Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Sep 14th Come On In The Water’s Fine

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 47 – 48

And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. (Ezekiel 47:9)

It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. (Ezekiel 48:35)

These concluding chapters of Ezekiel paint a marvelous picture of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ which He will establish here on the earth. The Bible tells us of a river that flows from the throne of God in the Temple eventually emptying into the Dead Sea. The River begins as just a trickle but deepens and widens as it flows, eventually becoming a great river that one could swim in. I believe this is a marvelous picture of the presence and grace of God. We, as His children, often begin our journey only entering in ankle deep, but as we grow in our relationship with Him, we go ever deeper into those living waters of life that He spoke of also in John 4. It is interesting also that Ezekiel tells us that the waters will heal anything that they come in contact with. Even the Dead Sea which is virtually devoid of all life today because of its salt concentration will be healed and will be full of all sorts of fish and other living creatures. God told us in John’s gospel that He came to give us an abundant life; and at this time, all the world will experience the abundant life that only can come through a deepening relationship with Christ.

I love the last verse of Ezekiel’s prophecy. It says that the name of the city shall be, “The Lord is there”. I got to thinking about that statement and how it should apply to many things today. The presence of God indwells me today, so I can say about my life that the Lord is there. But I wonder how often my life is not a good representation of that reality. How often do I quench the Holy Spirit of God as He seeks to flow through me in order to reach those around me who may not know Him. My family ought to be a picture of “the Lord is there”, as well as our church. In this Millennial Kingdom that Ezekiel speaks of everybody will see it: there will be no obstructions, no impairments that will hinder the people from clearly experiencing the presence of God. I want the obstructions to be removed from my life so that others will clearly see Christ in me. I want people to be able to say about me that God is with me; but my flesh often puts a bushel over the candlestick of God working in my life. How about you, Christian? Can people clearly see and be refreshed by the presence of God in your life? Won’t it be wonderful when this time comes that Ezekiel writes about to never have to be hindered by our flesh again: the sin nature that plaques us will be removed for good. But for now, we have to battle with our flesh; we have to surrender to the Spirit of God, and allow His abundant life to flow through us.

Sep 13th Plan B

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 44 – 46

And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. (Ezekiel 44:10 & 11)

In the passage above we see that some of the Levites were guilty of falling away from God and chasing after idols. God tells them here that they will have to face the consequences for their actions (“bear their iniquity”), but He does not cast them away altogether. He still gives them a place to serve in the temple. There were some things that they could no longer do, but they could still participate in the worship.

As I mused on this passage I had two contrasting thoughts. First, I considered how awful it must have been to be removed from a high position of service because of sin. But next, I thought about how wonderful God is to give us a second chance to serve Him. We may not be able to do the same things we used to do, but we can still participate; still serve God.

These thoughts lead me to give two challenges. The first is to those who are serving God today with no blemish on their record. They are blameless in the eyes of the community, and have not disqualified themselves from being a pastor or deacon. Stay pure, stay away from sin. Put up some fences and boundaries in your life that will keep you inside the will of God. Don’t lose what God has given you.

The second challenge is to those who may have fallen. Get back up, and do whatever God will allow you to do. You may not minister in the same capacity as you used to, but you can still serve. You can still win people to Christ. You can still be a prayer warrior. You can still minister to people. You can still be a blessing to a church by serving in a variety of ways. You can still give so that others can minister “full-time”. There is still a lot for you to do. Don’t lay down. Get back up and find God’s plan B for your life. Allow God’s grace to humble you and restore you. Who knows, God may just use you in a greater way than He did before; but just praise God that He is still using you.

Sep 12th The Eastern Gate

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 41 – 43

Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. (Ezekiel 43:2&3)

I enjoyed reading this morning the continued description of the Millennial Temple and the worship that will take place during the Millennial Kingdom. I find it interesting that it appears that some of the sacrifices (like the Passover) will be re-instituted during this time. I often wondered why there would be sacrifices at this time. Then it dawned on me that there was never a “need” for the sacrifices. What I mean is that they never took away sin; they just served as a symbol or a picture of Christ’s coming sacrifice on Calvary. However, during the Millennium, they will no longer point forward to Christ; they will serve as a reminder, a memorial of Christ: much like the Lord’s Supper does for us today.

However, the thing that really excited me this morning was the thought of the glory of God passing through the eastern gate (pictured above as it is today). You may recall that Christ came through the eastern gate when he rode in Triumphal Entry. That was certainly glorious, however, at that time Christ was veiled in humanity, and His glory was not evident to many who saw Him at that time, But at the end of the Tribulation when Christ begins His Millennial reign (after putting down all opposition), He will bust through these gates and set up  His Kingdom on earth. Imagine what that will be like. I want to see it up close. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of a world that spits in the face of God. I am tired of mosques being built where the temple should be, and near the spot where Muslims killed my fellow Americans. Don’t misunderstand, I am not advocating violence; but I long for the day when Christ puts an end to all of this nonsense.

Even so, Come Lord Jesus.

Sep 11th The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Who Is In Control?

Good morning. During our prayer this morning, Gerald’s message was about praising God. Meanwhile all that is going on in the news is about 9/11, the building of the mosque, and the pastor from Florida who wants to burn the Quran. Somebody should find out what Islam does to the Holy Bible, the REAL Word of God. I’m sure they don’t put it on a shelf because they may want to read it someday. They probably burn them too (their loss). And what about the mosque? In my lifetime, I built many model airplanes. Mostly WWII. Many of the American planes had Japanese flags under the cowling to indicate kills. Yes, the placement of the mosque is in very bad taste. However, we still have freedom of religion in this nation. One day they will understand. One day they will know, just as Magog will find out. Ezekiel 39: 6-7  says, “And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.  So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.”

Praise God, that if He can stop the building of the Tower of Babel, He can stop the building of the mosque. Just like Israel, we have also polluted God’s Holy Name. Allah cannot stop God. Allah is little stone statue, not the One, True, Living God. Peter said (2Peter 3:10-11), “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness…?”

How about a person who praises God. One who gets the truth of the Gospel out, so those who are without the truth will not perish in the fervent heat of the lake of fire. Let God take care of the mosque, and He will.  In the battle between allah and I AM, the God of Israel will beat the god of Islam every time! Praise God!

Sep 10th Can These Bones Live?

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 35 – 37

And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. (Ezekiel 37:3)

In chapter 37, God shows Ezekiel a vision of a valley full of old, dry bones; and he is commanded by God to prophesy to the bones that God will put flesh upon them once again and put breath into them so they might live. Once Ezekiel begins to do this, he sees the bones begin to shake and gather together; and after God puts His breath back into them, they get up and become an “exceeding great army”. The correct meaning of this vision is explained by God Himself: the scattered bones represent the whole house of Israel. They had been divided, and they had long since died spiritually by turning away from the God who gave them life. However, through this vision, God explains that Israel will once again be united and will also once again be revived, walking in the commandments of the Lord.

Though, it is not supported by the immediate context, I would like to suggest an application of this vision on two more levels. Could we say that God can give life again to the Christian that is spiritually dead; and could we say that God can give life again to the church that is spiritually dead. This passage is a wonderful picture of spiritual renewal and revival. Christians and churches tend to gradually slip away from the Lord: they get apathetic and lazy in their devotion. They then begin to move away from soul winning and service; and before they realize what has happened they become dry bones with no spiritual life or fruit. When these times come, we need God to breathe new life into us and cause our dry bones to live.

Notice also that a sign of the deadness of the bones was that they were scattered. God had to first gather the bones together in order to bring life back to them. Division in the church is a definite sign of deadness. The churches of the New Testament that were mightily used of God in winning souls were “in one accord” and “had all things common”. Churches that lose sight of their focus of fulfilling the Great Commission will soon become divided and die.

Let’s make this practical for you as an individual. Are you spiritually dead or alive? When was the last time you picked up your Bible outside of a church service just to spend time alone with God? How is your prayer life? When was the last time that you were concerned enough about a lost  man’s soul that you spoke to him about it? Do you view life from a Christ-centered, Biblical perspective, or do you place self at the very center of the universe? Do you look forward to being with God’s people in the church services or has it become a chore for you; something you endure? Do you “have to” or do you “get to”? Be honest with your answers. Now make a diagnosis. Are you breathing, or are you dead? If you are dead or dying, why not ask God to breathe new life into you. Your dead bones can live again as you surrender your life to the will of God.

Sep 9th The Watchman

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 32 – 34

And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. (Ezekiel 33:32)

Today’s reading contained a lot of very convicting truth regarding those of us who are called to preach and teach the Word of God. There are three different terms used to describe God’s ministers in these chapters. In chapter 33 we first see the title, watchmen. These were the men that were expected to warn the people of a danger that is approaching. God expects his watchmen to stay alert, and faithfully warn the people. He will hold the preachers accountable who fail to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God.

At the end of chapter 33, God uses the title, prophet. Ezekiel was preaching to a people who seemed to enjoy listening to them, but they didn’t heed what he said. As a pastor, I often feel as if I am wasting my time. Though the church is full on Sunday morning with people who seem to enjoy the messages, I see very little change in their lives. It gets frustrating sometimes. But then I remember how I often disobey my own preaching. I guess that gets very frustrating to God. Things aren’t always the way they appear to be. I have often been fooled by people. I have known people who, on the surface, appeared to be bearing no fruit in their lives; and discovered that their lives were, in fact, being transformed; and they were making an impact on the people around them.  I remember one time there was a guy at a former church that had long hair and a scraggly beard; he smoked like a chimney. He would come in on Sunday mornings; and I remember wondering to myself if the guy was even saved. One day, he invited the pastor to come to his house to help him talk to some of his friends about the Lord. The pastor arrived to a dozen or more people who all looked as rough as the guy who invited them; but a bunch of those folks got saved. I was fooled by what I saw on the outside. Again, things aren’t always as they seem. I guess my job is just to faithfully deliver the truth from the Word of God; and pray that someone (including myself) will listen; but ultimately the results are up to God and the listeners.

The title used in chapter 34 is shepherds. The shepherds were supposed to feed and protect the flock. God rebukes these shepherds of Ezekiel’s day because they were more concerned with feeding themselves. I wonder what God would say to me about my concern for the sheep that He has entrusted to me. These are very sobering passages, especially for the preachers and teachers. I will someday face God and will be judged regarding the ministry that He has given me. It is an awesome and very difficult responsibility. I have already failed on numerous occasions; but my desire is to learn and grow so that I can do better in the future. Pray for me and for all who proclaim the Truth of God that we will boldly, but compassionately deliver both the Truth of God and the love of God to those we are called to minister to.

Sep 8th Watch Out For Pride

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 28 – 31

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:17)

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:13 & 14)

Ezekiel 28 begins with a pronounced judgement against the “prince of Tyrus” who is the earthly ruler of the land of Tyre which is just to the northwest of Israel. We read that he was very wise and because of his wisdom he became very prosperous. However, his success caused his heart to be lifted up in pride to the extent that he considered himself to be a god.

Later in the chapter there is a description of the “king of Tyrus”. At first, we wonder who this description is referring to; but soon it becomes evident that this is not the description of a man. This “king” is none other than old slewfoot, Satan He also had a problem with pride, however we read in verses 13 – 15 that it was God who created Him that way. Why is it that created beings boast about things that they had nothing to do with?

We need to really be careful about pride in our own lives. Pride goes far beyond just haughtiness about our abilities, or looks, or possessions; etc. Pride’s real danger is the elevation of self to the point that we humanize God and deify self. We get to the point that we become god in our own eyes. This leads to the gradual abandonment of God’s principles, and the complete reliance upon self. We are now in control of our lives and destinies: doing our thing, our way. We can see that the society that we live in has corporately done the same thing. We have taken God off of the throne, and have placed man on it. How stupid we are that we do not see this cycle that has repeated itself over and over since the beginning of human history? God creates man; man begins to think that he is responsible for his own abilities; then man forgets God which eventually forces His judgment.

How can I as an individual put a stop to this? First, I need to understand that it is God who has given me all that I have. I next need to remember Him by thanking Him and praising Him for all of the individual blessings. It’s probably a good idea to record all of these tangible things in a prayer journal. Finally, I need to keep trusting Hi for every area of my life. Ask Him about everything; trust Him for every decision, and wholly follow His wisdom from  the Word of God. This is a great plan in concept, but a difficult plan to implement. Why, because deep down inside of me is a nature that wants to kick God out and take over; and that fleshly old man of mine often does. I agree with the Apostle when he said:

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:18 & 24)

I thank God for passages like this that remind of the truth: I am nothing, God is everything.

