THE FORGOTTEN HALF OF THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."---Matthew 22:37-40

This was Jesus' answer to a Phari...see who was also a lawyer. He had asked the question what is the greatest commandment. The Pharisees were self deceived religious bigots, monks, religious lone rangers. They thought they were serving God by attempting in their pride to separate themselves from people entirely to be worshippers of God. They were religious legalists untainted by the people that surrounded them. They truly thought they loved God more than most and would not dare defile themselves with the crowds of common humanity. In their minds they had arrived at the pinnacle of spirituality that placed them far above the filthy masses below them. They were cold and uncaring toward others. They kept to themselves in their intellectual spiritual Monastery.

If Jesus had only quoted the first half of the greatest commandment without the second they would have remained comfortable in their self deceived religious smugness. It was the second half of the greatest commandment that cut them to the core. "Love thy neighbor as thyself".

When I was in Bible college with three children in elementary school. My wife took a day time job working at a fast food restaurant while our children were in school. Those were difficult times financially. The kind of days where you search behind the car seats and couch cushions to buy milk and bread.

One evening my wife told me how rude and hateful she had been treated by one of my Bible professors. I had this professor for one of my classes. He was very intelligent well educated with two doctorate degrees one in theology. I was surprised to hear of his actions. On campus he was always nice and helpful to us students but apparently a lowly food server did not measure up to being one of the "neighbors to love as thyself". Little did he know he was speaking unkindly to one of his students' wife.

We cannot love God and treat our fellow man made in the image of God with disdain and unkindness.
"James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." [?]
James' question is a good one. Even in man's fallen state God demands we recognize that he was made in God's image and deserves respect as such.

We have two kinds of neighbors, saved and lost. God makes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Our brothers and sisters should be loved very deeply.

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."---1 John 4:20-21
Let us let this verse sink deep into our soul. Jesus Christ lives in our spiritual brothers and sisters and every unsaved man has the possibility of becoming a brother or sister. Yes all we need is Jesus Christ but let us never forget that He can be found not only in our own spirit but in the spirit of every believer.

Jesus rubbed elbows with the masses on a daily basis. He loved them. He saw them as sheep without a Shepard. He ate with them. Cooked fish for the disciples and dined with sinners so often he held the honor of being a "friend to publicans and sinners." He fed people when they were hungry and healed the sick whether they believed on him or not.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."---1 Timothy 1:15

We are not just spiritual beings. We are, for now, also earthly, beings. Until God calls us home we have a mission. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."---John 17:18
Some "super spiritual saints' " feet never need washing. We are not of the World but we are certainly sent into the world. Let us never forget this fact! The depth of our love for God can always be determined by how we treat our fellow man. "God so loved the world..." and so shall we if we love Him. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." -----Pastor Rodney Houston

CHRISTIAN ARE YOU EMOTIONALY MATURE IN CHRIST?

  There is a doctrine woven all through the New Testament called "Perfection". For my esteemed theologians the word "sanctification" is often used with it interchangeably. While they intersect in many ways it is my conviction there are some slight differences in the two; but that is discussion for another time.

Perfection, as mentioned in New Testament theology, for the Christian does no mean "sinless". Though it does mean "sinning less". A new Christian is a baby and should be accepted as such. Now new babies are wonderful and sweet. New babies also cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom. This is expected. However if in 18 years the baby still cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom it is no longer a pretty picture. It means something is very wrong. We have many such dysfunctional Christians. This is very sad.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."---Hebrews 5:12

Now the Lord expects us to mature.
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."---1 Corinthians 13:11

There are certain things that help us grow. Prayer, Bible study, and regular participation in a Bible believing church are among the main ones. Older mature Christians also have an obligation to care for the babies.

A man is made up of many facets. All of these need to grow together, but sometimes sin causes one facet of a man to grow while another area remains stagnate. Let us consider just two such areas. The mind and the emotions. There are some Christians who grow very strong in mind or what may loosely be called intellect and remain Babes emotionally. The Christian intellectual often wants to play down the emotional side. But our feelings and affections are to grow to maturity as well.

