Mount View Baptist Temple

Mount View Baptist Temple Mount View Baptist Temple is an independent, fundamental Baptist church. A. The Scriptures:
Verbal = the very words of scripture are inspired. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

Plenary = all of scripture is inspired. We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16). Both Old and New Testaments were recorded under the supervision of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet.1:20, 21) so as to provide an infallible and inerrant record of God’s Word (Prov. 30:5, 6). This record has been supernaturally preserved by God (Isa. 40:8; Mt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:23-25).

God’s Word is absolute Truth (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 2:15) and provides our only rule for faith and practice (Ps. 119:105; Isa. 55:11; Rom. 16:26; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17). The King James Version of the Bible shall be the sole version of the Bible used for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word from the pulpit and classrooms of Mount View Baptist Temple. Where another language is used, that version which employs the same family of manuscripts as the King James Version shall be permitted. God:
Omniscient = all knowing. Omnipotent = all powerful. Omnipresent = everywhere present. Immutable = unchanging. We believe in the one true and eternal God (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 6) Who has revealed Himself by three distinct Persons, identical in essence (Jn. 4:24) yet separate in personality: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16, 17; 28:19, 20; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2; 1 Jn. 5:7). The God of the Bible is sovereign over His creation (Deut. 4:39; Josh. 2:11). He is omniscient (1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 51:15; Acts 15:18; Rom. 11:33, 34), omnipotent (Gen. 18:14; Job 42:2; Mt. 19:26; Rev. 19:6), omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-16; Jer. 23:23, 24; Acts 17:24-28), and immutable (Ps. 33:11; Heb. 6:17, 18; Jam. 1:17). God is the perfection of holiness (Lev. 19:2; Deut. 32:4; Isa. 6:3; Hab. 1:12, 13; Rev. 4:8) and love (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4, 5; 2 Thes. 2:16; 1 Jn. 4:8, 19). Jesus Christ:
Atonement = a covering. We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal God (Jn. 1:1, 2; 8:58; 10:30; Col. 2:9). This same Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:20-23) that He might take upon Himself the form of man (Jn. 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Phil. 2:6-8). By His sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15) and sacrificial death (Isa. 53:4-6; Jn. 1:29; Heb. 9:26), Christ made atonement for the sins of the world (Rom. 3:24, 25; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Jn. 2:2). Christ was literally raised from the dead three days following His death and burial (Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Col. 2:12), ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9), and is set down on the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3) where He remains as our heavenly Advocate and High Priest (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14; 1 Jn. 2:1). The Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God (Sword of the Spirit) exclusively in guiding believers today. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the eternal God (Acts 5:3, 4). The role of the Holy Spirit in the world is to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn. 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ (Jn. 15:26) and brings new life to all who believe (Jn. 3:5, 6; Titus 3:5). Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer (Jn. 7:39; 14:16, 17; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Tim. 1:14) and seals him until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). The Holy Spirit then becomes the believer’s guide into all truth (Jn. 16:13; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27), bringing understanding of God’s Word (1 Cor. 2:19-13). It is the believer’s responsibility to be filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18) and so demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). The Holy Spirit bestows at least one spiritual gift upon each believer (1 Cor. 12:4-11) for the work of the ministry and the edification of the local church (Eph. 4:11-16). Worship:
Because worship in the flesh is incompatible with the spirit (Rom. 8:6-8), we reject the “progressive” model of worship and the use of contemporary music which does not reflect the holy character of God or edify the spirit of the believer (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). We believe that the worship of God is central to man’s existence (1 Chr. 16:23-29; Acts 17:24-29) and is the purpose for which he was created (Eccl. 12:13; 1 Cor. 10:31). This worship is reserved for God alone (Exo. 34:14; Deut. 6:13; Mt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8) and is forbidden of man (Acts 10:25, 26; 14:11-18) and angels (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9). Genuine worship is in spirit and in truth reflecting the nature and character of God (Josh. 24:14; Jn. 4:24). Genuine worship exalts the holiness of God (Ps. 29:2; 95:6; 96:8, 9). It is motivated by a love which allows for no rival to its affections (Deut. 6:4, 5; Mt. 22:37, 38; Mk. 12:29, 30) and is willing to pay the cost (2 Sam. 24:24). Such worship is also anchored in God’s truth which permits no substitute (Exo. 20:3-5; Deut. 5:7-9; Heb. 12:28, 29). Spiritual Gifts:
