Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Apr 19th Almost Like Heaven

Praise the Lord for the great day that we had yesterday here at the church.  We had a full house both Sunday morning and Sunday evening with two men baptized at the evening service.  Pray for Brian Lara and Ernest Prempeh as they grow and serve the Lord.  

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 4 – 6  

Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry. (1 Kings 4:20) 

 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. (1 Kings 4:25) 

This is about as close to heaven as you could possibly get while still living here on the earth.  Notice that Israel had the complete protection of God; and the abundant provision of God.  And in these early days of Solomon’s reign the people were busy serving God by building His temple, which took about seven years to complete.  So it seems that God is on His throne and the people are dwelling safely.  It sort of reminds me of the history of America.  We had to fight some battles in the early days; but God eventually gave us abundant provision and protection from our enemies.  We are still the most blessed nation in the world. 

Unfortunately, we will see in the upcoming chronicles of Israel’s history that all of this prosperity, which was given by God, will eventually cause the people to forget about God.  I think we can safely say that America is in the same boat.  The people in this “land of the free” have forgotten that it was God who gave them their freedom and all of the prosperity that comes with it.   

Apr 18th Rejoicing in the Goodness of God

Sunday Afternoon

I am praising the Lord for a great service this morning.  The church was full; the spirit was good; and I felt extraordinary liberty to preach the Word of God.  Many people came to the altar and one man received Christ as his Saviour.  We are looking forward to a great service tonight.  We have four people scheduled to be baptized at the close of the service.  I am starting a new series tonight entitled, “Why I Am A Baptist”.  Sometimes when I reflect on what God had done and is doing, I am overwhelmed by his goodness in using someone like me in His ministry.  Praise the Lord for His mercy and his grace!

Todays Reading – 1 Kings 1 – 3

This morning I preached from 1 Kings 3 about the wisdom of Solomon; but I would also like to express just another thought from chapter 1 of 1 Kings.  As you read the passage, notice how Adonijah, Abiathar the priest, Joab, and many others ignore the will of God and the wishes of the king (David) when they take it upon themselves to annoint Adonijah as the king.  It never ceases to amaze me how God’s people will resort to worldly and carnal means to get their way.  

Christian, you and I only have to look to God in order to accomplish His will.  Anything that is done in the flesh will surely come to nought.  Let’s find out what God has for our lives: whether it be a prominent, public position; or a spot behind the scenes where nobody but God sees us.  Oh that we would see that God is the only one that we have to impress with our lives. 

Apr 17th Looking Forward to a Great Weekend of Ministry

Praise the Lord for our softball team.  They played their first game against Bethel Baptist Church on Friday night.  They lost the game (14 – 10), but they did great for their first game.  More importantly they maintained a great Christian testimony.  Their next game is next Friday night at 6:30 at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Berlin.  Come out and support our team.

We are looking forward to a great weekend of ministry.  Today, we gathered for prayer at 6:00 AM.  Later on we will be going out: some will knock doors, and some will visit folks trying to encourage them to come out to church tomorrow.  Please pray that God will breathe today and tomorrow upon this area and the area around the chapel in Little Egg Harbor.  Pray for both churches  to be filled tomorrow.  Pray for lives to be changed; and souls to be saved.  Also pray for a place for the chapel to meet after May 30th.

Todays Reading – 2 Samuel 22 – 24

And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

(2 Samuel 23:14 – 17)

I bet you David regretted making the request for water.  I don’t think he really intended to state it audibly.  He was probably doing what we sometimes call, “thinking out loud”.   Leaders, you especially need to be careful about what you say publically, because there are people around you that will give their lives trying to please you, and give you the things that you desire.  It may not be what you really want for them to do.

We also need to be careful about what we say, because people sometimes repeat it; and it may not be something that should be repeated.  I have often said things in the presence of people that was mis-represented later on.  I have also thought out loud about an idea and the next thing I know the idea became something that was “etched in stone”.  Leaders, be careful that you clearly think about what you say; and also think about the people who are in your presence when you say it.

Apr 16th God Didn’t Forget

Todays Reading – 2 Samuel 19 – 21

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21:1)

Remember back in 1 Samuel when King Saul was mad at the priests because they had helped David. (See 1 Samuel 21 & 22) Saul ended up killing all of the priests (85 of them) and then proceeded to wipe out Nob, the city that the priests lived in.  What Saul did to the priests and to their families was bad enough; but there was also a group of people who lived in Nob as servants to the priests who were not Israelites:  they were Gibeonites.  Now you may also remember from the book of Joshua that the Gibeonites were the people who tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them.  Joshua promised these people with an oath that Israel would let them live, and in return the Gibeonites would be Israel’s servants.  God never forgot that covenant, so when Saul (acting on behalf of Israel) broke the covenant and slew the Gibeonites living in Nob; God held them (Israel – not just Saul) accountable.  God doesn’t forget, even when we want to.  Here an entire nation is suffering for the decision of one man. 

We should be admonished when we read passages like this.  First of all, we should realize that our actions affect more people than we think; and we should carefully consider the outcome on others around us from the decisions we make  today as well as the impact they will have on future generations.  Secondly, we need to think about any unfinished business we may have with God or other people.  We are so quick to promise things; but so slow to deliver the things that we promise.  God never forgot the promise that Israel made with the Gibeonites.

Note – A separate thought from this passage of Scripture.  Notice in 21:8 that five of  the “sons of Saul” (actually grandsons) that were to be killed were the sons of Michal, David’s first wife.  Michal had lived a troubled life due to men who have used her for their own gain.  Saul promised her to David and reluctantly gives her to be his wife; later Saul took her back and gave her to another man; After Sauls death when David is in power he takes her back, away from a man that loves her;  and now here she is losing  her sons.

Apr 15th Where Is God In All of This?

We had a great Kid’s Club and Bible Study last night with 3 new visitors in attendance.  I felt like I struggled last night explaining my position on the last 4 parables in Matthew 13.  However, this morning I read Gary Geiger’s comment that he posted last night on the message, and I have to tell you, I think he gives a crystal clear and accurate interpretation.  Make sure you read it.  (Note – it shows up as a comment under the post Amnon Had a Friend)

Today’s Reading – 2 Samuel 16 – 18

As I read this account of the Absalem’s rebellion, I am reminded of a church business meeting that took place nearly 20 years ago.  I was a brand new Christian and what I saw in that meeting almost caused me to “lose my religion” and walk away from church altogether.  People were shouting at each other and insulting each other; and I remember thinking to myself, where is God in all of this?  In fact, I remember meeting Mrs. Stahl out in the parking lot and she felt the same way I did.

In this text, I don’t see anyone except David being concerned with God’s will.  It seems the entire cast of characters are completely carnal, acting much the same way that the unsaved people out in the world do.  Absalem is trying to kill his father, the king; the one whom God anointed to be the ruler of the people.   The people are all choosing sides.  However, for the most part, their criteria for choosing is based not on God’s will; but rather on which kingdom is going to give them a better deal.  Rumors are flying that the descendants of Saul are even going to try to regain their kingdom.  It was a mess!  In fact, many of David’s friends dropped him like a hot potato because they thought Absalem was going to win.

The bottom line: David was still God’s choice.  God had not annointed Absalem or anybody else for that matter.  The people had no right to go against God by launching a rebellion against His annointed.  David certainly was not a perfect man (what human is?); but he was God’s man.  According to Hebrews we are to remember, obey, and salute those that have the rule over us.  You say, but what if they are doing wrong?  Then talk to them, pray for them, and help them see your position; but don’t launch a rebellion against them.  God will take care of it. 

Apr 14th Amnon Had a Friend

Todays Reading – 2 Samuel 13 – 15

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man. (2Samuel 13:3)

This is another tragic story in the Bible of a man who blew it because he allowed someone into his life that influenced him away from the will of God.  Amnon was one of David’s sons, and he was in love with his half sister, Tamar.   Whether or not this was a wholesome attraction is a matter for another debate.  Nevertheless, Amnon didn’t know what to do about it, but he had a “friend” that did.  This friend, however, was not the kind of friend your parents would like for you to run with.  This was a sneaky guy (subtil).  This was the kind of guy that acts like an “A” honor roll student when he is around your folks; but when he has you alone he is bringing out dirty magazines and dope.  Amnon’s “good friend”, Jonadab, convinces Amnon to trick the king into bringing his daughter Tamar into the lair of Amnon.  Unfortunately, as a result of this counselor’s advice, Amnon eventually ends up dead because of what he does to Tamar.

There are two applications that we can make here:

1  Jonadab is like the devil.  He is a liar, and a deciever; and he will always try to seduce you into going against the will of God.  Notice how Jonadab just convinces Amnon to do what he already wants to do.  He just had to give him a little nudge.  Satan know your temptations, and he throws them in front of you, nudging you to yield to them.  And he always plays both sides.  Notice later on in the chapter how Jonadab is defending the guy who kills Amnon (vv 32 – 35)  The devils convinces you to sin and then he accuses you to God. 

2  But Jonadab is also a type of some of the friends that you and I might have in our life.  And we know who they are.  They are the people who are not concerned about the will of God; they live for themselves, and they are always trying to get you to join them.  Identify the Jonadabs in your life, and remove them.  Surround yourself with people who will tell you to do what’s right.  That is what a true friend does. 

Apr 13th Bad Advice

Todays Reading – 2 Samuel 10 – 12

I will resist the temptation this morning to discuss chapters 11 and 12 regarding David, Bathsheeba, and Urriah.  I have spoken much about these passages in times past; and I am sure that most of the people reading this are well familiar with that tragic period in David’s life.  Instead, I would like to focus on chapter 10.  David sincerely wants to shew a kindness to his neighbor to the east, Hanun, the King of the Ammonites.  Apparently Hanun’s father was a friend to David, and David wanted to continue the friendship through Hanun. 

When David sends some of his servants into Ammon to see Hanun, no doubt bearing gifts and sending a message of comfort from David regarding the death of Hanun’s father, the advisors of Hanun are distrustful of David’s intentions; and convince the king that David is their enemy.  The Ammonites then do a stupid thing: they humiliate David’s men by shaving off half of their beards and making them go back to Israel naked.  Remember, at this time Israel is the big kid on the block.  Now because of his stupidity; and because of the bad advice he receives, Hanun is facing an all out war with David.

None of this had to happen.  Hanun acted impulsively because he had counselors around him feeding him with bad information.  We need to be careful about the people we allow in our lives.  We need to be careful about the influences in our lives.  Bad counsel leads to bad decisions.   Let’s surround ourself with balanced, godly people who will be careful to offer only biblically based and prayerful advice to us.

PS – One thought on chapter 11 (I couldn’t resist.)  Among all of the other things that helped cause David’s sin with Bathsheeba, I thought about his lack of accountability.  David had nobody close to him that could stand up and say, “David, what you are about to do is wrong, and I won’t let you do it, or get away with it.”  There were obviously people (servants, etc.) that knew what David was doing, yet nobody challenged him.  We need people around us who will stand for the truth even at the expense of going against us. 

Apr 12th You’d Better Check With Your Father First

Be sure to check daily the new Praises and Prayer for any prayer requests. 

Today’s Reading – 2 Samuel 7 – 9

Have you ever told someone as a child that you were going to do something, and have them reply, “You’d better check with your dad first.”  The story that is told in 2 Samuel 7 reminds me of this.  David wants to build a house for God, which is a good thing.  And David also does the right thing by checking with the prophet Nathan before he breaks ground. 

Nathan did what many preachers do, including myself.  He said, “Go ahead David.  That sounds like a good idea.  Do what you want.”  But Nathan quickly finds out the the Father has other plans for David and for the house that David wants to build.  Nathan should have checked with God first before he gave a reply to David. 

Preachers and Laymen that are asked for counsel about some decision in another person’s life should say first, “Let me pray about it, and ask God what His will is” or “Let me search the Scriptures to see what God says about it”.  But we should be careful to never just tell people what we think or what sounds good.

Apr 12th Rejoicing Over The Lord’s Blessing Yesterday

Praise the Lord for his goodness to us yesterday here at the church.  At first, I was a little bit discouraged: the crowd looked a little light, but I quickly dismissed the thought and determined to focus on what God was doing.  Here are some of the highlights:

1  We had a young lady saved after the morning service.

2  The chapel had another great Sunday morning service with 45 in attendance and several first time visitors.  God has his hand on Pastor Barber and the chapel!

3  We had a combined evening service with the Jersey Shore Baptist Chapel of Little Egg Harbor.  The house was full and Pastor Barber preached a powerful message, and after the preaching we baptized 2 converts: Corey Herring from the chapel; and Paul Pretino from the church. 

4  After the service several more people came forward from the church and from the chapel desiring believer’s baptism.  We will be baptizing again this Sunday night.

Looking back, it was one of the best Sundays of the year.  Praise the Lord!!! Let’s pray that God will continue to bless in these coming weeks as we head into the Spring campaign.

PS – After checking the stats, it turned out that Sunday morning was the fourth best attendance so far this year.

Apr 11th God Spotted Him First

Today’s Reading 2 Samuel 4 – 6

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.  (2Samuel 5:3)

 The Men of Israel recognized the hand of God on David here in 2 Samuel after the death of Saul and his son Ishbosheth.  The men of Judah saw it seven years earlier when they anointed him to be king in Hebron.  But God spotted him first.  Way back when he was faithfully serving his father as a lowly shepherd boy, God saw the heart of a king when others could only see a young kid.

 I wonder how many potential kings that we have living in our midst.   They may not look like much today; but with a little encouragement, a little training, and a lot of love, the young people in our midst can become all that God knows that they can be.  Let’s not be guilty of looking on the outward appearance of our young people as they are today.  Instead, let’s see their hearts and view them as the kings that they could be tomorrow.  Let’s try to see what God already sees. 

 And for you old timers.  If you are the child of the King, there is a little royal blood in you as well.  Start acting like a king’s son or daughter.  Forget about all of the failures of your past and start conquering the world around you for the Kingdom of God.

Your thoughts on this are welcome.  Post a comment.