THE PASTORS PEN

FAITH THRU THE FURNACE

Growth in the Christian life rarely comes through comfort. Just as gold is purified by fire, so our faith is strengthened through trials. The process can be painful, but the reward (maturity in Christ) is eternal. Consider the following verses:

James 1:2–4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5:3–5 …we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame…

1 Peter 1:6–7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Acts 14:22 …through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

These verses teach us that trials are divine tools that refine our character and produce spiritual faithfulness. Paul states the progression: suffering > endurance > character > hope as the love of God grows more and more in us through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Peter explains that the trials we go through test the genuineness of our faith and shape us for Christ-centered worship for today and eternity. And again, Paul reminds us that we will go through many tribulations in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

We often seek spiritual growth through comfort or the path of least resistance. But as we see in Scripture, true growth takes place through hardship, not around it. Trials can stretch us beyond our limits. But when we are faithful, they cultivate endurance, deepen character, and strengthen our hope in the Lord. If we cling to Him, the pain will eventually serve its purpose—sanctification and transformation in Christ. Holding fast during trials isn’t passive survival; it’s faith in action. As Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, we run with perseverance, looking to Jesus who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.  

What trial are you currently facing? How is God seeking to shape you through it? Are you holding fast to the Word of God no matter the cost? Remember, holding fast to the things of Christ is not just to endure, but to grow more and more in the likeness of the One who has saved our souls. James reminds us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Amid trials, God is not absent. He is refining. Trials are not meaningless, but opportunities to trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; an opportunity to stand fast on the word of truth and be forged for eternal things. This is faith through the furnace: a tested trust that endures, matures, and reflects the glory of Christ who walks with us through every flame.

A LITTLE GETAWAY

 

Took off to Sonora after bible study on Wednesday for a little getaway with Gabi. Made a great office on Thursday, and then we were back on Friday. Love living in a place where we can do this on the fly.

THE PASTORS PEN

 

I think it's fair to say that we all want peace in our lives, especially during the holidays. Whether it is with family members or co-workers or simply when we're trying to purchase a last minute gift at the mall or merge onto the freeway. Why is it that peace so often times feel so far away?

In Colossians 3, Paul encourages believers to put on the 'new-self' which includes putting on the peace of Christ and letting it (Christ's peace) rule our hearts. In the bible, the heart is the root of our affections, our attitude and disposition. It guides our thinking and behaving to such a degree that you don't have to decide to "follow your heart" because you already are. Your attitude, disposition, and behavior are all rooted in your heart. And so, whatever is in your heart is going to come out... eventually.

If your life is lived in rebellion, sin, frustration, or fear, there's a good chance that the peace of Christ is not ruling your heart. Not because life isn't hard or frustrating or even fearful at times, but because you've likely chosen a path towards peace that may include Christ, but does not allow Him to rule over your heart. You live what you believe and what you believe lives in your heart. Thus, Paul's admonition to believers to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart!

Well, what was Christ's peace like? For starters, He trusted fully in God the Father even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances - even in His death. But He not only trusted in the Father, He relied upon Him, forsaking the world, the devil, and the temptations of the flesh that He experienced in His earthly ministry and relying upon God's Word. Finally, He gloried in the Father knowing and understanding that God was, and is, working all things out in the universe for the good, particularly for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

If you want peace this holiday season, know this - it's available. But real peace; abiding peace; peace beyond one's understanding can only be found in another, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is His peace we must obtain. It is His peace that must rule our hearts. How are we to do that?

First, we must trust God, that thru Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven; that Christ has paid the price in full and has freed us from the tyranny of sin and the consequences of sin, namely God's wrath. Second, we must rely upon God knowing that thru his written Word the living Word (Jesus) gives us the Holy Spirit who renews our hearts and encourages us in the ways of God. Lastly, we must glory in God knowing that whatever we may endure in this life it is not worth comparing with the riches of eternity that await all those who trust in Him. This is the peace of Christ that can rule your heart today if you will turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Look to the Son and know that all will be well no matter what difficulties you may face today. And then, in Him, live life to the full for His glory; for the good of all; and with the peace that Christ gives to all who trust in Him and who give Him rule over their lives. May the peace of Christ rule your heart and may you be blessed this Christmas Season!

THE PASTORS PEN

 

One of the things I've noticed in this political season that is different from any other I've experienced is the amount of fear so many have yet who also claim to be Christian. While it may seem a trifle thing, it is not. Let me say two things that I hope will encourage you today: 

First, it is not a light thing to disobey the commandment of God to 'fear not' even in light of the dark cultural forces that are at work presently in the world; things that cause us great discomfort and unease. For the Christian, fear of anything other than the Lord himself is not only disobedience, but it is also foolish. What has the Christian to fear? Loss of health? Are not these bodies wasting away no matter how diligent we care for them (2 Cor 4:16)? Loss of comfort? Was not our Lord in the desert 40 days and nights without food or shelter (Mt 4:1-2)? Disdain and mockery from the world for our beliefs and the way we live our lives (if in fact we are living in a way worthy of His Name)? Was not the Lord mocked and ridiculed and promised the same for those who would be his disciples (Lk 21:17)?  Are we to fear death? Didn't our Lord say, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mat 10:28). No, in all things we are to stand fast in the faith that has been wrought in us by the power of the Holy Spirit in which we do not fear but rejoice in all circumstances because our King reigns! While there is plenty of room for us to weep and to mourn over the lostness of the world as well as those we love and care about, to fear is something we ought not to do. Fear misdirects us; misguides us; deceives us; and ultimately leads us to where it wants us to go. We must not fear. The good news is that we need not fear. For there is no fear in love as perfect love casts out fear and our God has loved us well in face of his Son, the Lord, Jesus Christ.  

Secondly, I would like to point out the cause of our being able to 'fear not' in the midst of corruption and evil in this fallen world. Do we not have the help of the Lord? Dear Christian, can you confidently say with Isaiah and with the writer of Hebrews, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear! For what can man do to me! (Heb 13:6). Is the strength of the Lord not enough for your wearied soul? To whom would you look and to whom would you seek to shelter you from the storms of life if not the Creator of the Universe himself? Is it not the Rock of your salvation and the Mighty King who watches over you; the One by whom all things were made by, thru, and for! O' fear not, those of you who truly fear the Lord, for your salvation awaits you and your King is always near.

Finally, let me add a word of caution for those who are bold in this world and claim to be Christian also. Make sure your boldness is grounded in repentance and sorrow for the sin that has tarnished God's good creation. Purify yourselves; wash the stains of your own conscience in the blood of Christ; rend your garments and pray for mercy that you might be found in Him on that great and terrible Day! There will be no room in heaven for the arrogant; the proud; the contentious or quarrelsome; the malcontents; or those who find comfort in the things of the world - for what fellowship can darkness have with light (2 Cor 6:14)? Many will come to the Lord on that Day and proclaim, "Lord, Lord, didn't we do many good things in your name?" and He will say to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity. I never knew you." (Mt 7:21-23). Being on the right side of the political aisle from a Christian perspective is no substitute for ther personal holiness of the individual believer. The Lord will judge his people (all people are ultimately His) and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb 10:31). 

But, for those of you who have knelt before the King of glory and received the grace of God in repentance and faith; trusted in the Trustworthy One for the salvation of your soul; to you I say... fear not, for it is God Himself who will help you!

THE PASTORS PEN

 

At the end of the day, or rather, at the end of your life, it won't matter how much theology you knew or how much you tithed, or how many people you reached with the gospel (not that these things aren't important). But what is most important is what motivates these things, and that thing is KNOWING the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. Do you know Him? This is the question we must all face and ultimately answer one day. Do you know Him? Do you know God and do you know Jesus Christ? How do you know that you know Him? What standard do you use by which to know that you truly know Him? 

Many today would say that they most definitely know God and Jesus, but Jesus reminds us all that many will be surprised upon their death to learn that, though they claimed to know Him, He doesn't know them! (Mt 7:21-23). It is far to common in this modern age for many to know a Jesus, not of the bible, but of their own imagination. A Jesus who is tolerant and accepting... of everything and everybody! And while it is true that Jesus is long-suffering, He is not ever-suffering. Unless one repents of their own ways, wisdom, and words and turn to His ways, wisdom, and words and then trust and believe in His atoning work on behalf of sinners, then there is little to no hope for them for eternal life in paradise - there is little hope for them that they will come to actually know God and Jesus Christ whom he sent.

There is good news though! God, in his mercy and kindness has given us a book. It tells of all that is occurring in the universe He created and rules over. It tells of how He created all things; how mankind was the pinnacle of His good creation and how mankind fell into sin and rebellion. It tells of God's merciful and gracious plan of saving mankind from his miserable estate thru a promise that would come to fruition in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. It tells of how Jesus lived a life no man could in order to complete the righteousness necessary to be pleasing to God. It also tells of the unjust death He endured on behalf of sinful man so that man's sins could be forgiven. And then, of course, it tells of the glorious resurrection of Christ! God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death for all who believe, because it was not possible for Jesus to be held by it (Acts 2:24).

So, I ask again, do you know Him? Do you know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent? I pray that you do. If you are unsure, find a good church and ask the pastor or a mature believer to teach you the things of God and of his Christ. I promise you won't be disappointed, because to know God and Jesus Christ whom he sent is to know ETERNAL LIFE! 

THE PASTORS PEN

 

Matthew Henry wrote on this passage, "All who are chosen to happiness as the end, are chosen to holiness as the means." What he meant by these words is that the truly happy person in Christ is the one most committed to pleasing Him thru a life of devotion to holy things. This is not because they value piety or virtue in and of themselves, but because they love the Lord. 

Jesus declared, in John 14:15, "If you love me, you'll keep my commandments." He wasn't saying that the proof of ones love for him is found in obedience (although true), but rather that one who truly loves Him will in fact walk in obedience as they strive for the holiness that pleases Him. Why? Because this is what love does - it strives to please the object of ones affections. 

Because man is a fallen creature, his affections have been tainted and are naturally bent towards the self. And where selfish ambition exists, disorder and sinful living will follow (James 3:16). This is why one must be 'born again' in order to even understand where true happiness resides. And true happiness, according to the Scriptures, resides in knowing Christ and His salvation. Only here will one come to understand the meaning of life; the purpose of life; the goal of life; and the happiness of life in HIM! As the Apostle Paul once said, "To live is Christ and to die is gain." This doesn't mean that one enjoys life less... to the contrary it means that thru the pursuit of holiness, with Christ as the aim of one's affections, life can truly be lived to the full (John 10:10).

If you are growing in holiness in accordance with God's Word, and your heart bursts forth in love for the Savior... be sure of this: the God of The Universe is actively working in your life because you are HIS! Pray even now that God would conform you more and more into the image of the Holy One, the Lord, Savior, King, and Friend of those who believe on Him, the God-Man, Jesus Christ. For this is what He came to do - even your sanctification; and in Him you will truly be blameless and happy for all eternity.

THE PASTORS PEN

 

In the gospel of John, the apostle proclaims many things about the Lord Jesus. He says that Jesus is eternal, that He was with God in the beginning, and that He IS God. John says that Jesus created and made all things. And then he says that in Christ was life and that it is this life that is the light of men.

It is clear here that John is playing off of the Genesis event of creation. It is also clear that John is saying that all of life is the result of the One by whom life exists. We live and move and have our being because Christ has deemed it so and because all things hold together in Him (Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:16-17). There is no life apart from Christ. For many of us this is a great joy, understanding our connection and inevitable relationship to the Creator of the Universe. He is the way, the truth, and the LIFE. And those who believe and embrace this strive to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to the Giver of life. But others who deny this connection show it in their disdain, disgust, and behavior that is contrary to the things of God or what is sometimes called the natural order. Sadly, those who kick against the goads will soon enough find out that it is pointless to deny and/or defy Him. God has set a day in which Christ will judge the world and He has proven that this day will occur by raising Jesus from the dead.

You see, the Resurrection of Christ isn’t a so-called Christian event. No, it is a global and universal event that encompasses all of time and space. This is why, on that day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Why? Well, because He is. He is the Lord of the Universe. He is the Lord, of both, the spiritual and physical realm. He is the Lord of history; of kings and principalities; countries and domains. And yes, He is the Lord of LIFE. Calvin once said, “Not even the smallest drop of life can be found outside of Christ.” This applies to both friend and foe of the Savior and without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Do you rejoice in this? Do you take comfort in knowing that your life is intimately connected with Christ who is God? If not, I hope that you would turn to Him today and see that, not only is He worthy of worship, but that He is the only One worth worshipping. May the light of life shine brightly in your hearts today as you look to Him in all things!