Tag Archives: Christian

November 11, 2026 · 5:00 PM

Sanctuary Remodel

The people of God have a long history of setting aside special places to gather for worship. In the Old Testament, the temple in Jerusalem was a constant reminder that God was dwelling among his chosen people. It was the place for men and women and boys and girls to come and present themselves to the Lord, offering up their prayers, praises, and offerings.

Jesus told the woman at the well that a time had come when worship would not be limited to one specific place. God’s people now worship in Spirit and in truth. Since Pentecost, God’s Holy Spirit has taken up residence in the hearts of every single person who puts saving faith in Jesus, young or old, man or woman, leader or follower. Every disciple of Jesus is a living stone in the temple where God dwells by his Holy Spirit.

The Lord has never instructed us to stop setting aside certain places for worship, discipleship, and fellowship. Jesus promised that wherever two or three followers of Jesus gather in his name, he is there among them. For two thousand years, Christians have continued to consecrate certain places for gathering in the precious and powerful name of Jesus.

Thirty years ago, members of Grace Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas blessed us by building a beautiful sanctuary at 1505 California Ave. Our church family gathers regularly to sing his praises, lift our prayers, and read his Word in the comfort and safety of this special place which is consecrated to his glory and to his kingdom work.

Our sanctuary has held up well, but every facility requires an occasional remodel to address items that wear out. We already removed the steeple to keep moisture out, but if you look up while in the sanctuary you will notice two boards keeping a piece of the ceiling from falling. It’s time to replace the ceiling and carpet and to paint the walls. These jobs are so big that they force our hand on many other matters, making it wise to give proper attention to everything possible at one time.

Our Sanctuary Remodel Committee has presented a carefully and prayerfully considered plan for remodeling the sanctuary. In a special called business meeting on September 27, the church voted Yes to this plan. The total cost of the project is not to exceed $290,000. At the time of the vote, we had about $154,000 available for property and space projects. That left a balance needed to complete the project of $136,000.

A window of opportunity has opened for us to carry out this project early next year. If we were to wait, prices would certainly increase and workers’ schedules could delay the project in unpredictable ways. As a result, we have scheduled the work for the first three (maybe four) months in 2027.

Our goal is to raise $136,000 by the end of February 2027. This will enable us to complete the project without borrowing. Thanks to those of you who have already started giving to this important project. Please prayerfully consider contributing to our sanctuary remodel as the Lord leads you. You can contribute to this project online by going to our website: gracebaptistcamden.org

May the Lord our God continue to meet with us when we gather in the Name of Jesus,

Brother Richard Foster

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May 12, 2026 · 1:58 PM

Astronaut Victor Glover Sees The Light

NASA’s Artemis II splashed down recently after a successful mission around the far side of the moon. Four astronauts traveled more than 252,000 miles from earth. That is four thousand miles deeper into space than anyone has ever gone!

The total distance they traveled was close to 700,000 miles. They did that in just over ten days. You’ve gotta break the speed limit to go 700,000 miles in ten days! They were going 25 thousand miles per hour when they re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.

The pilot of Artemis II was a man named Victor Glover. He is very open about his faith in Christ. He has a strong Christian witness. He also has a unique perspective. He has seen things very few people will ever see. We can marvel at the images they sent back to Earth, but he has seen it with his own eyes.

When Victor Glover looks at the vastness and beauty of the universe he sees the handiwork of God. He sees what Scripture describes in Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV). Glover has the eyes to see the fingerprints of God in the physical world.

Jesus urges us to see the light of God’s truth not just in the physical world around us, but to let God’s spiritual light illuminate our hearts. “Your eye,” he says, “is the lamp of the body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is also full of light” (Luke 11:34, CSB).

Physical light illustrates important properties of spiritual light. When the sun is up, a healthy physical eye sees clearly so we can move about with confidence. But if our eyesight is bad, the sun is little help. If our eyesight is bad, we are not allowed to have a driver’s license unless we have some kind of correction for our vision, glasses or contact lenses.

If my spiritual eyes are blurry, then I cannot clearly see God’s light: Jesus. Jesus is the light of the world. Without the light of Jesus, I will easily get off the pathway that God has laid out. When I do, I face great danger. ‘Driving’ a life without clear spiritual vision is hazardous.

Many people are more comfortable with the spiritual darkness of this world than the light of Jesus. They try to remain in spiritual slumber. When the light comes, they are irritated by it. Jesus irritated a lot of people. They were comfortable with their blurred vision of the world and of reality and of the truth.

On Easter Sunday, Victor Glover was on the Artemis II somewhere between Earth and the Moon. He was interviewed by CBS news. The astronaut talked about how amazing it is to see our Earth from space and spoke about how this Earth was created to give us a place in the universe.

Glover continued, saying that we should remember where we are, who we are.

Being in the vastness of space inspired Victor to think about the big questions in life, our place in the universe, our true identity, our purpose.

The pilot of Artemis II said that while astronauts and scientists are unlocking the mysteries of the universe, we should remember an important mystery on earth: love. Glover noted Jesus’ important saying about love. When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus said it is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, Jesus insisted that we must also love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Jesus is the light of the world. When we follow him, we do not walk in darkness. Instead, we have the light of life.

God give us the eyes to see and the heart to follow the light of Jesus,

Brother Richard Foster

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March 6, 2026 · 3:15 PM

Why Our Prayers Should Be Confident

Do you ever lose heart in prayer?

Jesus taught about prayer on one occasion by telling a parable. In the parable, a man has an unexpected houseguest (Luke 11:5-8). It’s late and he has nothing to offer the weary traveler. So he goes to his neighbor for help.

The neighbor is unhappy about the interruption. It’s late. “Don’t bother me!” he says. His door is locked. His children are in bed. “I can’t get up to give you anything!” the neighbor tells the man.

Sometimes it seems as if God is like the unwilling neighbor in this parable. It seems as if God is saying, “Don’t bother me!” As if the door to his blessing is closed and locked. As if God is busy with those on the inside, and I am on the outside, empty-handed.

But I know God is not too busy. His door is not locked. He cares for all his sons and daughters, including me. I know it. I don’t always feel it. But I know that God is faithful. And I know that God is able.

Jesus concluded his parable by saying that the man would eventually get out of bed and offer help. Why? Not because the man was his friend, but because of the man’s shameless boldness.

I’ve heard some people pray who sounded like they were giving God commands, barking orders. Is this what Jesus is calling for? If so, we should find examples of prayer in the rest of the New Testament where people were brash and pushy with God. We don’t.

Prayer in the New Testament is often bold and confident, but never demanding or demeaning to God. If I start telling God what to do, then my prayers have gone from seeking “Thy kingdom” to chasing “my kingdom.”

Jesus continues his teaching about prayer by telling his disciples to ask, seek, and knock. Ask is a word that describes the heart and soul of prayer. We should ask. But Jesus doesn’t stop there.

Jesus says that prayer is also seeking. The Bible tells us that if we seek God with all our hearts we will find him. This makes sense. If we want to ask God then we must first approach him.

Since God is everywhere, seeking him may be more a matter of setting aside the world so that we can be aware of him, and so that we can be aware of our constant need for him. To seek God means that we must put aside our many distractions.

Jesus goes one more step and characterizes prayer as knocking. Knocking implies that a door is closed and must be opened. The Bible speaks about God opening the storehouses of heaven, God opening the floodgates of heaven.

If a friend who doesn’t want to get up and help can be persuaded by a little bold persistence, then how much more so will God answer our prayers when we ask, seek, and knock! Jesus continues by saying that God will give his Spirit to those who ask.

The Holy Spirit is God himself. The Holy Spirit is God’s invisible, personal, powerful presence in the world today, dwelling in the hearts of his people, his sons and daughters, followers of Jesus. God himself is our greatest need because he is the ultimate source of all our provisions and blessings.

We go to God and ask him to help us with our needs. God responds, I’ll do more than that! I’ll come and walk with you. I myself will be with you to meet every circumstance, every enemy, every challenge! The best thing we can have, the greatest gift of all is God on our side, God with us, God in us.

May we ask, seek, and knock, and may God’s Spirit answer by filling us and empowering us,

Brother Richard

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October 2, 2025 · 11:10 AM

Did Charlie Kirk Start A Revival?

I’ve heard the word revival a lot more recently, ever since Charlie Kirk’s funeral. His funeral feels like the beginning of something new, that is, something old rekindled: unashamed public faith in Jesus Christ.

Before his assassination, many people were aware of the bold public witness Charlie was living for Jesus. Others were unaware. Those of us who did not know about Charlie have been amazed and impressed to discover what a brilliant and passionate witness for Jesus Charlie was.

The early news reports after Charlie’s murder painted him as a political activist. Perhaps because the writers were from the secular camp in our culture. They always wash their stories clean of any potentially positive references to Christianity. They diligently work to present a world that is ‘free’ from any religious influence, unless they can paint religion as bad.

There is some truth to the notion that Charlie was a political activist. But it is a half-truth at best. Charlie’s political positions were inspired by his commitment to Christ. Charlie understood that Jesus is Lord, Lord of all, not just private life. For those who are true followers of Jesus, he is Lord of our public life, including our politics.

It’s true, sincere Christians don’t always agree on politics. But we should agree that our faith in Jesus is not a lamp under a bowl. We should agree that Jesus has called us to witness for him publicly. We should agree that Jesus insisted that violence is not the way to promote the gospel.

Charlie didn’t just promote the gospel on social media platforms. He personally went to places where he could engage with people face to face, eye to eye, heart to heart. Charlie was imitating our Lord. Jesus dialogued with people openly and publicly.

Jesus was accused of saying bad things. In fact, he was accused of blasphemy, of slandering God. In our culture, Christians are accused of saying bad things. We are accused of hate speech for our devotion to God and his standard of right and wrong. In fact, if we question identity politics, we are treated as blasphemers against the gods (idols) of our culture.

Jesus reminded us that the cultural leaders hated him, and he warned that they will hate us as well. Jesus modeled a loving boldness that risked personal harm out of concern for those who are lost and confused in this dark and deceptive age. Charlie followed Jesus’ model.

People like Charlie Kirk are reminders to Christians that Jesus’ words are still true. Charlie is a reminder that our task as believers is unchanged. And, Charlie is a reminder that our victory is secured. Charlie didn’t lose. He enjoyed a harvest that is still unfolding here on earth and he will enjoy the presence of our Lord in heaven forever.

When we speak the truth in love, we share the spiritual harvest. We share Jesus’ eternal victory. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, CSB).

May the Lord inspire us and empower us to share the good news about Jesus with confidence,

Brother Richard

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July 9, 2025 · 7:00 PM

Should Christians Support Israel?

God promised Abraham to make him into a great nation. Those who blessed that nation, God promised to bless. Those who cursed it, God would curse (Genesis 12:3).

Why did God choose Abraham’s descendants, Israel, and give them special consideration? Through Abraham’s offspring, God promised to bless the nations. God chose to use Israel as a blessing for all peoples. How?

God gave Israel his written word. He used his chosen people to give the Bible to the world. Even greater, God brought our Savior into the world through Israel. Jesus Christ is the offspring of Abraham who was promised by God. God sent his Son Jesus to be the Savior for all the nations.

Now that Israel has given us the Bible and Jesus, is God finished with them? Does the New Testament Church take over and replace Israel?

It is true that the Church has become God’s representatives for his great kingdom work in the world today. Jesus told the unbelieving Jewish religious leaders that the kingdom of God would be taken away from them and given to those who would bear its fruit (see Matthew 21:33-46).

Is that the end of God’s plan for Israel? No. The New Testament tells us that God’s gifts and promises to Israel are irrevocable (Romans 11:28-29). God made promises to Abraham’s descendants that he will not forget or cancel. One of those irrevocable promises is to give the piece of land on the east end of the Mediterranean Sea to the people of Israel in perpetuity.

For generations Israel was stiff-necked and hardhearted toward God. Finally, after many warnings through his prophets and many disciplinary actions through surrounding nations, God expelled Israel from the Promised Land. But he sent prophets to assure them that their exile, though painful, would only be temporary.