“Pastors and teachers” represent one gift in Ephesians 4:11. We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are functional in nature and fall into three separate categories: support gifts, sign gifts and service gifts. The support gifts (Eph. 4:11) are represented by the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor. The apostle and prophet were foundational gifts and no longer are viable today (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20). The sign gifts of miracles, healing and tongues (1 Cor. 12:9, 10) were intended for the supernatural spread and confirmation of the gospel (Mk. 16:17-20; Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:4). With the completion of the scriptures, these gifts were no longer necessary (1 Cor. 13:8-10). The service gifts such as helps, governments, teaching, giving, mercy and exhortation (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:28) provide the necessary services for the strengthening and progress of the church (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:16). Satan:
Satan is referred to as “the great dragon”, “that old serpent”, and “the Devil” (Rev. 12:9). We believe that Satan is a real and personal being whose proper name is Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-15). Satan is a created angelic being, likely a cherub, who was cast from heaven for the sin of pride (Eze. 28:11-19). As the originator of sin (1 Jn. 3:8), Satan is now the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2). He is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44) and a master of deception (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Satan stands in direct opposition to the believer (Eph. 6:12-17) as a tempter (Mt. 4:1-11), an adversary (1 Pet. 5:8) and an accuser (Rev. 12:8). Satan will ultimately be vanquished and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). Angels:
Two angels are given personal names in the Bible: Gabriel (Lk. 1:19) and Michael (Jude 9). We believe that angels are real and personal beings created by God for His purposes (Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:7). In the Old Testament, angels were referred to as “the sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are capable of taking human form (Gen. 19:1-5; Heb. 13:2) and serve at the bidding of the Lord (1 Pet. 3:22). A third of the angelic host followed Satan (Rev. 12:4) and was cast from heaven to await judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). I. Heaven:
Heaven is also referred to as Paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7). We believe in a literal heaven where God has established His eternal throne (Deut. 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30; Ps. 11:4; Isaiah 66:1; Acts 7:49). This is the “third heaven” (2 Cor. 2:2-4), located above the first (Acts 4:24) and second (Mt. 24:29) heavens (earth’s atmosphere and the universe, respectively), and beyond the view of mortal man. It is in this place that Christ has gone to prepare a place for believers (Jn. 14:2, 3; Heb. 11:16) and currently sits at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3; 8:1). Upon death, the believer’s soul is ushered immediately into heaven (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23). J. Hell and the Lake of Fire:
The final judgment of unbelievers is referred to as the “second death” (Rev. 20:14). We believe in a literal hell of eternal fire and torment (Mt. 13:42, 50; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:22-24). It is a place of darkness (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6) and everlasting punishment (Mt. 25:46). Hell was initially prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41). While hell is also the abode of all who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thes. 1:8, 9), God is not willing that any should go there (2 Pet. 3:9). After the final judgment, the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment (Rev. 20:10-15). K. Creation:
We reject the suppositions of the “Gap Theory” as being inconsistent with the Biblical narrative and the character of God. We believe in the literal creation of the universe by a supernatural act of God (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 8:3; 19:1-6; Heb. 11:3). This act of creation was completed over a period of six literal days with God resting upon the seventh (Gen. 1:3-2:3; Exo. 20:11). Jesus Christ, Himself, was instrumental in the creation of all things (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16, 17; Heb. 1:2, 3). We categorically and unequivocally reject all evolutionary models that attempt to explain the origins of the universe. L. Man:
Since God is spirit (Jn. 4:24), man was not fashioned in the physical image of God. We believe that God created man in His spiritual, moral and mental image in a state of perfect innocence (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7, 25). Through Adam’s disobedience, the whole human race fell, inherited a sinful nature (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12) and became alienated from God (Gen. 3:8; Col. 1:21). Man is now under the just condemnation of death (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22), physically (Gen. 5:5), spiritually (Eph. 2:1) and eternally (Rev. 20:14). M. Marriage:
While divorce before salvation is under the blood (2 Cor. 5:17), divorce after salvation may exclude the believer from service in the offices of pastor and deacon (1 Tim. 3:2, 12). We believe that marriage is a covenant of companionship (Mal. 2:14-16) between a man and a woman as ordained by God (Gen. 2:21-24; Mt. 19:4, 5; Mk. 1

01/26/2026

Points Of Faith

Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The Bible teaches us to trust, not tremble. To have faith, not fear. Jesus does not want us consumed with worrying fear.

Sometimes, our faith is Little Faith. Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Little faith is better than no faith. Four times in Matthew Jesus challenged His disciples. Little faith shows up concerning necessities of life (Matthew 6:30), concerning danger (Matthew 8:26), concerning deliverance (Matthew 14:31), and concerning bread and food (Matthew 16:8).

Sometimes, our faith may be Great Faith. Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. The Centurion’s faith started out with great humility. The same humility is seen in the woman of Canaan. Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Sometimes, there is No Faith. Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? The disciples were asking Jesus if He cared for them in the midst of the storm.

Sometimes, you may be Full of Faith. Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost…

The tragic situation is when a person has Vain Faith. 1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Reflection—Trust is knowing Jesus cares even when it does not seem like it.

01/04/2026

Slow To Wrath

James 1:19-20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

When a person is ready and eager to listen without being too quick to judge and speak out, this individual is one that is slow at coming to a point of wrath. They are more controlled and review the situation(s) by examining and weighing the facts instead of firing like a shot gun.

Not being slow to wrath and not under control, one can cause a lot of collateral damage.

The wrath of man, God’s Word says – worketh not the righteousness of God. In other words, if we generate wrath from a hot mind and uncontrolled words, how then can God work His righteousness? His righteousness is seen in His holy judgment, holy wrath, and holy justification. God is always in control and does all in perfect tune with the Bible we read every day.

At times it seems so right that we just blurt out our wrath to try and make others cower down and see our point. But in the end, what does all that prove? In most cases all that has been accomplished is broken relationships, hurt feelings, and more anger. God brought forth His wrath after much patience with the sinful children of Israel. But it was holy wrath with true love.

Reflection—If there is any wrath that needs to be done, let’s leave it up to God. He’s better at it, and the results are always better.

01/02/2026

Goodly Heritage

Psalm 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

What a privilege it is to grow up in a country with amazing freedoms and opportunities! Also, the time in which we live has numerous conveniences and luxuries that we enjoy. We have been blessed with many riches, with no concern of where our next meal will come from. Many of us have godly families. All of these blessings have been passed down and are gifts God has given to us.

Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

What are we going to do with the gifts that we have been given? How are we investing in the next generation?

Our responsibility is to help our children know and love God's Word above all else. We can help them memorize Scripture daily and learn to apply its truths in decision-making.

Even if we don't have children, we have opportunities to invest in many young people. Children who do not come from strong Christian homes need the influence of godly aunts, Sunday school teachers, and Christian school teachers who can help them learn to know and love God and His Word. By serving in our local churches and by going on mission trips, we can help reach the next generation.

Joel 2:17 ...Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Although many of the Old Testament references to God's heritage apply to Israel, we can see a spiritual application to preserving our godly heritage. I Peter 5:3 says, "neither as being Lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

Reflection—May we use our goodly heritage to invest in the next generation.

01/02/2026

A Fresh Start

By Steve Clark

January 1, 2026

Jeremiah 18:2 ...Arise, and go down to the potter's house… (18:1-6)

Do you need a fresh start today? Praise God! He is the God of second chances and new beginnings!

Have you ever wished you could go back and start over? If only you could take the words back that you said, if only you could make different choices. Sadly, in most cases, it is impossible to go back and change what has been said or done.

There is, however, one area of your life that you can have a new beginning. You can have a fresh start with your spiritual life! What do you need today? SALVATION? SANCTIFICATION? COMMITMENT? CONTENTMENT? God Specializes in New Beginnings!

Jeremiah is a true prophet with the people’s best interests at heart. Though discouraged and about to give up on God’s people, God told him to go down to the potter for an object lesson. There he saw a potter at the wheel intently shaping a vessel. But just as the vessel seemed to be taking shape, something unexpected happened—the vessel was marred.

Jeremiah probably thought the potter would reject the clay as if the material was now of no value. Instead, he flattened it again, put it back on the wheel, and started to shape it once more. The Potter could have completely abandoned it, but he didn't!

In the New Year, God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. He alone knows your possibilities, and He wants the best for you. If you are disappointed or discouraged because your life has not shaped up yet, maybe it’s because you have not yielded to the pressure of His Hands. God has a message of hope and assurance for you. He is working on us – we are His workmanship, and He wants to shape us according to His divine design and plan.

You can begin again by entrusting your life into the Master’s hands and have a fresh start again.

Reflection—When we fall apart, God can put us back together again!

12/30/2025

God’s Word in 2026

Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

As the New Year approaches, many people will be making resolutions for 2026. A large majority of those resolutions will regard finance and health. While financial stewardship and personal well-being are important, spiritual well-being is even more vital.

Speaking of God's Word in Psalm 19, the text verse states that God's Word is more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold. If God's Word is more valuable than any of this world's most treasured assets, then we must set time aside for the reading, studying, meditating, and memorizing of God's Word.

For those who do not know where to start, I would encourage every Christian to read through the Bible in a year. This method takes about 15-20 minutes each day and requires reading an average of 85 verses. Reading a chapter of Proverbs (31 chapters) will allow you to read through the book every month. Spending only 5 minutes a day memorizing Scripture will amount to over 30 hours of Scripture memory in 2026.

If we had the opportunity to choose between our Bible or money in the bank this upcoming year, we would be foolish not to choose the perfect inspired Word of God. We have and hold His perfect Word in our hands. May God help us read and apply Scripture on a daily basis this upcoming year that we may grow closer in our relationship and walk with Him.

Psalm 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

Reflection—Whether history, poetry, prophecy, instruction of wisdom and knowledge, God’s Word is always right and true—whereas gold often lies and deceives.

12/09/2025

Lendeth Unto the Lord

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

The word pity is essentially compassion accompanied with some act of charity or benevolence. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8, we read, If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

In Proverbs 19, having pity on the poor is said to be lending to the Lord. This profound truth reminds us:

That we are to be faithful stewards in the resources God has given us.
That God cares much for the poor and needy.
That God blesses the generous.
Lending unto the Lord by having pity on the poor is a wonderful truth to keep in mind this holiday season. Many readers of this devotion support the Lighthouse Children's Homes and are lending unto the Lord by having pity on poor children around the world.

May God bless the generosity of His faithful servants and grant us opportunities to lend unto Him.

Reflection—We can never outgive the good and gracious Lord.

12/05/2025

Birthday Candles

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Have the number of candles on your birthday cake gotten to the place where merely blowing is not enough? You need a fire extinguisher to get them all out without calling the fire department!

The Bible has encouragement for every age, including “seniors.” Of course, none of us know how many days we have on this earth. As the years go by and we see changes in our bodies—our hair turning gray, then white; our steps slowing; our strength failing; aches and pains increasing; illness and operations becoming more frequent, etc—these little reminders let us know that our time on earth may be coming to a close.

Until that day comes when we meet our Saviour face to face, what are we to do? We are to rely on the Lord, using His wisdom and encouragement to show others His plan of salvation. We are to stay faithful to Him.

God remains a steadfast presence in our lives. We need to continue our spiritual journey. We are to set an example for the younger generation, sharing life lessons and wisdom grounded in faith.

Aging is a natural part of life’s journey. God provides peace and security as elders navigate their later years. Age does not necessarily limit one’s abilities. Vigor, vision, zeal, and purpose can be used by God at any age. Trust God’s timing and promises. Remain faithful to the end.

Psalm 71:17-18 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Reflection—As we journey through life, aging brings challenges AND blessings. God’s Word guides us through all seasons of life, including our golden years.

12/03/2025

Christ Is Better

Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

On our last trip to North Carolina, we stopped off on the way home to meet the new pastor of People’s Baptist Church, Alton Mickle. I have preached for Robert Guynn, the former pastor at the church, and he encouraged me to reach out to Pastor Mickle. We were planning on a short stop on the way back, but it turned into a long lunch with a new-found friend. One phrase that he kept using that day was drawing me closer in spirit to a man I had just met. Time after time, when describing his upbringing, conversion, and call to ministry, he worked in the phrase, “Jesus is better.”

My recent daily Bible reading was in Hebrews, and I could not help but recognize the significance of that simple phrase that encapsulated the foundational doctrinal truth of the preeminence of Christ.

In chapter one, we find Christ is better, much better, than the angels. He was the Creator, and only the Creator could be the Saviour.

Moses, who is revered by the Jewish people as the greatest of their race, is not the greatest. Christ is better. All in chapter three.

Chapter five portrays Christ as better than Aaron, the High Priest of the nation. Christ is our Great High Priest, Who ever intercedes on our behalf.

But to me, the best thing is that starting in chapter seven and on through chapter ten, Christ is shown to be the Mediator of a better covenant.

Pastor Mickel is right—Jesus is better, and everything He does is better. Christ has prepared a better country (11:16), Christ is our better resurrection (11:35), and Christ provides better things for us (11:40).

I have been thinking that I might start using that phrase, “Jesus is better.” I might just add, “But the best is yet to come!”

Reflection—Angels are made. Jesus is the Maker.

12/01/2025

A Loud Thank You From An Unlikely Source

Luke 17:15-16 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God… giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

It was a grave situation for these ten l***rs. Leprosy meant certain death as well as separation from others in society. Themselves unnamed, they lived in an unnamed village—outcasts.

Somehow, they learned that the Rabbi of Nazareth was passing through their village. “Could He perhaps help us?” they wondered. Standing “afar off” they cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Notice that this miserable lot did not cry for healing. No, they simply pled for mercy; they knew that they had no hope otherwise.

Jesus saw them and His compassionate heart commanded: “Go, show yourselves unto the priests.” (Remember, at this point they were still l***rs. Only those healed of leprosy showed themselves to the priest in order to be declared clean.)

By faith in the Master’s words, they obediently turned and, in that moment, each was made completely whole! One—a Samaritan—was perhaps the first to notice the miracle of healing in his flesh. Delight arose in his heart and praise energetically poured forth from his lips to God! “Hallelujah!” he shouted as he returned, falling at the Master’s feet in thankfulness. The man who had stood afar off was now able to draw nigh to the Master for he was made whole! A Samaritan was brought nigh to the Jewish Saviour! Glory to God!

Once you and I were without Christ, aliens…strangers…having no hope, and without God in this world (Eph. 2:12). Like those l***rs, we were afar off. However, one day someone told us about the Master’s love, and we cried out, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, I believe.”

On the basis of His atoning work, a full pardon made us completely whole! No longer afar off, we are made nigh by the blood of Christ!

Reflection—Those who have been forgiven much, love much; and they loudly proclaim it!

11/27/2025

Giving Thanks

Luke 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks… (17:11-19)

How often do we find ourselves asking our children to say, “thank you”? We want our children to be respectful and use good manners. But I wonder if in our attempt to produce properly mannered children, we actually overlook our own thankfulness?

Thankfulness is so much more than a comparison of our own situation to someone else’s. And it's so much more than having enough food to eat, a nice, warm home to live in, good health, or financial security. Each of those can be taken in an instant!

I truly believe that in my own life, I've become so accustomed to blessings that I fail to be thankful, and I take them for granted.

In our passage, Luke shares with us the account of one l***r who was not spoiled, and there are many lessons we can learn from him starting with—Thankfulness is expressed through your attitude.

I doubt this l***r had a great deal of joy in having leprosy. He had to shout “Unclean” whenever he came close to others, as a warning to stay away. The first century belief was God gave leprosy to punish those who were sinful and disobedient.

But, even through all of that, it would appear that this l***r maintained a spirit of joy and thankfulness. And because he did, it enabled him to fully appreciate what Christ had done for him.

We’ve all had circumstances in life where we’ve lived outside the city, like the l***r. If we ask, “God, what did I do to deserve this?”—we are asking the wrong question. We need to ask, "How can I be thankful through this?"

Here we are, Thanksgiving day! Does your life represent a spirit of thankfulness? Are you thankful for just what is on your plate or are you thankful for the One that put it there?

Reflection—The contented man is never poor. The discontented man is never rich.

11/24/2025

Direct My Heart

2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;

tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing,

call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

sung by flaming tongues above;

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,

mount of God’s unchanging love!

Too often we may find our hearts more in tune with the last stanza of Come, Thou Fount. Some of those words are, Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. We surely need the Lord to guide and direct our hearts into His love—and to keep them there.

This is Paul’s first concern. He knows too well that our love, if left undirected by the Lord, is apt to go astray after other things. When our hearts are guided into the Lord’s love, the world’s attractions do not hold an appeal to our affections.

Paul’s second concern is that our hearts are directed into patiently waiting for Jesus to return. Patient waiting keeps us steady in our faith. It has a hopeful and purifying influence in our lives. It will affect the decisions and directions that we take day by day. In a word, consciously and purposefully waiting patiently for the Lord to return will sanctify us.

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Love and patience. These two qualities are essential for us to have spiritual stability and strength. May the Lord so direct our hearts.

Reflection—Love cannot be lacking patience, nor patience love.

11/07/2025

What a Saviour! Part 4—The Cure

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

This world is full of sorrow, hate, murder, and deceit to name a few, but in the news never is the word “sin” mentioned. Life is short. Death is sure. Sin the curse. Christ the cure.

We are the sinners raising our fist against a Holy God in defiance of His Word. The cure is through the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross! Only God can forgive sin.

So how does God deal with our sin?

The Just died for the unjust, in our place. The O.T. gives a picture of the cross in the Passover lamb. A perfect lamb, without spot or blemish was slain, and its blood was put upon the doorposts in the shape of a cross. The death angel saw it and passed over. Many years later, the Perfect Lamb, Jesus, was born. He was born to die as our substitute, the Just for the unjust.

Shepherds watched over the Passover lambs for the sacrifice on the day of Passover. The priests would inspect the lambs for any blemishes. They must be perfect in EVERY way. The worthy lambs were offered as a sacrifice.

At Passover, the Perfect Lamb of God was riding on a donkey, into Jerusalem. He was taken into the court and inspected by the Pharisees, the Sadducees , the Herodians, the civil leaders, and Pilate. They tried to find fault in Him, but it was said, “I find no fault in Him.” Jesus is our perfect Passover Lamb.

At 3 o’clock p.m., the priests killed the spotless lamb. But that day, at that exact time, on a cruel Golgotha cross, THE PERFECT LAMB of GOD was shedding His Blood for the sin of the whole world. “For God so loved the world…”

Jesus bowed His head and said, “It is finished!” Prophecy was fulfilled, and sin has been paid for your salvation and mine!

Reflection—Mary had a little lamb. Its fleece was white as snow.

Address

22222 SW Grahams Ferry Road
Tulatin, OR
97062

Opening Hours

Wednesday 7pm - 8:30pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm
6pm - 7pm

Telephone

+15035906214

Website

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