Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

Madison County, Georgia

“Outside the Box” Faith

(October 2, 2009)

The Lord once told Joshua to engage King Adonizedec in battle. Joshua obeyed God and was victorious. But during that mop up operation, Joshua made a request which was outside the box. He asked for more daylight. Joshua asked God to stop the sun in its tracks (Josh 10:8-14). An unusual request, Amen?

The congregation I serve is composed of several farmers. I’ve heard them ask God to hold back storms until crops could harvested and for help completing chores before day’s end; but I’ve yet to see any of my brethren climb atop their tractor, point to the sun, and say, “Freeze. Don’t move!” We just don’t think like that, Amen?

An axe head flew into the Jordan River as an Israelite hewed timber. A priest standing nearby made an outside the box request of God. The priest asked the axe head to float (2Ki 6:4-7). Another unusual request, Amen?

In a similar situation, I can see myself asking God to guide my hand as I dove to the river’s bottom, or to bless my effort as I swept the river’s bottom with a net; but I don’t see myself on the river bank asking the axe head to swim. We just don’t think like that, Amen?

Stephen shared the gospel with several Jews. The Jews not only rejected the message, but they stoned the messenger. Stephen made an outside the box request with his last words. He said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Act 7:54-60). We just don’t think like that, Amen?

We divide faith into regular faith and outside the box faith, but in reality, there is narrow faith and broad faith. We ought to pray for more of this second kind of faith. May we remember: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, and For we walk by faith, not by sight (Heb 11:1, 2Co 5:7).

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A Bag of Microwave Popcorn

(October 9, 2009)

The unpopped kernels in a bag of microwave popcorn aggravate me because I don’t like throwing away un-popped corn. I paid for those kernels, and am not pleased when 30% are inedible. In an effort to minimize this waste, I’ve tried microwaving the unpopped kernels again, but nothing ever happens. My friends, in the science behind this phenomenon there is a lesson in grace.

First, let us consider how a microwave oven works. Microwaves jiggle water molecules and only water molecules. That’s why a paper plate placed in a microwave oven all by itself does not heat up. Paper has no moisture, but a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup in a microwave oven will heat.

Now, consider how corn pops in a microwave oven. Some popcorn seeds have moisture inside the kernel and some do not. Seeds with moisture heat up and pop. Seeds without moisture do not heat up, they will not pop. Microwaves have no effect on dry seeds. Seeds without moisture could be microwaved until the cows come home and they will not pop.

Total Depravity, the Effectual Call, and a Response to the Gospel work in much the same way. A person without the Holy Spirit is as a popcorn kernel without moisture. A person cannot respond to the gospel without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 5 ). The gospel will have as much effect on a person without the Holy Spirit as microwaves have on a popcorn kernel without moisture. Not until moisture dwells in a person can he or she pop (John 7:38, Tit 3:5).

This illustration could be the teaching tool needed to connect with a child, a grandchild, a coworker, or a neighbor. Add it to your toolbox, and be ready to answer. 

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What’s Love?

(October 16, 2009)

Ask an engaged couple why they want to marry and nine out of ten folks respond, “We are in love.” But what if their definition of love is Hollywoodish? What if their definition of love is based on feelings? If this be the case, isn’t divorce justified when the fireworks fade? Unfortunately, this is our culture’s definition of love and a large contributor to America’s high divorce rate.

Now consider a couple whose definition of love is God based. Their chances of marital success is much higher than fifty-fifty, our current divorce rate. To construct a working man’s definition of love, let’s apply God’s principles for love to marriage:

1. Love your spouse in deed, not only with lip service - 1Jo 3:16-18
2. Love your spouse when they are not acting lovable - Matt 5:44-46
3. Love your spouse by obeying God’s word, the manner all saints ought behave - Rom 13:8-10
4. Love your spouse with a pure heart and a good conscience (when they’re not looking) - 1Ti 1:5
5. Forgo liberties permitted by God, but annoying to your spouse - Rom 14:14-15
6. Love your spouse by overlooking their faults and remaining humble - 1Co 13:4-8
7. Love your spouse more and more, fuller and richer over time - 1Th 4:9-10

Husbands and wives who have committed to and practice these seven principles experience great joy and rich blessings. Unattainable, you say? Jesus performed these and more. Jesus: 1) said He loved us and backed it up by going to the cross; 2) loved us when we acted ugly; 3) loved us when He obeyed God’s will; 4) loved us before we knew Him; 5) loved us and became a servant; 6) loved us and took away our sin; and 7) prepared and secured mansions and paradise for us.

Glory! If Jesus loved His bride in this manner, maybe we ought to crank up the way we love our spouses.

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Arrows & Children

(October 23, 2009)

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate - Ps 127:4-5. What does the prepositional phrase “of the youth” mean? For years I read the verse as if these three words did not exist. I simply ignored them. What does this passage mean?

Let us consider three possible interpretations, keeping in mind; the pronouns in verse 5 refer to children of the youth.

Arrows in the hand of a mighty man speaks of a skilled archer who manufactures his own arrows. He shapes and smoothes a branch to create his shaft. He sculpts his arrow head and attaches it to the shaft. He adds feathers for balance, stability, and accuracy. Arrows sculpted and designed by a skilled craftsman bring confidence to a mighty man. Once aimed, these arrows fly true and hit their mark. A man with a quiver full of these kind of arrows is happy man. A father with a quiver full of these kind of children is a happy father.

When it’s time for us to shoot our arrows into the world, I pray they fly true. May the Lord bless us to be mighty parents with arrows of the highest quality.

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The Pursuit of Happiness

   10/30/2009

 Our forefathers, who penned “the pursuit of happiness” into the Declaration of Independence, had a far different concept of happiness than 21^st Century America.  The following quotes come from successful men of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries.  Their vocations are diverse (arts, science, politics, business, and philosophy), yet their concept of happiness is very similar.

1. Action may not bring happiness, but no happiness comes without action.
2. It is not the function of the state to make men happy.  They must make themselves happy in their own way, at their own risk.
3. Seek happiness and you will not find it, seek duty and happiness will follow.
4. Happiness lies on the road of steadfast well doing.
5. Getters do not get happiness, givers get it. (taken from:  Forbes’ Book of Thoughts)

Scripture also defines happiness far differently than 21^st Century America.  Happy is the man who:

1. God corrects (Job 5:17). 
2. eats the labor of his hands (Ps 128:2)
3. washes his brother’s feet (John 13:17)
4. endures with patience (Jam 5:11)
5. suffers for righteousness and is reproached for Jesus’ name (1Pe 3:14, 4:14). 

 Natural man reasons; if this is God’s happiness, I pass.  But spiritual man reasons; apart from God, happiness is impossible (Ps 146:5).  By worldly standards, Solomon had everything and was unhappy; however, Paul had nothing and was very happy.  Why?  Happy is he who trusteth in the Lord (Pr 16:20).  Want happiness?  Pursue God!

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Church Predictions 

November 6, 2009

Recorded in scripture are three predictions about the New Testament Church.  First, the church will be persecuted.  Second, the church will fight corruption.  Third, the church will be preserved.  Let us consider these three predictions and their scriptural support.

 Prediction #1:  the church will suffer persecution.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you (John 15:20).  All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2Ti 3:12).  The church will be called radical, heretical, and a sect (Act 21:28, 24:14, 28:22).  Expect it, and do not be surprised when it occurs.

 Prediction #2:  the church shall fight corruption.  After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you (Act 20:28-31).  Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine (Rom 16:17).  The Pastoral Epistles to Timothy and Titus are filled with warnings about fables and false doctrine.  Expect it, and do not be surprised when it appears.

 Prediction #3:  as long as Planet Earth exists, a N.T. Church will be on it.  I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).  Be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end (Eph 3:21).  She may be a work in progress (Rev 2 & 3), but a N.T. church will exist somewhere on this planet.

 Predictions one and two are warnings, while the third prediction is a promise.  Bottom line:  spiritual and carnal warfare take place in more than one kind of body.  We ought to expect pressure from without and within our churches:  but praise the Lord, Jesus wins.

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Bride or Groom?

 November 13, 2009

 Who are we to worship, the bride or the groom?  We worship the Groom, Amen?  We preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified (2Cor 4:5, Gal 6:14, Eph 5:31-32).

 The bride (the church) worships the groom (Jesus Christ).  The bride does not worship herself.  Such worship would be blaspheme or spiritual adultery - Amen?  But spiritual adultery is exactly what happens when a church ceases to measure herself against God’s Word and begins measuring herself against herself. 

 A misapplication of Jeremiah 6:16 has led to faulty standards among our people.  Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.  The context of this chapter defines the old paths as “the word of the Lord,” not “the way a prior generation did things” (Jer 6:10).  If a prior generation followed God’s word, great – follow them; but if a prior generation’s practices were not Bible based, follow scripture (1Co 11:1).

 Paul charged Timothy and Titus to avoid non-Bible based tradition.  From whence does non-Bible tradition come?  I suspect some came from prior generations.  If a parent or grandparent followed God’s word, great – follow them; but if a parent’s or grandparent’s practices were not Bible based, follow scripture.  A church is to worship her husband, not herself.

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The Resurrection Changed Everything  

November 20, 2009

 Jesus’ death and resurrection ought not to have surprised the disciples, but it did.  Jesus spoke often of these two events (Matt 12:40; Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:34) as did the Old Testament prophets (Ps 16:10, 69:21; Is 57:7, 9; Dan 9:27).  Nevertheless, the disciples scoffed at reports of Jesus’ resurrection (Mark 16:11, 14; Luke 24:1; John 20:8-9).

 No doubt life was a ball of confusion before the disciples met Jesus in the upper room that Sunday evening, but once the disciples understood Jesus was risen, everything changed.  They became new men.  They were begotten again (1Pet 1:3).  Consider the impact of this news:

1. Focus replaced confusion (Luke 24:12, 34)
2. Excitement replaced sadness (Luke 24:17, 31-33)
3. Great joy replaced troubled hearts (Luke 24:38, 52)
4. Perspective replaced pride (Luke 22:24, Act 10:25-26)
5. Effective ministry replaced ineffective (Luke 22:32, Act 2:14)
6. Evidence replaced types & shadows (John 2:19, 1Jo 1:1-4)
7. Truth replace speculation (John 20:2, 18)
8. Assurance replaced doubt (John 20:24-25, 28-29)
9. Harmony replace lack of unity (John 20:9-10, Act 1:13-14)
10. Courage replaced fear (John 20:19, Act 4:18-21)

 If news of Jesus’ resurrection changed the disciples, could it change us?  You bet!  Understand Jesus’ resurrection and all that it accomplished, and it will give you focus, joy, and assurance (1Cor 15).  It’ll make a new man (or woman) out of you.  It’ll change everything!

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Marriage Vow #1

November 26, 2009

A few months ago, a man and woman asked if I would officiate their wedding ceremony.  After a few hours of counsel, I agreed.  I performed that wedding a few days ago.  The five vows I asked the bride and groom are the topic of this and the next four articles. 

 Where did these five vows come from?  They summarize the things we discussed in my office before the wedding.  I believe these vows go further than traditional vows - for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health …   Consider the 1^st:  Do you promise to love your spouse actively, not just passively? 

 The Golden Rule is often interpreted too narrowly:  Do not do anything to anyone you wouldn’t want them to do to you.  In other words, “Don’t be mean to your spouse.”  This is a passive application of Bible love, love through inaction.  A marriage based primarily on passivity is already in trouble. 

 Love is active.  Godly love serves (Gal 5:13) and is manifested in deed (1Jo 3:18).  Passive service or deeds are oxymorons.  If your spouse has a particularly full or heavy load, help.  If your spouse experienced frustration or disappointment, encourage.  If your spouse has a headache or a set back, comfort.  Marriage based on providing wide births will limp along at best.  Love with action.

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Marriage Vow #2

November 27, 2009

Active love is an important first step in any relationship, especially a marriage.  Today, let us consider the second of our five marriage vows:  Do you promise to love your spouse even when he or she is not looking?

 Infidelity comes to mind when a person first hears this vow - it did mine.  But the promise to love when one’s spouse is not present goes much further than sexual purity.  Sure, this vow includes fidelity, but it also includes speech, spending, work ethic, and moral integrity.  As far as I know, Ricky and Lucy Ricardo never committed adultery, but oh what scheming and tricks they did behind one another’s backs.  A prominent theme in the show’s comedy was based on deceit.

 Godly love has integrity, a good conscience, and a pure heart (1Ti 1:5).  Bible love does not covet, steal, bear false witness, murder, or commit adultery (Rom 13:8-10).  Consider the virtuous woman’s behavior in her husband’s absence.  She was trustworthy, conscientious, and loyal (Pr 31:11-12, 23).