Throughout the Old Testament, God promised to gather his scattered people Israel from around the world and return them to the land he gave Abraham. This promise remained unfulfilled for so many generations that some students of Scripture concluded it was symbolic or spiritual, not literal.

Then, after almost two thousand years, Jews returned to their homeland and established the modern state of Israel in May of 1948. What seemed impossible became a literal fulfillment of God’s ancient promise.

Not everyone was impressed. Muslim nations surrounding Israel immediately attacked, trying to destroy the Jews and claim the Promised Land for themselves. But God protected the modern state of Israel, and he has continued to do so for decades.

It is true that the modern state of Israel is largely a secular state. But the New Testament promises that all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26). A time is coming when a great revival will visit God’s chosen people and they will be blessed with saving faith in Jesus.

The New Testament Church has not and will not replace Israel. The Bible tells us that the Church is grafted into God’s promises and his plan of salvation (Romans 11:17-23). The Church is included but Israel is not excluded.

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John records his God-given vision of the New Jerusalem in the new heaven and the new earth. He sees twelve gates and twelve foundations. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the gates. The names of the twelve apostles of Jesus are on the foundations. Both Israel and the church are represented in the eternal city of God, together forever.

Must we agree with every detail of every policy and action taken by the modern state of Israel? God promised Abraham he would bless those who bless his descendants, not those who agree on everything. So, we bless Israel. We choose sides with them and not against them. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

Our support for Israel is an acknowledgement and affirmation of God’s great plan of salvation. God chose to use Israel to bless the nations, including ours. We support God’s plan because we trust him and his ways. We want his blessing for our nation. As the psalmist writes, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12).

May God richly bless his people,

Brother Richard Foster

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April 4, 2025 · 8:53 AM

God’s Word Need An Update?

The church in Thessalonica was new. The believers had recently heard the gospel and put their faith in Jesus. They were enduring persecution from fellow citizens who rejected the good news about Jesus. They needed more instruction in their newfound faith. They needed mature and experienced leadership.

The great first-century missionary Paul had planted the church. But he was forced to leave the city because his life was threatened by violent opposition. Paul writes to them after he gets welcome news that they are persevering in the faith. His letter is filled with both encouragement for their progress to date, and instructions for their continued success.

In one place, the missionary thanks God for the Christians in Thessalonica because of their response to God’s word. They welcomed it “not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The new Christians did not consider the good news about Jesus to be a human creation. They knew that Paul’s words about Jesus were not his own invention. They recognized the message as something far more, the very words of God. Paul’s proclamation was God’s revelation about eternal salvation by grace through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For two thousand years Christians have welcomed God’s word, not as a human message, but as it truly is: the word of God. And, for two thousand years, God’s word has also met with doubt, disdain, and denunciation.

“Did God really say . . .?” That was Satan’s question to Eve in the Garden of Eden. His question was meant to plant doubt in her mind about God’s word. That same provocative question is still asked today. It is still meant to plant doubt in hearts and minds about the faithfulness of the Bible.

Is it really God’s word? Or, is it merely a human message? If it is merely a human message, then we are not required to believe and obey, right? In fact, if it is a human message, then we may need to update or alter it from time to time.

Efforts to update and edit the Bible’s message are rampant in our culture. Some people foolishly believe they can improve God’s word. Those who doubt the perfection and authority of the Bible try to retain some of the words in Scripture so they can maintain a façade of godly authority. But they have rejected God’s authority.

If God’s word is no longer the perfect standard and authority for truth and goodness, then what is? What standard is being used to judge and adjust the Bible? Popular ideas based on sinful desires are the guide for editing Scripture. Alternative notions about sex, marriage, family, parenting, gender, and other fundamental truths are being promoted as replacements for God’s revealed design.

Those who doubt God’s word dare to redefine God’s love. They treat love as a synonym for desire. Love is whatever they want it to be. Anyone who disagrees with them is accused of being hateful. But God’s word demands a higher standard for love, a standard exemplified by Jesus. God’s word boldly proclaims the truth, shining as the much-needed light in a spiritually dark age.

In Paul’s letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he went on to remind them that the word of God “works effectively in you who believe.” Their faithfulness to the gospel, despite the persecution they were enduring, was visible proof that God’s word had taken root in their hearts and was working to bear spiritual fruit for eternal life.

Despite the accusations of hatred from those who doubt the Bible, God’s word still works effectively in all who believe. Those who welcome God’s word for what it truly is will always meet opposition in this broken and dying world, but we will always enjoy God’s effective work and eternal hope in our hearts and for eternity.

May we welcome God’s word for what it truly is,

Brother Richard

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November 13, 2024 · 8:58 AM

Will We Suffer Persecution For Our Faith?

Did the outcome of our recent election protect freedom of speech in America or endanger it? The political party we support will probably determine our answer to that question. What about freedom of religion? Are we holding our ground? losing ground? Not many would say that we are gaining ground on this vital liberty.

Whatever our beliefs about freedom of speech and freedom of religion at this moment in our nation, we should be aware of two things. Followers of Jesus continue to suffer persecution for their faith in other parts of the world. Christians in America may not join in that suffering anytime soon, but we should always be aware of the possibility.

David Lin is an American pastor who was recently released from prison in China. He was incarcerated there for almost twenty years. Hundreds of other American citizens are still imprisoned in China.

The Chinese government is using AI (artificial intelligence) and face recognition software to persecute Christians and other religious groups. The people have no religious freedom, despite the government’s claims. Instead, religious oppression and persecution are commonplace.

Sadly, some voices in the U.S.A. are casting doubts on our traditional beliefs in freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Some even want to scrap our federal constitution and replace it. They obviously want a governing document that does not include freedom of religion.

What should we do? As Christians, we should be exemplary citizens. We should be informed, vote according to our beliefs and values, and serve in government if and when God calls us to do so, representing him to the best of our abilities.

But how should we think about the increasingly negative attitudes about Christianity in our country and the persecution of believers abroad?

We tend to ask the question: Why does God allow his people to suffer oppression and persecution? Sometimes God uses governments to discipline his people. God used Babylon to discipline his chosen people Israel in the Old Testament.

But oppression is not always God’s discipline. God allowed Pharaoh to oppress Israel so he could demonstrate his power and convince Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the Israelites that he is the one and only true and living God.

What is clear, however, is the fact that God does allow governments to oppress his people. This is the testimony of Scripture from both Old and New Testaments. Why?

Sometimes God allows his people to be tested. Job was a man of extraordinary faith. Satan accused Job, saying that Job only trusted God because God protected him, making his life easy. Remove the protection, Satan challenged, and Job’s faith would collapse. God allowed Satan to test the strength of Job’s faith.

Revelation 13 reveals a time of great persecution against Christians at the end of this age, persecution that will be worldwide. God urges his people to be faithful when facing tribulation for their faith in Jesus despite the cost.

Persecution for faith in Jesus is as old as the church itself. In the early days of the church, Peter was arrested for telling people about Jesus. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, the same ones who turned Jesus over to be crucified, they threatened Peter and the apostles. And just to get their point across, they flogged them. These beatings were vicious. Sometimes people died.

Surprisingly, Peter and the apostles were rejoicing. Rejoicing! Why? Because they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus. They weren’t seeking pain or persecution, but if it came to them, they were honored to endure it to demonstrate their faith in Jesus.

Every follower of Jesus does not suffer persecution or oppression, but many believers have suffered for their faith over the past two thousand years and many brothers and sisters in Christ suffer today in certain parts of the world. Whatever our struggles may be, we tend to ask the same questions. When ‘squeezed’ we ask: Is Jesus really Lord? Should I keep my faith in Jesus? The answer from God’s word is emphatically, Yes!

God agreed to allow Satan to test Job’s faith, but he placed limits on Satan’s attacks against Job. Satan was not allowed to take Job’s life. At the end of this age, God will only allow the Antichrist to run amok for forty-two months. God decides the limits.

God is the ultimate power and authority. Satan can only go as far as God permits. We can be certain that God has not lost control, that Satan has not taken charge, that random forces have not become our master. And we can be certain that God still loves us and has a plan for us and wants the best for us. We can still enjoy his blessings now, sure that our struggles will give way to great glory forever.

May God empower us to remain faithful to him despite the cost,

Brother Richard

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July 10, 2024 · 4:21 PM

Church and State: David or Daniel?

The State of Louisiana just passed a law requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. This new law will undoubtedly face multiple legal challenges. Several groups have already announced their opposition, citing the separation of Church and State.

Opponents of Christianity have often used the separation of Church and State as a legal tool to deny Christians influence in the public square, including public schools. Sadly, this approach has been successful in many cases.

Why are the Ten Commandments so controversial? Why do we need a law to simply post the Ten Commandments for school children? Why do so many people see Christianity as a threat?

When King David ruled Israel some three thousand years ago, citizens expected the government and religion to work hand-in-hand. Aside from the occasional power struggles or corruption, the king and the priests shared common goals and worked together for the benefit of the nation. They recognized that national prosperity required a solid spiritual foundation.

At the beginning of our nation’s history, a friendlier and more cooperative relationship existed between the State and the Church. Citizens agreed that spiritual guidance was good and necessary for secular institutions. The Ten Commandments were not controversial. They were welcomed.

Our founding documents denied the government power to prohibit the free exercise of religion. It was common at the time for European governments to favor one expression of Christianity over all others, often coercing citizens and sometimes persecuting them. As a result, our founders limited the federal government from respecting an establishment of religion.

These wise words in our First Amendment were not intended to create an absolute wall of separation that refused any cooperation between Church and State. Primarily, they were intended as protection for the Church from a coercive State.

Things have certainly changed! We now live with growing hostility toward Christianity. Groups wish to use the government not to respect an establishment of religion, but to silence the voice of Truth.

Predictably, pagan expressions are encouraged, often promoted in attempts to compete with and defeat the efforts of Christians. If Christians start Bible clubs in schools, opponents start Satanist clubs. If Christians teach kids about sexual integrity and purity, opponents send drag queens to twerk for the kids at the library.

This is not the first time that God’s people have lived in a world that is hostile to godliness and spiritual truth. Some four hundred years after David was king in Israel, the people had become defiant and disobedient toward God. They refused to listen to his warnings. He expelled them from the Promised Land. They found themselves living in Babylon.

In Babylon, God’s people were a minority. They were often despised and treated as outsiders. Sometimes they were treated like enemies of the State. One man hated them so much that he tried to use the power of government to destroy them completely (see the book of Esther).

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived during this difficult period. They were carried away from the Promised Land against their will. They were forced to live in Babylon, a pagan land hostile to their beliefs. Despite the risks of persecution, they decided to remain faithful to God.

Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den for praying to God. His friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship idols. They stood for God and God stood by them.

Followers of Jesus in the U.S.A are finding circumstances to be more like Daniel’s were in Babylon than David’s in the Promised Land. But we need not despair. Even when we find ourselves in a hostile pagan culture, we can follow Daniel’s example. We can choose to be faithful to God despite the short-term risks and difficulties. God is faithful. We will share in the victory!

May the Lord inspire and enable us to always be faithful to him and to his truth,

Brother Richard

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September 1, 2022 · 10:45 AM

Don’t Go Halfway To Church

Jesus promised to build his church. He assured his disciples that the gates of Hades will never prevail over his church. This wonderful promise is recorded in Matthew 16. It is the first appearance of the word “church” in the Bible.

The underlying term used for church in the ancient Bible language is ekklesia. Bible teachers sometimes point out that ekklesia consists of two parts. The first part is ek, which means from or out of. The klesia part of the word is closely related to klysis,the ancient word for call or calling.

When we put the two parts of ekklesia together, we get something like “called out.” Some Bible teachers conclude from this combination that church means the called out ones, or those who are called out. In other words, “church” means those who are called out from this world of unbelief, called out from those who are in rebellion against God.

Come out of the world and be different! Be holy! That’s certainly an important part of God’s call to his people, his church. Believers are called to come out and be distinct from the unbelieving world. However, the word ekklesia means more.

First of all, we should note that combinations of words don’t always determine or even hint at the resulting meaning. For instance, butterfly does not mean that dairy products sail through the air on wings. The combination of butter and fly creates a completely new meaning: a delicate little critter with beautiful markings.

