North Anderson Baptist

Let My People Go! No!

Administrator — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:57:55 +0000

Bill Rigsby continues his Exodus series with this message on not always getting what you expect from God.

Download audio file (052012.mp3)

Bill’s verses and notes on YouVersion.

God’s Definition of Marriage

Bill Davis — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:25:43 +0000

Well, the devotion I sent out about Same Sex Marriage seemed to have touched off a lot of comments. Virtually all, if not all, were in support of a heterosexual arrangement as described in the Bible. I was asked to expound on several areas and after careful prayer, decided to go from “high grass” to “deep water”.

One question I received was if two people loved each other why would they not get married? Good question. However homosexuality really seems to be outside God’s will for our life or definition of marriage. As one author stated, “It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve”. You can say what you want, but I am not, nor do I think God was anti-gay. Yes, He was anti-sin, but not anti-gay. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (CEV); “Don’t you know that evil people won’t have a share in the blessings of God’s kingdom? Don’t fool yourselves! No one who is immoral or worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual will share in God’s kingdom. Neither will any thief or greedy person or drunkard or anyone who curses and cheats others.”

The apostle Paul was greatly criticized and even persecuted for his stance on sexual immorality. Romans 1:22-27 Selected (CEV); “They claim to be wise, but they are fools. So God let these people go their own way. They did what they wanted to do, and their filthy thoughts made them do shameful things with their bodies. God let them follow their own evil desires. Women no longer wanted to have sex in a natural way, and they did things with each other that were not natural. Men behaved in the same way. They stopped wanting to have sex with women and had strong desires for sex with other men. They did shameful things with each other”. In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he acknowledged that he was “treading on some loose soil” but he also stated that he really didn’t care what the people said: 1 Corinthians 4:3b The Message (MSG); “It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion.” You see, Paul was standing up for what he knew was God’s command. To him, it was very clear. Marriage, thus life long relationships, were to be between a man and a woman, as a man and a wife.

Look at the Ten Commandments. As I have said before, it is the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions. Exodus 20:12 (NIV); “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” I am sorry, but it doesn’t say, honor your mother and mother or your father and father. It says: “Honor your father and your mother.” God is talking about the kind of family He created. Paul, once again, has something to say about this: 2 Timothy 3:2 (NIV); “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”

Have you heard the saying; “If it feels good, do it.” I am saying; it may not fit in with God’s teachings. We often tamper or try to change God’s earthly order to fit our needs and desires. If you tamper with God’s order, just remember, you are doing it at your own risk. Our society is trying to normalize the issue of homosexuality. Don’t be misled. God wants us to love all His children, but He also expects us to stand up for moral and Biblical issues.

Bill Davis

AMERICAN IDOL: JESUS CHRIST

Bill Davis — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:03:54 +0000

Is it American Idol or America’s god? I will say, I really enjoy the show “American Idol”. What bothers me is the public reaction to these potential stars. I was listening to interviews and one girl was saying she was a waitress just a few months ago and people were so rude to her. She even said she was a “dork” and never could get a date. Now, people was trying to just touch her hand, ask her out, even kiss the car she was riding in. Now, this is the same girl you made fun of at the restaurant and didn’t want to leave a tip to but now would be screaming happy if you could just touch her hand. John 13:5a; “Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet.” Quite a different contrast here. There are words found in a song.

So now we worship and adore You
We lift our hands and praise
The Immortal, Invisible
The Ancient Of Days

Could this be what we sing to the American Idol or is this what we would sing to Jesus? There were film clips of these contestants riding into town in a stretch limousine with the road lined with adoring fans screaming and almost worshiping them. Their week was filled with glamor and adoring fans. They wanted for nothing. At the end of the week most, if not all, will have careers based on America’s idolization.

Then I remembered the story of someone else riding into town. Thing is, He didn’t have a limousine, He had a donkey. Matthew 21:7; “They placed their cloaks on a donkey, and Jesus sat on them.” Yes, there were shouts of praise but that were soon to change. Jesus Christ would go from “America’s Idol’s” to someone hated. As our own Savior said; John 15:18b; “Just remember, the world hated Me.” The crowd still wanted to touch Him, but in a different way. Matthew 26:67; Then they spit in His face and struck Him with their fists. Others slapped Him!” Could perhaps, our definition of someone to “worship and adore” need a little modification? Who will you worship today?

Bill Davis

SAME SEX MARRIAGE

Bill Davis — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:24:13 +0000

I have been asked to write something on same sex marriage. As one friend stated, “you are walking in some tall grass”. Being an outdoors-man, I guess that means, you can’t see the snakes or holes around you. As I always try to do, I went to scripture. I believe that the Bible does address homosexuality as an unnatural act. Romans 1:26-27 (NIV); “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” Since homosexual desires and actions are condemned by Biblical teachings, I cannot support same sex marriages. The Bible further explains the penalty for such actions. 1 Corinthians 6:9 (NIV); “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men will inherit the Kingdom of God.” I researched several explanations of the original translation for this verse. One of the best I read was from, Biblica; “The words men who have sex with men translate two Greek words that refer to the passive and active participants in homosexual acts.”

Wherever I could find mention in the Bible of marriage, it was between a male and a female. 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 (NIV); “But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” Note the use of the words “his” wife and “her” husband. Here the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. I had a marriage that failed and ended in divorce. I have since remarried. Once again, looking at scripture, this is a sin. My current wife and I have asked for God’s forgiveness, repented and are sharing a dedicated Christian marriage. One that I certainly feel is blessed by God. If another sin is blatantly continued and not repented of, it is a sin judged and punishable by God. In this writing we are looking at the continued homosexual act.

A same sex marriage is a sin against the institution of marriage and a sin unto God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. We are to, however, share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all who ask for it and repent. The word repent actually means change. I believe in order to be forgiven from a sin is to stop doing it. We all sin, but as we ask for forgiveness, we must also be willing to turn from the sin.

Often the word “union” is being used instead of the word “marriage” when it comes to a homosexual arrangement. From a legal standpoint, perhaps there is a significant difference in these terms. But from a Biblical perspective, would not either arrangement, or no formal type arrangement, be the same in the eyes of God? It is the homosexual act the Bible is addressing. Most would readily agree that the homosexual act is unnatural. The male and female bodies were created in such a way to complement each other in sexual activities. Two of the same kind just does not “fit”. The best way to counter any attack against such activity is to remove the public opposition to it. Look at many other Christian virtues and practices, such as praying in public or saying the name of Jesus in schools. We have let others convince us the Bible is wrong or we as Christians should be more tolerant. Perhaps here, tolerance is another word for being afraid to take a stand.

The President of the United States may have said he supports same sex marriage and therefore the homosexual act; but the God of the Universe condemns the unrepentant homosexual act. I for one will go with God.

Bill Davis <><

The Mother of the Redeemer

Administrator — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:35:46 +0000

Bill Rigsby’s Mother’s Day message on the courage, trust, and faith shown by Jochebed, the mother of Moses.

Download audio file (051312.mp3)

mp3 audio

Bill’s notes and verses on YouVersion.

BREAKING NEWS

Bill Davis — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:08:25 +0000

A Christian Brother of mine, a friend I love very much, was taken captive and beaten for His beliefs. He lived in a country that really didn’t hold much respect for Christians. He was a hard worker, a strong man physically. His only crime I could see was that He loved others and worshiped God. Yes, He did try to spread His beliefs. But He really never insisted that others follow His ways. He gave them a choice. I guess something like free will. As I understand, when He was arrested, the people made fun of Him and even ridiculed Him for His beliefs. At the time, He was with a group of His friends, but they all just ran away. They actually abandoned Him. One of His closest friends even denied knowing Him. I mean not once, but three times. When I was learning of the story, my emotions went from being mad to tears of sorrow. I had a lump in my throat that almost kept me from swallowing. In the United States there are laws against cruel and unusual punishment. I guess in that country, there were none. Certainly I wasn’t there, but I understand from news reports that He was beaten and tortured to the point of death. But He didn’t die, so they just kept beating Him and actually were ripping the flesh off His body. As I read of how His mother could only watch, unable to defend her son, I myself actually wanted to kill His tormentors. But then I thought of all the lessons and stories of forgiveness and love He had taught someone so unworthy as me. And I thought of how many times I had let Him down. Dear God, forgive me.

I call Him my friend, but am I willing to be seen with Him. Would He be welcomed by my church and friends. He did look a little different and certainly acted differently. People would tell me that no one loved others like He did without wanting something in return. We talked about that once and He said that He DID want something. He wanted my heart. He said: Matthew 22:37; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” I thought that was very profane but He went on to say: Matthew 22:39b; “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He actually said these were the two greatest commandments. I understood the love God part, but how could He ask us to love those who treated Him so badly. After they tortured and beat Him, you would think they would let Him go. They didn’t! They seemed determined to kill Him for some reason. Someone came up with the idea of crucifying Him. Now that was well beyond the bounds of His deserved punishment, even in that country. But crucify Him they did. When He was finally dead, a friend of His took the body and buried it. His friends were still either hiding or trying to blend in with the crowd. What a horrible time that must have been. His life of love and teaching was now ended. WAIT!!

He had said something about rebuilding the Temple in three days, but what in the world could that mean? And then the news came. On the third day He was seen by several people. He was alive and well. He had conquered the grave and conquered death. Now, I am not much of a historian, but I never heard of any other leader accomplishing anything as grand as this. Then I remembered what they said were some of His last words. “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” WOW, can you believe that. And all He wants me to do is follow Him. Just obey His teachings and love others. Well, I will do my best to do that, but I would follow Him to the cross as well.

Bill Davis

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR HEART?

Bill Davis — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:16:09 +0000

What is the condition of your heart? Are you ready to accept the word of God? Are you really willing to search for it’s meaning? Is your spiritual knowledge only mental and not part of your heart? In the parable of the sower, Jesus teaches us a lesson about spiritual strength and depth. Luke 8:7; “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.” Luke 8:14; “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” The condition of your “soil” and the “weeds” in your life, will ultimately determine your response to God’s Word. Is your heart like the thorny soil? Does your longing after social status, earthly pleasures and material possessions keep you from growing deep in His word? Psalm 119:16 Contemporary English Version (CEV); “I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words.” Do you Take Pleasure in the laws of God or do you look at them as merely a list of do’s and don’ts? Learning and striving to follow God’s laws will fill your heart with love and forgiveness. It will truly set you free. John 8:32; “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Is your immediate gratification with earthly desires, pleasures and possessions more important than your eternal life with God?

The pursuit of eternal life with God should be the most important goal in your life. You will certainly spend eternity somewhere. Think about how long eternity is. You will spend it either with God in heaven or apart from God in hell. John 3:36 (CEV); “Everyone who has faith in the Son has eternal life. But no one who rejects Him will ever share in that life, and God will be angry with them forever.” I sin everyday and I know often God is disappointed with me. I pray for forgiveness and repentance. I really don’t want God to be angry with me very long. Certainly not forever.

Bill Davis

A Redeemer is Chosen

Administrator — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:00:04 +0000

Bill Rigsby’s Senior Adult Sunday message on God choosing Moses to be the redeemer of the people of Israel.

Download audio file (050612.mp3)

mp3 audio

Bill’s notes and verses on YouVersion.

The Price You’re Worth

Administrator — Mon, 07 May 2012 01:32:45 +0000

ASL only message by Deaf Minister Brad Schaaf on the price God was willing to pay for you.

Passage: Colossians 1:19-23

AM I BETTER THAN YOU? (I Think Not)

Bill Davis — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:46:02 +0000

One of the areas God has been kind enough to bless in my ministry is counseling. Now, in counseling people rarely, if ever, come to you to tell you how wonderful their life is. Normally there is a problem. What I have realized is that the ones who seek counseling are very quick to point out the failings of someone else. Matthew 7:3 Contemporary English Version (CEV); “You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye.”

We all tend to make life and certainly relationships much more difficult than they need to be. Or I would say, more difficult than God meant them to be. Matthew 6:14 Contemporary English Version (CEV); “If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you.” Ephesians 4:32 (CEV); “Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.”

Do we, as Christians, read this “stuff” much less believe it? WAIT!! Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has something else to say: John 13:34 (CEV); “You must love each other, just as I have loved you.” What does Jesus know about love? John 15:13 (CEV); “The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them.” WHOA!! Maybe Jesus does know a little about forgiveness and love.

One of my favorite stories about Jesus’ love and forgiveness, not to mention nerve and strength, is when He saved the woman from being stoned for prostitution. Many Biblical scholars thing this was Mary Magdalene. Stoning had to be a painful death. Your natural reaction would be to shield your head with your arms. As the stones began to strike you, one after another, your strength would fail mainly due to the excruciating pain. The only thing between Mary Magdalene and certain death was Jesus. The only thing between Jesus and being Himself struck was…the will of God. I can just picture my Lord kneeling on the ground between Mary and the crowd. What is He doing? John 8:6b (CEV); “Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.” Jesus calmly remained between an angry, judgmental crowd and a woman. Jesus, without fear, looks up at the crowd and says: John 8:7b (CEV); “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” Jesus then started writing on the ground, in the dirt, again. Now, if you are looking for a mighty leader, a man’s man, one not even afraid of death…then Jesus is the one.

John 8:9-11 (CEV); “The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, ‘Where is everyone? Isn’t there anyone left to accuse you?’ ‘No sir,’ the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, ‘I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.” Jesus didn’t say what she had done was alright. He said, I love you and forgive you. Do not sin anymore.

What do you think Jesus expects of us?

Bill Davis