Ironworks

     When we look at the story of the call of Nathanael (the Apostle believed to be Bartholomew). We see the importance of the invitation. “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Jesus found Philip (1:43) and Philip found Nathanael. Notice what Philip said to Nathanael: we have found the one of whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote. It is Jesus. His invitation came with a proclamation and a reference. All the Jews looked forward to the Messiah that was to come. Philip did not keep it to himself. He went and found Nathanael and told him the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the one foretold.       Nathanael’s response was one of skepticism. “And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see ( John 1:44). He had his own biases that Jesus might not be the One because of the location from which He came.

          Have you ever seen someone that was resilient despite all that was thrown at them? I love the story of triumph that happens seemingly every day all across the world. Someone might beat cancer with the assistance of great doctors with great treatments. Another person might overcome a financial setback and go on to successfully rebuild their financial well-being. One thing that is necessary for every story of someone who has overcome is the right attitude. This is no different for the New Testament Christian. We each must take setbacks and failures in stride trusting our Lord always to be our rock and salvation. This will take each of us using the Words of the faithful, rather than the words of failure.  Paul’s State Changed, His Faith Remained the Same      “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.  I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret b

Have you ever seen someone give up before they have even tried? I have seen it happen over and over again. There is a temptation to give up when things get really tough. What we say during those times can cause even greater damage to not just the one saying it but those who hear it.  Wicked Witnesses The children of Israel murmured/whispered against Moses often in the period of wilderness wandering. Their lack of trust in the Lord predated even their going out of the land of bondage. They said,  “Is not this the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness (Ex 14:12).  How will we respond when the elders say we have great work to do or when the sermon always involves a call to action? The children of Israel were witnesses of all the signs and wonders that God worked as He liberated them. Even after all that, they still went back to their minds

  “For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13       I am grateful for our two deacons and their willingness to serve this congregation. These two men work behind the scenes and take care of things that we do not all see. They do this while they raise their families and work their full-time jobs. Let us take time to recognize what Deacons are and also what deacons are not.  Deacons are Not The Only Servants      The Greek word used for the office of deacon is diakonos.  Its very basic meaning is servant, minister, or deacon. This term, in a general sense, is applied to all Christians (see Matthew 20:26; 1 Tim 4:6. Et al.) Not all Christians hold the office of deacon, for not all Christians are qualified according to the Scripture (see 1 Tim 3: 8-13). The Lord’s church cannot expect the men who hold the office to do all the work. Can you imagine if everything that needed to be don

     I love the elders of this congregation. I get the privilege of serving under them and fortunately get to see some of the unseen works of these men.  These men live out their salvation with their dedication to the Lord and His church.  Hebrews 13:17 gives us these words, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you."      This seems straightforward, doesn’t it? Then why do we not do it all the time? It is our souls over which they are watching. These men who serve the church do so willingly and sacrifice time, effort, and their talents for our benefit. The job is hard, and they know it. The job comes with extra accountability. They will have to give an account for not only their actions, but for the Christians they are charged with shepherding (see 1 Peter  5:2).       They seek to help and encourage