen yet have believed!” John 20:29

Eye-witness. First-hand account. Court-side seat. Present and accounted for.

  • Right there when the servant delivered the glass of fresh water and the wedding steward’s face lit up as he discovered that the quality of the wedding beverage had been kicked up a notch…
  • All ears when the royal official begged Jesus to come to his dying son’s bedside yet was sent home with the promise that the boy was living…
  • Uncomfortably present when Jesus broke tradition and took a route to the Temple that led through the infirmary filled with the diseased, afflicted, blind, hopeless sufferers. Shocked as were all present when the dude actually stood up on what moments before were just shriveled stumps and watched him walk off carrying on his shoulder the bed-mat which had carried him for 38 horrible years!
  • One of 12 “waiters” serving the continual supply of bread and fish to the picnicking crowd of 1000s spread across the grassy hillside as far as you could see in every direction. Empty basket in hand returning to where He was continually filling them again and wondering at what point will the supply be exhausted?
  • Sometimes wake up at night and wonder, “Did we really see Him walk over to us in the middle of that horrible storm? Walk right to us ON THE WATER?!”
  • Embarrassed to even admit it, but was one of those involved in serious theological debate about consequences of sin and who’s sin and…But He saw a man…a needy man…a hopeless man. And with mud on the eyes and a command to wash, the man who had NEVER seen was seeing!
  • Still get chills when recalling the moment His very dear friend shuffled out of the freshly opened tomb. Saw Him cry real tears. Heard Him cry out the dead man’s name. When HE cries things happen!

Yup. Saw it all. Witnessed all that and much, much more. But was totally unprepared for the grand-daddy of them all! Word kept coming from one source after the other. Rumors of Jesus’ return from His grave. That He was alive again. But they had beaten Him mercilessly. Then they had executed Him in the most inhumane manner known to man. After that they had speared him and all the fluid of life had gushed out from His side. It was absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for Him to be alive! No way. Could not be. Refused to believe it. They were delusional with sorrow. They were imagining what we ALL wished so badly would be true. But unless I touched those killer wounds with my own hands…

I wanted it to be Him. I genuinely hoped it WOULD be Him. It really was Him! He really IS alive again! “My Lord and my God!”

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with out eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” 1 John 1:1

“Many other signs Jesus did…these are written that YOU might believe that Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God: and that by believing YOU may have life in His name!” John 20:30-31

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Free To Be One: The One New Man https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/free-to-be-one https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/free-to-be-one#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:38 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/free-to-be-one Faith Studies Ephesians

“No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”

Wall-builders. Boundary setters. Exclusionists. Separatists. Elitist. Us versus Them.

They simply did not see it coming. In fact, Paul called it the “mystery of Christ,” and the implications rattled the entire world of that day. And the truths of that “mystery” continue to shake up the people of God to this very day! “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” Ephesians 2:13-14

We did not see it coming! It was the small group study to end all small group studies. The ugly outcomes still haunt our memory. A Faithlife/FLOCK group chose to devote their gatherings to a study of a currently popular paperback rather than saturate their fellowship with the life-giving truths of the Word. By the time the last chapter of their group discussion of Boundaries was complete, only one of the couples remained in our church. The rest had scattered, no two couples ending up in the same congregation. Having declared their own relational “boundaries” they discovered they did not like each other very much anymore. It is one of the most painful pastoral memories of our 24 years together. When self-serving souls build personal walls, ruin rises on the horizon!

Posted on the wall erected around the outer courts of the glorious Temple of the Living God in the heart of the city of Jerusalem was this warning: “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.” Fake-news spread like a forest fire and the riot began. Mob-madness resulted in defenseless Paul being nearly bludgeoned to death. The instigators spread the rumor that in defiance of that posted warning, he had brought with him an uncircumcised pagan. Such breach of the barrier merited death in their minds. Only the hated Roman guards spared the Apostle’s life! Acts 21

Africa 1Africa 2

Like President Reagan in one of his most memorable moments, the great Apostle Paul declares, “Tear down this wall!” Somehow, I believe we are going to LOVE our study in this letter to the church at Ephesus. Speaks in a most timely manner, don’t you think?

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Faith Studies Ephesians

“No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”

Wall-builders. Boundary setters. Exclusionists. Separatists. Elitist. Us versus Them.

They simply did not see it coming. In fact, Paul called it the “mystery of Christ,” and the implications rattled the entire world of that day. And the truths of that “mystery” continue to shake up the people of God to this very day! “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” Ephesians 2:13-14

We did not see it coming! It was the small group study to end all small group studies. The ugly outcomes still haunt our memory. A Faithlife/FLOCK group chose to devote their gatherings to a study of a currently popular paperback rather than saturate their fellowship with the life-giving truths of the Word. By the time the last chapter of their group discussion of Boundaries was complete, only one of the couples remained in our church. The rest had scattered, no two couples ending up in the same congregation. Having declared their own relational “boundaries” they discovered they did not like each other very much anymore. It is one of the most painful pastoral memories of our 24 years together. When self-serving souls build personal walls, ruin rises on the horizon!

Posted on the wall erected around the outer courts of the glorious Temple of the Living God in the heart of the city of Jerusalem was this warning: “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.” Fake-news spread like a forest fire and the riot began. Mob-madness resulted in defenseless Paul being nearly bludgeoned to death. The instigators spread the rumor that in defiance of that posted warning, he had brought with him an uncircumcised pagan. Such breach of the barrier merited death in their minds. Only the hated Roman guards spared the Apostle’s life! Acts 21

Africa 1Africa 2

Like President Reagan in one of his most memorable moments, the great Apostle Paul declares, “Tear down this wall!” Somehow, I believe we are going to LOVE our study in this letter to the church at Ephesus. Speaks in a most timely manner, don’t you think?

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Orphans No More https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/orphans-no-more https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/orphans-no-more#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:36 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/orphans-no-more Ephesians 1:3-6

“He predestined us to ADOPTION as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…” Ephesians 1:5 Amazing grace!

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

When our first parents were driven out of the Garden, they were cast out into a hostile world and left to fend for themselves. The Fatherly care formerly enjoyed was suddenly severed and they were left to wander and struggle on their own. From the end of Genesis 3 forward, the biblical narrative is one of orphans longing for a family, for an identity, for a Father, for an inheritance to call their own. Children without the care, protection and provisions of a Father. Orphans alone in the world.

But God…(one of the greatest studies one could do in the scriptures…"but God…") is committed to creating a family. His One and only begotten Son would have brothers and sisters. Orphans in the world would finally have a home, a name, an inheritance, a Father. He determined that He would stubbornly create a family that would represent all the different peoples of His world. They would come into His household from every tribe, every language, every continent, every social strata, every imaginable color of skin and background of culture. He would personally adopt each and every one of them and give each and every one of them the very same privileges and provisions that presently belonged to His One and only Son. In His family there would be amazing diversity. Their language would be different. The color of their skin would be different. Their ancestry would be different. But they WOULD have one thing in common. They would each of every one of them have one Father!

One of the grandest themes woven into the fabric of scripture is the portrait of “adoption.” With amazing clarity it describes the wonder of our salvation, our rescue, our identity. It displays the unconditional love of God as Father and expresses His sheer willpower in creating for Himself a family, a family whom He is proud to call “His children.”

Nowhere is this amazing portrait so clearly painted as in the story of new King David embracing the sole surviving son of his very best friend. In a desperate attempt to run and hide the orphaned son of Jonathan out of fear of execution as the sole heir to the throne of Israel, the nanny dropped the little one, and he was crippled for life. In the presence of kings of that day, no invalid was permitted an audience. Mephibosheth would be a beggar for life, IF he survived the purging of the heirs of Saul. His identity was gone. His inheritance was gone. Any resource for survival had been taken away. He was an orphan alone in the world. But David…

“Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you…and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly...So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table as one of the king’s sons...Now he was lame in both feet!” 2 Samuel 9 There was a cripple at the table of the king…he was adopted into the family as one of their own. That was amazing grace!

Africa3Africa4b“We have closed the orphanages and have taken the children into the homes of our church families. Because if the children grow up in orphanages they never learn what a true family is to be, what a proper father is and how a mother cares. So we closed our orphanages and have made the orphans as our own children.” And Pastor Joseph meant what he said. We stepped into the empty rooms where parentless children had once slept. The former dormitories where empty, the children were gone. They had been welcomed into families and were no longer without identity. Suddenly they had an inheritance. They were orphans no more!

“He predestined us to ADOPTION as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…” Ephesians 1:5 Amazing grace!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

 

 

]]>
Ephesians 1:3-6

“He predestined us to ADOPTION as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…” Ephesians 1:5 Amazing grace!

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

When our first parents were driven out of the Garden, they were cast out into a hostile world and left to fend for themselves. The Fatherly care formerly enjoyed was suddenly severed and they were left to wander and struggle on their own. From the end of Genesis 3 forward, the biblical narrative is one of orphans longing for a family, for an identity, for a Father, for an inheritance to call their own. Children without the care, protection and provisions of a Father. Orphans alone in the world.

But God…(one of the greatest studies one could do in the scriptures…"but God…") is committed to creating a family. His One and only begotten Son would have brothers and sisters. Orphans in the world would finally have a home, a name, an inheritance, a Father. He determined that He would stubbornly create a family that would represent all the different peoples of His world. They would come into His household from every tribe, every language, every continent, every social strata, every imaginable color of skin and background of culture. He would personally adopt each and every one of them and give each and every one of them the very same privileges and provisions that presently belonged to His One and only Son. In His family there would be amazing diversity. Their language would be different. The color of their skin would be different. Their ancestry would be different. But they WOULD have one thing in common. They would each of every one of them have one Father!

One of the grandest themes woven into the fabric of scripture is the portrait of “adoption.” With amazing clarity it describes the wonder of our salvation, our rescue, our identity. It displays the unconditional love of God as Father and expresses His sheer willpower in creating for Himself a family, a family whom He is proud to call “His children.”

Nowhere is this amazing portrait so clearly painted as in the story of new King David embracing the sole surviving son of his very best friend. In a desperate attempt to run and hide the orphaned son of Jonathan out of fear of execution as the sole heir to the throne of Israel, the nanny dropped the little one, and he was crippled for life. In the presence of kings of that day, no invalid was permitted an audience. Mephibosheth would be a beggar for life, IF he survived the purging of the heirs of Saul. His identity was gone. His inheritance was gone. Any resource for survival had been taken away. He was an orphan alone in the world. But David…

“Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you…and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly...So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table as one of the king’s sons...Now he was lame in both feet!” 2 Samuel 9 There was a cripple at the table of the king…he was adopted into the family as one of their own. That was amazing grace!

Africa3Africa4b“We have closed the orphanages and have taken the children into the homes of our church families. Because if the children grow up in orphanages they never learn what a true family is to be, what a proper father is and how a mother cares. So we closed our orphanages and have made the orphans as our own children.” And Pastor Joseph meant what he said. We stepped into the empty rooms where parentless children had once slept. The former dormitories where empty, the children were gone. They had been welcomed into families and were no longer without identity. Suddenly they had an inheritance. They were orphans no more!

“He predestined us to ADOPTION as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…” Ephesians 1:5 Amazing grace!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

 

 

]]>
Deliverance: It's All About Him https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/deliverance-its-all-about-him https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/deliverance-its-all-about-him#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:33 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/deliverance-its-all-about-him Ephesians 1:3-14

It was not a day of joy. It was an annual event both dreaded and anticipated. It was dreaded in that the day would begin with the painful reminder of all the many, many ways that you had failed. The times you doubted the Lord. The times you coveted your neighbors good fortunes. Those moments when shading the truth seemed more expedient than clear honesty. The days when you were so angry at your brother/sister that, IF it had been permissible, you might have snuffed them out! The fleeting flirtations. The continual temptation to doubt the presence and power of the Lord and were drawn to divert your confidence to lifeless idols. The harsh words spoken to your family when the heat and weariness of the day overwhelmed you. No, it was not at first a day of joy.

And it got messy quickly. First the bull was slaughtered and then a male goat. The blood was collected and the carcass incinerated. The blood was taken, along with coals from the altar fire and incense, inside the tent, out of sight for all who stood solemnly near-by. There the people’s representative would sprinkle the blood on the Mercy Seat that covered the Ark of the Covenant. Almost breathlessly the gathered masses waited to see if the priest returned. Had God accepted the sacrifice?

Then the two goats. The sadness and sorrow was almost more than could be endured. The lot was cast and one was chosen to die as the sin offering. The other was to be led away to die alone in the wilderness. It would have been so quiet you could have heard a feather fall on the wilderness earth. Your head would drop and your heart would break as you heard the priest call out the sins of your people. You found yourself saying, “Why does he need to point out ME? Why does he have to declare to the whole world MY failures, MY offenses, MY transgressions? Why ME?” It was of little comfort to your soul that you were not alone. For in the hearing of the rehearsing of the many sins committed in the days preceding, your soul never felt so alone!

But then the sacrificial substitute died. YOU should have died. The lamb was totally innocent but you knew YOU were certifiably guilty. Still, the innocent lamb died the death you deserved to die. And when it died, your heart again began to live. Sins forgiven. ALL your vile sins forgiven! You watched as they led away into the wilderness the scapegoat. It was YOUR sins that had been called out as the priest laid his hands on its head. But now it went outside the camp to die alone with YOUR sins upon it. And suddenly your heart was alive again. Atonement made. Penalty paid. They had died so that YOU could live!

It began as a dark and depressing day. But by the end of the Day of Atonement it was as though the sun had begun to shine with a never-before brightness. The Day of Atonement. Your heart set free!

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace!” Ephesians 1:7 Our hearts can live again!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Ephesians 1:3-14

It was not a day of joy. It was an annual event both dreaded and anticipated. It was dreaded in that the day would begin with the painful reminder of all the many, many ways that you had failed. The times you doubted the Lord. The times you coveted your neighbors good fortunes. Those moments when shading the truth seemed more expedient than clear honesty. The days when you were so angry at your brother/sister that, IF it had been permissible, you might have snuffed them out! The fleeting flirtations. The continual temptation to doubt the presence and power of the Lord and were drawn to divert your confidence to lifeless idols. The harsh words spoken to your family when the heat and weariness of the day overwhelmed you. No, it was not at first a day of joy.

And it got messy quickly. First the bull was slaughtered and then a male goat. The blood was collected and the carcass incinerated. The blood was taken, along with coals from the altar fire and incense, inside the tent, out of sight for all who stood solemnly near-by. There the people’s representative would sprinkle the blood on the Mercy Seat that covered the Ark of the Covenant. Almost breathlessly the gathered masses waited to see if the priest returned. Had God accepted the sacrifice?

Then the two goats. The sadness and sorrow was almost more than could be endured. The lot was cast and one was chosen to die as the sin offering. The other was to be led away to die alone in the wilderness. It would have been so quiet you could have heard a feather fall on the wilderness earth. Your head would drop and your heart would break as you heard the priest call out the sins of your people. You found yourself saying, “Why does he need to point out ME? Why does he have to declare to the whole world MY failures, MY offenses, MY transgressions? Why ME?” It was of little comfort to your soul that you were not alone. For in the hearing of the rehearsing of the many sins committed in the days preceding, your soul never felt so alone!

But then the sacrificial substitute died. YOU should have died. The lamb was totally innocent but you knew YOU were certifiably guilty. Still, the innocent lamb died the death you deserved to die. And when it died, your heart again began to live. Sins forgiven. ALL your vile sins forgiven! You watched as they led away into the wilderness the scapegoat. It was YOUR sins that had been called out as the priest laid his hands on its head. But now it went outside the camp to die alone with YOUR sins upon it. And suddenly your heart was alive again. Atonement made. Penalty paid. They had died so that YOU could live!

It began as a dark and depressing day. But by the end of the Day of Atonement it was as though the sun had begun to shine with a never-before brightness. The Day of Atonement. Your heart set free!

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace!” Ephesians 1:7 Our hearts can live again!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
What Heart-Eyes See https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/what-heart-eyes-see https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/what-heart-eyes-see#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:30 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/what-heart-eyes-see Ephesians 1:15-23

We were not alone when we laughed out loud at what the preacher was saying. “Why is it,” he asked, “that we think that in order to appear ‘Christian’ in our decaying culture we have to be marked by our symbols? We have ‘Christian coffee shops’ and ‘Christian jewelry’ and ‘Christian bookstores’ and ‘Christian t-shirts’ and we even want our underwear to have the ‘Jesus fish’ label on them! Hey, this pastor is giving all you Christians permission to wear Fruit of the Loom!” And at that we, along with the 100s of others worshipping with us, could not help but laugh out loud. ☺

God was building a monument in sin-city Ephesus that would display His incomparable glory and His superior wisdom. He was erecting a temple to His own honor in the shadow of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But rather than marble pillars and gold-plated altars, His was being constructed with the lives of certifiably un-save-able sinners whom He had purchased out of their slavery to idols and fear and addictions and other forms of ungodliness. He was setting up an exhibit of His rescuing grace. God was building a Church! But His Church would not be identified by its symbols or its political activities or cultural commentary or its pious isolationism. No, His Temple would be recognized by two unmistakable characteristics.

The marks of His work in the lives of the redeemed sinners now declared to be saints would be these:

  1. Their unshakable loyalty to Jesus Christ
  2. Their non-discriminating love for ALL those whom Christ had rescued

A true Church is marked by a double love…its love for Christ and its love for men. Jesus declared it to be the Great Commandment that fulfilled every other commandment. “Love the Lord your God…and love your neighbor as yourself.”

So…we will not be seen as Christian simply because we have a chrome “fish” attached to our car, or a gold cross hanging around our neck, or restricting our java consumption to shops owned by and frequented by other Christians. It won’t be the logos on our t-shirts or the labels on our underwear ☺ but it will be the observable and undeniable passion we have for knowing Jesus deeper and deeper while extending His love for others in increasingly costly ways.

Or in the words of Jesus, “By this will all men know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another!” John 13:35

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward ALL the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you…” Ephesians 1:15

They will know we are Christians by our double love. That’s not something to laugh about!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Ephesians 1:15-23

We were not alone when we laughed out loud at what the preacher was saying. “Why is it,” he asked, “that we think that in order to appear ‘Christian’ in our decaying culture we have to be marked by our symbols? We have ‘Christian coffee shops’ and ‘Christian jewelry’ and ‘Christian bookstores’ and ‘Christian t-shirts’ and we even want our underwear to have the ‘Jesus fish’ label on them! Hey, this pastor is giving all you Christians permission to wear Fruit of the Loom!” And at that we, along with the 100s of others worshipping with us, could not help but laugh out loud. ☺

God was building a monument in sin-city Ephesus that would display His incomparable glory and His superior wisdom. He was erecting a temple to His own honor in the shadow of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But rather than marble pillars and gold-plated altars, His was being constructed with the lives of certifiably un-save-able sinners whom He had purchased out of their slavery to idols and fear and addictions and other forms of ungodliness. He was setting up an exhibit of His rescuing grace. God was building a Church! But His Church would not be identified by its symbols or its political activities or cultural commentary or its pious isolationism. No, His Temple would be recognized by two unmistakable characteristics.

The marks of His work in the lives of the redeemed sinners now declared to be saints would be these:

  1. Their unshakable loyalty to Jesus Christ
  2. Their non-discriminating love for ALL those whom Christ had rescued

A true Church is marked by a double love…its love for Christ and its love for men. Jesus declared it to be the Great Commandment that fulfilled every other commandment. “Love the Lord your God…and love your neighbor as yourself.”

So…we will not be seen as Christian simply because we have a chrome “fish” attached to our car, or a gold cross hanging around our neck, or restricting our java consumption to shops owned by and frequented by other Christians. It won’t be the logos on our t-shirts or the labels on our underwear ☺ but it will be the observable and undeniable passion we have for knowing Jesus deeper and deeper while extending His love for others in increasingly costly ways.

Or in the words of Jesus, “By this will all men know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another!” John 13:35

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward ALL the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you…” Ephesians 1:15

They will know we are Christians by our double love. That’s not something to laugh about!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Out of Africa https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/out-of-africa https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/out-of-africa#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:27 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/out-of-africa She was helping us with a major decision and we began a conversation…
I asked, “Where are you from?”
“I’m from Africa,” she replied.
“I was in Kenya and Rwanda last month. Is that anywhere close to your home?”
“I’m from Uganda. It’s a smaller nation in Africa. I usually just say ‘I’m from Africa’ because most Americans think it is just one big country. But there are over fifty nations in Africa. I’m from Uganda in Africa!”

God is doing an amazing thing in the villages of numerous African nations. The pastors and the churches are proving to be a great blessing from the Lord for raising up the people of the nation. Through the faithful ministry of village pastors, entire communities are being transformed. New understanding of the implications of the gospel and the ways in which the Lord has designed for people to live well on the fruit of working and managing well is finding fertile soil in village after village. Believers are being trained to be faithful stewards of the gospel message AND the material blessings received from the Lord. As they develop godly attitudes and disciplines, they are supporting their churches, providing well for their households, and making it possible for others to find employment and support.

It all began when a young university graduate from Nairobi, himself once a child reared in a remote Kenyan village, now demonstrating ministry gifts and biblical understanding passions. His church leaders encouraged him to pursue further biblical training, raised the dollars to purchase him a ticket to America, and sent him with their blessing to study at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. After obtaining his Master’s Degree there, he continued his training at a School of Theology in California. With a world of opportunities open before him, his heart was continually burdened for the plight of his own people back home. So a decade ago, Martin Simiyu, trusting that his vision and burden was placed upon him by the Lord, he returned to Africa to begin equipping pastors in the many villages of his homeland.

This past January, I was blessed to see the fruit of Martin’s faithfulness up close and personal. Hundreds of villages are experiencing the blessing of committed, equipped, and faithful pastors today—not only in Kenya but also in Malawi. Over 100 pastors are waiting in Tanzania for the Lord to provide the opportunity for them to receive training even today. And now over 2/3s of the village of Rwanda have also been reached through the pastoral training ministries of Possibilities Africa!

“Here you think about states like Kansas and Iowa and Nebraska. That is what you consider to be ‘America.’ But where I come from, we are over fifty nations making up a very large part of the world called Africa!” And then she gave us great assistance with our purchase.

This Sunday morning we will have the blessing of hearing the Word of God from the heart of our faithful brother. Join me in welcoming to the Faith Bible Church pulpit this Sunday, Brother Martin Simiyu!

www.possibilitiesafrica.org

Out of Africa!
Pastor Tom

]]>
She was helping us with a major decision and we began a conversation…
I asked, “Where are you from?”
“I’m from Africa,” she replied.
“I was in Kenya and Rwanda last month. Is that anywhere close to your home?”
“I’m from Uganda. It’s a smaller nation in Africa. I usually just say ‘I’m from Africa’ because most Americans think it is just one big country. But there are over fifty nations in Africa. I’m from Uganda in Africa!”

God is doing an amazing thing in the villages of numerous African nations. The pastors and the churches are proving to be a great blessing from the Lord for raising up the people of the nation. Through the faithful ministry of village pastors, entire communities are being transformed. New understanding of the implications of the gospel and the ways in which the Lord has designed for people to live well on the fruit of working and managing well is finding fertile soil in village after village. Believers are being trained to be faithful stewards of the gospel message AND the material blessings received from the Lord. As they develop godly attitudes and disciplines, they are supporting their churches, providing well for their households, and making it possible for others to find employment and support.

It all began when a young university graduate from Nairobi, himself once a child reared in a remote Kenyan village, now demonstrating ministry gifts and biblical understanding passions. His church leaders encouraged him to pursue further biblical training, raised the dollars to purchase him a ticket to America, and sent him with their blessing to study at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. After obtaining his Master’s Degree there, he continued his training at a School of Theology in California. With a world of opportunities open before him, his heart was continually burdened for the plight of his own people back home. So a decade ago, Martin Simiyu, trusting that his vision and burden was placed upon him by the Lord, he returned to Africa to begin equipping pastors in the many villages of his homeland.

This past January, I was blessed to see the fruit of Martin’s faithfulness up close and personal. Hundreds of villages are experiencing the blessing of committed, equipped, and faithful pastors today—not only in Kenya but also in Malawi. Over 100 pastors are waiting in Tanzania for the Lord to provide the opportunity for them to receive training even today. And now over 2/3s of the village of Rwanda have also been reached through the pastoral training ministries of Possibilities Africa!

“Here you think about states like Kansas and Iowa and Nebraska. That is what you consider to be ‘America.’ But where I come from, we are over fifty nations making up a very large part of the world called Africa!” And then she gave us great assistance with our purchase.

This Sunday morning we will have the blessing of hearing the Word of God from the heart of our faithful brother. Join me in welcoming to the Faith Bible Church pulpit this Sunday, Brother Martin Simiyu!

www.possibilitiesafrica.org

Out of Africa!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Trophies of Grace https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/trophies-of-grace https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/trophies-of-grace#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:17 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/trophies-of-grace Ephesians 2:8-10

Legends. That would be the best word to describe us. The Class of ’68 was the MOST talented, the MOST accomplished, the MOST memorable, the GREATEST athletes, the most BRILLIANT scholars, trendsetters long before #trending was added to Webster’s treasury of frequently used words and freshly coined phrases. We were “All-Class” performers!

Well…at least that’s how we remember it. Now, to be perfectly confessional, it does seem that the more years that bridge the gap between then and today the more accomplished and exceptional we have become. I mean, if you REALLY want to know how the game was meant to be played, just ask a recent joint-replacement crippled former athlete to describe her/his days on the field or the court.

StarbucksI recommend you order the Venti or even the Trenta because their telling of their story is going take a bit of time! With the exertion of effort comes the urge to brag. The harder you have worked, the more you feel the urge to self-promote. Nothing fuels the pride of heart like self-effort!

Paul terms it, “boast.” If you had the opportunity to sit down at Starbucks or Scooters with Paul before he met Jesus, you would definitely have walked away saying to yourself, that dude is a “Legend!” You most likely would have heard…“I myself have reason for confidence…if anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

    1. Circumcised on the 8th day
    2. Of the people of Israel
    3. Of the tribe of Benjamin
    4. A Hebrew of Hebrews
    5. A Pharisee in relationship to the Law
    6. A zealous persecutor of the Church
    7. Concerning legal righteousness? BLAMELESS!

NO-one has it over on me!” Philippians 3

You see…the exertion of labor breeds pride of heart and arrogant boasting in attitude. For that reason he writes, “For by GRACE you have been saved…it is NOT your own doing; it is the GIFT of God…so NO-one may boast.” Ephesians 2

Legends. That is until there is a reality check. The truth is that we are simply legends in our own minds! So Paul reminds us of what we TRULY were before His grace set us free. “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.” To stay humble and grateful, simply remember how hopeless and helpless you were. When your reality check is complete, you will say as Paul said, “But by the grace of God, I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15

Certifiably un-save-able sinners…saved by amazing grace!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Ephesians 2:8-10

Legends. That would be the best word to describe us. The Class of ’68 was the MOST talented, the MOST accomplished, the MOST memorable, the GREATEST athletes, the most BRILLIANT scholars, trendsetters long before #trending was added to Webster’s treasury of frequently used words and freshly coined phrases. We were “All-Class” performers!

Well…at least that’s how we remember it. Now, to be perfectly confessional, it does seem that the more years that bridge the gap between then and today the more accomplished and exceptional we have become. I mean, if you REALLY want to know how the game was meant to be played, just ask a recent joint-replacement crippled former athlete to describe her/his days on the field or the court.

StarbucksI recommend you order the Venti or even the Trenta because their telling of their story is going take a bit of time! With the exertion of effort comes the urge to brag. The harder you have worked, the more you feel the urge to self-promote. Nothing fuels the pride of heart like self-effort!

Paul terms it, “boast.” If you had the opportunity to sit down at Starbucks or Scooters with Paul before he met Jesus, you would definitely have walked away saying to yourself, that dude is a “Legend!” You most likely would have heard…“I myself have reason for confidence…if anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

    1. Circumcised on the 8th day
    2. Of the people of Israel
    3. Of the tribe of Benjamin
    4. A Hebrew of Hebrews
    5. A Pharisee in relationship to the Law
    6. A zealous persecutor of the Church
    7. Concerning legal righteousness? BLAMELESS!

NO-one has it over on me!” Philippians 3

You see…the exertion of labor breeds pride of heart and arrogant boasting in attitude. For that reason he writes, “For by GRACE you have been saved…it is NOT your own doing; it is the GIFT of God…so NO-one may boast.” Ephesians 2

Legends. That is until there is a reality check. The truth is that we are simply legends in our own minds! So Paul reminds us of what we TRULY were before His grace set us free. “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.” To stay humble and grateful, simply remember how hopeless and helpless you were. When your reality check is complete, you will say as Paul said, “But by the grace of God, I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15

Certifiably un-save-able sinners…saved by amazing grace!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
New Dawn Sunday https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/new-dawn-sunday https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/new-dawn-sunday#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:15 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/new-dawn-sunday It is the sermon every Bible preaching pastor wishes he had delivered.

For 40 years Pastor S.M. Lockridge faithfully shepherded the Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego, California. There were many memorable sermons delivered from that pulpit in those more than 2,000 Sundays. But the most noted of all was entitled, Sunday Is A Comin’!

It’s Friday
Jesus is praying
Peter’s a sleeping
Judas is betraying
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
Pilate’s struggling
The council is conspiring
The crowd is vilifying
They don’t even know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are running
Like sheep without a shepherd
Mary’s crying
Peter is denying
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s a comin’

It’s Friday
The Romans beat my Jesus
They robe him in scarlet
They crown him with thorns
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
See Jesus walking to Calvary
His blood dripping
His body stumbling
And his spirit’s burdened
But you see, it’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The world’s winning
People are sinning
And evil’s grinning

It’s Friday
The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands
To the cross
They nail my Savior’s feet
To the cross
And then they raise him up
Next to criminals

It’s Friday
But let me tell you something
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are questioning
What has happened to their King
And the Pharisees are celebrating
That their scheming
Has been achieved
But they don’t know
It’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
He’s hanging on the cross
Feeling forsaken by his Father
Left alone and dying
Can nobody save him?

Ooooh
It’s Friday
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The earth trembles
The sky grows dark
My King yields his spirit
It’s Friday
Hope is lost
Death has won
Sin has conquered
and Satan’s just a laughin’

It’s Friday
Jesus is buried
A soldier stands guard
And a rock is rolled into place
But it’s Friday
It is only Friday
Sunday is a comin’!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
It is the sermon every Bible preaching pastor wishes he had delivered.

For 40 years Pastor S.M. Lockridge faithfully shepherded the Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego, California. There were many memorable sermons delivered from that pulpit in those more than 2,000 Sundays. But the most noted of all was entitled, Sunday Is A Comin’!

It’s Friday
Jesus is praying
Peter’s a sleeping
Judas is betraying
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
Pilate’s struggling
The council is conspiring
The crowd is vilifying
They don’t even know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are running
Like sheep without a shepherd
Mary’s crying
Peter is denying
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s a comin’

It’s Friday
The Romans beat my Jesus
They robe him in scarlet
They crown him with thorns
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
See Jesus walking to Calvary
His blood dripping
His body stumbling
And his spirit’s burdened
But you see, it’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The world’s winning
People are sinning
And evil’s grinning

It’s Friday
The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands
To the cross
They nail my Savior’s feet
To the cross
And then they raise him up
Next to criminals

It’s Friday
But let me tell you something
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are questioning
What has happened to their King
And the Pharisees are celebrating
That their scheming
Has been achieved
But they don’t know
It’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
He’s hanging on the cross
Feeling forsaken by his Father
Left alone and dying
Can nobody save him?

Ooooh
It’s Friday
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The earth trembles
The sky grows dark
My King yields his spirit
It’s Friday
Hope is lost
Death has won
Sin has conquered
and Satan’s just a laughin’

It’s Friday
Jesus is buried
A soldier stands guard
And a rock is rolled into place
But it’s Friday
It is only Friday
Sunday is a comin’!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Building Faith https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/building-faith https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/building-faith#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:09 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/building-faith Ephesians 2:18-22

“In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22

It’s not about the building!

“Being ‘the church’ is our passion. Understanding from the Bible that Christ loves His church, died for His church, nurtures His church, and offers hope to a hopeless world through His church, we deeply desire to be a biblical church...to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-enabled, God-honoring body of believers devoted to growing as a Biblical church.”

  • Christ-centered
  • Spirit-enabled
  • God-honoring
  • Bible-directed

These are the core values which have informed our mission from the beginning. And we have experienced God’s amazing grace and provision as we have sought to obediently fulfill this mission.

Jesus is in the church building business! To the disciples He declared, “I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

  • I will build…”
  • “I will build MY church…”
  • “I will build My CHURCH…”
  • “The gates of hell will NOT prevail against it!”

No man can build a church. No group of people are capable of building a church. No innovative, creative, visionary, strategic execution can build a church. Only God can build a church!

Faith Bible Church is grateful for all the sacrifices that each has made in making it possible to build these wonderful facilities. Not one part of it could have been accomplished without your faithful generosity. Yesterday the first footings for the new phase of our facility development were poured. God has been incredibly gracious in both the clarity of His leading and in the overwhelming generosity of His provision. For the part that each of you is playing, “Thank you!” But the Faith Family has never been about church buildings. It has been and continues to be dedicated to faithfully following Jesus who is building His church.

From the very beginning our mantra has been: “Build a church. Then, if you NEED to, build a church building!” Today we rejoice that God, in His grace, continues to build His church!

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!” Ephesians 3:20-21

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Ephesians 2:18-22

“In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22

It’s not about the building!

“Being ‘the church’ is our passion. Understanding from the Bible that Christ loves His church, died for His church, nurtures His church, and offers hope to a hopeless world through His church, we deeply desire to be a biblical church...to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-enabled, God-honoring body of believers devoted to growing as a Biblical church.”

  • Christ-centered
  • Spirit-enabled
  • God-honoring
  • Bible-directed

These are the core values which have informed our mission from the beginning. And we have experienced God’s amazing grace and provision as we have sought to obediently fulfill this mission.

Jesus is in the church building business! To the disciples He declared, “I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

  • I will build…”
  • “I will build MY church…”
  • “I will build My CHURCH…”
  • “The gates of hell will NOT prevail against it!”

No man can build a church. No group of people are capable of building a church. No innovative, creative, visionary, strategic execution can build a church. Only God can build a church!

Faith Bible Church is grateful for all the sacrifices that each has made in making it possible to build these wonderful facilities. Not one part of it could have been accomplished without your faithful generosity. Yesterday the first footings for the new phase of our facility development were poured. God has been incredibly gracious in both the clarity of His leading and in the overwhelming generosity of His provision. For the part that each of you is playing, “Thank you!” But the Faith Family has never been about church buildings. It has been and continues to be dedicated to faithfully following Jesus who is building His church.

From the very beginning our mantra has been: “Build a church. Then, if you NEED to, build a church building!” Today we rejoice that God, in His grace, continues to build His church!

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!” Ephesians 3:20-21

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
The Peace-Maker https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-peace-maker https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-peace-maker#comments Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:47:07 -0500 https://www.faithbiblelincoln.org/news-and-announcements/post/the-peace-maker Ephesians 2:13-18

A simple glance at current headlines indicates that our world is in desperate need of a peace-maker!

  • Pope Francis arrives in Egypt for a two-day visit with Muslims and Christians to promote peace, Los Angeles Times
  • U.S. says “Major Conflict” with N. Korea possible, China warns of escalation, Washington Post
  • Iran summons Pakistan envoy, demands action over killing of guards
  • Jews, Muslims bicker over New Carpet in Jerusalem shrine (sounds like my former Baptist church experience ☹)

Here’s one of my favorites from right after Christmas last year! ☺

  • Priest brawl with brooms at Church of the Nativity, Religious News Network

Peace: noun \ˈpēs\

  1. a state of tranquility or quiet: such as

    • freedom from civil disturbance (Peace and order were finally restored in the town)
    • a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom
  2. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions (I have been in perfect peace and contentment) 

  3. harmony in personal relations (The sisters are at peace with each other.)
  4. a state or period of mutual concord between governments (There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again)
  5. a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity offering the possibility of a negotiated peace
  6. used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

Peace. Everyone wants it. But few really find it!

“For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, Peace,’ when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 6:13-14

“They have healed the wound of My people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, Peace,’ when there is no peace…We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror!” Jeremiah 8:11,15

Peace with God:

  • “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1
  • “Through Him (Christ Jesus) He reconciled all things to Himself, making peace by the blood of His cross” Colossians 1:20
  • “He Himself is our peace…reconciling us through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” Ephesians 2:16

Peace of God:

  • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful!” Colossians 3:15
  • “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these (new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells), be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” 2 Peter 3:14
  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord IS at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, WILL guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
  • “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock!” Isaiah 26:3

Peace with Others:

  • “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:18
  • “Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13
  • “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18
  • “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:17-19
  • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Galatians 5:22

There is no true and lasting peace apart from a restored relationship with the living God through the sufficient substitutionary death of His Son. But the great good news is this: There IS true peace available through His Son!

“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>
Ephesians 2:13-18

A simple glance at current headlines indicates that our world is in desperate need of a peace-maker!

  • Pope Francis arrives in Egypt for a two-day visit with Muslims and Christians to promote peace, Los Angeles Times
  • U.S. says “Major Conflict” with N. Korea possible, China warns of escalation, Washington Post
  • Iran summons Pakistan envoy, demands action over killing of guards
  • Jews, Muslims bicker over New Carpet in Jerusalem shrine (sounds like my former Baptist church experience ☹)

Here’s one of my favorites from right after Christmas last year! ☺

  • Priest brawl with brooms at Church of the Nativity, Religious News Network

Peace: noun \ˈpēs\

  1. a state of tranquility or quiet: such as

    • freedom from civil disturbance (Peace and order were finally restored in the town)
    • a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom
  2. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions (I have been in perfect peace and contentment) 

  3. harmony in personal relations (The sisters are at peace with each other.)
  4. a state or period of mutual concord between governments (There was a peace of 50 years before war broke out again)
  5. a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity offering the possibility of a negotiated peace
  6. used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

Peace. Everyone wants it. But few really find it!

“For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, Peace,’ when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 6:13-14

“They have healed the wound of My people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, Peace,’ when there is no peace…We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror!” Jeremiah 8:11,15

Peace with God:

  • “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1
  • “Through Him (Christ Jesus) He reconciled all things to Himself, making peace by the blood of His cross” Colossians 1:20
  • “He Himself is our peace…reconciling us through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” Ephesians 2:16

Peace of God:

  • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful!” Colossians 3:15
  • “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these (new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells), be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” 2 Peter 3:14
  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord IS at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, WILL guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
  • “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock!” Isaiah 26:3

Peace with Others:

  • “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:18
  • “Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13
  • “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18
  • “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:17-19
  • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Galatians 5:22

There is no true and lasting peace apart from a restored relationship with the living God through the sufficient substitutionary death of His Son. But the great good news is this: There IS true peace available through His Son!

“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom

]]>