He is Able (part 1)

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7:25)

He is able - that simply means that Christ alone is able to save.  Not a minister, not a church, not an ordinance, nor a religious ritual can save.  Only the Lord Jesus Christ is able to save a soul.  There was a time when I relied on my religious works for salvation.  I thought I had to do things in order to gain points with God.  It was pitiful.  One day, I was doing good (at least I thought that way in my mind); the next day, I was miserable because of sin.  But when I finally came to the point where I realized that Christ was all I needed, that His work on the cross was the only work that could pay for my sins, then  I rested in the fact that Christ alone was able to save.  Not my works, but His work saves.  Not my merits, but His merits gained salvation.  Indeed, He alone is able.

The Homily - Illustrations

I like a good steak.  For me, medium-well please.  The steak should be juicy, full of flavor, savory, hot, and complimented with creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and something like a simple salad.  This steak illustration illustrates what good preaching is like.  The meat of the matter is God's Word.  The Word is the main course of good preaching.  Unfortunately, in our day and age many aren't interested in the meat of the Word.  Rather, they are scrounging around for the illustration.  The story replaces the Scriptures as the main thing.  Experience is elevated to a higher plane than doctrine.  When the speaker tells either a "tear-jerker" or a humorous one the sermon review is "a good one," and that almost instantaneously.  When stuff like this goes on, it's like going to a steakhouse to by-pass the steak and enjoy the salad instead.  Illustrations are important. They have their proper place in the sermon,  but when the illustration becomes the main thing, the sermon loses its potency.  Part of the problem is the misguided speaker.  The other problem is the listener who lacks discernment listening for the story instead of listening to the Scriptures.

A blessing from Harry Ironside

I have heard of Dr. Harry Ironside from when I was in Bible College.  I have a healthy respect for his Bible Commentaries.  I listened to a series of messages on Isaiah from an actual live recording of his Bible class on sermonaudio.com.  What a blessing.  He was an even better speaker than what I had imagined.  I wanted to share a blessing that I got from his observation and experience.

He was traveling via train (I guess he really liked that) when a gypsy fortune teller woman grabbed his palm and was intending to tell him about his past, present, and future.  He took his New Testament and showed her about his past, present, and future.  He is just a good man.

My Past:
Ephesians 2:1-3  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  (2)  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

My Present:
Ephesians 2:4-6  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  (5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  (6)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

My Future:
Ephesians 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Matthew Henry on Gen. 11:1-4

Gen 11:1-4 "And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. (2) And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. (3) And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. (4) And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

"What a difference there is between men's building and God's; when men build their Babel, brick and slime are their best materials; but when God builds His Jerusalem, He lays even the foundations of it with sapphires, and all its borders with pleasant stones.  Isa. 54:11, 12; Rev. 21:19."

MZBC Live Streaming

We (Mt. Zion Baptist Church) are scheduled to live stream our Sunday morning preaching ministry via sermonaudio.com.  I know a couple of years ago, when I was sick over the weekend, I really liked watching a few services which were "streamed" over the Internet.  How I wished my church would do something like this for the sake of the sick or shut in members.  Thankfully, Pastor and the Sight and Sound ministry men got behind this ministry project, and the rest is history.  Now, this is all new to us, and there maybe a few glitches here and there, but our target date to start is this Sunday, Jan. 23rd, Lord willing.

Post Christmas blessing - Our Lord Emmanuel

(Matthew 1:23)
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

As God was literally with Mary and Joseph, and the rest of the New Testament Bible characters through the incarnate Son, so He truly is with us today.  He will always be with us.  As we serve Him, His presence will always be with us.  Matthew 28:20 says: "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Truly the Lord Jesus is Emmanuel.

Christian Meditation (part 4) A Careful Reflection

What are we to meditate on? Thankfully, the Bible has the answers:

1. We are to meditate on the person and character of God:

(Psalm 63:6)
"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches."

(Psalm 104:34)
"My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."

When you read the Bible, take careful notice of God's person and character. Think about the things He said. Pay attention to His attributes. Jot them down, and include the Bible verse and reference. Commit them to memory. Meditating on God and His majesty is a great blessing.

2. We are to meditate on His works:

(Psalm 77:12)
"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."

(Psalm 143:5)
"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands."

God's work not only consists of Creation and Salvation, but also that of His providential care. He is continually working in our lives. Isn't it wonderful to know that God is the background of our lives working out His perfect will and way, in and through us?

3. We are to meditate on His Word:

(Psalm 119:15)
"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."

(Psalm 119:48)
"My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes."

(Psalm 119:97)
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day."

A Christian who is daily in the word, and careful to reflect upon the Scriptures throughout the day, will gain victory over sin, self, and Satan.

pre-e-Christmas greetings from the Hardeckers

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

  

Merry Christmas!

 

Christian Meditation (part 3) A Constant Reflection

The Bible teaches us when we ought to meditate:

(Joshua 1:8)
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

(Psalm 1:2)
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

(Psalm 63:6)
"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches."

"Night watches" would be like guard duty. The Psalmist meditates on God even when he is on duty.

(Psalm 119:97)
"MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day."

We can and should meditate on God "all the day." As we go about doing our work, we will think or reflect on God, His person, and His work.


One way to counter the filth of this world, its powerful temptations to give in to sin, and its constant barrage to abandon God is to meditate upon God. In fact, the most alert times of our schedule are the best times to think, and ponder the things of God. Perhaps you started your day with Bible reading, and wrote down a verse or a spiritual truth that you gained from the reading of His Word. Now is the time to reflect on what God has spoken to you about from His Word. O that we would constantly learn to meditate on God's Word all throughout the day and then some more at night!

Christian Meditation (part 2) A Compliant Reflection

At the outset of this article we have already seen a few verses that instruct us to meditate. Here are a a few more:

(Psalm 4:4)
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."

The phrase "commune with your own heart" refers to the act of meditation.

(Psalm 49:3)
"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding."

The Psalmist voluntarily practices meditation.

(Psalm 119:48)

"My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes."

(Psalm 119:78)
"Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but
I will meditate in thy precepts."

(Psalm 119:148)
"Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word."

It is important that we take the time to study and reflect on God and His Word. The world seeks to rob us of our attention and affection we have for God. May we learn to obey God's Word, in compliance with the Scriptural examples and imperatives, to practice and develop the habit of Christian meditation.

The Thankful Samaritan

Luke 17:11-19 "And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. (12) And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: (13) And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (14) And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. (15) And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, (16) And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. (17) And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? (18) There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. (19) And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

Happy Thanksgiving!  May we never forget to give God both glory and thanks for His grace and mercy upon us.

Christian Meditation (part 1) Distinction and Definition

Christian meditation is not Transcendental Meditation. The two are similar in that they are both mental exercises, but the end results are mutually exclusive. Transcendental Meditation seeks for an “altered state of consciousness,” but Christian meditation seeks for an altered way of life – one towards Christ-likeness. The former is cultic, destructive and false, while the latter is Scriptural, helpful, and true.

The Lord Jesus Himself exemplified the need to come apart from the business of ministry work among the people. He often went to a private place in order to pray and be refreshed (see Mark 3:7; 6:46; 7:24). Similarly, we need to get away from the things, perhaps even people or situations that inundate our hearts and minds, and leave us spent, wasted, or empty for God or the things of God. His withdrawal from the crowd is a demonstration for his followers to do the same. Christian meditation is a coming apart, or a withdrawing of the mind from the clutter of the day. We would do well to follow our Savior’s example.

Christian meditation is the compliant, constant and careful reflection of God, His work and His Word.

Stewardship and Thankfulness (Matthew Henry on Genesis 8:20)

"And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Gen. 8:20)

"He offered only those that were clean; for it is not enough the we sacrifice, but we must sacrifice that which God appoints, according to the law of sacrifice, and not a corrupt thing.  Though his stock of cattle was so small, and that rescued from ruin at so great an expense of care and pains, yet he did not grudge to give God his dues out of it.  He might have said, "Have I but seven sheep to begin the world with, and must one of the seven be killed and burnt for sacrifice?  Were it not better to defer it till we have greater plenty?"  No, to prove the sincerity of his love and gratitude, he cheerfully gives the seventh to his God, as an acknowledgment that all was his, and owing to him.  Serving God with our little is the way to make it more; and we must never think that wasted with which God is honored...We are now to express our thankfulness, not by burnt offerings, but by the sacrifices of praise and the sacrifices of righteousness, by pious devotions, and a pious conversation."

Christian Meditation (Introduction)

The Bible has much to say about meditation, consider some of these verses:

(Joshua 1:8) 

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

(Psalm 1:2) 

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

(Psalm 19:14) 

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

(Psalm 119:15)

“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.”

(1Timothy 4:15)

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

                The word “meditate” means to think, to contemplate, or to ponder.  It involves mental exercise.  Our 21^st century culture has all but eroded our capacity to genuinely think and reflect much less contemplate the things of God.  The human brain, however, is so “mind-boggling” in that a single brain can function with the electronic equivalence of all the radio and television stations in the entire world put together. (*) And so it is important that we think about what God wants and commands us to think about.

(Philippians 4:8)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

  

(*)R. Kent Hughes, Philippians, Preaching The Word Bible Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007) pg. 173.

A classic sermon on Separation

This sermon is a blessing to me, and I trust it will be a blessing to you as well.

The Homily

“Preach the word…” (2 Tim. 4:2a)

Here is the plain command regarding the proclamation of God’s Word. We ought to expect our preachers to “preach the word.” A Biblical sermon is fundamentally an exposition of God’s Word. This means that a preacher doesn’t start with his own thoughts of what he desires or wishes to say, nor does he invent doctrines from his imaginations. A sermon is powerful and authoritative on the basis of its source, and that of course is God’s Word. A sermon isn’t powerful because of a personal story or illustration, the method of delivery or style of preaching, not even in the raising of one’s voice, per se. Sure these have their proper place in the homiletic process, but they are not the essential element in preaching - much less good preaching. Good preaching is the exposition of God’s Word. Commonly the topical sermon is viewed as the antithesis to expository preaching.  However, a sermon can take the form of a topical message and still be an exposition of God’s Word, if it is done right. The important idea in preaching is that the message must fundamentally be the explication of God’s Word.

Remembering Pam Stone

She fought the good fight of faith. She is now in the presence of the Lord, forever. We will miss her, for now.


Here is a copy of the obituary for our dear sister in the faith.


RED LION Pamela Ann Stone, 59, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 24, 2010, after a 14 year battle with ALS. She was the wife of Terry Stone. Born on August 27, 1951, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Mabel Albright and a 1969 graduate of Dallastown High School. Pamela had served as PTO president for Clearview and Chanceford Elementary Schools for several years. Her life's testimony was recorded on a cd and sent to several churches and missionaries around the world. To her family, she was a dedicated wife, faithful mother and loving grandmother. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Angela Smith of Manchester, Ryan Stone of Brogue, Kelsey Tome of Windsor, and Kayla Stone of Winterstown; four grandchildren, Tristan and Anaiah Wilson of Brogue, Carter and Tegan Smith of Manchester; a brother, Thomas Albright of Brogue; and a sister, Joan Schaffer of Port Charlotte, Fla. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Road, Brogue. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the church with Pastor Randy Starr officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hershey Medical Center ALS Clinic, Department of Neurology, EC037, 30 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Harkins Funeral Home, Delta, has been entrusted with her arrangements. For directions or to send condolences, please visit www.harkinsfuneralhome.com or call 800-550-5915.

Remembering Johnny Waltemyer

We will always remember Johnny to be a loving and extremely cheerful Christian.  He loved the Lord, his family, his church-family, and his friends.  I know this guy was special the moment he told me that I wasn't half as dumb as I look.  We will miss him, but we sorrow not like the world which have no hope.  We know that he is with the Lord Jesus, and one day, we will be with Johnny praising the Lord for all eternity in throne room of Heaven.

Here is his obituary as published in the York Daily Record, today:

AIRVILLE Welby B. 'Johnny' Waltemyer, 90, went to be with the Lord on October 17, 2010, with his family by his side. He was the husband of Edna E. (Joines) Waltemyer, his wife of over 55 years. Viewing will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 48 Muddy Creek Road, Brogue. The service will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Randy Starr officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Born October 27, 1919, in York County, he was a son of the late William and Agnes Jane (Burns) Waltemyer. In the past he had been employed for 35 years with the former E.E. Sinclair General Store, Airville. Johnny was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for over 20 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Johnny enjoyed hunting, fishing, and having a good sense of humor. He was the last of 15 children of William and Agnes Waltemyer. In addition to his wife, Edna E. Waltemyer of Airville, Mr. Waltemyer is survived by a son, Mark Waltemyer and his wife, Lori of Red Lion; two daughters, Judy Hoerr and her husband, Jim and Tammy Henricks and her husband, Todd, both of Airville; and seven grandchildren, Tansy Peters and her husband, Seth, Jordan, Brittany and Micah Hoerr, Todd and Truman Henricks. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Building Fund, 48 Muddy Creek Forks Road, Brogue, PA 17309. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., 19 S. Main St., Stewartstown, is in charge.

Hardeckers on vacation

Ah, vacation!  What a wonderful time.  First, Squantz Pond.  Second, Marcia on a hammock (she was reading and then took a nap).  Third, W.T. snuggled and also napping (an activity that he does a lot - being only a little over three weeks old).  And me, reading, relaxing, and taping.  We also went to church at Dover First Baptist Church in Wingdale, NY.  This church housed General George Washington, and some of his men for an evening.  Absolutely good Sunday School teaching on Psalm 19 by Mr. Harold, a 20 + year member of the church.  The preaching was on Stewardship by a missionary to Ghana (Mr. Jim Peterson).  What an important topic.  Pastor Bacino was on vacation (funny!) so we never did get a chance to meet him but I am absolutely for vacation.

Personal Observation Notes on the Parable of the Sower

1. The sower sows the "seed" = word (Luke says "his seed") – in the parable it is classified as:

    a. The Word of the Kingdom (Matthew)

    b. The Word (Mark)

    c. The Word of God (Luke)

2. There are four different kinds of soil (hearer)

    a. The way side

    b. The stony places (Matthew); stony ground (Mark); a rock (Luke)

    c. Thorns (among [the] thorns)

    d. Good ground

3. Regarding the Way Side:

    a. Main description:

        a.1. They hear

        a.2. and understand not

        a.3. "lest they should believe and be saved." (Luke)

    b. Main culprit is Satan: (parallel to "fowls" [Matthew], "fowls of the air" [Mark & Luke])

        b.1. "The wicked one" (Matthew)

        b.2. "Satan" (Mark)

        b.3. "the Devil" (Luke)

    c. Method:

        c.1. He comes and catches away that which was sown in his heart. (Matthew)

        c.2. Satan comes immediately and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. (Mark)

        c.3. comes and takes away the word out of their hearts. (Luke)

  4. Regarding the Stony Places, Stony ground, a rock:

    a. Main description:

        a.1. They hear

        a.2. anon with joy receive it (Matt); immediately receive it with gladness (Mark) receive the word with joy (Luke)

        a.3. not much earth; no deepness of earth; not root in himself; no root (Matt & Mark)

        a.4. lacked moisture (Luke)

        a.5. "for a while believe" (Luke)

    b. Main culprit: these are parallel to the scorching of the sun.

        b.1. Tribulation (Matthew)

        b.2. Persecution (Matthew) [all because of the word, or for the word's sake]

        b.3. Affliction (Mark)

        b.4. Temptation (Luke)

    c. Method:

        c.1. "Withered away" (Matt, Mark) i.e. offended because of the word (Matt./Mark)

        c.3. Endured for a time, but when affliction arise, immediately they are offended. (Mk.)

        c.4. in a time of temptation fall away (Luke)

  5. Regarding the Thorns:

    a. Main description:

        a.1. they hear the word

        a.2. the word is chocked.

    b. Main culprit:

        b.2.1. care(s) of this world (Matt, Mark)

        b.2.2. riches and deceitfulness of riches (Luke, Matthew)

        b.2.3. the lusts of other things (Mark)

        b.2.4. pleasures of this life (Luke)

    c. Method:

        c.1. choked – the thorns grow up with the seed.


 
6. Regarding the Good ground:

    a. Main description: (an honest and good heart – Luke adds to the description)

         Good ground

    b. Results: fruitfulness.

    c. Method:

        c.1. hears the word (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

        c.2. understands it. (Matthew)

        c.3. receive it (Mark)

        c.4. keep it (Luke)

  
Luke adds a warning: "Take heed therefore how ye hear…" (Luke 8:18a).


Scripture references: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:5-18