Pastor's Thoughts
Yesterday and Today
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Kathy and I thought you would like to see what we looked like so many years ago! This picture was taken on our wedding day, March 26, 1974. God has done miraculous things in our lives! This is not just a picture of us, but a documentation of God’s transforming power! The real blessing to this is that God’s power is available to anyone who asks for it!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new! - II Cor. 5:17 |
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This is a devotional Kathy and I had the honor of writing for Childcare Worldwide for their 30 day prayer vigil.
And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." Isaiah 25:28
We have the privilege and responsibility to be used, by our loving Lord, to help with the "wiping of tears." We cannot wipe all tears from everyone stricken with hunger and destitution. We can be used, by the Lord, to touch some in this world. We can tangibly be the arm of the Lord God Almighty, to reach those who are suffering. It may only be one person or maybe more, however many, it does make a difference!
Over 30 years ago, we attended a missions conference. That conference made a profound impact on our lives. The theme was, "Live More Simply, That Others May Simply Live." We were challenged to examine our life and see if there were ways that we could live more simply that others could simply live. One, of the many booths, that were featured at the conference was one by Childcare International. That, by the way, was the original name for Childcare Worldwide.
Back then, you could support a child through their agency for $15 a month. Through prayer, we decided to cancel our cable TV, which was costing us $15 a month. We cancelled the cable and began supporting a child in Kenya through Childcare International. We have never looked back! To this day, we still do not have cable (or satellite) TV. We have supported several children through this agency. At the present, we support two, one from Kenya and one from Haiti.
We challenge each one reading this, to prayerfully consider how you also may live more simply, that others may simply live. Perhaps what you could give up, may be what gives life to another. By doing so, you would be used to wipe away tears from someone who has far less. By sacrificially loving others, we bring the Kingdom of God to them! We can reveal in a tangible way what Peter said, "...you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 3:8.
Have we changed the world and eliminated hunger? Yes! In the lives of those children! By being used in this way, our lives have been changed too! We have learned that we can live without cable. In fact our lives have been more enriched without it! What a small sacrifice in relation to these children having support so that they may simply live! Will you be a willing vessel? The rewards are out of this world!
Authors: Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
Kathy S. Worrall
And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces." Isaiah 25:28
We have the privilege and responsibility to be used, by our loving Lord, to help with the "wiping of tears." We cannot wipe all tears from everyone stricken with hunger and destitution. We can be used, by the Lord, to touch some in this world. We can tangibly be the arm of the Lord God Almighty, to reach those who are suffering. It may only be one person or maybe more, however many, it does make a difference!
Over 30 years ago, we attended a missions conference. That conference made a profound impact on our lives. The theme was, "Live More Simply, That Others May Simply Live." We were challenged to examine our life and see if there were ways that we could live more simply that others could simply live. One, of the many booths, that were featured at the conference was one by Childcare International. That, by the way, was the original name for Childcare Worldwide.
Back then, you could support a child through their agency for $15 a month. Through prayer, we decided to cancel our cable TV, which was costing us $15 a month. We cancelled the cable and began supporting a child in Kenya through Childcare International. We have never looked back! To this day, we still do not have cable (or satellite) TV. We have supported several children through this agency. At the present, we support two, one from Kenya and one from Haiti.
We challenge each one reading this, to prayerfully consider how you also may live more simply, that others may simply live. Perhaps what you could give up, may be what gives life to another. By doing so, you would be used to wipe away tears from someone who has far less. By sacrificially loving others, we bring the Kingdom of God to them! We can reveal in a tangible way what Peter said, "...you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 3:8.
Have we changed the world and eliminated hunger? Yes! In the lives of those children! By being used in this way, our lives have been changed too! We have learned that we can live without cable. In fact our lives have been more enriched without it! What a small sacrifice in relation to these children having support so that they may simply live! Will you be a willing vessel? The rewards are out of this world!
Authors: Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
Kathy S. Worrall
Marriage Vs. Safe Sex?
Our society is trying very hard to remove the fixed point of reference, the Word of God, that has been the standard our country was even founded upon. Many major points are under direct attack. One of which is our human sexuality. God is clear that our sexuality is important and to be expressed and enjoyed in the covenant of marriage. In the protection of the covenant of marriage, the husband and wife are to completely enjoy each other sexually with no sense of guilt because it is good and right! Yes, there are great protections and even greater joys in the physical union between a husband and wife. Yet, our changing culture has brought broad damage to the institution of marriage. What our culture does not see is the destructiveness brought on by this mentality that marriage, as defined by our Lord in the Bible, is outdated and insignificant.
The culture of the land is feeding our young people with an extremely dangerous sense of false security! We tell them that sex is ok outside of marriage, if you feel you are ready, just be sure to practice safe sex. What is “safe sex” you might ask? What is mainly taught from the school system to Planned Parenthood is the usage of condoms for safe sex. Society has even come to the place where many schools have reportedly handed them out to any student who requests them, yet without parental notification.
The statistics of this plan of “safe sex” might scare you. Condoms bring a risk reduction of 50% or less in the prevention of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis HSV, HPV and Genital Warts. That is what you call safe sex? Condom use does prevent HIV/Aids virus by 85%. Sorry, I won't get on a plane that has an 85% success rate of landing safely. These statistics can be found on the website: http://www.medinstitute.org/public/251.cfm
Years ago I saw a cartoon. It was of a young man asking his grandfather what he wore in the old days for safe sex. His grandfather answered, “A wedding ring!” We are created in the image of God according to the Bible. We teach our children in the public schools that they are an evolutionary being, not any different than the other animals of this world. With that line of teaching, it is no wonder our young generation, and quite frankly many of the older ones as well, act without any clear moral values. We spend billions of dollars every year, yes, every year, to combat the spread of Aids and other STD's. We spend so much so we can live the way we do and not have to be accountable for it. We do need to research and find a cure for those who are infected, but why is this an ongoing battle when the answer is so simple? If this generation would return to the moral values of the scriptures, we would see most STD's be drastically reduced if not completely eradicated in one generation and it would not cost our society one thin dime. God's ways are always the best ways.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
The culture of the land is feeding our young people with an extremely dangerous sense of false security! We tell them that sex is ok outside of marriage, if you feel you are ready, just be sure to practice safe sex. What is “safe sex” you might ask? What is mainly taught from the school system to Planned Parenthood is the usage of condoms for safe sex. Society has even come to the place where many schools have reportedly handed them out to any student who requests them, yet without parental notification.
The statistics of this plan of “safe sex” might scare you. Condoms bring a risk reduction of 50% or less in the prevention of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis HSV, HPV and Genital Warts. That is what you call safe sex? Condom use does prevent HIV/Aids virus by 85%. Sorry, I won't get on a plane that has an 85% success rate of landing safely. These statistics can be found on the website: http://www.medinstitute.org/public/251.cfm
Years ago I saw a cartoon. It was of a young man asking his grandfather what he wore in the old days for safe sex. His grandfather answered, “A wedding ring!” We are created in the image of God according to the Bible. We teach our children in the public schools that they are an evolutionary being, not any different than the other animals of this world. With that line of teaching, it is no wonder our young generation, and quite frankly many of the older ones as well, act without any clear moral values. We spend billions of dollars every year, yes, every year, to combat the spread of Aids and other STD's. We spend so much so we can live the way we do and not have to be accountable for it. We do need to research and find a cure for those who are infected, but why is this an ongoing battle when the answer is so simple? If this generation would return to the moral values of the scriptures, we would see most STD's be drastically reduced if not completely eradicated in one generation and it would not cost our society one thin dime. God's ways are always the best ways.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
A Fixed Point of Reference
A fixed point of reference is something that is consistent and does not change. We have several “Fixed point of References” in this world and in our society. One is the North Star. Even centuries ago, sailors would use an instrument called a sextant and as long as they could see the North Star and the horizon, they could calculate exactly where they were. Remove the North Star, and they would be lost forever. Another is Magnetic North. As a boy scout, (many years ago!) I was taught how to use a compass to find my way in the woods of Maine. Remove Magnetic North and the compass would be useless and I may have been lost forever. Another Fixed Point of Reference we all enjoy is called home. Wherever we go, whether it is work, school, a trip to see friends or relatives or even a vacation, home is a fixed point of reference where we should find comfort, safety and love. Whenever you remove a fixed point of reference, you loose the ability to find your way and you end up lost in some fashion.
One more “Fixed Point of Reference” I would like to address is the Word of God, the Scriptures, also known as the Bible. It has been the “Fixed Point of Reference” for our society. Our country was founded upon it, the Word of God is inscribed and chiseled on our Federal buildings in Washington, and even the 10 commandments are carved into the doors opening up into the very sanctuary of the Supreme Court. The Word of God has been used to show us what is right and what is wrong, what is God's will for man and what sin is. God's Word does not change. It is very much the fixed point of reference, but we as a people and as a nation have made the decision that we will dictate what is right and what is wrong. We have come to the place where we will choose what is acceptable and what is not. We have removed the “Fixed Point of Reference” from our society and replaced it with a fluid, amoral standard that changes with the winds of want and because of this, our society is lost. We have lost our way! We teach our children in schools that they are a product of evolution. Therefore, humans are just another species in the animal world. Then we wonder why many act like it! We are made in the image and likeness of God and have a higher calling than animals.
We remove God and the Scriptures from our belief system because we do not want accountability. Take for instance the institution of marriage. It was created by God, instituted by God and is governed by God. God is the One who said that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. Nobody came up with the idea of marriage. It was given to us by our Lord, but many people do not want to be accountable to God nor do they want to submit to God, therefore rules get changed. It is true that the Bible says God is love. Nowhere does it say love is God. Where does it end? Will there be a time when it will be ok with society for me to marry my daughter? My son can marry his mother? What standard or fixed point of reference says this would be wrong if we do not use the Scriptures to show us? If those in the gay and lesbian lifestyle want to live together and sleep together, that is their business and nobody should stand in their way, but to say that they should have the same privilege to be married as a man and woman has, that is in violation of the “Fixed Point of Reference.”
To remove a Fixed Point of Reference will cause one to be lost. We have lost our way in morality; we have lost our way in violating the place that is supposed to be the safest place on earth, the mother's womb. We have lost our way by believing we can dispense with the Fixed Point of Reference, the Bible, and we will still be OK. The prophet Isaiah said in Isa. 5:20-21, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
We truly are in those days.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
One more “Fixed Point of Reference” I would like to address is the Word of God, the Scriptures, also known as the Bible. It has been the “Fixed Point of Reference” for our society. Our country was founded upon it, the Word of God is inscribed and chiseled on our Federal buildings in Washington, and even the 10 commandments are carved into the doors opening up into the very sanctuary of the Supreme Court. The Word of God has been used to show us what is right and what is wrong, what is God's will for man and what sin is. God's Word does not change. It is very much the fixed point of reference, but we as a people and as a nation have made the decision that we will dictate what is right and what is wrong. We have come to the place where we will choose what is acceptable and what is not. We have removed the “Fixed Point of Reference” from our society and replaced it with a fluid, amoral standard that changes with the winds of want and because of this, our society is lost. We have lost our way! We teach our children in schools that they are a product of evolution. Therefore, humans are just another species in the animal world. Then we wonder why many act like it! We are made in the image and likeness of God and have a higher calling than animals.
We remove God and the Scriptures from our belief system because we do not want accountability. Take for instance the institution of marriage. It was created by God, instituted by God and is governed by God. God is the One who said that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. Nobody came up with the idea of marriage. It was given to us by our Lord, but many people do not want to be accountable to God nor do they want to submit to God, therefore rules get changed. It is true that the Bible says God is love. Nowhere does it say love is God. Where does it end? Will there be a time when it will be ok with society for me to marry my daughter? My son can marry his mother? What standard or fixed point of reference says this would be wrong if we do not use the Scriptures to show us? If those in the gay and lesbian lifestyle want to live together and sleep together, that is their business and nobody should stand in their way, but to say that they should have the same privilege to be married as a man and woman has, that is in violation of the “Fixed Point of Reference.”
To remove a Fixed Point of Reference will cause one to be lost. We have lost our way in morality; we have lost our way in violating the place that is supposed to be the safest place on earth, the mother's womb. We have lost our way by believing we can dispense with the Fixed Point of Reference, the Bible, and we will still be OK. The prophet Isaiah said in Isa. 5:20-21, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
We truly are in those days.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
Biblical Marriage
In this struggle and discourse no one has really tried to address this issue of same sex marriage in a biblical sense so let me attempt to address it biblically and theologically. I realize this writing may not satisfy those who take a non biblical stand. I am only addressing the Christ-centered church’s stand on same sex marriage from a biblical perspective.
Genesis 2:18 tells us that God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable (compatible) to him.” And verse 24 says,” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In Gen. 2:21 God took a rib and formed Eve from that rib. The Hebrew word for rib means “rib” but also it means “chamber or capacity.” Adam was made complete but God took part of the completeness, or chamber and made Eve. That chamber was made into a female, Eve. That is why Adam, when he saw Eve for the first time said in Gen. 2:23 “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.” Then God said in the next verse, “ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall became one flesh.” The “one flesh” statement by God signifies completeness in their union. This is God’s design for marriage and creation and we all know that sin (perversion) entered this world because of the rebellion of Adam and Eve. Jesus even cited the passage in Genesis when He addressed the issue of marriage and the strength of this covenant in Matthew 19:1-8. Yes, Jesus was addressing divorce in this passage, but my point is His honoring of the marriage covenant between one man and one woman. The law in Leviticus is clear that homosexuality is sin. Paul was clear in his writings, which is scripture, in the book of Romans, specifically Romans 1:18-32. I Cor. 6:9-11 speaks of homosexuality as sin along with other sins but vs. 11 speaks of the repentance of those who came to Christ and repented. This verse is speaking of all the sins listed in this passage including homosexuality.
Ephesians 5:22-33 gives us the picture of biblical marriage, as it is to be the picture of the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is listed as the groom (male) and the church as the bride (female). The creation of man and woman in marriage is spoken of in Genesis 1 and 2. The relationship between Christ and the church is a blood covenant as marriage between and man and woman is also a blood covenant. It is this covenant that the church is making its stand to defend. It is not the church that is bringing this issue before society. It is the homosexual groups that have made it their social agenda by demanding “equality.” The church is only defending this issue because we are being forced to. In the issue of the cake makers, as I understand, they declined respectfully and even one baker called another baker to see if they would accommodate the gay couple and that baker said yes, they would. The name and number of that baker was given to the gay couple but that was not good enough for the gay couple.
If gay people want to live the gay lifestyle, they have that freedom even though it saddens me. The problem herein is their insistence to be included in a covenant that is not designed nor meant for them. The church is standing against it publicly and on social forums because the church is called to be the pillar and supporter of the truth.. So, we speak out and proclaim the Word of God.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall
In this struggle and discourse no one has really tried to address this issue of same sex marriage in a biblical sense so let me attempt to address it biblically and theologically. I realize this writing may not satisfy those who take a non biblical stand. I am only addressing the Christ-centered church’s stand on same sex marriage from a biblical perspective.
Genesis 2:18 tells us that God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable (compatible) to him.” And verse 24 says,” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In Gen. 2:21 God took a rib and formed Eve from that rib. The Hebrew word for rib means “rib” but also it means “chamber or capacity.” Adam was made complete but God took part of the completeness, or chamber and made Eve. That chamber was made into a female, Eve. That is why Adam, when he saw Eve for the first time said in Gen. 2:23 “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.” Then God said in the next verse, “ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall became one flesh.” The “one flesh” statement by God signifies completeness in their union. This is God’s design for marriage and creation and we all know that sin (perversion) entered this world because of the rebellion of Adam and Eve. Jesus even cited the passage in Genesis when He addressed the issue of marriage and the strength of this covenant in Matthew 19:1-8. Yes, Jesus was addressing divorce in this passage, but my point is His honoring of the marriage covenant between one man and one woman. The law in Leviticus is clear that homosexuality is sin. Paul was clear in his writings, which is scripture, in the book of Romans, specifically Romans 1:18-32. I Cor. 6:9-11 speaks of homosexuality as sin along with other sins but vs. 11 speaks of the repentance of those who came to Christ and repented. This verse is speaking of all the sins listed in this passage including homosexuality.
Ephesians 5:22-33 gives us the picture of biblical marriage, as it is to be the picture of the relationship between Christ and the church. Christ is listed as the groom (male) and the church as the bride (female). The creation of man and woman in marriage is spoken of in Genesis 1 and 2. The relationship between Christ and the church is a blood covenant as marriage between and man and woman is also a blood covenant. It is this covenant that the church is making its stand to defend. It is not the church that is bringing this issue before society. It is the homosexual groups that have made it their social agenda by demanding “equality.” The church is only defending this issue because we are being forced to. In the issue of the cake makers, as I understand, they declined respectfully and even one baker called another baker to see if they would accommodate the gay couple and that baker said yes, they would. The name and number of that baker was given to the gay couple but that was not good enough for the gay couple.
If gay people want to live the gay lifestyle, they have that freedom even though it saddens me. The problem herein is their insistence to be included in a covenant that is not designed nor meant for them. The church is standing against it publicly and on social forums because the church is called to be the pillar and supporter of the truth.. So, we speak out and proclaim the Word of God.
Pastor J. Matthew Worrall