“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6
“The simplest meaning of Easter is that we are living in a world in which God has the last word. Billy Graham said, “God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’” Though it is a historical fact there are some who will deny it.
Jesus’ resurrection either happened or it didn't. It is objective reality; and so it cannot be true for one person and false for another. To prove this point, Sean McDowell related the following experiment:
I placed a jar of marbles in front of my students and asked, "How many marbles are in the jar?" They responded with different guesses: 221, 168, and so on. Then after giving them the correct number of 188, I asked, "Which of you is closest to being right?" While they all agreed that 168 was the closest guess, they understood and agreed that the number of marbles was a matter of objective fact and not one determined by personal preference.
Then I passed out Starburst candies to each student and asked, "Which flavor is right?" As you might expect, they all felt this to be a nonsense question because each person had a preference that was right for them. "That is correct," I concluded. "The right flavor has to do with a person's preferences. It is a matter of subjective opinion or personal preference, not objective fact.”
Then I asked, “Are religious claims objective facts, like the number of marbles in a jar, or are they only a matter of personal opinion, like one's candy preference?" Most students concluded that religious claims belonged in the category of candy preference. I then opened the door for us to discuss the objective claims of Christianity. I pointed out that Christianity is based on an objective historical fact—the resurrection of Jesus. I reminded them that while many people may reject the historical resurrection of Jesus, it is not the type of claim that can be "true for you, but not true for me.” The tomb was either empty on the third day, or it was occupied—there is no middle ground. Before anyone can grasp the transforming power of the resurrection of Jesus, he or she must realize that it is a matter of objective fact, not of personal preference.
Because of the objective fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, we have the hope of eternal life with the living Lord Jesus. Jesus by His resurrection came to free those who all their lives are held in slavery by their fear of death. In the death and resurrection of Jesus, He has triumphed over sin, death and the power of the devil. The Apostle Peter said, In His great mercy He (God) has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3–4)
One day we will leave this temporal place and go to the place He has prepared for us. Once day we will enjoy forever the eternal pleasures of our heavenly home. One day we will receive one hundred times as much as we have given away or sacrificed for the sake of the kingdom of God. Having believed in Christ, we are marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. As Eugene H. Peterson wrote in the Message, "Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when He next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet Him is, precisely, salvation."
Everything rides on the fact of the resurrection. What do you believe?
Pastor David
The Voice of the Shepherd
April 2024
The Voice of the Shepherd
March 2024
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
The book Hinds Feet on High Places is a parable, a modern allegory similar to Pilgrim’s Progress. But instead of dealing with the overall Christian journey, it focuses on a life of fear, anxiety, and self-loathing.
The main character is named Much-Afraid. Much-Afraid is constantly harassed by her family, the Fearings. They oppress and criticize her all the time. But Much-Afraid loves the Shepherd, who wishes to take her to the High Places, a good land in the far mountains. For her journey, the Shepherd gives her two companions; two sisters named Sorrow and Suffering.
There comes a moment in Much Afraid’s journey when she is tempted to give into Pride, to listen to his temptation, and abandon her journey. But she calls to the Chief Shepherd, who comes and rescues her. He gently rebukes her that she should not have let go of the hands of Sorrow and Suffering on her journey.
Do you have troubles and trials? Are you going through a hardship or painful ordeal? Don’t be discouraged or defeated. In this season of Lent, we are reminded Jesus took hold of “Sorrow” and “Suffering” They were his companions. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. As we follow in His footsteps, it will not always be easy. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Part of our suffering is the battle between the Spirit and the flesh. They are opposed to each other. The Spirit leads us down the path of life and peace, while the flesh brings destruction. When we endure hardship for the sake of Christ, it is commendable before God. The Apostle Peter said, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” Jesus walked on the path of obedience and faith all the way to the cross. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
We are called to trust in God as we go through sorrow and suffering. While most of us desire to live a “pain free” life, we must remember that “Sorrow” and “Suffering” have a way of purifying our souls. It is the difficulties and the trials that cause us to press deeper in our faith. We learn to trust in God and call upon His name. The Apostle Peter said, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because He who has suffered in His body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." 1Peter 4:1-2
James, the half-brother of Jesus - in his letter - wrote to encourage the church that was bewildered and beleaguered by torment and travail. He said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
When you are going through difficult times, be like the Psalmist, call out and cry out to the Lord God Almighty. He hears and answers prayer. Seeking Him early in the morning or in the late watches of the night, you will find that HIs grace is sufficient you, He will see you safely through.
Pastor David Huskamp
The Voice of the Shepherd
December 2023
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
A couple of years ago, TIME ran a story written by Kit Yarrow that chronicled some of the worst gifts given that readers had submitted. One woman reader shared that for years, her mother-in-law had bought the other daughter-in-law an expensive makeup or perfume, and then she proceeded to give this daughter-in-law the free gift that came with it. Another reader shared how she had received a waffle iron from her husband. That wouldn't be the worst gift ever, except for what was implied in the relationship. "He thought if we had a waffle iron, I could make waffles for him," she said—which makes you wonder whether he really was trying to give her a gift, or whether he wanted to give himself a gift.
Christmas time is the season of giving and God is the great gift giver. Jesus said, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. That was the first Christmas gift, but there are more gifts that He has given us. Jesus said, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The Apostle Paul reminds us that because of our sins, we “earn” and deserve death, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us “spiritual gifts.” (1Corinthians 12) Gifts of faith, healing, miraculous powers, speaking in tongues, and administration - all to build up the body of Christ. Through Jesus Christ, we receive God’s “abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness.” (Romans 5:17)
The Bible teaches that every - not just a some or a few - but every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father. Since God has lavished His grace on us and given us so many gifts, how then shall we live?
As believers, we are admonished to not let our gifts be idle, but to use them to further the kingdom of God. Paul writes: I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (2Timothy 1:6) The Apostle Peter concurs, when he said, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)
This holiday season take time to recall the many gifts God has generously lavished on you. Food, home, family, finances and an abundant provision of God’s grace. Now, remember the words of Jesus: "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8) Not half-hearted, not being tightfisted or stingy, not in order that you might get more for yourself, but give generously with a grateful heart. Follow the example of Christ and give in the true spirit of Christmas, use the gifts you have so richly been blessed with, to be a blessing to others.
May God Bless you this Christmas,
Pastor David
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Mr. Otha Anders, of Ruston, Louisiana, spent 45 years bending down and collecting something most of us ignore—pennies. In October of 2015, the 73-year-old Anders, a supervisor for in-school suspended children, took them to his local bank—in 15 five-gallon jugs—and deposited a grand total of $5,136.14 worth of pennies into his account. The bank's coin machines took five hours to count all the pennies. But what's truly moving about this story isn't Anders' thriftiness; it's his thankfulness. Each new penny on the ground served as a prompt to give thanks to God. As Anders told reporters: I became convinced that spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful. There have been days where I failed to pray and more often than not, a lost or dropped penny would show up to remind me.
Are you regularly thankful? Do you live each day with an attitude of gratitude? To be thankful always does not mean that we will forever have sunny days and smooth sailing, for trouble and trials come to all people. Although we may be powerless to change our outward circumstances, we do have control over our attitude. If we chose to grumble and gripe, complain and criticize we will never leave room for God to fill us with His joy. The Apostle Paul writing to the church at Thessalonica said: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thessalonians 5:16–18) These are not to be done only when the team wins, the plan comes together,
the deal goes through, but the Apostle insists that it be a regular part of who we are. Notice again the words he uses; joyful always - pray continually - give thanks in all circumstances. We might be tempted to think that Paul was writing this to celebrate a job promotion, a successful venture or some other great good that came his way. But quite the opposite is true - he penned these words from a prison cell, bound by chains. (Colossians 4:3) In fact, Paul mentions to the Corinthian church that his troubles did not hinder his joy: I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. (2Corinthians 7:4)
What does the apostle know that causes him to be joyful and thankful even when life is painful and difficult? What does he know that we don’t? The great love of God. Paul expressed it in a prayer. “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Paul’s confidence was in God’s great love for him. He was convinced that even the trials he went through were a positive thing. He stated, in Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Paul recognized that his “light” and “momentary” troubles were providing him with a greater eternal glory that was far greater than any trouble here on earth. When we believe and are convinced that God loves us immensely and works everything for our good, we can be thankful in all things.
This Thanksgiving we recount all the blessings that God has given us, but don’t let it stop there, don’t let thanksgiving be confined to a once a year event, rather like Mr. Anders, look for opportunities to be thankful and let your attitude be one of gratitude each and every day - we have much to be thankful for.
Pastor David
The Voice of the Shepherd
November 2023
The Voice of the Shepherd
September 2023
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Just a quick reading or listening to the news and you can see the world around you is growing darker by the day. I have seen and read recently---A California mom Jessica Konen sued her daughter’s school district, after Buena Vista Middle School had socially transitioned her 11-year-old daughter, without her knowledge or consent. --In Florida Stephan Rodda killed his teenage son. --- In Louisiana a 16 year old was shot and killed by an 18 year old at a High School football game.---Just east of San Francisco, some 80 suspects were involved in a “smash and grab” stealing $200,000 worth of merchandise.-- In Pakistan, thousands of angry Muslims rampaged and twenty-five churches were destroyed. Jesus said, "At that time (the last days) many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…." (Matthew 24:10-12)
We can see the turmoil and upheaval not only in our society, but in all of creation as well. The earth itself is “groaning as in the pains of childbirth.” This is seen in fires, hurricanes, tornados, and weather disruptions. The Bible also tells us that in the last days there will arise a “beast” and “no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast” (Revelations 13:17) This ability to control currency is even now taking place. Recently(Aug 29, 2023) Bank of America closed the bank accounts of Indigenous Advance, a charity that serves the poor and vulnerable in Uganda, as well as a Memphis-based church that financially supports its work. They did this because the organization’s Christian values and beliefs on marriage and abortion did not align with the bank. With all of the electronic banking, it is easy to see this quickly becoming a reality. We do not know the times or days of Christ’s return, but there are certainly signs of the times coming into focus.
Where do we find hope? In the Word of God. It is through the Word of God that we are given grace and strength. It is through the Word of God that we can find peace in a troubled world and in troubling times. Jesus has said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:7) God does not want us to be unsettled by these trials, but rather by warning us of their coming, we are better prepared to face them.
This fall we will be doing a study in the Book of Revelation. For many this remains a closed book because much of it is symbolic and hard to understand. Leon Morris said “Perhaps there is no age for which its (Revelation’s) essential teaching is more relevant.” The book was written to a small church that was struggling with the hard-pressed situation it was in. In situation after situation, the truth is emphasized that God is supreme and that He brings His purposes to pass in the affairs of man. This apocalyptic literature appears in difficult times and reveals the author’s conviction that the troubles the readers are going through do not have the last word. God will one day intervene and destroy all evil.
Perhaps you have been unsettled as you see the darkening of the world around you. Maybe you are troubled by the rampant lawlessness and the rise of hostility toward Christianity. I invite you to join us Sunday mornings or Monday evenings as we look at words of encouragement and hope for times of difficulty.
Pastor David
updated April 2024