I’m excited about Stetson Zane.  Our new baby is doing great.  He’s eating like a champ, sleeps a lot and never cries.  He’s been a perfect baby so far.  I can’t thank God enough for being so good to our family.  When he’s not sleeping, he just sits and looks around at everybody, enjoying being the center of the attention.  Grace is getting around much better and is doing great.   Thank you all for your prayers!

I’m excited about the Pastor and His Men Conference next week at Brother Chad Watson’s church.  That’s going to be a blast. I just talked to Pastor Watson and he’s expecting a maximum capacity crowd.  We’re taking a crowd down, and combined with all the other churches that are coming, we are anticipating a great meeting.  If you can make it, it’s February 10-11.  Services start Friday night at 7 PM.  The services on Saturday start at 9 AM and go through 4 PM.  They will be providing lunch on Saturday.  We’d love to see you there if you can make it out.  Some of the other preachers will be Pastors Bo Wagoner, Bryan Treadway, Chad Bailey, Stephen Williamson, and Brother Danny Blackwell.

I’m excited about starting a new series on Sunday mornings entitled Christ In The Tabernacle.  That will begin February 12th.

I’m excited about starting up the new semester in the Bible Institute with two classes on Tuesday nights, beginning February 14th.

I’m excited about the Romantic Escape week after next.  We’re looking forward to the largest group of couples we’ve had since we started holding this annual couple’s retreat several years ago.  If you can come, we might still be able to make it happen, but you need to hurry.

Lastly, I’m excited about church tomorrow.  Who knows what God will do?

Pastor

PS.  Here are a few pictures of Stetson Zane.

Some Things I Saw In the Delivery Room

Exodus 1

Intro: In this chapter, we find one of the prevailing thoughts was the rapid increase and multiplication of the nation of Israel.  The Bible describes the process in verse 7 with astounding detail that paints a picture that is awesome.

1. They were fruitful
2. They increased abundantly
3. They multiplied
4. They waxed exceeding mighty
5. The land was filled with them.

NOTICE:

A. They outnumbered the enemy – vs. 9 – Behold the people of Israel are more

B. They outpowered the enemy – vs. 9b – Behold the people of Israel are more and mightier than we…

C. They overcame the enemy – vs. 12 – the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew

They had children in spite of:

1. The Adversary – vs. 8

2. The Affliction – vs. 12

• 1 Peter 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

3. The Adversity – vs. 13-14

• John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

I’d like to preach for a while tonight on some things I saw in the delivery room.  On January 24, my wife and I entered into the operating/delivery room at Greer Memorial Hospital.  We were in there from about 7:45 until about a quarter after 9.  For 90 minutes, I observed some things that will flat out preach!  I want to draw your attention to the thought process of making our church a place that is conducive to babies being born (souls being saved).

I. Timeout

• The first thing that happened was the Doctor got everybody’s attention and called “Timeout!”
• Doctor gave his name and outlined the purpose of the moment
• He established his credentials and his mission.
• There was no vote on the plan.
• There was no questioning of the timing, or the talents, or the experience of the Doctor.
• Everybody was on board, and they followed the lead of the man in charge after he outlined the plan.

II. Teamwork

A. There was Understanding

• They all spoke the same language.  Not once did I hear somebody ask, “What are you talking about?”

B. There was Unity

• Nobody was hollering or fussing
• Nobody was calling each other names; they were kind and respectful to each other.
• Nobody was concerned whose name was on the birth certificate; they all had a task
• Everybody in that room was passionate about babies being born.
• There wasn’t a single person in there that was disinterested, or disorganized, or disgruntled.
• Everybody in that room loved babies and loved seeing babies born safe and healthy.
• They all dressed just alike. They all had on surgical scrubs covering their normal attire.
• Their outfits weren’t expensive, or fancy, but they were clean and designed to reduce sickness
• We had masks over our mouth to keep anything from our mouth from injuring the baby and mother.

III. Tools

There were tools in that delivery room that you don’t see anywhere else.

A. The tools were Specific

• They had specific tools, monitors, etc. in the delivery room that has been proven time and time again to work.

B. The tools were Sterilized

• Every item they used was free of germs and was perfectly safe.

C. The tools were Sharp

• The tools in that delivery room could cut through anything and anybody.

• I didn’t see the doctor hacking and sawing with dull a dull scalpel.
• We don’t need modern translations – we have the sharpest scalpel known to man – the KJV.

IV. Tenderness

New babies were:

• Cleaned
• Clothed
• Craddled/cuddled – no matter what they look like, no matter if something is wrong with them…
• Communicating – everybody was talking to the baby!  They were “getting to know him”.

V. Teaching

• During the operation, younger doctors and nurses were being walked through the process.
• The older doctor was teaching the younger doctor to deliver babies WHILE he himself was doing it.
• He realized that he was not always going to be around to deliver babies, and others needed to know how.
• The same 2 doctors that helped deliver our baby came back to do follow up the next day.
• 2 Timothy 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

VI. Treasure

• The whole purpose of the whole process is to see a healthy born into the world. (souls saved)
• Seeing that baby makes everything worthwhile.
• The suffering, the expense, the months of preparation, planning and purchases are forgotten.
• God give us some spiritual babies!  God give us some healthy, live births in this church!

Conclusion:

• One thing I’ve noticed; everywhere we go, people say, “It makes me want to have a baby!”
• Get the “fever” tonight, and get a desire to go find a sinner and lead them to Christ

5:37 am – Grace is in bed, the baby’s heartbeat monitor is hooked up and he is doing great.  Mama is beautiful.  My scrubs are all laid out.  I’ll put those on at the last minute.

6:26 am – Grace is resting, the nurses are tapping away on their computers, and I just read Proverbs 24.  On the way to the hospital this morning, I reminded my wife that honor begins at home.  Raising godly children must be a home-based practice.  Teaching our children to treat each other with honor, their parents with honor, their God with honor and themselves with honor MUST begin at home.  Imagine my delight when I found these 2 verses in my Bible reading this morning.

3 ¶ Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

God, please help me and my wife to have an honorable home; help me to be an honorable dad and husband.  May our new baby boy grow up in a home where honor is normal; not just something that is pulled out of the closet for guests or special occasions.

7:42 am  They came and got Grace and took her back to begin prepping her for the surgery.  They will come get me any minute and we’ll have a baby.  I’m in the “daddy scrubs”.  Wouldn’t you know it, they are XL.  The good news is they are way too big.  I’m feeling better already!

8:18 am  Stetson Zane was born weighing 7lb and 9 ounces  He is 19 inches long and healthy as can be.  Mom is doing great.  The baby is beautiful with a head full of black hair.  Thank you for praying!

2:00 pm – Zane is nursing like a pro.  He loved his first bath and is sleeping quietly.  He took the pacifier on the first try.  What a blessing!  Mom is resting also and just tried eating some broth.  She is experiencing some nausea, but is doing great otherwise.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Thank all of you for the enormous amount of emails, texts and phone calls.  Sorry we can’t spend a lot of time on the phone, but thank you for caring so much for our family.  God has been so good to us, and we magnify and glorify His wonderful name.  We love you all!

Pastor

Day 2 (1/25/12)

God was good to let me sleep last night, and He was good to give Grace some great nurses to see about her and the baby throughout the night and LET me sleep!  I woke up this morning and the nurses were scurrying around and tending to mother and child and I felt so bad that I had slept through whatever it was Grace was needing help for.  Then it occurred to me that I was paying those nurses good money to see about my wife, and I relaxed.  She got some rest last night (in segments) and then this morning got up and walked around a bit.  She’s improving, slowly but surely.

Baby Zane is kicked back now taking a nap after having his breakfast.  He has no idea how awesome he is, even though I keep telling him.  Here’s a few more pictures of him.  Some of these are from yesterday and some are this morning.

Pastor

Carson Joel Waycaster and his new second cousin, Stetson Zane Shiflett (born 12 days apart!)

Grace’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Young holding their grandson (on the left) and great-grandson (on the right).

Taken 1/25/12 @ 10:45 am

Mama and baby Zane

A very grateful and overwhelmed Mama and Dad.

Jan. 26

The doctors agreed that Mom and baby Zane were ready to go home today!  After all the routine checkups, exams and new parent lectures on safety and nursing and car seat laws and washing procedures and doctor visits and….. we were finally released around 2:30 in the afternoon.  After a quick trip to Walgreens to fill a prescription for some pain medicine for Mom, we were headed home with our new family member.  Thank all of you for your prayers and phone calls and texts and emails and gifts and cards.  We appreciate all of the love and affection showered on our family during this time.  Here’s a few pictures of today’s activities.

Pastor

This morning while he was sleeping in his little monkey outfit (that was too little, but too cute not to wear at least once!)

His first experience in a car seat.  He loved it.  He folded his hands and went to sleep.  We put him in at 2:30, and he didn’t get out until he got home at 3:45, and he never made a sound.  I hope that is a sign of things to come!

Callie couldn’t wait to show Zane his new room!  This used to be her room until a few weeks ago, and now it’s his.  He didn’t seem too impressed.

After his first home cooked meal, Zane just lay in his bassinet and looked around at his new home.

It’s OK To Get Excited

Psalms 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Notice:

A. The Command for Joy – Be glad, and rejoice and shout for joy

Joy is:

A. A Sign of the Spirit-filled Life

• Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

B. A Source of Strength

• Nehemiah 8:10  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

It’s OK to get excited over…

I. Salvation that is Secure

• Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
• Isaiah 12:3  Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
• Psalms 51:12  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

II. Savior that is the Same

• Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
• Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Since He is unchanging, our joy in Him should also be unchanging.

III. Souls that get Saved

• Luke 15:7  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
• Psalm 126:5, 6  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Growing In Grace Series 

II Peter 3:18

Part 1

Intro:  I believe it is important to look at the author of II Peter and understand why Peter’s emphasis on growth is so relevant.  Peter was -

• Peter was a part of the Inner Circle.
• He knew AS MUCH about Jesus as anybody.
• He was a key player throughout Christ’s entire ministry.
• He was a key figure in the book of Acts in the early church.
• Seeing people saved and integrated into the local church was his life.
• He was the Apostle who’s shadow could heal the sick when it passed over them.

But the Peter we see in Acts and I and II Peter is not the same Peter we see in the Gospels.

• Peter went from hiding in the shadows, to healing with his shadow.

Acts 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

• Peter went from being mouthy to being a mouthpiece.
• Peter grew from being irrational to being inspirational.
• He went from following afar off to leading the early church; a pillar in Paul’s words. (Gal. 2)
• Peter went from rebuking the Lord to rebuking sinners in the name of the Lord!

What happened?  He grew. He matured.  He gained ground in his spiritual life, and it made all the difference in the world. That’s why I believe Peter mentions growth several times in his epistles.

• Peter’s growth was a result of Fear – Matt. 26:74 I know not the man.
• Peter’s growth was a result of Failure – Luke 22:62 he went out and wept bitterly
• Peter’s growth was a result of Forgiveness – John 21 Feed my sheep.
• Peter’s growth was a result of a Fresh Start – Acts 2

Peter realized how gracious God had been to him, in giving him an opportunity to grow.  He encouraged all those that had tasted of God’s graciousness should respond by growing into a Christian that God could use.

I believe in order to understand the importance of GROWTH, we need to understand LIFE.

The Godhead breathed into man in Genesis 2:7 the breath of life, and man became a “living soul”.

Jesus said multiple times in his ministry: “I am the life”.

• John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
• John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
• John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
• John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
• John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The world, the heathen and the unsaved were referred to as DEAD.

Part 2

I. The Expectations of Growing In Grace

The Expectations of Growth are demonstrated in…

A. The Analogy of a Baby – everything is so fascinating and interesting to a newborn baby

• 1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Definition: growth, n. The gradual increase of animal and vegetable bodies; the process of springing from a germ, seed or root,and proceeding to full size, by the addition of matter, through ducts and secretory vessels. In plants, vegetation. We speak of slow growth and rapid growth; of early growth; late growth and full growth.

Illustration: We have been buying and sorting out baby clothes lately, anticipating the birth of our son.

Separating the 0-3 month clothes from the 3-6 month clothes, and 6-9 month.  The point: Babies grow. Fast!

B. The Appetite of a Baby – a new baby desires milk; you don’t have to teach it to be hungry

A baby’s appetite is no secret.  It’s common knowledge that babies stay hungry!

They require a lot of food.  When their food is not on schedule, they cry!

A child of God should be equally concerned about their intake of God’s word and be miserable when it’s missing.

C. The Admonition of a Baby – the word of God, when received, will cause you to grow

• I Thess. 2:11  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

What does this tell us?  Two things: Hunger is natural, and Growth is natural.

Just as it is unnatural and unhealthy for a new baby not to grow and put on weight and stature, it is unnatural and unhealthy for a Christian not to grow in grace and knowledge.

 Conclusion:  It is important to understand that growth is possible ONLY after birth.

If you have never been born again, it will explain a lack of growth and understanding in your life.

Get saved, and then you can begin to move forward.  Only then will you begin to grow.

Part 3

II. The Essential of Growing In Grace

Growing in Grace is absolutely essential in the life of the believer because it…

A. Portrays a Healthy Christianity

The simple fact remains; anything that is healthy is growing.

1. Notice Christ’s Increase

• Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.

Question: Besides growing physically – how do you rate in the other three categories?

Jesus grew as a man.  We should also.

Christianity is portrayed by the media and by the world as a bunch of close-minded buffoons.

Illustration: Lowes slogan = Never Stop Improving; North Face outdoor gear slogan: Never Stop Exploring

God forbid that we think because we’re saved and on our way to Heaven that’s all we need!

Laodicea church “had need of nothing” in their own mind, but actually was in great need of many things.

Jesus increased.  Are we as Christians accurately representing Him by increasing in wisdom and in favor?

2. Notice Christ’s Investment (grace)

• John 1:14; 16 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Notice Christianity First Mention Principle

• Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

B. Prevents a Hardened Complacency

1. Complacent to Truth

• 2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2. Complacent to Teaching

• Colossians 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

C. Produces an Honorable Continuation

• 1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
• Col. 1:21-23  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Illustration: I heard yesterday about a church up North that went 2 years without a pastor, yet they continued to grow, people were getting saved and joining the church almost weekly!  That is a perfect example of a group of people that had been grounded and were growing.  They didn’t have to have a pastor cracking a whip over their head; they “got it”.  They understood that their growth was essential to their very existence and continuation.   The Pastor’s job is to lead his people; not to drive them.  Growing Christians have an inward motivation; an inward desire to please God.

Part 4

III. The Evidence of Growing In Grace

Spiritual growth is impossible to disguise.  If you and I are growing in grace there will be some very obvious manifestations of God’s working in our lives.

Spiritual growth is evident in a variety of ways…

A. Roots

1. Speaks of Stability

• 1 Thessalonians 3:13  To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:17  Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
• James 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
• 1 Peter 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2. Speaks of Sustenance

Spiritual growth is evident when a person learns to “feed themselves”.

They no longer have to be spoon fed to survive.

Their roots are in God’s word and they can draw strength and nourishment throughout the week on their own.

• Colossians 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

3. Speaks of Spirituality

• II Peter 1:4-8  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Resilience

• re·sil·ient – adjective

1. springing back; rebounding.

2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.

3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.\

Paul gave a short list of some things that God’s people will have to deal with.

• 2 Timothy 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness,
• 2 Timothy 2:10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes,
• 2 Timothy 4:5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,
• Hebrews 12:7  If ye endure chastening,
• James 5:11  Behold, we count them happy which endure
• 1 Peter 2:19  For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief

We live in a generation of Christianity that seemingly is short on resilience and endurance.

Growing in grace means being able to survive; overcome; bounce back, rebound!

1. To Warnings from the Word

• Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
• Matthew 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Show me a person that can take strong, Bible preaching and I’ll show you a person that is growing in grace.

In this generation, pastors have to “tip-toe through the tulips” to keep from offending Christians.

I’m not talking about lost people or new converts; I’m talking about seasoned believers are so sensitive.

It’s amazing to me how resilient people in the world can be.

We daily see and hear of people that overcome difficulty and obstacles in order to accomplish their dreams.

• Employees can get chewed out by their boss, and they work harder to please him.
• Athletes can get dressed down on national television by their coaches and they strive harder to achieve.
• Soldiers receive insults and negative remarks from their superior officers and continue to improve.

But let a Christian get a strong warning or a rebuke from the Scripture and they bail out; looking for a break.

• 2 Timothy 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2. To Wind from the World

• Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
• Psalm 1:3, 4  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

C. Reach

1. Upward

• Ephesians 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
• Colossians 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
• 1 Peter 2:5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

2. Outward

• Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Part 5

IV. The Environment of Growing In Grace

Intro:  We have examined the growing process from several various perspectives. We looked at the growth of a newborn baby in the message “The Expectations of Growing in Grace”.  We looked at the growth of a plant in the message “The Evidence of Growing in Grace”.  Though we have gleaned some great truths from these messages, we are neither newborn babies nor plants.  We are Christians, and we are interested in growing as a Christian – growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  How is this possible?

Granted, this message is based on the assumption that the Christian has a DESIRE to grow.

It doesn’t matter how conducive the environment is for growth, the Christian must want to grow in grace.

I want to direct your attention to several key elements in this verse.

The verse could be broken down 3 different sections:

1. The Attitude of Growing (grow in grace)

Grace is a very misunderstood and distorted doctrine.  Here are a few basic facts about GRACE:

The grace of God can be perverted.

• Jude 1:4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

This describes the crowd that use the grace of God as a license to sin; a get-out-of-hell-free card; a blanket OK from God to live anyway they want to and still be “saved”.

This crowd describes the so-called “gay Christian community”.  “Christian rock and roll musicians, contemporary musicians, gospel quartet musicians, even some country music artists that can get up and sing about how much they love God and how much God loves them, and then crawl on their bus and get drunk, smoke, fornicate, cheat on their wives and still sing about the Amazing Grace of God.

The grace of God can be abused.

• Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.

This describes the average Christian that sins all they want to, and then come crawling to God on an altar on Sunday morning and get forgiveness, time after time after time.

They sin deliberately and then want to cash in their “where sin did abound, grace did much more abound” coupon.

The grace of God can be frustrated.

• Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The grace of God can be frustrated by people in several different ways.

The Calvinist frustrate grace with a doctrine known as Sovereign Grace (or Irresistible Grace).

They believe that when God decides (or wills) to show grace toward a sinner, they can’t resist.

• Titus 2:11  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

2. The Academics of Growing – grow in knowledge

Growing will be a result of hearing more, learning more and incorporating more in your life.

Jesus was “full of grace and truth”.

• 2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
• Titus 2:11,12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

3. Achievement of Growing – To him be glory

Growth is not to make us look good; it is to bring glory and honor to him.

Growth shouldn’t be motivated by selfish reasons or desire for vainglory.

Growth that elevates man, or man’s accomplishments is not growth, but is shrinkage.

It makes man larger than God, and man’s work larger than God’s work

• John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.
• II Cor. 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I. There has to be Strong Exposition from the Scriptures

• Not Radical

There’s nothing new under the sun. New doctrine doesn’t stimulate growth. Old doctrine does though!

• Not Racist

I’m commanded to preach the Word.  Not on the Civil war and the rebel flag.

• Not Ranting

I’m not commanded to preach against presidents, and against voting, and against government.

I’m commanded to preach the exact opposite.  Pray for your leaders, pay your taxes.  Obey your authority.

The pulpit is not a soap box.  It’s a sacred desk; designed to expound Scripture; not my political views.

God’s word preached with power and without fear and favor will produce growth.

• Titus 1:2, 3  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

II. There hast to be Specific Enlightenment from the Spirit

• John 16:12, 13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

It’s imperative that the environment be a place where the Spirit of God has freedom and liberty to work.

An environment where the Holy Spirit is grieved is a place where people dry up and become stagnant.

If the Spirit is working, and pointing out things in people’s lives, they can continue to grow in grace.

• Ephesians 4:29, 30  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

III. There has to be Serious Examples in the Sanctuary

You need to find somebody spiritual to get close to.  That means those you target to befriend may not be…

• the popular people – that’s a proud reason

I Cor. 12:22, 23 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

• the wealthy people – that’s a selfish reason

James 2:2-4 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;  And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

• the fun people – that’s a carnal reason

1 Corinthians 10:7  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

• the same-age people – that’s a childish reason

Proverbs 16:31  The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.)

Find somebody that is growing and get close to them and help each other!

• Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

NOTE:

If you are struggling to stay spiritual, don’t hang around carnal people!

If you are struggling to get a burden for souls, don’t hang around people that never soul win.

If you are struggling to get excited about church, don’t hang around people that are critical of our church.

If you are struggling to grow, don’t hang around people that are weak, unfruitful and withering.

If you want to pray more, fellowship with people that pray.

If you want to get more out of your Bible reading, fellowship with people that get help out of their Bible.

If you want to be a soulwinner, fellowship with people that are soul conscience.

If you want to get more sober minded about God, fellowship with sober minded people.

NOTE:

The surest way to grow is to find someone eager, excited, growing, sincere, praying, witnessing, and hook up with them.

Illustration: When they want to make a new arrow, they put a wet, crooked stick between 2 straight ones.

Hook up with some growing people and watch God take your walk to another level.

Part 6

V. The Enemies of Growing In Grace

Intro:  There are multiple causes for God’s people never becoming full grown, mature, flourishing, fruitful Christians.  It would be impossible in the message this morning to list them all.  However, there are several that stand out in my mind.  There are some powerful enemies that stand in the way of your progress and advancement in the kingdom of God.  Beware!

A. Satanic Principalities and Powers

In this series, we’ve learned that Growth is Expected, and Essential.  Rest assured Satan will try to stop it.

• Eph. 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

New levels – new devils.

Most Christians do not have the stomach or spiritual strength for a prolonged Satanic attack.

When you begin to WANT to grow, and when you begin to START to grow, expect Satanic opposition.

Satan doesn’t mind you standing your ground, as long as you’re not gaining ground.

We have gone from trying to be master swordsmen (Eph. 6) to being master shieldsmen.

If it’s a full-time job to “keep the faith”, then you’re just using your shield – playing defense.

When you start advancing on enemy territory, you will face opposition like never before.

B. Selfish Pleasures and Prosperity

• Heb. 11:24 – 26  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Why did it take Moses “full forty years – Acts 7) to come to years?

He was 40 years old before he was willing to make a conscience choice –

• Pain or pleasure?
• Amusement or affliction?
• Riches or reproach?
• Sin or suffering?

Rarely do we see young, immature individuals make this choice.  Several stand out in my mind that made the right choice early on, but this is rare.

• Joseph at age 17 stood against his older brethren. Gen. 37:2
• David as a shepherd boy stood against his older brethren and the king to face Goliath. I Sam. 17
• Jesus in Luke 2 forsook his friends and family to do his “Father’s business”.
• Timothy and Titus were young men, thrust into the ministry as an example of the believer

Most people have to grow up in order to get the proper perspective on sinful pleasures, playing and fun.

Until they do, they will not grow in grace and knowledge.

It’s not that they don’t love God, it is simply a matter of them loving themselves more.

• Luke 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

C. Satisfied People and Peer-pressure

Satan will make sure that there are people in your life that he can use to hinder your growth.

It will not be the biker gangs, the drug rings, the bootleggers or the prostitutes.

It will not be the ecumenical, liberal, apostate crowd.

Most of the time it will be people that believe just like us, but have no desire to grow or advance.

They will give you a false sense of security when you compare yourself.

ILLUSTRATION: I find myself many times weighing out a decision to improve or grow in an area, not based on what the world might think, but based on what other men in the ministry might think.

Peer-pressure has no age limit!

If you allow those around you that are not growing, improving, becoming more like Christ to influence you, then you will discover that relationship is being used by Satan to hinder your growth.

If they belittle or laugh at your growing, or try to dissuade you from what God’s leading you to do, BEWARE!

D. Stinkin’ Pride

The hardest thing for some people to say is, “I’m doing something wrong.  I need help.

If you are losing ground in your personal walk with God, ADMIT IT!

If you are losing ground in your home, ADMIT IT!

If you are losing ground in the church or in your area of ministry, ADMIT IT!

Once you CONFESS the need to grow, then you need to CHANGE something.

You cannot keep doing what you’re doing if it is not working!

Living in a state of denial is counterproductive to growth!  Diagnose the problem and fix it!

• If lost people aren’t getting saved, find out why!
• If young people have no desire to serve God, find out why!
• If marriages are crumbling, find out why!
• If visitors are not coming back, find out why!
• If your prayers aren’t getting answered, find out why!
• If God’s not moving in the services, find out why!
• If your Bible reading is dead and dry and boring, find out why!
• If repeated trips to the altar yield no change, find out why!
• If the birds aren’t singing and you’ve lost your joy, find out why!

Many people simply have too much pride to admit that they need help in an area.

• Proverbs 29:23  A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
• Isaiah 57:15  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
• James 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Conclusion: When it comes to growing in grace, realize that all of hell will stop at nothing to prevent it from happening.  Recognize the roadblocks to growth, and go forward for God!

Starting this Sunday, the Teen Sunday School Class will begin a new series entitled “Lessons with the Legends”.  If you have a teenager in your home, you will want to bring them on Sundays at 10 AM for this exciting new series!  Brother Lee Wynn will be challenging the young people to give God all they have, and to commit to being a positive influence on the other youth in the church.  Brother Wynn and I have both prayed fervently that God would take the teens in our church and start a revival that changes lives forever.  Get in on this class this week!

Grace and I will be going to the hospital in Greer on Monday for a pre-op visit, and we are supposed to be at the hospital on Tuesday at 5:30 AM.   Her C-section is scheduled for 8 AM, and we should be able to receive visitors sometime after lunch.  Please pray for her and the baby.  And me too I reckon.  I will post news here on the blog of the birth as soon as I can.  I will also put pictures up here, so make it a favorite and stay tuned.

We are praising God for the wonderful services last Sunday.  God let 2 more families join the church.  Amen!  We also were able to have a special baby dedication for Carson Joel Waycaster in the morning service.  It was a joy to have Brother Rodney Waycaster, the grandaddy join us in the altar for prayer as we dedicated his first grandchild to the Lord.

We are looking forward to seeing God continue to work this year.

Pastor

PS.  I think I’ll leave the football analysis to the pro’s.  I’ll make a point to keep my predictions to myself.   With the SC Primaries tomorrow, I believe I’ll keep my political predictions to myself also.  I’m not a prophet or the son of a prophet.  We’ll just see what happens.

We would like to invite you to be a part of our Adult Sunday School class this Sunday at 10 AM.  We are exploring the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22, 23 and God is teaching us so much!  Brother Jason Parham has been doing an excellent job of instructing us on the importance of being Spirit-filled and the evidence of that filling.  Bring the whole family, and while you are learning about the Fruit of the Spirit, your children will be learning more about God’s Word in classes designed specifically for their age group.   We look forward to seeing you in our classes this Sunday!

I Charge Thee

1 Timothy 1:3

Intro: This is a phrase that Paul used often.  He used it for a variety of purposes, but here are a few times he saw fit to use this phrase.

He charged them concerning:

1. Practices in the church

• 1 Thessalonians 5:27  I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

2. Proper doctrine

• 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

3. Purity

• 1 Timothy 5:7  And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
• 1 Timothy 6:13  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

4. Proper behavior

• 1 Timothy 5:21  I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
• 1 Timothy 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

5. Preaching

• 2 Timothy 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
• 1 Timothy 1:18  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

I’d like to use this phrase as a “play on words” and encourage you as a Christian to “charge” your fellow saints.  Instead of being a drain on others, let God use you to “charge” each other, much like a battery is used to charge another battery.

