It's a new day Blog

Gears and Cogs

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Paul had experienced the true unity of the Christian family while in prison. You will remember that the church in Philippi made a collection for Paul. They also sent their pastor, Epaphroditus, to Rome to visit Paul and bring him encouragement and the monetary support from the church body. Paul was so refreshed by that visit, that he writes the book of Philippians, full of rejoicing in the life and the family he received in Christ.

Paul exhorts them further, to put aside self-seeking, and live as Christ lived. As Paul spent time in his friendship with the Lord, he would lose himself. It was as if he was emptied of flat, old soda and filled to overflowing with refreshing clear mountain spring water. That love he experienced in a relationship with Christ, was easy to pour out to others.

When my father passed away, I received my grandfather’s pocket watch. Nowadays, we do not use a pocket watch, we use our cell phones to tell time. The modern day pocket watch is a cell phone. However, this pocket watch is composed of many different gears and cogs. If just one were to stop working, the watch would be useless. When each gear, each cog, each wheel works together, the pocket watch tells time, it fulfills it’s purpose.

When we dwell in unity, serving one another, we are able to fulfill the purpose Christ gave to us.

May you grow in your friendship with the Living God. May the love you receive from Christ, overflow to others. May you work and dwell in unity and so fulfill your purpose: a life displaying the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is,

For brethren to dwell together in unity.” ~Psalm 133: 1

Blessings,

Robert.

Out of The Comfort Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD,

And of justice and might,

To declare to Jacob his transgression

And to Israel his sin. ~ Micah 3:8

Micah was a prophet of fear. Many prophets in his day and in our own that are full of fear, but unlike the others, Micah feared God.

This prophet rebukes the leaders of Israel for their misdeeds. The political leaders sacrifice the people for their own gain. The spiritual leaders, priests and prophets, speak lies to the people rather than encouraging them to repent only to gain money. Each leader acts out of the pursuit of comfort rather than pursuing the Truth, from a fear of God. In doing so, they harmed the people and led them further and further astray from God.

Micah cries out that he fears God and is not afraid to make people uncomfortable in talking about sin. He declares their need for repentance. Someone else calls for humankind to repent: Jesus.

Years ago, I was having lunch with a pastor friend. I asked him how he was doing. He explained he was struggling, because everyone in his fellowship was speaking in tongues. It was not a few people speaking in tongues with interpretation; it was many voices speaking aloud at once. It had become a distraction from the teaching of the Word.

We read together 1 Corinthians 12-14 and I asked his interpretation of this passage, specifically where Paul exhorts order in speaking tongues and even states in 14:4 : “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”

My pastor friend said that he agreed that tongues should be spoken with an interpretation, but he said that he would not share this with his congregation.

Why? I asked

His response: Because if I shared the truth, everyone will leave.

He was afraid of sharing with the people the transforming power of God’s truth. The fear of men and his desire for comfort crippled him. Sadly, his congregation suffered because of his unwillingness to share the truth.

The truth of the Gospel is uncomfortable. Sin, wrongdoings, separate all humans from God. However, a friendship with the living God is available to all who receive the gift of grace in Christ’s death and resurrection.

May you fear God, be uncomfortable, and preach the Gospel!

Blessings,

Robert

Sincere Love

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29

This exhortation is not familiar to refrigerator magnets or bookmarks or Hallmark sympathy cards. It is, however, true.

Paul was familiar with the life of a true Christian. He believed in Jesus Christ. From that day on the road to Damascus, he not only knew that Jesus was real, Paul entrusted his entire livelihood and identity to belong to the Son of God. This life of belief, of ultimate trust in the living God, was so much better than the life he had lived as a Pharisee.

Better, but not easier.

In fact, Paul was so devoted to Christ, he endured many hardships for the sake of the Gospel. He was stoned, kicked out of cities, imprisoned, and more. He also, however experienced the joy of seeing many come to new life in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 6:4-6, Paul says, “As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.”

That is what it is all about. Sharing the Gospel in sincere love. Everyone is looking for love, for joy and for happiness. Christ came to free us from the bondage of cheapened love: lust and addiction. He gave Himself, he trusted God the Father to suffer, for sincere love.

Paul’s life was better because he was living his purpose. He gave the Gospel and experienced eternal love: from Christ to humans. I love it when my granddaughter runs to hold my hand as I lead her. Like a child, hold on to His nail scarred hands and let Him lead your life. It is so much better, but not easier.

May you know His love and sacrifice. May you love sincerely.

Blessings,

Robert

Awe-Inspiring God

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

“Hear, O peoples, all of you, listen, O earth and all who are in it, that the Sovereign LORD may witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. Look! The LORD is coming from his dwelling place; He comes down and treads the high places of the earth.” Micah 1:2-3

God is awesome. Not “awesome” in the sense that modern American English connotes, but “awesome” as in awe inspiring. He is grand and all-powerful. He has made everything and holds everything in His hands.

