In the withering heat of Africa’s summer lies Lake Natron. The unmoved water features large volumes of sodium bicarbonate which calcifies any animal that might venture there. It means that they die and become like hardened statues. Birds floating on the surface are almost mummified and other animals which drink from those waters are frozen in time. The lake looks red in color, which has its own inviting allure. However, the chemical levels are deceiving and deadly.

Lake Natron’s features stand in stark contrast to the words of Jesus. John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

The flowing river of living water was a clear message of life. Living waters imply the bursting forth of hope and strength. They are ever moving; ever strengthening; forever producing. Jesus offered His water knowing there would always be a counterfeit.

Stagnate waters have their own distinction. They are captivating to the eye pulling in the unsuspecting soul. Philosophies and pursuits are attractive. The appeal of gain or influence has its own appeal, but upon consumption, they corrupt the spirit. I suppose that we know the difference, at least in our minds. Yet when the opportunity to drink from the “unmoved” water is presented, it becomes difficult to resist. Moses refused it. Joseph ran from it. However, many have fallen victim to its draw.

Lot’s wife, with the Covenant in her past, could not resist. She turned back one more time. She was led out of the fallen city by the hand of the angel, and yet, no amount of supernatural intercession could save her. I believe that her heart had turned to stone long before her body became a pillar of salt. The murky water leads me to the words of the psalmist.

Psalm one begins by telling us where not to walk, where not to stand, and where not to sit. The opening scene is a description of how not to live. Everyone wants the blessing, but first we must reject what damages our lives. Only then can we claim the Word: Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

The final scene of King Saul found him alone and in defeat. He died on a hill surrounded by his lifeless sons; the enemy had exacted their strength against him. When David heard the news, he tore his clothes, fell to the ground and wept. Saul had desired to kill David, but he still considered Saul to be “the Lord’s anointed.” David would not touch Saul, because he knew that some things should never be held in the hands of a man.

It is interesting how far the church has drifted from scripture. Many see the Bible like a buffet, picking and choosing what they like and discarding the rest. The Bible says, 1 Chr 16:22 “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” The Bible is often cast aside as criticisms and conversations ensue.

Consider God’s stand on who we are to marry. 2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? This verse has been widely ignored by Christians who seek relationships outside of the faith. From young to old, God’s Word has been rejected. Even though the Bible is clear, many choose not to obey. The old adage says, “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” Thus, disobedience reigns.

God spoke through Malachi about returning tithes and offerings. This Bible doctrine has been taught for thousands of years. Yet, there are “believers” who do not follow the scripture. God even called them “thieves and robbers.” However, these words have not provoked a change in their habits. Instead, the voice from the Pentecostal pews is that the preacher talks too much about money.

Adherence in lifestyle, modesty, language, and church attendance have all been diluted. The Bible is still the same, but “The Drift” has set a host off-course. It doesn’t take much. Just dismiss one sermon or even one part that does not feel good and the drift is on. While rejection is common in this modern era, it is still incumbent upon the pulpit to preach the Word. Regardless of who receives it, the Word must be preached. Even this communique must be written, even though it might be tossed aside or dismissed by the reader.

We are called to adjust our lives to the Word. So if need be, let conviction reign and let us return to the scripture which will make us “wise unto salvation.”

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mark 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Of all the Biblical subjects in sermons and lessons, few topics invoke such feelings like that of money. From Hophni and Phineas until now, money mismanagement has always been present. There are ample examples of hypocrites, liars, and unethical leaders to go around, though none can remove the scriptural command of giving.

Consider the text. Jesus sits in a curious place. I dare say that most congregations would not take kindly if their pastor stared at them as they gave their offerings, but Jesus had no problem watching. Mark 12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.

Jesus took note of who was giving and how much. After all had passed by, He made a statement about the nature of their giving. Jesus was not concerned with the amount. Rather He was speaking about the sacrifice. Jesus said, “most gave from their resources; but the widow gave all.” The amount was inconsequential to the conversation, and that is where most stumble. Some reply, “I have so little, it probably won’t matter.” Let me just say, “It matters to the Master.”

While some have felt satisfied with the amount, and i.e., the numerical value, the Lord is looking at the depth of the sacrifice. Giving from the pool of abundance means that it was given at no cost.

I am aware that this communique will be discarded by the majority of readers. Money, tithes, offerings, and the whole of sacrificial giving is not a welcomed subject. I am the least of pastors, and yet I know that even the great leading pastors have been tuned out when it comes to money. Even still, I am compelled to wage war against the carnal mind which rebuts the Word. Jesus is still watching. He is looking for our commitments and the length we will go for the sake of His Kingdom.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

With access to world news, the compounding tragedies have provoked civic and world leaders to respond to almost every event. Social media platforms allow quick replies or “call outs” to those matters which affect the lives of people beyond their borders. The current and most common statement is “Thoughts and Prayers.” However, the shallowness of the reply has been noted, even by the unbeliever. “Thoughts” declare human concern, but prayer has no attachment. In this anti-god world, rife with secularism, God has no place. The result is the statement itself so that there is neither real thought nor prayer.

Juxtapose the modern church and the book of Acts church. The contrast is staggering. The most common reply among “believers” is an emoji with praying hands. The Christian world has reduced an actual prayer meeting with an emoji! Or worse yet, with thoughts. This was not the pattern of the first century church. When they prayed, they stayed. When there was trouble, they gave their voice, energy, and heart to the matter. The result was a physical manifestation of their location.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

When Peter was supernaturally released from prison, the Bible says that he considered where he might find the church. Peter thought, “what would the saints be doing right now, at midnight?” It came to him that they were obviously at a prayer meeting. Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

As you might assume, I am not into “thoughts and prayers.” There is an angst against the trivialization of prayer in my spirit. “Thoughts” mean nothing. They are whimsical in nature, which are meant to express concern, but do nothing for the need. They are humanistic in their most basic form and “prayers” are the same if they come with digital images or stop at the statement.

Jesus commanded us to Mark 16:18 “…lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” The baptism of the Holy Ghost came through the same in Acts 8:17, “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” These were not mere expressions. They were what we need today: Fervent prayer and the evidence that follows.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole

Is it possible to be a faithful church member, believer, giver and still be lost? Is it possible to preach, sing in choirs, teach Sunday school class and miss the rapture? Paul faced the possibility of this matter with great sobriety. 1 Corinthians 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

In the end, Jesus revealed that many will say to Him, Matthew 7:22  “Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

The answer to the aforementioned questions is “yes.” The functions of “doing ministry” must be borne from a faithful heart. We must BE disciples of Jesus Christ, not just members of a local congregation. We must DO the works of Him that sent us while it is day. We are CALLED to spread the Gospel and live apart from the world. Anything less is a half-hearted approach to the call that God has placed upon our lives.

The issue at hand has plagued a million congregations over, as they supplant complete consecration to the Kingdom for church attendance. Our minds and bodies must be brought into subjection. It is not enough to simply believe the doctrine, we must live it. Our value systems speak louder than our intentions. A declaration of belief is menial if there is no evidence of it in our lives.

The tragedy that lays before the masses is that many will find out too late that they have been rejected by the Lord Himself. We cannot afford to have known this holy way and then abandon the word that brought us into this marvelous light. Hebrews 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Therefore, let us serve the Lord with ALL of our hearts and minds. Let our words reflect the Spirit of the Lord and let our ambition be for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole