It is a remarkable thing what happened to Moses. In Exodus 34 he descended from Mt. Sinai unaware that his face was glowing. The people of Israel were afraid to even go near him (v.30)! Perhaps they thought that Moses had unfortunately stumbled upon some kind of highly enriched uranium and their brains would fry if they got to close? But, no. Moses had seen the glory the God and lived! He was able to be in the presence of deity! Moses reflected what he saw. But the people were not totally convinced. For their sake, Moses wore an ancient hazmat suit- the veil-in order to ease their minds.

Flash forward a few (thousand or so) years. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, uses Moses’ experience as an analogy. He says, “And we all (believers), with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…” Whenever Moses spent time with God, he began to shine like God! Scripture is clear that God’s goal in saving us is to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Cf. Rom 8:28-30). Thus, as we walk in the light of the New Covenant (Cf. 2 Cor 3-4:6), we begin to shine more and more like Christ Jesus! This is a process as indicated by the phrase “from one degree of glory to another” (or, “glory to glory” KJV). So, the more we “look” to Him through his Word (as indicated in chapter 3) the more we begin to reflect the light of God’s glory! We reflect what we see!

But, I want to turn attention to one last verse for consideration: John 3:2: “…but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.” Did you catch that? When Christ returns we will be like Him- WHY? BECAUSE we shall SEE Him as He is!” One day, our lights will burn bright as we, like Moses, look upon Jesus. We will reflect what we see!

Here’s my point today: Sometimes in this life our reflection of God’s glory is dimmer than other times. The bulb burns bright, the bulb burns low, sometimes the bulb even flickers. But, be assured that one day our lights will be amped up and we will shine brighter than the sun as we behold the glory of the only begotten. Like an old school halogen light bulb, we are getting brighter and brighter until we reach our maximum- That is, when He returns and we see Him as He is. The Apostle John wants you to know that in that day, we will be like Him. How can we not if we stand in the light of His glory? We will reflect what we see!

Blessings~

Pastor Matthew S. Rickett

This past Sunday, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper (or, communion). Since then I have been thinking about some of the ironies of the practice. Here are some things to consider:

1. We proclaim the Lord’s death, though we don’t say a word. As a kid, I will confess to you that I always loved communion services because there was typically no preaching. Your in, out, and home in the time it usually takes for the preacher to get warmed up. Of course, now I see things quite a bit differently. We are told in 1 Corinthians 11 that communion is a “proclamation” of the Lord’s death. What we do in practice is exactly what we proclaim in speech. In other words, when we observe communion we preach Jesus crucified!

Now, take this a step further. It has often been reasoned that observing communion too often will rob it of it’s meaning. That is to say, practicing the Lord’s Supper on a monthly basis, for example, will make it routine. But this is ironically never said of preaching. We would never say, “The preacher shouldn’t preach today because it will loose it’s effectiveness or power!” If communion is a proclamation of the Lord’s death, then I say preach the Word (in speech and symbol) as often as you like! Much more could be said about how often Christians are to observe this ordinance, but ultimately it is left open for the individual local body to decide how often they are compelled to do it.

2. Unity is achieved as long as it is not sought. Paul speaks of communion in 1 Corinthians 11 as a unifier of the church. The entire church is to come together with a single focus: proclaiming hence, remembering, the Lord’s death. But, while unity is a by product of the Lord’s Supper, it is not the primary purpose. A church is only unified in communion if they are unified in their purpose. Therefore, to use communion strategically as a way to unify the people is dangerously close to missing the point. Ironically, the unity will come if it is not the purpose! For example, we don’t go to worship to be blessed. We go to worship in order to worship God! But, in the process of that, blessings surely come. Now, if we focus on our blessing, we subsequently remove the motive away from God. Fail. Further, we don’t get married for happiness, but rather holiness. Marriage is a means of sanctification. But, if we allow God to sanctify us through the husband-wife relationship, happiness is guaranteed to result. Communion is much the same. Focus on Christ and unity will be a by-product.

3. The whole body gathers around the broken body. As I looked up from the communion table on Sunday night, I saw an awesome sight. There we were, Faith Church, the body of Christ gathered around the bread, the broken body of our Lord. Is there not irony in the fact that we gather as one around the symbol of the one that was broken? I could not in my wildest imagination think of a more fitting picture.

Much can be learned about your walk with God by your desire to participate in communion. I am fully persuaded that if ever the entire church came together for a single service, it should be communion. If you willfully remove yourself from (dare I say?) the command of communion, then you are noticeably absent from the body and the picture is not complete!

4. We celebrate the death of a man that brought life to a people. Connected with the above is the realization that communion is the celebration of a death that brought life. Scripture is rather robust with this irony! By one man’s death, many have life. Death for life, one for many.

5. This memorial service is a celebration and thanksgiving. The term “eucharist” is not a bad one though many have an aversion to it because of it’s catholic use. The term comes from “eucharista” which simply means “thanksgiving.” This aptly describes what attitude we should have when we come together for the observance of this ordinance. Though we are saddened that our Savior had to suffer under the hands of the Roman torturers, we are exuberant in our celebration of the eternal life that resulted. This is the one memorial service wherein is acceptable to be joyous, glad, and full of praise. So, the next time you come to the Lord’s table, allow yourself to be thankful. While communion must be kept sacred and spiritual, it needn’t become drab and dull.

6. The Lord attends His memorial service. I hesitate to write “memorial” service because it is so much more than that. But, in our remembrance of our Lord’s death, it is ironic that He Himself, as the head of the church, attends the communion service. Communion is an act of worship carried out in the Holy Spirit. To think that the one we remember and give thanks for is present with us when we gather together!

I urge you to think lofty thoughts about communion. Too often we debate the “elements,” or closed vs. open, or sacramentalism vs. memorial, etc. ad infinitum. Communion is exactly that: Communion with God (and each other). Ironically, Christians have for centuries debated over a practice that is suppose to fill us with joy and unify the body. Therefore, allow your mind and heart to be swept up in the spiritual truths that surround this awesome practice!

Blessings~

Pastor Matthew S. Rickett

One of the most destructive attitudes that we can develop as Christians is an ‘unteachable spirit.’ By that I mean a spirt (and, consequently, a heart and mind) that refuses to yield itself to sanctification and growth in the Word. James speaks of many who have either (1) forsaken the hearing of the Word (cf. James 1:19-21) or (2) forsaken the application of the Word (cf. 1:22-26).

How do we know if we have developed an unteachable spirit?

1. We are quick to defend our theological stance or lifestyle. The process of learning consists of weighing out the options and alternatives (or, “thinking critically”). Often, when calloused by an unteachable spirit, we refuse to listen to others. Instead of being Christ-honoring seekers of truth, we become defenders of positions. When conversations turn into debate, words lose their benefit. The teachable spirit listens and then converses rationally in order to gain understanding, if not agreement. 

2. We feel that orthodoxy is on the line when it is not. There are certain Christian doctrines that fall under the heading of evangelical orthodoxy. These are foundational truths for the Christian Faith. When we develop an unteachable spirit, we begin to feel that these foundational truths are being threatened by the differences of others (even if they are not). This is the main reason the Jews rejected Messiah! A crucified Christ seemed rather ‘unorthodox’. A teachable spirit rests secure in their faith and builds on this foundation. 

3. We take differences personally. When one cannot defend their belief or lifestyle the default plan B is an ad hominem argument. Rather than discussing the point, the conversation turns to the person (who quickly becomes an ‘opponent’). This is the case in Scripture when Paul’s opponents could not argue with his masterful theology. What started as attack’s on Paul’s theology (1 Corinthians) quickly turned into attacks on Paul (2 Corinthians). A teachable spirit focuses on the issue rather than the person trying to teach him/her. 

4. We cannot handle constructive criticism. Sometimes, the hardest lessons to learn are from those who seek to correct any error in our beliefs or lifestyle. The wise Solomon noted that “every man is right in his own eyes.” God uses others with different perspectives to help us see error or wrong in our life. But, as previously mentioned, we are often quick to justify ourselves rather than taking the criticism as constructive for a godly character. Of course, not all criticism is constructive. But, the teachable spirit welcomes constructive criticism as a means of growth. 

5. We forsake the gift of reason. Sanctification begins with the renewing of the mind (cf. Rom 12:1-2, Eph 4:25ff). The gift of sanctified-reason is to be used daily! However, in extreme cases some neglect such a wonderful gift in favor of irrational defenses. I once spoke with somebody about a sin issue in their life. I showed them Scripture after Scripture that addressed the issue. Their reply? They said, “I know the Bible says this, but…” But? But what? If Scripture is to have authority over our lives then what could you possibly say that would provide a justifiable reason for continuing in sin? The teachable spirit uses common sense and sanctified-reason to come to logical and God-honoring conclusions. 

Conclusion

There are many reasons that Christians develop an unteachable spirit. Among them are over-doctrinalization, pride, the lust of the flesh, and fear to name a few. But, Christ has called us to be “disciples” or “students.” The Christian is to always be learning and growing in the Spirit of God. A teachable spirit is a humble spirit- May we all cultivate a heart that loves the Lord and a mind that seeks for truth!

Blessings~

Pastor Matthew S. Rickett

The atonement of Christ Jesus is a wonderful reality. Jesus Christ died on the cross and the result is eternal life for those who believe in Him. End of discussion, right? Oh, no! This is just the tip of the iceberg!

You see, “the atonement” is a loaded term. What I mean by that is the word atonement is the bus and the passengers include justification, substitution, propitiation, ransom, redemption, sanctification, adoption, and on and on. No less among these is “reconciliation,” an often under valued nuance of the atonement.

Often protestantism hones in on justification, sometimes even to the neglect of the other passengers. After all, the reformation was fueled by the doctrine of “justification by faith alone.” However if justification answers the question, “How can man be righteous?” then reconciliation answers the question, “How can man be brought into a right relationship with God?” These two sub points of the atonement, I believe, stand on equal high ground.

Of course, when we think of “justification” we think of Romans, and rightly so. The terms “righteous, righteousness, justified, and justification” (all derivatives of the same root in Greek) appear numerous times in the book. But, notice the connection between justification and reconciliation. Paul writes, “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood…” (Rom 5:9) he goes on to conclude, “More than that, we also rejoice through our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Foregoing the urge to write a theological treatise on reconciliation, lets just summarize by saying that reconciliation is the doctrine of being brought into a right relationship with God. Also unique to this doctrine is the observation that God (the offended party) is the initiator of reconciliation with man (the offending party) (cf. Rom 5:8). There’s a few lessons on forgiveness in that one!

But, let’s take this one final step further. In Ephesians Paul spends 1:3-2:10 describing salvation by grace through faith. Then, in 2:11ff, Paul again brings up this idea of reconciliation (not justification) by Christ’s atoning death on the cross. In this death Jew and Gentile have both been reconciled to God. Well, you say, this is nothing new. What is the point of this posting? To answer, in Eph 2:21-22 Paul concludes that if we have been collectively reconciled to God by Christ’s atonement, then we have been individually reconciled to each other! Think of a picture of the cross. You have a vertical post and a horizontal post. This is a perfect analogy of reconciliation as taught by Paul. We have been reconciled vertically to God and horizontally to each other!

In conclusion, consider this: When we are out of harmony with our brother or sister, when unity dies within a local congregation, or when we polemicize ourselves against others with minor differences then we actually work against what Christ accomplished on the cross! In other words, Jesus died for church unity! Jesus died to reconcile us to God and to each other. In Paul’s Jewish/Hellenistic context one can see why reconciliation was a vital part of the atonement. It has soteriological and ecclesiological implications. Justification by faith alone is vitally important. But, in this world of primitive baptists, missionary baptists, southern baptists, american baptists, general baptists, independent baptists, etc. etc. etc., maybe we could use a little more preaching on the doctrine of reconciliation?

Pastor Matthew S. Rickett

Of course I do! But, I still think you should try to attend our mid-week Bible study. Why? Here are a few reasons:

1. 3o Minutes of Corporate Teaching Isn’t Enough! Ok, so “30 minutes” might be a bit of an understatement when it comes to my sermons! But, think about it… If you only come to Church once a week to hear the Word, then you are severely malnourishing yourself. If the only Bible teaching you get is on Sunday morning, then you are only being challenged in the Word less than half of 1% of the week! This is hardly enough to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus!

2. Who Am I Suppose To Preach To On Sunday Mornings? Think about this: If you only come to worship once a week, then I am forced to make a decision- Feed the flock of God or evangelize the lost? Granted, I believe that corporate worship is mainly for the saved (cf. Eph 4:11-12), but in this day and age, the unregenerate find themselves in the pews of a church quite often! If Sunday mornings are the only time I see you, then I am scripturally constrained to fulfill the Biblical command of the Pastor to feed the Master’s sheep (cf. 1 Pet 5:1-3). In other words, the more you come to worship, the more I am free to preach to the unsaved! You can spread the Gospel by simply showing up on Sunday or Wednesday nights!

3. Have You Been To One of Our Services Lately? If not, give it a try! Currently, we are in Ephesians on Wednesday nights. We just discovered in Eph 4 the key to Christian growth- It’s not taking off the old and putting on the new! So, what is it? How are we to be sanctified? On Sunday nights we are going through James. Did you know that he talks about financial difficulties in chapter 1? Also, how are we suppose to have “joy” in the midst of trials? He tells us in 1:5! We discover some wonderful truths- truths that will surely enable you to live a “victorious life” throughout the week!

4. Look, We’re All Tired! As Cora always says after Wednesday night services, “5:00 comes mighty early!” I know you work; I know you’re tired; I know you have a lot on your plate. But, isn’t this an even bigger reason to come? You need encouragement! You need the Word! Pithy sayings will never get you through the week like the Word of God! Our Wednesday nights are especially casual- We even sit out and have coffee! Bring in your dinner- We don’t mind. Would God rather you come hear his Word, or grab a Big Mac and watch Modern Family?

5. Two Words: Fellowship & Prayer! Coming to worship on Wednesday & Sunday nights really builds the unity and fellowship of church. To be able to laugh with a brother or discuss your hardships in uplifting ways should be a welcome break from the d0g-eat-dog world out there! Of course, I would be hard pressed to find someone who says that they couldn’t use a prayer or two. How can I pray for you this week? Come and let us know.

6. Family Bible Training. Matt Goss would be understandably upset if I didn’t mention our Sunday night Family Bible Training! Just think of those words: “Family Bible Training.” What could you possibly be doing on a Sunday night that is more important than training yourself and your family in the Word? Our youth program is off to a great start, but it will only work if you participate! To speak frankly, don’t be surprised if your children grow up and leave church when you show by your example that it isn’t that important. Bringing your kids to church on Sunday mornings does not quite qualify as “training up a child in the way he should go.” By the way, our Family Bible Training is just that: FAMILY Bible Training. While the kids are learning and having a good time, so will be the adults.

Conclusion

Am I a legalist? Am I trying to beat you up for not coming to worship? No. But, consider the points above prayerfully. I don’t think coming together as God’s people is “legalistic.” I think its a blessing. I know that it might seem hard to get back to church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. But I promise that it is much harder trying to (1) navigate life’s murky waters without the Word, (2) raise your children to love God BY loving worship and his church, & (3) get the most out of Sunday mornings without a solid Biblical foundation.

Now, here comes the qualifier (NOT a loop hole). Work schedules sometimes prevents worship attendance. I get that. However, you know if this legitimately applies to your situation or not. As your Pastor I am charged with feeding you the Word of God (cf. 2 Tim 4:1-4). I love God’s little lambs and want to see them live a life that conquers through faith. The first step towards this victorious lifestyle, is as simple as coming to worship.

Blessings~

Pastor Matthew S. Rickett (Josh 1:9ESV)

Pastor Matthew explains how Joel 3:1-16 teaches that God fights for his people!