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It seems disinterest amongst believers is prevalent. Why don’t believers run to the church, run to offering plates, run to serve? Has church become a consumer activity like bowling or swimming or going to the movies?

Matthew 6:20-21 (NASB)

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Some people might think that I asked this question but I assure you I didn’t. This is a question I think many pastors probably do ask. Serving God is not a difficult task but it is a dedicated one. We suffer from a real problem of distraction and disinterest in this nation. One might then ask the question, “Why?”

First I’d like to say that this problem is not a new one, but it is a real one. The fact is, there are many scriptures which deal with this, I want to take you to one. In Revelation 3:15-17 (NASB), to the church of Laodicea Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” In our country, and in fact all western societies, we have grown rich. What I mean is, compared to any other time in history we have abundance. Real life is not hard. We have no one attacking us, we are full of plenty of foods, lots of entertainment, and we have the ability to go and do unlike any other time in history. We have access to medical care unlike anytime in history. We have rights to be free and we exploit them to their fullest potential. In essence, we have become rich, in need of nothing. Now, I understand there are people that go without and suffer, but over all comparatively speaking, we live in a time and society unlike any other. When people get to this place, there is a tendency to not see the need for God anymore.

Take a look at the warning to Israel found in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (NASB). “Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”  This warning existed because God new of the tendency of humans who are fat and happy. They forget their need for God. In fact, the story of the Bible always seems to come down to this, the warnings, the ignorance or disobedience, and then the judgement.

I believe this is the current state of the church, over all. So many people are looking for revival but what the Church needs is reviving!   So what should be done? Firstly, as many as recognize this issue need to go before the Lord and seek change, for both themselves and for others. Joshua 24:15 (NASB) says, “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” We need to choose to serve God again. That comes from a heartfelt desire for God and His way. Notice though, this is a choice. We so need to repent! 

Secondly, we need to go to God recognizing that we need His help to reignite the flame which seems to have been snuffed out. We will never get ourselves out of this backslidden stage alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. There is so much at stake if we don’t. 

In times passed, God has allowed His people to suffer when they refuse to recognize Him. The cost to His people if we don’t get right is loss. If we will not recognize our depravity, we will be forced to. I am not trying to be a fear monger, this is simply how it works. People whose reliance is on money, jobs, economy, governments, and the like will lose those things until they once again recognize Him as their source. 

We have a choice to make, we either turn back to God and live, or we continue our course of destruction. What we choose is up to us, though the outcome will be based on that decision. Let us pray that the Church realizes once again her need of a Savior. Let us individually start the process of repentance and encourage others to do the same. I do not believe all is lost just yet, however I do believe we are close to this possible judgement. I plead with God, we need Your help to see our depravity, Lord Jesus, may we once again honor You, bearing fruits of righteousness. Church, may we rise to God’s purposes and be renewed! Let’s choose to serve Him before it’s too late. 

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff 

Question: Do the words that we use like naming something, have an effect on them. For example, I have heard that if you give a child a name you are speaking that over them every time you call their name. Also in the Bible names often got changed. 

In the last two Faith Fixes we saw that God’s wisdom has a lot to say about the significance of words especially regarding our relationships with others and the power of words to make both positive and negative impacts. This week let’s look at the significance of names. 

I likewise have heard the claims that when you name someone and call them that name you somehow manifest that in their lives. There’s a level of superstition with that that I cannot say scripture backs up. Keeping this in mind, it is true that God changed names in scripture and that somehow names seemed to bear some significance. Upon study, it seems to me this significance is more symbolic than it is about tangible manifestation.  

Look at Genesis 17:5 (NIV): “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” This name change reflected Abraham’s role as the father of many nations. Skip down to Genesis 17:15 (NIV): “God also said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.’” This signified her role as the mother of nations. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28 (NIV), “Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’” It was symbolic of his wrestling with God. Another example of this is in John 1:42 (NIV): “And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).” This name was more fitting of a foundational position in the church Jesus was building. These name changes symbolized purpose God had for each of these individual. It wasn’t a matter of calling them a new name to manifest a new destiny. 