Sep 7th Guest Post By Meredith King

God’s Calling

Chances are you, like millions of other teenagers, are wondering what to do with your life. Without a specific goal in mind you will wander aimlessly, not accomplishing anything with your life. This can be discouraging, especially if you’re among the number who don’t know what they want to do with their lives. The number one major of choice as a freshman in college is “undecided.” So you aren’t alone if you don’t know what to do with your life. As Christians we know we are supposed to do the will of God, but sometimes it feels like He just won’t reveal it to you.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

—Jeremiah 29:11

He does have a plan for your life. The Bible tells us we were predestined to be the children of God – called according to His purpose. So we ask ourselves, “What is my calling?”

Before Jesus ascended into heaven He told His disciples:

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”—Matthew 28:18-20

Our ultimate calling is to make disciples. Our purpose is to honor and glorify God because of our love for Him. We can do that in any time and in any place. Take what you have been given today and use it for good. Sometimes we get so caught up with the future that we forget we were created “for such a time as this.” You may not know where you’re supposed to be in five, ten or fifteen years. But are you where you’re supposed to be today? Prepare for your future in any way possible, but don’t forget that here and now, you can do God’s will.

Ask Him for answers – He wants you to know His plans for you. Continually search for where God wants you to be today, and tomorrow will take care of itself. (“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”—Matthew 6:33-34.) But when today’s troubles begin to overwhelm you, do not be discouraged. God is using your suffering to shape you for something bigger He has in mind.

Suffer with purpose, for it has cost you dearly, as Mark Driscoll said in one of his sermons. Your suffering will allow you to minister and teach, to go and to preach. Every experience you face, face it with Christ, so that He will be able to use and redeem everything in your life for His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Sep 5th Where Are The Men?

Today’s Reading – Ezekiel 22 – 23

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. (Ezekiel 22:30)

Today’s reading is much the same in context as the passages that we have already read in Ezekiel and in Jeremiah. The people of God have seriously abandoned the will of God; and have turned to other gods. They have forsaken the One who gave them their land, and all of their prosperity. God has already judged to no avail; but He promises that more judgment is coming because the people simply refuse to turn back to Him. The saddest verse in this passage is found in verse 30 of chapter 22. God sought for a man…and found none. God could not find one man who was willing to make a difference in Judah. He couldn’t find one that would stand in the gap, filling in the hedge, so that judgment could be spared. Where were the men who could have made a difference?

Where are the men today who are willing to make a difference for the Lord? Could God find a man today that would be willing to stand in the gap. R.A. Torrey recounts a story told regarding D.L. Moody:

Henry Varley, a very intimate friend of Mr. Moody in the earlier days of his work, loved to tell how he once said to him: “It remains to be seen what God will do with a man who gives himself up wholly to Him.” I am told that when Mr. Henry Varley said that, Mr. Moody said to himself: “Well, I will be that man.” And I, for my part, do not think “it remains to be seen” what God will do with a man who gives himself up wholly to Him. I think it has been seen already in D. L. Moody.

Where are the men today that are wholly devoted to God? Where are the men today who will sell out completely for the cause of Christ? Where are the men today that will make a difference? Could God spare America today because you (or I) are standing in the gap? God is looking for some men today who are willing to live for Him: to stand boldly in the midst of a wicked generation, that will stand for the Truth and shine the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Will you be that man?

Sep 4th The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Reading-Ezekiel 17-19

Death Of A Salesman

Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

How are you doing this morning?  When me and Gerald were outside the church building praying together, I could feel God’s peace. No matter how the economy is, all the turbulence and trouble in the world, we can still have peace: a peace that passeth all understanding. Do you have that peace? Eze. 18:4 says that the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

You die to the Proper Priorities: the first being God. Where has your quiet time, your walking with God, and your Bible reading gone? And how about prayer? Second is family. Do you find you have less quality time with your family? Do you find yourself always running here and there with no time to spare? The third priority is church. No tithe or offering anymore. No serving. No fellowship. You need fellowship. God has given everyone of us gifts. Without fellowship we cannot edify or be edified.

You die to Spiritual Things. Do you still believe the Bible? Do you get upset at what is said in church (from the pulpit or other)? Do you become critical of everything? Did you quit on God?

You die Physically. Are you still there? Are you still reading this? Good! Then you’re not dead yet! God is not done with you yet. There is still time to change your mind about where your life is going. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Start by getting your priorities right. God comes first. Start with prayer. Ask Him to forgive you for ignoring the only One who can give you life. Get back to your Bible reading, and believe what you read. Ask God to remove your critical spirit. If you put God first, everything else will fall into place. Peace.