Centralia Bible Chapel, 209 N Pearl Street, Centralia, WA (2026)

10/14/2024

THE SAGA OF STEPHEN
(A poem based on Acts 6, 7)
Christ's church is built with "living stones" and not with sticks of lumber,
And as God's word was faithfully preached those "stones" increased in number.
Believers grew in grace and truth with all that had been taught,
Jerusalem now blazed with Light from what the Lord had wrought...
The church fed people's spirits with the teaching of the Lord
And fed the poor with daily bread that some could not afford.
But as the numbers of the people grew in size each day,
The apostles, overwhelmed, went looking for a way.....
To get some help for managing the heartfelt contributions;
So they chose some to oversee the daily distribution.
Seven godly men were named to form this deputation,
Wise men who were Spirit-filled with sterling reputations...
They selected Stephen, Timon, Philip, Nicolas,
Along with Nicanor and Prochorus and Parmenus.
This freed the apostles to devote more time to prayer,
And minister the word of God to people everywhere...
The apostles prayed and laid their hands on each man's shoulder,
And soon the word of God was preached in many ways much bolder.
Many more believers were their faith in God professing
And sharing in the utter joy of basking in His blessing...
That doesn't mean that everything enjoyed the smoothest sailing,
For in the synagogues were groups who set about assailing
The things that those like Stephen were proclaiming of God's ways,
But they lost each debate with him no matter what they'd say...
And so, as usual, when the liars can't compete with truth,
They often turn to other means, deceitful and uncouth.
They claimed that Stephen spoke about the Lord in words of vile,
Accusing him of blasphemy and putting him on trial...
They hired some false witnesses who swore that Stephen said,
That not only had this Jesus risen from the dead,
But that He would reappear and tear the temple down,
And cause the Law of Moses to be trampled in the ground...
But Stephen sat there calmly as they made their trumped up case,
And when they looked at him they saw a shining angel face.
"Are these things so?" The high priest asked, and Stephen took the floor,
And spoke of Israel's actions through the happenings of yore...
He first recounted history from Abraham to Moses,
And told how Jacob's sons sold, as a slave, their brother Joseph. Moses led the Israelites unto the promised land,
And gave to them the law God wrote in stone with His own hand...
But did the people follow it? No, but with reasoning flawed,
They made an idol out of gold and said "This is our god!"
Moses caused that golden calf to be reduced to dust,
But through the years the Israelites kept up their idol lust...
They sacrificed their children to the pagan idol Moloch,
And to the "god" named Remphan they presented lambs and bullocks.
And when the prophets of the Lord chastized them for their errors,
They killed or tortured most of them with horrifying terrors...
Later, Solomon had built a temple for God's worship,
And sometimes it was actually used to serve that very purpose.
But many other times the people brought in foreign gods,
And worshipped Baal, Asherah and other manmade frauds...
So finally God allowed the nation's fall to Babylon;
They took the Israelites as slaves, their place of worship gone.
For when the enemy stole all the precious things within,
They torched it and left ashes where the temple once had been...
Later it had been rebuilt, and later got a facelift,
As Herod did expansions and remodeled most of it.
Technically, the "house of God" as far as things would seem,
Though merchants and ungodly men now used it for their schemes...
"You're just like them," said Stephen, "like the ones who've gone before.
Your fathers killed the prophets, who foretold of Christ the Lord.
You've spurned the Law of Moses, and then when the Just One came,
You betrayed and murdered Him: You are the ones to blame."..
When they heard that, it was if a blade had cut their hearts;
They gnashed their teeth while Stephen said he saw the heavens part.
"I see the heavens opened, and I see the 'Son of Man,
I see the Father's glory; I see Christ at His right hand."..
They clapped their hands onto their ears and rushed at once on him.
No more was this a trial but a "lynch mob" did begin.
They dragged him from the city to a place with many stones,
Where he was bludgeoned to a death of crushed and broken bones...
But ere he drew in his last breath he showed he did not fear it,
By calling out to Jesus Christ, "O Lord, receive my spirit."
And like the Master on the cross, he prayed aloud for them,
That God would not hold them accountable for their great sin...
In that crowd there was a man consenting to it all,
He was a young and zealous man known by the name of Saul;
But he was not persuaded by what Stephen vocalized...
At least not yet, but God would later open this man's eyes...
They'd tried to stop the early church by threatening with words,
And followed that with beatings when their message wasn't heard,
So then they stepped their wiles up and turned to homicide.
And Stephen, now a martyr, was the first of those who died...
Yes, down through many centuries have others sacrificed,
By standing for the gospel though they paid the deathly price.
They gave their all, but through it all, the church was not to fail;
Christ promised he would build His church and Hell would not prevail...
--By John Martin..
Acts 6
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel...
Acts 7:1-2
Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran....
Acts 7:51-60
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

07/10/2024

THE GOSPEL UNFETTERED
(A poem based on Acts 5)
The Lord through the apostles showed forth miracles and signs
To verify the Gospel that was preached was His design.
That persuaded many that the words they heard were true
And they were indwelt by God's Spirit; thus the new church grew...
It was a time of mighty works and some brought sickly folks
Out to the streets on beds and couches, hoping against hope,
That Peter's shadow might touch them when he went by that way,
And God would then restore their health to them that very day...
But cold religious rulers still were bristling at the church;
The first time they had tried to shut them down, it hadn't worked.
So once again they ordered the apostles be brought in,
And jailed them till they had a plan of what to do to them...
Yet in the middle of the night an angel set about
To open prison doors so the apostles could walk out.
"Go, stand in the temple," said the angel to the men,
"And speak to people of this Life" that God is offering them."..
Next morn the leaders wanted the apostles brought around.
The prison seemed secure but t'were no apostles found.
Then they heard that they were at the temple once again,
Preaching of the gift of God that saves men from their sin...
So back they sent a captain and a squad of temple troops,
To bring them in to stand before the ruling council group.
They did it in a quiet way so crowds would not protest,
And the apostles willingly submitted to arrest...
"Didn't we command you not to preach in this man's name?
You've spread through all Jerusalem this resurrection claim.
As to His death, you're telling all that we're the ones at fault,
We've told you once, we're telling you again, that you must halt."..
But Peter and the others bravely said to all of them
That God should always be obeyed above the will of men.
"Through your evil plotting Jesus died on Calvary;
It's just the same as if you actually nailed Him to the tree...
"The God you claim to worship raised up Jesus from the grave,
And Jesus is the Prince of Life, Who has the power to save;
He calls on everyone to turn from sin and have forgiveness,
We and God's own Holy Spirit bear these matters witness...
In the council's eyes the preachers were as good as dead,
But one of them, Gamaliel, was wiser, and he said:
"Put them outside for a while and I'll talk just to you;
Let's put this in perspective so we'll know what's best to do."..
He gave them some reminders of some would-be leaders past,
Who gathered quite a following, although not one would last.
"If God is not on these men's side their cause will not prevail,
But if this thing is of the Lord there's no way it can fail."..
So they brought the apostles to be struck with many blows
They told them once more not to preach and then they let them go.
Though wracked by pain they praised the Lord for their small sacrifice,
For God had shown them worthy as the men of Jesus Christ...
So they continued in the temple and from place to place,
Telling everyone about God's freely given grace.
Gamaliel said if this was not of God it'd fade away,
But for two thousand years it's flourished and it's here to stay...
Have you considered Jesus Christ? He isn't just a word
That men and women use to curse, as we have often heard.
But He took on another kind of curse by bearing sins,
Shouldering the cursed cross for those who turn to Him...
--By John Martin..
Acts 5:12-42
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [i]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ...
GALATIANS 3:10-14
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith." [Habakkuk 2:4]
And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them must live in them.
But Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written [Deuteronomy 21:23] "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

07/06/2024

THE LIE MEETS THE TRUTH
(A poem based on Acts 4, 5 and other verses)
Many in the early church were not among the rich,
But still they showed each other that they cared,
Several used their wordly goods to help each other out,
And blessings multiplied as people shared...
None was lacking anything for basic needs of life,
For many sold off houses and some land,
And gave the funds so the apostles could meet people's needs,
With day-to-day resources close at hand...
One of them was Barnabas, who sold a plot of land,
And brought the money to the church to share;
He did it with a pure heart -- but not all were like him:
Deceit became the way that two would err...
Ananias and Sapphira were a married couple,
And lived for God (as far as any knew);
They saw that many volunteered to donate to the church,
And thought it was a thing they'd also do...
So they sold off some land and got a healthy bit of cash,
And gave a part to help the church supply,
But, perhaps consumed by pride, they said they'd given all,
Not really caring they had told a lie...
The land was theirs; they had the right to sell it off or not,
They had the right to donate all, or none.
But they knew others who sold land had given every bit,
So that was what they said that they had done...
It wasn't just to people they had told their brazen lie,
But actually to God's own Holy Ghost,
And all because they wanted to be seen as generous,
And use a special gift as cause to boast...
Both were in agreement with the story they cooked up;
They knew their p***c show would make it seem
That they were so benevolent they'd given all they had,
And have real status on the church's team...
But their deceit was shown to all who heard the blatant tale,
And suddenly God took their lives from them.
It served as a reminder to the followers of Christ,
That lying was a Devil's tool for sin...
Satan told a lie to tempt the innocent in Eden
And brought the stain of sin unto all men;
Said Jesus, he's a liar, and as well the father of it,
And there is no such thing as truth in him...
Contrast that with Jesus, who embodies all that's true.
God detests the lying path that's trod.
Foolish is the human who believes a little lie,
Can somehow or some way be missed by God..
If Ananias and Sapphira actually trusted God,
Then after death they had a home above.
Jesus died for all their sins and for the ones we've done,
According to His all-surpassing love...
The soul that sinneth, it shall die, the word of God reports,
Some go quickly, others live for years.
But God's is merciful and for the ones who trust in Him,
He'll someday wipe away their sin-stained tears...
--By John Martin..
Acts 4:32-37
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things...
John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it...
Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it...
Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away...
Revelation 21:27
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

12/09/2023

OBEYING GOD, NOT MEN
(A poem based on Acts 4:1-31)
When God, through Peter, healed a man who'd never walked before,
You might have thought that everyone would glorify the Lord;
And, indeed, a goodly number came to faith that day,
But there were also cold hearts which the healing didn't sway...
The captain of the temple and the sect of Sadducees
Determined there were problems with the Jesus devotees.
They thought they'd gotten rid of Him about two months ago
But obviously his followers were far from lying low...
No! They came to the temple and they weren't afraid to talk,
And then somehow they'd made a lifelong cripple finally walk.
And now more people were believing everything they said,
Even that the Nazarene had risen from the dead!..
So they nabbed John and Peter and placed them in custody
And all the leaders gathered to conduct an inquiry.
Regarding the apostles as of a much lower station,
They did their best to shut them up with plain intimidation...
But Peter spoke up boldly for God's Spirit filled his soul.
He said, "If we are being judged for making this man whole,
Then let it be known to you all: In Jesus' Holy Name,
The cripple who once sat and begged is now no longer lame...
"You sought Christ's death when you led Him to Roman jurisdiction
And loudly called to Pilate to demand His crucifixion.
You succeeded in your plot; Christ died on Calvary,
But God raised Him up from the dead for lasting victory...
"The stone the builders scorned is now the chief of cornerstones,
There is salvation in His name and in His name alone.
There simply are no other names 'neath heavens up above
That God has given to us as the Way to know His love."..
The leaders didn't think of John and Peter as astute
But this astounding miracle was well beyond dispute.
And so they just commanded them to speak no more of Christ
As far as they had reckoned such an order would suffice...
But Peter was not going to be pushed around by them,
And told them he would always obey God instead of men.
“We cannot but speak out the things that we have seen and heard.”
He let them know that they would keep their vow to spread God's word...
The leaders threatened them again, but finally let them go,
Because they feared the people who had seen the miracle.
John and Peter went back to their brethren in the Lord
And they raised up their voice to God with praise in one accord...
"Lord you made the Heavens and the earth and all the seas
And all the creatures in the world from greatest to the least
The prophet David wrote that earthly kings would take a stand
Against the One You chose to intercede for sinful man...
"For truly, against Jesus, all the forces showed their might:
Herod, Pontius Pilate -- Gentiles and the Israelites.
But all was in Your sovereign plan from eons of the past,
That Christ would come and bring to men salvation unsurpassed."..
"O Lord, look on their threats," they prayed, "and grant that, without fear,
We may boldly speak your word to those with ears to hear.
And in the Name of Jesus, do supernatural signs,
To show the world that what we preach is all of Your design."..
When they'd finished praying, God an answer quickly dealt:
The Holy Spirit filled them with a shaking they all felt.
And they were all emboldened to go out once more to preach,
Making God's salvation known to all their words could reach...
--By John Martin..
Acts of the Apostles 4:1-
Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage,

And the people plot vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’...
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Address

209 N Pearl Street
Centralia, WA
98531

Telephone

(360) 736-2483

Website

http://www.centraliabiblechapel.org/

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