The word ekklesia is not bound by the meaning of its parts. The combination creates a fresh emphasis. Ekklesia is not focused entirely on what Christians leave behind, called out of the world. Instead, it points to what we are called to. The word emphasizes the fact that followers of Jesus are a people who gather together in an assembly.

We are the “assembly” of believers, so we assemble. We gather. Another English word that expresses the meaning of ekklesia well is “congregation.” As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we congregate with one another.

If we limit the word ekklesia to a negative connotation, being called out from, then we could stay at home alone and convince ourselves that we are being the church. After all, we have left the world behind, right? But leaving the world and being alone is not the meaning of church.

Staying at home to worship alone is halfway church. Retreating alone to a favorite place in nature for private worship is only going halfway to church. It is retreating from the unbelieving world, but it is not gathering with believers.

When we follow Jesus, we gather with brothers and sisters in the Lord. We congregate with Christ’s people, his church. We assemble for Christian fellowship and God meets with us in a special way.

When we assemble for Christian fellowship and worship, we send a message to the world: God is alive and well and working in us and among us! Our meetings are meant to be a positive witness to the world. Our meetings are meant to show the world the love of Christ.

Every enemy we have tries to keep us from church. The world works to lure us away by planning its best activities during church time. The devil whispers in our ear about what a failed and pathetic group God’s people is. Our own flesh, the sinful nature, urges us to pursue personal fun instead of public faith.

When we listen to God’s Spirit and follow his ways, we fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We worship and serve God together. We are a light in a dark world. We fulfill our eternal calling.

Going halfway to church is not far enough. Let’s be faithful in our generation. Let’s go all the way to church!

Brother Richard

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August 12, 2022 · 11:31 AM

Does God Love An Un-Cheerful Giver?

The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). That is, God loves it when we give our tithes and offerings with a glad heart.

To tithe means to give a tenth of our increase (our income) to God by supporting his work (the local church). Offerings are the contributions we make in addition to our tithe.

What if our heart is not cheerful? Should we give when we can’t be happy about it? If we think of giving as a duty, should we stop giving?

The great missionary Paul spent a couple of years gathering an offering from various churches in Gentile cities. The money was meant to provide relief for poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were struggling to survive.

When the time approached for him to deliver the offering, Paul wrote to believers in Rome and shared his plans with them. He asked them to pray that things would go well in Jerusalem.

Paul saw the threat of a division in the church between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. He hoped a generous offering from Gentile churches to Jewish believers would not only provide for their needs, but also create goodwill and promote unity between the two groups.

As he wrote about the offering, the apostle noted that the Gentile churches were pleased to contribute to this project. Then he wrote that they were obligated to give material assistance because the Gentile believers had enjoyed spiritual blessings from the Jewish Christians (see Romans 15:26-27).

His remarks seem to be contradictory. Did the Gentiles give financially to the work of the church because they were pleased to do so or because they were obligated to do so? Did they give as an expression of delight or from a sense of duty?

Giving to God’s work is a joyful responsibility. Joy and responsibility, delight and duty, they can stand together. They need not cancel each other out. A duty can be an act of discipline and an act of discipline can bring deep satisfaction.

Think about parents and their kids. We believe parents have a responsibility to provide loving care to their sons and daughters. Those of us who are parents and grandparents agree. We accept the notion that we have an obligation to our children. We are responsible.

But we also have a desire to care for our children. It pleases us. Knowing that it is a responsibility does not rob us of our desire to do so, nor does it erase our joy in caring for them. In fact, knowing that we are fulfilling our God-given responsibility only adds to our pleasure.

Giving to God’s work is a duty, but it can also be a delight, a joy. Duty and desire combine without diminishing one another.

The apostle also believed that the offering he gathered would have a spiritual benefit not only on the individual givers, but also on the larger community of Christians. He wanted the gift from Gentiles to Jews to inspire unity among believers, to remind them that they were part of an eternal family with a shared mission.

The spiritual discipline of giving binds us together in our common Christian faith. We can accomplish more when we combine our efforts. And, we share the joy of a job well done when our Lord uses our gifts to advance his kingdom.

May the Lord inspire us to honor him with our giving,

Brother Richard

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