Can You Believe the Price of Gas?!

Can You Believe the Price of Gas?!
I can remember when gasoline prices were less than a dollar per gallon.  When filling up a tank, a loan was not necessary, and one could actually afford to “fill-er up”.  Times have changed.  Prices can fluctuate – quickly.  As indicated by the picture, things can quickly get out of hand.

Now the following picture is not photo-enhanced, edited, or manipulated in any way, shape, or form.  My son took this picture with my iPhone on the afternoon of January 16, 2012.  This gas station is located in front of the WalMart store in Webb City, Missouri.  If one closely examines the picture, the WalMart sign can be seen in the lower middle portion of the photograph.

Can you believe the price of gas?

Now, I don’t actually know why the station would actually advertise this expensive price of gasoline.  I noticed that the station was receiving additional gas from their supplier (the top of the tanker trailer can be seen in the bottom right of the picture), and they were also encountering a price adjustment at the same time.  I have a theory that the employees did not yet know what price to place on the sign, so they decided to have some fun at my expense.

I wondered if anyone would be convinced that the price of gas was really this expensive in Missouri.  After all, authentic photographic proof is available to support the claim.  I wondered how many people would believe the half-truth.  But then I considered that a half-truth is a whole lie.  How can one tell only half of the truth?  If this is possible, then there must also be a half-lie.  Why don’t we call it a half-lie instead of a half-truth?  What do you believe?

Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path”
(Psalm 119:105, NKJV).

At first glance, it may be intimidating because of the number of pages within its cover or perhaps the different types of words utilized in an older version of the book. It may be that simply the reputation of the book prevents one from deciding to read it. Surprisingly, there is no prerequisite reading, and neither is it necessary to have read anything previously written by the authors. “What you need to know is given to you as you read the text [it]. The Bible is that way: It is written simply to be read.”
​
At first this statement may seem obvious, but it has been disputed by biblical scholars. Some assume that a complete understanding of biblical background is needed in order to read the Bible properly. Biblical studies have their place and can enhance a deeper meaning of the text, but the Bible is primarily targeted at a less than scholarly reader. It seems as though the authors had this in mind while penning particular passages. When they felt that there was a need to expound on particular items, they did so.

Consider the following example found in the Old Testament. Saul and his servant were in search of his father’s lost donkeys. The writer inserts some much needed clarification for the reader, “(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: “Come, let us go to the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)”

There is also a similar example in the New Testament, but this time it involves a miracle by Jesus Christ. The scene includes Jesus, Jairus (a leader of a Jewish synagogue), his little daughter, and three of Jesus’ disciples. The author, Mark, intending to make this story more applicable to Gentile readers inserts the following explanation: “Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ – which is translated, – ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’
​
As one reads the Bible, it may become obvious that only the important facts are mentioned, and the remaining details are left up to the reader’s imagination. Numerous examples can be given to substantiate this point. For example, the color of Sarah’s eyes is not given, but it is recorded that she was “a woman of beautiful countenance.”

Since the Bible was written to be read, give it a try. There are many tools available through your local Christian book store to simplify this task. There is a variety of translations and types that make the book enjoyable. Do not be misled because one portion of the Bible is referred to as the Old Testament and one as the New Testament – both are equally important. In fact, without the Old Testament the New Testament has little meaning.

Finally, remember that Bible Reading Enriches Any Day. An acronym to aid in remembering the importance of this task is B.R.E.A.D. So, dispel the belief that it is necessary to be a bible scholar to understand the Bible and start reading today. You will be amazed at what you read and learn.

By Pastor Frank

Silent Night

Silent Night

“But while he thought about these things,
behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,
saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife,
for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:20 (NKJV)

A few weeks ago, during the closing moments of the production of the Living Christmas Tree, which is an annual musical drama presented by Ozark Christian College of Joplin, Missouri, that their President, Matt Proctor, addressed the audience with some closing remarks. Since this was the last night of the performance, Matt’s presentation flowed smoothly and eloquently. It was during his comments that something piqued my curiosity. It seemed to be a trivial point, but a note was made to self to investigate it later. Well, I investigated his point and he was right. Of course, it involves the Christmas story and one of its main characters, Joseph.
​
Joseph, the future step-father of “the mighty God, the everlasting Father” was a unique man, to say the least (Isa 9:6). Since Mary was found with child, Joseph faced a difficult predicament. Should he continue with the marriage plans or should he not? Again, the story is familiar to many. He chose wisely because of the encouragement of an angel. At this point in the story that Proctor pointed out a seemingly insignificant fact, that nowhere in Scripture did Joseph speak. He pondered and he marveled but the gospels never record his spoken words.
​
Let us consider Joseph’s plight and how it could possibly be relevant to us today. As demonstrated in Scripture, he appeared to be a man of few words. Therein lies a lesson. When in doubt, it may be better to remain silent until all the facts are known. According to Matthew’s rendition of the story, Joseph first thought about “these things” or in other words he thought about Mary’s surprise pregnancy. He thought before he opened his mouth. He thought before he acted. During his dreams, he received further insights from a heavenly messenger. After this, he became convinced that the marriage plans were to proceed.
​
So when was the last time that you thought before you spoke? Recall James’ comments regarding the tongue. He referred to the tongue as a fire (James 3:6). Perhaps fewer fires (problems) would exist if more thought preceded our actions or our words. Questions surrounding the miraculous will always exist. However, if some hesitancy, which can also be known as faith, is not observed, and our doubts are immediately verbalized, the miracle may evade us. It may be that if Joseph had spoken before he thought he could have missed being the step-father to the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.
​
As the angel said to Joseph, “Do not be afraid.” (Matt 1:20) May you be encouraged to learn from Joseph’s lesson that it is acceptable to ponder before you act or speak. Do not explain away your miracle because of inadequate facts. Do not create more problems because the circumstances that surround your problem are unusual to you. Trust, listen, and learn.
​
If you are inquisitive and you must investigate Joseph’s phenomenon of silence for yourself, begin by reading the first two chapters of Matthew’s gospel and Luke chapter two.

By: Pastor Frank

They say…

They say …

 

“… Because He is your Lord, worship Him.”

Psalms 45:11 (NKJV)

 

It is not always wise to listen to your critics, but on occasion one may find some value in what is being said.  This is not to advocate that one should live life attempting to please those around them but someone from the outside looking in generally speaks from a different perspective.  It is from this different set of lens that insights may be gained.  Those who are Apostolic in doctrine and Pentecostal in worship seem to enjoy hearing the misconceptions that sometime abound regarding Apostolics.  These opinions are especially intriguing when received from the academic world.

According to the back cover of the book entitled An Introduction to Ecclesiology, Veli-Matti Karkkaine, an “associate professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary” has written a considerable number of articles for various journals and several books regarding various religious matters and about pneumatology (the study of Holy Spirit).  It is within this book that he discusses Pentecostal worship.

It should be understood that Pentecostal worship is not something confined to a church building.  As indicated by the first century church, worship is something to be lived out in words and in deeds.[1]  Scripture teaches that worship can include “singing (Eph 5:19), clapping hands (Ps 47:1), dancing (2 Sam 6:14-16), raising one’s hands (1 Tim 2:8), praying (1 Cor 14:15) and making a joyful noise (Ps 100).”[2]  In summary, “worship is the church’s means of glorying God.”[3]

Apparently, extravagant worship is the norm in heaven for John the Revelator describes a worship scene in heaven as “a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! (Rev 19:6).”[4]  It is because of these truths that Pentecostal/Apostolic believers often practice elaborate worship in accordance with Scripture realizing whom they worship.

It is unknown where, when, and for what reasons Veli-Matti Karkkaine may have visited a worship service, but nevertheless he provides his research.  “Their [Pentecostals] worship service is an interesting mixture of spontaneity: exercise of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, prayer of healing; and attentiveness to the mystical encounter with God.”[5]  Based upon these findings, it seems as those he did truly find some believers that worshipped in accordance with Scripture and those who followed the leading of the Spirit.  He further noted that, “this type of worship is often accompanied by singing in tongues, applause to the Lord, the raising of hands and the shouting of loud “amens” and hallelujahs.”[6]

Well, that is what “they say”.  Wonder what you will say when you visit an Apostolic/Pentecostal church?  Come and worship with us according to Scripture.

---

[1] J. L. Hall, and David K. Bernard, eds. Doctrines of the Bible. Hazlewood, Mo.: Word Aflame, 1993, 220.

[2] J. Mark Jordan, Measures of our faith. Hazlewood, Mo.: Word Aflame, 1987, 123.

[3] Hall, Doctrines of the Bible, 220.

[4] Jordan, Measures, 123.

[5] Veli-Matti Karkkainen, An introduction to ecclesiology. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2002, 7

[6] Ibid.,

 

By: Pastor Frank

Why?

Why?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who

asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

According to the cover of the book entitled Do Elephants Jump?, the author David Feldman has authored twelve books related to the subject of imponderables. In essence, Feldman tackles the difficult questions of life and attempts to provide an educated and sometimes un-educated answer to the ever-important question “Why?” Following are a few of the more interesting questions found in the book: Why was he called the Lone Ranger when Tonto was always hanging around? Why do pianos have 88 keys? Why does Monopoly have such unusual playing tokens? Why are newspapers so effective in cleaning windows? Why is salt sold in round containers? Why do toads have warts? Why do we rub our eyes when we’re tired? Why do our noses run in cold weather?

1  Now, it is not the goal to answer all of these questions in this limited space but perhaps we should at least address one of the more trivial questions listed above. Consider the inquiry concerning the Lone Ranger. Feldman is in his finest form in this narrative. He recounts the history of this original radio show by telling how John Reid became the Lone Ranger. Reid was injured and left for dead in an ambush of the Texas Rangers by the Cavendish Gang – so at one point Reid was actually a Lone Ranger. In the story, Tonto nursed Reid back to health and they discovered that they had been boyhood friends. This successful radio show lasted from 1933 to 1954 and eventually transitioned into television. Many byproducts were produced because of the popularity of the Lone Ranger, ranging from comic books to movies.

2 With relief, the reader finds confidence that the Lone Ranger chose to maintain his original identity as a reminder of his purpose to make the Wild West a safer place for all. Perhaps you already knew the reason why Reid was called the Lone Ranger and then again maybe not. Regardless, there are unanswered questions in life that will never be explained to your satisfaction – see questions above for a clue. However, these “imponderables”, as Feldman calls them, are sometimes necessary to ponder.  An imponderable is defined as being “not ponderable: incapable of being weighed or evaluated with exactness”.

3 A not so imponderable question is “Why are you serving Jesus Christ?” Think very hard about your answer to the question, “Why?” Why do you do the things that you do for God? Why do you live for God as you do? These personal questions are more important than questions about the Lone Ranger or Monopoly or warts. These questions deserve the sincere effort of pondering so that you may have a ready answer for others who wonder “why?”

David Feldman, Do elephants jump?. New York, N.Y.: HarperCollins, 2004, vii – xi.

Ibid., 1-3.

3 Page 583 in edition 10 of Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster,

Incorporated, 1993.

Thoughts Count

Thoughts Count

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another,
And the Lord listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the Lord
And who meditate on His name.”
Malachi 3:16 (NKJV)

The prophet Malachi charted new territory when he introduced “a book of remembrance”. Now this was not your ordinary 30 foot book (scroll) held in the city library nor was it found in the preacher’s house. This scroll was a heavenly scroll found only in the annals of the New Jerusalem.
Picture this biblical account with me. The Lord, in the midst of His Sovereign duties, hears a conversation between two God-fearing people. The exact topic of their conversation is unknown. However, the Lord chooses to listen in on their conversation. I suspect considering the context, the conversation may have been regarding the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant in spite of their transgressions, their upcoming offering or how that righteousness would prevail in the end. Regardless, something was verbally communicated by some God-fearing people and the Lord listened.
​The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the same verse says it a little different, “The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him”. Not only was the Lord listening but he intended for it to be referenced in the future because He “took note”. It gets better. The names in this book (scroll) are those who fear and mediate on His name. Fearing the Lord is a broad subject but meditation or as the King James Versions (KJV) translates it “thought [thinking] on his name” (Mal 3:16) is a more specific matter.
​ Of course, this would be difficult to prove and it definitely varies by person, but it is believed that humans think between 12,000 to 50,000 thoughts per day. When God-fearing people consider how many of their thoughts were on the name of the Lord, they may be concerned about the infrequency. When was the last time you meditated upon his name? When was the last time you considered the power in that blessed name of Jesus?
​There is no indication of when or how often this book (scroll) is referenced by the Lord but Scripture also mentions another book, “the book of life” (Rev 20:12). It is interesting that in this verse and section regarding the Great White Throne Judgment it mentions that “books were opened” (Rev 20:12). Perhaps one of the books that will be referenced is the one mentioned by Malachi. Remember, every thought counts.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Greer, Charlie. “What are you thinking?” Cited 12 September 2011. Online: ​http://www.hvacprofitboosters.com/Tips/Tip_Archive/tip_archive7.html

Hill, Andrew E. “Book of Malachi.” The Anchor Bible Dictionary. David Noel Freedman, ed. 6 ​vols. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Michael, Tony S.L., “Scroll.” Dictionary of the Bible, David Noel Freedman, ed. Eerdmans, ​Grand Rapids, Mi:, 2000.

Minimum Amount

Minimum Amount

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants
to borrow from you do not turn away.”
Matthew 5:41-42 (NKJV)

The cost of an item often influences the final selection of a purchase – and rightly so. Our checking account balance (or lack thereof) impacts shopping choices as one pursues the lowest price, the best deal, and the bargain while rummaging through the clearance racks. This search can be costly at times. The process of finding a deal may lead one to accept an item of lesser value or quality. In those moments, when one has shopped and finally dropped without finding a bargain, it is easy to accept a lesser substitute. Maybe the generic brand is selected, the competitor’s product is tried, or the closet restaurant is patronized. In short, something is selected or done just to get by.
​In our low-price culture, it is easy to forget that the same mentality can negatively affect our giving to the Kingdom of God and beyond. This minimum mindset surrounds us and infiltrates our generosity. Consider the following: software applications list the minimum hardware necessary, job postings list the minimum experience, credit card statements give the minimum payment due, students inquire about the minimum requirements to pass a class, and the minimum income taxes are often paid.
​It is not being suggested that we unnecessarily eliminate the minimums. However, when was the last time you gave beyond the minimum for anything? Instead of giving five dollars in the church’s offering, you purposely gave ten. The server at the restaurant struggled to keep your glass filled to your satisfaction, but you purposely smiled and gave an additional tip above the suggested minimum. Whether anyone notices or not, giving beyond the minimum has the potential to change you and those around you.
​Jesus provided some similar instruction to his followers. He suggested that when one was forced to carry a soldier’s pack, not just carry it one mile (the minimum distance), but go beyond the minimum and carry it two miles (Matt 5:41). Undoubtedly, it appears that His followers were also interested in the minimum requirements. Surprise those around you by giving beyond the minimum. Give a little more, especially when it is unexpected.
​

Follow us

Peace is now on WordPress, Twitter, and Facebook and Google+.

See how easy it is to keep up with events and news from Peace by visiting our homepage and clicking on the icons.

Donations

We are able to accept donations again.

If you would like to donate please visit our eGive page and enter your amount.

Thank you for your patience during this technical difficulty.

Rockin’ P Cowboy Church

We are excited to announce the Rockin’ P Cowboy church for children K-5 that is happening every Wednesday evening at 7PM.

We do have transportation available when you call the church at (417) 781-7501