Several years ago, Janet and I were given the privilege of staying in a cozy little retreat cottage outside of Galena, Illinois. The home was quiet, and it had neither television nor telephone. In fact, it did not even have a radio although a CD player was provided along with several beautiful and relaxing collections of instrumental hymns. Next to the peace and quiet of uninterrupted time together, the second biggest blessing in that cottage was the library! It was stocked with a couple hundred fine books by some of God’s gifts to His Church. And we certainly took advantage of the time to read a few of those jewels. Read more…
Posted on April 1st, 2011 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: Elim Refresher Newsletter, From the Pastor’s Pen
…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
Along the way I have read of a pastor who was very fond of using brief, sentence sermons to make his sharpest points to others. Among the many things he is associated with is the way he used to say, “God has three sorts of professing servants in the world: some feel they are captives, and must serve Him from the position of cowering in fear; others see themselves as hirelings, and serve for the wages of heavenly reward; but the last and the true servants are God’s children, those who serve Him because they love.” This point is, indeed, sharpened to a fine edge and a good reminder that servanthood begins in the heart. Read more…
Posted on March 1st, 2011 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
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
Serve.
A simple word and a profound concept. It may refer to an action or an attitude. Descriptively, it may refer to a calling or a commitment, a command or a choice. It may be all of these and more.
The undertaking of this simple word is almost universally lauded, especially so when it is combined with the elements of self-sacrifice or humility. But even when the concept is grasped by those who seek to make themselves better known because of their service, this world still often takes notice, and not with disapproval. In fact, awards are given and recognition heaped upon many with unclear motives just because they actually do take the time to serve.
But among many of God’s people…not so much. Read more…
Posted on January 1st, 2011 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
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
Just a few days before Christmas two ladies stood looking into a department store window at a display of the Nativity scene with ceramic figures of the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and assorted animals. Disgustedly, one lady said, “Look at that, the church trying to horn in on Christmas!”
Sadly, that little apocryphal story may not be all that far removed from reality. More and more the world around us—and many so-called churches—have totally removed from their consciousness any semblance or recognition of what Christmas is truly about. Read more…
Posted on December 7th, 2010 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
Three ministers were talking about prayer in general and their opinions regarding the most appropriate and effective positions for prayer. As they were talking, a telephone repairman was working on the phone system in the background of the study where they were meeting. One minister shared that he felt the key was in the hands. He always held his hands together and pointed them upward as a form of symbolic worship. The second suggested that real prayer was conducted on your knees. The third suggested that they both had it wrong—the only position worth its salt was to pray while stretched out flat on your face.
By this time, the phone man couldn’t stay out of the conversation any longer. He interjected, “I found that the most powerful prayer I ever made was while I was dangling upside down by my heels from a power pole, suspended forty feet above the ground.”
I cannot speak for you, but personally, I think the repairman had it right! Read more…
Posted on November 7th, 2010 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen
There is a significant change within a person when he or she comes to Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, a metamorphosis takes place within the individual, transforming that person into a Christian. Read more…
Posted on October 1st, 2010 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew
Ever notice how some of the clearest truths are among the hardest to live out with understanding? There often seems to be such a disconnect between what a truth plainly says, and what we think it somehow must mean. Usually, of course, this is because what the truth plainly teaches us is rather uncomfortable when laid alongside the way we usually live. Read more…
Posted on October 1st, 2010 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen