In search of hidden treasure!

A few days ago in prayer and study I was thinking about the purpose of God's Word, and why we should study it. I decided that I would figure out why it is so important to study God's Word, and in so doing give myself purpose when I open the "good book" and dive into its wonders and mysteries!

Reasons for Studying the Bible:

#1. What was the Bible written for?
In learning why we should study the Bible, we must inevitably answer the question: "What is the purpose of the Word of God?"

• Hebrews 4:11-12 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. (12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
• 1Corinthians 10:6-12 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (7) Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. (8) Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (9) Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. (10) Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer. (11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
• Galatians 3:21-24 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. (22) But the scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (23) But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
  

From these verses we can see that the purpose of the Bible is: To teach God's creation (us) how to come back to Him, by showing us what the wrong way is, and demonstrating which way is the right way. In the process of learning the right way, we will inevitably find Jesus, to whom the whole Bible points. The point of finding Jesus, is to become a son or daughter of God. At which point the Spirit of God enters into us, and leads us unto, and into all truth! (John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26)

# 2 Why must I study God's Word?

• 2Timothy 3:14-17 But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. (15) And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. (17) That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
• John 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life.
• John 14:1-6 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go, ye know the way. (5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

If the purpose of the Bible is to show us Jesus, and teach us how to meet Him and interact with Him, then the major reason to study His Word is to Find Him!

It should not matter our background, what people have told us to believe, we must find Jesus for ourselves! The only way to find Jesus is through His Word, with much study and much prayer.

• 2Timothy 2:15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

The whole point of study is to be approved of God, not to be approved of men. It is God's Word, and we must know what He says!

• 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. (21) For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

We must find the right way to Jesus and His kingdom! There is only one way, not many as some would lead you to believe! It doesn't matter the name over the Church house, what matters is if they know the ONE WAY!

Thanks for reading and God bless you as you begin your own personal search for Jesus in His Word!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Lessons Learned in the Print Shop

I wonder what the title would be on the blog Jesus would have had if he had lived in 2006 as he did 2,000 years ago? Maybe, "Lessons Learned in the Carpenter's Shop," or "Parables learned from life." Anyway, I'm going to start this section of my blog, and it will appear from time to time.

I've been working at a local copy, print and party supply store for a few weeks helping out a friend who has been off for awhile because of an operation. This segment will highlight lesson's I've learned will working there, which can translate into life and teach a spiritual lesson. I guess I could sub-title this blog: "Parables from the Print Shop!" Well, here are a couple of lessons I've learned in the past couple of weeks.

LESSON # 1
When beating down paper, (the process of taking a sheaf of uneven edged paper and beating it off a table or something hard inorder to get the sheaf straight, and looking like it just came out of the package.) in order to get an even edge all around quickly and accurately one must losen their grip and let go of the sheaf of paper so that it is no longer compressed. This allows the paper to move freely and fall in to an orderly form.
--->Application:
So many time in life we feel that we must keep complete control over every situation in our lives. We try to hold on to everything and make sure it goes exactly as we plan. However, things rarely go as planned, and if we would learn to let go a bit, step back and let God work things out we would live lives that were free of stress!
Matthew 6:24-34
---->Don't be anxious about your life, your things or tomorrow. Rather serve and seek Jesus, and He will take care of the little stuff too!

Philippians 4:4-9
---->Rather than worrying about everything, would it not serve a better purpose to take everthing to God in Prayer? For, do we not have a friend in Jesus?

1 Peter 5:5b-10
---->So often we let appearances dictate who we should be. Stop being proud, start being humble and God will take care of your reputation! Worrying about what others think of you, can bring a nervous break down, rather expend your energy giving your worries to Jesus; He cares about you!

(The next part of the scripture leads me to my next lesson, and ties both together!)
LESSON #2
---->Slow Down, pay attention, focus on the job at hand, do not get destracted, and stay organized. In doing this each job will be done quicker, you will not make as many mistakes, and the end result will be much more enjoyable!

continuing with 1 Peter 5:
---->Rather than clouding your mind with worry, give all your anxieties to Jesus, in so doing you will be much more alert and aware of the important things in life!
You will also learn and be alert to the fact that the little worries of life are only a snare placed by the "Roaring Lion" to knock you off balance, and mess with your mind. This, if not delt with, will inevitablely destroy and devour your spirit! Because you are now alert you can resist him (the roaring lion called the devil), and establish what you really believe in, and realize you are not alone in this world! In due time Jesus will come and complete you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you!

Yours For Christ,

Pastor Fred

Culture Shock

What a great weekend! Thanksgiving here in Canada! Jesus is so good to us! On Saturday morning I was talking to my mother and she invited us out to her place for Thanksgiving dinner, which we were going to have on Sunday afternoon. So in the proper impromptu fashion I woke up my wife, gathered the kids, packed some clothes and wisked off to St. Philips, (which is near St. John's) a 6 hour drive!

I ended up preaching on Sunday morning, and the Holy Spirit really met with us! I preached on "The Message of Fall". I'll blog about it another time - it was really good!

Thanksgiving dinner arrived and we had another guest. A man from England who my brother is working partners with. We both had culture shock! The poor guy has been in Newfoundland for about 16 months, and has had to relearn his ways of doing things!

In England any trip 1 hour or over requires a suit case! They don't eat pumpkins, which I might at is a shame because they are quite good! (pumpkin pie mmmmmm.....) This is in no way to slander or downplay the British, but I'm pointing out some interesting cultural differences between Canada and England.... We sometimes take our culture for granted, but we don't realize that other people just don't do it how we do, and we should be thankful for our respective cultures, and learn to worship God in them.

Another point before I go, it dawned on me this weekend that the Holiday of Thanksgiving is really only observed in North America (i.e. Canada and the U. S. of A.). What a priviledge to share some of our unique culture with someone, and on such a special holiday!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Humming your way to a smile!

Yesterday morning I began singing some of the old hymns, which have some beautiful words, and great stirring tunes! Hymns such as: "I am Thine oh, Lord", "Draw me nearer", "Isn't He Wonderful!" What a great way to start a morning! It puts a smile on the face, stirs up the spirit, sets a wonderful mood for the day, and connects one with Jesus!

A scripture comes to mind: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Ephesians 5:18-20

Why do most people go to the club and have a beer or wine? Couple reasons: 1. They are going to have a good time, and unload from a long day or week. 2. They are trying to forget a bad time or something that is bothering them. In other words they aren't happy and they are trying to be happy!

They easiest and best way to a smile is to sing a song in your heart to the Lord! Something fast or slow, that really doesn't matter. What matters is that its a song you like, and that uplifts your spirit!

That is one reason why I listen to www.klove.com on me computer at home and work. Because it helps put an uplifting song in my soul. From there it grows and helps keep the whole day in focus and enjoyable!

Try it sometime and you will soon be humming your way to a smile!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

The Shared Burden...[you are not alone]

Greetings, again, in Jesus Name!

I would like to share a thought and a little study I did for our Wednesday Evening Bible Study. Interestingly enough the original idea came for a comment left for the post "spiritual journey part two". Then after a couple days of thought and prayer, Jesus directed me to this verse, and the ensuing thought.

Matthew 11:28-30 [KVJ]
Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This verse has been a promise verse for many people who are hurting, downtrodden, depressed, sick, alone, tired etc.... Yet with in the words of this verse is a truth that is more meaningful than this translation an give.

I have done an individual word study on these verses, and will endeavour to simplify it for sake of time, space and ease of understanding.
(Here is the rough transliteration of these verses. Let the message reach into your spirit!)

Come to me everyone who is growing weary, and upon whom a load is being placed, and I will give you a break from your labour.
Take upon your shoulders my yoke which I have already lifted up, and am wearing, and learn by following my example.
For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your life and soul while doing your work (labour).
Because my yoke is useful and kind, and my invoice (translated burden in KJV) is light weight.

What is the point or message of this verse? We are sharing Jesus' yoke. We are trading our weights, sins, burdens, problems, and cares in. Then Jesus brings us close to him and put his yoke on our shoulders, and we walk side by side with him!

Jesus said, "I am come that you might have life, and (not just any life but) life more abundant"

Philippians 4:6,7
"Be careful (or anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!"

When we cast all our cares upon Jesus, he takes our load off, and puts a portion of his load on us, and we walk together sharing our burdens! Isn't it great to know that you can share your burdens with Jesus!

Hope this thought finds a place in your heart!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Holding Hands...`

Have you ever went for a walk, or just been with someone you truly care about, and hold their hand? It is something very special and precious! I remember the many times I hold my wife's hand. I feel so close to her even when we aren't really talking much. Even when we are in the van driving we often hold hands, and it almost feels like we are sitting right next to each other! (Even though there is a large space between us!)

Well, today that is how I feel with Jesus! Like we are walking hand in hand! No, I haven't been praying for hours, or singing praises for a long time. No, rather I've been working all day long! As a matter of fact I am still working! I have 3 jobs to work today! 9-5, 6-9 and 9-until I'm done! Not much time to talk to Jesus, but if you begin to live what Galatians says: "We walk by faith and not by sight", and "If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit!" Then, our relationship with Jesus becomes one of lifestyle, and not of convenience. So, throughout the day I talk with Jesus. I've brought needs, praises, and wants before Him as we walked together through this day together. I has been wonderful!

I've noticed something. We often preach and talk about the need to set time aside for prayer. Yes, this is very important, but what about in between these times? I am beginning to realize that it is very possible, fulfilling and important to walk with Jesus every moment of every day! Let His presence be with you all the time. Don't be afraid to worship, praise or talk to Him anywhere or anytime! "For, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For, It is the power of God unto Salvation!" What person is more important to be "saved" than you!?

Make time to walk with Jesus all the time! I dare you!

Your for Jesus Christ,

Pastor Fred

Weekend Update!

What a weekend! Actually it started on Thursday!
I had to work an extra14 hours! Well enough complaining. That never go any one anywhere. In all the hustle and bustle of this busy weekend I was able to read something that really moved me! And instead of trying to explain it to you I will just leave the link. However, i would really like to encourage you to take a couple of minutes and read this newsletter.

THE GLORY AND BURDEN OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Enjoy, and let the power of Jesus empower you today!

P.S. Don't fast Jesus today!

Pastor Fred

...On the Run...

Today was one of those days! An "on the run" kind of day! You know a day when you've got to think on your feet, or eat on the go! Yeah one of those days! Yesterday I made some plans for today, as we often do, but there would be none of my plans!

The Bible tells us that when we make plans we should do so with the thought: "If the Lord wills...", I will do this or that.

So often we make plans as if they should be set in stone, but God has other plans for us, and if we are going to learn to be true servants, children and friends then we must learn to make place for HIS PLANS, and let ours slide!

So, today I had to pray on the run; yes, I am learning to find Jesus as I live through each day, I'm learning to discuss everyday items with Him on the go! This is what being a part of the Body of Christ is all about - Living every moment and every day in HIS presence and will!

So the next time you have an "on the run" kind of day remember Jesus is still wanting to talk and be with you!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred

Spiritual Journey Part 2

Here is a list of some of the things that I am doing in order to facilitate the Presence, Power, and Spirit of God in my life.

• Read the Bible through in 6 months. (Approx. 7 Chapters everyday)
• Pray EVERYDAY ( It is very important to talk with Jesus everyday in order to know Him!)
• Start Teaching a Home Bible Study to someone/family before Christmas '06
• Win at least 5 families to God by Christmas '07
• Systematically study the Bible "God's Word" in order to find Jesus
• Get rid of weights in my life that continually call me away from being with Jesus
• Spend more time with my family

This list is a Challenge to me and to everyone. I must find, know, love and be a personal friend of Jesus'. There is nothing more important in this life!

Yours for Jesus,

Pastor Fred

My Personal Spiritual Journey

Well I've had a couple of really difficult years. (not much need to explain.) However, I've decided to get my life back on the right track! Oh, I haven't denied Christ or backslide, but I haven't been disiplining myself in prayer, Bible study, and Bible Reading. Nor, has my personal evangelism been strong. This summer I had the opportunity to attend the Apostolic Conference in Madison, Mississippi, and was once again challenged, inspired, motivated and empowered! Something that needs to happen often in a preachers life, and all christians for that matter.Now, I am weeding out the non-essentials and focusing on the essentials. This will be the start of my journey. Pray for me, and be apart of my accountability to keep focused and win the lost for the kingdom of Jesus Christ!

yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred Grothe