The word “charge” means: earnestly, religiously to charge; to attest, testify to, solemnly affirm; to give solemn testimony to one; to confirm a thing by testimony, to testify, cause it to be believed

When you look at the meanings, it is amazing at the similarities in “charging” each other, and a battery charging another battery.

A car battery can run down for any of several reasons: (http://www.aa1car.com/library/battery_runs_down.htm )

• You accidentally left the lights on or some other accessory that pulls power from the battery even when the ignition key is off. (Operating in the flesh; we need the power of God to live the Christian life.)
• The battery is not being recharged while the vehicle is being driven. (Heb. 10:25)
• There is a key off parasitic electrical drain on the battery because a relay is sticking, a module is not shutting down, or there is a shorted diode in the alternator. (parasites can be small! Facebook, cell phones, hobbies, friends, job, habits, etc.)
• Your battery is old and will not hold a charge anymore. The battery needs to be replaced.
• Leaving a battery on the ground.  It will drain all of the power out of it.
• (Point: A battery that is in prolonged contact with the world will be incapable of maintaining its charge.)

If we are going to “charge” each other, we must understand the basic concepts of batteries.

I. There must be Power

You have to have more power than what you’re charging for it to work.

• Ephesians 3:2  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

When you are charging, you are discharging.

You have to make sure that when you’re “discharging” you don’t let your own power drop.

Stay hooked up to a stronger Power than yourself so you can keep charging others.

Illustration: When you want to jump start a battery – you crank up your vehicle.

NOTE:  You need a lot of cold cranking amps in this day and age.

The definition of the Cold-Cranking Amperage (CCA) of an automotive battery is the amount of current a given battery can deliver for 30 seconds at zero (0) degrees F without dropping below a specified cutoff voltage (manufacturer-specific, but usually 10.5 volts).

The colder the air, the harsher the environment, the more severe the atmosphere, the stronger a battery you need.

II. There must be Proximity

You can’t charge a battery long distance.  You have to get close to it.

• Luke 8:46  And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

If God is going to use you to be a help; a testimony; to confirm; to cause to believe; then you are going to have to come out of your “shell” and find someone that needs a “charge”.

III. There must be Posts

The posts are vital to giving a charge.

Sometimes the posts (or terminals) get corroded.

Corroded posts are a result of the battery fumes that escape the insides of the battery.

You can’t establish a good connection when there are corroded posts.

It won’t be able to receive or give a charge.

You have to clean the posts.

You have to loosen them, wiggle them and lift them upwards!!!

They have to be scrubbed and then covered in petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. (the oil of the Spirit)

One man said the place he took it sprayed his posts with some red spray to reduce corrosion. (the blood of Christ)

If they keep corroding, they are about done.  They are near the end of their life.

• A battery has 2 posts; a positive and a negative.

The secret to giving a charge is connecting the NEGATIVE TO THE NEGATIVE, AND THE POSITIVE TO THE POSITIVE.

If you encourage (positive) someone in their sin (negative), you aren’t helping anybody.

If you discourage (negative) someone in their righteousness (positive), you aren’t helping anybody

Illustration: Improperly connect 2 car batteries on the pulpit with a pair of jumper cables and watch the sparks

• Psalms 64:5  They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

IV. There must be Patience

STRAIGHT FROM WEBSITE ON BATTERIES: ( http://www.mpoweruk.com/chargers.htm )

More batteries are damaged by bad charging techniques than all other causes combined.

Some batteries will never take a charge. They pull down everything you hook to up.

There’s nothing much you can do for that battery but put it on the shelf or toss it.

The charger has three key functions

• Getting the charge into the battery (Charging)
• Optimising the charging rate (Stabilising)
• Knowing when to stop (Terminating)

Some just need more time than others.

They are so low and weak that it takes a while.