Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

Madison County, Georgia

Saturday’s Prom

(printed April 2, 2005)

The prom is fast approaching.  Dresses have been fitted, tuxes reserved, and flowers ordered.  This is a time of excitement, and rightfully so.  Yet, as a pastor and a former teacher I am compelled to remind all participants:  Love waits, lust does not.

This writing is intended to be plain spoken.  Ignoring the subject will not make it go away.

Lust does not wait.  Consider Amnon’s case:  And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her  -  2Sam 13:2.  Amnon knew Tamar would not be a push over.  The Bible describes Amnon’s scheming with a friend, his maneuvering to get Tamar alone, his lying to her father, his pleasant speech, his prevailing over Tamar’s resistance, and his rejection of Tamar once the act was performed.

There is nothing new under the sun.  That is how it went down for Tamar.  That is how it went down for some in my high school.  This (and maybe a little alcohol to lower inhibitions) is how it will go down for many this prom season.  Gentlemen, your date’s parents have entrusted their daughter’s safety to your care.  Do not dull your senses with alcohol or defile yourselves. 

Love waits.  Consider Jacob’s case:  And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her  -  Gen 29:20.  If your date will not wait, then love is not the emotion fueling the attraction.  Love cherishes, it does not seek its own  -  Eph 5:29, 1Cor 13:5.

Young people, stand up to peer pressure.  You will be amazed what a great time can be had when you do not have to worry about getting busted by the police or keeping straight all the lies you told your parents.  Make up your mind today to do it right, for sooner than you can imagine you will be sharing prom experiences with your children.  Enjoy making this memory, for you will remember it your whole life.  I’ll being praying for all of you.

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Rams and Lambs

(printed April 9, 2005)

        A child’s best teacher will and should always be his or her father, for thus saith the Word:

Deut 4:9-10  -  Fathers are commanded to teach God’s statutes to thy sons, and thy son’s sons.  Ps 78:3-4  -  Our fathers have taught us, we will not hide them from out children.  Pr 4:3-4, 11  -  Solomon speaking to his son said, I was my father’s son, he taught me, and I taught thee.  Eph 6:4  -  Fathers, bring up children in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord.

The practical reality is that Dad should have far more access to his children than does a pastor, a school teacher, or a coach …  -  Deut 6:7.  Right now, about half of the fathers reading this article are saying, "No, Mom has the most access."  This is a cop out.  The Lord gave fathers the responsibility of teaching children.  Dad, you may delegate a portion of that teaching to Mom, but the Lord still holds you responsible, no matter how good or bad a job she does  -  Josh 24:15.

Another practical reality is that a child is most likely to ask spiritual questions of Dad first  -  Deut 6:20-21.  The fathers are now saying, "OK preacher, then what’s your job?"  To which I answer, "My primary focus is to equip, to advise, to model, and to encourage the rams in the feeding their lambs."  I’ll bend over backwards showing you how to warm milk, puree grass, rotate pastures …  You get the idea  -  Gen 18:18-19.

So what does the Bible say about a Mother’s role?  She is to be a help  -  Gen 2:18.  Our modern culture has done this passage a huge injustice.  Meet means fit.  Eve was a help, fit for Adam.  There is no such thing as "an help meet" (with meet being a noun).  The Lord designed the family.  We have done things our way for the past 50 years and look at the mess we have on our hands.  Let us try it His way, with rams feeding their lambs.  Let God be true.

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Faith Antonyms
(printed April 15, 2005)

The Bible uses a number of figurative extremes to describe faith.  Consider the following:

*  One faith is grounded  -  Col 1:23,
another is shipwrecked  -  1Tim 1:19
*  One faith is steadfast  -  Col 2:5,
another swerves  -  1Tim 1:6
*  One faith is sound  -  Titus 2:2,
another is in error  1Tim 6:10
*  One faith stands fast  -  1Cor 16:13,
another is overthrown  -  2Tim 2:18
*  One faith justifies  -  Rom 5:1,
another is void  -  Rom 4:14
*  One faith is strong  -  Rom 4:20,
another is weak  -  Rom 14:1
*  One faith is great  -  Matt 15:28,
another is little  -  Matt 8:26
*  One faith is unfeigned  -  1Tim 1:5,
another is denied  -  1Tim 5:8
*  One faith is kept  -  2Tim 4:7,
another is cast off  -  1Tim 5:12
*  One is counted for righteousness  -  Rom 4:5,
another is vain  -  1Cor 15:14
*  Some abide in faith  -  1Cor 13:13,
others depart from it  -  1Tim 4:1

What is the Bible telling us?  Is the Bible differentiating between the elect and non-elect?  Between born again saints and unregenerate sinners?  Or, is the Bible speaking of faith at different points in a believer’s life?  Let us first consider Peter:  Peter answered in faith and moments later argued with Jesus.  He followed Jesus and moments later fell asleep.  He bravely protected Jesus and moments later denied Him.  He grieved deeply and moments later questioned John’s walk  -  Mark 8:29-22, 14:32-37; John 18:10-17, 21:17-21. 

What a roller coaster!  But isn’t that our lives?  One moment we are on a spiritual high, the next moment we stumble.  Grounded faith can be so easily made shipwrecked by peer pressure, an unexpected bill, or unrestrained lust.  When we stumble, don’t give up!  Repent and start over, for we serve a forgiving God.

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A Spirit Filled Church

(April 22, 2005)

What is a spirit filled church?  Or maybe a better question to ask is, How can I tell if I am attending a spirit filled church?  Let us consider three actions the Word of God teaches individuals to perform and apply them to the local church  -  Eph 5:18-21.

The first suggested action is to speak to yourself in spiritual song making melody in your heart (v. 19).  Does the worship service include worship in song?  Are the songs spiritual?  Do the words of the songs glorify the Lord and does the song service make melody in your heart?  Toe tapping (although not wrong) should not be confused with making melody in your heart.

The second suggested action is to give thanks unto the Lord always for all things  (v. 20).  Is the worship service’s primary focus that of thanksgiving?  Does the preaching thank the Lord?  Do the prayers and the songs thank the Lord?  Is the thanksgiving always and for all things?

The third action is submitting ourselves one to another (v. 21).  Does the church promote a servant’s attitude or does it promote a pharisaical attitude?  Is the least promoted as the greatest?  Is the individual who serves considered the greatest?

Scripture teaches that an individual who is:  1) making melody in their heart to the Lord, 2) giving thanks always for all things, and 3) serving his neighbor - will be spirit filled.  I reason that the congregation whose song service is heartfelt, whose service abounds with thanksgiving, and whose members serve one another will also be spirit filled.

May the Lord bless us, as individuals and as congregations, to be spirit filled.  May the Lord bless you to be filled exceeding abundantly with His Spirit.

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Teamwork

(printed April 29, 2005)

I have a teenage son who has played soccer for several years.  He currently plays on a club team for the YMCA.  I have made a few observations over the years:

*   When my son was 6 years old, his team commonly scored 10 to 12 goals a game.  When he was 10 years old, his team generally scored 4 to 5 goals a game.  As a teen, several games this spring have ended in 1 to 1 ties.

*   When my son was 6 years old, he commonly scored 4 to 5 goals a game.  When he was 10 years old, he was good for a goal or two each game.  So far this season he has deflected in one corner kick.

*   When my son was 6 years old, he could dribble his way in and around several defenders and shoot at will.  When he was 10 years old, he needed one good pass from a teammate to get open.  Now, 3 or 4 crisp passes are necessary to get off a good shot.

Why the reduction in scoring?  The answer is maturity.  As the boys mature, so do their skills, their understanding of the game, and their teamwork.  No longer do one or two players dominate.  Teamwork becomes critical to both offense and defense.

The church is a lot like little league soccer.  When a church is immature one or two players carry all the play.  As a church matures a few more members make contributions and teamwork commences, but every member of a mature church contributes. 

The whole body fitly joined together, every joint supplieth, the effectual working … of every part, and maketh increase of the body; are phrases found in Eph 4:16.  My friends, this is New Testament teamwork.  Teamwork which is critical to perilous times, to evangelism, to the livelihood of our churches.  For the body is not one member, but many  -   1Cor 12:14.

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Seven other Sayings

(printed May 6, 2005) 

Most of us have heard a sermon or two on the seven sayings Jesus spoke while on the cross.  These seven sayings describe Jesus’ compassion, His humanity, and His redemptive work.  Believers derive great comfort and hope from these seven sayings. 

However, I would like the reader to consider the seven sayings Jesus spoke while on trial.  1Tim 6:13 states that Jesus gave a good witness before Pontius Pilot.  Scripture records seven responses Jesus gave during the Jewish and Roman trials which took place prior to His crucifixion.  Summarized, they are:
1)  I spoke the same thing publicly and privately, I have no hidden agendas  -  John 18:20-21;
2)  The truth can be offensive, I will speak it none the less  -  John 18:23;
3)  The truth will be refused by some, it remains truth none the less  -  Luke 22:67-70;
4)  Think for yourself, let truth and not others rule your mind  -  John 18:34;
5)  My kingdom is spiritual, Caesar and I are not political competitors  -  John 18:36;
6)  God’s children can hear and recognize truth -  John 18:37; and
7)  God is sovereign, He will use municipalities and people to accomplish His will  -  John 19:11.

A believer ought to derive great comfort, hope, and conviction from these seven sayings.  Despite being mocked and lied about Jesus gave a good witness. 
Compare the trials of our lives with the kangaroo courts Jesus experienced.  What is our witness?  Certainly our trials do not compare to His.

Is our witness consistent?  Do we hedge when the truth offends or is refused?  Do we let public opinion determine how we think?  These seven sayings speak to Jesus’ Lordship, His kingdom, His truth, His power, His sovereignty, and His subjects.  If you are one of His, let your witness be true. 

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Three Shalls

(printed May 13, 2005)

An angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph and foretold him of three events which were to occur - Matt 1:20-21.  Remember, this is the Lord speaking, not you or I.  We make plans and share our intentions but only the Lord’s words are sure.

The first shall in Matt 1:21 reads as follows:  and she (Mary) shall bring forth a son.  In other words, the baby that was to be born would be male.  What do you think was the possibility of the Holy Ghost mistaking an X chromosome for a Y chromosome?  Zero to none!  And sure enough, a male child was born.

The second shall in Matt 1:21 reads:  and thou shalt call His name Jesus.  The Lord said the boy would be named Jesus.  What do you think was the possibility of Joseph calling the baby Joseph Junior, Simon, or John?  Zero to none!  And sure enough, the boy was named Jesus.

The third shall in Matt 1:21 reads:  for He shall save His people from their sins.  What do you think was the possibility of Jesus being unsuccessful and allowing some to go unsaved?  Or what do you think was the possibility of Jesus confusing the Lord’s instructions and instead of saving His people, simply making salvation available?  Zero to none!  And sure enough, Jesus saved every child the Father gave Him  -  John 10:27-29, 19:30.

This side of the cross we see scripture switch the future tense of this promise to past tense.   Rom 8:30 states that Jesus justified each and every person the Father predestinated.  Eph 1:4-7 states that Jesus redeemed each and every person the Father chose.  2Tim 1:9-10 states that Jesus abolished death for each and every person the Father gave Jesus before the world began.  1Peter 1:2 states that Jesus’ blood was spilt for each and every person the Father elected.  Jude 1 states that Jesus preserved each and every person the Father set aside.  Praise the Lord, for we confidently say, He has saved His people from their sins.

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Authority

(printed May 20, 2005)

God ordained authority.  To resist authority is to resist God  -  Rom 13:1-2.  We resist God when we resist authority  -  1Cor 11:3.  Consider the following:

       Have you noticed how sitcoms portray policemen, principals, preachers, and fathers?  The vast majority are depicted as buffoons.  Think it accidental?  No, we call it amusing.
       Have you noticed the evening news has transformed reporting into editorializing?  The Dan Rather "blow up" slowed things for a few months, but the hiatus is over.  Our leaders are criticized without a forum to respond.  Think it appropriate?  No, we call it news.
       Have you noticed the target of late night monologues often times is the president; Democrat, Republican, it doesn’t matter?  Think it coincidental?  No, we call it entertainment.
       Have you noticed the elderly give way to the youth as the youth pass them by in the store aisle or on a sidewalk?  Think it respectful?  No, we call it the times.
       Have you noticed teachers spend as much time calming students as they do teaching them?  Think it efficient?  No, we call it public school.
       Have you noticed all the documents an employer must have in place before firing a bad employee?  Think it profitable?  No, we call it civil liberties.
       Have you noticed after a little league practice the coach is the one picking up all the bats and balls?  Think it considerate?  No, we call it volunteerism.

Resisting authority is part of our nature, yet the Lord would have our lights to shine in a dark place  -  Jude 8, Matt 5:16.  Concerning respect for authority, America has become a dark place.  May young and old lights shine in the home, on the street, in the classroom, at the workplace, and on the ball fields; for that is what the Lord would have us to do.

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Her Candle Goeth Not Out

(printed May 27, 2005)

The 31st chapter of the Book of Proverbs is a letter of exhortation from a mother to her son.  Although this chapter addresses several subjects,  22 of the 31 verses speak to one subject - the qualities of a virtuous woman.  I rely heavily on this passage when counseling young men as they begin to think about wives.

Verse 10 of Proverbs 31 begins with the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  Verse 11 begins with the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  Verse 12 with the 3rd and so on, all the way to verse 31 which begins with the 22nd and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  So, Pr 31:10-31 is the A to Z instruction manual on how to pick a wife.

I have been indoctrinating my sons with this passage from an early age, since the first grade.  Why so early?  I believe there is no earthly decision that will have a greater impact on their lives than the decision of whom to marry, so I started early.  I want them to know and recognize these virtuous qualities while they’re objective, long before their hormones commence doing what hormones commence doing.

Is six years of age too early?  Let me share something my five year old little girl said to me a few nights ago.  In our family devotions we periodically review the 31st chapter of Proverbs.  My boys, now in their teens, know the lesson well.  However, during our devotions my whole family is present, including my five year old daughter.  About a week ago I told her, "It’s eight o’clock, time for bed."  To which she responded, "But Daddy, I want to be a virtuous woman."  You see, a quality of the virtuous woman is her candle goeth not out by night.  My daughter knew a virtuous woman didn’t go to bed while it is daylight and in May it is daylight at 8pm.

Well, I’m not exactly sure my little girl’s motives were 100% pure, but I am convinced scripture can take root in a five year old.  Therefore, I pray for and  teach my children at a young age.  I pray my daughters will one day develop into virtuous women and my sons will one day marry virtuous women. 

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The Last Resort
(printed June 3, 2005)

Troubled by a dream, King Nebuchadnezzar sought advice from his astrologers, his magicians, and the Chaldeans  -  Dan 2:2.  But Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men were not so wise.  In the end, Daniel, God’s wise man, helped the king with his problem.

A few years later Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a second dream and once again the king called upon his astrologers, his magicians, and the Chaldeans  -  Dan 4:7.  The king’s wise men once again proved themselves not so wise, and once again, Daniel helped the king with his problem.

Two generations later, Belshazzar was troubled by a writing.  Like grandpa, Belshazzar called upon his astrologers, his magicians, and the Chaldeans  - Dan 5:7.  And like grandpa’s wise men, Belshazzar’s proved themselves not so wise, and like with grandpa, Daniel helped the king with his problem.

Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar’s last resort should have been their first resort.  Hindsight is great, isn’t it?  As you read these Old Testament stories do you ever find yourself saying, "You knucklehead!  When will you ever learn?  Go ask God’s wise man."

Let us consider the following passage:  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works  -  2Tim 3:16-17.  How many times has our last resort been God’s word or God’s wise man?  I’m guilty.

If scripture is a complete guide unto all good works, maybe the Lord ought to be our first resort.  No maybes about it!  I trust we can minimize the number of times we speak to ourselves saying, "You knucklehead!  When will you ever learn?  Go ask God’s wise man."  Follow your pastors as they follow Christ.

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The Word was Made Flesh

(printed June 10, 2005)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God  -  John 1:1.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth  -  John 1:14.  I was recently asked how these two verses reconcile with one another without making Jesus a begotten god?

Allow me to begin my answer with the following analogy:  Suppose I handed my son a pail of water and directed him to take the water outside with one stipulation.  I said, "You can not take the pail."  So my son places the pail of water in the freezer.  After a few hours, he pulls the pail out of the freezer, dumps out a block of ice, gives me the pail, and takes the water outside.  My son complied, but after changing the form of the water.  The ice was the same water, but in a different form.

With that analogy in mind let us consider our text in John 1:14.  Suppose God the Father directed the Word to pay for all the sins of all of His children with one stipulation.  The Father said, "without shedding of blood is no remission" -  Heb 9:22.  So the Word became flesh and was crucified.  The Word complied, but after changing form.  The flesh was the same Word, but in a different form.

The form of the Word changed once again when Jesus rose from the dead.  The form of resurrected Jesus was different from the form of crucified Jesus.  The Word can be found in several forms; however, John 1:14 was the only time the Word took on a form capable of being slain and shedding human blood.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God …  -  Heb 9:14.  Praise God for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

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Me, Myself, and I

(printed June 17, 2005)

Have you ever unknowingly answered your telephone after the answering machine picked up and began recording?  Listening to yourself is murder, isn’t it?  It’s bad enough listening to a sermon I know is being recorded, but to get caught in casual conversation is a real eye opener.  Listening to ourselves can be profitable if we objectively critique everything from articulation to the self centeredness of our words. 

The Lord has much to say about our speech.  Sure, we should articulate and not mumble.  We should speak with enthusiasm and avoid monotones.  But much of what the Lord has to say about our speech concerns pride.  Consider a few Bible characters whose speech contains the pride we wish to address:

Jephthah speaks one of the most self centered speeches recorded in all of the Bible.  The words "me, myself, and I" account for 12 of Jephthah’s 72 words.  That’s 1 out of 6  -  Jdg 12:2-3.  Jephthah would give a "Valley Girl" a run for her money.

Saul speaks a self justifying speech, but just as impressive as his use of personal pronouns, is his shifting blame from self to others  - 1Sa 15:20-21.

King Nebuchadnezzar speaks a self boasting speech second to none, although his speech did not impress Daniel or the Lord  -  Dan 4:30.

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found  -  Ps 36:2.  Self centered speech and longevity do not go hand in hand.  Jephthah’s reign was full of stress and lasted just a few years.  Not much time after these sayings do we find the spirit of the Lord departing Saul or Nebuchadnezzar out of office, eating grass  -  1Sam 16:14, Dan 4:33.

One sure way to avoid bragging on self is to brag on the Lord.  Or as Fess Parker told Travis in the last scene of "Old Yeller," replace the bad with something good.  Or as David tells us, And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long  -  Ps 35:28.  All the day long!

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Making Doctrine Real

(printed June 24, 2005)

If I were to ask the reader to describe all that was accomplished on the cross at Calvary, what words would you use?  There’s a lot of biblically sound words to choose from.  I’ve counted 46 past tense verbs scripture uses to describe the salvation secured by the shedding of Jesus’ blood.

Let’s be honest, when we are looking to impress men, we use our five syllable vocabulary:  justification, propitiation, sanctification, and the likes.  But when we share the good news with a babe, cleansed, hid, bought, and removed are generally more effective words.

Jesus related to people where they lived.  He used parables based on the occupations of his listeners.  The Apostle Paul also knew how to relate to people.  He became all things to all men that he might save some. 

In sharing the good news, we ought to make doctrine real?  We ought to use the word reconciled when speaking to an accountant or a book keeper or the word healed when speaking to a physician or a nurse.  We ought to use the word purged with a computer programmer, made surety with a banker, translated with a math teacher, adopted with a parent, washed with a homemaker, delivered with a truck driver, purchased with a home owner, ransomed with a policeman, pardoned with a judge, wounded with a soldier, preserved with a canner, abolished with an exterminator, carried with a running back, redeemed with a collections officer, and put away with a child.  Who says the King James is out of date?

Don’t get me wrong.  Justification, propitiation, and sanctification are beautiful terms.  But there is a principle taught in 1Cor 14.  The Lord says, if there is no one to interpret an unknown tongue, then we are better off keeping quiet.  If there is no understanding from scripture’s five syllable words, then we ought to consider using scripture’s one and two syllable words.  Jesus came into the world to save sinners  -  1Tim 1:15.  May the Lord give us wisdom in sharing the good news.

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All Articles Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 07/18/2008