Waxing on Ancient and Strong

"It came to pass back in those days that Caesar, he decreed

A census would be taken of the Roman world, you see

So everyone packed up and headed back to their home towns

And this couple up from Galilee to Bethlehem was bound

So it came to pass this man named Joe was with his fiance

Back when her pregnancy began to show he planned to go away

But it came to pass that in a dream an angel of the Lord

Said, "Joseph, don't you be afraid to marry Mary for

The little baby in her womb it is the Holy Spirit's work

You may have read the prophet said a virgin would give birth

So it came to pass that Joseph was the noblest of men

With a woman on a donkey on their way to Bethlehem

And I wonder whether either was aware enough that day

To know the child would bring a Kingdom and the old would come to pass away

Yes, it came to pass that Joseph was the noblest of men

With a woman on a donkey on their way to Bethlehem"- Andrew Peterson

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.And he shall be their peace. (Micah 5:2-5)

Praise the Lord that what He says will be, will be! He shall be great to the ends of the earth! Little Yeshua came into the world that night and was layed in a manger but His Kingdom is eternal and of the increase of His Kingdom there shall be no end! Merry Christmas!

This Saturday Night,December 13th at 7 pm Community Christian Fellowship will be having our 4th Annual Christmas Coffee House. All are invited. We will have music, drama and some sweet stuff to eat (maybe some coffee too).

We will also be collecting clean clothes to benefit the ministry of The ROC of Petersburg. So fill a sack with clothes and come on out to Matoaca Middle School West Campus at 20300 Halloway Avenue in Matoaca for a fun night of Christmas celebration with us!

The Glory of the Blood

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26)
We had our annual Thanksgiving Service yesterday. It is a time when all are given an opportunity to come forward and voice their thanks to the Lord. It is always a special time. There were many testimonies of God's faithfulness to individuals but the best part of the service was the end.
We all joined in remembering and declaring His death as the greatest gift of all through observance of the Lord's Supper.
Oh, the glory of the blood!! Oh, the beauty of His indescribable gift!! He is the Just and the Justifier!! Our God...who is like Him?? There is no other!! Hallelujah Jesus!! Praise His name!! Let all the earth stand in awe!! Let all men bow to Him!! He is KING of Kings and LORD of Lords!!

Repent of your sins and believe on Christ without delay!! Your eternity hangs in the balance!! He is The Awesome God and He has completed the great work of atonement but you must believe! You must cry out to Him for mercy!! Do not harden your heart against Him and trample on the precious blood of Christ!! Seek the Lord while He may be found!! The Day of the Lord is coming when all will answer for their sins and rebellion against Him!! Do you have an answer? Your only hope is the blood of Christ!! Your only hope of justification is the work of Jesus on the Cross!! It is the power of salvation!! There is no other name given under heaven by which men might be saved then the name of Jesus!! He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and NO MAN comes unto the Father but by Him!! Come to Jesus!! Come to Jesus!! Come to Jesus!!

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 4:1-3)

Waxing on Weakness

So I know I seem to have an opinion about everything, and I know I talk pretty confidently about things but don't misunderstand me....I have absolutely no confidence in me and sometimes my weakness is all that I see.
Sometimes I am very aware of the heaviness and I feel like I am being crushed under the weight. Ever feel like that? I had one of those days today so I went to the Lord. I love Him! He is so good!
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Jesus Christ

"A Place on the Earth" - Fernando Ortega

Find me a place on the earth
Where a weary man can rest
And listen for your voice
In the turning seasons
A quiet place in the world
Where I can bow
And confess that I fear
Where you have brought me,
Mysterious God

All of my life You have been with me
My comfort in loneliness My hope in the dark
All of my life Lord, please stay with me
Be my sustaining breath
Guardian of my heart

My days are passing by
Like falling stars
That blaze across the night sky
Then they are gone
But Father, at your side I will never be afraid
For you have held all my days
In the palm of your hand

Waxing on His Unchanging Ways

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work,and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy.What god is great like our God? (Psalm 77:11-13)

While our moral climate is declining, protestors demand the "right" to be officially wicked and the move is on to remove even the simplest mention of God from Government buildings, it has not moved Him at all. God does not change. In Him there is no shadow of moving. He is the same yesterday, today and forever and while it may seem that the whole world has turned from Him, that is not true. Don't let the loud activists convince you that the majority is on their side. Take hope in Him.

Tonight Becky and I drove Jordyn about an hour north to attend a Bible Study. This was her choice. A Bible Study on Friday Night. My daughter has made the choice to remember God's great wonders of old and to meditate on His mighty deeds. This study was pretty serious. The book of Daniel, verse by verse. These teenagers have been going through Daniel for a year and they all go because they want to. Jesus said:

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Waxing on Boiling Frogs, Democracy and Hate

You know the old story about boiling a frog right? Well in case you don't, it goes something like this:

If you put a frog in boiling water he will jump out because he doesn't want to get cooked...but if you put him in cool water and gradually turn up the heat, by the time he realizes he is being cooked it is too late.

It might be too late for our nation but I will keep talking about it because if you are a frog out there and you suddenly realize that the water is real hot, get out before you are cooked! What am I referring too?

Well, like some of you, I have watched an unusual amount of news this year as I usually do during a Presidential Election Year and now that the election is over it would be normal for my news watching to be on the decline but the post election news has been fascinating and disturbing...but not about President Elect Obama. No, what I have found myself amazed at is the militancy of the homosexual activists over Proposition 8 in California and of course the media's liberally slanted coverage.

Just a few of the demonstrations of displeasure over the results of the vote that have occurred in the last week since Prop 8 won:

In California activists have been publishing blacklists of donors to the Proposition 8 support. They have been egging churches. In one incident activists wrestled a styrofoam cross from a 69 year-old woman and trampled on it.

In Lansing Michigan, an activist group organized an invasive well-coordinated interruption of blasphemous shouts and public displays of homosexual affection during a worship service of a large Bible-believing church...complete with pink confetti and the unfurling of a large banner that read "It's Okay to Be Gay!" Did I mention this was in a Church?

And here is the kicker: The homosexual activists are calling the passage of Proposition 8 "hate!"

Just a quick review of Prop 8...Californians had already voted yes on Proposition 22 in 2000 to specify in state law that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the statute enacted by Proposition 22 and other statutes that limit marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman violated the equal protection clause of the California Constitution.

Proposition 8 effectively amends the California Constitution to specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

So California has voted to amend its Constitution to preserve the institution of marriage to be between one man and one woman and now the homosexual activists are mad because the vote did not go their way. I wonder if the Republicans should be throwing eggs or wrestling DNC symbols from senior citizens (or maybe the gavel from Nancy Pelosi?). Maybe they should post blacklists of all the people that donated to the Democratic Campaign or unfurl a large banner with an elephant on it in front of the White house.

Sounds pretty ridiculous huh? It is ridiculous. This is democracy. The people voted and the majority won. But the media covers these "gay" attacks as if they were some valiant effort by an oppressed group to win basic human rights. That is what happens when the frog doesn't realize how hot the water is getting. Another way to put it is that we have slid way down on a slippery slope to total moral depravity when we even entertain the idea of calling what God calls evil, good. Rights? In this country you are free to be perverse, but now the perverse want all moral judgment eradicated. Anything that dares to say that your "sexual preference" is immoral must be eliminated from your sight, even if it is a private Church building. Who is really hating here?

How far have we gone? How hot is the water?

In Genesis 19 the Lord sent two messengers to rescue Abraham's nephew, Lot, from the city of Sodom. God was about to destroy the city for its wickedness and sexual perversity. The two messengers of God were staying the night in Lot's house....
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” 6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, 7 and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down.

It seems the one thing the most "tolerant" cannot tolerate is for anyone to point out the error of their ways. "You don't agree with us, we will attack!!"

Think about it! Get out of the pot! Repent of your wickedness and trust Christ! He is able to save you and He will not turn away anyone who truly repents and believes in Him! And if you are one of the angry ones...one of those who is demanding that we approve of wickedness, please consider repentance. Eternity is a long time. Nobody hates you. God demonstrated His love for you in that while you were yet perverse and hating righteousness, Christ died for you. But you must repent and turn to Him before it is too late. Think about it.

Waxing on High Stakes Gambling

The Associated Press reported that ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.

I am not offended by these efforts, rather I am amazed at the reasoning...

"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

Alone? Since when were unbelievers left out of holiday celebrations? Our culture offers much more secular references in holiday celebrations than the original meaning of these holidays anyway! What exactly should holidays like Christmas or Hanakkuh be associated with?

Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."

OK, this is about rational thought...I am all for rational thought. Maybe the holiday celebrations are pricking consciences of the atheists and causing them to actually do some critical thinking about God. Why else would they campaign so hard against faith in God! Who are they trying to convince?

Last month, the British Humanist Association caused a ruckus announcing a similar campaign on London buses with the message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

Are you willing to gamble with your eternal destiny on a probability? Is that rational and critical thinking? Sounds like some seriously high stakes gambling to me! By the way: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

John 3:16-21

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Waxing on Messiah

Daniel answered and said:“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,to whom belong wisdom and might.He changes times and seasons;he removes kings and sets up kings;he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things;he knows what is in the darkness,and the light dwells with him. (Daniel 2:20-22)

So the election is over. We have a new President Elect of the United States. In 1992 I had a similar feeling on the day after the Presidential Election. I felt as if my country had defied God by its election of a man who promised change but refused to change his heart about abortion and homosexuality. Over the last 16 years we have watched our country fall deeper into the abyss of rebellion against God. When the highest office in the land approves of acts that God calls abominations, the slope ahead appears to be slippery towards total depravity.

Yesterday California also voted to make chickens more comfortable in their cages....seriously...you can't make this stuff up! We are evicerating precious little babies in their mother's wombs by the thousands each day and our concern is for the comfort of chickens in their cages!

We did see a glimmer of hope as Florida, Arizona and even California voted to protect marriage as one man and one woman. I wonder if those laws will be struck down now that the "ultra-liberals" have complete control in our government. I do wonder where we are headed but I do not worry. I do not fret. For 4 days the precious Holy Spirit has been speaking comfort to me, His still small voice whispering to me over and over..."Jesus Messiah."

Jesus Messiah. It was prophesied that He would come. He did. It was prophesied that He would lay down His life as the sacrifice for sins for those who believe in Him. He did.

It was prophesied that He would rise again after 3 days. He did. He prophesied to His disciples that they would be hated, become outlaws and even executed. They were. Before they were taken from this world they wrote words for us to find direction and strength in. They prophesied that a great falling away would occur and the love of most would grow cold. That people would be lover's of pleasure rather than lover's of God. That people would no longer tolerate truth but would gather leaders and speakers to tickle their itching ears with things they want to hear. It has happened. But they also reminded us over and over about Jesus Messiah. They reminded us that the prophecies about Jesus were not yet completely fulfilled. Jesus Messiah is coming again. He is coming. No amount of scoffing and ridicule will stop Him. No amount of defiance and rebellion, even from the "greatest nation on earth" as we like to call ourselves, will stop Him. Jesus Messiah is coming again and this time, in all of His glory!

Revelation 6:15-17

Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Who's your Messiah?

Waxing on the VOTE

So I am going to wait in line no matter how long it takes tomorrow to vote. It is amazing to me how many people don't vote and then complain about who is in office. I am voting no matter what the polls say...and I am proudly voting for the candidate that will do what he can to protect the innocent. I will NEVER vote for ANY candidate for ANY office that refuses to protect the most innocent of all life. If you don't know which one is Pro-Life and which one is Pro-Murder, find out and do the right thing. By the way, keep praying no matter what. If the polls are right and we end up with the most left-wing President in our history, God will not be any different. Our Lord is still Sovereign. He is still on His throne. Righteousness will win in the end and the gates of Hell will not prevail against the true Church of Jesus Christ! EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!! He is Messiah! NO OTHER! Cast your vote tomorrow to honor HIM ONLY!

Waxing on the Power of Delusion

As I continue to observe the attitudes of Americans during this election, I am amazed by the power of delusion. The information that is available to the average person is virtually endless but most seem quite content to believe what they are told by the mainstream media even if they are told almost nothing but who to vote for.

We do not live in a communist country and we can find the truth if we want to it just seems that most don't want to.

How else could you explain the fact that when Americans are asked if they agree or disagree with a candidates plan without knowing which candidate holds such views, the overwhelming majority consistently disagrees with the same candidate who leads in the polls? What!?!?!

It is an amazing concept that is being demonstrated before our very eyes. Without a propaganda machine....OK so maybe there is a propaganda machine, but again, we can find the truth if we want to about a candidate.

I hope and pray that enough intelligient Americans wake up from the stupor that has gripped this nation and vote for the candidate that shares more of their real convictions and values. If not, access to the truth (and the freedom to speak it) may soon really be a thing of the past. Wake up America!!

Waxing on Seabass

So I am watching the end of the Browns-Redskins game today on CBS and as the game ends the broadcast goes to Oakland....what??!?!?! Yes!! The Raiders and Jets have gone to OT at 13 to 13.
It kind of brought back some old (nice) memories of nationally broadcast Raider games at Oakland Alameda Coliseum when my team were contenders every year. Even Dick Enberg was calling the plays.
I wanted to enjoy it but I just had that same sinking feeling that somehow the Raiders would lose...again. The Jets won the toss and got the ball first. I thought it was over but the Raider defense held. The Raider offense could do nothing and had to punt it back to the Jets. You could sense Enberg's desire to see Brett Favre pull one out for the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!! After 5 possessions, on third and long Favre heaved one down the field right into the Raiders' Michael Huffs' hands and he dropped it! That was the chance! The Jets punted. The Raiders got the ball again and the unthinkable happened...the Raider offense actually completed 2 significant pass plays! The Raiders were just inside of the range of Sebastian Janikowski's powerful leg but they needed to move closer....nothing doing. The Jets held. This was it. 4th down. Field Goal time. Seabass comes on the field and absolutely HAMMERS a 57 yarder that would have been good from 65!! Raiders win! Raiders win! Raiders win! And even Dick Enberg had to say "OOOOHH MYYY!!!"

Waxing on the Heart of a Nation

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
The months leading up to a Presidential Election are quite the spectacle in this country. There is no doubt that most of us see exactly what the "spin-doctors" intend for us to see. Images are created and sold that can both inspire and disgust. Votes will be cast based on some promises that are never intended to be kept and other promises that are simply impossible to keep. The American Public is convinced every 4 years that The Executive Branch of the United States Government will most certainly change the world and make their lives better.

Much of the Campaign is simply theater but if we read between the lines, and really look at what drives the decision of who will win the title of President of the United States, it is not just the candidates who need to be under the microscope of our incessant scrutiny. We don't need to worry only about the media who is so obviously biased at this point that they do not even defend themselves anymore.
The most sobering fact that this Presidential Race is revealing is the heart of this nation and these last few weeks have illuminated who is on the throne of this nation's heart. This is the most important issue that a Presidential Election reveals.

Oh we can cry out with nationalistic fervor and patriotism, proclaiming that we are a Christian nation, founded on godly principles and the tenets of scripture. We can decry the audacity of one of the candidates who said we are no longer a Christian nation.
We can fly flags and organize boycotts and do e-mail campaigns. We can talk of past associations and voting records, experience and lack of. We can listen to stump speeches and debates and analyze and argue, but the real heart of this nation is starting to be unveiled and this is what we need to face.
As the economic house of cards begins to quickly crumble, all other issues, opinions and convictions seem to have taken the back burner. The primary concern on the minds and hearts of Americans is now money...and more specifically, personal finances. When will this mess get straight? Who can do it? How much will this cost me???

I am not suggesting that this matter does not deserve serious attention but keep in mind that both of the candidates are US Senators. We pay them to make decisions and manage the US Government and they have apparently been unable to keep this collapse from happening. Why do we think they will suddenly have all the answers if they reside in the White House? I do not believe we can correct this problem through the Presidential Election but enough lies have been believed and enough media support has been given that one of the candidates seems to be viewed as the savior.
It was exciting enough that he would bring peace and harmony to the whole world as he spoke so eloquently in Berlin, but now it has become personal to us...serious...financial. And he is being perceived as the one man to fix our economy.
Never mind that his plan includes higher taxes and socialism, which has never worked in the history of the world. Never mind that he or any other President will have NO money to work with. Never mind that the Executive Branch of Government plays only one part in the financial well being of this country anyway. Wisdom no longer matters.
In our desperate lust to hold on to our standards of living we will be convinced to hope in "the one" who can make the change.
We will throw out reason and conviction. We will follow Barbara Streisand and Michael Moore and Oprah all of the other "brilliant" celebrities that have such passion and knowledge about world leadership.
We will invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez and Kim Jong Ill to sit down and chat about their hatred for all things related to America and Israel. We will listen to other celebrities who have gone even further in the radical support of the murder of the unborn.
We will believe the lie that protecting the most innocent of all is a "violation of a women's privacy." We will laugh at virtue and honor and openly ridicule faith in the One True God who alone has made and preserved this nation.
We will approve and applaud the abomination of homosexuality, granting the homosexual even the right to parade their perversity down our streets. We will teach our children that this is right and good and that anyone who does not agree is hateful and ignorant. We will no longer care about the God of our fathers. His word has no more credence to us. It is irrelevant.
We will blindly and stupidly buy what we are being sold. This country will sell its soul and vote for the man who we choose to believe will give us money. This election will prove which master we serve. Jesus said:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

Waxing on Fireproof

OK, so my wife has been talking about this movie for weeks now. "We should take a group from church...we need to promote it in our church...it is such a needed topic, marriage and staying together! Kirk Cameron is in it and you really like him!" And I was like yeah but there is one problem...I have not seen the movie! So today, Fireproof opened and we went and I can now say that you have GOT to see it.

I LOVED IT! Well done and desperately needed!! What a refreshing message to see in a movie!Contrary to the majority of marriages we see portrayed on TV and in movies, not ALL of them end up divorced and Fireproof is the story of success in marriage. YES!! And contrary to the cynical attitude towards the institution of marriage that is so common on TV and movies, Fireproof offers a portrayal of hope. Fireproof does not ignore the reality of struggle and temptation in marriage and it does not pretend that marriage is easy. What it does declare is that marriage is a covenant and that marriage is intended to last for life.

The truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly and completely spoken in this movie and I applaud Sherwood Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia.

Scott Bowles of USA TODAY wrote:
"Alex and Stephen Kendrick are making serious Hollywood money by doing nothing Hollywood would do.
They don't pay their actors. Volunteers build the sets. Sunday school kids cater. And when production hits a snag, they don't ask for more money. They pray.
And they're getting the kind of return on their films that would make Spielberg envious. Their first theatrical release, 2006's Facing the Giants, about a struggling football coach, cost $100,000 and raked in $10 million in theaters."

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Waxing on War Rumors

Russia is reportedly deploying warships to the Caribbean, North Korea is reportedly restarting its nuclear efforts and just this week Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spewed his typical rhetoric of hatred and destructive desires for Israel and America...in New York City!
And as I sit in my office contemplating such news that has become so commonplace, my thoughts of war and rumors of war are accentuated by the sound of a large caliber machine gun in the distance. I live across the river from a US Army Firing Range and tonight the army is apparently practicing with what sounds like a 50 caliber.
It is all quite surreal but yet it is real indeed. This reality led me to think about the conversation that Jesus had with His disciples about His Second Coming in Matthew 24...while He walked this earth the first time He talked about coming to this earth the second time and since everything else He said is true, it is safe to say that He is coming again. His disciples thought they were going to see both His first coming and second. They wanted to know what to look for so they could know when He was coming.
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
No doubt the contractions have been going on for quite some time now so I am thinking the real labor pains could come anytime....
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Some of these pains are already being endured by believers in other parts of the world and in this country the hatred towards Christianity is growing more and more obvious. Lawlessness. Hatred. False prophets...endurance. Press on brothers and sisters...He is coming again!

Waxing on Fast Times

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.- Colossians 2:8 ESV

Scripture says to not be conformed to this world...that the wisdom of this world is folly...that the present form of this world is passing away...and Jesus said "My Kingdom is not of this world."

Becky and I went to "C28" today. If you have not been, check it out. It is at Short Pump Mall and it has some great Christian stuff. I know we have all had our fill of cheese but this place is really different...and the best part, it is much more than a store. As the workers show you the merchandise, they are preaching...the word is everywhere and I don't mean "Smile Jesus loves you!" I mean the WORD. Workers pray with you and make no apologies that they are there to not only sell clothing with a message, they are there to proclaim the truth!

Becky and I were up at Short Pump having some lunch and celebrating our 18th Wedding Anniversary! WOW! How the time has flown! I love my wife! She is awesome! These 18 years have been incredible. That is us on our wedding night...check that mullet...was my face that much thinner or was it just the hair? Becky just keeps getting better!

My wife was beautiful then and she is even more beautiful now, but the best thing is that she loves Jesus...for real!

Strength and dignity are her clothing,and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently,but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

(Proverbs 31:25-30)

Waxing on Western Moving Ike

Looks like Hurricane Ike will be well clear of the East Coast so I anticipate no interruption of our regular schedule this Sunday. Lord willing, CCF will be meeting at our regular place of worship, Matoaca Middle School West Campus.

Thanks again to all who came out this past Sunday to our "emergency" location. We were all reminded that God is not "in the box!" Thanks again to Bruce for letting all of us invade your store. See you all this Sunday at MMS West!

For directions and schedule go to the Community Christian Fellowship website: http://www.ccfnet1.org/

Waxing on Hannah (not Samuel's Mom)

Due to Tropical Storm Hannah, Chesterfield County Schools have closed all facilities for the upcoming weekend.

Therefore, this Sunday, September 7th, CCF will be holding regular worship service at Ellis Fashions and Fotos in Prince George.

We will be having 10:30 worship only. NO 9:00 Bible Study.

Childcare will be provided.Ellis Fashion and Fotos is located at:4004 Prince George Dr.Prince George, VA 23975 in the Food Lion Shopping Center

phone: 804-452-1231

Please bring a lawn chair or folding chair and join us as we seek the Lord together!

Ellis Fashions and Fotos is owned and operated by our Associate Pastor, Bruce Ellis. Thank you Pastor Bruce!!

Directions from the Colonial Heights/Southpark Mall area:

TakeTemple Ave towards Hopewell/Fort Lee/VA-144 E 3.4 mi Turn left at Oaklawn Blvd/VA-36 E 0.7 mi Turn right at Jefferson Park Rd 1.3 mi Turn left at Middle Rd 2.2 mi Turn right at Prince George Dr/VA-156-BR 492 f

questions: call the church office at 804-526-8260

Waxing on Perception and Reality

Heard some more political discussion tonight...the question was "Is there more than just perception or will any of his promises actually translate into reality?" The answer was "Don't forget, in politics perception is reality." Not the first time we have heard that cliche' to be sure but it got me to thinkin.'
Imagine that!
Is perception reality? And if it is how far does that reality go? The mind? Some false sense of security or hope in hope alone? Or can perception change reality? I think in politics, people's perception can actually change reality, at least in the short term because if a candidate convinces the majority that he is and he can then they will vote and elect him/her. That would be a reality. But the greater realities would still remain. The problems would still be unsolved. We would still have to fund all the promised programs while also cutting taxes. We would still have many without health insurance and many who could not afford college. We would still have hate and war and crime and all other sorts of wickedness. That is much more serious and long-term reality.
Of all the world leaders in all of world history, none have been able to solve all the problems. None have been able to deliver to the "have nots" what the "haves" have. Only one leader in world history has done what the prophets said He would do and what He said He would do. And He was far from a politician!
Only one leader gave what no other has been willing to give, His life, and then He took it up again. Only one leader lived a sinless life, died a criminal's death and rose victorious as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Everything He said is true and all that He promises he delivers...now that is reality. And although perception can be deceiving, there is coming a day when the reality of Jesus Christ will be known to all.
2 Peter 3
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Now that is going to be some Change You Can Believe In!

Waxing on Surprise Home Improvements

Ever seen one of those "home improvement shows?" You know where everybody is smiling and having a great time, this really hip upbeat music is playing and entire rooms are transformed in elapsed time giving the illusion that this is actually possible to do in 30 minutes or something? I have always hated those shows....and now I really hate those shows.
So last week my wife and daughter were out of town and someone graciously offered to help me surprise Becky with some new carpet... while she was gone. While the carpet was a huge blessing to us, I got this bright idea to paint while the house was in disarray.
Well if you know me then you know that doing home improvement is not exactly one of my strengths, to put it lightly... but I was determined! So, with a lot of help from a very good friend (thank you brother!) we managed to surprise my wife when she got home....with a beautiful concrete slab in the den, bare steps with menacing tacks waiting to inflict injury to unprotected feet and furniture in every place but where it was supposed to be. Like I said, I hate those shows! But it did finally get finished yesterday and I think Becky really likes it!

Waxing on Last Week

That is my wife and I at Carolina Beach last week. And me eating one of many hot and fresh "Britt's Donuts." Man those things just melt in your mouth! Our little get away was pretty cool...actually it was pretty hot but hey, it was late July at the beach. Loved it! We stopped in Wilmington on the way home, walked around on the Riverwalk and had lunch at Union Station. That was quite enjoyable!

We had a great time but it was good to back in the fellowship Sunday. We only missed one prayer meeting but man it seemed like we were gone for a long time! Thanks for the help you all (and you know who you are)! We really appreciate you letting us get away once in a while. That picture below is from the terrace at Union Station...Becky loved that place!

Waxing on Showtime

I have been on vacation for most of this week so I have spent more time than I normally do watching TV...mostly news and...yes Sportscenter.
I still like sports alot but I have found it increasingly difficult to tolerate ESPN lately. Why? Is it because they are so anti-Raider? They have always been so that couldn't be it. Is it this whole Brett Favre thing that they seem obsessed with? This week they could have changed their name to the "Brett Favre Channel" because everytime I have checked in, they were giving an update on the Brett Favre situation...but I like Brett Favre, who doesn't?

I think the issue for me is that ESPN has become "the show." Or at least they think they are. I remember when we first got ESPN...man it was like "Yes! We don't have to wait for Monday Night Football to see highlights of Sunday's games! And it is on 24 hours a day!" The game used to be the show....the focus of Sportscenter...and I know they still report on games but the whole thing is just too much. The production has gotten slicker and more hip and is simply the benchmark in sports coverage. ESPN is the best at what it does no doubt but the point still is that if it was not for the game, there would be no ESPN....so what does it matter? Not much really, just something that gets on my nerves...and I will still watch even if I think they have their favorite little darlings that they are obsessed with just like the rest of the major media outlets. I long for the long-gone days of just pure coverage and reporting of events, if it is sports or politics or whatever...but I know what the deal is. Give the people what they want right?
















Keep 'em happy and they will keep watching and let's face it, the show has to get better and better...more, more, more...or the crowd will just go elsewhere...so of course, you know where I am going with this...do we not do the same thing in church? Have we not been so obsessed with improving our performance and presentation that we have forgotten Who the real story is all about? Instead of simply telling the biggest story of all time, are we now trying to impress people ourselves? Do we think we are the show?
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Waxing on Endless Summer

Summer always seems to fly by too fast for me. This is the time of the year that I wish I could slow down time. Even as much as I like the NFL, I am just not ready to hear about training camp yet. That is one of those indicators that we are heading quickly toward the end of Summer and I hate the thought of that. But alas, time just does not slow down...our lives are vapors...I will not get deep here!
This is simply my little fantasy about that elusive "Endless Summer"...Check out that beach!

Waxing on... What??

I read recently on someone else's blog that they struggle with keeping their posts short and light hearted...glad I am not the only one...and I am really trying to refrain from commenting on the Presidential Race but...sometimes the insanity is just too glaring to avoid.

This week Fox News reported that Bill Clinton suggested that John McCain is mentally unstable because....maybe he inhaled? No...he has been a US Senator for 25 years?

No, the reason for Mr. Clinton's apparent concern for the GOP Nominee is the mere fact that Senator McCain spent 5 years as a POW during the Vietnam war. What???

Then Fox News reported, and showed the video of Jesse Jackson (of all people) saying he wanted to physically injure Barack Obama in a very injurious part of the male anatomy! What???

Buckle up people, it is only July!

And speaking of the Democratic nominee for President, I also read this week that Senator Obama received a very dubious endorsement...according to The Family Research Council:

Planned Parenthood apparently has no doubts about where Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) stands on abortion as their political arm announced their endorsement of Sen. Obama. Planned Parenthood's president Cecile Richards called him a "passionate advocate" with a "long and consistent record of standing up for" legal abortion. In a speech Sen. Obama made to a Planned Parenthood audience last July he vowed that "the first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would effectively overturn hundreds of state laws that have put reasonable restrictions on abortion, including parental notification. FOCA would guarantee direct public funding for abortion. Last year Planned Parenthood claimed an income of $1 billion, one-third of it from U.S. taxpayers. This for an organization whose president makes some $1 million a year in salary, whose political action arm has vowed to spend $10 million this election cycle, and which is now building high-end mega-abortion centers in many American neighborhoods.

Planned Parenthood is endorsing Barak Obama as a passionate advocate of abortion? A passionate advocate??? He is passionate about killing the most innocent of all life??? The first thing he would do as President is to guarantee that our tax dollars fund the murder of unborn babies??? What??? What???

Although I will not endorse any candidate I will talk about the facts that the mainstream media ignores. Planned Parenthood is our nation's number one killing factory.

They have murdered millions of unborn children and the slaughter continues. You and I fund this atrocity and Planned Parenthood has endorsed their man to help this continue.

Wake up. Speak up. Pray for mercy. Trust Christ before it is too late! He is our only hope!

Happy Independence Day

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!- Psalm 33

Happy Birthday America! I pray that America will repent and humble ourselves before the Lord who made us.

"We have been preserved this many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown but we have forgotten the gracious hand that has preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming grace, too proud to pray to the God Who has made us"- Abraham Lincoln

Waxing on Fiery Correction

More than 840 wildfires sparked by an "unprecedented" lightning storm are burning a swath of Northern California, alarming the governor and requiring the help of firefighters from Nevada and Oregon according to The Associated Press.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he was told late Sunday evening that the state had 520 fires, and he found it "quite shocking" that by Monday morning the number had risen above 700. Moments later, a top state fire official standing at Schwarzenegger's side offered a grim update: The figure was actually 842 fires, said Del Walters, assistant regional chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. All but a couple were in the northern part of the state."This is an unprecedented lightning storm in California, that it lasted as long as it did, 5,000 to 6,000 lightning strikes," Walters said. "We are finding fires all the time."

Extreme weather has become so commonplace lately that it does not hold the "shock value" that it once did. Unprececented lightning, numerous tornadoes, and a "500 year flood" in the midwest. Could God be trying to correct us? It definitely is not the work of "Mother Nature" because as sweet as she sounds, she simply does not exist...but "Father God" does exist and this arrogant nation would be wise to wake up to His correction before we are completely decimated.

Job 36
29 Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion? 30 Behold, he scatters his lightning about him and covers the roots of the sea. 31 For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance.32 He covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark.

Job 37
“At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place. 2 Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth.4 After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice,and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard.
13 Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.

Waxing on Not So Funny Stuff

Foreign policy architects could benefit from studying Winnie the Pooh and Star Wars, according to a Barack Obama adviser who is set to attend a meeting of the Democratic candidate’s national security work group Wednesday.
Richard Danzig, former Navy secretary under President Clinton, drew several creative and unusual analogies to explain the challenges America faces overseas during a foreign policy conference in Washington, D.C., last week, according to an article in the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph.
In arguing that the country should back off a policy that causes too much pain, Danzig said, “”Winnie the Pooh seems to me to be a fundamental text on national security.”
He read a section from the children’s book where Pooh Bear hurts himself going down the steps because he hasn’t stopped to think of another way.
During his address to the Center for New American Security, Danzig also said much can be learned about the motivations of terrorists by looking at, for instance, soccer fans who become absorbed by violence or even the Star Wars movies.
According to the article, Danzig said a terrorist from the 1995 Tokyo nerve gas attack once told him: “We have been raised on a theory of superheroes. We all want to be like Luke Skywalker.”
Danzig argued that anyone who leads a “mundane” life and
loses his or her ambition can be tempted by the promises of an extremist group or leader.Yeah...OK, is this guy serious?










Although this is not even funny, I would guess there are a few people who might find this quite humorous...Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez...Osama Bin Laden maybe?
Are you praying yet???

Waxing on Funny Stuff

So I thought I would blog on something a little less serious today...yes I have a lighter side! Yesterday was Father's Day and my daughter Jordyn gave me two very cool things...first a card that she recorded her greeting on, complete with Indiana Jones theme music (I am not a fan but it is an inside joke in our house). Then the big gift...Nacho Libre on DVD!!! Yes, my very own copy! Thanks Jordyn!! I am so proud to be your Dad!!!
So anyway, Nacho Libre is the second funniest movie I have ever seen (Napolean Dynamite is still "numero uno"... lo ciento amigo). So we watched Nacho again and if you have yet to see it, and you can manage not to take your humor too seriously, give it a watch. No perversion or filth, just stupid, hilarious humor! Nacho!Nacho!Nacho!

Waxing on Heat

I love hot weather but 93 degress at 7:30pm is a bit extreme for June 8th. Pretty sure we broke 100 today and the forecast for tomorrow is 102! Wow! Hot! Hot! Hot! But I am not complaining...much better than cold. I remember growing up without air conditioning at home, at school or in our car. The nearest cool spot was the river or the grocery store but we survived and contrary to popular notions, we had 100 degree days in June then too.
Oh yeah, yeah, I know global warming...go green...blah, blah, blah! Most of the celebrities and Al Gore can't be wrong right? Whether you actually believe that the world is really warming or not, I would like to warn you about a place much hotter than June in Central Virginia will ever be...hell.

Yes, I know we don't talk about hell anymore. It is not popular. It is not politically correct. It is offensive. It is still true. You can "go green" if you want, just be sure you don't "go to hell" while you are busy conforming to the politically correct thinking and rhetoric of our culture. Eternal truth never changes. Jesus said Heaven and Earth will pass away but His words will never pass away. Listen to your conscience. Think for yourself. What are you afraid of? Jesus told us Who to fear...
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Luke 12:4-5
Talk about an "inconvenient truth!"

Waxing on The Last Word

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known for vitriolic anti-Israeli rhetoric, has again predicted the demise of Israel, according to Iran's IRNA news agency. Ahmadinejad's latest comment on the eventual disappearance of the Jewish state came Monday at a ceremony honoring the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Accusing Israel of decades of aggression, he said the country "has reached the end of its function and will soon disappear off the geographical domain," IRNA reported.

Wow...serious words. Not the first time Mr Ahmadinejad has threatened Israel. He also threatens the United States as well, although he insists that Iran's Nuclear Program is only for "peaceful" purposes.
Who will have the last word on Israel? Ahmadinejad? What does God think of such talk?
Psalms 2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves,and the rulers take counsel together,against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apartand cast away their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs;the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath,and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree:The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise;be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear,and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son,lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

The Son, Jesus Christ Himself, will have the last word on the fate of Israel.

More of the Eternal Word of the Lord, concerning Israel's future through His prophet Zechariah...from chapter 12
On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the Lord of hosts, their God.’
“On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child,
and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

Hitler thought he would eliminate the Jews... other haters of God's people have come and gone and now Ahmadinejad is arrogantly threatening Israel, but the One who will have the last word happens to have some Jewish heritage. Jesus Christ, the One and Only! The Lord of Lords! The King of Creation will ultimately have the last word on EVERYTHING!

The Revelation of John the Apostle from chapter 19 describes His Second Coming:
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Apostle John saw into the future...a future that is guaranteed to take place...guaranteed by the word of the Lord! The FIRST and the LAST! All praise and glory to JESUS CHRIST!! The King of Israel will ultimately defend God's chosen nation of Israel! Repent all you haters! Fall on your knees before the soon coming KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!! PRAISE HIS NAME!!

Waxing on a Wicked Drumbeat

One of the ancient demon gods of the Ammonites and Phonecians was Molech. Molech worship involved the hideous practice of heating the idol to a red hot temperature and placing infant children on the arms of the idol, burning them to death. As the innocent children were sacrificed, the beating of drums would drown out the cries of the dying child. The Lord God condemned this profane practice as an abomination that would cause Him to set His face against those who would commit such an obsenity.(Leviticus 18, 20; I Kings 11, 2 Kings 23; 1 Chronicles 7; Jeremiah 32)

Satan, the father of lies, the destroyer of life, still influences and deceives many to sacrifice their own precious children. The drumbeat of defiant rhetoric is louder than ever...the declaration of justification in the name of choice is incessant...while the abhorent sacrifice of the most innocent continues daily in our country, even funded by your tax dollars to the tune of 300 million dollars a year.
Oh, how ripe we are for the judgment of God! He is holy and righteous and in Him there is no shadow of turning! He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked! He is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and faith in Christ! Wake up O sleeper and Christ will give you light!
Wake up and realize the vile nature of your sin! Don't allow the drumbeat of the devil's lies to keep you from hearing the truth! Cry out for mercy to Jesus! He is full of compassion and mercy....He is mighty to save! All of heaven celebrates over one repentant sinner!
Repent America! Stop sacrificing your children! Repent and trust Christ to save you while there is still time! The shedding of innocent blood requires blood as an atonement! There is One Who has shed His blood for even the murderer!! The blood of Jesus will cleanse and save to the uttermost all who will repent of their sins and turn in faith to Him!

Waxing on Wisdom

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,who put darkness for lightand light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isa 5:20)

Another pastor has made the headlines by his alleged sexual misconduct. His church reacted swiftly and decisively, asking for, and receiving the minister's resignation. It is a sad ending to a sad story...but the "standard of righteousness" had to be raised, according to the Senior Pastor. I agree.

It is sad that when a minister sins it gets so much publicity but shouldn't ministers be held to such a high standard of righteousness? And what is that standard? Is it only the decrees of those who have the microphone when reputations and budgets are at stake? Is it not the Spirit of the Lord who raises the standard of righteousness when the enemy comes in like a flood (Isaiah 59:19)?
Is the sword of the Spirit not the word of God? And if this is the standard, would He not raise the whole of it? Is it only sexual sin that is against the righteous standard of God's word? Are there sins of neglect and omission that have become so accepted in the Church that we, in our own wisdom, no longer see them as sin?
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21)
On his blog today, Mart De Haan of RBC Ministries (formally Radio Bible Class) talked about the comparison of the sin of Jerusalem to the sin of Sodom in Ezekiel's day...but it was not only sexual sin...Listen to part of God's word given through His prophet Ezekiel way back around 600BC.... Not only did you walk in their ways and do according to their abominations; within a very little time you were more corrupt than they in all your ways. As I live, declares the Lord God, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it. (Ezekiel 16:47-50)
Ouch!! Nothing fun about pulling "wisdom teeth" but thinking that they will become un-impacted by themselves is much more painful in the long run! Yeah, definitely something "to think about!" Thanks Mart!