Would you have purchased that item if your spouse was standing next to you, have made that statement if your spouse was in earshot, or have performed that action if your spouse was looking?  Love your spouse, even when they are not looking.

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Marriage Vow #3

November 28, 2009

 Our first two vows addressed action and integrity.  Today, let us consider the third of our five vows:  Do you promise to love your spouse as he or she needs to be loved?

 The Royal Law (James 2:8) is often interpreted too narrowly:  Treat your spouse as you want to be treated.  The problem is:  I like to be treated like a guy!  A narrow interpretation of the Royal Law would have me treating my wife like a guy, because that’s the way I want to be treated (ie., concise communications which are to the point, task oriented, physical needs …).  But my wife’s needs are far different.

 Godly love provides that which is needful (James 2:15-16).  Bible love forsakes a God given liberty if that liberty grieves a spouse ((Rom 14:14-15).  Men are to love their wives as their own bodies; not as men, but as tender vessels (Eph 5:28, 1Pet 3:7).

 Brethren, cherish your wife as a woman needs cherishing.  Nourish your wife as a woman needs nourishing (Eph 5:29).  Sisters, respect your husbands as they need to be respected.  Dress for your husbands, not for other women (1Pet 3:1-6).  Truthfully, we really don’t care much about shoes.  Love your spouse as they need loving.

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Marriage Vow #4

November 29, 2009

 Our first three vows addressed action, integrity, and need.  Today, we shall consider the fourth of our five vows:  Do you promise to love your spouse when he or she is not acting lovable?

 The lead of many romantic films often says something to the effect:   “I love the way you make me feel” or “I love you when you are good to me.”  But what happens to love when a spouse is not creating that warm fuzzy feeling?  What happens to love when you wake up to a spouse with bad breath, a terrible headache, or who got up on the wrong side of the bed?  Is love made null and void in these circumstances?

 In The Sermon of the Mount Jesus preached, “Bless them who curse you” (Matt 5:44-46).  If Jesus commanded you and I to love our enemies, ought not we do the same with our spouses.  Godly love does not fall out of love, grow apart, or have irreconcilable differences.  Godly love loves through pet peeves, irritating habits, and a failure or two.

 The Lord had the foresight to warn husbands about bitterness (Col 3:19).  Why?  Because wives can have bad habits, be moody, or talk too much (as can husbands).  When warm and fuzzy turns into raised hair on the back of your neck, let it go.  Love them with actions as they need to be loved.

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Marriage Vow #5

November 30, 2009

 Love with action, integrity, need, and perseverance; what could be missing?  Humility!  Let us consider the fifth of our five vows:  Do you promise to love your spouse better than yourself?

 Imagine a track coach asking his high jumper before a championship meet to better his personal best by six inches.  Most high jumpers would think their coach would be asking too much.  But that is exactly what God has done when He upped Jam 2:8 to Php 2:3, when He upped as thyself to better than thyself.  And get this, He upped it another six inches when taught John 13:34, love as Christ loved.  Increase in love, more and more (1Th 4:9-10). 

 If only God knew how much I loved myself, He wouldn’t have asked me to crank it up; but God would not have said it if we could not have achieved it.  My friends, that is the way we are to love our spouses:  as servants, in humility, as Christ, sacrificially, according to God’s will, better than ourselves.  This is the way Jesus loved us: 

1. In action, He came and suffered
2. When we were not looking, He loved us before we knew Him
3. As we need, He paid our debts, He reconciled us to God
4. When we were unlovable, He loved us when we hated Him
5. Sacrificially, He died for us

Paul told us to follow Jesus.  If this is the actions above describe Jesus' love toward us, then this is the way we are to love each other, especially our spouses.   We have no excuses

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Balaam’s Talk & Walk

December 4, 2009

 A casual reading of Numbers 22, 23, and 24 gives a Bible reader the impression Balaam was a decent guy.  He apologized for beating his beast (22:34), said no to a king (23:20), and spoke against a pagan world view (24:10).  Nevertheless, the N.T. speaks poorly of Balaam (2Pe 2:16, Jude 11, Rev 2:14).

Why did the Holy Spirit inspire such negative record of Balaam?  Didn’t Balaam say all the right things?  Yes, but Balaam’s walk did not back his talk.  Consider:

1. Balaam went:  God told Balaam to go if they asked, but Balaam went without being asked.  His words said no to reward, but his actions spoke otherwise (22:20-22).
2. Balaam ate:  Balaam ate a sacrifice offered to an idol.  Israelites heard his message, but imitated his actions (22:40, 25:1).
3. Balaam added:  Balaam built altars on pagan worship sites.  His words said no to compromise, but his actions spoke otherwise (23:1).
4. Balaam deviated:  Balaam allowed a pagan king to assist his sacrifice.  His words honored God, but his actions spoke otherwise (23:29).
5. Balaam mingled:  Balaam mixed magic into his ministry.  His words said God’s way was the only way, but his actions spoke otherwise (24:1).

 Why does the N.T. speak so poorly of Balaam?  Balaam incorporated the world into his ministry, and Israel followed.  God and the world do not mix (Jam 4:4, 1Jo 2:15-16).  May the Lord help us purge the world from our lives and our worship.

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Two, Two Letter Words

December 11, 2009

 The 1^st chapter of Ephesians is fantastic, it overflows with grace.  But of all the words in this chapter I’ve come to appreciate, two which have risen high on my list are us and in.  That’s right, a pronoun and a preposition.  Consider:

      1:3  -  God blessed us  …  in Christ

     1:4  -  God chose us in Him  …

     1:5  -  God predestinated us by Jesus …       

     1:6  -  God made us accepted in the Beloved

     1:7  -  In Whom (Jesus) we have redemption

 And the chapter doesn’t let up.  In verses 8-12, God abounded toward us, made known unto us, and gave inheritance.  How did we get these blessings?  In Christ!  And the 2^nd chapter continues - He loved us (v. 4), He quickened us (v. 5), He raised us, He made us sit with Him (v. 6), He showed us kindness (v. 7).  How did these blessings come about?  With Christ, in Christ, and through Christ.

 Ever get the notion we are something on our own?  Read Eph 1:10 - we are gathered in Christ, even in Him.  Verily, verily; that’s an exclamation point.   We are nothing outside of Christ, but have all things in Him.  Praise the Lord.

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Security:  Past & Present

December 18, 2009

Israel desired security and sought it from government.  They said, make us a king like all the nations (1Sa 8:5).  The world, not the word, was their pattern.  Samuel told Israel, the security they sought would be costly.  Consider Samuel’s warnings, with a modern  twist.  The king you desire will:

     v. 11  -  take your sons and educate them for his use

    v. 12  -  appoint czars over industry and labor

    v. 13  -  take your daughters and conform them to his use

    v. 14  -  take your auto companies, banks, and hospitals

    v. 15  -  tax your income and redistribute it to others

    v. 16  -  take you doctors and engineers for himself

 But of all Samuel’s warnings, the warning given in verse 17 & 18 is the most frightening.  He said, “This king will cause you to cry out, but God will ignore your cries.”  The people said, “We don’t care.  We want security.”  Can you imagine a people who would trust an earthly king more than Almighty God?  Not so hard to imagine, is it?  God, have mercy on us.

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Protecting Sheep & Lambs

December 25, 2009

 How do we tell the difference between longsuffering and foolish suffering (Rev 2:20)?   How do we know when we ought to switch from making peace to naming names (1Ti 1:19-20)?  from tolerance to discernment (Rev 2:24-25)?  from hoping all things to sounding the alarm (Gal 2:4-5)?  These are not easy questions.  Consider a parallel:

 Shepherds’ responsibilities are all about protection:  from predators, being led astray, fear, polluted water, poisonous vegetation …   So when a sheep endangers self, a shepherd shelters that sheep.  But when a sheep endangers the fold, a shepherd shelters the fold.

 Paul taught sons in the ministry to behave like shepherds.  To those harming themselves, Paul said be patient (2Ti 2:23-26).  But to those harming others, Paul was impatient.  He said, shun the profane, identify the babbler, and cauterize the canker (2Ti 2:16-18).  Who was Paul loving when he named Phygellus, Hermogenes, Hymenaeus, Philetus, Alexander, and Demas?  He was loving preachers, but he was also loving babes when he warned their pastor. 

 Yes, in times past our people have too quickly declared folks out of order.  But the other extreme is to say nothing about false doctrine and false teachers.  How do we know when to speak up?  Pray, read, and pray some more.  And if convicted - Pray, read, and pray some more.  May God guide us.

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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 08/11/2010