Often someone who has been emotionally hurt, rather than seeking Christ for help and healing they attempt to make Christianity a purely intellectual growth. They believe that emotions are a weakness and attempt to do away with them. However emotions are a gift from God and part of a man's make sways his will. A man's will is no small matter as it directs his life.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Now our mind is to keep emotions in Check, not the other way around but an emotionally mature Christian has a deep passion for God. Jesus demonstrates this emotion when he wept seeing the Jews weeping at Lazarus death. He had zeal when he drove the money changers out of the temple. He was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. He never sought to eliminate his emotions but to bring them to the obedience of His Father just as his mind was. We are to minister to others in doctrine and emotions. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". I have met some very knowledgeable Christians whose demeanor was cold as ice. They were mature in the mind but babes emotionally. Other immature Christians are out of control in their emotions allowing their emotions to rule their mind. This is often the case in Neo-charismatic churches. Some in an effort to down play immature emotions have sought to eliminate them. This is a mistake. Both of the above extremes demonstrate spiritual babes emotionally.

We live for Jesus not only mentally but with zeal, compassion, sorrow and even righteous indignation. It is our emotions that allow us to care very deeply for others and to share one another burdens. It is our emotions that gift us to praise in Spirit and in truth with passion and zeal. We are commanded to be "Zealous and repent". "Godly sorrow leadeth to repentance". This makes sorrow very important emotion.

Don't squash your emotions bring them under obedience to Christ as we should all the facets of our make up. As the psalmist says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.----Pastor Rodney Houston

PASTOR, A TARNISHED TITLE?

 Hebrews 13:4,17
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

As the Bible commands this Pastor calls out false prophets that stand in pulpits. However I will not stand for someone using a broad brush on all Pastors tarnishing this God given office. I admit without apology a personal conviction and mission to restore confidence in the Biblical office of Pastor. I taught respect for Pastors even when I was not a Pastor.

No Holy Spirit led Christian would deny that we have a serious moral problem in our nation and I agree that false prophets are a big part of the problem. However, there is bigger problem. Tele-evangelist, which is where many wrongfully learn to define the office of Pastor, are largely Heretics and false Prophets; not all but most. I know, like you, because I have watched them and know what they teach. These tele-heretics are visible to all and most are not Pastors but false prophets.

The media will readily publish stories about money making tele-heritics, false prophets and snake handlers. These are not Biblical Church Pastors. They are false prophets. The many, many good Pastors in this country that you never hear about don't care for the general media and the general media care nothing for them. Therefore most will not know of the heavenly labor Pastor's do.

So... What is very disconcerting is the name Pastor is being tarnished and drug through the mud. Sadly much of the disdain is coming from church members themselves! They are killing their own local church when they disrespect the office of Pastor. This is why I am so adamant about calling a man of God a Pastor and calling heretics false prophets. Don't call false prophets Pastors. The very word pastor means Shepard. One who "cares" for the sheep. A false prophet is a hireling according to Jesus Christ.

Now it may seem I that I am splitting hairs over a word here but the respect for the office and "Biblical title" Pastor needs restoration. It is evident more and more people disdain the very office of Pastor. I, for one, shall continue to defend God's word concerning respect for the office of Pastor.

Think of it this way. Suppose you are a carpenter and the media began showing shoddy work of houses. What if people began calling and redefining all carpenters as wood butchers. What if people began putting them down and disrespecting all of them to the point that the name "carpenter" became tarnished. Someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" and you say, "I'm a carpenter" and hang your head because you know what has been done to the title. Lawyers have suffered the same fate as Pastors in this respect. We all know the jokes about lawyers but I happen to know a fine Christian Lawyer. The word Pastor is an important Biblical title that needs renewed respect because it is a crucial office and part of God's plan for Churches and society as a whole.

Pastor's have ministered more morality to this Nation than any other single group of people. I love Pastors. They have shaped my life for good and are my dearest of friends. Pastors have a tough time teaching on this subject (respect for the office of Pastor) because people think they are being self serving. We really need a grass roots movement from the pew to rise up and defend this wonderful God given office, call and gift to the Church... "Pastors". -----Pastor Rodney Houston

IF I MUST WEAKEN MY CONVICTIONS TO REMAIN YOUR FRIEND. GOOD BYE.

 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than m...e is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."----Jesus Christ, Matthew 10:34-39

For sometime I have been wanting to post for all my FB family and friends on this subject. Often a friend or family member will post something that is contrary to sound Biblical teaching. It then forces me to make a choice. Go along to get along or stand for my convictions. Some believe their relationships are made better by compromising their convictions. Jesus did not live this or teach this and this Christian does not believe it for that reason.

First conviction must be defined. Many think a conviction and an opinion are the same thing. They are not. An opinion is What I think. A conviction is "what I believe God thinks". What God thinks is more important than our opinions. How do we know what God thinks? The answer is that it is shown to us by sound Biblical study under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Everyone should determine their convictions. One is better off to have a wrong conviction than have none at all. If I am wrong I can repent and change but a man with no convictions is nothing, stands for nothing and is good for nothing. My conviction could be wrong but you will not change my mind without showing me by "soundly interpreted scripture where I am wrong". Your opinion will not sway me. Show me your convictions based on sound Biblical interpretation. I am all ears to hear.

Here is the problem. Some people take it personal when your convictions disagree with their opinions or their convictions. Whenever there is a post on my FB page or discipleship groups I am a member of, do not expect me to always agree just to remain your friend. I will not break friendship over such disagreements. Even my dearest and closest's relatives and friends I want you to know this. I will do my best to state my convictions whether you agree with them or not. I don't mind that you have a contrary conviction. In fact I want to hear it. However, if you make me choose between our friendship and my convictions... Good Bye. You see my convictions define the boundaries of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Do not force me to choose you over HIM. In fact it is these very convictions that define who I am. I am a child of Jesus Christ, born again of HIM. . It is my Identity. You cannot change that. When I state something that does not agree with your statement please know that I am not being egotistical or know it all. I love truth and am commanded by Jesus Christ to always stand and teach truth the best I can. Jesus Christ is not just someone I meet with on Sunday. He is my life moment by moment. So don't think I don't love you or that I am being hard to get along with. I simply want all to know the joy of a personal relationship as defined in the Bible that I have been given. If I remain silent, you may never know the convictions I have been blessed with and who I really am.

"There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he [Jesus] answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."---Mark 3:31-35

--Pastor Rodney Houston

DOGMATISM IS THE DEVIL'S TOOL.


I am absolute in my love for truth and Proclaiming the gospel but I am not dogmatic about anything and here is why: Definition of Dogmatic: 1. Relating to, characteristic of, or resulting from dogma. 2. Characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of "unproved" or improvable principles. See Synonyms for dictatorial....Technically Dogmatic means that I believe something without the benefit of being able to express it with facts. In other words to be dogmatic means I refuse all logic and refuse to "use my God given mind to understand. " In other words I am acting irrationally because I don't think I need to explain to someone else the reasons why I believe something.

Am I dogmatic about the gospel? No. Because that would mean I accept it without any evidence as to it's authenticity. It's like saying to a lost person who challenges the gospel that I don't need to explain my position to you. IT'S RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I SAID SO. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. If the gospel I preach can't stand up under the scrutiny of of a critic then it must be irrational. Of course the gospel is rational and there is Biblical evidence of doctrines that make it logical.

It is a substitutionary atonement which makes sense. It fulfills God's Justice which makes sense etc. Grant it there are many things about it we may not understand but what God wants men to understand about it we are able and required to believe it.

We can't punch holes in false doctrines with dogmatism. We must debate scripturally, rationally, logically and doctrinally. Without the God given laws of logic doctrinal agreement this is impossible. Take notice our discussions here. We are constantly using logic based on a scriptural system under the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Faith and rational thinking are not mutually exclusive as some would have us believe. Recently a person on here said to me

"I'm spiritual not logical"---that's really wrong thinking. We should be able to scripturally and logically defend what we believe in a logical, scriptural and doctrinal way by sound hermeneutics. A truly dogmatic person by definition ignores God's gift of rationality because they stick to something and proclaim it arrogantly without explanation, facts or logical thought.

When confronted the dogmatic lives in a circular argument that goes like this:
Lost man--" Why is the gospel true?
Dogmatic--"Because I said so."
Lost man--Prove to me why you believe what you believe.
Dogmatic---I don't have to explain it to you. It's the truth.
Lost man---How do you know it's the truth?
Dogmatic---Because I said so.
Lost man--Don't you need a reason why you believe it?
Dogmatic---No it's true don't challenge what I believe.
Lost man--How do you know what you believe is true
Dogmatic--I don't need to hear your arguments as to why it is not true. Your arguments are wrong.
Lost man---How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic--Because I am right and you are wrong.
Lost man--How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic---Because I am right.
Lost man---Won't you even consider what I have to say?
Dogmatic---No because I know I am right.
Lost man---How do you know?
Dogmatic---Because it is what I believe therefore it is right and you are wrong.
Lost man--Won't you even Listen to what I have to say and consider why you think I am wrong?
Dogmatic--No, my mind is closed.
Lost man--Why is your mind closed.
Dogmatic----Because I am right, I know it and I don't need to explain why I am right. So take or leave it.

A man who believes something should be able to listen to others and weigh their thoughts because he might be wrong. I don't mind the Gospel being challenged because if the Gospel is true it will stand all tests thrown at it. Pure Dogmatism stops a man from growing and learning. He says, "Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up" Usually because he is proud and insecure and doesn't like people challenging him. So he thinks in an a twisted stubborn way.----Pastor Rodney

"DO YOU LOVE ME?" ----Jesus Christ.

Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.

A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.

Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.

The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.

As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.

As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"

Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!

GRACE! SO NEEDED. SO MISUNDERSTOOD.

The Bible speaks often of grace. It is God bestowing favor on us without us doing anything to earn it. Grace cannot be bought, bargained for or earned. Neither should it be taken for granted or abused. "Shall we 'abide' in sin that grace may abound? God forbid..."---Apostle Paul. Nevertheless a man cannot serve God and fellowship with him without a steadily receiving his grace.

For mankind the true opposite of grace is pride. He reasons in his own estimation that some how his morals have earned God's favor. It has not!
God's favor is given to us only because of the sacrificial death on the cross of Jesus Christ. Any morality or righteousness we may accomplish is not a means of earning God's grace but a result of swimming in God's grace. Grace is so abundant and yet so elusive to mankind because his pride warps his perception of it.

God has angels who worship him without ever personally experiencing grace. Many men think they are here to be as righteous as the angels in their works. They cannot because on this side of heaven the sin nature is ever present. Others live in willful sin with an ungrateful attitude toward God's gift of grace even as HE continues to extend grace to them in their rebellion. The one trying so nobly to walk in fellowship looks upon the carnal Christian with the mistaken idea that they themselves are more deserving of God's grace, In the process they judge God who makes his rain the fall on the just and unjust. Unwittingly this judgmental fellow trying so hard is receiving the very grace he despises in others as he is sinning by judging the goodness of God!

Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.---Apostle Paul

Paul got it right. Why are we created? Why did God allow us to inherit the sin of Adam. The angels and men will forever more be in awe not at our self imposed righteousness or even for our great reward for genuine faithfulness. OH NO!! The great attribute demonstrated in man that will ever amaze the heavens is GOD'S GRACE TO MAN!
Ephesians 6:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND!