“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

A few years ago, my wife and I went on a food program (she doesn’t like for me to refer to it as a “diet”). The plan basically had the philosophy that if God made it, it was good but if man made it then it was bad for you. It was built on the concept that the additives in food are not usually good for you.

There are preservatives in bread and cheese to make them resistant to the growth of mold. We find food coloring in margarine to make it look more like butter, artificial sweeteners in soft drinks to make them calorie-free, and fillers in meat products to give them more volume. These seem good and well. Much of the time there comes a point where adding to something can actually subtract from it. This is true of the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection that brings faith in Jesus; 1st Corinthians 15:1-4).

There is a growing movement to return to natural or organic foods. There is a return to pure cane sugar and other natural sweeteners that reduce the artificial stuff. There are documents that state that butter is healthier than margarine. And on it goes.

Many want to add to their faith in Jesus Christ other ingredients like membership to a certain church of denomination, a worship style, along with many do’s and don’ts. The Bible teaches do’s and don’ts but not when it comes to the faith that brings salvation. The Bible is very clear that Jesus was and is enough. “For no other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1st Corinthians 3:11).

• Jesus is enough to be our Savior
• Jesus is enough to be sufficient
• Jesus is enough to be our security

Have faith in Jesus. Trust Him with your heart and life. If you do not know Him as your Savior and Lord and are interested in a discussion as to how to receive salvation, call 615-672-3530.

Bro Larry

Have you ever anticipated something only to be disappointed because it was out of commission, down for repairs, or temporarily closed? When Donna and I were dating, I had told her little brother and sisters about an amusement park I went to quite often as a kid. We loaded the car and went south to Chattanooga. As we were getting close to the location of the park, I stopped at KFC to get a picnic lunch for us all to be eaten at the picnic area of the park. As I drove into the parking lot anticipating the rides and attractions, there was a closed sign. The park was closed for a year to make renovations. It was “out of commission.” My wife’s sister reminds me of the mistake of not checking ahead of time.

The above verse is what we refer to as “The Great Commission.” It is where Jesus told us to go and make disciples. You’d be hard pressed to meet a dedicated Christian who doesn’t say the greatest work on earth is evangelism. But most of us simply give lip service to evangelizing and discipling. Statistics show that while the American population has grown 9.7% from 2010-2020, nationwide church attendance has dropped by four percent. Somehow there is a disconnect between the priorities we claim to hold and the actions we take. There is little winning of souls in most churches and may have not won a soul to Christ in years. Much of the time we are distracted by good projects while overlooking the most important – winning the lost to Jesus.

It appears, that the church may be out of commission which is a result of many Church members being out of commission. We are not carrying on “The Great Commission” as intended.

Bro. Larry

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14

If you were to look at the pictures and paintings of The Three Crosses, your attention would be drawn first to the center cross on which Jesus died. It is almost always taller than the other two which makes it stand out to be noticeable. He is the central and outstanding character because the cross is about Jesus who is also the central figure of the entire human race.

If we were able to look back in time to see the people surrounding the foot of the cross, we would most likely be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. It’s the same today. People are brought before the foot of the cross in various ways (sermons, lifestyles, plain conviction, etc.). Yet it doesn’t affect everyone the same. Some are interested and pay attention to the details but walk away unchanged. Others are interested in other things more than the work Christ did on the cross for them. But some accept the sacrificial and substitutionary death of Christ and receive Him as the atonement for their sins. Much like the two thieves on the crosses to the left and right of Jesus. One was changed eternally by Christ on the middle cross and as a result experienced the joys of being present with the Lord in Paradise. The other rejected and went to the torment of hell.

Spiritually speaking, you and I were at the foot of that cross. The cross occurred because of our sins. We nailed Jesus to the cross by the very actions of our sin. Yet, we are forgiven because of the power of the cross . . . the atonement (payment made) for our sin.

Bro. Larry

P.S. Update on this coming Sunday at PGBC. We will live stream Bro. Rich’s adult S.S. lesson at 10 a.m. followed by the singing and preaching at 10:45 and then close with an encouraging word by Bro. Rory to our youth. Those who do not have internet will be taken their C.D. copies on Sunday afternoon,

“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” Psalms 3:5

There are numerous Scriptures in the Bible that speak about sleeping. The above verse assures us that we are watched over by the Lord even when we sleep. It is through Christ that we exist even when asleep.

That is good news for me because some nights wear me out because of dreams. Many nights I am busy preaching sermons and doing an unbelievable amount of church work. Also, I often dream of the past, even having experiences with people who have been dead for a long time. When dreaming of my days when I was back in school, there is one frequently occurring dream that I am back in college and can’t remember the times or locations of my classes. Then, there are dreams that extend to extreme weird. I share a little of these with Donna in the mornings and she thinks I should attempt to get a job writing science fiction books.

I want to share with you three times of deep sleep in the Bible that brought positive results for us:

• In Genesis 2, God made Adam to fall into a deep sleep and God made a bride for him that brought human life to all nations of the earth.
• In Genesis 15, a second-deep sleep fell upon Abraham when God passed between the sacrificial animals establishing a new covenant with him that brought birth to a chosen nation. Both Adam and Abraham were Old Testament pictures of the coming Christ.
• Christ experienced his own deep sleep in the death on the cross. He became the last Adam and the promised seed, dying to give new life to all who would accept it by faith. He fulfilled the whole of the O.T. covenants while instituting the new covenant in his own blood.

While Adam fell into a deep sleep, a bride was born, when Abraham fell into a deep sleep, a nation was born. But when Christ slept through his death on the cross and his days in the tomb, death and hell was judged and a new birth (a spiritual birth) brought about a new creation (born again people).

Bro. Larry

P.S. As a comment on the coronavirus pandemic that has hit our local community, county and state hard, do what you have been instructed and above all pray. This past weekend when President Trump announce the extension of social distancing guidelines, one of his quotes was “I want our life back!” When I read that statement, I was reminded of, Galatians 2:20 which says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” My life comes from Christ, it is lived with Christ in me. Amen.

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:7

There have been movies, books, documentaries, and numerous claims made that the site of the landing of the ark was found – even the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky that draws 1000’s through its doors. But the best documentary on the Ark is the Bible.

Noah spent 120 years building a boat. The ark was the length of one and a half football fields. Taking the Bible’s dimensions, it was the size of approximately 570 boxcars. That amount of space would hold a large number of animals. If the average size animal was a sheep, it would hold around 125,000 animals. And remember, Noah didn’t take every animal just two of every species. Who builds an ark in the desert and hammers away on it for 120 years?

The ark was built without an instruction manual, labor unions, or a group of corporation sponsors. It was built by one man who had the call of God on his life. According to Jewish tradition, he made preparations by first planting the trees and after they were fully grown, he cut them down and built a boat out of them. That takes an unbelievable amount of time and patience.

We owe the survival of mankind to Noah because he had enough faith to take God at His word and act on it even though there were no immediate results.

What kind of boat are you building with your life? It will not be an ark to survive the flood but it will provide safety for you and others. Will you act of God’s Word and provide a safe shelter for your family? Will you be a witness for the Lord, even if it is for 120 years? Whatever call of God is on your life, grab your hammer and get busy.

Bro. Larry

P.S. Especially in the outbreak of the Coronavirus, you are building an ark of safety for you, your family, and all around you. Use the patience that Noah showed and especially your faith in God. Take the precautions needed and offer safety to others by using the wisdom God has given you.

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” Hosea 6:1

R.S.V.P. is at the bottom of many invitations. The letters stand for a French phrase, but we simply know it means to “please reply.” One redneck guy received an invitation to a fancy dinner. Not sure what the letters stood for. He finally decided he wasn’t going because the only thing he could come up with was “roast skunk very possible.”

At the bottom of most all Scripture the Lord could have put R.S.V.P. because God’s Word deserves and demands a response. Hosea gives an invitation for response from the broken people of Israel. Israel had wandered away from God seeking after idols and personal gain (sounds much like the modern-day church). Hosea’s requested response was for God’s people to return to the Lord. The same is true for believers today. God has left the light on for us to return. The door is unlocked. A welcome sign is hung over the door. God is gracious and he longs for His people to return to Him.

Returning to the Lord is a decision each of us must make when we wander away. Do you sense the Holy Spirit calling you home? Do you realize in your heart that it’s time for change? Then R.S.V.P. today.

Bro. Larry

P.S. The President has declared a national emergency and America is in an absolute panic. I’m not quite sure why so many people have emptied the store shelves of toilet paper though. It has become so valuable that we may start using it as currency! “How much for that coffee? Will two squares of toilet paper do?” All joking aside, you can see the fear on peoples’ faces. They are alarmed and feel as though they don’t have control, because the truth is, they don’t. R.S.V.P. to the one who has control.

When I visit Facebook I see Christian posting words and photos that are a far cry from being Christ-like. This is one reason we need to be very careful about any postings we make. Others are watching and judging Christianity by what you say and do. Something you say or do and even the things you post on Facebook could possibly be a stumbling block for a lost person accepting Christ.

Another happening on Facebook is that evangelical Christians argue over beliefs and ministry methodology appearing to be enemies. I’m not talking about foundational teachings but secondary issues. I have found myself overwhelmed with sadness over the open disagreements. The constant stream of negativity, the critical tone, and the time and energy spent pointing out why one is wrong and the other is right is something I believe we may look back on and be ashamed about. It is as if we modern day Christians are boarding the Titanic and sinking it ourselves. People boarding the Titanic for that historic cruise never dreamed that disaster was awaiting them.

The world needs Jesus more than ever. We fail to focus on evangelism by being the kind of Christians that often keep others from being interested in Christianity. Let’s fuel one another, cheer and pray for one another in our evangelistic efforts.

Make each day count for the Lord by using the wisdom He gives us.

Bro. Larry

(Copied From the Introduction of “Going All In: by Mark Batterson)

“And he said to them all, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:33

A Century ago, a band of brave souls became known as one-way missionaries. They purchased single tickets to the mission field without the return half. And instead of suitcases, they packed coffins. As they sailed out of port, they waved good-bye to everyone they loved, everything they knew. They knew they’d never return.

A.W. Milne was one of those missionaries. He set sailed for the New Hebrides in the South Pacific, knowing full well that the headhunters who lived there had martyred every missionary before him. Milne did not fear for his life, because he had already died to himself. His coffin was packed. For thirty-five years, he lived among the tribe and loved them. When he died, tribe members buried him in the middle of their village and inscribed this epitaph on his tombstone:

When he came there was no light.

When he left there was no darkness.

When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater sacrifice than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal?

Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.

Faithfulness is not holding the fort. It is storming the gates of hell.

The will of God is not an insurance plan. It’s a daring plan.

The complete surrender of your life to the cause of Christ isn’t radical. It’s normal.

It’s time to quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

There were two brothers who fought all the time while growing up. One day the mother asked why they fought. The older brother responded with, “Because it’s fun to fight.” While the younger said, “We fight because we love each other.”

I have one brother who is eight years older than me. Even with that age difference we fought. Actually, he fought and I received. He enjoyed holding me down and bearing his knuckles into my head as he rubbed back and forth to make me cry and scream. The kicking and screaming I did usually annoyed my mother. There are times my mother would tell us that we had to hug and make up. We didn’t like that hugging stuff but it didn’t stop us from fighting.

My dad had a better way to stop the fighting. He would say, “If you don’t stop fighting, I’m going to make you get down in the floor and pray with each other.” No way did we want to pray with each other so when dad was around we didn’t fight. We wanted to but we didn’t.

In the Bible, James asked a question about where disagreements come from among believers. James 4:1 says, “From whence come wars and fightings among you?” Conflicts occur because of selfish desires from within us. I wonder if when we fought within the church family that God would make us get down in the floor and pray together if churches would have less conflict? It’s difficult to be mad at someone you are earnestly praying for. It seems our desires become less important and the desires of another become more important.

Bro. Larry

P.S. You’ve most likely notice that there were no emails for the past two weeks. I had knee replacement and getting back to normal.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Many of you are like me and have given the majority of your life to the church. There are both ups and downs but I wouldn’t want to trade my experiences for anything. The church is based on the reality that we are the body of Christ – living, breathing, and doing what His work is.

Take time to examine your life in Christ in direct correlation to your involvement in the body (church). In order for any church to be successfully moving the congregation through positive actions and attitude we need to be sure of a few things.

The Right View of God’s Church

No matter how messed up the church universal or even our local church, we have to believe in it. Here is the right view: the church is the hope of the world – when it’s working right. We are the hope for your children, grandchildren, etc. In Jesus’ words, we are “the light of the world.” In getting the view right, we need to understand that the church isn’t a building. The church is the people of God.

The Right View of Self

You and I are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of ourselves, it is of God. And every converted sinner is a saved sinner delivered from sin and wrath. Thus, since we are all members of God’s family, we are not perfect (there will be faults and sins) but we have a perfect God who has forgiven us by His marvelous grace. We are described as a new creation in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17).

The Right View of Worship

Worship is giving God His worth-ship (the honor and praise He rightly deserves). We primarily think of worship in a public setting through the local church. Do we give our all to Him in worth-ship in our daily living? Think about that.

Bro. Larry