Blog https://www.soldiercreek.org Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:36:58 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Placing our Hope in God https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/placing-our-hope-in-god https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/placing-our-hope-in-god#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:56:10 -0500 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/placing-our-hope-in-god Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy. As believers, we celebrate our hope through Christ, our Savior. For many, however, this time of year can be the hardest. Whether you lost a loved one recently or long ago, the memories triggered by the holidays can bring lingering feelings of loss— that particular ornament, colorful Christmas lights, or even a seasonal family dessert.

Fortunately, the Lord provides guidance through our grief in his Word. Psalm 42, written by temple servants who experienced the glorious presence of the Lord, reveals a depressed heart; "My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me all the day long, 'Where is your God?'" Tragedy strikes the Psalmist; "These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival." The irony of the good memories is the sharp pain they cause the soul. The Psalmist is expressing profound loss.

Grief manifests in many ways: anger, sadness, frustration, fear, loneliness, or other feelings. The Psalmist exemplifies how we might handle this experience:

1. He allows himself to mourn. Rather than seeking to numb or stifle his feelings, he embraces them internally and externally. He cries out to the Lord and others. Sharing our tears provides healing to the heart.

2. He practices self-reflection. Rather than letting his feelings dictate his direction. He takes prayerful action over his thoughts: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" Gospel-centered self-talk helps focus our minds on the Lord.

3. He intentionally centers his heart on the presence and character of the Lord: "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him my salvation and my God." As the feelings of loss overwhelm him, he seeks to remember the Lord is his hope, salvation, and present God. Christ is our ultimate hope.

There are many dynamics at work when the soul of a man or woman is grieving. Grief affects us physically and mentally. The Word of God encourages us to seek out wise counsel. Counsel may include fellow church members, pastors, or medical professionals. Psalm 42 provides a spiritual guide for the heart: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

]]> Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy. As believers, we celebrate our hope through Christ, our Savior. For many, however, this time of year can be the hardest. Whether you lost a loved one recently or long ago, the memories triggered by the holidays can bring lingering feelings of loss— that particular ornament, colorful Christmas lights, or even a seasonal family dessert.

Fortunately, the Lord provides guidance through our grief in his Word. Psalm 42, written by temple servants who experienced the glorious presence of the Lord, reveals a depressed heart; "My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me all the day long, 'Where is your God?'" Tragedy strikes the Psalmist; "These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival." The irony of the good memories is the sharp pain they cause the soul. The Psalmist is expressing profound loss.

Grief manifests in many ways: anger, sadness, frustration, fear, loneliness, or other feelings. The Psalmist exemplifies how we might handle this experience:

1. He allows himself to mourn. Rather than seeking to numb or stifle his feelings, he embraces them internally and externally. He cries out to the Lord and others. Sharing our tears provides healing to the heart.

2. He practices self-reflection. Rather than letting his feelings dictate his direction. He takes prayerful action over his thoughts: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" Gospel-centered self-talk helps focus our minds on the Lord.

3. He intentionally centers his heart on the presence and character of the Lord: "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him my salvation and my God." As the feelings of loss overwhelm him, he seeks to remember the Lord is his hope, salvation, and present God. Christ is our ultimate hope.

There are many dynamics at work when the soul of a man or woman is grieving. Grief affects us physically and mentally. The Word of God encourages us to seek out wise counsel. Counsel may include fellow church members, pastors, or medical professionals. Psalm 42 provides a spiritual guide for the heart: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

]]> Politics & The Church https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/politics-the-church https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/politics-the-church#comments Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:33:44 -0500 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/politics-the-church We are blessed to live in a country with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a constitutional republic.  Many have given their lives, and others continue to sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy.  Unfortunately, the country's current cultural and political climate is terribly polarized.  The cosmic divide stretches from D.C. to our kitchen tables at times.  The country has experienced this kind of turmoil before, but it is particularly harsh and delicate.  With this in mind, we turn to the Lord and consider the church's role in the coming days and months.

Individually, each member should take a positive, active part in the leadership and influence of civil government.  The country needs those who hold Christian beliefs to support the values that reflect a Biblical worldview.  Likewise, the Scripture says believers are to be subject to the governing authorities, “for there is no authority except that which God has established…they are God’s servants” (Romans 13).  It was no small thing for the apostle to write this as the church was under persecution.

As a church body, we will pray together for our government and the Lord to be glorified in the country.  On the other hand, we will not endorse a political party or candidate for office.  Consider the following reasons for this approach:

1)         The Scripture is clear that, as the church, we are ambassadors of faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).  This means each local congregation acts as an embassy of the kingdom of God to the world.  From Washington to London, from Moscow to Beijing, wherever a local body of believers gather congregationally, they represent the kingdom of God on earth.

Jesus famously told Pilate during his trial, “...my kingdom is not of this world…my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).  One day, according to Revelation 11:15, the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.  Meanwhile, our focus as a church is to spread the good news of the kingdom to everyone possible—this includes members of every political party and those who do not associate with one.

2)         In a time full of internet trolling, malicious sound bites, and unhinged emotion, the church, more than ever, can be the fragrance of Christ to the Lord and those who are being saved.  Like the apostles, “…we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).  Far be it from us to allow anything but Christ himself to be a stumbling block to an unbelieving world (1 Corinthians 1:23).

3)         The church is instructed to petition, pray, intercede, and give thanks for all of those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This highlights the Great Commission of the church.  It is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2).  The church rises above it all in a society polarized by political viewpoints.  We are the light of the world—a town built on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).

How do we apply these values?  As a church, we focus on Christ and his gospel.  We lift up the Word of God and enjoy the Scripture when we come together in our small groups and worship gatherings.  We talk about our love for our Savior and walk in a way that honors him.  As we seek to share Christ, we remember his words to disciples:  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).

]]> We are blessed to live in a country with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a constitutional republic.  Many have given their lives, and others continue to sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy.  Unfortunately, the country's current cultural and political climate is terribly polarized.  The cosmic divide stretches from D.C. to our kitchen tables at times.  The country has experienced this kind of turmoil before, but it is particularly harsh and delicate.  With this in mind, we turn to the Lord and consider the church's role in the coming days and months.

Individually, each member should take a positive, active part in the leadership and influence of civil government.  The country needs those who hold Christian beliefs to support the values that reflect a Biblical worldview.  Likewise, the Scripture says believers are to be subject to the governing authorities, “for there is no authority except that which God has established…they are God’s servants” (Romans 13).  It was no small thing for the apostle to write this as the church was under persecution.

As a church body, we will pray together for our government and the Lord to be glorified in the country.  On the other hand, we will not endorse a political party or candidate for office.  Consider the following reasons for this approach:

1)         The Scripture is clear that, as the church, we are ambassadors of faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).  This means each local congregation acts as an embassy of the kingdom of God to the world.  From Washington to London, from Moscow to Beijing, wherever a local body of believers gather congregationally, they represent the kingdom of God on earth.

Jesus famously told Pilate during his trial, “...my kingdom is not of this world…my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).  One day, according to Revelation 11:15, the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.  Meanwhile, our focus as a church is to spread the good news of the kingdom to everyone possible—this includes members of every political party and those who do not associate with one.

2)         In a time full of internet trolling, malicious sound bites, and unhinged emotion, the church, more than ever, can be the fragrance of Christ to the Lord and those who are being saved.  Like the apostles, “…we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).  Far be it from us to allow anything but Christ himself to be a stumbling block to an unbelieving world (1 Corinthians 1:23).

3)         The church is instructed to petition, pray, intercede, and give thanks for all of those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This highlights the Great Commission of the church.  It is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and come to know the truth (1 Timothy 2).  The church rises above it all in a society polarized by political viewpoints.  We are the light of the world—a town built on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).

How do we apply these values?  As a church, we focus on Christ and his gospel.  We lift up the Word of God and enjoy the Scripture when we come together in our small groups and worship gatherings.  We talk about our love for our Savior and walk in a way that honors him.  As we seek to share Christ, we remember his words to disciples:  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).

]]> Giving Thanks in Everything! https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/giving-thanks-in-everything https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/giving-thanks-in-everything#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:53:12 -0500 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/giving-thanks-in-everything Christ is the ultimate example of a thankful heart amid suffering.  Psalm 69 is Messianic in nature and speaks from the personal perspective of our Lord on the cross of Calvary.  He cried out, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.  I sink…I am weary.” As he took on the sin of those who place their faith in him as Lord, he confessed, “…I have borne reproach…dishonor has covered my face.”  He felt utterly alone, “I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons.”  The Psalm shares the agony our Lord experienced as he died.  And yet, Christ would choose to focus on the greatness and goodness of God, “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30). 

Practicing thanksgiving, no matter the circumstances is challenging, but there is a reward for those who trust the Lord.  We live in a dark world where sin and suffering abound.  We sometimes cry out to God for his salvation.  Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed and even alone.  We can take heart knowing our Lord has experienced these things and knows what we’re going through.  He loves us, and as we praise his name and seek to magnify him with thanksgiving, he fills us with the assurance of his presence and peace.

Let’s make this our prayer—to praise the name of God with a song and magnify him with thanksgiving.

]]> Christ is the ultimate example of a thankful heart amid suffering.  Psalm 69 is Messianic in nature and speaks from the personal perspective of our Lord on the cross of Calvary.  He cried out, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.  I sink…I am weary.” As he took on the sin of those who place their faith in him as Lord, he confessed, “…I have borne reproach…dishonor has covered my face.”  He felt utterly alone, “I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons.”  The Psalm shares the agony our Lord experienced as he died.  And yet, Christ would choose to focus on the greatness and goodness of God, “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30). 

Practicing thanksgiving, no matter the circumstances is challenging, but there is a reward for those who trust the Lord.  We live in a dark world where sin and suffering abound.  We sometimes cry out to God for his salvation.  Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed and even alone.  We can take heart knowing our Lord has experienced these things and knows what we’re going through.  He loves us, and as we praise his name and seek to magnify him with thanksgiving, he fills us with the assurance of his presence and peace.

Let’s make this our prayer—to praise the name of God with a song and magnify him with thanksgiving.

]]> The Significance of the Supper https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/Supper https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/Supper#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/Supper Jesus provided the church a pathway of worship together through the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Through this experience, the Lord meets with his people and strengthens their faith as they remember his gospel, hold fast the unity of the Spirit, and anticipate his return.

Worship through the Supper
When Christ established the Supper, he was preparing his disciples for a Passover unlike any they had ever experienced (Luke 22:14-21). The purpose of Passover was to commemorate the salvation of the Israelites when death came to the firstborn of each Egyptian family. The Jewish people were rescued from enslavement and fled Egypt. In the same way, Christ delivered his people from sin through his death, burial, and resurrection. His sacrifice brought redemption.

Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). “Jesus on the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me’” (1 Cor 11:23-24). When we partake of the Supper, we are remembering the broken body of the Lord on the cross. During this unique time of worship together, the Lord shares his intimate presence with us. Our faith in Christ is strengthened through this. Likewise, when we take the cup, we are remembering the blood the Lord shed to secure our redemption. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:25-26).

The book of Hebrews sheds light on the new covenant, “…Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people” (Hebrews 8:7-10) Concerning sacrifice for sin, the Scripture goes on to say, “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13)

Unity through the Supper
In the early church, the congregation would often come together for a fellowship meal, followed by worship through the Lord’s Supper. Unfortunately, the Corinthians had to be warned by the Apostle Paul. They had been allowing ongoing division and factions. This disrupted the unity of the body. They displayed selfishness through their behavior. Many were placing themselves ahead of others at the fellowship meal. This left some hungry, while others became drunk in excess (1 Cor 11:17-22). The disparity of proportions exhibited symptoms of a self-focused group of people rather than a Christ-centered church. The ensuing judgment was severe, “for this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” (1 Cor 11:30)

When we approach the table, we need to take an inventory of our hearts and attitudes toward others. Are we holding resentments? Are we walking in a spirit of submission to the Lord? “…let a man examine himself” (1 Cor 11:28) The Scripture describes a particular sin that occurs when we do not approach the Supper with reverence. “…whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27).

Anticipation through the Supper
When we partake of the Supper, we are looking forward to the return and reign of Christ. This is a time when we will worship the Lord together with all the saints. “And I heard a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns…’Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev 19:6-9)

]]> Jesus provided the church a pathway of worship together through the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Through this experience, the Lord meets with his people and strengthens their faith as they remember his gospel, hold fast the unity of the Spirit, and anticipate his return.

Worship through the Supper
When Christ established the Supper, he was preparing his disciples for a Passover unlike any they had ever experienced (Luke 22:14-21). The purpose of Passover was to commemorate the salvation of the Israelites when death came to the firstborn of each Egyptian family. The Jewish people were rescued from enslavement and fled Egypt. In the same way, Christ delivered his people from sin through his death, burial, and resurrection. His sacrifice brought redemption.

Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). “Jesus on the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me’” (1 Cor 11:23-24). When we partake of the Supper, we are remembering the broken body of the Lord on the cross. During this unique time of worship together, the Lord shares his intimate presence with us. Our faith in Christ is strengthened through this. Likewise, when we take the cup, we are remembering the blood the Lord shed to secure our redemption. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:25-26).

The book of Hebrews sheds light on the new covenant, “…Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people” (Hebrews 8:7-10) Concerning sacrifice for sin, the Scripture goes on to say, “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:13)

Unity through the Supper
In the early church, the congregation would often come together for a fellowship meal, followed by worship through the Lord’s Supper. Unfortunately, the Corinthians had to be warned by the Apostle Paul. They had been allowing ongoing division and factions. This disrupted the unity of the body. They displayed selfishness through their behavior. Many were placing themselves ahead of others at the fellowship meal. This left some hungry, while others became drunk in excess (1 Cor 11:17-22). The disparity of proportions exhibited symptoms of a self-focused group of people rather than a Christ-centered church. The ensuing judgment was severe, “for this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” (1 Cor 11:30)

When we approach the table, we need to take an inventory of our hearts and attitudes toward others. Are we holding resentments? Are we walking in a spirit of submission to the Lord? “…let a man examine himself” (1 Cor 11:28) The Scripture describes a particular sin that occurs when we do not approach the Supper with reverence. “…whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27).

Anticipation through the Supper
When we partake of the Supper, we are looking forward to the return and reign of Christ. This is a time when we will worship the Lord together with all the saints. “And I heard a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns…’Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev 19:6-9)

]]> Transformation through Confession https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/transformation-through-confession https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/transformation-through-confession#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/transformation-through-confession

Confession of sin goes against the natural instinct of mankind. Our fallen nature resists the exposure of failure to God and others. Confession of sin is an act of humility, and it is through this action we worship the Lord, turning away from sin. When we confess our sins, we are acknowledging our wrongful thoughts, attitudes, and behavior to the Lord and others. By confessing our sin, we are glorifying the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ—the one who was tempted in every way but lived a completely holy life. We are acknowledging the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for our sin, on our behalf. And we are giving praise to God for the resurrection of Christ from the grave proving his Lordship over sin and death.

The spiritually alive man is transformed through confession of sin. This is one of the consistent ways the believer becomes more like Christ every day. As the Scripture says, “If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) May each of us experience the transformational grace of God today through confession.

]]>

Confession of sin goes against the natural instinct of mankind. Our fallen nature resists the exposure of failure to God and others. Confession of sin is an act of humility, and it is through this action we worship the Lord, turning away from sin. When we confess our sins, we are acknowledging our wrongful thoughts, attitudes, and behavior to the Lord and others. By confessing our sin, we are glorifying the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ—the one who was tempted in every way but lived a completely holy life. We are acknowledging the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for our sin, on our behalf. And we are giving praise to God for the resurrection of Christ from the grave proving his Lordship over sin and death.

The spiritually alive man is transformed through confession of sin. This is one of the consistent ways the believer becomes more like Christ every day. As the Scripture says, “If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) May each of us experience the transformational grace of God today through confession.

]]> Hope For the Hopeless https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/first-sample-post https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/first-sample-post#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/first-sample-post When Jesus partook in the last supper, he revealed the monumental significance of his death and resurrection. He spoke specifically of the new covenant of his blood. The Jewish people were familiar with the covenants of God. After the flood, the Lord made a covenant with Noah that the earth would never again be destroyed by water and sealed it with a rainbow. God made a covenant with Abraham that through his heir all the peoples of the earth would be blessed and sealed it with the sign of circumcision. The Lord made a covenant with Moses and Israel at Sinai. If they fully obeyed him, out of all the nations, they would be his treasured possession.

At the Last Supper, Jesus said the bread was his body broken for them and the cup was his blood, the blood of the new covenant. Later, these words would not be lost on the apostles. Christ, the Lord God, declared that on the cross he would fulfill all the promises of God. The prophets spoke of a day when the Lord would remove the heart of stone from his people and replace it with a heart of flesh. He would even indwell his people with the Holy Spirit.

What none of us could accomplish on our own, Christ did on the cross and through the resurrection. We know the Lord is holy, yet we are bound in sin. Christ, the fulfillment of the new covenant, took on our sin and died for it. Moreover, he clothes those who call upon him in faith with his righteousness. As new covenant believers in Christ, we have his Holy Spirit and he is transforming us to bear the image of Christ; something we could not do on our own.

Are we experiencing the Lord’s grace through surrender to him or are failing to honor the Lord based upon our own powerlessness? Trust in Christ as Lord and submit to him today!

]]> When Jesus partook in the last supper, he revealed the monumental significance of his death and resurrection. He spoke specifically of the new covenant of his blood. The Jewish people were familiar with the covenants of God. After the flood, the Lord made a covenant with Noah that the earth would never again be destroyed by water and sealed it with a rainbow. God made a covenant with Abraham that through his heir all the peoples of the earth would be blessed and sealed it with the sign of circumcision. The Lord made a covenant with Moses and Israel at Sinai. If they fully obeyed him, out of all the nations, they would be his treasured possession.

At the Last Supper, Jesus said the bread was his body broken for them and the cup was his blood, the blood of the new covenant. Later, these words would not be lost on the apostles. Christ, the Lord God, declared that on the cross he would fulfill all the promises of God. The prophets spoke of a day when the Lord would remove the heart of stone from his people and replace it with a heart of flesh. He would even indwell his people with the Holy Spirit.

What none of us could accomplish on our own, Christ did on the cross and through the resurrection. We know the Lord is holy, yet we are bound in sin. Christ, the fulfillment of the new covenant, took on our sin and died for it. Moreover, he clothes those who call upon him in faith with his righteousness. As new covenant believers in Christ, we have his Holy Spirit and he is transforming us to bear the image of Christ; something we could not do on our own.

Are we experiencing the Lord’s grace through surrender to him or are failing to honor the Lord based upon our own powerlessness? Trust in Christ as Lord and submit to him today!

]]> Living by Faith in Christ https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-2 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-2#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-2 In the Genesis account, Abram exhibited both healthy and unhealthy traits.  At times he would show a willingness to obey the Lord against the odds.  Other times, Abram feared man more than he feared God.  He felt safe when he had a sense of control of the circumstances of life.  No doubt, all of us can relate to the highs and lows of his character.  

As Abram is introduced in the Scripture, the Lord speaks to him about leaving his country and going to a place the Lord would show to him.  “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).  It is no small act of obedience that Abram followed the Lord at this time.  Leaving the comforts of the familiar- friends and the security of a set routine, Abram took his wife, a few other family members and headed out.  

As the patriarch approached Egypt, his mind must have run through all the possible disastrous experiences facing him.  It is easy for us to feel disconnected from the men and women we read about.  Fear seized Abram’s heart.  The rumination of his mind had taken ground over the promise the Lord had made to him (“I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing…”).  As the account goes, Abram told Sarai his wife to play the part of his sister, rather than his spouse.  He was certain her physical beauty would lead to his elimination by the Egyptian officials.  Sadly, when we fail to believe the promises of God, those closest to us are the ones who often bear the greatest hurt.  Much later, Abram would repeat this same sin when he came into contact with Abimelech, king of Gerar.  

What are we to make of this man?  One moment brokenness in his character was revealed through acts of fear, while other times he would show a heart of charity and bravery.  Abram offered his cousin Lot the pick of the land on their journey.  Lot chose the fertile valley and Abram traveled the opposite direction toward a land full of uncertainty.  Later when Abram received word of Lot’s imprisonment during an ongoing tribal war, Abram took up arms and defeated kings to rescue Lot.  Abram even showed his gratitude to the Lord following the battle by presenting offerings to the priest and king, Melchizadek, the pre-incarnate Christ.

Through these episodes, it becomes clear Abram, later known as Abraham, could easily vacillate between good works and works of the flesh.  The Lord teaches us much through Abraham’s life:

First, we learn, God is the one who called Abraham to himself.  This man did not wake up one day and decide to turn over a new leaf, pack up his family, and follow the Lord.  The opposite is true.  It was the Lord’s initiative to speak to Abraham’s heart.  

Second, Abraham did not decide his purpose and manifest a grandiose scheme to become the father of many nations.  The Lord is the one who told Abraham his descendants would one-day number more than the stars in the sky.  

Finally, we learn through Abraham what truly pleases the Lord above all things.  Abraham believed the promise of God was true and acted upon his faith in the word of the Lord.  This simple, yet significant act of faith to believe the Lord, was what the Scripture says caused the Lord to credit Abraham as righteous.  “…without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  The faith in the person and work of God by Abraham, is the same faith in Christ, his death and resurrection, that saves us today!

]]> In the Genesis account, Abram exhibited both healthy and unhealthy traits.  At times he would show a willingness to obey the Lord against the odds.  Other times, Abram feared man more than he feared God.  He felt safe when he had a sense of control of the circumstances of life.  No doubt, all of us can relate to the highs and lows of his character.  

As Abram is introduced in the Scripture, the Lord speaks to him about leaving his country and going to a place the Lord would show to him.  “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).  It is no small act of obedience that Abram followed the Lord at this time.  Leaving the comforts of the familiar- friends and the security of a set routine, Abram took his wife, a few other family members and headed out.  

As the patriarch approached Egypt, his mind must have run through all the possible disastrous experiences facing him.  It is easy for us to feel disconnected from the men and women we read about.  Fear seized Abram’s heart.  The rumination of his mind had taken ground over the promise the Lord had made to him (“I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing…”).  As the account goes, Abram told Sarai his wife to play the part of his sister, rather than his spouse.  He was certain her physical beauty would lead to his elimination by the Egyptian officials.  Sadly, when we fail to believe the promises of God, those closest to us are the ones who often bear the greatest hurt.  Much later, Abram would repeat this same sin when he came into contact with Abimelech, king of Gerar.  

What are we to make of this man?  One moment brokenness in his character was revealed through acts of fear, while other times he would show a heart of charity and bravery.  Abram offered his cousin Lot the pick of the land on their journey.  Lot chose the fertile valley and Abram traveled the opposite direction toward a land full of uncertainty.  Later when Abram received word of Lot’s imprisonment during an ongoing tribal war, Abram took up arms and defeated kings to rescue Lot.  Abram even showed his gratitude to the Lord following the battle by presenting offerings to the priest and king, Melchizadek, the pre-incarnate Christ.

Through these episodes, it becomes clear Abram, later known as Abraham, could easily vacillate between good works and works of the flesh.  The Lord teaches us much through Abraham’s life:

First, we learn, God is the one who called Abraham to himself.  This man did not wake up one day and decide to turn over a new leaf, pack up his family, and follow the Lord.  The opposite is true.  It was the Lord’s initiative to speak to Abraham’s heart.  

Second, Abraham did not decide his purpose and manifest a grandiose scheme to become the father of many nations.  The Lord is the one who told Abraham his descendants would one-day number more than the stars in the sky.  

Finally, we learn through Abraham what truly pleases the Lord above all things.  Abraham believed the promise of God was true and acted upon his faith in the word of the Lord.  This simple, yet significant act of faith to believe the Lord, was what the Scripture says caused the Lord to credit Abraham as righteous.  “…without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).  The faith in the person and work of God by Abraham, is the same faith in Christ, his death and resurrection, that saves us today!

]]> Congregational Worship: The Heart of the Matter https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-3 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-3#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/sample-post-3 How do we know if our congregational worship through music is bringing joy to the Lord?  The heart of the issue in worship is the heart.  This theme is constant throughout Scripture.

In the Law of Moses, Israel was instructed, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:5).  Unfortunately, this proved to be an impossible task for Israel and for us.  Jeremiah described the dilemma, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick…” (Jeremiah 17:9).  The idea conveyed by the prophet is deliberate duplicity.  This is bad news.  Not only are we born diseased, but our natural inclination is to choose to be deceitful. 

With these things in mind, how is it possible to have a pure heart in worship of the Lord?  Ezekiel foretold the answer to this question, “…I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart…I will put My Spirit within you…” (Ezekiel 36:24-27).  The Lord, who breathed life into the heart of mankind at creation, had a plan to redeem us from the plague of sin!

During the ministry of Jesus, a man of the Pharisees came to the Lord in the dark of night seeking answers.  Jesus told him, “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God…you must be born again” (John 3:5-7).  Others questioned Jesus feeling threatened by his authority.  In the face of their contrarian attitude, Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; They worship me in vain…” (Matthew 15:1-9).

As water reflects the face, the heart reflects the real person (Proverbs 27:19).  When we come together to worship, the issue of first importance is the state of our hearts.  Have we professed Christ as Lord, confessed our sin to him, and received the forgiveness he offered through his death on the cross?  Have we been born again by the Spirit of Christ?  Are we living in the freedom provided through the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Steps to take as we seek to enjoy the Lord in worship (James 4:7-10):

1.  We submit our hearts to the Lord.

2.  Christ surrendered his all to the Father on the cross.

3.  We draw near to the Lord.  He promises to draw near to us.

4.  We confess and mourn our double-mindedness to the Lord and others.  He provides forgiveness through Christ’s death on the cross.

5.  In humility, we confess total reliance upon the Lord for a pure heart.  He will lift us up; Just as Christ rose from the dead, we have new life in him.

]]> How do we know if our congregational worship through music is bringing joy to the Lord?  The heart of the issue in worship is the heart.  This theme is constant throughout Scripture.

In the Law of Moses, Israel was instructed, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:5).  Unfortunately, this proved to be an impossible task for Israel and for us.  Jeremiah described the dilemma, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick…” (Jeremiah 17:9).  The idea conveyed by the prophet is deliberate duplicity.  This is bad news.  Not only are we born diseased, but our natural inclination is to choose to be deceitful. 

With these things in mind, how is it possible to have a pure heart in worship of the Lord?  Ezekiel foretold the answer to this question, “…I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart…I will put My Spirit within you…” (Ezekiel 36:24-27).  The Lord, who breathed life into the heart of mankind at creation, had a plan to redeem us from the plague of sin!

During the ministry of Jesus, a man of the Pharisees came to the Lord in the dark of night seeking answers.  Jesus told him, “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God…you must be born again” (John 3:5-7).  Others questioned Jesus feeling threatened by his authority.  In the face of their contrarian attitude, Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; They worship me in vain…” (Matthew 15:1-9).

As water reflects the face, the heart reflects the real person (Proverbs 27:19).  When we come together to worship, the issue of first importance is the state of our hearts.  Have we professed Christ as Lord, confessed our sin to him, and received the forgiveness he offered through his death on the cross?  Have we been born again by the Spirit of Christ?  Are we living in the freedom provided through the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Steps to take as we seek to enjoy the Lord in worship (James 4:7-10):

1.  We submit our hearts to the Lord.

2.  Christ surrendered his all to the Father on the cross.

3.  We draw near to the Lord.  He promises to draw near to us.

4.  We confess and mourn our double-mindedness to the Lord and others.  He provides forgiveness through Christ’s death on the cross.

5.  In humility, we confess total reliance upon the Lord for a pure heart.  He will lift us up; Just as Christ rose from the dead, we have new life in him.

]]> Desire, Temptation, & Death https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/desire-temptation---death https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/desire-temptation---death#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/desire-temptation---death "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).  The path of temptation is well-trodden.  The wake of death sin leaves behind is full of personal devastation and relational trauma.  No matter the sin, the process and resulting death remain constant.  James is clear the source of temptation lies within the desire of the heart.

While we are responsible for our actions, the enemy knows how to exploit our vulnerabilities.  Though the Lord did not give in, Christ was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).  In the same way, Adam and Eve were visited by Satan, the tempting serpent.  Unlike the Savior (Hebrews 2:18) they did succumb to the lure of desire.  In an instant, their actions of rebellion turned their hearts from the euphoria of enticement to shame (Genesis 3:1-7).

How is it at one moment the children of God can be at peace within the fellowship of the Lord and the next, enticed by ungodly desire?  Like Adam and Eve, the lure of desire can overwhelm the heart of love for the Lord.  The apostle Paul list for us the acts of the sinful nature:  sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21).  Due to life experience, family of origin, and the selfishness of the sinful nature, men and women are all enticed by sin.  Fortunately, through the account of the fall, the Bible shows us the precursors to all temptation and sin.

The fundamental starting point that leads to sin is a lack of delight in the living Word of God.  Listen to Satan’s words to Eve, “Did God actually say you may not eat from any tree in the garden” (Genesis 3:1).  This was a gross misrepresentation of what the Lord actually said.  God had told Adam, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).  The root of the rebellion against the Lord was a distancing of the heart from his Word.  This can take many forms from ignoring his Word, choosing not to read, or twisting the words of Scripture to support the sin we are being enticed to embrace.  Remember the words of David, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

The next step leading toward the clutches of sin is questioning the character of the Lord.  Once Eve recounted to the enemy the words of the Lord, his response was, “You will not surely die…God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).  Sadly, as our hearts are enticed by the lure of desire our vision of God can become blurred as we turn away from him.  Through our attention and actions we are questioning the goodness and holiness of the Lord.  Essentially we are rationalizing sinful desire:  “Does God really care about this attitude or action/does it matter?” and “surely God wants me to be happy?”

Once Eve and Adam dismissed the Word of God, unbelief set in.  They questioned the righteous character of God.  the Bible says, “…when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit…” (Genesis 3:6).  In this moment we are able to view the enticement of desire.  Once Eve crossed this line of ungodly enchantment in her heart, desire had given birth to sin.  Tragically, after both of them disobeyed the Lord, they were banished from the paradise of the garden.

The good news of Jesus Christ is though all of us have sinned and have been stricken with spiritual death, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin on the cross and rose from the dead, revealing his victory over sin and death.  As we nuture our faith in Christ through his Word every day and recount the goodness of his gospel, we have the opportunity for our delight in God to overcome ungodly desire.  Rather than living a life of defeat and death, we can experience the abundant life of walking in the light of the Savior. 

]]> "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).  The path of temptation is well-trodden.  The wake of death sin leaves behind is full of personal devastation and relational trauma.  No matter the sin, the process and resulting death remain constant.  James is clear the source of temptation lies within the desire of the heart.

While we are responsible for our actions, the enemy knows how to exploit our vulnerabilities.  Though the Lord did not give in, Christ was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).  In the same way, Adam and Eve were visited by Satan, the tempting serpent.  Unlike the Savior (Hebrews 2:18) they did succumb to the lure of desire.  In an instant, their actions of rebellion turned their hearts from the euphoria of enticement to shame (Genesis 3:1-7).

How is it at one moment the children of God can be at peace within the fellowship of the Lord and the next, enticed by ungodly desire?  Like Adam and Eve, the lure of desire can overwhelm the heart of love for the Lord.  The apostle Paul list for us the acts of the sinful nature:  sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21).  Due to life experience, family of origin, and the selfishness of the sinful nature, men and women are all enticed by sin.  Fortunately, through the account of the fall, the Bible shows us the precursors to all temptation and sin.

The fundamental starting point that leads to sin is a lack of delight in the living Word of God.  Listen to Satan’s words to Eve, “Did God actually say you may not eat from any tree in the garden” (Genesis 3:1).  This was a gross misrepresentation of what the Lord actually said.  God had told Adam, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).  The root of the rebellion against the Lord was a distancing of the heart from his Word.  This can take many forms from ignoring his Word, choosing not to read, or twisting the words of Scripture to support the sin we are being enticed to embrace.  Remember the words of David, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

The next step leading toward the clutches of sin is questioning the character of the Lord.  Once Eve recounted to the enemy the words of the Lord, his response was, “You will not surely die…God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).  Sadly, as our hearts are enticed by the lure of desire our vision of God can become blurred as we turn away from him.  Through our attention and actions we are questioning the goodness and holiness of the Lord.  Essentially we are rationalizing sinful desire:  “Does God really care about this attitude or action/does it matter?” and “surely God wants me to be happy?”

Once Eve and Adam dismissed the Word of God, unbelief set in.  They questioned the righteous character of God.  the Bible says, “…when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit…” (Genesis 3:6).  In this moment we are able to view the enticement of desire.  Once Eve crossed this line of ungodly enchantment in her heart, desire had given birth to sin.  Tragically, after both of them disobeyed the Lord, they were banished from the paradise of the garden.

The good news of Jesus Christ is though all of us have sinned and have been stricken with spiritual death, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin on the cross and rose from the dead, revealing his victory over sin and death.  As we nuture our faith in Christ through his Word every day and recount the goodness of his gospel, we have the opportunity for our delight in God to overcome ungodly desire.  Rather than living a life of defeat and death, we can experience the abundant life of walking in the light of the Savior. 

]]> The Lord's Heart for the Nations https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/the-lords-heart-for-the-nations https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/the-lords-heart-for-the-nations#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.soldiercreek.org/blog/post/the-lords-heart-for-the-nations Scripture: Mark 11:15-19

When Jesus entered the temple and began driving out the money changers, He was not alone in His anger on the historic occasion.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus spoke from the prophets, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.”  These words were not lost on the chief priests and the scribes. 

First, the temple was to be a house of worship to everyone who believed from every tribe and tongue.  The leaders knew exactly why Jesus referenced this passage from Isaiah as they had twisted the court of the Gentiles into a place of sinister commerce.  God’s heart is for both Jew and Gentile alike.  No one is to be turned away from worshiping the Lord as they submit and believe in Him.  Second, Jesus said, ‘you have made [the temple] a den of robbers.”  The scribes knew this was an indictment by Jeremiah of leaders from the past who had blessed the Lord with their lips, but through their actions oppressed the orphan, widow, and worshiped idols.  The chief priests knew Jesus was calling them out.

As He cleansed the temple, Christ carried out the passion of a jealous God for His name to be represented accurately and His love for the nations to be made known.  The religious leaders were enraged by Jesus’ actions.  Their sin was exposed by the living Word of God.

Prayer:

May we live our lives for the glory of God in such a way to share His love with everyone around us.  Father, help the words of our mouths and the actions of our lives align with Your heart for the nations.  May we love You through the power of Your Holy Spirit, Amen. 

]]> Scripture: Mark 11:15-19

When Jesus entered the temple and began driving out the money changers, He was not alone in His anger on the historic occasion.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus spoke from the prophets, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.”  These words were not lost on the chief priests and the scribes. 

First, the temple was to be a house of worship to everyone who believed from every tribe and tongue.  The leaders knew exactly why Jesus referenced this passage from Isaiah as they had twisted the court of the Gentiles into a place of sinister commerce.  God’s heart is for both Jew and Gentile alike.  No one is to be turned away from worshiping the Lord as they submit and believe in Him.  Second, Jesus said, ‘you have made [the temple] a den of robbers.”  The scribes knew this was an indictment by Jeremiah of leaders from the past who had blessed the Lord with their lips, but through their actions oppressed the orphan, widow, and worshiped idols.  The chief priests knew Jesus was calling them out.

As He cleansed the temple, Christ carried out the passion of a jealous God for His name to be represented accurately and His love for the nations to be made known.  The religious leaders were enraged by Jesus’ actions.  Their sin was exposed by the living Word of God.

Prayer:

May we live our lives for the glory of God in such a way to share His love with everyone around us.  Father, help the words of our mouths and the actions of our lives align with Your heart for the nations.  May we love You through the power of Your Holy Spirit, Amen. 

]]>