Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Knowing Him

This week at Servant's Heart Fellowship we will begin our study of 2 Peter. In the 1st chapter Peter clearly emphasizes the importance of knowing God (count the times he uses the word "knowledge" in the first 8 verses!). It was while I was reviewing this that an amazing thought struck me: It was Peter, the author of this letter, who denied Christ!

Maybe you are thinking, "Yeah, so what? Everyone knows this. What is so amazing about that?" Let me explain. Matthew 28:69-75 records Peter's denials, but I want to draw your attention to verse 74: Then he began to invoke a curse upon himself and to swear, "I do not know the man."

"I do not know the man..." Six sad and painful words, uttered by one of our Savior's closest friends during one of His darkest hours. Of course we know that Peter repented of these horrible words and was graciously restored by the risen Savior, but... I can't help but to wonder if when Peter later writes this letter and so strongly emphasizes the need to know Christ, is he remembering the time he said he didn't know Him? I'm not sure, but if so, I bet Peter was again overwhelmed by God's grace. Peter is an example to me of how amazing grace really is. Why? Well, because he is not all that different from me. Or you.

Join us this Sunday as we consult with the apostle Peter and dig deeper into this all important issue of knowing God. Or to put in another way (and to loosely quote J.I. Packer), this all important issue of "being known by God."

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Phil Sasser Preaching This Sunday

This week at Servant's Heart Fellowship we are honored to have Phil Sasser as our guest speaker. Phil is the senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Apex, NC and is a good friend of mine. You can learn more about him at www.sovgracenc.org/pastors

Phil and I have known about each other for many years, but it has really been within the last year that we have grown in our friendship. I'm grateful for Phil's interest into my personal life and my pastoral ministry, which is evident every time we get together for lunch. I can say without hesitation that I have benefited greatly from his insights, and I'm certain our church will benefit from his visit.

We are very grateful that Phil and his wife Cassie will be worshipping with us this weekend. Join us this week as we hear Phil's message to our church about the importance of the church.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Praying With The Porters

Let me introduce Roy Porter (for those who do not know this man). He is the pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church here in Rocky Mount. He is very well respected by many local ministers, including me, and he is a huge encouragement to be around. He smiles a lot and has a great sense of humor. Oh, and he enjoys Dunkin Donuts coffee (which I personally believe should be included along with 1 Timothy 3 as an additional qualification for all pastors).

You want to know something else about Roy Porter? He is a loving husband. Roy's wife, Rosa, is going through a serious health issue right now which you can read about at: http://www.rnporter.wordpress.com/

Many things will be immediately obvious as you read Roy's blog. I'll only point out three: (1) Roy and Rosa's faith in God is very strong; (2) they have many people who care deeply about them and are supporting them; and (3) Roy loves his wife. I mean this man really loves his wife.

I encourage everyone to join them in prayer during this time of need. We here at Servant's Heart Fellowship count it a joy and privilege to pray with the Porters.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Legacy Of David

Elvis Presley concluded what would ultimately be his last press conference with these words, "I hope I haven't bored you." Given his larger-than-life fame and his equally infamous dance moves, I'd say that his concern was unnecessary. He may have been loved or hated, but I doubt Elvis ever bored anyone. Yet this is what he said: "I hope I haven't bored you..." To be honest, it seems a bit disappointing to think that these were the last words uttered in public by Elvis Presley.

I have a (morbid perhaps?) fascination with reading "famous" people's last words. You can learn a lot about someone by what they communicate in their last moments. I have smiled, laughed, frowned, and even shook my head sadly while reading the sometimes bizarre, sometimes serious, and sometimes just outright hilarious things people have said prior to their meeting with the Judge of the universe. In some cases, my laughter quickly dies away and is replaced with a sense of dread. Well, what does any of this have to do with David's legacy? Everything.

1 Chronicles 29 records for our viewing the last "public" prayer of David before his death. As I said, we can learn much from what people say in moments like this. David doesn't disappoint us. What does he do? He (yet again, as he had so many times before) turns his gaze upon the glory and majesty of God, humbles himself before His greatness, and encourages everyone else around him to do the same!

This Sunday we conclude our study of David by examining his final public words and join with him as he implores the people of Israel to "Bless the Lord your God!" one more time.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Can God Really Read My Mind?

Ever have that thought, "If he/she only knew what I was thinking..."? Thankfully, people can't read minds. Imagine what the world would be like if people could! The divorce rate would skyrocket, friendships would crumble, unemployment would rise to an all time high. Why? I think you know the answer. If we are honest, we would admit that we have all thought things that we are very grateful no one else knew about. Indwelling sin never rests. In fact, the only positive thing I could think of was that the justice system would benefit greatly from mind reading abilities. Criminals, on the other hand, would not.

I'll admit it, I do take comfort in the fact that other people can't read my mind. I'm sure you do as well. But what about God? Can He read our minds? In Psalm 139:2 David says this about God, "...you discern my thoughts from afar." Yeah... He can read minds. It is no problem for Him. Does that make you uncomfortable?

If you are a Christian, then this is one of those bad news/good news moments that are so common in our lives. The bad news is He does know every single thought we have ever had or ever will have - including all the terrible and sinful ones! The good news is He loves us in spite of our wretchedness and is graciously working in us even now to sanctify us. That is the glory of the gospel! Christ died to save a sinful wretch like me. Thankfully, salvation does not depend upon my thought life. It depends wholly upon the work of Christ at the cross. He knows me better than anyone else ever will, nothing in my life is hidden from Him - and (here is the amazing part) He still loves me with an everlasting love! This incredible truth is what we are studying this Sunday from Psalm 139, so I invite you to come and celebrate the love of an all-knowing God with us.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Is There A Shimei In Your Life?

You might be thinking, "Shimei, who is that?" Great question. Shimei is the guy who cursed David from a hilltop when David was forced out of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16:5-14). I think it is fair to say that David was certainly having a bad day. His son, Absalom, had turned against him and now David was leaving Jerusalem before Absalom arrived. Just when he probably thought it couldn't get much worse... here comes Shimei! He yells at David, calls him names, curses him, and to top it off - throws rocks at him. Just a side note - I'm not sure it is very wise (or safe) to throw stones at the guy who defeated a giant with one stone! If David had stooped to pick up a stone Shimei might have thought twice before tossing another one.

What does David do? Does he let his men kill Shimei? Nope. Not even when one of his mighty men, Abishai, is chomping at the bit to slay this guy. David responds by trusting in God's sovereignty. This is yet another reason why we are studying this man to learn from him. I don't know about you, but I have had my share of "Shimei's" in my life and I need to learn how to respond like David did, and not like Abishai!

Join us this Sunday as we look closer at David's reponse to Shimei and apply it to our lives.