"CRITICS" by:Pastor Fred Snider

“He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand which ignorant and instable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16

Everybody has opinions and everybody has critics. Peter is talking about Paul here in verse 16. He is very much defending him. In his defending, Peter says quite a few things that bear repeating. As you know, it is easy to criticize. Our criticism is usually misguided and often a rush to judgment without facts or understanding. I would like to list for you what I hear Peter saying. This could help us not to be so critical and also not to overreact to criticism. The very word is negative by use and definition. Other words like critique and possible perspective or encouraging analysis would work better. But, alas critics are often distracting attention from their own failures and misinformed or ulterior motive oriented. Peter says of Paul that he is consistent. Therefore, it is not like Paul is “flip-flopping” on doctrinal matters in particular. He suggests that maybe the critics are misunderstanding Paul because the matters he addresses are hard to understand. Peter says critics may be ignorant or be unstable; just making unformed assertions out of their own issues. He goes on to say that critics distort what Paul says and that he knows they have done this with other matters. He then concludes that critics are self destructive. All this to say that there are plenty of explanations other than that Paul is in error. More likely, he is misunderstood than needing correction. Like I said, we all have critics. We live in a culture that is hyper-critical, divisive and prone to jump to conclusions. Oh how often we get whipped up about something that is nothing.

“God’s Sovereignty” by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ Then He said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.’” Exodus 33:18-19

In Romans 9:15 Paul uses this experience of Moses with God to illustrate God’s sovereignty. We understand that God does whatever glorifies Him. Paul is trying to explain the clearer meaning of God hating Esau and how could God do that if He knows everything. In my study notes the following explanation really gave me some insight. This is John MacArthur’s note. In response to the accusation that God’s sovereign election is inconsistent with his attributes of fairness, justness and mercy, Paul cites Exodus which clearly indicates that God is absolutely sovereign and does elect who will be saved without violating His other attributes. He determines justly and fairly who will receive grace and mercy and that is definitely fair because of the fact He is perfect. Even faith is a gift from God, and we have free will without exception. God’s omniscience does not trump our free will. We must accept that He knows without ever being capricious or unfair. He is holy. He is Sovereign. He is God Almighty. He is full of glory and all His attributes are good.” So experience His goodness today and thank Him for it.

"I Don't Know The Lord" by: Pastor Fred Snider

“And Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.’” Exodus 5:2

These are chilling words. Pharaoh was full of himself and his own ideas and his own power. Once we make big, bold, brash statements, our egos often force us to back them up. So not only does Pharaoh question who God is, he claims not to believe in Him or to know Him. Sounds like someone who feels threatened and is in some denial. (Is this where the original play on words came from that say that “de Nile” is not just a river in Egypt?) The Bible says at one juncture that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart; sounds like it may have been tough already. Almost every atheist I know loves to argue about God, why pick a fight about something that doesn’t even exist in your mind? We question everything we don’t understand or don’t want to know, don’t we? We are quick to give glib, quick answers, especially if we have a big ego or a little power. We blow off consideration of anything that disrupts our kingdom or little world. When Pharaoh speaks he sounds like Herod. Moses pleaded with him, and Pharaoh would not relent. He suffered greatly and died fighting that which he could not control. God is in control. Let go. If you are controlling people, let them go. God wants to be solely in charge no matter who you think you are, or you think He is not. The Lord is God, let go.

"Doxology" by: Pastor Fred Snider

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25

A doxology, benediction, final thoughts, closing words, call if what you may, but no doubt some of the best of that kind of stuff in the whole Bible, is right here in Jude. Some of Jude’s words are hard to understand. I didn’t even try to devotionalize the verses about the archangel Michael and Moses body. Even though it is just an illustration of when not to accuse or even try to sort out earthly rebellion, much less in the heavenly realm. But this benediction is crystal clear. Unquestionable, indisputable as should be the whole Word of God. But some parts are a mystery. We can study those parts and seek a deeper understanding. But the clear parts, we must respond to personally. Jude 1:24-25 makes several teachable points that deserve noting.

1. He can keep us from falling. But we must trust and obey Him.

2. He alone can present us faultless because He covers our sin.

"KNOW HIM THROUGH HIS WORD"

by: Council Member John Adams

So many of us “angst” over not feeling like we truly “know” Jesus and what He wants us to do with our lives; especially when life gets tough and we don’t understand what’s going on or what to do.

“Be His Instrument” by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Snatch others from the fire and save them; others show mercy, mixed with fear.” Jude 1:23a

When reaching out to people, whether for sharing the good news, or trying to turn hearts back to Christ, we must use methodologies that are effective. Some folks need to be rescued, others need to be coaxed, and some need to have one of those “Come to Jesus” talks. Let me describe this some more with recent real life situations. I have used lots of different ways to try to help people get their lives on track. Sometimes it takes every tact possible. When witnessing, I have had people ask me “how can I become a Christian?” (I love those situations.) I have had others fight it and argue for months, even years. I always pray for God’s wisdom to know when to lay it on the line or take it slow. I am sure I have not always given the best counsel or witness and I am so glad that it is Him who does work. I need to remind myself of that from time to time. Lord, forgive me when I have missed it or messed it up. Even when I fall short, His grace is sufficient. So we keep on being available and keep on being used by Him and surrendering to Him so we can, as Paul says, “Be all things to all men, in order to win a few.” I am in awe of how He works through me and in spite of me. I challenge you today to be used by God as an instrument of His truth, grace, mercy, hope and love. It is risky and serious business. But it is His work and our “response ability.”

"Being Merciful" by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:22a

Doubting comes on many levels and at varying intensities throughout our lives. To doubt does not necessarily mean to question the existence of God, or the deity of Christ, or the veracity of the Word of God. It could be as simple as wondering whether or not God is answering your prayer. Human beings question God. We also wonder and ponder just how involved God is in our specific situation, or the world in general at any given time. In times of tragedy we doubt God’s presence or His response. We doubt His answers. Particularly when the answer is “no”, or “wait”. Trust and doubt are very closely tied together. I can honestly say that though I have struggled with trust, especially when it involves waiting, I have doubted my faith far more than Him. Doubt can manifest itself as simply as being resistant, hesitant, or unsure. Obviously we doubt each other and have trust issues based on the inconsistency and unreliability of people. Jude here is speaking of doubting the basics of the faith or doubting that Jude’s strong words against false prophets is necessary. I think the key is that the response to doubters, big and small, is to be merciful. Definition of mercy… Not getting what you deserve. So when we or others doubt, instead of scorn or ridicule or mockery or patronization, how about some compassion, empathy, and even sympathy. After all, even though we cause a bit of trouble, we are only human. If God is merciful even to doubters, shouldn’t we be?

“EVERY SOUL MATTERS”

"21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you." 2 Timothy 4:21-22

Whenever I read the closing verse of almost all the New Testament Epistles, I am always struck by the listing of names. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy in verse 21, encourages Timothy to come before winter, if at all possible. He says, “do your best”… how fatherly. How thoughtful. Then he gives the names of three Roman believers never mentioned before and never mentioned again. They were probably newer believers, which would have blessed Timothy.

"Bad Company"

"Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion." Jude 1:11

These are three guys you don’t want to be compared to under any circumstances. Jude is giving examples of those who brought woe upon themselves with their choices. Each of them were self-corrupted, deluded by their own desires, lead astray by their own base nature. Each of them just gave in to their worst selves without much, if any resistance. We know about this human weakness from personal experience. I know I do. I can unthinkingly, speak. Uncaringly, react. Unnecessarily, get involved. Let’s quickly review each culprit’s errors in judgment:

"FRIENDSHIP" by Council Member, Hank Botts

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. " 2 Timothy 4:7

Losing one dear friend is difficult enough, but to lose two within the span of just a few short months is especially trying. Rick and Lahoma Ballester are two of my closest friends in the ministry, closer than a brother and sister to me. As I said to my wife recently, I had always envisioned us growing older and being seniors together. I don't want to dwell on the loss, however, because it is still so incomprehensible to me, and so very sad. Therefore, I choose instead to focus on celebrating the lives and legacies of these two very special people. Did you know that Lahoma is the person responsible for these daily devotionals? She came up with the idea shortly after our mission trip to Jamaica. She and Rick are also responsible for Sara and I being junior high ministers. So, in addition to the many lives they touched directly, their legacy and impact is still being added to with each new young person who is reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned so much from both of them about the love of Christ, especially His love for those that others would consider outcasts. I owe so much to both of them, and there isn't time or space to recall all the experiences we've shared, but I treasure all of them in my heart. This Scripture verse is perfect for both of them. They indeed fought the good fight, finished the race (Lahoma's marathon ministry comes to mind), and kept the faith in the midst of many trials and struggles. I love them both so much, and I'm thankful for the time we had together. I miss them a lot, but I take great comfort in knowing beyond any doubt that we will be reunited once my race is finished. Until then, rest in paradise, my friends. I know you've already heard our Lord say "Well done, good and faithful servants!"

Devotion by Pastor Fred Snider

“Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones tremble. I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD and his holy words.” Jeremiah 23:9

I am feeling this with Jeremiah today. As I read these chapters from Jeremiah, I am staggered with awe for the conviction of His Word. The Lord’s prophecy through Jeremiah to a disobedient people and their leaders is almost too much to take. I read sections of the major and minor prophets in light of our fallen-ness, and I am ashamed of our individual and corporate behavior. When Jeremiah shares about the wrongdoing of shepherds, prophets and priest, I shudder at his warnings regarding preaching that is shallow or corruption in the spiritual leadership. I am overwhelmed with grief and I am heartbroken by the things that Jeremiah speaks of with his indicting word about dishonest gain, shedding of innocent blood, oppression, and extortion, injustice and greed. Comparisons to Sodom and Gomorrah; illustrations of adultery, evil doing, duplicity, and stubbornness, appeasement, and toleration of sin. God have mercy on us! Thank Jesus for grace. No wonder we have the trouble we do. Lord, draw us close to You, help us oh God to be accountable and to desire You more than the things and ways of this world.

“They Gave Themselves Up”

“In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.” Jude 1:7

The similar way Jude refers to is the way 1/3 of the angels followed Satan in his rebellion and were cast out of heaven. In a similar way, meaning with the same reckless abandon or mindless surrender, without thinking or resisting they didn’t even try to do the right things. All sin, whether the obviously egregious perverted kind, or the irresponsible, carless incidental kind, is all done by choice. This verse reminds me of my own ability to “give up” when combating sin. To just quit trying. To not try or to not resist. To just let it happen like I can’t stop it. I am going to confess here with an allegory that is easy to understand. I went to the donut shop. You know, just to get something to drink. (Like there is nowhere else to just get something to drink.) Well, when I was leaving I was shocked to discover that somehow I managed to walk out with a cinnamon roll and a maple bar. How did that happen? That was not my original plan. Did someone hold a gun to my head and force me to buy that cinnamon roll……and totally unnecessary maple bar? Did I black out and temporarily lose my mind? Did the clerk use some clever sales technique on me and trick me into a donut purchase? Nope, I did it. I chose to buy not one unnecessary donut, but two. I gave up as soon as she said the magic words I was waiting for. Remember them well, because I use the drive-thru, and the same girl asks every time, “What can I get for you?” Such manipulation. So I said “O.K. O.K. no pressure please, I’ll have a cinnamon roll and a maple bar, oh yeah and a large unsweetened tea.” I gave up, before I resisted. I put myself in a compromising position and compromised. No one but me to blame. In a similar way, I gave myself up to the simplest of temptations. Like I didn’t have a choice. Like David headed next door to Bathsheba. Like Adam and Eve sharing a piece of fruit. I just did it. Whatever your sin, and please do not think I am anti-donut, they are wonderful when within limits and in appropriate moderation. But on this day I succumbed to temptation. But I tell you a humorous story to touch your conscience. Ask yourself, how often do you give yourself up without any resistance and little conscience? Hope I remember this devotional next time I just need to get something to drink.

Deliverance and Destruction

“Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.” Jude 1:5

Jude is referring to the oral tradition of early believers, especially Jews who are following the Christ knowing their own history of deliverance. This verse spoke to me today because though I need to contend for the faith, God does not need me to bring His justice down. He will do that. He not only delivers His people and leads His people; He protects His people and defends His people. He in effect, has our back. That does not mean there will not be persecution. It doesn’t mean we should shrink from our responsibility to stand up for justice and righteousness. But, it does mean we are not vengeful, retributive or retaliatory. “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.” Like the verse says. We are reminded that God delivered His people by using Moses to part the Red Sea and giving them safety to escape Egypt. Then He drowned Pharaoh and his army by allowing the waters to return. This is a picture of how He makes a way for us, but only if we follow Him. I need to be reminded that He protects me, so I need not lash out or attack the world. When I contend for the faith I must do so faithfully. He will bring justice in every circumstance and in the final analysis. So I trust Him, contend for my faith and let Him take care of the rest.

“Cheapened Grace”

“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 1:4

First, as you read this, do not limit your definition of immorality to sexual immorality. Lying and stealing are immoral too. In our world that is trending towards being “value free” we are like the proverbial “frog in the kettle”. Our definitions and values are changed slowly and we are cooked before we know it. The two words in this verse that jump out at me are grace and change. The verse says godless men change grace into license. The liberty and freedom that grace gives us is not a license that leads to licentiousness or anything else immoral. All disobedience begins with compromise. The values of the Ten Commandments and the teaching of Jesus do not need to evolve to adapt to the erosion of cultural values. Since they shouldn’t in a rapidly degrading society we will find ourselves in conflict with cultural norms. So what is o.k. or acceptable in our culture, even by law may be wrong for us. Our values are not changing. Grace does not expand, it covers, but it does not condone. Something to consider.

“Satisfied"

"After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied." Hebrews 53:11

The passage speaks to God's satisfaction that the sacrifice of His son will satisfy the debt for our sins. Through Christ's death on the cross, our need to be justified with the Father and enter again into His presence is fulfilled. We lost the right to be in God's presence in the Garden of Eden with sin, and I know I lose the right every day by my sin. God had a plan from the beginning--before He created man to bring us back to Him, and the plan was "satisfied" in Christ's death. In the Old Testament He gave us a vision of what it would look like with the children of Israel in the building of the temple and He inspired prophets like Isaiah and others to give us a heads up that it was coming. In the New Testament with the birth and eventual death and resurrection of His son, we see it fulfilled, the debt finally and forever satisfied- wow, what love.

"CONTEND FOR THE FAITH"

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Jude 1:3

The joy of our salvation is such a wonderful blessing to share about and I, like Jude, am eager to encourage us all about our hope and joy in Christ. I also, like Jude feel the need to urge us all to contend for the faith. Our faith is under attack from within and from the world. We are seemingly being pitted against one another. Believers against believers, church against church, denomination against denomination. There seems to be no end to the criticism, negativity, and undermining of one another individually and as a group. This is the work of the enemy within the Body. This must stop. We need unity; believer to believer, church to church, and group to group. We must rally together and around our common salvation. At the same time we are under attack from the world; from other religions, from political interests, from the press, from culture and from the erosion Judao-Christian principles. You must see this. Wrong is right, right is wrong. Decency and kindness are only a means to an end, and the roots of our country are being poisoned and the roots of our faith too. We are mocked and derided. Let us contend for the faith, unite, and not allow any further erosion. Let’s rebuild the common ground of our salvation within, and resist the erosion from the world.

"MATH"

“Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.” Jude 1:2

Church ministry is not unlike Math. There is addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Jude (the brother of James,
both half-brothers of Jesus) writes a one chapter epistle, which is the source of a few devotions in coming days

"GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE"

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18a

I am confident that Peter encourages us at the end of his letter to grow in both grace and knowledge for an important reason. In the Christian life, we must pursue both knowledge and grace. The combination of these two components of the faith will lead to maturity. If we pursue only knowledge and not grace or “practice” we are like the student who prepares for something they never actually do. On the other hand, if we pursue only grace, we are like the believer who does much but doesn’t really fully understand why. By growing in both grace and knowledge your whole person matures. Not just your mind or your heart, but both mind and heart. I have known believers who need to especially grow in grace because the practice of their faith does not match the knowledge of their faith. They know but they do not do. I also have known believers who need to especially grow in their knowledge of their faith because they practice their faith but they don’t understand it. How about you? Do you need to grow in grace or knowledge or maybe both? Peter is clear. We must grow in both in order to honor and glorify Christ.
Hope this simple illustration encourages or even convicts someone to grow in grace and/or knowledge.

"NEVER FAILING COMPASSION"

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

We sometimes wonder where hymns and songs of faith come from. How do songwriters come up with amazing lyrics that touch us so deeply? The hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” was written by Thomas Obadiah Chisholm, who was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and started teaching school at age 16. He became a Christian at 27, but suffered ill health and unsure job conditions. When facing uncertainty he turned to Lamentations to remind himself that God’s faithfulness is sure, His compassion will not fail. They are new every morning. The lyrics began as poems sent to a musician friend, who was moved by the words and wrote music to them in 1923. Moody Bible Institute adopted the hymn as their theme song. When Moody Bible Institute president Will Houghton died it was played at his funeral. Sometime later Billy Graham Crusades picked it up as a centerpiece of Evangelistic meetings that George Beverley Shea would sing at and lead the choir. The lyric author, Thomas, would walk the beach in his last years in Ocean Park singing the words joyfully. The song became widely popular after Thomas Chisholm died and his last song he wrote was “Living for Jesus,” because God’s faithfulness was so great.

“My Redeemer Lives”

By Council Member: Charlotte Adams

Have you ever heard a song, and from the moment you heard it, it somehow just stuck with you and every time you hear it, you love it more, such that it becomes a part of you. I have quite a few songs that affect me that way, some Christian and some not. But the one Christian song that touches my heart every time I hear it is “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen. Not only are the words that are spoken truth, but the way that Nicole delivers the message stays with you long after the song has ended. It is not at all unusual that if my husband plays the CD when we are driving, we both are likely to want to hear it at least one more time.

"GOD IS NOT A SLACKER"

“The Lord is not Slack Concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I would hope that none of us think God is a slacker in anyway, but when it comes to His return, some of us are almost impatient about it. Well, why hasn’t He come back? The world is a mess. Nuclear threats, corruption, immorality, violence. Trust Him; He will keep His promise to return; when it is time. Ready for this? Maybe He will return before you read this, maybe thousands of years from now, however, we must live our lives like both are possible. Because they are! Couldn’t God, who spoke the world into existence, fulfill every prophecy in the twinkling of any eye? Also, couldn’t God who is perfectly gracious and merciful begin a revival to reach billions more for the Kingdom? Of course He could. So be ready and willing for both.

"WHOLESOME THINKING"

“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.” 1 Peter 3:1

Peter writes two general epistles, in effect, to all the believers and consequent believers from when he preached on Pentecost. Remember in Acts 2 Peter gives an amazing message that people from all over the world hear. Many believe and take that fresh faith home. Churches in the far reaches of the known world are begun and Peter is concerned about them and wanting to remind them of the basic tenets of Christianity and to make sure that they are believing right and thinking straight. Peter is trying to stimulate, even if that takes a little “shocking,” everyone who reads his letter to check their foundations, to get back to their routes, to look at the map and consider where they are and where they started. This is good counsel. If “wholesome thinking,” what I would call “an objective biblical view,” is not maintained, we easily get distracted or thrown off by unwholesome thinking, or the worldly view, better known as “stinkin thinkin.” Good for all of us to check in with the basics regularly so we don’t lose our way or, better yet, His Way.