CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

FEBRUARY 25, 2012

CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

One of the beautiful facets of being a child is their innocence. I realize they are born with a sinful nature, but they have not been exposed to the harsh and polluting influences of a sinful culture. They love, trust, confide and inquire with a less cynical and more honest intent.

Woe to those who introduce them to "the real world" by violating them, physically, morally, mentally, spiritually or relationally.

The best environment for children is a holiness home and church.

PASSAGE...
Matthew 18:3-7
(3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
(6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

HOMESICK AND HOMEFOLK

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

HOMESICK AND HOMEFOLK

Have you ever been away from home, family and friends? When you are in a foreign land you can have spells of homesickness. Then, after weeks of separation from all that is familiar and precious, you receive a letter from a loved one, or special cookies in a "care package," or a person from "back home" (even a stranger) visits, and your heart is warmed and your spirit is lifted. There is even more comfort and encouragement when you live among like minded fellow sojourners.

God has given us the Church (the local body of believers), to ease the pain of, "Homesickness." When the fellowship is vibrant and constant, it is like heaven on earth.

SCHEDULING FOR SUCCESS (3/1/12)
Sometimes we are not able to get together with our local church for worship, study, fellowship and ministry, because of sickness, uncontrollable events or travel. This is why we need to make every effort possible to gather when we can, with an eager, submissive and loving spirit. We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity to obtain all we can from God when the body gathers. We need it, others are depending on us and God is worthy of our best.

We should align our week and set our schedule in order to give our full attention to the services we attend. Worship, study, fellowship and ministry times should be given highest priority, since God has arranged these times for us to praise, learn, grow and serve. Be on time, be alert, be hungry for His word, be submissive, be eager. Come with open head, heart and hands and all the more as the day of His return approach (He. 10:25).

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

A friend recently was singing the praises of TV evangelists and the service they provide to shut-ins. What a shame, what an indictment, that a church would neglect or abandon its own people, who are incapacitated, and give them into the hands of strangers.

The Church not only provides the atmosphere for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge, it also provides service to people in need, like people who are shut in and the elderly. It is a shame when a church neglects the needy and shuns its responsibility to do the work God called it to do.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

WHY THE FIRE?

FEBRUARY 26, 2012
WHY THE FIRE?

CONFLAGRATION
Recently, while I was teaching about the coming conflagration, I was asked, "Why will the world be destroyed by fire?" One of the thoughts that has come to my mind is the problem of vermin and pestilence. God will cleanse the universe with fire, so that the New Heaven and New Earth will be without any creatures that thrive on, and contribute to death and decay, along with all bacteria, viral infection and all other effects of sin.

SCRIPTURE... (especially vss. 7, 10-13, 17-18)
2 Peter 3:7-18
(7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(8) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
(12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(17) Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
(18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Launch Out and  Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould

CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE

FEBRUARY 25 & 27, 2012
CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE

CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE (2/27/12)
The majority of people have been given a treasure, greater than pleasure and beyond measure. Though it demands great care, time and sacrifice, the return is of infinite value. God gives children to parents, to raise them for Him, to teach them about Him, to lead them to Him. Sadly, very few children get the needed investment from their parents. Children are often left to blaze their own trail, but they usually follow other young people who are confused and lost. When parents do offer guidance, it is usually away from a life that is consistent with Biblical godliness. How sad to throw away such a treasure. It can be eternally sad.

OFFEND NOT THE CHILDREN (2/25/12)
One of the beautiful facets of childhood is their innocence. I realize they are born with a sinful nature, but they have not been exposed to the harsh and polluting influences of a sinful culture. They love, trust, confide and inquire with a less cynical and more honest intent. Woe to those who introduce them to "the real world" by violating them, physically, morally, mentally, spiritually or relationally. The best environment for children is a holiness home and church.

PASSAGE...
Matthew 18:3-7
(3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
(6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould

THOUGHTS ON SANCTIFICATION

FEBRUARY 22, 27 AND MARCH 3, 2012

THOUGHTS ON SANCTIFICATION

This is a compilation of thoughts I posted concerning Entire Sanctification.

PURITY, TRUE AND FALSE... (3/3/12)

Do not be robbed of true PURITY of heart and life, just because there is a false form of purity. After all, you would not trash a true treasure just because it has been counterfeited.

Purity Of Heart Required And Provided

There is a Purity of heart that God provides to those who trust Christ. True purity is provided by the gracious work of God's salvation, through Christ. In fact it is a purity of heart that is required if we want to spend eternity with God. I will share a few verses from the Bible that address this subject.

Required

Psalms 24:3-5

(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
(5) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Provided

Acts 15:8-9

(8) And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

(9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

FALSE PURITY

But first let me mention that there are people who who have the false hope that they can have a right relationship with God, based either on the erroneous belief that they are inherently good or on the false notion that works of righteousness can make them acceptable to God. The fact that there is a false purity of heart does not mean there is not a true purity of heart.

Proverbs 30:12

(12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

Erroneous Belief In Inherent Goodness

1 John 1:8

(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

False Notion Of Self Righteous Works

Proverbs 20:9

(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

TRUE PURITY (Redemptive Work Of Salvation)

However, there is a purity (holiness, righteousness, perfection) that God provides for those who trust Christ to deliver them from all sin. God has spoken of this atonement purity in several places. Notice that these verses address the question of, "Purity." There are other verses that address, Holiness, Righteousness, Perfection.

Old Testament
Psalms 18:26

(26) With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

Psalms 73:1

(1) ...Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. (Same Hebrew word as found in Ps. 24:4).

Proverbs 15:26

(26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

New Testament

Matthew 5:8

(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

John 15:2

(2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

1 Timothy 1:5

(5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

2 Timothy 2:22
(22) Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Titus 2:14

(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

James 4:8

(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1 Peter 1:22

(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 John 3:3

(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I realize there are renowned Christian teachers that deny personal purity for believers. They offer long explanations on why these verses do not mean what they say. I have not taken the time to explain God's word. However, if you are confused by the teachings of men on this issue, I will be glad to share with you why God meant what he said.

ARGUE OR ACCEPT... (2/22/12)

I have been reading what some well known apologists, theologians and other Christian leaders have written against the doctrine of holiness (purity) of heart (Entire Sanctification) and holiness of life (Abiding and Walking In the Spirit). It is sad, because they build their arguments against non issues and they lead people away from the "fullness of the blessing" and the "fullness of God." Just as there are false claims and claimants to justification, there are false claims and claimants to holiness of heart and life, but the false does not negate the true. Sadly, most people would rather fight against this doctrine than honestly investigate it.

WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART... (2/27/12)

So, would you rather have God actually deliver you from all sin in this present world or would you rather God unilaterally elect you unconditionally to salvation? Your preference will not influence God's way of salvation, but it will tell something about your own heart. If you would rather be delivered from all sin than be unconditionally elect, then God has Good News for you.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES

FEBRUARY 22, 2012
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES

Life Is Fleeting

I woke up and discovered my FaceBook account was down for maintenance. I really like my various internet opportunities to stay in touch with friends and to share God's unsearchable truths with folks.

Just like the internet, real life can take a turn that limits our opportunities. In a moment, or overnight, or during the busy-ness of the day we can lose a friend or loved one, or an acquaintance and never have another opportunity to communicate with him again. Broken communications can come because of a geographical move, a change in relationship, a change in our access to the internet or death can terminate a relationship. We err when we take our opportunities and relationships for granted. We must Redeem the time, while we have open doors of opportunity to be instant in season and out of season.

Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:16-17

(16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:5-6

(5) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

(6) Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Open Door

Colossians 4:3

(3) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Instant In Season, Out Of Season

2 Timothy 4:1-4

(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

TWO OBSERVATIONS

FEBRUARY 21, 2012
TWO OBSERVATIONS

#1 Few Seek Spiritual Success

While there are only a few people who pursue excellence in sports, business, physical fitness, performing arts, academia, there are almost none who commit themselves to spiritual excellence.

#2 Minor Investments

Many who have potential for greatness (in any arena) settle for natural attainment (reaching only mediocrity), rather than sacrifice for greatness.

The Tragic Result: Few Champions for Christ

‎1 TIMOTHY 4:8
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

SPIRITUALLY MINDED

One reason it is important to be spiritually minded is because the things (truths, revelations, secrets) of God are spiritually discerned. Therefore, if we are not spiritually minded we cannot receive, understand, appropriate the word of God, the ways of God and the will of God. This kind of ignorance renders us to be less fortunate than a microbe, for a microbe exists for a moment and is gone, forever; but a person with no spiritual understanding, suffers eternally without God.

SPIRITUALLY MINDED OR MATERIALLY MINDED

Are You Spiritually Minded (regenerated by the Holy Spirit) Or Carnally Minded (focused on the sensual, material world)? (See especially vss. 6, 8, 9, 13, 14).

PASSAGES...

Romans 8:4-16
(4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
(9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
(11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
(12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
(13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
(15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

YOUR CHOICE

Are You A "Natural Man" (an unsaved person); Or A Spiritual Man (a person with the mind of Christ)? (espicially vss. 12, 14, 16).

1 Corinthians 2:12-16

(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
(14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould