The stones of Bolshoi Zayatsky Island are intriguing things. While most people are not overly concerned as to their intent, it is interesting to consider their labyrinths shapes, weaving and spiraling on the ground. The clusters have perplexed tourists for many years. I suppose that they once served some purpose, though no one knows what that might have been.

Some surmise that the stones were used in spiritual rituals while others say they were templates for fishing nets. The stories, however, have all turned into fables. Whatever their purpose, it has long since past. Today they are now just tourist attractions on a lonely island on the outer banks of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia.

When Joshua crossed the Jordan River, he commanded the leaders to gather stones from the dry bedrock of the parted water. They gathered those stones on the shore and built them up as a memorial of their crossing. Joshua said, “When your children ask you ‘what meaneth these stones’ you will be able to tell them of this day and of the Lord’s power.

Joshua saw the stones as a reminder of God’s promise. He wanted the people to have something to mark their entrance into the land of promise. A short two generations later, they forgot Joshua and the works that God had done for Israel. Those stones lost their meaning. They were shaped and formed, but no one understood their intent. Gratefully, God sent prophets, judges, and kings to resurrect His truth and keep His voice in their lives.

The knowledge of God may be assisted by the physical realm. I do concede that buildings and land; stones and monuments all serve a purpose. However, Israel kept the Law via oral tradition. In their darkest times, when the scrolls were burned and the nation was bound, God’s people taught their children in their homes. Fathers and mothers spoke of God. They invested conversation in their families so that regardless of the condition of the monument, the Law was planted. David said, Psalms 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

I hope you will remember the physical blessings of your life. I hope that you will always acknowledge the Lord’s provisions. I pray that you will never forget this Holy Ghost experience. I hope that you will be thankful for things, which you see and hold, but I pray that you will remember the reason why they exist. God did this. God gave this. He brought us out and ordered our steps. These stones speak of His mercy and His grace. They talk of His love and His power. His Truth; the Gospel and His name are the treasures of this life. As for the stones, they must be remembered because they reveal a time when God did the impossible.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

In a religious age where the church and the Bible’s doctrines are under-valued, I submit The Temple Shekel.

Without the means to measure proper weight of monies in the market place, merchants would often shave the outer edges from their currency to retain more of the precious metal. In relatively short periods of times, the common shekel might weigh much less than its original form. The only way to measure the market’s money was to weigh it against the Temple shekel.

Inside of the Temple was a chamber that kept and protected the original. All the other pieces were compared against it. The command was to bring the outside shekels and compare them with the inside standard. In short, the Temple became the beacon for what was true and what was false.

While some religions have shifted away from the Bible, the fact remains that the Church must be the standard of what is true. The Church reveals how respect is offered; forgiveness is given; and people should live. If the House of God is kept holy and unblemished, then the world will know what decency and honor looks like.

In a society rife with strife; where tensions seem to flourish and divisions are the order of the hour, it is critical that the church sets the standard on how to live and love in harmony. New Life Fellowship must be a lighthouse; a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. We are commissioned to keep holiness in the fear of God and to display the love of Jesus among one another. Racial tensions and political divisions will persist in this world. However, the proper way must be found in the church.

While many will set aside this day to remember a singular voice, as we have also done so many times, I am compelled to write that the Church is the current sound, which signals the standard of conduct. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did what he could while he lived. To merely reflect on his accomplishments is to fall short of our responsibility. Paul said that we are an epistle read of all men. We are the current chapter in the book of love. We are the living witnesses of what society should follow.

Therefore, I rise to admonish this body: Be the Church! It is the only standard bearing shekel that can bring order to a world in chaos. Be the Body of Christ and reflect His righteousness. Be a people, not a segmented group that is defined by the outward, but by the Word and the Spirit. Be the Shekel.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

It’s nothing new. You know, the idea that everyone should be accepted for what they do. Individualism has always been prominent among people full of carnality. Cain was the clear winner when it came to self-justification. He thought that a grain sacrifice was just as good as a blood sacrifice. Even though God had clearly established the way, Cain was enamored with his own offering. And why not? Shouldn’t we all just be accepted? What difference does a sacrifice make? Isn’t it all just about intent? Truth is, offerings to God are useless unless He receives them.

How is it that Christians post half-naked pictures on social media sites and then complain if others are disgusted by them? Or what about comments, thumbs up, and a host of ‘likes’ supporting sinful activities and ideas? How far have we gone when the godly are criticized for not accepting what people do when those actions are against the very Word of God?

To be sure, personalized salvation is not a biblical thought. No one gets to decide what is good or evil. The Bible alone is the sole provider of Truth. In this era of self and the selfie, we are led to believe that God accepts people just as they are. While this idea is the beginning step, Jesus calls us to be a new creature in Him. In other words, He never leaves us the way He finds us. We are commanded to be Born Again. Old things must pass away.

The reason for our transformation is simple: Our God is a holy God.

Leviticus 20:7 “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.”
1 Peter 1:15 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;”
1 Peter 1:16 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Holiness is a command not an option. Holiness is not a man-made venture. It is a God-initiative and not subjective or open for debate. No unclean thing can enter the realm of a holy and righteous God. Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Paul wrote; 2 Corinthians 6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

I’m seeking to make a sacrifice that He will accept. I’m seeking to lead a church that is more concerned about pleasing God that justifying individual intent. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

I’m writing in hopes of building a heart of worship. I’m working on my own heart. I’ve peered over the edge of time and found my days moving too fast to waste. Whether we see it or not, truth is, we all have a small window to live this life.

The Bible’s oldest book is Job. However, his life’s work and accomplishments are not listed there. The pages are filled with unimaginable trials and afflictions. Perhaps the greatest moment in the book is Job’s words of praise and worship. In spite of his turmoil, Job refused to curse God. Rather, he blessed the Lord. I wonder what we would do if it had been us? What if praise was inconvenient? Would we still offer God the same? Would we lose our heart of worship if the conditions of life were set against us?

When Malachi called Israel back to sincerity and sacrifice, the people responded, “What a weariness this is…” (Malachi 1:13). They considered worship as a constricting obligation. Pleasing the Lord had vanished from their minds. Their hearts were far from worship. Purity had been replaced with pleasure. Obedience had been exchanged for subjectivism. Convenience looked so much more inviting than sacrifice. They did not realize that a heart of worship can only be develop through purity, obedience, and sacrifice. God’s response to Israel was four centuries of silence.

The American Pentecostal church is showing signs of the same. Conferences now boast of profound orators and relevant worship bands. Buildings need to be warm and inviting. Even the service time is measured because of the waning attention spans and schedules of the attendees. I’m praying that we would shed these fleshly requirements and dive deep into worship and praise.

Both individually and corporately, Jesus is the Center of all those who have a heart of Worship. Situations and circumstances; even turmoil will not halt a person whose heart is focused on worship. Whether in trial or triumph, the Lord is worthy of our praise. If He is not the center; if He is a secondary and if His house is an option, then we will struggle to worship Him. This is the demand of our lives. We must seek Him and create an atmosphere where He can dwell. It begins with a heart of worship.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole