In the middle of God’s numerous instructions and miracles, God inspires Moses to say to Israel: Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. It means that some things only God knows and those things belong to Him. We are not accountable for the hidden by God. However, the second half is altogether different. Moses writes that we are accountable for all that He has revealed to us, “that we may do all the words of the law” i.e., “to obey God’s instructions.”

The text is surrounded by major events and historical wonders. It’s almost lost in the holy writ. Yet the same command is given a few thousand years later when Jesus teaches of a faithful and wise steward. He says, Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” James will complete this thought when he writes: James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

All of it combines to form a cohesive thought: God has given revelation and understanding to His people. In His wise providence, the Almighty has chosen to reveal to us His divine purpose and Lordship. The knowledge of the doctrine of Jesus Christ is known among us: the Oneness of God, the New Birth experience, and the command to be holy as unto the Lord. We have been given a great light; not to boast or condemn, but to proclaim and teach. We are to abide in Him as He abides in us. Paul confronted those who had abandoned the Gospel when he asked: “Who perverted the doctrine that I preached unto you?” “Who was it that changed the Gospel into another?”

The secret things belong to God, but we are responsible for the things that are committed unto us. Stewardship is not just adjudicating our finances wisely. It’s also about how we handle the name of Jesus in Baptism and separation from the world in lifestyle. It’s about knowing to do good and doing it without excuse or apology.

Remember this word, it may be the most important you will ever hear: God is coming back for a bride that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. I urge you to remember what God has revealed to you and keep what is committed to you. Be faithful to the house of God and don’t forsake your convictions, but add to them each day. Run from the world and seek the face of God. Hold fast to the doctrine, which was delivered to you, and contend for the faith.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

God’s amazing creation consists of natural adrenaline which lifts the body and spirit above the realm of reality, even if but for a moment. The moment, regardless of what it might be, may not be felt until a few days have passed. Both highs and lows; successes and heartbreaks might not be felt for some time. Nevertheless, a few days later, reality sets in and the realization is settled.

I know that this is not considered spiritual, but I submit that God has made our bodies to be sufficient in physical and mental health. So in triumph or defeat, we are given the ability to enjoy or overcome the moment. The biblical description of the day after is found in the phrase, “and it came to pass.”

Given this premise, I am seeing the other side of the moment when our past choices affect our present reality. For instance, sometimes people win arguments, but afterward they are left with less than they began. Some prove their point, but lose the greater ground of moral authority. Our choices can result in spiritual gain or fleshly endeavors. Our decisions, both individually and corporately, determine who we are and what we become. If the new reality shows us carnal, then we know that we have sacrificed the wrong thing. However, if we have given ourselves to the things of God, then there will be a spiritual strength.

In short, the reality of our current day is directly related to our conduct, conversation, and thought. We are who we have decided to be. We are making a trade everyday of our lives. We are either trading individualism to be hid in Christ or we are trading holiness in order to be carnal. Being accepted by the world means that compromises have taken place. Being accepted by God might mean that we have been rejected by the world. We are and will be the conclusion of our cumulative choices.

Jesus said it this way, “And what shall man give in exchange for his soul?” The question has an answer and sometimes it is not “nothing.” For some the answer is “something.” Paul wrote, “What shall separate us from the love of God?” The list is extensive, but the point is that there are things that will separate us from God. Even writing this I feel it to be a turn off, as if it’s too much hyperbole. It’s like the “Preacher’s rhetoric” bellowing from his soapbox…just a man sermonizing on paper. Nevertheless, I am compelled to ask, “What happens afterward?” I’m compelled to ask you “what then” after the adrenaline has faded and the trade has been made? I am compelled not to go quietly into the sunset, and become a teacher who fails to challenge the lifestyle of the professed Christian.

We cannot gamble on our salvation, but we must make our calling and election sure. “And it came to pass” is on its way which should make us sober and intentional in the lives we are living.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

Who would have thought that a loss would be the catalyst for a victory? That is what happened in a place called Breed’s Hill, more commonly known as the Battle of Bunker Hill. The colonists lost, but it propelled them to a greater triumph. Their momentary defeat gave them confidence to win the war.

The colonists fell in defeat, but they proved that the British were not invincible. The British general, Howell, saw the passion of the colonists and he said that they had done more work in one night than his whole army had done in a month. The colonist had built a 6ft high dirt wall and used it to protect their knoll.

The British fired cannons at the wall from their ships and then marched up the hill only to be slain by the masses. The colonists were told, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

In the end, the colonists lost, but they killed 226 British soldiers and wounded 828. It was a defeat that gave them confidence that they could defeat the enemy.

Confidence is a curious thing. Its fibers are not always made up of trophies and finish lines. Immediate success is not always the firm ground where life is built.

In fact, trouble is often the ingredient that produces patience, long-suffering, kindness, and the attributes of Jesus Christ. Even defeat, as devastating at it might be, teaches far more than our cumulative successes. A mistake provokes an apology – humility is borne out of repentance. A misstep helps us to reevaluate our journey.

The early church was grounded by tribulation and it became the birthing place of prayer. The Gospel’s cost drove them to recognize its value.

There is a Bunker Hill in the lives of men and women. It’s the place where your temporary defeat becomes the foundation of your confidence in God. It’s the proving ground where your faith leads you toward greater victory. Rejoice not against me O my enemy for when I fall I shall arise… Micah 7:8

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

Atmosphere is more than just what surrounds the earth’s firmament. It’s also that intangible ambiance, feeling, or mood that exists in a room or some fixed location. I’ve felt it the moment I walked in to my pastor’s home many years ago. Sister Stark greeted us with open arms and a warm smile. We felt peace and love, because their house was filled with prayer and devotion.

David announced his desire to dwell in the house of the Lord “all the days of my life.” Even though his palace was offered with luxuries and convenience, David desired to be in the Presence more than any other place. He loved the atmosphere where the Lord was worshiped. Solomon saw it when he completed the Temple. The Cloud entered and he said, “the heaven’s cannot contain the Lord, how much less this house that I have built!” Jesus set the atmosphere the moment He stepped into this world. His presence was known to both believer and unbeliever. Even the demons felt the power of the incarnate God.

The world knows this fact. Bars and drinking establishments understand this concept. From the lights to the music to the placement of tables, atmosphere speaks to the condition of the stronghold. Amusement parks follow a similar pattern with aromas of popcorn and cotton candy. There is an aura in every place we enter. The spirit of the place or the spirit of the person permeates the room wherever it may be.

To that end, we look to the Word, which declares that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. While many have tried to add to that phrase; waxing long in description and finding nuggets that do not exist, the simple truth is that praise allows the Lord a place to dwell. Praise sets the atmosphere where His holiness and goodness can take up residence. When we bring our worship, i.e., sacrifice to the Lord, there is a furthering of His available favor. Worship sets the tone for the miraculous.

Powerful, life-changing church services hinge on the atmosphere we set that allows the Lord to be Who He already is. Prayer, praise, worship, and the preached Word are all elements that must surround the firmament of this house. When we come with expectation that He is able and willing to do what only He can do, we will see Him in all of His glory.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

The King James Bible uses the word “freedom” once in the New Testament. The scene is painted with a careful brush as Paul states his case for life and consideration according to the law of the land. The Roman Empire had extended it’s mighty hand across the globe; building aqueducts, bridges, and a transit system unmatched before its time. Rome was the conquering nation causing people far and wide to walk tentatively, bound by Caesar’s rule.

A Jew was the lowest class, even in Israel. Rome used Jews to exercise authority among their own. However, to be a Roman citizen was the ultimate pursuit. Nations could buy Roman citizenship, but the price was costly and almost always out of reach. A man could serve in the Roman army to gain citizenship, but those who served were placed on the front line and subject to certain death.

Paul was about to be treated like the Jew he was, until he declared himself to be a Roman citizen also. Suddenly, the attending centurion stopped and told the chief captain, Acts 22:26 “Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.”

They knew the value and privilege placed on Roman citizens. Tully even extolled, “Verres, O nomen dulce libertatis, O jus eximium nostrae civitatis! O lex Porcia! O leges Semproniae; facinus est vincere Romanum civem, scelus verberare.” i.e., “O Liberty! I love thy charming name; and these our Porcian and Sempronian laws, how admirable! It is a crime to bind a Roman citizen, but an unpardonable one to beat him.“

The chief captain had bought his freedom, but Paul said, “I was born free.” Paul’s parents paid the price and thus Paul entered this world with a Jewish heritage and the rights of Rome. It was the very best of both worlds.

I was born into the greatest country the world has ever known. Freedom and liberty was my birthright, because America is my homeland. While millions have yearned to taste the fruit of liberty, America has given me the opportunity to choose my own words, religion, thought, and plight. Men and woman paid a great price to offer me such things too lofty to explain.

However, I have another freedom and that afforded by the Church, the Blood, and the Name of Jesus Christ. I have been born into the Household of Faith and I have a heavenly home. It is the very best of both worlds. Having recognized this position, we have an awesome responsibility to exercise our natural freedom to preach the spiritual freedom found in Jesus. I believe this to be the call of our lives and the purpose of our time.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole