The church of Thessalonica caused Paul the least distress of the many other churches he commenced during his missionary endeavors. Thessalonica was a sound Christ-abiding church that conducted itself ideally, even though they were a relatively young church. Amazingly, Paul preached only three consecutive Sabbaths in their Jewish synagogue, and many were persuaded to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 17:2). Read more…
Posted on May 1st, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
Many trials, struggles and situations have occurred in our lives in which we have had absolutely no clue as to why God orchestrated them into our lives. Furthermore, we are unable to foresee things of the future, but God does. Like the prophet Habakkuk, there are times when we question God’s decisions. We wonder why He ordains things the way He does, especially when they are contrary to our desires. Read more…
Posted on March 1st, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
As I reflected on the recent holiday season, I meditated on the person of Jesus Christ—God’s gift to us. I thought about His birth; His death and resurrection; and how God, by His merciful and loving grace, bestowed upon me the faith to believe in Him for salvation (Ephesians 2:8). And, that efficacious belief in Jesus Christ is guaranteed to lead me to a blissful eternity—amazing! Yes, Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us, and no other earthly gift we will ever receive can remotely compare to Him (Matthew 8:36-37). Read more…
Posted on January 5th, 2012 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
As finite human beings we are only comfortable or satisfied with answers to all our questions. If we receive an answer, we will accept it, even if the answer is unfavorable to our liking. At least we have an answer! Read more…
Posted on November 5th, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
In the last few months health issues have prohibited me from attending the worship service on a consistent basis. In fact, my attendance at all church functions has been sparse; and this has greatly saddened me. But, during this trial, God has mercifully lavished upon me bountiful grace, and for this reason, I consider myself truly blessed! Typically, my articles for the Elim Refresher stem from Pastor Pauley’s Sunday messages. However, because of my inconsistent attendance, I have been unable to perform these duties accordingly. But, because of the Lord’s bountiful grace, I am able to serve Him in a limited capacity. Also, and as difficult as these times are, I am learning to be content and thankful in all situations. Read more…
Posted on September 1st, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
As Pastor Pauley finished preaching the 15th chapter Acts, and began chapter 16, he pointed out how the Apostle Paul and his disciples became all things for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21-22). In chapter 16, as Paul arrives in Lystra and Derbe, he meets a young disciple of Christ named Timothy (16:1). Timothy was “well spoken of” by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium (16:2), and Paul desired to bring him along on his missionary journey. But, in order for Timothy to earn acceptance among the Jews, who ritualistically abided by their understanding of the Mosaic Law, Paul had Timothy circumcised. It is interesting to read how the Apostle did what was needed to cultivate acceptance of the Gospel message—even among hostile hearers! But, what is more fantastic to consider is how God orchestrated the missionary endeavors of the early Church. Scripture doesn’t say this of every trip, yet it is easy to see all true missionary journeys as ordained by the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is safe to say that “Trinitarian ordainment” choreographed the missionary outreaches of the early Church.
For example, in Acts 16: 6-10, we see how all three persons of the Godhead (Trinity) supernaturally prompted the missionaries to either refrain from entering certain regions to evangelize, or directed them to enter specific regions. Paul and Timothy were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia (16:6); the Spirit of Jesus prohibited them from entering Bithynia (16:7). In Acts 16:10, Paul concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia, after the events of verse 9. Paul’s evangelistic logistics were not a result of his own ingenuity, but rather, divinely led. It was solely by God’s instigation that Paul chose that missionary route. Of all the cities he could have ventured to—and there were many—God directed him to Macedonia. Amazingly, by this “Trinitarian ordainment”, God inspired the mission team to act according to His will, thus causing the swift growth of the Church!
That was over 2,000 years ago. It’s fascinating to ponder, that by God’s providence, the church grew very rapidly. Incidentally, today’s church growth is still dependent upon this same sovereign intervention. Many times, we fail to perceive the reality that ALL church growth is by God’s hand. We are so blessed to have an unchanging God (Hebrews 13:8)! Human ingenuity and methodology has absolutely no bearing on evangelism and church growth. Yes, Christians plant the seed (the Gospel), and may even provide water, but ONLY God brings growth (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)! People contribute absolutely nothing toward the effectual process of an individual’s salvation; it is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation only occurs when God’s chosen are “drawn” to believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:44) by His Father. How God orchestrates the phenomenon of salvation is beyond human comprehension, and remains hidden from full knowledge (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 3:8; Romans 11:33). But it ought to comfort us to know that we have a God whose ways are beyond the limits of our understanding. We may rejoice in being limited in our humanity in comprehending God’s omniscience and omnipotence!
How gratifying it is that Elim embraces the doctrine of the Trinity. To be honest, I find it incredibly troubling that others who call themselves Christians deny this truth. Scripture is clear regarding the existence of the Trinity. For instance, Then God said, “Let US make man in OUR image… (Genesis 1:26-emphasis added). Note that God made this declaration in the plural; “US” and “OUR” clearly indicate more than one. Or, “I [John the Baptist] myself did not know Him [Jesus Christ], but He [God, the Father] who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit [Holy Spirit] descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit‘” (John 1:33-parenthesis added). In this verse, all three persons of the Godhead are referenced; it’s one of the strongest Trinitarian verses in the entire Bible! I close by quoting the final verse of Elim’s customarily sung doxology at most every Sunday’s worship service, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
Posted on June 2nd, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
When Pastor Pauley taught recently from Acts 15:36-41, I found myself contemplating the significance of those passages, even as he thoroughly covered the text. In it we read that a “sharp” disagreement arose between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas regarding bringing along John Mark on their second missionary journey. Paul didn’t want to bring Mark because of his past exhibition of faintheartedness, but Barnabas strongly desired his accompaniment in vv. 37-38. This disagreement ultimately led to their dividing, going separate ways, and selecting others to accompany them in their evangelistic journeys (vv. 39-40). Read more…
Posted on May 1st, 2011 by Janet
Filed under: Elim Refresher Newsletter, From the Pew
…Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; James 2:23). In other words, Abraham was granted salvation by faith through God’s graciousness. By faith, Abraham believed in the promises God had made to him, even though those promises seemed inconceivable! Many theologians believe Genesis 15:6 is the verse that identifies Abraham’s conversion. It is the same verse the Apostle Paul referenced to make his point, that all that is necessary to be considered “righteous” by God is belief in Him (Romans 4:3). As believers today, we can have that same attributed righteousness, if we exhibit belief in God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2). I mention this as Genesis 15:1-6 was cited by brother Dallas Turner during a recent Scripture reading. And, it was also referenced by Pastor Pauley that same Sunday, when he exposited a profound sermon on trusting God! Read more…
Posted on April 1st, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: Elim Refresher Newsletter, From the Pew
Encouraging fellow Christians by using God’s Word is an honorable thing. The satisfaction from helping a fellow believer is not only rewarding to the soul, but is a blessing from God. However, if you do not know the Word of God, it can prove a daunting task. Any Christian discernment, which can be applied to encouragement, stems from the Word of God. To rightly handle the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), requires study, proper interpretation, boldness to proclaim, and great patience once it is administered. Let’s focus on proclaiming the Word for encouragement, which has extreme significance to our evangelism! This is achieved when we “prophesy” God’s Word. Read more…
Posted on March 1st, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
Recently, Pastor Pauley taught on how the early church encouraged one another in regards to living a Christian life. He urged us to follow the same paradigm they had demonstrated in the book of Acts. Encouragement can be administered to fellow believers for a variety of reasons and in a variety of different ways. Or, as the Bible states: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Especially, in this day and age where ungodliness dominates our culture and is extremely prolific, Christians need constant and consistent encouragement from each another, not only for survival in this ominous world, but to exist in a healthy, godly and obedient lifestyle! Quite personally, I appreciate lots of encouragement in many areas of life. I do rely on God’s Word for hope, comfort and sustenance, but to have the extra human element of others encouraging me in various ways is vital. Read more…
Posted on January 1st, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew