The Loss of a Mentor, Honoring pastor Gayle Erwin

Gayle in 2014 at my 60th birthday gathering.

Gayle Erwin was one of a kind. It was the summer of 1988 when I first met Gayle when taking Mission Classes. His topic was that of his most read book, Jesus Style. His approach to the character of Christ along with Gayles animated and humorous story telling touched me as no other teacher I heard.

“You can’t aford my book”, was his response to my requesting to buy a copy, followed by his light hearted chuckle. He then proceeded to write a personal note in the paperback and handed it to me. I still have ownership of that book and have been a promotor and communicator of its message ever since.

In returning from the mission field in 1991 I reunited with Gayle at a mission conference. He so quickly recognized and acknowledged me and welcomed me into conversation. We would soon be planning several short trips together back to Japan, where I had been serving, to present the Jesus Style to Japanese Christians. Japanese is one of the languages the book was eventually translated into. The first trip was a very memorable one with worship leader Duane Clark. Duane and I arrived at Narita Airport. Gayle had been waiting outside of customs for us. As soon as we came through the doors Gayle shouts out, “Well here comes ugly incorporated.” I responded, ‘And you are the CEO.” He let out a deep laugh and gave us both a big hug. This began a running and private joke that was recalled every reunion as well as with gag gifts I shared with him.

What a storyteller and not just in his teachings but all the time. I would walk up to Gayle at a pastor’s conference and within minutes he was sharing a story. One of my favorites is when he interviewed Johnny Cash. Others included his pastoring in the south, his days as a Christian magazine publisher and the start of his traveling ministry teaching on the character and nature of Jesus. His style of teaching impacted me and influenced my teaching.

He was a regular guest teacher at my fellowship on Sundays, special events, and every year at our Discipleship School. When I asked if he was willing to teach at our school with a small class of 15 people he responded, “Well sure, I like to see the whites off their eyes when I teach.” His last time was live online during the 2020 pandemic. The following years we kept in touch as his health diminished. We visited just over a year ago and it was one of the most intimate and memorable of story times. I will forever be grateful to the Lord for allowing me to have Gayle in my life.

Gayle went home to Jesus Wednesday April 15, 2025. My Condolence to his family. But also I do celebrate his entry onto the Father’s presence. We will reunite again and oh what stories he will have to share.

In Loving Memory

pastor Bob

To hear his teachings and watch his video or even purchase his books go to https://gayleerwin.com.

Time to go. 2025 Mission trips scheduled

Far East in May

I am excited to be preparing for two teaching trips outside of the USA. I will be returning to a country in the far East where there is existing persecution of God’s people. Christians in the west don’t always realize that some of our brothers and sisters are still being harassed, threatened, their churches burned or are in prisoned. They covet our prayers and our teaching. But even with persecution these churches are growing and pastor and leaders are needed to be raised up and trained.

I have the privilege to spend a week In May to minister to as many as 50 pastors and leaders. Some are already pastoring small house churches and others are being prepared to plant churches. Those attending travel from some distance by train, bus and small motor bike, for several days of learning and being encouraged. Also, time will be available to teach at two local churches.

Northern India in August

I will again be returning to northern India where I traveled last year. The previous meeting with pastors in the north was for a week and was such a positive and productive time that I was asked to return for two weeks. This allows for me to meet with two groups of pastors and leaders.

The director of the organization I am working with is a man of vision desiring the pastors under his care to grow in their method of teaching the Scriptures, as we do at Calvary Chapel, Verse-by-Verse.

Consider the impact one visit to either country can produce. If I minister to 50 pastors and leaders coming from 20 to 30 churches that may have 25 to 100 members. I have impacted multiple congregations, communities, and families.

Prayer and Support

Prayer is utmost important for myself and especially for those attending the meetings. Travel in these countries can be a challenge as compared to traveling here in the USA. Even though modern air travel is quite safe it is not guaranteed there would be no issues. Travel for me can take nearly 24 hours without delays. Though God always is leading prayer is still a top priority.

Finacial support is appreciated as finances for this trip are not supplied from any church source but by those who who have a heart to support. You an do so through the Contact/Support page.

June Mission Trip Report

During the month of June I was in India at two weeks at two locations teaching pastors and leaders. It was a wonderful time teaching and encouraging brothers and sisters who are committed in their service to the Lord. The amount of biblical training is limited in some instances so the teaching is on practical topics for ministry.

It was also a very special joy to return to the mission field. I was able to reunite with my friend pastor Pho on this trip. He and I first met over 15 years ago when traveling to Vietnam to teach. He was my translator. He came to the USA and became a citizen as well as pastoring in Chicago then Washington DC.

The two weeks went by fast as I taught 4 full days in the first location and 3 full days at the other along with teaching at two churches on consecutive Sunday mornings.

I will be returning to Vietnam later this year to again teach and prepare pastor and leaders. Your prayers are appreciated and you may also support financially.

Supreme Court 9-0 Decision on behalf of USPS worker. (Do not assume my response)

Supreme Court 9-0 Decision on behalf of USPS worker.

A Postal Service worker sued the Postal Service for his being forced to work on Sundays or lose his job. All none supreme court justices sided on his behalf. The law suite was based upon Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It states: Employers are to accommodate their employee''s religious practices. The text defines "religion" as one of the 5 major religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism

Apart from the law, but instead from a biblical perspective, do you and I, who hold to a Christian faith, have the right over those not of the five major religions to avoid the Sunday work day? I know the law states we do but what does God's word state as that is what we are accountable to?

I know many fellow believers who have had to work on Sunday and have not insisted they have Sunday off according to Title 7. So is it sin that they work? Well, that depends on your interpretation of the commandment to follow the Sabbath.

Sabbath literally means "rest." For the Jew the sabbath was the forth commandment of first ten as carved on stone tablets and mediated by Moses (Ex 20:8). Six days they would work but on the seventh day they rested as it was a holy day of rest onto the Lord God. On this seventh day no work was to be performed. This holy day started at 6PM Friday and lasts to 6PM Saturday and is still followed by devout Jews. The mosaic commands were based on a lunar calendar where the day starts at sundown.

For the majority of Christian teaching this commandment continues to be enforced but with it moving to Sunday based upon the resurrection of Christ. The only issue is that there is nothing in the teaching of church Apostles that Sunday was to be the sabbath or that the sabbath was to be held to as it was for the Jews. For the Christian (Jew & Gentile) the actions of the law were no more (Eph 2:15). Yes, Jesus followed the sabbath requirement but he came as a Jew to preach to the Jews.

However, this did become a hot topic when the pharisees accused the disciples of Christ of working on the sabbath (Matt 121-8). Jesus made this revealing statement, "_Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath._" One greater is Jesus and he is the Lord (GK. kyrios, supreme authority) of the Sabbath and since his disciples were with Him they had freedom to crush the grain in their hand and eat.

So understand, one day was to be holy to the Lord God. So those joined with the Son of God have joined their lives with him who is holy. Not for a day but for their life so fulfilling the law nit to make one day holy but their own life as holy to Him (1Pet 1:16). When the gentile world began accepting Christ as their savior other major requirements such as male circumcision was in debate and found to be of the law but not of the new faith and life with Christ. Similarly would be the character of giving tithes (see my teaching on Giving).

Therefore, if the Sunday Sabbath is more a tradition of men than a requirement found in New Testament teaching or better has been made void being fulfilled by our relationship with the Lord of the Sabbath, is then it a legit right of Christians to have Sunday off? I do not believe so. Seem more a personal conviction.

Now, as taking it from a purely secular approach of employer & employee. Does not an employer have the right of ownership to dictate working hours and days for employees in accordance of general labor laws? Yes, and an employee has the right to find a different company to work for according to his/her own preferences, whether having Sundays off or working from home.

I am for employer rights and rights of the self employed (having been one for some time). In the case of the baker refusing to bake and decorate a cake for a gay wedding. He was sued by the gay couple. This was ludicrous and happily a supreme court ruling was on behalf of the baker. For a self-employed person to kneel to the demands of a customer when that demand is against the businessman's religious or ethical convictions is an infraction against that businessman's constitutional rights as well as religious rights. Furthermore, the customer had other reasonable options to get their cake made making their demand even more unreasonable. We as customers chose businesses all the time because of a multitude of personal reason other than religious. So give the guy a one star rating on Yelp and move on.

In conclusion, I hold to our Constitution and the Word of God. In them we have liberty. May we as US Citizens and on this 4th of July give thanks for the freedoms that both historical and sacred documents insure.

"_We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness_." US Constitution

However, I don't truly find reason in this Court decision to celebrate but rather it saddens me when Christians see themselves as worthy of more rights than any other citizen, especially when they have not been asked to act immorally or unethically, according to scripture. We deserve no special treatment than others in the workplace and all benefits we may receive by an employer is by the grace and mercy of God. So be thankful you have a job and can care for your family. be a faithful employee and an example of Christ in your position.

Blessings

pBob

...Adventure! 2022

In the 1983 moving Never Cry Wolf (based on a true story) an inexperienced government researcher named Farley Mowat was being transported by a bush pilot named Rosie to the Alaskan wilderness. In flight the frozen cold is causing the engine to falter and stall. Rosie startsreaching for a tool box, finding a wrench, begins to open the door of the failing plane. As he dos Rosie looks at Farley and says, “You know what the answer is to boredom?…ADVENTURE!. He tells Fowley to take the wheel and proceeds to hang out the door while hammering on the sputtering engine until it returns to full power. Farley stares in amazement and fear.

Well I am on a new adventure. For some pastors reaching their 60’s comes thoughts and planning of requirement. Or they are happy pastoring where they are at and never pay any mind that there is more for them. Not for this pastor. Over the past few years there has been steps taken to raise up a young man and staff that are mature and capable to lead their ministries. This now has allowed me to begin a new chapter of service to the Lord that has opened to me.

Churches and pastors. This new door includes more travel. I am already assisting a church out of state to get re-established as it has been without a pastor for some time. I am advising and teaching as well as involved in the search for a new pastor. I continue to minister out of the country to pastors and leaders in other lands. but even more and with a purpose to encourage discipleship of their church members for the work of the ministry. I am sure I will be coming along side the missionaries of CC Perris Valley but also supporting others.

Publications; An added focus is the publication of discipleship materials for churches in the USA and those in foreign lands. Presently editing is in the works for my first book that will be translated in Vietnamese, Haitian and Spanish. I have established discipleship classes at CC Perris Valley and previously at CC Moreno Valley that will soon become a workbook for churches and mission teams. I have already had contact with some missionaries who are seeking such a book to send to teams in preparation for short-term mission trips to their country.

So there is a lot going on. It is an adventure. Your prayers are appreciated. If you want to know more Contact Me. If you want to support me in my travel and publication expenses you can Support Me.

The Black National Anthem, is it worthy of controversy?

This hymn, yes hymn, has drawn a lot of controversy and criticism for being sung in place of our country's national anthem at sporting events. So I took a little time looking into its history and the lyrics of the song and found the lyrics are, themselves, are without controversy, unless you don't want attention brought to God who brings liberty and freedom to all who trust in him. It's attention on God is so evident that it could be sung by, every believer, of every color, of every race, of every nation, for we all need liberty and freedom from sin for which Christ, God's son, was sent and died for.

The identification as the Black National Anthem came by the NAACP in 1919. But it was not so named by the the man who wrote it 19 years previously. Written by the James Weldon Johnson, music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, and actually titled the hymn, "Lift Every Voice and Sing”. It was written for a special occasion. That occasion was for the birthday anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln in 1900, 5 years after his assassination. So not only does it revere God but also the president that was instrumental in the emancipation of slaves.

(Side note: James Weldon Johnson became treasurer of the Colored Republican Club in 1904 and became its president the following year.)

According to Hymnary.corg, it was a hymn which is the reason for the lyrics of faith and commitment to God. So hear are the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing,"

Lift ev’ry voice and sing, ’Til earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on ’til victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod,

Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;

Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers died.

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

Out from the gloomy past, ’Til now we stand at last

Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,

Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;

Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light,

Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,

Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;

Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand,

True to our God, True to our native land.

So here is my view on sporting events. NFL has the freedom to sing or not have sung any song it wants to before a game. They could have chosen any number of offensive and disrespectful songs, but this is not one of them. What better to sing then lyrics as, "May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land." It is more of an Anthem of the Redeemed.

Blessings

pBob

I'M WITH HIM!

But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Psalms 115:3

This has become one of my favorite verses. It makes a clear and bold statement about my God. If he could not do what he pleases then he would not be God. This level of control and power are also the desire of all monarchs, dictators, emperors, CEO's, and basically every human in the world. We all want to do whatever we please. But there is a moral compass that God has instilled in man that signals when we have crossed the limit of this desire. Furthermore, for us as Christians, we have a new life given to follow the Lord and submit and fulfill his will all to his Glory. There are many verses that confirm this.

Photo by Elisabeth Wales on Unsplash

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Philippians 2:13 ...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

So when we pray that "God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we are asking God to do his good pleasure which is everything that pleases him.

Consider the implications. When we are inline with and in participation with God's good pleasure then we will be involved in his will and his work. We also reap the blessings of his work.

Another point is that this statement makes clear that God is not here for what pleases me but the other way around. We must not discount the love God has for us and the value he gives us as demonstrated in his sacrifice, for he did all this as it is his pleasure. If he did so because we deserved it then he would be indebted to us. If this was the case then mercy and grace are thrown out the window. But we were underserving and so his salvation according to his pleasure is an act of mercy and grace.

Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua and all who we read about serving the Lord were simply following and participating in his pleasure. In doing so they experienced God's miracles. At times they had to step out in faith using what skills and talents they possessed trusting the Lord to make up the huge difference and he did because it was his pleasure.

I have had several opportunities to know someone of high importance who made it possible for me to go back stage, enter through a side door or some other situation that allowed me where I didn't have a right or authority to go. When these moments happened my favorite line is, "I'm with Him." This is the same thought I have when God opened doors that should have been closed to me, according to the world. Over the years of ministry I have experienced miracles and participate in remarkable events because I was involved in what he pleases.

At this stage in my life I do not look for things to ease up but to escalate as I continue in his pleasure and participate in what he pleases. I pray you will also, trust him, follow him and participate in what he pleases so you may see his glory. You then will also be able to say, "I'm with Him."

Blessings

pBob

TWITTER, FACEBOOK CANCELS ACCOUNTS

There has been much complaining over how social media companies like Twitter and Facebook and now Amazon, as well as other companies, have closed the accounts of those they deem in disagreement with their standards or politics or they see as inciting violence or false information. Before you assume that I am in agreement of this complaining please continue reading.

We as Christians have been part of a community that believe in a single message we call the Gospel. We also attend gatherings, meetings, seminars and other events that sensor any message that is not according to this Gospel message or the Bible and our doctrine.

A pastor of a congregation controls who and what is shared with the congregation. Those who have the same belief and hold to the same scriptures and believe in the same God and the same Lord Jesus Christ, choose to be a part of this gathering of like-minded believers, and the congregation have no issue with the pastor or leadership controlling and censoring other views that would be in conflict. As a shepherd I have a biblical mandate to control the teaching, 1Tim 1:4-4.

Those who visit may decide whether they are in agreement with us or not and if not they have the freedom to find a group of religious people who believe as they do or even start an organization with the belief that they desire.

A person or persons could attend our gatherings and possess a different biblical view and we would not ask them to leave the church but they would have no opportunity to preach to the congregation and promote their views. You could call this censorship and you would be correct.

Being that we as Christians live in this reality why then do Christians voice objection towards a privately owned company, providing a free service (Keep in mind a church provides a free service) that decides to exercise it's right to control what's communicated from their platform when not in agreement with their standards, doctrine, beliefs, convictions, etc.?

You may argue that these social platforms are equal to radio and television broadcasting companies. I would disagree as ABC or NBC are not social platforms where anyone can sign up according to that network's policies and openly share their opinions and viewpoints. Social platforms are much different interactive forum where everyone has a voice, a commentary and critique.

If we as Christians insist that the social platforms should be controlled then the same could be demanded of the church and of course we would not be in approval of this.

The answer is simple. Those who desire to express views have other platforms to use and I suspect those with the talents and resources to do so will create new platforms. Necessity is the mother of invention.

But let's be clear what is was that has brought us to this point. A group of people who saw it their right to storm and enter the US Capital has given social media justification in their response.

As a Christian and business man I have a perspective that businesses have the right to set standards for their companies. When a Colorado baker refused to decorate a cake for a gay marriage because of his religious convictions I support his right. However, if I was in his shoes I may respond differently. So we as believers need to be balanced and just in our evaluation of social platforms and be cautious to not become the hypocrite.

Blessings

pBob

La Chancla

I have been teaching through the Psalms and it is always humorous to me when God makes a statement that triggers a picture of culture found today.

In Psalm 108 God speaks of blessing his people. Here is the verse.

Psalm 108:8, _"Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver."_

Then he speaks of moving against Moab and Edom.

Psalm 108:9, _"Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph.”_

The casting of a shoe is an act of hatred and discuss against a person in the cultures of the middle east. You may recall when president Bush dodged a shoe thrown at him by Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi. Here is a video to refresh your memory: https://youtu.be/_4rYWc4o-eY.

This is not just a middle eastern thing but I think they learned it from mexican moms, called chancla. Take a look below.

But according to Psalm 108:9 it's a God thing: "Over Edom I will chancla..."

Blessings

pBob

I’m Offended

I'M OFFENDED

Thanks to krakenimages @krakenimages for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁

It gets me chuckling how people get offended for others that are not offended. Like the Hispanic college student who thought it humorous for a white college age interviewer to be wearing a sarape and a sombrero while some of his fellow caucasian students were offended claiming he was culturally misappropriating. I, being Hispanic, also got a laugh of the young man ans eas not offended.

There is also those instances when people get offended when you have made a statement that is not derogatory about a topic, a photo or a subject. It can be a simple observation. For instance, I follow our county Sheriff Facebook page. They had a post about donated masks by a local Ford dealership. The masks had the logo of the dealership. I made a simple observation that the dealership used the masks as a "shameless plug." The phrase refers to a obvious promotion of a product aside from the focus of the discussion or report. It isn't even an insult to the dealership just an observation that they did a good thing and used it to promote their dealership. Well, a woman was offended at my observation and jabbed at me that I should be ashamed for not saying anything nice about the officer in the photo. Now I know police officers and they would likely make the same observation, but would also be thankful the masks that were donated.

There is this woman who was offended I shared a story about my wife from the pulpit. The women expressed to my wife how she was offended that I shared it and felt bad for my wife. My wife chucked at her as my wife was not bothered at all and likes the story shared as it related to her growing in the Lord. So the woman was offended for no reason.

Jesus made several comments that offend people. They were Truth that conflicted with his listener's views, works, attitudes and alike. They were so offended that some wanted him dead.

Yet he was not offended by the actions of his accusers, adversaries and doubters. He carried on with his mission, to die for all mankind. So consider Jesus next time you get your feathers ruffled and are offended and get yourself some perspective. Instead engage ans communicate and reason with grace.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Blessings

pBob

"Peace, be still"

Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash

Mark 4:35-41 “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Jesus made a simple command, "Let us cross over to the other side." The disciples were asked to perform what was a typical part of their life, to take a boat across the Galilee. But this trip became more challenging than others. A response was required to the increasingly threatening conditions. They did all that was within their abilities and knowledge, yet it was futile and the boat was further taking on water. But as they panicked Jesus lay asleep at the rear of the sinking vessel.

"Do You not care that we are perishing? There is a defining contrast of perceptions and responses between the disciples and the teacher. These men, who had already witnessed the miracles performed by their teacher, are anticipating their demise by the conditions surrounding them. Jesus can raise the dead, heal the sick, and cast out demons but not cannot change the conditions they now find themselves in.

"Peace, be still." Three words, one command and the sea ceased its disruption. But so did the disciples cease their panic. His command was as much for them to obey as it was for the storm. Jesus will speak the same to you today in whatever storm you are in if you would seek him. Rather than be in a panic over the conditions of your life or the world, rather than fearing for your life, look at your teacher, peaceful with his head on a pillow, at rest in your boat. Our seeking of the Lord's intervention is often an afterthought. A last ditch effort to respond to our storm. Why is this? We, like the disciples, don't grasp the totality of who Jesus is. In the eyes of the disciples he was a man, a rabbi, a teacher, a prophet, but short of who he truly was, the Christ and son of God. This can be our mistake as well. Cease your panic and ask the Lord to reveal himself to you. Look to him and learn from his restful disposition that he has the power to bring peace to your storm and peace to your heart.

Blessings

pBob

WHAT DO I WANT TO BE? . . . WRONG QUESTION!

Photo by ritesh singh on Unsplash

What do I what to be?  Wrong Question!

Every child has been asked, What do you want to be when you grow up?  It is also a question that a lot of graduating high school students ask themselves, What do I want to be?  It may even be a question that you have asked yourself as a Christian, What do I want to be, as a Christian?  Well, as a Christian this is the wrong question for several scriptural reasons.  

1. You are a work of God’s. Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

2. You are just clay. Isaiah 64:8, But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.

3. You are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

4. He is your God. Psalms 143:10, Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.

5. God has intentions for you. Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

What does God want you to be? 

This being the correct question has two aspects to it. The first is what He intends you to be in nature and character.  The second is what he intended you to be in service.  The first answer is to be Christ-like. This leads to the answer of the second question. God’s making you into a Christ-likeness can not but lead you into a life of service using the gifts he may manifest within you.   In all instances it his work for his work.  When you get this you will experience growth but more importantly you will experience God. 

Blessings

pBob

Malachi 1:1-3 Does God Hate Esau?

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob's brother?” Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved; But Esau I have hated, And laid waste his mountains and his heritage For the jackals of the wilderness."

The passage in Malachi 1:2-3 is possibly more familiar to readers of the Bible from the quotation made by the apostle Paul in Romans 9:13. Paul uses the text in his teaching in context to Israel’s rejection of their Messiah. Take a look at Romans 9:1-13.

• In verses 1-5 Paul shares his grief that his country men have rejected Jesus and wished he could change the circumstance.

• In verses 6-9 he declares that their denial does not make the Word of God of no effect for those who are the children of God are not those born Jew but of those who believe in the promise as given to Abraham that he would have a son by Sarah. Here is the line of promise continued from Abraham to Isaac, the Child of Promise.

• Then in verse 10-13 he expounds on the fact that through Issac the promise continued when he had twin boys. But the promise didn’t continue through the elder Esau, as was customary, but the younger Jacob according to God’s purpose and election (or choosing) that he would be the Child of Promise.

Understand, Paul is not speaking of who God saves but of the bloodline from which passes the Child of Promise. So in choosing Jacob and his bloodline to lead to the Child of Promise he then rejects the bloodline of Esau (i.e. hated). This is the same response God had to Ishmael. You recall that Sarah had the idea to help God fulfill His promise, so she sends her maidservant to lie with Abraham to produce a son. But later when God commands Abraham to sacrifice Issac he identifies Issac as Abraham’s only son, completely denying Ishmael.

Another comparable text is when Jesus speaks of following him and not hate father and mother (Luke 14:26). The sister very to this is Matthew 10:32-39 where he speaks of causing a division between family members as some believe and others do not and then states, “he who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” In both texts Jesus calls on the people to take up their cross and follow him. Jesus obviously does not advocate a hating of our parents but rather when t comes to believing and following Jesus their will have to choose against their parents. In Luke this action is described as hate and in Mathew it is described as a love for parents more than Jesus.

Back to Malachi

Malachi is making a case for God’s love for the Israelites, who were of the line of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and who questioned God’s love for them. God’s answer is that his love is demonstrated that they were chosen from the bloodline bloodline of the child of promise before their father Jacob and uncle Esau were born. Hate in this context then is not to hate as we may hate an enemy but to deny or reject.

In nether of these messages is there a reference to eternal salvation. It is purely a revealing of God’s sovereign will as to who he makes possible salvation. He has chosen Salvation to come by the child of promise (the seed) of Abraham and as Paul so clearly states, seed as in one, who is Christ (Gal. 3:16).

But what of Malachi 1:3 where he states that God laid waste to Esau’s mountains? This relates to the descendants of Esau for God had commanded the Israelites prior to entering the promise land to show respect to the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, for they were family (Deut. 27:3). But the Edomites did not treat the Jews well and according to Psalm 137 the Edomites were present and cheered for the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem. God then delta harshly with them and this is where God’s love is shown to the Israelites. For He had restored them to their land and to their city and to himself because they are the the bloodline of the Child of Promise and the Edomites were not. In this is where God’s love was demonstrated to their doubting minds even though they had denied him and disobeyed him, yet did he restore them after exiling them into captivity for 70 years.

In agreement with Paul

This then ties forward to Paul’s teaching that God shows mercy to whom he shows mercy. He chose to cshow mercy to the Jews even with all their rebelliousness but chose not to show mercy to the Edomites. Did the Edomites have a choice? Yes, for God meant them well by the Israelites, as was seen from Deuteronomy. Could they have believed in the Child of Promise and lived? Of course, just as today a person who believes in Christ, the Child of Promise, may be saved.

Blessings

pBob

Leading like Jesus

I recall a story of a friend that was the air-conditioning contractor for Calvary Chapel’,s then newly purchased, conference center in Murrietta, CA. He shared how pastor Chuck Smith regularly came with tool belt on hip and dressed in his work clothes to join in the remodeling, restoring and refurbishing  of the historical complex. He was so impressed the example of a pastor who didn’t mind getting his hands dirty with the workers demonstrating the heart to lead by example. 

If we pastors desire to follow Jesus as the leader/shepherd he is we would be spending a great deal more of our time with our people showing them how ministry is done. The Law told God’s people how to behave and act and serve. When Jesus came he did so in “Word and Deed” (Lk 24:19).  He personally demonstrated how to behave, act and serve to his disciples and the world.

I believe the apostle Paul followed this model with Silas, Timothy and others who joined him. They watched and participated with him while receiving instruction and teaching along the way.  he lived out before them the Christian and servant life for them to follow.

A pastor in defending his absence, might refer to Acts 6, where men were chosen to do the practical delivery of food to the widows so that they, apostles, could place their attention to the word and prayer.  But is their absence following the example of Jesus who didn’t only speak of the way but led the way. 

Jesus’ style of discipleship is not a leading from behind but from a position ahead so those following can watch and learn from our word and deed.   So if you are a “pastor” or even a “church leader,” time to show your people how and not just say how. Whether it is going door to door, a mission trip, a hospital visit, or other act of service, remember the clear example of Jesus. AS Paul stated, “Follow me as I follow Christ, (1Cor 11:1).

Blessings
pBob

A LOOK AT PSALM 45 - EXALTING THE KING

About Psalm 45:

1. The title: A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. This is the last of a grouping written by the priestly family that were worshipers in the temple but were taken away as captives.

2. Jew and Gentile agree that this Psalm is prophetic of the Messiah.

3. It is recognized as prophetic of God the Father speaking to Jesus, God the Son by the author of Hebrews, vs.1:8-9

4. My Theme Title: Exalted King

Simple Outline

1. The King is excellent v.1-2

2. The King is victorious v.3-5

3. The King is God v.6-9

4. The King’s Bride v.8-15

5. The King’s Sons v.16-17

Primary Verses

Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.

LEARNING to PREACH

Personal

By my title you may think I meant to share about learning how to preach a message. Actually what I mean is learn from your time of study for your personal growth then preach, or teach what you have learned. It is a common mistake of Bible teachers tone focused more on what they want to say than what the need to learn. By experience I have come to believe that when you are focused on preparing a message to prepare what you want to say out to your listeners you actually hinder your own personal deep dive into the scriptures. But when you study to learn, be enlightened, get directed and even corrected, by the Word of God, for your personal spiritual growth and transformation of your soul then what you have to say is real and spoken from experience and with authority. This makes your teaching personal.

Passion

When the Word has impacted you spiritually and you have prayed over what you learned and how it is to impact your life and actions, it will stir up passion. This is when the Word finds good ground to sprout and grow. It is a deep hearted response to God in what you learned as true and necessary. It is from this new and real passion that your message is presented. No manufacturing, no theatrics but just pure sincere sharing from your heart.

Purpose

God will likely minister to you in several ways in your time of study. The more your heart is open the more he will fill it. But is it all meant for those you teach? They are in a different place of maturity, experience and participation with the Lord. Your listeners are not all the same but a diverse group of souls each on their own journey of spiritual growth. So from what you learned will the Spirit lead you to share and with His intent? What is the result God desires to see happen in those you teach? It may be only part of what he revealed to you. So this requires prayer. The purpose sets the tone of your message. Don’t rely on methods but trust in the Lord to reveal the need and minister to it.

Practical

When your study has impacted you to action then your know it is practical. What good is learning something you can not use in your life. So your teaching must be filled with why and how the text is acted upon and implemented in their lives. To do this your story is important to be shared. You can only do this when it has been acted upon and implemented in your life. Difficult to lead another where you have not yet gone yourself.

Pictures

People process information in different ways but all have an imagination. When you share your experience with the Word you are sharing a personal story and stories give the hearers a picture. The facts are welcome but how those facts your learned are crafted into a visual assists the mind to see them living out the truth. Jesus used parables (practical and relatable stories) to convey spiritual truths. They were illustrations that caused his listeners to think, question and reason within themselves and even see themselves.

One last thought

This is not just for teachers of God’s Word. Anyone that learns is to share what they learned with others. In any case it starts with your sit-down with the Lord. It is a personal time when he wants to reveal himself to you. All the while you are trusting the Spirit to reveal, as all things are spiritually discerned. What a privilege we have. It is never a duty or a job or a task but simply time before God your father to be mentored and it is also a privilege and honor to be used to bring His truths to others. So enjoy and grow in Him.

Blessings

pBob

MALACHI OVERVIEW - GOD'S LOVING CORRECTION

About Malachi,

1. Last book of 39 Old Testament Books

2. Ministry years, 435-396 BC, 39 years.

3. Followed by approximately 400 years of silence

4. Contemporary of Nehemiah, See Nehemiah chapter 10 & 13

5. History after Malachi

   1. The Greek conquering of the Persian Empire

   2. The rise of the 4 generals and Antiochus Epiphanies rules Judah

   3. The rebellion of the Maccabees and freedom as its own nation

   4. The division of the priests and the Roman oppression.

Simple Outline

1. God’s love for his people vs. 1:1-5 (Theological)

2. God’s condemnation of the priests vs. 1:6-2:9 (Historic)

3. God’s condemnation of his people vs. 2:10-3:15 (Historic)

4. Hope for the future vs. 3:16-4:6 (Prophetic)

JESUS Doctrine Series

Jesus Doctrine - Listen Here

There are plenty of name dropping of Jesus these days from religious philosophers, personal opinions of celebs or the political candidates. Jesus is quoted at best but often referred to as their proponent in some agenda. But what did Jesus really say and what did he mean? Who was he speaking to and why? How does what he said relate to us today? What is wonderful is that his words were recorded for us to read and learn from. The vary purpose of this series is to learn from Jesus what is important to us and to lead s to cut away the fat of personal opinions and perspectives that do not align with him. Hope you are encouraged and built-up as you listen.

pastor Bob

Good News of God’s righteousness

What is the value of giving testimony of God’s working in your life? 

Photo by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash

David proclaims in Psalm 40. 

Psalms 40:9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know.

David writes of his intentions to share the “Good News of God’s righteousness” to the people of God. What is the “Good News of God’s righteousness”? In context with the Psalm, while David admits to his being overtaken by his iniquities, yet does he make this declaration of sharing the “Good News of God’s righteousness”.  So the “Good News of God’s righteousness” is God’s working in David’s life aside from David’s own weaknesses and failings. God being faithful even when David is not. He acknowledges his failure while proclaiming God’s victory and ability to overcome what he is overcome by.  God’s righteousness is his presence doing His will, His way on our behalf and for his glory. Therefore, David intends to communicate to others how God is active and doing good in his life.

I was having lunch with a friend who attended our Sunday Gathering with our study of Psalm 40:9-13. He recalled Revelation 12:11 and how the persecuted overcome by the life that comes from Christ’s death and the testimony of this life in Christ. 

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Overcoming our weakness, our trials, our challenges and all other circumstances by the Lord’s intervention and provision leads to a testimony to be heard. Overcoming life’s woes and even opposition to us due to our faith is accomplished by what Christ completed on the cross, in his sacrifice for our sins, but also His continue working in and through our life of faith in Him.

How has God’s righteousness manifested in your life today?  Has he responded to your cry, met an incredible need, lifted you above your circumstances or accomplished other work on your behalf?  Enough can not be said of the importance of our sharing with others the righteous work of God in our daily lives. Doing so reminds us while encouraging another to look beyond the circumstances, to rest in the Lord for his supply and provision, deliverance or guidance.

So make a post and be specific. Respond to the a “How is it going? question with a testimony of the “Good News of God’s righteousness.” Be prepared when you join other believers to give testimony so that His name be glorified among the assembly and others ministered to.

Blessings