Micah paints a clear picture of the grand presence and position of God. He is a Judge; He is a witness; and He is our salvation. If He were to appear before us today, we would be blown away by His greatness.

We have all missed the mark. We have all sinned and God is the ultimate judge. He is a witness to your deeds and your heart. Only God truly knows your heart. Examine it. Let the Lord search your heart and allow Him to clean up…before that great and awesome day.

That day, God will leave His dwelling place of heaven. Over 2000 years ago He came to earth once as a humble babe. Soon, He will return as a conquering King.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean…On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-14;16

He is coming! He is mighty. He will save, judge, and reign. We can be at His side.

Are you ready?

Blessings,

Robert

Magnify

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:03:00 +0000

“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20

At this time, Paul was facing death. He in chains, imprisoned in Rome. Soon he would go before Caesar Nero. This encounter would lead to his death by beheading.

Although Paul was nearing death, he was not giving up his commitment to the mission of sharing the Gospel. He wanted to finish well. He earnestly expected to have Christ magnified in his body and to finish well. He knew he would finish well and that even in his death, people would see Jesus.

What does that mean to have an “earnest expectation?” I remember the times when I have sat down with the Word of God and had an earnest expectation to hear from God. I am ready to hear from God and He meets me. He speaks to my heart and refreshes me because I have confidence in His Word.

Having an earnest expectation is not like buying a lottery ticket. You may say, “I hope I win the lottery!” You want to win the lottery, but you do not have a confidence that you will win. Your chances are very slim.

If Christ is in your life, if the Holy Spirit is in you, Christ will be magnified. If someone looks at you with a magnifying glass, what do they see? Do they see that it is all about you? Do they read your twitter and facebook and just see you? Christian, it is not about you! Your life is not about you. It is about glorifying Jesus. We are only dissatisfied and restless when we only magnify ourselves. Magnify Jesus!

Earnestly expect His coming, the day when the sky will part, trumpets will resound and Jesus will gloriously come for His people. I don’t want to be ashamed on that day.

How bold are you to share the Gospel? Like Paul, you can say, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.

Earnestly expect His coming. Magnify the One who made you.

Blessings,

Robert

Pause

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:08:00 +0000

“Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,

And my age is nothing before You:

Certainly every man at his best state is vapor. Selah” Psalms 39:5

David’s life was tempestuous. He had great days when he was King and went through some pretty rough times. He was forced to flee into the wilderness as a young man, being chased by King Saul who would kill him. He fell into sin with Bathsheba and suffered the death of his newborn son. Psalm 39 comes at the time when his son, Absalom, denounced David with threats to fight for the kingdom and David was forced to flee his home once again.

David’s greatness as the King of Israel and direct ancestral line to the Messiah was tempered with great sorrow. His life was quickly fading and he found himself fleeing, just as in the days of his youth. I am sure that David wondered, “Why am I here?” “What good have I really done with my son forcing me to flee?”

Our lives are short.

Recently, I was discussing with a young man the vapor quality of life. I told him that before he knew it, his children would be grown, 16 years old and driving to school. I can speak from experience! Just yesterday my children were young and today they are grown.

Selah in the Psalm is Hebrew for pause. “Certainly, every man at his best state is vapor. Pause”

Pause a moment. Take time in your busy-ness to draw close to God, to love your friends and family. Look to Jesus.

David says in Psalms 17:15 “I will see your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.”

Pause

The Mission- Choose to Accept

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. ~Philippians 1:14

Paul was writing to the Philippians of his influence on others even while he was in chains. Paul lived his life for the Gospel. How? He had a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, left his livelihood and religious influence as a Pharisee, and preached the Gospel of Christ immediately. Later, he went on to travel extensively in the Roman empire teaching the fulfillment of the Messiah in Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

Years later, while on his third missionary journey, several prophecies convinced Paul that the next time he went to Jerusalem, he would be captured and imprisoned. When his friends and children in the faith, the Ephesians, heard this, they wept and begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul’s response? Read below:

I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. ~Acts 20:23-24

Paul lived in Christ. He lived to preach the Gospel and allow God to save as many souls as possible, even in his hardships.

You, Christian, have also been summoned into the ranks commanded by the living God. Commissioned by God. That’s you.

You may think, not me! I am going through difficult circumstances or struggles that take me out of those prestigious ranks. Not so. All Christians, every last one, have been commissioned by the mighty Commander to do three things. Go. Preach the Gospel. Make disciples of all nations. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19)

We may have different gifts and talents to accomplish that mission, but our lives are to be used to preach the Gospel. Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words. ~ St. Francis of Assisi.

The Gospel is preached in more than just words. The Gospel is displayed through our lifestyle. Examine yourselves. How is your life different than those in the world? How can others see Christ in you in your home, workplace, and church?

Like Paul, and any good soldier, can you be willing to give your life to complete the mission?

GO!

Be Confident

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:04:00 +0000

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 1:6

Whether in need of a little encouragement or praying for someone who does, the book of Philippians is full of encouraging statements. Philippians is indeed a book of one encouraging statement after another.

Ironically, Paul was in prison when he wrote the book of Philippians. However, the background story of Philippians explains its many encouraging statements.

When the church in Philippi heard that Paul was in prison, they took a collection to give to Paul. The Philippians sent their pastor, Epaphroditus, to give Paul the collection. They knew that money could help provide supplies and better treatment. When Paul received his gift, it evidently touched him. This simple generosity is the reason for Paul’s letter which he sent back with Pastor Epaphroditus and was read and circulated, even 2000 years later.

Being confident... Paul knew the Philippians. He had experienced their heart for the Lord in their generosity to him. He knew and was confident that Christ would continue to work in them. As you walk closely with the Lord, He will continue to encourage you and complete His work in you. While Christians may withdraw from the Lord, He is available whenever they call to Him. Draw near to Him. Know and be confident in Christ who works in you.

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” ~ Hebrews 12:2

Blessings,

Robert

Rejection of Emergent Thought, Teaching and Church

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:53:00 +0000

Jesus told us His kingdom would have enemies who would mix tares among the wheat.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who

sowed good seed in his field;

but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

So the servants of the owner came and said to him,

“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

He said to them, “An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, “No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest,

and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers,

“First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them,

but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matt. 13:24-30)

As soon as Jesus established the Church at Pentecost, by the Holy Spirit, the Church began to grow and do the work of Christ. However, at the same time the enemy began to pollute the work with false teaching, false teachers, false doctrines, and false leaders who taught “philosophy and empty deceit according to the tradition of men according to the basic principles of the world” (Colossians 2:8). We are also warned to beware lest anyone cheat us through these things that are taught with “persuasive words” (Colossians 2:4)

The church in our day is no different. There are those who reject the clear teaching of Scripture, and salvation through our Risen Saviour, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. and teach the principles of this world, as if they came from God.

One of the main, but certainly not the only vehicles used in this work of the enemy today is the “Emergent Church”. Taking new age philosophies, eastern mysticism, and liberal theology, then repackaging it so that it looks like something new by using terms like, “contemplative prayer and spirituality” "missional” and “conversational”. These false teachings are creeping their way into Churches, Christian music, Christian magazines, blogs and other venues that should be dedicated to spreading the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because of this, we need to hang onto the truth with all the more diligence and heed the word of God which tells us, “as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). In Jesus you will find everything you will ever need. All things were created By Him, for Him and in Him all things consist. And you, Christian,- are complete in Him. You do not need any of the nonsense the enemy brings through the emergent church or any new deception he has on the horizon.

Blessings

Can an Evangelical Christian Accept Evolution?

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:02:00 +0000

In a recent post I was asked the question, “Can an evangelical Christian accept evolution?” Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” and we are told in Ephesians to "put on the belt of truth.” Jesus also said, “I am the way the truth and the life” . When Pilate asked Jesus, “You are a King then?” Jesus’ response was ,“for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth”

Christians should be all about the truth. I for one, do not want to believe a lie. In the twenty nine years I have been in ministry, I have sought to be honest about Jesus, the Bible and any difficulties that arise out of believing in both. I have seen too many Christians and non-Christians that are not honest. They would deny the truth even if it hit them in the face. This leaves them vulnerable to believe a lie, because they are afraid to honestly examine any opposition to what they believe. If what you believe cannot stand up to scrutiny, then is it worth believing in?

The answer to the question, "could I believe in evolution"?, is at this point "no"! I have sought the proofs of evolution and found them very lacking. So lacking in fact that I wonder if evolutionists have the same definition for "fact" as I do? They say evolution is an undeniable fact and then give some lame statement about dog’s being domesticated as proof for evolution. Tell me who is lacking honesty? The Christian or the new atheist?

In order for me to believe in evolution I would have to make it over a few hurdles to get from where I am (which is believing that the universe including our world and life was created by God who gave all of His creation undeniable design and complexity, that evolution could never even come close to accomplishing)

Here are a few of the hurdles I would have to make it over to become an evolutionist.

Hurdle #1 That the universe or super universe was created out of nothing. It is claimed that Stephen Hawking, proved our universe had a beginning. If something had a beginning, it had a cause for that beginning. I can not go from nothing to a complex universe. This takes more faith than believing in God

Hurdle # 2 Life began by chance. The right earth in the right place in the right galaxy, with the right amount of water the right distance from the sun. Also, with a magnetic field with a moon that keeps our axis on line. Not to speak of the incredible complexity of the most basic cell. To believe life began by chance takes more faith than believing in God

Hurdle #3 That after life was created by chance, it has come to the many complex forms of life that cover this earth. We have never observed one evolutionary change. To believe that all these complex life forms evolved takes more faith than believing in God

Hurdle #4 The fossil record does not have one record of one life form changing into another. Darwin knew this was a weakness and said “in time we would find the transitions.” Here we are, many years later and we still don’t have any transitionary record in the fossils. If evolution is happening all the time.,there should be a record of it somewhere. To believe that our vast fossil record just missed recording something like evolution that has supposed to have happened millions of times to get to where we are today, takes more faith to believe than to believe in God.

These are just four of the hurdles I would need to get over to believe in evolution. There are many more that perhaps I will share in the future.

Blessings

The Greatest Show on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:27:00 +0000

I am taking time to read Richard Dawkins Book “The Greatest Show on Earth” (wasn't that a circus?) I'll let you know if this book also fits into the category of a circus. Actually, I am listening to the book, on my Iphone which my son tells me is not really reading a book. (technically he is correct) I am 2 hours and 28 minutes into the audiobook and there is approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes total.

So far he has spent the first part of the book stating that evolution is a fact. He has not given any reason for that statement yet. He then spent time trying to redefine the word theory to explain how evolution is a theory and a fact. He didn't do a sufficient job to get me on board with that one. However, I do understand that something can be a fact and not be able to be tested scientifically, because you would have to run controlled tests and record the outcomes in order to test them scientifically. We can't do this with the origin of the earth. However, we should be able to test and prove evolution since the claim is that there is a known mechanism that makes it work. I wish he would have given his definition of evolution because that seems to be changing form scientist to scientist today.

Mr. Dawkins then goes into a lengthily section on the breeding of dogs, plants and some flowers (with a few insults thrown in at God and Christians) to explain the difference between engineered selection, sexual selection and natural selection.

At this point he has given no proof for evolution. Everyone knows that through breeding or genetics you can make changes in a certain groups. We would call this adaptation. You can breed a species of dog to be faster or stronger or have a better sense of smell by breeding the fastest dogs with the fastest dogs. But, in the end you still have a dog. I understand that this is the mechanism that Darwin's theory stated would bring abut evolution. However, at this point I am unimpressed.

I know a lot more about how breeding works in flowers and plants, but everything explained so far could be contributed to a Creator who wanted to give His Creation the best chance to survive. So the female elk chooses the winner of the battle of two bull elk to mate with, ensuring that the genes are strong for future elk. This is not a proof for evolution or creation, it is just an observation on how things work.

I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the book shakes out and if I find a proof for evolution! I am also reading "The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel, a great book which I will blog about as will in the future.

Blessings

This Week at Calvary "Don’t Miss the Best Part"

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Ever missed the punch line of a joke? Everyone else starts laughing, and you are left saying, “what did he say, what did he say, I missed it” . What about going to the restroom during a movie at exactly the wrong time, when you return you think, "is this the same movie "? And your friend says, “you should not have gone then”. No one likes to miss the best part

However, better to miss the punch line of a joke or a turning of a plot of a movie then to miss the best part of life, When it is all said and done you don’t want to hear, “Man, you missed it”! Jesus said “I have come to give you life and life more abundantly”

The Bible teaches that no one is complete without God. It also says, "i can do all things through Christ", and apart from Him, I can do nothing” Jesus said , “I am the bread of life, the light of the world," And, if you drink of the water He gives you will never thirst again.”

You and I need Jesus, however there is a right and wrong way to follow Him. A good example of this this is found in the account of Jesus being invited over to Mary and Martha’s house for dinner. The Bible tells us Martha is distracted with much serving, but Mary chose the best part - which was to set at His feet and listen to His Word.

Our lives will not be measured by the amount or quality of the work we do for Jesus, but by the relationship we have with Him. Many follow in Martha’s footsteps, consumed with what they are doing for the Lord and judgmental about what others are doing. All the while, they are missing what they really need. To sit at His feet.

It is not that serving is bad, we need to be good stewards of what God has given us. However, if duty to God replaces devotion to God, we are in danger of becoming religious in our a relationship with Him. The best service to the Lord springs from a close relationship with Him.
Blessings!

Glory to God in the Highest!

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Two thousand years ago an angel stood in a field before shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone all around. He told them they would find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes who was Messiah, the Lord. Then, a host of angels stood with the angel and called out “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This appearance of the glory of God had not taken place in over 600 years. In Ezekiel chapter ten, Ezekiel, is taken from the captives in Babylon to Jerusalem where he sees the glory of God leave the temple by way of the east gate then the Mount of Olives.

For hundreds of years the people of Israel had been serving God with their lips but their hearts were far from Him. They tolerated sin and compromise, they wanted to be like the world around them and were altogether carnal. There was no desire for purity or sincerity as they worshiped God, and the glory left.

Six hundred years later, the Glory returns and not only in that field where that angel announced the birth of the Messiah. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word. and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And in John 1:14 we are told, “And the Word became 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.”

The return of the Glory to Israel after 600 years was that Babe born in a barn and laid in a saliva streaked manger, showing that despite the glory revealed, God is not afraid to get close to mankind.

Have a blessed Christmas and may the Glory of God fill your lives and home as you stay close to the Living God!

The Importance of Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:19 - "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,"

The importance of worship is easy to overlook or replace with service. However, I believe real effective service comes out of a life that is in real worship of the Living God.

Let's start with a definition of worship. When we worship, we give adoration, devotion, affection, and love to the living God. We can do this by bowing before Him, singing to Him, being in quiet submission to Him, lifting our hands to Him, and telling Him all the things in our hearts.

Public worship is also important because it makes a statement that we have given our lives to Him. Our public worship should be an extension of our private lives. If it is not, then it is easy to start to do things in public worship for show instead of true Spirit-led worship.

Jesus told the woman at the well that the Father was looking for those who would worship Him in spirit and in truth. In our times it is not where we go to worship that matters, but that we are worshiping Him in spirit and truth. Paul and Silas began to worship in a Philippian jail. As they sang worship songs in the middle of the night, their chains fell off. Could this be a symbol that those things that bind us fall off as we put God in the right place in our lives?

The Bible also tells us God inhabits the praises of His people. We already know that God is everywhere. However, when we worship him, He is with us in a special way. This verse tells us to speak to one another as we worship the Lord. This is a command for public worship. As we worship together, we encourage each other to be worshipers.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

Filled with the Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:18 - "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,"

Talk about a verse that has been misused. When I was younger I attended a church that believed you could get drunk in the Spirit. The Bible tells us we can be filled with the spirit, receive the Spirit, be anointed by the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and guided by the Spirit. There is a reference to being baptized with the Spirit. You can have the Spirit with you, in you, and upon you. You can walk by the Spirit, have the fruit of the Spirit, or grieve the Spirit. But the Bible never says you can
be drunk in the Spirit.

So why did my little church then and a few churches today have people stumbling around acting drunk in the middle of a worship service? I could say, "Because it takes all kinds." Some people just act weird. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control, so why would the Spirit fill you and take you out of control? The Bible also says, within the context of spiritual gifts and the Spirit moving in the church, that all things are to be done in an orderly fashion.

Ok, so why are they acting drunk? Because they use this verse as a comparison: "Do not be drunk with wine...but be filled with the spirit." They say this means you can get drunk in the Spirit because the passage compares the two - wine and the Spirit. However this is not a passage of
comparison but of contrast - wine vs. the Spirit.

What a great difference there is between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. You are never more out of control when you are drunk. And you are never in more control when you are anointed by the Holy Spirit. When you are drunk you are self-seeking. When you are filled with the Spirit you are sacrifice for other people because the fruit of the Spirit is love. When you are drunk you destroy brain cells, relationships, cars, etc. When you are filled with the Spirit you are mindful of the things of God and use your spiritual gifts to minister to other people.

The Bible says if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the things of the flesh and that we overcome the flesh by the work of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Father, empower us with Your Spirit that we may be filled with Your power to do Your work until You come.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

Buying Back Time

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:16, 17 - "redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Time keeps marching on. It never stops, it never takes a break. Time is a lesson in consistency. You can never get time back so you need to give forethought to how you spend it. Redeeming the time means to buy time back. The Bible teaches us elsewhere to make the most out of our time, but here we are instructed to buy some back.

Let's talk for a moment about the kind of things that waste our time. First there is stuff. For all the stuff we have, we need to spend time and energy keeping it up -- house, car, bike, boat, etc. The less stuff we have to maintain, the more time we have. It's not that we can't have these things,
just know that each new thing brings more time restraints. Our self-worth does not exist in the things we posses. It's not the car we drive or how big our house is. Our self-worth is in the things money cannot buy. Redeeming the time might just mean downsizing to get rid of some of those time eaters which will leave you more time to spend on what really matters.

Next, we need to be willing to say "No" to some people who put demands on our time. When I first started pastoring, I felt I needed to spend time with anyone who wanted to get together with me. This became very overwhelming. I sometimes spent 18-hour days in counseling, not to mention lunches, weddings and visitations. If I continued in such a way my family, my marriage, and my relationship with God would suffer because I was always giving out and never taking back in. It is still hard for me to say no when someone wants something from me, but I have learned to redeem my time by limiting some of these things. A wise man once told me, "For everything I say yes to, I am saying no to something else." Therefore I want to say yes to the important things.

One more area we must talk about is wasted time. Proverbs tells us, "There is a man so lazy he cannot bring his hand to his mouth from the bowl." Many other proverbs speak to us about laziness, too. We need to understand there is a time for us to "chill" as my twenty-two year old would say. We need to recharge the batteries as it were. Too much down time, however, can lead to us being involved in things that will bring us down. King David, at a time when kings go to war (he should have been about the king's business, the Bible says), looked over from his rooftop and saw Bathsheba taking a bath. His next steps led to a great personal crisis in his life. Another Proverb says, "A little rest and little folding of the hand and sudden destruction
comes upon you."

The text tells us what we should be doing with our time. "Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." There is nothing better for us to do with our time than to find out what the will of God is and then spend our time doing that.

Blessings

Robert Furrow

Walk Carefully

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:15 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,"

To walk circumspectly means to walk carefully and to not take risks. As we make our way through this world, there are many dangers a Christian can get caught up in. The Bible gives us several warnings about the way we walk. If we don't walk carefully, we can give place to the devil, grieve the Holy Spirit, or give in to sin, whether it's known or unknown.

A good example of this is a study of Peter before he denied Jesus in the courtyard where Jesus was being tried. Earlier that evening Peter was sitting around the table with Jesus and the other eleven disciples and declared, "Even if all these forsake you I will never forsake you."

How do you go from that kind of confidence to denying Jesus in the same night? The answer is by not walking circumspectly. Let's take a closer look.

First, Peter was overconfident. The Bible says to take heed when you think you stand, lest you fall. When he declared he would not deny Jesus, he had already been told that morning that he would deny Jesus not just once, but three times. Rather than walking carefully, he blew off the warning as ridiculous. This was his first step to denying Jesus.

Second, Peter was prayerless, or at least he was not driven to prayer. Jesus had taken Peter into the garden with Him to seek the Father in prayer. Jesus went about a stone's throw away and prayed. When he returned, He found Peter asleep and told him, "Pray, lest you enter into temptation." It was a risk to sleep and not pray -- a risk that would not pay off.

Third, when the guards came into the garden, Peter pulled a sword and fought to rescue Jesus. He relied on his flesh to try to accomplish the things of God. That's never a good idea. The end result was Jesus rebuking Peter and cleaning up his mess. Walking by the flesh instead of the spirit is not walking circumspectly.

Next we learn that Peter followed Jesus at a distance. At least he was following Jesus, but it is always a mistake to not stay close to Him. To walk carefully, we must stay close to Him.

Finally, Peter found himself sitting with the enemies. It was a brisk night and Peter sought the warmth of a fire. The problem was the fire is where the enemies of Jesus were gathered. And this is where they asked one of the questions that led Peter to deny Jesus by saying, "I don't know the man." Peter was someplace he should not have been, and his carelessness cost him.

At that point Peter looked across the courtyard and made eye contact with Jesus. Peter's heart broke and he went outside and wept bitterly.

May we learn from the mistakes Peter made by not walking circumspectly. May we never find ourselves outside the gate with bitter tears running down our faces.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

Called out of Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:11,13,14 - "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.....But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says. 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.' "

There is no greater contrast than between light and dark. When we walk into a dark room from the sunny outdoors, we can't see a thing at first. But, after standing there a moment, our eyes adjust and we can move around. Or, when we move from a dark room to standing outside in the sun, the contrast can be unbearable. But again, our eyes adjust once we stand in the light a
while.

We as Christians have been called from the darkness into the light. We could say we have been rescued from the darkness into the light. The spiritual contrast between light and dark is striking. There is no doubt we left the darkness, but after a while, we peek back at our former lives and think, "Well, that's not so bad." And slowly, we creep back into the things of the darkness.

We don't always think, "I'm going back into that darkness." Sometimes it's a slow drifting process that takes us so slowly from the truth that we don't even notice the difference. Then one day God opens our eyes and we realize we've strayed far from the light into the dark. Now what?

First, we are to not have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Sometimes we think the things of the dark have something to offer, something we just can't live without. But the darkness is altogether unfruitful. Rather than make excuses as to why it's okay to participate in
the things of the darkness, we should expose the darkness.

Next these verses tell us, "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." It's easy to fall asleep in the dark. Maybe we have fallen asleep to spiritual things and we need Jesus to turn on the lights.

Lord, help us to come out of the unfruitful darkness and walk in the beauty of Your marvelous light!

Blessings,

Pastor Robert

Walk as Children of Light

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:7,8 - "Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light"

God said, "Call out to me and I will answer you." Romans tells us, "Anyone who calls out on the name of the Lord will be saved." And John wrote, "Whosoever would believe should not perish but have eternal life." What great promises! The Bible makes it clear God is ready to forgive us and give us a fresh start.

Along with that fresh start, He makes changes inside of us. Our sins are forgiven, meaning He does not hold us to account for the things we have done. This is an amazing truth only made possible by the work of the cross.

He also changes us by making all things new. The illustration of us becoming a new person is seen in baptism. Going under the water is a symbol of the burial of our old man, and coming out of the water is a symbol of the new man we are in Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit working in our life.

No wonder the Bible says, "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us" and "If God is for us who can be against us." Along with a fresh start, a new man and a new work of the spirit, we are also given the Holy Spirit as a seal of the eternal work God is doing in us. Then we receive gifts of the Spirit, enabling us to do the work He has called us to do for Him.

Taking all of this into account, no wonder this passage tells us, "Do not be partakers with them" meaning those who are caught up in sinful acts. We need to know who we are and what we have been called to do. Holding onto things of the world only holds us back anyway, so giving them up is the reasonable thing to do.

You were once in darkness and have been brought into the light. Therefore no longer walk as children of darkness, but walk as children of the light. Allow God to work not only in your life, but also in the lives of those around you who you care so much about.

Blessings,

Pastor Robert

Let no one Deceive You

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians. 5:6 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."

Before Jesus spoke about what will happen during the last days of this earth, He said, "Be careful that no one deceives you." He tells us many deceivers will come into the world. It is our responsibility to make sure we will not be deceived.

One area we can be deceived is in seeking righteousness and holy living. There are many deceivers in this area today who say, "You can't be righteousness anyway so why even try?" They also say we have freedom in Christ, so it's okay to be involved in things that are wrong. However that is not the way Christians are to live.

It is true that none of us are perfect. We are going to blow it. We are going to sin. That is why the Bible tells us, "God is faithful, if we confess our sins He will forgive them." It also tells us, "There is forgiveness with God" and "God is ready to forgive" We should rejoice and the mercy of God that is new every morning. You got a fresh start today!

It is also true that when we are born again, one of the changes to happen inside us is a new desire to walk without sin, living our lives as much like Jesus as we can. So we need to put off our old man and his sinful ways. We then need to put on the new man and seek the way of the living God. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a deceiver and a liar. The wrath of God is coming
upon this world because they will not repent from their sins.

Blessings,

Pastor Robert

A New Start

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:5 "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."

In the cover of darkness Jesus had a visitor, a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus. He had seen the miracles of Jesus, therefore he knew Jesus was from God. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Thus we understand we must be born again to enter into Heaven.

We could say there are two ways to enter Heaven. We can be perfect, never sin and thus enter heaven by our own righteousness. However, we have all sinned. In fact the Bible tells us, "All have sinned and fall short of the kingdom of God" and that, "if we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves, and make Him a liar." This option of making it into heaven on our
own is not a viable option.

The second - and only - way we can make it into Heaven is to be made into a new person. As this new person, you no longer identify with yourself, but you identify with Jesus who lived His life without committing any sin. You can enter Heaven by His righteousness because of the work of the cross.

The Bible says, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed and all things have become new." Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ therefore it is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me." Because we have been born again we now live a new life in
Christ.

Praise God, who made a way where there was no way so we can have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God!

Blessings,

Pastor Robert

Conduct Unbecoming a Pastor

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:4 - "neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

The biggest troubler of man is his own tongue. The Bible says if a man does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man. And since we all know we're not prefect, we know we're going to say things we shouldn't.

It should go without saying that as Christians we should talk different from people in the world. Still, every once in a while we run into a so-called Christian who cusses and tells dirty jokes. They're shocked if you ignore their verbal outburst or don't laugh at the crude jokes.

There is a trend troubling me these days, and that is pastors who talk from the pulpit as if they're ungodly athletes hanging out in the locker room. I wonder if these defenders of profanity have ever read the verse above or if they just don't want to live it. Or could it be that they want to become quickly and widely known and that devoting themselves to solid Bible teaching would just take too much effort?

So they tell a dirty joke or speak in a crass way then post the video on YouTube. With a caption like "pastor cusses in church", it's no surprise they get 200,000 hits in a month. So, they become a sensation and everyone wants to hear what they say.

Or do they?

The truth is they are nothing more that a flash in the pan, a verbal bad word that dies in the night or in their case, dies in the pews.

You've probably heard the term 'conduct unbecoming an officer'. There is also conduct unbecoming of a Pastor. The last thing we should do is be like these pastors who forget their holy calling.

Let's be those who encourage with our words, who give thanks to the Living God for all He has done, to praise, and speak of those things that will change someone's life for all of eternity. Then we will not be a flash in the pan.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:3 - "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;"

The Bible tells us that without holiness no one will see the Lord. It also tells us to come out from among them and be ye separate. Jesus said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. In other words, God will honor our desire to be Holy. He has placed the desire to be holy in every believer.

This is very important to understand because we can never be saved by our own righteousness. Try as we might, we will never be good enough on our own for God to accept us. Plus, we can never make up for the sins we already committed. Therefore, we accept the grace of God and the work Jesus did for us on the cross and know we have a righteousness that can never be improved upon.

John tells us that if we say we love Him, but don't keep His commandments, then we are lying. This means one of the changes that takes place in us when we are saved by His grace is a new desire to walk in holiness. This is a strong desire, but let's not forget the Bible also warns us not to give any place to the devil or sin for the sake of our conscience.

Once I have been cleaned up by Him and He puts a new robe put on my back, I want to keep it clean. I can do nothing to pay for that robe, but I can keep it as clean as I can. Knowing that if I do dirty my robe, the blood of Jesus will cleanse my sin does not lessen my desire to keep walking in righteousness.

As saints, we are to live different from the world. What can we offer them if we are in the same place they are, still mired in those things that could never satisfy us in the first place?

Let us live lives fitting for saints!

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

Ministry Insights

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Romans 15:14-33

In our services this weekend, we will be looking at Paul’s view of the ministry God had given him.

As Paul writes this letter to the Romans, he has been in ministry for many years. Near the end of the letter, he begins to write about his ministry and reflects on the the past, present and future of what God has called him to do. We know from other passages, that Paul wanted to finish the race well. He also spoke of fighting as one who does not just beat the air. In other words, he wanted what he did for God to be effective. Paul allows us to look into his heart and gain insight about the calling he had, and how that speaks to us about the calling God has given to us.

Past

Paul starts in verse 15 by reflecting on the past. He states that his ministry to them has been with boldness. In fact, more boldly than he was used to. However, he knew what was at stake. He was called to a ministry to the Gentiles and he wanted to make sure they were established in Christ. There is a time to be bold in the ministry God has called us to. He also tells them that he has been reminding them of things that he has already taught them. Ministry is not always bringing up new things. Often, it is necessary for us to be reminded of things that we know, but might have slipped in our priorities.

Present

Paul then turns to his current ministry. First, he mentions the Gentiles in verse 16. Paul had a genuine care for all men, Jew and Gentile alike. He wanted them to meet Christ and have a powerful relationship with Him. He then mentions his ministry to the Jews. He is bringing a gift from other believers, to the church in Jerusalem because they are suffering for their faith in Christ. Paul then speaks of his unwillingness to build on another man's foundation. He wants to take the gospel to where it is needed. He does not want to minister for his sake, but for the sake of those who are in need.

Future

Paul then turns to his future plans, or we could say future vision. He wants to journey to Spain. He also wants to spend time with them in Rome. He says to them, “I know that when I come to you.” He knew he was going to go, but had no idea as to how God was going to carry that out. Paul would be arrested and taken to Rome to stand before the Emperor. It seems he did not have any idea that this was coming, but God had placed into his heart the desire to come to them and show them the love of Christ.

Paul knew God’s hand was upon him and His call was on his life. As he looked at the past, he was confident God had given him boldness. In the present, he was concerned with effectiveness, and he was trusting that God was going to open doors for him to continue to minister until He was done with him. May we have hearts like this as we minister to those around us, by the power God has supplied.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow

A Demonstration of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Pastor Robert Furrow) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:2 - "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

This is not the first time Ephesians encourages us to walk in love. It's a recurring theme in the book and even throughout the entire Bible. Here, Jesus gives us an example of just what it means to walk in love.

We are to love others as Christ loved us. Understanding the extent of how much Jesus loves can not be overstated. The Bible says "while you were still a sinner He demonstrated His love for you by dying on the cross." His love is not based on your goodness or personality. He chose to love you even while you were steeped in your sins. Likewise, we are to choose to love those around us even when they are not lovable.

The next thing we learn from this verse is that love gives. Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. We know that it wasn't easy because He prayed in the garden, "if there is any other way take this cup from me." And yet love drove Him to the cross to fully give of Himself. We love like Jesus when we give of ourselves.

We also learn that when we give of ourselves in an unselfish way, our sacrifices don't go unnoticed by God. Here it says the sacrifice of Christ was a sweet-smelling aroma. And no doubt it was the sweetest smelling aroma of all time. However the sacrifices we make when we love by giving are a sweet-smelling aroma to God as well.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow