DECEMBER 22, 2011
I have thought about people who get on a loosing streak.
Sometimes it is not the person's fault that they lose.
Sometimes they bounce back, only to lose again, maybe several in succession, but they hold on to a Never Give Up, mentality.
They lose so many games it doesn't matter if they do win.
Maybe they are surrounded with teammates who don't care about winning anymore.
Maybe no one expects them to win and no one faults them for loosing again.
Do you know what kind of dedication it takes to give it your best when it seems there is nothing to win.
And yes, I am talking about life, not sports.
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
Monday, December 26, 2011
TWO SAD SITUATIONS
DECEMBER 22, 2011
Two people for whom I feel sorry.
I. The person who did not grow up in a New Testament church that teaches the pure/powerful word of God, where the people walk in the purity and power of the Holy Spirit.
II. The person who grew up in a doctrinally sound and dynamic New Testament church, but resists and rejects the light and life it offers.
Possible Scenarios for Group #I.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment and never finds or experiences such a church.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church and then turns from it.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church and becomes part of that body.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church, becomes part of that body and throws himself into the will of God with total abandon, thereby redeeming lost time and opportunity and becoming part of the glory that defines such a church.
ALMOST HEAVEN
Though such a church is not heaven, my studies, experience and observation agree that it is like the vestibule of heaven, the outpost of heaven, the closest thing to heaven in this world.
It seems more of a dream than a reality.
It is a rarity, encountered by very, very few people.
It is the very kind of church everyone needs, whether single or married, whether parent or childless, whether young or old.
It is the very kind of church where parents need to raise their children, and so much the more as The Day is approaching.
IT IS GOD'S PLAN
I am sold on the importance of the Church, and the local church in particular, because it is God's plan. Two institutions of God are the family and the Church. They go together. No apology, no excuse, just fact.
ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Let me repeat an old adage: What kind of church would my church be, if all of the members were just like me?
In 2012, be part of a New Testament church. Be an active part of a New Testament church. Be a vital, exemplary part of a New Testament church, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
Two people for whom I feel sorry.
I. The person who did not grow up in a New Testament church that teaches the pure/powerful word of God, where the people walk in the purity and power of the Holy Spirit.
II. The person who grew up in a doctrinally sound and dynamic New Testament church, but resists and rejects the light and life it offers.
Possible Scenarios for Group #I.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment and never finds or experiences such a church.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church and then turns from it.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church and becomes part of that body.
The person who has not grown up in a New Testament environment, finds such a church, becomes part of that body and throws himself into the will of God with total abandon, thereby redeeming lost time and opportunity and becoming part of the glory that defines such a church.
ALMOST HEAVEN
Though such a church is not heaven, my studies, experience and observation agree that it is like the vestibule of heaven, the outpost of heaven, the closest thing to heaven in this world.
It seems more of a dream than a reality.
It is a rarity, encountered by very, very few people.
It is the very kind of church everyone needs, whether single or married, whether parent or childless, whether young or old.
It is the very kind of church where parents need to raise their children, and so much the more as The Day is approaching.
IT IS GOD'S PLAN
I am sold on the importance of the Church, and the local church in particular, because it is God's plan. Two institutions of God are the family and the Church. They go together. No apology, no excuse, just fact.
ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Let me repeat an old adage: What kind of church would my church be, if all of the members were just like me?
In 2012, be part of a New Testament church. Be an active part of a New Testament church. Be a vital, exemplary part of a New Testament church, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
GOD'S GRACE AND GOOD WORKS
DECEMBER 21, 2011
Through His Holy Spirit, God gives us grace that not only saves us from sin, but equips us for every good work. Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Those who have grace go about doing good; those who just talk about grace, just go about. (see verses in comment below).
GOD'S ABOUNDING GRACE ENABLES ABOUNDING GOOD WORKS
2 Corinthians 9:8
(8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
SPIRITUAL FULLNESS RESULTS IN GOOD WORKS
Colossians 1:9-11
(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
GOD'S GRACE ESTABLISHES US IN GOOD WORKS
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
(16) Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(17) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
GOOD WORKS, A WAY OF LIFE
1 Timothy 5:10
(10) Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
TURNING FROM SIN ESSENTIAL TO GOOD WORKS
2 Timothy 2:19, 21
(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
THOSE WITHOUT GOOD WORKS ARE WITHOUT GOD
Titus 1:15-16
(15) Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
(16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO EVERY GOOD WORK
Titus 3:1
(1) Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
THE RESURRECTED CHRIST MAKES US PERFECT IN GOOD WORKS
Hebrews 13:20-21
(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Upward and Onward in Jesus,
Pastor David L. Gould
Through His Holy Spirit, God gives us grace that not only saves us from sin, but equips us for every good work. Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Those who have grace go about doing good; those who just talk about grace, just go about. (see verses in comment below).
GOD'S ABOUNDING GRACE ENABLES ABOUNDING GOOD WORKS
2 Corinthians 9:8
(8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
SPIRITUAL FULLNESS RESULTS IN GOOD WORKS
Colossians 1:9-11
(9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
(11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
GOD'S GRACE ESTABLISHES US IN GOOD WORKS
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
(16) Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(17) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
GOOD WORKS, A WAY OF LIFE
1 Timothy 5:10
(10) Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
TURNING FROM SIN ESSENTIAL TO GOOD WORKS
2 Timothy 2:19, 21
(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
(21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
THOSE WITHOUT GOOD WORKS ARE WITHOUT GOD
Titus 1:15-16
(15) Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
(16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO EVERY GOOD WORK
Titus 3:1
(1) Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
THE RESURRECTED CHRIST MAKES US PERFECT IN GOOD WORKS
Hebrews 13:20-21
(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Upward and Onward in Jesus,
Pastor David L. Gould
TRAVELER, RESCUER and THE BRIDGE
DECEMBER 20, 2011
The night was black, the bridge was out and the gorge was deep and deadly.
Already, great numbers of people had plunged to their destruction.
Rescuer hoped he would save others from such a fate.
As Traveler approached, Rescuer raised a warning. Traveler waved politely, but continued.
Rescuer screamed in greater alarm, only to be rebuffed by Traveler.
Rescuer cried Traveler's name in horror, but Travelers spewed a torrent of verbal indignation at Rescuer.
Suddenly the hopeless and helpless screams of Rescuer joined with the vindictive cursing of Traveler as he flung himself into eternal, terrifying oblivion.
Rescuer lovingly appeals to other Travelers, "Please let Jesus come into your heart."
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
The night was black, the bridge was out and the gorge was deep and deadly.
Already, great numbers of people had plunged to their destruction.
Rescuer hoped he would save others from such a fate.
As Traveler approached, Rescuer raised a warning. Traveler waved politely, but continued.
Rescuer screamed in greater alarm, only to be rebuffed by Traveler.
Rescuer cried Traveler's name in horror, but Travelers spewed a torrent of verbal indignation at Rescuer.
Suddenly the hopeless and helpless screams of Rescuer joined with the vindictive cursing of Traveler as he flung himself into eternal, terrifying oblivion.
Rescuer lovingly appeals to other Travelers, "Please let Jesus come into your heart."
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
WORTH AND WORTHINESS
DECEMBER 20, 2011
My friend David Smith articulated something I was thinking about recently. The (worth) "value of a thing" is determined by "what the buyer is willing to pay." Since God has purchased us with His own blood (Ac. 20:28), we are made to be of infinite value. On the other hand, we choose to prove our worthiness (after salvation) by self denial and faithful obedience. (see passages below).
Ephesians 4:1-3
(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 1:10
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Thessalonians 2:12
(12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Revelation 3:4
(4) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Someone responded to these thoughts with a comment concerning, "salvation by works," to which I answered.
IT IS INTERESTING...
My post says NOTHING about being saved by works. I was not even thinking about "works salvation" (in which I do NOT believe). I was thinking about salvation that works (which is the only kind of salvation).
The passages in my comment (which are quotes from God Himself), address part of the human side of salvation (which Calvinists claim do not exist).
IT IS ALSO INTERESTING...
Those who believe in sinning religion (Calvinism) CLAIM to hold GRACE in high regard, yet the grace of God they proclaim does not separate a person from committing sins, much less enable them to be good and do good (which is the minimum of salvation). Those of us who believe that God's grace is able to deliver from all sin recognize that it is grace that enables and empowers us to be holy (as He is holy) and to do righteousness (thus being righteous, even as God is righteous). Yet, when we give God the glory for His great grace, we are nailed with "saved by works."
Sinning religion has become so widespread that people from all theological backgrounds (notice I did not say, "all people") associate the human ability to do good (by the grace of God) with "works salvation."
It is God Who gives us our worth. It is we ourselves who choose to either live worthily (by God's grace) or unworthily (by our presumption).
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
My friend David Smith articulated something I was thinking about recently. The (worth) "value of a thing" is determined by "what the buyer is willing to pay." Since God has purchased us with His own blood (Ac. 20:28), we are made to be of infinite value. On the other hand, we choose to prove our worthiness (after salvation) by self denial and faithful obedience. (see passages below).
Ephesians 4:1-3
(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 1:10
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Thessalonians 2:12
(12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Revelation 3:4
(4) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Someone responded to these thoughts with a comment concerning, "salvation by works," to which I answered.
IT IS INTERESTING...
My post says NOTHING about being saved by works. I was not even thinking about "works salvation" (in which I do NOT believe). I was thinking about salvation that works (which is the only kind of salvation).
The passages in my comment (which are quotes from God Himself), address part of the human side of salvation (which Calvinists claim do not exist).
IT IS ALSO INTERESTING...
Those who believe in sinning religion (Calvinism) CLAIM to hold GRACE in high regard, yet the grace of God they proclaim does not separate a person from committing sins, much less enable them to be good and do good (which is the minimum of salvation). Those of us who believe that God's grace is able to deliver from all sin recognize that it is grace that enables and empowers us to be holy (as He is holy) and to do righteousness (thus being righteous, even as God is righteous). Yet, when we give God the glory for His great grace, we are nailed with "saved by works."
Sinning religion has become so widespread that people from all theological backgrounds (notice I did not say, "all people") associate the human ability to do good (by the grace of God) with "works salvation."
It is God Who gives us our worth. It is we ourselves who choose to either live worthily (by God's grace) or unworthily (by our presumption).
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
WHAT TO DO AT 10 TO 0
DECEMBER 19, 2011
Last Friday, while playing Pickleball, I had a couple of really close, come-from-behind games. One of the games was all but lost to a very good team. We fell behind 10 to 0, in a game that only goes to 11. Usually that would spell doom for the losing team. But my teammate said, "we've got them where we want them," and since I figure anything less than 11 is where I want them, we gave it our best. We started scoring until we won the game, 12 to 10. (you have to win by 2).
NEVER GIVE UP.
Pickleball does not matter, life does.
NEVER GIVE UP.
Upward and Onward in Christ,
Pastor David L. Gould
Last Friday, while playing Pickleball, I had a couple of really close, come-from-behind games. One of the games was all but lost to a very good team. We fell behind 10 to 0, in a game that only goes to 11. Usually that would spell doom for the losing team. But my teammate said, "we've got them where we want them," and since I figure anything less than 11 is where I want them, we gave it our best. We started scoring until we won the game, 12 to 10. (you have to win by 2).
NEVER GIVE UP.
Pickleball does not matter, life does.
NEVER GIVE UP.
Upward and Onward in Christ,
Pastor David L. Gould
Sunday, December 18, 2011
IT WAS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (by dlg)
IT WAS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Original poem by Pastor David L.
Gould
December 20, 2002
It was NIGHT before Christmas, I'd finished my task,
I had gotten their presents, whatever they'd asked;
Now I'd sit by the fire and then kick off my shoes;
Maybe I could catch me a forty wink snooze.
But I wasn't finished, with things left to do,
Like assemble computers and take out old Blue,
And wrapping some presents.........; I wished I were done,
Because whatever I do, just isn't fun.
It will take me all year to pay for this stuff,
And making a living has gotten so rough,
My wife and myself are both having to slave,
While our marriage is slipping into the grave
I'll just take a drink, it should ease me of pain,
And drown out her whining that pounds on my brain...
I've given my all, I'm worn to a frazzle,
Marriage and fam'ly have long lost their dazzle.
I thought that by now I'd have reached all my dreams,
With my houses and cars and boats and my schemes.
But I'm empty inside, there's no peace and no cheer,
And all I can see is another dark year.
I turned on the CD, I wanted to block
Out the thoughts of my life being dashed on the rocks.
My kids had left in some songs of the season,
About Jesus being the holiday's reason.
I smirked as I heard the familiar old songs,
Of One born to rid us of all of our wrongs.
About a dark world all wrapped up in sin's night,
About a star leading men with its bright light.
I sat in my chair as I started to muse,
About a Boy Baby, Who came to the Jews.
He came not to live, but to die on a Cross,
And trade me His treasures for all of my loss.
I heard the sweet message which angels had told,
To shepherds awatching o'er sheep in the cold,
And how in the stable of Bethlehem's Inn,
They found God's Own Lamb, Who would take away sin.
At some point the CD had started to play,
Songs about wise men who had lived far away,
But then they had traveled to worship this King;
Gifts of great value to Him they did bring.
I remembered the story of Herod so vile,
He sent out his soldiers to kill the Christ child;
He killed little boys, to serve his own plan,
He would not be conquered by this Son of Man.
I started to weep as it dawned upon me,
I had shut out the Child in spite of His plea.
I too, had decided to kill off the One,
Who loved me to death, God's Only Son.
Christmas was not to be found at the store,
Or corked in a bottle or on the dance floor,
It's letting Lord Jesus come into your heart,
Forgive all your sins as He gives a new start.
I bowed my poor soul as I knelt on the floor,
And asked Him to enter my life evermore.
I joined with the ones who had welcomed His birth,
And with a great throng who discovered His worth.
I now know the meaning of that special day,
Not tinsel or Santa or money I pay;
But love and contentment, and peace in my heart;
My past is forgiven, I have a new start.
It was NIGHT before Christmas, until the Son shone,
Out of His manger like a glorious throne;
I understand now what they meant way back then,
When they said Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men.
December 20, 2002
It was NIGHT before Christmas, I'd finished my task,
I had gotten their presents, whatever they'd asked;
Now I'd sit by the fire and then kick off my shoes;
Maybe I could catch me a forty wink snooze.
But I wasn't finished, with things left to do,
Like assemble computers and take out old Blue,
And wrapping some presents.........; I wished I were done,
Because whatever I do, just isn't fun.
It will take me all year to pay for this stuff,
And making a living has gotten so rough,
My wife and myself are both having to slave,
While our marriage is slipping into the grave
I'll just take a drink, it should ease me of pain,
And drown out her whining that pounds on my brain...
I've given my all, I'm worn to a frazzle,
Marriage and fam'ly have long lost their dazzle.
I thought that by now I'd have reached all my dreams,
With my houses and cars and boats and my schemes.
But I'm empty inside, there's no peace and no cheer,
And all I can see is another dark year.
I turned on the CD, I wanted to block
Out the thoughts of my life being dashed on the rocks.
My kids had left in some songs of the season,
About Jesus being the holiday's reason.
I smirked as I heard the familiar old songs,
Of One born to rid us of all of our wrongs.
About a dark world all wrapped up in sin's night,
About a star leading men with its bright light.
I sat in my chair as I started to muse,
About a Boy Baby, Who came to the Jews.
He came not to live, but to die on a Cross,
And trade me His treasures for all of my loss.
I heard the sweet message which angels had told,
To shepherds awatching o'er sheep in the cold,
And how in the stable of Bethlehem's Inn,
They found God's Own Lamb, Who would take away sin.
At some point the CD had started to play,
Songs about wise men who had lived far away,
But then they had traveled to worship this King;
Gifts of great value to Him they did bring.
I remembered the story of Herod so vile,
He sent out his soldiers to kill the Christ child;
He killed little boys, to serve his own plan,
He would not be conquered by this Son of Man.
I started to weep as it dawned upon me,
I had shut out the Child in spite of His plea.
I too, had decided to kill off the One,
Who loved me to death, God's Only Son.
Christmas was not to be found at the store,
Or corked in a bottle or on the dance floor,
It's letting Lord Jesus come into your heart,
Forgive all your sins as He gives a new start.
I bowed my poor soul as I knelt on the floor,
And asked Him to enter my life evermore.
I joined with the ones who had welcomed His birth,
And with a great throng who discovered His worth.
I now know the meaning of that special day,
Not tinsel or Santa or money I pay;
But love and contentment, and peace in my heart;
My past is forgiven, I have a new start.
It was NIGHT before Christmas, until the Son shone,
Out of His manger like a glorious throne;
I understand now what they meant way back then,
When they said Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor David L. Gould
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)