WANTED: Dead AND Alive! (Guest Post by Keith Fife)

This weeks post is from Bethel Church, Choctaw Associate Pastor Keith Fife.  It is actually a two part post and can be read at Keith's blog Christ Is All In All.  The post is from two messages he preached on consecutive Wednesday nights June 11 and 18.  I hope you enjoy it.  Along with the blog post is a "bonus" audio of each message. Please leave Keith some feedback and let him know what you think.

A Father's Responsibility

Being a father is a huge responsibility.  Fathers are there at every stage of a child's life to help them grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically and they acknowledge their responsibility to their family and don't try to shift it on to someone else.  Fathers serve their families in three different capacities.

• The first is as spiritual head of the home and family.  Fathers have to understand that every decision they make whether good or bad will affect everyone in the home.  To make wise godly decisions, Fathers have to have the mind of Christ.
• Fathers also serve as the priest of the home. Just as Jesus is our High Priest and sacrificed His life for us all and is always interceding for us, fathers make sacrifices for their families and never cease to intercede for them.
• A father is also the "warrior" for his family. They have to go to battle for the health and future of their wife and children.  Ephesians 6:13 "therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm." Dad, you are in a battle for your family but don't be dismayed, because God will be your strength.

There are five gifts that every dad can give to his children.  These gifts have the power to change your children's life.

1. Love and Encouragement.  Every father needs to be the greatest support that his children have.  Fathers should encourage their children to set goals for their lives and rejoice with them in every achievement.
2. Time and Acceptance.  Children need their father's time.  One man said children spell "love" "T-I-M-E."  If you want your children to know you love them, then spend time with them.  Also accept your children for who they are and speak positive words into their lives.  Your children aren't perfect, but neither are you.
3. Your Care.  A father is to provide for his children and give them the kind of care that will help develop them in to what God desires for their life.
4. Your Faith.  If a father has faith in God and His Word and in everything seeks to obey Him, his children will most likely put their confidence in God when they are older.
5. Your Example.  A father is to be a godly example to his children.  Telling your children what is right isn't enough.  You must show them by example.

Being a father is a great honor.  But it is also a great challenge.  Are you up it?  With God's help you can do it.

-- Pastor Temple

The Power Of Your Testimony (Part 2)

Your testimony can have a powerful impact on the lives of other people and there is incredible power in sharing your story.  When you share the story of God's work in your life you are sharing your testimony and that's exactly what God expects from you.  You don't have to be a Biblical scholar to be a witness.  You only have to be willing to share the story of what God did in your life.

When Jesus encountered and ministered to people they would in turn share their story of what Jesus did.  When he healed the blind man, the blind man simply reported that all he knew was that "I was blind, and now I can see!" (John 9:25).  When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, she reported to others "come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did!  Can this be the Messiah?" (John 4:29).

In this post I want to share with you four strategies for you to have a powerful testimony that will impact the lives of others.

1.  Do Good

It's really that simple.  Galatians 6:10 tells us "whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone."  It's simple, but it isn't always easy.  Doing good requires you to be unafraid of what others may or may not say.  You can't worry about the crowds when it comes to your testimony.  God calls us to do good, but we have to realize that we can't do it in our own ability. We must rely on God to help us.

2.  Keep Your Focus On The Cross

It's unfortunate, but there are many Christians who like to share their "horror stories" about what

they were like before they came to Christ.  It's almost as if they were bragging on their sins.  Even though their life before Christ is important to their story, the most important part is what Christ has done for them.  So whenever you share your story, the focus needs to be on what Jesus did, not on what you did.  That's why Paul said in Galatians 6:14 "God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord."  The more we focus on the cross the less we focus on the stuff that weighs us down.

3.  Realize You Are A Changed Person

Galatians 6:15-16 tells us we are a changed person. If you want to have a powerful testimony, and if you want to have confidence to share your story, then you have to realize you are not the same person you were before.  Those who become Christians are not the same anymore.  The old life is gone and a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Your testimony is more effective when you realize you are not the same person you use to be.

4.  Be Willing To Take The Hits And Wear The Scars

Paul readily admitted "from now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus." (Galatians 6:17).  Paul was willing to take the hits, both literally and figuratively, and still live for God's purpose.  Paul was willing to do whatever it took as long as it meant he could live for Christ.

Your story can be a powerful impact on others.  It's time you share it.

-- Pastor Temple

The Power Of Your Testimony (Part 1)

"And they overcame him (Satan; the accuser of the brothers) by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony..."  (Revelation 12:11).  Your testimony is a powerfully important part of your life.  Your testimony is what makes you a real threat to the devil.  It's  not just what you come through that makes you a threat; it's that you came through your circumstances and now have a testimony of God's delivering power and grace.

1.  Don't Hide Your Testimony

Whatever you do, never be afraid to share your testimony.  It's yours, no one can take that from you.  Too many people let a spirit of fear manipulate and intimidate them into not sharing what God has brought them through and what He has done for them.  Your testimony has the power to bring life, hope, joy, peace, restoration, and deliverance to not only yourself, but to others also. The devil knows the power of your testimony, it's time you realized it too.

2.  The Power Of Your Testimony

We overcome by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of our testimony.  It is very possible that someone who was ready to quit on life is going to keep on living because of your testimony.  Grasp this truth: "when you go through big trials and big problems, it allow you to have a big testimony!" Remember, there is no miracle without a problem; no victory without a battle; no resurrection without a death; and no testimony without a trial.  You may be facing a huge fiery trial right now, but you are going to make it through.  You may not see it, you may not feel it but God is working to give you a tremendous testimony.  The Psalmist David declared: "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:2-3).

You have a testimony.  It is time you told the devil that God is greater than anything he can throw at you.  There is power in your testimony and you need to share it, so start today!

-- Pastor Temple

The Holy Spirit (Part 7)

I want to answer some questions concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  The two principle questions I want to deal with are: 1) Has the baptism in the Holy Spirit been done away with? 2) Is there any purpose for this gift in the church today?  I will answer these questions based on what the Word of God teaches and not what man believes.

1.  Has Tongues Been Done Away With?

Those who teach that tongues are no longer relevant in the church today, often use 1 Corinthians 13:8 as their primary scripture to validate their point.  This scripture reads in part "...But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled;..."  Upon close examination of this passage, it also says that "...where there is knowledge, it will pass away." If one is going to use this scripture to fortify their argument that "tongues have ceased" then they will also have to acknowledge that "knowledge has passed away" and we know this isn't the case. This passage is referring to the perfect age when none of these will be necessary.

2.  Why Some Believe It Is Not Necessary To Speak In Tongues.

For those who teach that it isn't necessary to speak in tongues, they use 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 as their primary scripture, especially verse 30 "...do all speak in tongues?..."  To which the inferred answer is "no."  What they fail to see and understand is that Paul is addressing "ministry gifts" and not the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  He is talking about the ministry of tongues and interpretation. If one tries to use these verses as argument for "tongues not being necessary" then they are stretching the intent of Paul's words and taking them out of context.

3.  The Purpose of Speaking In Tongues.

There are five reasons why Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to speak in tongues:

• It is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6)
• It is a way to speak directly to God (1 Corinthians 14:2)
• For self-edification (1 Corinthians 14:3; Jude 20)
• It helps the believer pray for the unknown (Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:2)
• It brings the tongue under subjection (James 3:8; 1 Corinthians 14:2, 5)

Allow God to speak to you and show you the truth of His Word.  It is exciting to see what God will do when we yield ourselves completely to Him.

-- Pastor Temple

How To Honor Your Mother

Yesterday was "Mother's Day."  I know many mom's had a great day as their children pampered them, feed them, and perhaps gave them cards and presents.  I think it is great that we set aside a day to recognize the hard work and challenges of motherhood.  But I believe it's important for us to honor our mothers everyday.  I want to share with you eight ways you can honor your mom.

1. Verbally.  Whenever possible make sure you tell your mom how much you love her!  As often as possible, express your admiration for all the wonderful qualities she has.  And if there are any issues you need to talk to her about, do it with love and respect.
2. Affectionately.  Remember, your mother was the first one to hold and cradle you.  She was the one who affectionately cared for all your needs.  As you get older be sure to reciprocate that affection by hugging and embracing her often.
3. Patiently.  No one is perfect.  But if there is one person who merits our understanding and patience, it's our mothers.  Remember, she labors under a huge responsibility.  Instead of complaining, we should pray for her often.
4. Gratefully.  In general, moms give an incredible amount, and all they usually want in return
   
   is to be appreciated and heard.  Be grateful while you have your mother with you.  Don't wait until it is too late.  Look for special ways to show your gratitude for all she has done.
5. Generously.  If you have the means, consider what you can do to make your mom's life a little easier.  Give her what she needs, lovingly and sacrificially.  It displeases the Lord when children concentrate on building wealth but leave their parents in poverty.
6. Forgivingly.  There is never a legitimate reason to hold a grudge against your mom. If you ever begin to feel angry over some past hurt, remember how many times she forgave you. Think about all the sacrifices she has made for you and show her forgiveness and compassion.
7. Cheerfully.  Many times we take our troubles to our mothers but forget to bring our joys and successes to them as well.  Our moms need encouragement.  We should try to stay positive, make them laugh and remember all the good times we've had together.
8. Honorably.  Do you live in such a way that your mom is proud of you? Nothing honors your mother so much as seeing you and your children as godly believers, fully devoted to Jesus Christ.  Live an honorable life to show respect for what your mother has poured into you.

Mothers are a precious gift to their families and the value of a godly mother is beyond measure.  So love your mom.  Whether she lives close to you or has gone on to be with the Lord, celebrate her life by how you live.

-- Pastor Temple

The Greatest Satisfaction In Life (Guest Post)

This week's post is from Keith Fife.  It covers the importance of preferring others over yourself and how that will bring you the greatest satisfaction in life.  You can read it here.