Despite this, I do believe there’s something that happens through symbolism. Consider the symbolism of a wedding ring. It’s a reminder of a covenant you’ve entered into and it somehow speaks to your heart and reminds you of this covenant as you see it on your finger. The American flag somehow reminds us of freedom. I know that whenever I have been away and return to the United States seeing the flag puts a little pep in my step. Friends of ours from other nations have expressed they don’t feel this like we do. There’s something that symbolism does to our minds. 

I’ve also seen some extremely disheartening name calling. I have a childhood friend who calls her children the heathens. Somehow sadly they have lived up to the title. Studies have shown that the names we use for people can significantly affect their behavior and their self-perception because they influence how individuals view themselves and their potential. I’ve seen studies where teachers are given a group of new students and told that a handful are their genius students but all along they were actually the ones with the lowest IQ. Somehow those students were the ones who ended up scoring the highest. This wasn’t because they were told they were geniuses or called by the name genius to their face but it impacted the way the teachers respected them, expected from them, etc. Titles can and do affect behavior. Similar studies demonstrate the reverse of this as well. When people are labeled trouble makers, slow-learners, etc. they somehow act in line with that. You see it’s not that the name changes things in a supernatural way, but that when we are told something over and over again we come to believe it. Romans 10:17 (NIV), “…faith comes from hearing the message…” The truth I’m demonstrating here is that the more you hear, the more you trust that it’s true. 

This is true for names and words in general. I love this prayer from Psalms 19:14, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Our hearts should be to always represent God well and to never put a stumbling block in the way for others to find God. 

Be Blessed, 

Pastor Renée

Question: Do the words that we use like naming something, have an effect on them. For example, I have heard that if you give a child a name you are speaking that over them every time you call their name. Also in the Bible names often got changed. 

Last week we saw that God’s wisdom has a lot to say about the significance of words especially regarding our relationships with others. Words have the power to influence, build up, or cause harm. Our goal should be careful and thoughtful speech. This week let’s look beyond the proverbs and continue to see the significance of words according to scripture. 

Look at Matthew 12:34-37 (NIV): “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Jesus is addressing the Pharisees here and brings about another very important truth regarding words, that is that words reveal a deeper reality about the heart of the individual. Some people may speak words that sound good, but in enough time, especially when the guard has been lowered, words will reveal the deeper issues of beliefs as well as character. 

As Christians, unwholesome words, gossip, vile, or hateful speech proves we’re not walking closely with the Lord. As we spend time with the Lord, loving Him and keeping His commandments, our words will change because our heart will change. Look at Colossians 3:16 (NIV), “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” As we fill our hearts with the message of Christ, our words will become agents of change and encouragement for others, leading them to the Lord. Words are impactful. 

Now look at Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This is part of Paul’s instructions in godly living. A major call to believers is that we guard our words using them the way God intended and the way He used His words, to edify and build up, to infuse love and truth into a lost and dying world. God illustrates how important guarding our tongue really is in James 3:5-6 (NIV), which says, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This is powerful language here. The tongue that makes great boasts is something we’re quite familiar with. There was a saying my parents taught me growing up, that is, “don’t write a check your butt can’t cash.” What is that? It’s a tongue spouting off, without consideration of the consequences. Remember the domino effect? If you knock one down, they all get knocked down. What may seem like a small spark can really cause some damage, likewise, the tongue untamed and unguarded can really destroy a lot in its wake. 

Contrary to this though is a tongue that is guarded.  Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” In our speech towards believers, unbelievers, or witnesses of our life in general, we must take heed to season our answers with salt. We represent Christ on this earth and our words are such a huge part of that representation. We’ll never be perfect at this, but we should always press towards that goal. 

I hope you’re seeing the significance and practical application of speaking words according to scripture. Next week I will move towards answering your second part of your question regarding names. 

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée 

Question: Do the words that we use like naming something, have an effect on them. For example, I have heard that if you give a child a name you are speaking that over them every time you call their name. Also in the Bible names often got changed. 

This topic is actually very vast. In the upcoming weeks I will talk about words and names and attempt to answer your question or at least offer some insight from scripture. For this week’s Faith Fix let’s look at the book of Proverbs, which has a great deal of wisdom regarding the words we speak.

Proverbs is a book of wisdom. It’s a collection of idioms and sayings that were spoken throughout Israel, especially in the home. The book of Proverbs contains practical advice on how to live wisely and ethically in a way that is easy to remember and apply. It’s important to understand that following or reciting the Proverbs doesn’t guarantee results, but living by these principles will generally lead to more favorable outcomes overall. For this week’s Faith Fix let’s see what wisdom tells us regarding words. 

A continual theme is that words can both lead to negative outcomes and positive outcomes especially regarding our relationships with others. Look at the comparing and contrasting used in the following proverbs. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV): “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV): “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:4 (NIV): “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Have you ever gotten into an argument or disagreement with someone you love? Have you ever said something so mean-hearted you wish you could take it back? Have you ever experienced someone doing the same towards you? Consider how those words created pain that isn’t easily seen but also not easily forgotten. Trust can be destroyed through words and our self-worth can be destroyed through foolish or harsh words. Alternatively, gentle answers or wise responses can stop a situation from going from bad to worse with irreversible damage.

The wisdom scriptures tell us that knowledge and wisdom change the way we speak. Look at Proverbs 17:27 (NIV): “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 10:19 (NIV): “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 13:3 (NIV): “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” You know that the fruit of the born again believer filled with the Spirit of God includes gentleness, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) This is ever so important when we’re speaking words. Why are words such a topic throughout God’s Word? It’s because words are something we have an abundance of and something that we have the ability to use freely. 

Consider the concept of free speech. We are free to speak however we choose but that freedom has often led to more disunity, strife and hatred. Why? Because though we can doesn’t mean we should. This is what God’s wisdom tells us. It’s up to us to put these wisdom principles to practice and as we do, things will go better for us and for those we are called to reach.  Consider this first when you consider the importance of words.

Stay tuned for next week as I’ll continue this discussion. 

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée 

Question: How do we defend the doctrine of the trinity when people say to us “the word trinity isn’t in the Bible”?

This is one of those important and interesting questions that is not uncommon when talking about the Word. One very important thing we need to remember is that some questions start from a false premise.

Things like “the trinity is not found in scripture” are false accusations based on false assumptions. We shouldn’t be surprised it’s not in there. The Bible we generally read has been translated, depending on the translations many things aren’t specifically in scripture. I believe in reading the Scripture literally, when we are supposed to. Sometimes however, we are not supposed to. The Bible was never meant to be just a literal book. We have the books like Psalms and Song of Solomon which are poetic and Proverbs which are generalized sayings based on principle. Then there are books of prophecy like Daniel which also deserve a different approach. How about all the letters to the churches which are giving specific instruction based on things that were actually going on in a particular time to a particular people. All of these things need to be read and understood differently. That may seem like a big task and that’s because it is! 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

That the Bible doesn’t say a specific thing doesn’t make it not true. The Bible gives us no specific way to have church, and yet having church is not a wrong thing to do. In fact, it is what we should do. What we look for is not just what the Bible says, but what does the Bible point to? The ancient Hebrews did not have a word for everything. A word that’s often translated heart is actually the word kidney. People can get cooky trying to figure out how the kidney is where the direction of God is but the heart behind is not the exact location. It means to emanate from the inside out, so the direction of God comes from deep inside.

The fact that there are three persons in the Godhead and that they are separate but equal is woven throughout scripture. John 10:30 (NASB) is one instance where Jesus boldly proclaimed, “I and the Father are one.” Now some argue that He did not specifically call Himself God but that is a false understanding. It goes on to tell us that the Jews went to stone Him because that’s exactly how they understood or interpreted what Jesus was saying and He didn’t correct that thinking. 

When interpreting scripture it is important to note that we cannot just read it the way we understand life. We have to do our best to get into the minds of those people in that time. Jesus’s main trouble with the Jews is that He presented Himself as God, which was ultimately the reason they crucified Him. So maybe one would concede that Jesus was claiming to be God, but what about the Holy Spirit? Well, the scriptures talks about Him in the same light. One such place is Matthew 28:19 (NASB), “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Simple deductive reasoning here points to the idea of the Holy Spirit being coequal or He would not have been included.

We have to understand that the Bible assembled tells a story. While it is important to understand its books individually, it is also important to understand them altogether. We don’t just pick and choose but realize that God gave us this wonderful work in its entirety. He did this also for a purpose. Jesus often spoke in parables to explain God truths that themselves need to be explained differently today because we won’t understand the references. Sometimes while preaching I tell stories to illustrate these points. I’m not changing the scripture, I’m making it relatable. This is exactly what has always been done. Sure I may give an example story involving modern things like television, cars or the internet, but that doesn’t make the scriptural truth I’m presenting unbiblical. 

While the Bible certainly gives us boundaries to our belief we have to remember that it came through oral tradition. It was meant to be heard and in such a way that it was understandable to the hearer.  Many people in the ancient world couldn’t even read. This is why I’m such an advocate of multiple translations. Too often people build doctrine on what they read in a particular translation rather than study to find out the truth that was actually being presented. This is a problem I have seen so many times that it really needs addressed.

In closing, I will give some more scriptural references that point to the Trinity concept in order to help you respond to those who question the trinity, but I want to also leave you with this thought: consider the source and spirit behind every question. Is the one questioning already set on what they think and therefore not interested in really knowing the truth? People like this will never receive an answer that satisfies them because they’ve made up their minds already. In such cases you are wasting your time, casting pearls before swine!

2 Corinthians 13:14, John 14:16-17, John 15:16, 1 Peter 1:2, Ephesians 4:4-6, Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff 

What is the “Garment of Praise?” Is this part of the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11, 14-17)?

If you have not read the last two parts of this Faith Fix question, I’ll encourage you to do so before continuing on in this reading. You can find them at fcmayville.org.

We saw last week that the garment of praise and the armor of God are both metaphorical. The idea of the garment of praise is a beautiful visual of the hope, joy and peace that Jesus brought to the world, whereas the idea of the armor of God is about Christians taking a stand against the schemes of the devil and standing firm in their faith.

Let’s look more closely at the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-13, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

These scriptures teach us some important truths about our walk with the Lord. Firstly, we have to realize that we live in a fallen world and we will experience trials as a result of this. Remember John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” There’s a spiritual realm we cannot see that has influence over this realm that we do see but despite this, we can and must rely on the Lord, standing firm in His truths. 

Let’s continue reading in Ephesians 6:14-17, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Now there’s some things for us to keep in mind here. First we must realize the armor described here was typical of the Roman soldiers’ armor during the time it was written and both Paul and those reading would have been familiar with this image of Roman military gear. Roman soldiers wore a belt to secure their tunic and carry their sword and Paul is letting them know that similarly the truth stabilizes and makes ready the believer. The breastplate protected a soldier’s vital organs, righteousness protects the heart and soul of a believer. Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals with good traction and the gospel of peace enables believers to stand firm and move forward with good spiritual traction so to speak.

Roman soldiers used large shields for protection and faith likewise acts as a shield. Salvation protects the mind of the believer similar to the helmet that protected the head of the soldier. The sword was the primary weapon for Roman soldiers being a powerful tool for both defense and offense in battles, while in like manner the Word of God is the primary weapon for spiritual battles. Again, Paul’s audience would have been familiar with Roman soldiers and their gear, so this metaphor would have been both a clear and practical illustration to the Christians at that time. 

How can we take these truths for ourselves today? Although we aren’t as well versed in Roman armor, we can get a good visual from what the Apostle Paul was describing. For ourselves, we can consider what it means to be properly dressed for the occasion, especially those of us who live here on the northeast coast of the US. Winter time around here requires boots and thick jackets, hats and scarfs, gloves and extra thick socks, if we’re to stay warm and avoid catching a chill. As a child I remember fighting these things because I didn’t think I needed them. Time after time I’d come home with frozen feet, beet red nose and fingers, just wishing I could get warm. Maturity has told me that I like being warm, I don’t want icicles hanging from my runny nose, and if I can keep from catching a chill I’m going to! Likewise, spiritual maturity says, I know I think I don’t need it, but I DO need the full armor of God if I’m going to make it! We need to be filled with His truth, ready to response to every trial with trust in who He is and what He has said, and ready to stand despite the storms and the winds that come beating on this house. As we keep our feet firmly planted on the rock, and continue to be students of His word, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us, we can trust Him. We must trust Him! But, He has not and will not fail us! 

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée