Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…”

According to national surveys, the average work week is 35.5 hours. Forbes found Americans spend roughly 1,300 hours per year viewing media, not including time spent on their phones. Add in outings, sporting events, and sleep and there is no time left for “stillness.”

David and Paul both presented meditating on the things of God, virtuous things, and godly endeavors. The problem is that we are consumed with trivial pursuits, politics, and speaking. The Internet, Facebook, Instagram, etc, has given people an outlet to share things that should not be shared. From grievances to common feelings, posts are made that either hinder or detract from the Great Commission.

I have stayed away from most of those forums for my mind’s sake. I know that if I do not have a boundary around my thoughts, my spirit will be drawn away which will convolute my faith. The objective is to “Be still . . .” which allows me to recognize the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. The goal is to reach the lost with the only saving Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Yet, many are caught up with the latest post or news story, which results in them neglecting the cause. There is no time to pray or serve.

While I decry these things, I fear the warning often falls on deaf ears. The result is a drift from faithful church attendance, prayer, and serving. I am convinced that clutter is not just things that pile up in bedrooms and basements. Activities of all kinds clog up our emotions. Sports have stolen a thousand weekends and wiped out as many Holy Ghost experiences. To date, I have never seen a family actively engaged in soul-winning and Kingdom work while missing Wednesday Bible study and Sunday services. It’s time to Be Still.

World knowledge and conflicts will never end. There will always be another disaster. All of it leads away from knowing God. For those who declare themselves sufficiently capable of indulging in all these things, I ask, “when was the last time you taught a Home Bible study or took an hour in the prayer room?”

I do not know how many will take this communique to heart, but the time is too short for me to stroke the religious crowd and ignore the hour. We must become serious about our walk with God and this Holy Ghost experience that the Lord has given us. We are indebted to the Cross and it is imperative that we are constrained for the Gospel. And finally, we must learn to Be Still and take knowledge of God.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

The year was 1922 when “flapper” girls emerged. They bobbed their hair and wore short skirts. Though they were not in abundance, Hollywood, California accommodated their new “alternative lifestyle.” Silent movies and then technicolor showcased this “edgy look.” World War II introduced another lifestyle as wives and mothers entered the factory. By necessity, the global conflict opened new doors that the family unit had never seen before.

History records a shift in the home environment birthed by the 60’s sexual revolution. The Beatles and Elvis brought about a more suggestive and open sensuality that knows no boundaries.  The alternative lifestyles were becoming more mainstream.

The 2000’s featured a full-on attack against the nuclear family.  The Beaver Cleaver image has been decried by those who despise the former definition of normalcy. American culture no longer considers deviations as abnormal. Today, Christianity is the new alternative lifestyle.

Isaiah wrote that the “vineyard” belonged to God, but by virtue of lawlessness, God removed the hedge. It was a forecast of things to come. The people rejected a standard of holiness and God left them to their own demise. Ultimately, Isaiah issued a grave warning due to their hedge-less society. He wrote in Isaiah 5, “Woe to them” six different times. The most glaring warning is found in verse 20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Isaiah pointed out the change in definitions. The things once considered impure would be called pure: Sinful actions would be rewarded, while righteousness would be scorned. Bitter for sweet. Isaiah may not have seen our day with his own eyes, but the Spirit had the view. He said, “woe to the those who justify the wicked and give them an award for being wicked.”

This small excerpt will not tell it all, only to say that we must be prepared to face the final spirit of the age. So hear the word of the Lord: Jesus is coming soon! Keep your light shining. Be sober and aware so you will not be overtaken by the darkness. Serve! Be committed and know that by virtue of His Name and His Word, you are living the alternative lifestyle.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

Some years ago we traveled from the north to the south. Those winding roads, turns, and twists all culminated into extra hours spent on the road. Over time, authorities built turnpikes that circumvented small town stop signs and the various small highways. I was so thankful the first time we discovered the newly built expressway. The new road erased hours from our trip and allowed us safe travel.

The turnpike still had demands: Speed limits, passing lanes, and signs for road construction hazards. While the path provided a much easier journey, we were still subject to the confines of the law.

The Bible has described the way of Salvation. Peter preached the first message which began the first church. Jesus came to build His Church and Peter was given the “keys to the Kingdom.” He delivered those Keys in Acts 2:38. It was the exact reflection of Paul’s description of the true definition of the Gospel, I Corinthians 15:1-4. The Bible also describes a “set-apart” people. We know this as the Way or the Highway of Holiness. We are commanded not to be conformed to this world. The church should be spotless; not worldly or lustful. Thus, a standard of Holiness is critical to our spiritual walk.

The scripture demands our obedience and observance. We are to be Born Again of the water and the Spirit -John 3:1-8. We are to be different from the world’s lifestyle “come out from among them and be ye separate”  -I Corinthians 6:17.

However, with all of those necessary and pertinent commands, just know:  We came by way of Grace. God has given us what we could not give ourselves. Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

After doing all that we are required and commanded to do, just remember, God paved a way called Grace. He did not remove His commands, nor did He negate the Salvation message. He just gave us a road that transcended human failure. Peter called it “manifold grace” and “true grace” and “multiplied grace: the grace that brought the revelation of Jesus Christ” and so much more. Peter wrote: 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

We must do all we can do and all that we should do. That is called Obedience. And then, at the end of it all, we must also know that we came by way of Grace.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

In the ancient city of Hierapolis resides a wonder of water. The natural springs cascading downward are unmatched throughout the world. The white travertine terraces embrace her thermal pools which speak of their rarity. While the image of those cascading waters captivate my attention, they also lead me to the greater story of the city that once was.

Revelation chapters two and three depict the seven churches of Asia. The words of Jesus are recorded with a personal message to each one. Yet, none of those churches exist today. All have disappeared from the original account.

Passing by a grand old building, a pastor told me that it used to be a powerful Pentecostal church. He said that it held a mighty revival with miracles confirming their every move. Today the place is empty. Whatever life existed is gone; just a dusty floor with the outlining marks where pews once stood.

Jerusalem was the city of the first great outpouring of the Holy Ghost. It was a hotbed of supernatural works. Antioch was the next place of wonder. Both are now missing in action. Tourists take pictures of places where Paul preached and established churches, though convening congregations cannot be found.

Perhaps a church has an expiration date. Maybe it’s not up to the Lord which church survives and which waste away. Maybe it’s up to the people. Can the church survive a sinful society? Can the people resist the forces of darkness; demonic spirits and spiritual oppression? Will we become divided by ethnicity, politics, or outside influences? Will the church remain focused and unified in a world that boasts of individualism, subjectivism, and private faith?

All of these questions bring weight to the words of Jesus: Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The devastation of division and the blessing of unity seem to be borne from the same root. It comes from a conscious decision of the people. Trouble, distress, or other external things are not the reason for the expiration of a congregation. We make the decision to be The Church and remain in one accord. If we will not grow weary in well dong; if we remain vigilant and consistent, there will be sustainability and growth. The choice is ours.

Otherwise, someone may very well be taking pictures of a place where revivals were once held and miracles, signs, and wonders used to take place. And all the cascading waters will not be able to cover the church that once was.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

“In the last days…” These words seemed so far away from us just a few months ago. Today, we are watching a demonstration of how the Mark of the Beast will be implemented. We once wondered how people would accept the “mark” of the beast. Yet today the path is clear:  It will be “for our own good and for the good of others.”

Mass consciousness simply means that the greater majority of people believe in a particular thought. The result of this “thought” is more than just a coercive nudge by the majority. It is a demand to submit to the “thought.” When the majority rules or makes demands, the republic ceases to exist. Perhaps the last great barrier between the antichrist and religious freedom has been crossed. As Christianity becomes more diluted, the pathway to a One World Church is clear.

The times have rapidly changed thus fulfilling the Word. Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: This shift in times is melding the world, which will in turn usher in the antichrist, 2 Thessalonians 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  2 Thessalonians 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Think of it! Born Again believers will fall away! People will backslide and walk away from truth. They will abandon what was first delivered to the saints! Then the antichrist will rise and rule the world. He will demand obedience:  Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Instead of reaching for the lost and serving in the church, there are groups of people entangled with emotional pursuits and career ambitions. There is a host of trivial conversations taking place which lead us away from our purpose of teaching the Gospel! It’s akin to a group of people standing on the deck of the sinking Titanic complaining about the food. We are at the end. It’s time to put away menial endeavors and become focused on prayer, praise, worship, giving, and Bible study. The Kingdom is all that matters!

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole