From The Pastor’s Desk…..
The Absolutes Of God’s Word.
Hello everyone! I want to share with you a message that has deeply moved my heart—a message inspired by the Words of Jesus Himself. In Matthew 22:31, Jesus turned to the Sadducees with a powerful question: “Have you not read what God said to you?” This question cuts straight to the heart of how we approach the Word of God. When we open the Scriptures, we are not simply reading an ancient text; we are hearing the voice of the living God speaking directly to us.
Too often, we are faced with the dilemma of human opinion versus divine wisdom. Human reasoning, no matter how sophisticated, often leaves us unsatisfied, confused, and wandering off course. On the other hand, God’s Word provides clarity, truth, and divine wisdom that lights our path. As a pastor, it is my heartfelt plea to remind all of us of the unshakable authority and the life-transforming power of God’s Word.
The Authority of God’s Word
The Bible is not just another book; it is divinely inspired and carries the full authority of God Himself. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” God’s Word is our ultimate guide, equipping us for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 underscores this truth, saying, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word is not stagnant; it is living and transformative, able to reach the very core of our being.
Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It is through Scripture that we find direction for our lives, illuminating the right path even during the darkest times. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” When we align ourselves with God’s Word, we find peace, purpose, and clarity.
Human opinions often clash with the truths of Scripture. Consider the cultural debates on morality. While society may normalize behaviors that conflict with biblical teachings, God’s Word remains steadfast. Psalm 33:4 captures the essence of God’s Word: “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” God’s Word is unchanging and steadfast, a foundation we can trust in every season of life.
The Danger of Leaning on Our Own Understanding
Scripture repeatedly warns us about the peril of relying on human wisdom. When we lean on our own understanding, we inevitably stray from God’s path and fall into confusion and error. Jeremiah 17:9 sharply reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Human reasoning, no matter how sincere, is flawed and prone to self-deception.
Consider the cautionary example from 1 Samuel 15. Saul, in his impatience and pride, chose to lean on his own understanding instead of obeying God’s command. His disobedience resulted in the loss of his kingdom and God’s favor. This tragic outcome shows us how leaning on human wisdom leads to consequences God never intended, often motivated by self-serving gain.
When we trust in our opinions instead of God’s wisdom, we risk creating chaos, confusion, and destruction in our lives. Only by surrendering our understanding to God’s Word can we find true wisdom and peace.
Disobedience: The Path to Heresy and Selfish Ambition
Disobedience to God’s Word is a dangerous path that leads to heresy, selfish ambition, and ultimately, separation from God. Jesus makes it clear in John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commands.” True love for God is expressed through obedience to His Word.
Consider the sobering story of Achan in Joshua 7. Achan’s disobedience—taking what was set apart for God—brought disaster upon himself and the entire nation of Israel. His actions stemmed from placing his desires above God’s command, illustrating how disobedience leads to devastating consequences.
When we lean on our own reasoning and disobey God, we not only harm ourselves but also those around us. Disobedience is a slippery slope that pulls us away from God’s purpose and into a life driven by selfish ambition and misguided pursuits.
Living in Obedience to God’s Word
The path to true fulfillment and alignment with God’s will is through obedience to His Word. James 1:22 exhorts us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” Obedience transforms hearing into action, and action into testimony.
Even Jesus, as He faced the ultimate sacrifice, prayed in Luke 22:42: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will is the ultimate example for us to follow. Living in obedience is not always easy, but it is the path to joy, peace, and eternal rewards.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the absolutes of God’s Word, let us commit ourselves to its authority, heed its warnings, and align our lives with its truth. The Word of God is not just a guide; it is the very breath of God, given to us for wisdom, correction, and hope.
The Bible is clear that we, As Christians, are held accountable by God for our decisions, and especially our decisions concerning His church. As our church grows and seeks God’s best interest in His church let us choose divine wisdom over human reasoning, obedience over disobedience, and trust in the unchanging Word of the Lord. May we, as a congregation, build our lives upon the rock of God’s Word, living in humble submission to its commands and experiencing the abundant life it promises. May the Lord continue to guide us in our decisions, and our church be a beacon of light and hope in the world. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
All To Honor Him!
Pastor John
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Bible Memory Verse
Week 17 – Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalm 23:6, ESV
Week 18 – Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28, KJV
Week 19 – Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31, KJV
Week 20 – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV
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A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, “I know what the Bible means!” His father smiled and replied, “What do you mean, you ‘know’ what the Bible means?”
The son replied, “I do know!” “Okay,” said his father. “What does the Bible mean?” “That’s easy, Daddy…” the young boy replied excitedly, “It stands for ‘Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.’
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Powered by God
God made us: invented us as a [person] invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else.Now God designed the human machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from himself, because it is not there. —C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice Every Thursday at 1pm
You may reach Pastor John at #607-651-4760 or at his.ship@gmail.com
E-Mail Carolyn White with any praises, joys, or prayer requests (whisperpines@frontiernet.net) throughout the week.
Sunday, May 11th – Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Sunday, May 11th – 3pm – Barnes Kasson Service – if would like to help, please see Pastor John
Saturday, May 17th – Armed Forces Day
Wednesday, May 21st – Men’s Breakfast – 8am
Monday, May 26th – Happy Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 27th – Newsletter Deadline
Thursday, May 29th – Ascension Day
Thursday, June 5th – Presbyterian Women Meeting – 11am
Don’t forget our card ministry – If you would like a card sent to a particular person to give them a lift or let them know they are missed or offer encouragement, etc. etc., just give the name and address to Cathe. Cards, envelopes and postage will be provided and placed on a table in the Community Building the first Sunday of each month. As we file past the table on our way to the coffee pot, we will be able to sign each of the cards and Cathe will address the envelopes and mail them.
NOTE: Our website is: www.franklinhillpresbyterian.org where you can access online messages, event calendar, our church newsletter, mission, etc. Check it out when you can! Also check our Facebook Page! Phone #570-967-2075