God’s Presence and Heaven’s Pleasures

Berean Baptist on April 15, 2015

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalms 16:11)

Psalm 16 is another of the remarkable Old Testament passages that speak of the great Messiah who was to come. There are many Old Testament prophecies that speak of the coming of Christ in ways that could not have been completely understood by the prophets. This Psalm was written one thousand years before Christ came, yet it speaks of the resurrection which is the triumphal event of Christ’s life and the hope of every Christian.

Verse 10 says, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Though David wrote this, it is impossible for him to speak concerning himself. David’s body is still in a grave in Jerusalem and has seen the decay of the flesh. When Peter preached on Pentecost, he revealed the meaning of this Old Testament text which no one could have known unless the Holy Spirit unlocked it and showed it referred to Jesus whom the Jews had just crucified. Jesus was buried but the grave could not contain Him. As David prophesied, Christ arose from the dead and now sits on the throne in heaven. Peter said of David, “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption” (Acts 2:31).

We should note the use of the word hell in both Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:31. This word translates the Hebrew sheol and the Greek hades. In these two scriptures, neither of these mean hell in the sense of the place of eternal torment. Neither David nor Christ were ever in the place of torment. Rather, sheol and hades in both instances refer to the grave. Christ was not left in the grave to suffer the corruption of His flesh, but rather was raised and His body was glorified. No Christian goes to a place of suffering or purging such as is taught by the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory. The soul of the Christian goes immediately into heaven to await the resurrection of the body. Every Christian may joyfully quote Psalm 16:9: “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” These sentiments of Christ expressed His immediate hope of the resurrection, while we await ours according to the sure promise of God.

The last verse of the Psalm is also sweet to the Christian. We must remember that when we came to Christ in faith we were placed “in Christ.” Everything that happens to Him happens to us. Christ was raised to return to heaven to the blessed fellowship of the Father: “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” I am sure as David penned these words he knew they would somehow apply to him. At the moment of his death, his eyes opened to the glories of heaven and the presence of God the Father. His words that were somewhat mysterious as he wrote them became crystal clear as he received a mind that was perfectly in tune with Christ.

This is the same hope for you and me. We preach the glories of heaven and the fellowship of the Father without knowledge of the fullness of them. However, after this brief sojourn of life is over, we too shall see the full revelation of what we have so longed hoped for. Whenever you are discouraged, turn to this Psalm and think of the presence of God and the pleasures of heaven. Troubles melt away in the blessed promises of scripture.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Final Judgment and the Lake of Fire

Berean Baptist on March 8, 2015

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)

I am happy to know that many of you take time to read the articles in the bulletin each week. They do require quite a bit of effort to write and I rejoice they are of benefit to you and others that you may share them with. For today’s topic, I felt impressed to return to last week’s subject since the article got quite long and I still did not say all I wanted to say.

The subject is the final judgment that is coming, and in particular the judgment for those that have not trusted Christ as Saviour. Judgment is a repetitive theme in scripture and is expressed in different ways. Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” which is the same as saying the end of all things as we know them is coming. We are told to repent because there is a day of reckoning when God will settle all our accounts as they relate to His righteous Kingdom.

Final judgment is also the meaning when Jesus said, “The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). Obviously, final  judgment is the theme when Paul told the Athenians “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee that such a judgment will take place. Revelation 20:11-15 is the record of this judgment as it respects wicked Christ rejecters.

Last week, I wrote on the criteria for this judgment, which is ALL the sins the unbeliever has committed. God has a complete record contained in “the books.” This is the basis for condemnation. In Revelation 20:15, we see the punishment that will be given. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The book of life contains the names of those made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ. All others are absent from the book, and these will be cast into the lake of fire.

This is another of those times when the subject is too big for the space. Let me just say if you have any doubts about the reality of eternal hell, then you also have doubts about the truthfulness of Jesus. Of the twelve times this final place of torment is spoken of in scripture using the word geenna, Jesus spoke eleven of those instances. In other words, the overwhelming proof of torment in a lake of fire is Jesus! Why is there so much preaching about who Jesus is and what He said and did and yet so little about His major topic? All of His teachings about righteousness, regeneration, redemption, salvation, holiness and entrance into His kingdom are for the purpose of avoiding eternal hell!  Surely you did not miss the big story of Jesus and the cross, did you? The cross is where Jesus died to keep you out of eternal hell. If Jesus did not tell the truth about hell, His humiliation and torturous death were a colossal waste.

We do not want you to go to hell, so we will do the same as the apostle Paul. We will reason with you “of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” (Acts 24:25). Read Revelation 20:11-15 over and over. If you see yourself there, turn around and head straight to the cross. It is the only way you will escape the lake of fire.

 

Pastor V. Mark Smith

THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Berean Baptist on February 23, 2015

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war…And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11, 16)

 This may well be the most magnificent passage in all of scripture. Since the awful day of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, the world has been waiting for the entrance of creation’s gracious King. He visited us before under different circumstances and for a different purpose. He did not appear as the royal King; He did not project the fierceness of a mighty warrior; He did not come with fire in His eyes to bring vengeance upon His enemies. He came as a humble, meek servant with compassion in His heart. He came to seek and save that which is lost. He came for helpless sinners doomed to suffer the wrath of Almighty God for their crimes against Him. He came to take away the guilt of sin for all that believe by satisfying the divine justice of God.

The first advent of Christ was for you and me that trust Him. He came to give us salvation. He had to come in the humiliation of human flesh in order to do it. So, He appeared the first time as Hebrews says to “put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” He was the pure innocent Lamb slain for the vile and guilty. The Second Advent is also for us. The writer of Hebrews adds to the first statement: “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28)

The second time Christ comes it will not be as the sin bearer, but nonetheless it is also to bring us salvation. In this sense, salvation means our final deliverance from this sin cursed world. The Second Coming is for believers as Christ enacts His plan to rid the world of all opposition and bring us the blessedness of the new heaven and new earth. But, there is also a sense that the Second Coming is for unbelievers. They humiliated Him the first time. They despised Him and turned their backs on Him. They beat Him without mercy and then nailed Him to a rugged cross. The second time He comes He will not permit this. All will be forced to give Him the honor and glory He deserves. At the end of the 19th chapter, He destroys so many unbelievers that the fowls feast to the full upon their bodies as if it was carrion.

Revelation 19 is very unlike Luke chapter 2. There is no stable; there is no manger; there are no swaddling clothes of peasants. There is no lowly humility. This time He comes as a mighty warrior to conquer the world, to make it His kingdom, and to force His enemies to submit to His rule. This is the side of Jesus most never hear about. And yet, you must understand the wrath of God before you will ever understand the love of God. Do not take your ease because you think you are not guilty. Do not comfort yourself in the erroneous hope that God will never punish the guilty. Revelation 19 is as true as Luke 2. The KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS is coming. Are you ready? Repent of your sins, trust Jesus to save you from them, and you shall be!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

 

 

 

 

 

It’s the Economy, Stupid!

Berean Baptist on January 26, 2015

 

…Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. (Revelation 18:10b)

During the middle to late 1980’s our country experienced a period of great economic success under President Reagan. When George H.W. Bush was elected in 1988, we began a period of slight economic decline which enveloped the country in a period of recession. During the campaign of 1992, the buzz of people and politicians was the economy, so that all attention was paid to the different plans that would bring us out of recession and help us back to the economic success that was previously enjoyed. Bill Clinton ran for president that year and campaigned with the slogan, “It’s the economy stupid!”

Our country was in the throes of many problems and still is, but the single issue that seems to attract more attention than any other is the economy. Today we consider candidates for office without regard to their decency and morality. Their personal beliefs no longer matter. Qualifications are not really too much of a concern either. The most important position to consider is “Where do they stand on the economy?” To many American Christians, it does not matter if the candidate promises to keep abortion a viable option for birth control, it does not matter if gay marriage is a part of the platform, it does not matter if constitutional rights are trampled—the most important problem we have is money for more conveniences and nicer houses and bigger bank accounts and greater luxuries.

Revelation chapter 18 shows how our country is immersed in political and ecclesiastical Babylon. It is not difficult to see how the Antichrist will come to power when America’s agenda for the most part is the same as the Antichrist’s. He will come to power at a time of political chaos and in a time of economic distress. He will make many promises about how he can improve the economy and since this is what we are most concerned about, this one issue will dominate all other concerns so that recovering prosperity will be the ticket to worldwide support. America is immersed in Babylon. Politically and religiously Babylon is much preferred to Zion.

It may seem surprising to you but God is very much in control of what is happening. True believers need not concern themselves that we are hopeless and helpless in the face of the rising tide of immorality. God has a plan to purge the world of sin and it will come at the expense of those that have sold out to moral decadence and the love of money. Revelation 18 depicts the sudden demise of Babylon. The sorrows of destruction will envelope it as people weep and wail when they see the smoke of her burning (18:18-19).

Those that put their trust in such things will lose everything. They enter into a compact with the devil to preserve their riches and prosperity. They will discover in a most fearful manner the truth of Jesus’ words, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” This is a question all of us need to answer. There is nothing more valuable than your soul and God holds the destiny of yours in His hands. What will He do with your soul? Take account of your life and see where you stand. Preserving the best of the world is nothing in comparison to the riches of the inheritance of God. You cannot have both. Either you live forever with God or you die forever in Babylon.

 

Pastor V. Mark Smith

God’s Presence and Power

Berean Baptist on January 9, 2015

Since April of 2013, our scripture reading on Sunday mornings has been from the Psalms. Sometimes choosing a topic for a brief article is difficult and I struggle until I find something to discuss. This psalm is not a problem. My real problem is how can I not write multiple articles on the vivid themes expressed in this psalm? There are many to choose from and before I could get out of the first verse the decision was made. In less than five seconds, my eyes were riveted to this phrase, “thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.”

Those of you that know me well understand why I gravitated towards this phrase. It is a tabernacle or temple reference which has long been one of my favorite subjects. What is the stunning beauty of this statement? It is the promise God made to dwell in fellowship with His people in tabernacle worship. The special place of God’s presence was in the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant stood. The Ark was a small rectangular box made of wood overlaid with pure gold. Though very small, a little less than four feet long and a little less than two feet wide and tall, the Ark was a powerful symbol of the presence of God.

On top of the Ark forming a lid, was the mercy seat which is the place of the sprinkling of blood by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Above it stood two cherubs with wings outstretched and touching at the wing tips. It was a beautifully constructed box, but nothing could match the beauty of the intangible between those two cherubs. This is the reference in Psalms 80 verse 1. “Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.” The intangible was a bright shining light of the glory of God that showed He was in residence.

An interesting point in this psalm is the absence of the temple, the absence of the Holy of Holies, the absence of the Ark of the Covenant, and thus the absence of the bright shining light known as the Shekinah Glory. The temple and all of its furnishings had been destroyed as the result of Israel’s sin. The psalmist is in the midst of a sad bitter wail asking God to return. Three times he prayed, ”Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”

Again, interestingly, the figure switches from the physical light of God’s glory in verse one to the spiritual expression of His presence displayed in blessing Israel again. I believe this is what is sorely needed in our churches today. We have never had manifestations of God’s glory in shining lights, but there have been plenty of them in demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s power. The power today is not present in old time gifts of the Spirit such as tongues, prophecy, and healing. The presence of God is manifested in the power of His word spoken from pulpits by His preachers.

We need more power in the pulpit. I do not mean shouting, screaming and pounding—I mean sermons with depth that feed the souls of God’s people. We ask God to keep supplying messages that pierce the heart and pique the understanding. It is not the preacher’s work—it is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit that make it happen. “Please God—cause your face to shine in the preaching of the word. Hide your preachers behind the cross that your glory may be seen.”

 

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Images of Jesus

Berean Baptist on December 23, 2014

It has come to my attention that our web page statistical analysis show that one of the top reasons people visit our website is to find images of Jesus. I would like to briefly explain why you will not find pictures of Jesus on our site.

The Bible teaches that we are not to make images of anything that can be used as an idol to worship (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 5:8-9). We believe this command includes images of Jesus. While we are very much aware that some would protest that they do not worship these pictures, it is clearly evident they have some special meaning to them beyond that of an ordinary picture. Whether consciously or subconsciously, placing value on a picture of Jesus is tantamount to a form of worship.

Should we not think it strange that there are images of ancient rulers from the Egyptians to the Romans, and there are statues and paintings and busts and engravings of many ancient philosophers, but the person that impacted the history of the world in the greatest way had no image of Him preserved? If not during Christ’s personal ministry, then why not a painting or image from those that remembered Him after He died and then arose from the dead? Why didn’t the apostles carry an image with them to show their converts the one in whom they put their trust? Why in the letters to the many churches that were begun in the last part of the first century is there no mention that anyone thought it was necessary to have a picture of Jesus? There were certainly many that remembered Him, but even the apostles never saw fit to make a drawing or sculpt a statue to show their converts what He looked like. Instead, they taught their converts to look to Christ by faith. They did not need visible evidence of Him.

We do not believe images of Jesus are absent except by design. God does not want us to have them else He could have easily preserved them. He was meticulously involved in the careful preservation of His Word, so why not an image that helps remind us of Him? The simple reason is that we have the reminder of His Word. Christ is the Living Word which is the medium through which He gives pictures to our mind.

No one knows what Christ looked like. The only description comes from Isaiah 53:2 which tells us there was no physical beauty in Him that would make us desire Him. He was plain, common, and ordinary. Yet, when did any artist paint Jesus to be anything other than a handsome, desirable man? Some even depict Him as a blue-eyed Jew! What actor in any Passion movie is ugly? The beautiful pictures of Jesus only enhance the idea of making Him an idol to worship.

In the Old Testament, there is a peculiar story about an image Israel preserved with good intentions. In Numbers, we are told about a serpent of brass that was put on a pole. Israel was to look to this serpent and by faith they would be healed from snakebites caused by their disobedience to God. Jesus referenced this serpent in the famous passage of John 3:14-21, stating the serpent on the pole represented His lifting up to be the Saviour of the world. The brazen serpent was preserved until the time of Hezekiah about eight centuries later. No doubt the image was kept to remind the people they were to trust in God and look to Him for their spiritual healing. However, in Hezekiah’s time the people had begun to worship this image and burn incense to it as an idol. In other words, it was a well-intentioned idea gone badly. Hezekiah destroyed the image which action is commended in scripture as one of Hezekiah’s reforms.

God never intended for Israel to keep the brass serpent, and in the same way He does not intend for us to keep idols or images of Jesus. Since God is a perfect God, if He wanted us to have an image of the perfect Son of God, He would give us a perfect image. There would be no guess work as to what He looked like. So, it sounds like a good idea, but no ideas are good that are against the scriptures.

You will not find images of Jesus here. If you want to know what He looks like, read about Him in the pages of the Bible. You will find His love, His mercy, and His grace. You will find His part in the sovereign plan of God to save unworthy sinners like you and me. You will also find a picture that many refuse to believe. He is the judge, the God of wrath who punishes those who do not believe. If you trust Him, one day you will see Him. No picture painted by men could ever do Him justice. God wants you to see Him in His glory, a picture that will never disappoint.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Exalt Christ in Song

Berean Baptist on August 14, 2013

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)

Each Sunday morning when our services begin the choir calls the church to worship. Our current song selection is the short chorus He is Exalted which is a good choice because as our first act of worship our attention is immediately focused on Jesus Christ the one who is worthy of worship. Revelation 5:12 declares, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Singing praises that acknowledge the right of our Lord to receive worship is well pleasing to God. Scripture commands us to sing spiritual songs and make melody in our hearts which in turn makes the song service an integral part of our worship.

It is very important that we worship God with songs that have words and music that honor Him. When the apostle John was allowed to see into heaven, he was awestruck by the thousands upon thousands that sang the praises of the Lamb. Would it surprise you to learn that heaven sings a song that was first sung on earth? What kind of song could be sung here that would be a proper song for heaven? One of the songs John heard was the song of Moses. We know the lyrics of this song because they are recorded in Exodus 15.

The first stanzas of the song are very much unlike songs heard in churches today. Moses’ song began with an execution. Israel sang about the destruction of Pharaoh and his armies in the Red Sea. They were singing about the wrath of God and His vengeance upon His enemies. Would you consider it odd if we were to begin our services singing about hell rather than heaven? It might be strange but it would not be unbiblical. Deliverance from death and hell are excellent reasons for worship. Gospel presentations should begin with God’s wrath on sinners. We cannot know we need the Saviour unless we know there is something to be saved from.

If we should begin our services singing about hell, we would not want to sing four stanzas about it and then quit. Neither would we start a gospel presentation and stop with the bad news of condemnation. There is more to talk about and there is more to sing about. The good news is the salvation found in Christ. The good news is that we can be delivered from the wrath of God because Christ died to take away the cause of God’s wrath. Our sins are the cause and Christ’s death is the remedy. The penalty for sin is everlasting punishment in the fires of hell. Jesus died in our place, suffered our hell, and paid the penalty for us.

Moses’ song goes on and other stanzas speak of the glorious expectation of heaven (Exodus 15:17). The saints in heaven sing this verse because they experience this promise of God made good. The song also contains our familiar theme, the exaltation of Christ. Verse 18 says, “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.” This is also a familiar refrain in heaven: “…there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

As you sing, pay attention to the words. Choose songs that magnify Jesus Christ. Carefully consider the words of In Christ Alone, O Magnify the Lord, And Can it Be, and My Heart Is Filled. The gospel is presented in these songs; and friends, this is worth singing about!

Pastor V. Mark Smith

Mike Creiglow October Missionary Letter

Berean Baptist on October 6, 2009

Caixa Postal 24

699980

Cruzeiro do Sul,

Acre, Brazil

Dear Brethren,

The last thing I told you last month was about trying to finally  getting our jeep. Well it was still quite a process, but it did come through. We closed the deal way back in March, but Just got it in late September. Even at the last minute things got balled up. Even to get the title from the government you have to go through a broker. The dealerships all have one on call. The broker sent his runner to pick up the pile of documents for my car at the dealership  and on his way back to the office was held up at gunpoint. All the documents were lost. They had to start all over. This added yet another 3 days to the whole process. Well we did finally get the car on a barge to Porto Velho. I flew from Manaus to pick it up. My son-in-law, Dauro flew from Cruzeiro to drive the jeep from Porto Velho to Cruzeiro do Sul. The trip is 1300 Km or about 800 miles. Much of the road is patch quilt, 2 lane pavement. The rest is dirt and some of that was mud. The trip went well though and we are thanking the Lord that we have the car here in the garage. I had prayed for 7 years and the Lord hás answered.

There are 2 small towns (county seats) here in the Acre where we didn’t know if there are Baptist churches.  These are between here and the capital. They both have a population of about 5000. We stopped in to see. One hás a church, but we haven’t figured out what or who they are. The other hás no baptist church at all, so we are already praying for some more missionaries. Please pray with us. In fact during the coming months I plan to visit all 22 “municípios” (same as your county seats) in the state to see where there are Baptist churches, what kind and if they are doing anything. I do know that there are 27 churches in the Acre Baptist convention, but 24 of these are charismatic. Almost all of those churches are in or near the capital, Rio Branco. Anyway, I want to see first hand, so we can make our mission plans for the rest of the state.

Well I finally got my Dad back down for  a few weeks. He hás been preaching to our church and our chapels. He Will, no doubt, tell you the details. The folks here are really enjoying. Actually, I am, too, a little!

Besides the camps that I told you about in my last letter, we have had 3 more. One was a training camp for leaders, another was for couples, and the other was the annual ladies camp. This particular couple’s camp is also done each year, but is different from the regular one, in that everybody goes on motorcycles. We had 40 couples. I can’t get Beverly to saddle up, but I went along anyway, all by my lonesome. Don’t you feel sorry for me? All the other guys had their wives hanging onto them. Poor little ole me! I had to ride up to Salém for 2 hours and ride back without  my love hanging on for dear life!  Come to think of it, maybe that is why she won’t ride with me anymore. Anyway camps have been great this summer season.

Crowds have been just average at church these past few weeks. There have been a number of folks saved. We had one o four newest  preacher/pastors, Ezi Lopes to preach on a Sunday night a couple of weeks back. He had preached several times on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon. Sunday night is pretty intimidating for most first timers. Ezi felt the pressure. It was great though and there were 8 professions of faith that night.

God bless all of you. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. Hope you can get over the financial crisis so that you can get back to giving as before. Since the regular offerings have been down we have taken a hit on average of $500.00 the past 2 months. I will pray for you, too.

In Christ,       Mike Creiglow

Richard Bennett, Converted Roman Catholic Priest

Berean Baptist on September 17, 2009

We are pleased to announce that Bro. Richard Bennett, a former Roman Catholic priest, will be with us for Sunday services on October 25th. For 22 years, Bro. Bennett was a priest of the Dominican Order. At the age of 48, he was converted to the true gospel of Christ and began a dynamic ministry of witnessing to Roman Catholics. He is now a staunch defender of the faith and a truly remarkable witness.

Bro. Bennett will speak in our Sunday School hour on the subject of evangelizing Roman Catholics. In the morning and evening preaching services, he will give an adaptation of his message entitled, “The Mindset of Catholicism Permeating Evangelicalism.” This was delivered recently at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. We are truly blessed to have this opportunity to hear Bro. Bennett.

More information about Bro. Bennett’s life and ministry can be obtained from his web site at www.bereanbeacon.org .  There are some great articles that are well worth your time. Don’t miss this exciting, intriguing Sunday with Richard Bennett!