What Does the Love of God Look Like?

‘What does the Love of God Look Like?’

Psalm 37:23-24

by

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

First Baptist Church, Perrysburg, OH

     When someone asks about the love of God, they will typically receive an explanation like, “it is seen in the person and work of Jesus.” While this is certainly true, someone who is unfamiliar with the New Testament truth about Jesus may see this answer as yet another theological explanation. The reality is that Jesus is God’s perfect revelation of His love for us, but many lack the personal experience that reveals God’s love in this way. I have had a great deal of theological education and have read numerous books, papers, and articles about the love of God. Yet with all the teaching, training, and experience I have had, it was being a ‘father’ that has taught me the most about God’s love and what it looks like.

     I look for the simple ways the Bible uses to show us what God’s love looks like. Psalm 37:23-24 paints one of these pictures:

“the steps of a man are established by the LORD; and He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.” (NASB)

     This passage paints a picture that those of us who have had children or even been around children as an adult can identify with. Remember when a child first begins to walk and you as a parent are holding the child’s hand. Often in learning how to walk the child’s feet get turned wrong and all of a sudden the child has no footing. The child would fall except for the fact that you, the parent, are holding his hand. Because you are holding his hand, the child is saved from falling on his face.

     I think this really begins to show us how God wants to love and relate to us. It is no accident that God asked people to know Him as ‘Father.’ He is the ultimate example of a father’s love for his children. As ‘fathers,’ we unconditionally love our children. We want to protect them! We want to provide for all their needs and most of their wants! We give them advice and guidance so they will not fail or get hurt! We deeply desire to spend time with them! We rejoice in their successes! We mourn their losses and failures! We hurt when they rebel! We are sad when they do not spend time with us!

     All of this is a picture of the kind of relationship and love that God wants to show us, yet it only scratches the surface of just how much God loves us and wants a relationship with us. Just think of all the parenting joys and heartaches you have experienced. That is what God experiences, magnified in His own way with a much deeper love for us. When you are next wondering about whether God still loves you or not, or find yourself in a situation where you need to be loved a little more, remember your parenting days and your relationship with your children. No matter what your children do, you never reject them. No matter how long they are gone, you are always glad to see them and receive them. You are always ready to love them. God wants to love us the same way.

     

I Grieve Over the City, the World, and…the Church

I Grieve Over the City, the World, and…the Church

Matthew 9:36; Romans 1:18-32

by Jeff Woolum

July 21, 2015

     I find myself grieving over many things over the last few weeks. This blog post is not to once again dredge up the Supreme Court decision; although it brought much grief. It is not a slam against government; although it seems that America has lost its way. This is not a slam against those who do or do not like the Confederate flag; although it is part of our nation’s heritage. This blog is not about issues of race or gender. It is about Christianity and our fundamental understanding of who we are! It is about whether we grieve over ‘sin’ or have become callous to it. Do we really want to exchange Biblical definitions of right and wrong for what pleases the masses…or sometimes just the ‘squeaky wheels?’

 

     I am grieved!

     I have been thinking a lot about the mind and heart of Jesus as he was going through all the cities and villages; teaching and healing the people that came His way. I think that Matthew 9:36 sums up what I believe all Churches and all Christians should be seeing and feeling:

     “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”

     In Romans 1:18-32, Paul gives us a very solemn picture of what happens when we ‘suppress the truth by unrighteousness.’ I very strongly believe that this country was built upon a foundation of Biblical principles. I have also heard the majority of the arguments to the contrary. But let me list some quotes from those men:

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." 

"The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." 
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams, Second President of the United States

"The Declaration of Independence cast off all the shackles of this dependency. The United States of America were no longer Colonies. They were an independent nation of Christians." 

"[T]here was no anarchy. From the day of the Declaration, the people of the North American union, and of its constituent States, were associated bodies of civilized men and Christians in a state of nature, but not of anarchy. They were bound by the laws of God, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledged as the rules of their conduct." John Quincy Adams, Sixth President of the U. S.

"It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains." Patrick Henry

"The practice of morality being necessary for the wellbeing of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses."  Thomas Jefferson, Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Third President of the U. S.

     Again, I do not want this to be about politics. I believe that one of the problems that we struggle with today is the melding of Christianity with Nationalism. We are following in the footsteps of OT Israel by confusing our American citizenship with our Christian identity. I just want to make the point about how far we have walked away from the foundational truth, the Truth of God. And Paul tells us in Romans 1:18 that suppressing the truth of God will bring His wrath. 

     But Government is not the only one at fault. Over the last many years, denominations and Church groups have ‘suppressed the truth’ in unrighteousness in order to appease the masses or the ‘squeaky wheels.’ I just read yesterday, July 20, 2015, where three mainstream denominations have embraced same-sex marriage as being acceptable with two other denominations being divided on the issue. Why is this even being discussed in the Church? When did the Word of God become only one of the sources of truth for the Church?

     But, you may say, I am still standing strong in my faith and my adherence to the Word of God. Really? What do you watch on TV? As I look at the lineup of primetime TV, it is almost impossible to find a television program that does not show in a positive way, one of the following:

-          Same-sex marriage or same-sex romantic relationships

-          Cohabitation

-          Drunkenness

-          Promiscuity

-          Profanity and off color words and phrases that were never part of a decent vocabulary

-          Regular display of nudity and sexual activity on many cable networks

-          And the list could go on, not to mention the negative portrayal of Christianity

Do we watch these shows and laugh at their jokes and silliness or do we grieve? They reflect who we are! They reflect the way other cultures see us!

     I also grieve about the propaganda from so-called Christian writers and experts who tell us that to expect people to be involved in their Churches more than once or twice a month is unrealistic. People are just too busy to devote that much time to the Church. Really? But, we have bought into it as a Church culture. Many who years earlier served and worshiped at most every gathering now feel better about themselves because they are trapped in a cultural movement. Have we really thought about what it might be like if God only showed up in our lives one or two times a month? Of course, not everyone has embraced this thinking. Many are as faithful as they ever were…they are likely grieving! The truth has been suppressed in unrighteousness.

     I could go on with this list of things that grieve me. I just think that I understand a little bit more of what Jesus saw when He looked at the people. They were distressed; most knew it but did not know why. They were ‘dispirited’ as they walked through life. This literally means that they were living their life with their ‘heads hung low’ due to a degree of hopelessness and a sense that life was somehow futile. I see this every day in people! They are ‘like sheep without a shepherd’ and wander aimlessly.

     I do not claim to have a 4 or 5 step method to overcome this problem. I also grieve at how there seems to be an endless 3 to 5 step program to fix everything in the Church. When will we realize that the problem is not going to be fixed by ‘business models?’ The spiritual health of our world has to begin with regaining spiritual health in our Churches. That will only happen when we surrender ourselves to God’s plan for making the world new! That plan is Jesus! Let me suggest a few possible steps:

1.       As Christians, stop listening to the ‘spin’ that culture places on Biblical truth. The spin that certain types of ‘sin’ need to be accepted ‘because they aren’t hurting anyone’ is an example of ‘suppressing the truth.’ Once again conform YOUR life to God’s standard of truth, His Word. We spend a lot of time trying to ‘conform others’ when God is best served by our personal obedience. Let Him open the doors to share your faith.

2.       Exercise compassion! Jesus felt compassion for the people that He saw living their lives day by day. Let YOUR life be a picture of compassion. Don’t try to exercise control over others, have compassion on them. We live in a world where the standard of truth often changes monthly or less. They are distressed individuals…even if they do not recognize it themselves. Let the love and compassion of Jesus be CLEARLY seen in YOU.

3.       Don’t become another talking head bellyaching about one side or the other. For the Christian, there is only one side to take; the side of Scripture. If your political or social view does not fit neatly in advancing the Kingdom of God, toss it aside. It is not what God placed us here to accomplish. Read and re-read the Gospels; then follow Jesus’ example.

4.       Finally, get excited about your Church. Pour out your love on those of your Church family. Forget about worship style, dress, your own favorite drum to beat, policies, by-laws, and all the other things that have Americanized the Church. We gather to worship Him. We gather to know Him more and make Him known to others. We gather to encourage, not to complain or judge one another. We gather to be challenged and led to confess our sins. The Church is not a members only club, but a place where all are welcomed in the name of Jesus.

     I am still grieving as I look out into the world. But I also know the end of the story. I know the One who has risen and will return. I fellowship with His Holy Spirit and He guides my grieving. I have a loving Father who holds me when I am distressed and dispirited…and He will hold you also. I have hope for the world, but the Church has to be an essential part of that hope.

     I have spotted the truth…let’s not suppress it!

The Church: A City of Truth that God Empowers to Be a Blessing - Zechariah 8:9-17

The Church: A City of Truth that God Empowers to Be a Blessing

Zechariah 8:9-17

by Jeff Woolum

     There are so many beautiful pictures in the Old Testament that point to the New Testament Church. Although many would choose to view the OT texts as historical and specific to Israel and Jerusalem, I belong to the group that views the promises to Israel as being fulfilled in the NT Church. This passage in Zechariah is post-exilic, the time when the remnant returned from Babylon. Zechariah loosely means ‘the LORD remembers.’ It is in this name that I write this challenge and these words of hope to the Church today.

     The Church of today is under a challenge, but just like the Israelites who returned from captivity, we have God on our side. The great news is that He has a plan. His words to the remnant who returned as stated in Zech. 8:3, “I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” are words of great assurance and comfort to the Church today. Because just as God was zealous for Jerusalem; He is now zealous for His Church. If you continue reading through Zechariah 8:4-10, the writer talks about ‘peace in the city’ (vv. 4-5). He talks about ‘fear’ (v. 6) that trust in God can overcome. He talks about saving God’s people from ‘the land of the east and the land of the west’ (vv. 7-8). And God promises in v. 8, that “they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.”

     As stated earlier, the Church of today exists in challenging times. But just as God brought Israel back to make a difference, so God has placed us here at this time and wherever you serve…to make a difference. In our world today, what God has said is good is now seen as bad. What God has established as right is often seen as irrelevant and outdated. In other words, “they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” (Romans 1:25). We act surprised, but we should not be surprised. So, back to Zechariah and God’s promise to Jerusalem and now to His Church:

     “It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of

     Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.”

     (Zech. 8:13)

     In the aftermath of the SCOTUS decision, I was very frustrated with the advice that I was reading. It seemed that it was all about what ‘we’ should do to ‘protect ourselves’ and almost nothing about trusting in the plan of the Father. The answer, in my view, is not ‘stricter membership guidelines,’ or ‘stronger language in our views of marriage,’ or other man made rules. If your Church is following Biblical principles, it likely has sufficient definitions of marriage and membership. Why not follow and trust the plan of the Father? Israel and Judah did not and look where it led them!

     God tells us that ‘He’ is saving us to ‘become a blessing,’ a City of Truth. He tells us not to fear, but to be strong. He also gives us some guidelines in Zechariah 8:16-17 as to how we are to minister in the world around us:

-          “Speak the truth to one another” (v. 16) – don’t bend, break, or become politically correct; speak the truth (just do it in kindness and love).

-          “Judge with truth” (v. 16 - practice James 1:19-20) – I find that many people are going through a very hard time and all too often, we judge based on external observations filtered through our own life circumstances (which may have nothing to do with the life of the other person). Talk to people and be sensitive to what is going on in their lives. Remember that those who are weak in faith may be struggling with how Scripture relates to them. Then share Truth!

-          “Judgment for peace in your gates” (v. 16) – Why is it that more people will get mad and upset over political issues than they will grieve over sin in their lives and the lives of others? In the OT, when ‘the gates’ is used, it typically refers to the place where civil court or city business was carried out. It was a place of politics. What if we stopped being Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and the like and just began thinking about God’s plan for bringing peace into the land?

-          “Do not devise evil in your heart against another” (v. 17) – I like the way this says, “in your heart!” All too often, our ‘evil’ intentions find release in gossip, Facebook, and the like. Many in the Church have a ‘heart’ condition. That ‘heart condition’ needs God’s forgiveness and grace.

-          “Do not love perjury” (v. 17) – we may never give or know of false accusation against another, but we are way too eager to jump on the bandwagon of news or gossip that fits our agenda without checking its truth.

     This is by no means an end in and of itself to solving the problems of our current situation. But I have faith in the Church and the power of the God it serves. Now the challenges:

-          Let us strive in our Churches to allow God to shape us to become Cities of Truth, so that we can be a blessing to the communities we serve. Let us live by the Word of God and practice what is written therein without the desire for more and greater rules and policies. The Jews in both Old and New Testaments tried this method and it did not work. Learn to love the Word of God and the truth it contains.

-          If we believe that God is with us, let us live every day for Him. For the world to take us seriously, it needs to see that we believe what we say we believe. Re-evaluate your commitment to your Church and your faith. Does your faith and Church receive the highest type of priority? OR is your faith and commitment more a function of convenience?

-          The LORD remembers you…do you remember Him in all that you do?

     This text challenges…and…excites me! What about you? Are you willing to spot the truth and take up the challenge?

Why Not Practice Biblical Freedom in the Church...by Trusting God? Galatians 5:1,13

Why Not Practice Biblical Freedom in the Church…by Trusting God?

Galatians 5:1, 13

     The Bible is a Book of ‘freedom.’ By its very nature, it tells of God time and again bringing freedom to His people. From the point of creation, God has poured out His love upon His people. One of the ways that He did this was through the giving of His law. However, His law was never intended to be turned into a rule book of judgmentalism and legalism. It was intended to show us His all-consuming love that pointed the way to His ultimate expression of love, Jesus Christ.

      Of course, we as people want to define our own way and, all too often, that landed God’s people in subjection and oppression to pagan unbelievers. He delivered His people from bondage to Egypt, freedom from the fears and unbelief of a prior generation as they entered the Promised Land across the Jordan River, freedom time and again and again throughout the Book of Judges, freedom from Babylon, and ultimately freedom from sin through faith in Jesus. All God asked was that His people worship Him and live in obedience to what He asks us to do. But, we always want to ‘add to’ or ‘detract from’ His Word.

     The apostle Paul, having been a Pharisee, was all too well acquainted with the almost endless twists, definitions, definitions of definitions, loopholes that the Oral Traditions had added to often mistaken interpretations of God’s Law. For the average individual who had to make a living, keeping the Law, which the Pharisees taught was the way to please God, was a burden that kept more people frustrated than freed them. After Paul was chosen by Christ to be His messenger, he soon came to realize that what God had given was modified by people, most likely with good intentions, to become something that God never intended it to be. Paul understood the simplicity that was to become the New Testament Church. The Church flourished under the clear understanding of what God had done.

     Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (NLT) Today, we do not make ourselves slaves to the law typically, but we do often make ourselves slaves to other bodies of law created by Churches that all too often tie our hands and hinder ministry. Many are also guilty of serving this law to the degree that needed ministry or timing is lost because it may violate some clause in a Constitution or By Law. In essence we create another law to which we are slaves.

     Today, luckily, many Churches are restructuring themselves to do away with monthly and even quarterly business meetings. Many are streamlining Constitutions and By Laws to where they are very short documents structured for the purpose of facilitating ministry and being able to quickly respond to opportunities that avail themselves. But even in this streamlining, it is made clear that the Bible is truly the guide to doing Church. Along with that is also a statement of belief that is again pointed back to Scripture.

     But most of all, they reflect a trust in a God who brings us freedom. Let us get back to believing God once again in the Church. Let us trust Him to guide us in the right way instead of making up endless rules to define things or attempt to make people behave a certain way or dress a certain way. Let all of us practice what God’s Word tells us as an example for others to follow. I truly believe that God wants us to trust Him instead of trying to legislate morality, behavior, dress, etc. in the Church. Let us take the words of Galatians 5:13-15 to heart, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”

     I believe in the Church. I do not believe in a Church that looks and functions like a business or the government. The Church that Jesus reigns over is a place of freedom, safety, joy, and thankfulness for the gift of salvation. That Church wants to share these things with others, not make rules. I have spotted the truth, have you?

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

FBC Perrysburg, OH

Make Me a Blessing

Make Me a Blessing

The following comes from a challenge that I felt led to give during one of our times of Sunday AM Worship. It has been expanded somewhat with additional Biblical exegesis and commentary:

I want to challenge you this morning. In preparing for the series of messages on Living Your Faith in the Day to Day World, I have been burdened to take a look at what Churches do to make an impact on the world around us. I wish to challenge us today to think about “Being a Blessing.”

Zechariah 8:13 speaks of God's blessing upon the remnant of Israel. As we would look forward into the NT, we know that the promises made to Israel became the promises and blessings made to the Church. See Romans 9:6-8 for a brief explanation. Also, Galatians 3:7 states, “Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.” Being part of Israel is dependent upon ‘faith’ and not genetic lineage. So when God says, “I will save you that you may become a blessing”, that context applies to today’s Church as well as historical Israel at the time of writing.

I believe today that God is calling us specifically to take up the beginning step of “being a blessing.” I am asking today that we all agree to pray daily the title of this hymn, MAKE ME A BLESSING, written by Ira B. Wilson and George S. Schuler. The chorus of this hymn has such a dynamic message:

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing.

Out of my life, may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.

Make me a blessing to someone today! (underling is mine)

Would you pray each day for God to make you a blessing and then be intentional about looking for ways and opportunities to be a blessing? The following ways may be opportunities:

–                   Discern the hurting of someone and show them you will listen

–                   Find someone in the Church or outside of the Church who has a need and fulfill that need

–                   Do good for someone, expecting nothing in return

–                   Go into an area of your town and look for ways to give of yourself

–                   And I am sure that many of you can find endless ways to be a blessing when you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

What about moving that to the family level? What can your family do to “be a blessing”? Look for a family project or outreach that can make a difference to someone around you.

Let's move that to the Church level. Pray that each day our Church might be a blessing to someone. And let it be more than just sending money somewhere; make it personal. What about if every SS class looked for a way to “be a blessing”? What if every group did the same thing? And what if our Church looked for ways to be a tangible blessing to someone or some need in the community?

AND imagine how great it would be if in our time of worship, God was working through us to the point that we could have several who would testify of opportunities that God had sent their way. Of course, there are times when being a blessing is something to be kept confidential, but there are times when we need to shout out what God has done. When we start looking for opportunities to ‘be a blessing’ to others, hopefully one of the manifestations of those ‘blessings’ will be clearly letting ‘Jesus shine.’

Would you pray and commit right now to asking God to “Make me a Blessing”? It is time to stop spending the majority of our energies on the mechanics of ‘doing Church’ and begin once more ‘being the Church.’ Our efforts in the past often have looked more like a business or government than the Biblical model of the Church. We are the ‘Body of Christ!’ Let’s be about doing the things we see Jesus doing.

I have spotted the truth in this challenge and have been truly convicted…How about you?

Let us 'put aside self' and live for Him!

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

First Baptist Church, Perrysburg, OH

Jesus Doesn't Let Us Get Lost in the Crowd

     I have heard people talk about feeling alone even when they are part of a large family, involved with a large group of people they work with regularly, as a member of a team sport, or…even as part of a Church community. People often feel isolated and alone. They may experience loneliness for many reasons:

-         Illness

-         Loss of a loved one

-         Feelings of not fitting in due to economic difficulties

-         Shame over something a family member has done

-         Guilt over a legal problem

-         Shame over some transgression committed

-         A history of rejection

-         Poor social skills

-         And many experience loneliness because they do not know how to connect with others; and there are many more ways to experience a sense of loneliness.

     The Church is to exhibit a picture of Jesus as the Body of Christ. All too often, we do not do a very good job of helping people become part of a community of faith. In other words, we need to help people realize that with Jesus, ‘no one gets lost in the crowd’!  I really do think that most people want to be kind, friendly, and accepting. But, in our negative culture, it is often hard for us to display. After all, we are here also to be connected to the Body of Christ, the Church, our community of faith and healing. In Mark 5:25-34, there is a picture of Jesus that is so loving and heartwarming that it is easy to miss. It is one of those pictures of ‘the Church’ that we need to help others see very clearly.

     In this passage there is a woman who has had a devastating illness for twelve years. This illness is some type of hemorrhage or continual bleeding that in the NASB is called an ‘affliction.’ This word carries the meaning of the same type of agony one would undergo who was horsewhipped. She is in continual misery and has spent all of her resources trying to find a cure, but has come away with nothing. She hears about Someone who is doing miraculous things, has a degree of faith in what she has heard, and goes to find Jesus. She does not want to bring attention to herself, so she discreetly touches the robe of Jesus as He passes by. Let’s look at Jesus’ response:

-          Jesus stops what He is doing when the woman touches Him. He immediately responds to her act of faith. She is important to Jesus. Her need matters!

-          Jesus takes time to minister to her specifically and individually. She is able to tell Him all that has gone on in her life, even though she is afraid.

-          Jesus sends her on with His blessing giving her what she needs to hold her head up in society.

     Now what do we learn from this that we as the Church might take to heart and practice:

a.       Realize that people really matter. I often encourage Sunday School teachers to put the lesson aside for a few moments to help a person in crisis. Be on the lookout for those who need a touch of love.

b.      Just as she came seeking out Jesus for help, remember that today, people come to Church ‘looking for Jesus.’ This gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate acceptance, love, and concern for others. When we see someone who is sitting by themselves, approach them without being overbearing. Be sensitive to body language and other external clues. Try to make them feel comfortable. If the Holy Spirit leads you, sit with them or invite them to sit with you (and give them the best seat). Let's show Jesus to others.

c.       Just as Jesus stopped and conversed with the woman, we should take time to connect with others that we do not know. All too often, we enter for worship, talk with people we have just been in Bible Study with for an hour, and walk past someone who is a guest. One of the reasons that Jesus places us in the body is to grow the body. Include others!

     This is somewhat simplistic, but all too often what the Bible teaches us is simple. We seem to want to make it hard and burdensome. One of the many things that we see Jesus modeling is that no one is lost in a crowd when they are looking for Him. He wants to seek them out, help with their needs, and give them His blessing. That’s Great Stuff!!!!

Let’s not keep it to ourselves. Welcome others to His body! I’ve ‘spotted the truth’ in this text, how about you?

Jeff Woolum

First Baptist Church

Perrysburg, OH

Remember...When All Seems Impossible!

     In today’s world we all face what may be called ‘the impossible!’ Whether it is the reality of continued unemployment, possible relocation where jobs exist, meeting the ongoing needs of children in school, transportation, food, paying the bills, or any number of seemingly ‘impossible tasks,’ we often cry out to God for relief. The book of Lamentations is a book about our emotions and how we deal with them after going through crisis. The book is a series of Laments dealing with the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. But, even if we have not had our city destroyed, we often look out over the events and realities of our lives with the same emotion.

     The Hebrew title for the book is, I believe, a more appropriate one. The Hebrew title is ‘ekah' or ‘How?’ This is a question we often ask when looking at the crises in our lives that seemingly 'knock us down.' And we often ask it of the One who can best comfort us and help us make change, God. In Lamentations 3:22-23, there are three simple things we must remember in order to stand up again and move forward with our lives:

1.      The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease. Think about all the times God has worked in your life. The word ‘lovingkindness’ describes a love that is filled with mercy. God is pouring out His mercy in our lives if we are willing to look for it and receive it.

2.      His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. God is not an angry God who finds delight in seeing His children hurting. Think of God as the loving Father. Just as you would do all you can do to help and show compassion to your children, so also God desires to show His children compassion. Always think of our relationship to God as Parent/child instead of the strict disciplinarian that often times accompanies religion. The loving Father who every morning desires to provide fresh love to His children.

3.      Great is His faithfulness. I like the Greek word that is translated, resurrection. It is ‘anastasis,’ which means ‘to stand again.’ God in His faithfulness gives us hope and the strength to ‘stand again.’ With each new challenge comes renewed strength.

     So today if you are faced with an ‘impossible’ challenge or situation remember these three expressions of hope and trust that the writer of Lamentations stated as he looked out at a great crisis, a great fear, a great wondering, and said, “how?” God is in control and will never let us go alone through the reality of life. It is in His reassuring love and our trust in Him, that He proves the definition of 'how' as He walks with us. I've spotted the truth...and daily try to live it. How about you?

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

First Baptist Church, Perrysburg, OH

What Will We Do After the Election?

What Will We Do After the Election?

     I must admit that I will be glad when this election is finished. It has not been a great experience. Yes, we have the typical array of campaign ads from Republicans and Democrats alike. We have seen campaign ads from organizations backing one of the two candidates. We have seen presidential, senatorial, house, and other candidates tell us all about how bad their opponent would be if elected. But, you may say, “Isn’t it always this way at election time?” Yes. But it has seemed worse this year. However this is not what has bothered me. I want to talk about the Church. Not any one Church, but the Church in America as a whole.

     Over the last year I have seen the Christian community engage in a number of actions of which I was heart-broken:

1.       I have seen Christians from both sides engage in mean-spirited and inappropriate talk both in person and on social media (this seems to be the easiest place to be harsh).

2.       I have heard, read, and seen the watering down to almost at times full acceptance of a theological cult in order to support a political party (when a year ago many of these individuals would have said and did say, ‘no way!’). This is not to say the person in question is not a very moral man or that he would not be a good leader. But his beliefs are not Christian.

3.       I have seen Christians come close to ostracizing or shunning those who are of the opposite political party. We are to ‘love one another’ and ‘accept one another’ (Rom. 15:7). We are brothers and sisters in Christ.

4.       I have heard and read of Christians flippantly talking about praying for the President by choosing obscure passages that are not in the spirit of ‘praying for’ our leaders. It is rare that we will always agree with or approve what the President, Senators, etc. are doing, but Biblically, we are to pray for them and be respectful. (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-2)

5.       It seems that the Church has been obsessed with the upcoming election to an extent that we have taken our eyes off what our primary purposes are all about.

     Do I believe that Christians should be involved in the political process? Yes! We must be ‘salt and light’ in this dark world. And, yes, this is an important election. But, every Presidential election is important. But, what are we telling the world about Jesus when we model the same kind of behavior as those outside the Church? So I want to pose some questions and thoughts about what we will do after the election:

1.       What are we going to post on Facebook and Twitter if our candidate does not win? Are we going to see four years of complaining and bad mouthing those elected? Maybe we should instead pray for our leaders that they may be God led and successful. Pray for their spiritual guidance.

2.       What are we going to do if our candidate wins? Are we still going to trash talk and blame every problem that occurs over the next four years on the previous administration?

3.       How are we going to respond to those who did not vote? I know of several Godly men and women who because of theological convictions feel that they cannot support nor vote for either candidate. Are we going to relate to them in a Biblical way, showing grace and understanding?

4.       What will anyone talk about at Church when the election is over? We may have to find a completely new enemy to fight. Let me make a few suggestions:

a.       What about sharing the good news of Jesus?

b.      How about getting excited about what our Churches either can or are doing?

c.       How about investing some time getting to know someone and discipling them?

d.      How about volunteering to do what your Pastor thinks needs to be done at the Church?

e.      How about committing to be as zealous about Spiritual matters as you were about political matters?

f.        How about instead of ‘suggesting’ a ministry, you volunteer to ‘do’ a ministry?

g.       What about serving the community through your Church? Step out and take a risk. After all, ministry is risky. Just ask Jesus!

h.      And on and on…..

     Let us get back to being the Church that shines a light in a dark world. Let people once again ‘know us by our love’ and not by what we are against. Let us covenant to live our lives knowing that whoever wins, Jesus is still Lord and King. Let us do all things to the glory of God. The election of 2012 will soon be behind, serving Jesus is still ahead. Bringing glory to God should be our theme. I’ve spotted the truth, have you?

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

First Baptist Church, Perrysburg, OH

Putting Things on the Level

     Did you ever try to build something and no matter how closely you measure or how much you shim or readjust, it just will not become level? Or, have you ever tried to do something with a liquid measure and you keep measuring out too much or too little and it seems impossible to level out the liquid? Many or most of us can identify with these dilemmas. In today’s world and in this economic climate, it may seem that nothing you do can put you on the level. It is also a common problem in this economic climate that we focus so much on our own problems that we forget others who are in similar or worse situations.

     In the first five verses of Galatians 6, Paul talks about how Christians should interact with one another and in verse 2, gives us a wonderful command and its outcome: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” It is in understanding the real meaning of these words that we can find encouragement in these days of uncertainty. First, Paul asks us as Christians and Churches, to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ This is not ‘rocket science!’ He simply asks us to get involved with other people who are struggling and help them along. If you see someone who is carrying more than they can adequately carry, you stop and take part of the load and help them with it. Very simple! It is the second part of this verse that adds the real definition to the ‘burden bearing.’ Paul says when we do this, we “fulfill the law of Christ.”

     This word used and translated ‘fulfill’ is the Greek word, ‘anaplerosete’ and is a compound word from ‘ana,’ which means ‘up or again,’ and ‘pleroo,’ which means to ‘level up or cram.’ So, we fulfill the law of Christ when we ‘lovingly’ involve ourselves in the lives of others to help them ‘become level again’ or ‘level for the first time.’ This action implies an ‘active,’ not ‘passive’ response. It means getting to know people, learning what hinders them and actively getting involved to level them up. It may involve pouring from your cup (you can use this metaphor for anything your life has in it) to level up the cup of another. It may mean physically doing something to ‘cram’ up the person’s home, vehicle, finances, or other to ‘level’ them out. You see, when something is level, it is more secure. The bottom line is when we do these things we are ‘being Jesus’ to someone else.

     As you struggle through these difficult days, remember that you can still find joy and make a difference in another’s life and ‘fulfill the law of Christ.’ I end these words with another verse in Galatians, chapter 5 verse 14: ““For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.””

     Let's be about 'Spotting the Truth' of this verse, and actively involve ourselves in helping others level out their lives.

Jeff Woolum, Pastor

First Baptist Church

Perrysburg, OH

Time for the Creator of Time

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--"
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."
1 John 4:15-16

     These two above passages have a lot in common. I'll explain why as we go. Nearly everyday I hear or read of some tragedy happening in our world. I read of murder, domestic violence, mass murder, bombings, drunken rages, and on and on. I read of violence everywhere (it reminds me of Genesis 6:5).
     I follow the back and forth debates on same sex marriage, gay rights, homosexuality, alternative lifestyle disputes, etc., which seemingly flair up tempers more than they solve problems. Do we really think we will solve the problem by writing scathing articles and giving hate filled speeches that often demonstrate that there is as much sin on one side as the other?
     I read about and see the problems that have come with the economic stress in our country. People stressed about their job future, people losing homes, people's retirement being spent. And the response seems to be the Democrats blaming the Republicans and the Republicans blaming the Democrats. In the midst of the upcoming election, I see very little about how either candidate would solve the problem, mostly all I see is why you should not vote for one over the other. It seems, from looking at social media, that both groups feel the best way to solve the problem is to post and repost derrogatory, inflammatory comments made about one over the other again showing that in many cases each side is sinning as much as the other.
     Christian and secular leaders and academics face off giving their interpretation of what the problem is. Most of them offering statistics explaining why their point is correct and the other is not. We protest, boycott, and make statements that we should expect to hear and see from the secular community, but not from the Christian community. {as a sidenote, I am impressed at the show of support for Chick-fil-a. This seems to be a truly kind and grace motivated gesture. I just hope it does not get the negative spin also}
     I look at the Church. It seems our seats are not as filled in our Churches as they once were. According to Lifeway Research, fewer than 20% of Americans regularly attend Church, and that they believe, according to the research that 7.9 million people leave the Church each year or 150,000 people per week. Add to that the statistic that reveals about 1,700 Pastors resign their Churches each month, leaving the ministry for good. WE ARE IN TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!!!
     The problem is not the Democrats, or Republicans, or homosexuals, nor the violent, nor any number of other causes that are being pushed as the reason for the problems in our world. The problem is empty seats and lack of abiding.
     We, as a culture, do not make devotion to God and commitiment to the local Church a priorty anymore. I remember when Wednesday evenings were kept for going to Prayer Meeting. Schools did not have Wednesday night activities. I remember one move we made to a community in Indiana, where at a parent-teacher meeting the school board president said, "As long as I am the head of the school board, there will be no Wednesday night, school sponsored activities." There did not used to be community sponsored activities on Sunday mornings. America, as a culture, went to Church.
     I know that people are busy, but TIME has to be made for devotion, worship, and service to the God who created time. It really is not about the fact that we do not have enough time, the problem is how we prioritize that time. MAYBE:
- If we 'seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all these things (material things) will be added to you' (Matthew 6:33)  then maybe we might see a solution to economic woes.
- If we 'Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves' (Philippians 2:3) then we may end some of the violence, hatred, bigotry, and lack of value for human life.
- If we realize 'He is before (primary or first) all things, and in Him all things hold together' (Colossians 1:17), then it really won't matter which political party we are part of as our focus would be on God. As Christians, our allegience is to the King of Kings. We should not allow ourselves to become immersed in a political party's agenda, but be focused on God's agenda.
- If we realize, 'The earth is the LORD's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it' (Psalm 24:1) then worship and commitment to the local Church and devotion to our God would revitalize our Churches. What if being present in Church on Sunday morning consumed us. When we show those around us what our commitment to God looks like, what a difference that might make.
     There was a time when being a part of the kingdom of God was 'Good News,' however, it seems that it has become for many, 'Old News.' Let's call the problem what it really is: a need to surrender all to the only God and Savior. We are to show the world a picture of the Savior. What a joy! What a privilege! What a responsibility! Let us prayerfully and with mercy and grace respond to the crises of our world in a way that reflects the One who saved us. Let us go forth and love one another...maybe even to the place where they embrace the King of Kings.
     The NEW GOOD NEWS is the SAME GOOD NEWS, that is the Good News of Jesus. Why not try to put God first and give TIME to the Creator of Time.

Reality, Fear, & Living Through It

     One of the most common threads I find with people today, even Christians, is FEAR. The other day I went to the grocery store to buy a few items. As I walked through the meat department, I was suddenly impressed with a tremendous sadness. I almost began to cry. I looked at the prices of items, even simple items and began to realize how many people there must be who cannot afford to buy basic necessities. I was so overwhelmed that it moved me to begin to emphasize to our congregation just how much need there is in the world.
     That episode led me to think about reality and how many people I know who live in fear. It is not that they do not trust God, many trust Him completely, but they still have fear and uncertainty. But, there are also many who do not have faith in Christ who are looking to the Church for answers and help. It also led me to think about how people come to be in need. Many people just don't realize that living on minimum wage will not allow you to provide for a family. So, many people receive help from public assistance and hopefully from Churches willing to help. PLEASE HEAR ME: "these are not all lazy people who should go and get a job." They are people who have been laid off, had their position eliminated, were victims of the economy causing their business to end. They are people who have graduated from High School or College but find that there are no jobs available to pay their expenses or student loans. And other scenarios can be added here! The reality is many, many, people live in fear and uncertainty. Their reality is 'do I buy food or pay bills?' Maybe their reality is 'should I let my home be repossessed or my car?' Maybe their reality is 'I have had to live off of my retirement account and soon there will be little left for when I retire.' Their cry is "What am I going to do next?"
     What are we as the Church telling them is the answer? What are we as the Church doing to help? How are we dealing with the reality?
     In 2 Chronicles 20 (and I urge you to go and read the full account of this event), the nation of Judah has war waged on it by a group of enemy nations. Their numbers far exceed that of Judah. The king, Jehoshaphat, gathers the assembly in the house of the Lord for prayer and states three confessions in v. 12 that I believe are always helpful when our circumstances overwhelm us:
- "we are powerless"
- "nor do we know what to do"
- "but, our eyes are on You"
     Ultimately Judah is told not to fight themselves, but to trust God and "stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf" (v. 17). The enemy nations are caused to ambush and kill one another, so that Judah did not have to battle them at all. Although God was completely victorious, human nature would tell me that even in a sincere trust of and faith in God, there was still fear and uncertainty.
     So...as we are 'Spotting the Truth' let us find some helpful insights:
1. It's OK to have fear and uncertainty. Just don't let it find a foothold of control.
2. Share your concerns and fears with the Lord first of all. Also share them with other believers; engage them to pray with you, advocate for you, and watch for help with you.
3. Pray these three confessions with sincerity and ask God to show you what to do...even if it is just one small step at a time. Then stand and see the salvation of God.
4. Churches.......what are we prepared to do in the face of reality as this overwhelming enemy of economic disaster is upon us? Let's not just pray about it (James 2:14-17), let's do something!

All Churches and Christians, let's spot the truth and deal with the reality.

Jeff Woolum, Pastor
First Baptist Church of Perrysburg, OH

Your First Love

     Do you remember when you first fell in love? NOW BEFORE YOU ANSWER...BE CAREFUL! Make sure that one whom you still love understands that you love them even more today than that time when you first fell in love! Remember the 'giggly' times you had? Remember bench seats in cars where you could sit very close to one another? Remember going out of your way to dress the best you could every time you were around that special person? Remember always thinking about what you were going to say so that you made sure it was right and special? Remember, as my wife's family often reminds me, of saying 'I'm sorry' when on a board game you sent your loved one's piece back to base? I could go on and on.
     I'm reminded of this type of feeling and excitement when I think of Christianity. It seems that for many people when they first fall in love with Jesus that it is so special they just cannot get enough. But over time, it seems their love for Jesus loses some of it's shine OR it takes on a new definition of expression. This is what is happening in Revelation 2:4, when Jesus tells the Church in Ephesus, "you have left your first love."
     Many of you might say, "I thought this verse had to do with evangelism" or "having a burden for lost people." Well, there is some truth in that, but it is not the real point of what Jesus is saying. You see, the Church had developed a new definition of expressing their Christianity. They had become obsessed with orthodoxy or making sure faith and truth was understood and lived out by very specific definitions of what was right...by their definition. They had become very legalistic and judgmental. They were more concerned with 'being intolerant' of what they thought was incorrect and also with 'putting people to the test' (Rev. 2:2) than they were of showing with their lives how much they love Jesus. So...He tells them "you have left your first love."
     Maybe you can look at your relationship with that one who years ago you would have done anything or gone to any lengths to please and realize that today you are not quite as motivated or maybe you are more critical of that special one's looks and actions. If so, take the command of verse 5 and "remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first..." Think about the difference that might be made in your relationship with your spouse if you once again treated them with 'the deeds you did at first.' Are you willing to take all that extra care again to please your spouse.
     NOW, think about your life with Christ and His Church. If you or your Church has become judgmental, legalistic, rules oriented, then "you have left your first love." Think what a difference it will make in your walk with Christ and in the life of your Church if you will return to the love you had at first. Will you do what is necessary to be the closest to Jesus that you can get? Will you take extra care to give Jesus extra special attention? Will you make sure you give Jesus your first and best? You did with that special loved one. You did when you first came to love Jesus. You can do it again!
     I've spotted the truth in my life, have you?

Jeff Woolum
Pastor
FBC Perrysburg, OH

Where do you find your truth?

     Jesus said in John 8:31, "the truth will set you free." OR at least that's as much of this verse as many would like to make it read. Of course, with the word 'truth' comes our definition of whatever we would like it to mean. For example, we may begin a search for truth pertaining to how create wealth. So we look in books about finance, investing, money management, etc., to start ourselves on our way toward being financially secure but never consider looking to see what God has to say about it. Another example is when someone decides that they are lonely and wants to seek a companion. They begin their search through internet dating sites, asking friends to set them up, going to various types of clubs looking to meet that special someone with whom we may find one or two things in common. Yet again, many people never consider looking to see what God has to say about companionship and marriage. And many people define the 'truth' of a situation as whatever 'feels right' to them.
     We could go on and on looking at different scenarios and how people go about looking for the 'truth' about a situation. The problem is sources of truth that change are by definition 'unreliable.' The very fact that they change tells us that there is no guarantee that what is now known as the truth will not change over time. So our search must be for a source of truth that has been shown over time to be both 'unchanging' and still found to be 'reliable' (and by 'reliable' I mean that it is shown to be correct).
     I want to now talk to Christians! Those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior can read this post, but I think we need to begin with those who confess Jesus as Lord. In the Church where I pastor, as well as others that I have pastored, I often ask the question of 'Why do we not do what we say we believe?' I may ask, 'Do you believe God created the heavens, the earth, and all they contain?' The answer is usually an overwhelming 'yes!' I then ask, 'Do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God and without error?' Again, usually an overwhelming 'yes!' Then why do we find it so hard to do what it says? And I say 'we' because at times I am right there also. We don't have space to look all through Scripture to examine this inconsistency of the human/Christian way of thinking, so let's just look at John 8:31 again.
     But, this time let's look at the context in which this phrase appears to see what it really asks us to do.
           "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed in Him, "If you continue in My
             word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth
             will make you free."" (John 8:31-32)
     Let's look at some of the 'key' phrases in this passage:
1. 'those Jews who had believed in Him' - forget about whether one is a Jew or not, the issue is 'believed in Him.' Being able to tap into the truth Jesus is talking about requires 'belief in Him.' Let's assume for a moment that those we are talking about are truly believers and look at the second item.
2. 'IF you continue in My word' - IF is a big word. The presumption is that one must begin a life in the Word of God AND 'continue' in it. This means not just a casual reading, but diving in head first and most of the time being in over our heads. We come up for air and breathe in Jesus to help us stay afloat as we strive to 'continue.' It is only with His continual help that we can continually be living His Word.
3. The first of three promises comes as 'then you are truly disciples of Mine.' Being a disciple is hard! The word translated as disciple, mathetes, means to apply to your life the teachings of the one you are following. So, being a disciple means believing in Jesus AND continuing (living out the teachings) in His word.
4. The second promise is 'you will know the truth.' I think this is very simple and very hard at the same time. It is simple in that believing in Jesus and continuing in His word will bring us face to face with the many truths contained in God's word. The very hard part is then allowing Jesus to give us the strength to live them.
5. The final promise is that 'the truth will make you free.' Once we accept God's truth, obey it, and start living it out, we will be set free because we need never wonder if we made the right or wrong decision. Obeying God in His way is always the right decision.
     Let's bring this all together. I am addressing this to Christians remember! As followers of Jesus Christ we have been given a great gift, a great example, and a great source of power. God promises us that His word is true. He tells us that so we can live a victorious life. We never need wonder if we made good or bad decisions as we walk through life. The Great Commission commands that we make disciples of others even as we ourselves are growing as disciples. Jesus gives us an example of discipleship through His life as He obeyed His Father. Usually in the face of adversity, He 'continued' on following and being obedient. But Jesus also left us the Holy Spirit as a source of supernatural power to enable us to 'know the truth,' 'continue in His word,' and allow the truth of His word to 'make us free.'
     What if we lived our lives but this promise! If God knows past, present, and future, doesn't it make sense to 'continue' in His word through being obedient. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that if we take what we say we believe and act upon it, our lives would be greatly enriched. We would not need to spend countless hours and days seeking to find a truth when God has so graciously given us the absolute truth. Let's try it!

Pastor Jeff Woolum
FBC Perrysburg, OH