From The Pastor's Desk...
July 08
Here at Grace Bible Church of Fresno, we recently concluded a series of sermons addressing the biblical understanding of marriage and family. After several weeks of study on this topic, I am convicted that nothing is more important than the role of the family and the local church in instilling biblical truth and convictions in the hearts and lives of God's people--young and old alike. Our Christian schools, colleges and seminaries may have good intentions, but the reality is this--many (if not most) who attend Christian educational institutions are not going to suddenly become convicted of the fundamentals of the faith and the need to stand for them and stand against compromise and unbelief if they are not first grounded in these truths in their homes and churches. All of us--men, women and children--must do everything possible to stem the tide of unbelief, compromise and spiritual lethargy that has invaded our homes, churches and schools today. How can we do this in a practical manner?
- We need to grow spiritually and instill the truths of God's Word into the rest of our family members. Husbands and wives can share biblical truth with one another and grow together spiritually. Fathers and mothers can teach their children the truths of God's Word and grow together spiritually as a family.
- We need to live what we preach. Most likely, young people will not place any credence in what we have to tell them if we do not actually believe it ourselves. And, if we truly believe it, we will live it!
- We need to warn our young people (and one another) about the dangerous, unbiblical teachings and philosophies that are competing for our attention today. True love for others will cause us to warn them about anything that would harm them--physically, emotionally or spiritually.
- And, of course, we need to be sitting under the faithful teaching of God's Word! It goes without saying, but God's plan for His people in this age is centered around the home and church. The local church is extremely important to God, and it should be important to each of us as well. As members of Christ's body, it is our place to gather together to "grow ... in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
May God help us to be a holy people who are dedicated to the truth in our hearts and in our actions. -- Pastor Matt