God's Legos

Do you know what a lego is? You're probably thinking of those interlocking plastic bricks that have been made since the late 1950s (believe it or not, some of us were living back then). But I was thinking more of the Greek word 'lego'. It means to join words together, as in a saying, and is used over 1400 times in our New Testament. They are words or sayings that are interlocked to convey or establish a systematic thought or system of related thoughts. They are not just a hodgepodge of unrelated words or sayings (like a pile of lego blocks). They are more like a lego city, with each word and saying building upon another to convey or establish some interrelated system.

This is how God's Word is. God's Word is not just 66 books of 1189 chapters of 31,173 verses consisting of some 775,000 words and some 2,730,000 letters. Men of God wrote the scripture over a time span of more than a thousand years, and the Holy Spirit inspired every book.

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
(2Pe 1:21)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
(2Ti 3:16)

Like Jesus, His word is a bread of life that feeds our spiritual person, and renews us day by day.

Do you need more faith? more hope? more joy? more love? Look to Christ and His word.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2Co 4:16-18)

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Have You Been Discipled?

The Greek word for disciple is 'mä-thā-tā's, meaning a learner, or a pupil. Children were put under instructors (literally 'child-leaders'- e.g., paedagogus) (the word is used in 1 Corinthians 4:16) to help them develop into good citizens. After all, kids just don't naturally grow up into moral and responsible people. At an early age, guardian tutors or nurturers were put over male children (often, regardless of the child's social status). These instructors (the word is used in Galatians 3:24-25) were expected to be of serious disposition, trustworthy, reliable, and learned. They would have a formative influence on the child as well as accompany him outside the house. These guardians provided education, nurturing, and moral protection of the children, and guardians and their charges could develop strong ties that continued past the child's maturity.

In Matthew 28 Christ commanded us to go forth as His ambassadors to the world. We are to proclaim entrance into the kingdom of God through repentance and faith in Christ, baptize the new believers, and teach them to observe all things Christ commanded. This last part is critical for effective Christian discipleship, as new believers aren't going to naturally grow up into spiritually mature people. They need the right example set, and the right teaching. 1 Timothy 3 makes it clear that Christian leaders, like the child instructors of the ancient world, must be of serious disposition, trustworthy, reliable, and learned in the word of God. They must set the right example, teach the Word of God, and protect the people of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 clearly states that the Word of God is our manual for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the people of God may come to maturity and be thoroughly prepared and equipped for a life of service to the Lord. In order to properly disciple people, we must spend time with them, pray with them (Acts 1:13-15), speak the word of God, proclaim Christ with them (Acts 4:31-33), care for each other's needs (Acts 6:1f.), and reassure and strengthen each other in the hard times (Acts 14:22, 18:23).

I personally wish that the Greek word 'pī-dyü'-ō' (literally, training up children) would be translated disciple in our New Testament. It is translated with words like chasten, learn, instruct, and teach, but each of these English words falls short of the total package.

Try something for me when you have some time. Look up 1 Corinthians 11:32, 2 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:20, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 12:6-7, 10, and Revelation 3:19, and substitute the word 'disciple' in each of these verses where you find the English words for things like chastening and instructing. I think you will not only see a bigger picture, but will see a clearer picture of Christian discipleship.

As many as I love, I rebuke and 'disciple'. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
(Rev 3:19-20)

Discipleship includes discipline, but it is discipline done in the midst of an onoging relationship. Praise God for His willingness to 'raise us' as His children!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

The Joy of our Jerusalem was heard afar off!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers for our ministry at Calvary Chapel Space Coast! God has been doing an amazing work in the past several weeks, and the praise and worship of our kids, youth, and adults has been literally a family affair.

Our praise and worship has been filled with the Spirit, our hearts have been stirred by the Spirit, our witness has been bold in the Spirit, our ministry to those in need has been generous in the Spirit, and the love of Christ seems to be penetrating even the hardest of hearts.We have seen people come to Christ, people get right with God, people find new life and new hope in Christ, and it looks like a sudden outpouring of the Spirit. We baptized 13 people this morning, one of which decided on the spot. Before I even got out the door three others had approached me about getting baptized.

Men, women, families, and therefore our church family, are not just being touched by God, but getting CHANGED! God doesn't want to just touch our hearts. God wants to bring us to repentance and wants to change our hearts. No wonder we are so excited. This morning reminded me of what we read in Nehemiah 12 where it says that the joy of Jerusalem could be heard afar of.

There we were in our front parking lot along U.S. 1 hooting and cheering and immersing kids and adults and rejoicing in the testimonies of God working in us and through us. No electronic audio or video, just families celebrating Christ together.I was dancing for joy today, as I saw our group of leaders in their "Armor of God" T-shirts lining people up for baptism and accompanying into the baptism pool out by U.S. 1. I don't know what all the traffic passing by thought, but what a celebration in Christ!

So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God . . . Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.(Neh 12:40-43)

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.(Psa 5:11-12)

When the music fades, and all the audio and video electronics are stripped away, is the Spirit of God still evident? The Spirit of God doesn't work through audio and video mood setting, but through the word of God. The Spirit of God doesn't bring life to auditoriums, but to the hearts of men. What's been going on in your heart lately? May the Lord bring rejoicing to your Jerusalem, and may the sound be heard afar off.

Please keep praying for us in the midst of this move of God in our midst.
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Praise God for His Word

Many of us have used a famous daily devotional entitled, "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers (in fact, it is available under Daily Walk on our Calvary Chapel Space Coast web site). Few know, however, that Oswald Chambers had a relatively short life for the Lord ministry wise, and that it is his wife, Gertrude, that put together all but one of his books from notes she had taken while listening to his messages for the short time she had with him. (So while over 30 titles bear his name, it is only one book, "Baffled to Fight Better", that he actually wrote.)

His wife labored for half a century to give his words to the world. Praise God for giving us the living Word, Jesus Christ, and praise God for the many prophets, apostles, and saints through the generations that have labored and given their lives to give us God's Word.

(I've appended a brief biography of Oswald Chambers in case I piqued your curiosity.)
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was born July 24, 1874, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Converted in his teen years under the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, he studied art and archaeology at the University of Edinburgh before answering a call from God to the Christian ministry. He then studied theology at Dunoon College. From 1906-1910 he conducted an itinerant Bible-teaching ministry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
In 1910, Chambers married Gertrude Hobbs. They had one daughter, Kathleen.
In 1911 he founded and became principal of the Bible Training College in Clapham, London, where he lectured until the school was closed in 1915 because of World War I. In October 1915 he sailed for Zeitoun, Egypt (near Cairo), where he ministered to troops from Australia and New Zealand as a YMCA chaplain. He died there November 15, 1917, following surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Although Oswald Chambers wrote only one book, Baffled to Fight Better, more than thirty titles bear his name. With this one exception, published works were compiled by Mrs. Chambers, a court stenographer, from her verbatim shorthand notes of his messages taken during their seven years of marriage. For half a century following her husband's death she labored to give his words to the world.

Whatever happened to "Repent and be Baptized?"

Let's look at the gospel message as people heard it in the 1st century A.D.

In Mark 16:16 Jesus says, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved."
In Acts 2:38 we read, "Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." In Acts 10:48 the apostle Peter commanded the new believers to be baptized.

When the apostle Paul became a believer he was told, "rise up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16). The apostle Peter makes it very clear in 1Peter 3:21 that it is not the washing of the water that saves us, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, but that didn't change the fact that he preached, "repent and be baptized".

Now let's look at the gospel message in the 21st century A.D.

"He that believes shall be saved."
"Repent for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
"Rise up and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Whatever happened to "Repent and be Baptized?"

Have we removed the call to be baptized from our gospel because the water is not what saves us? Or, do we believe that because many of us were christened as infants that we do not need to repent and be immersed when we are old enough to understand the gospel?

Jesus was brought to the temple as a baby by his parents and dedicated to the Lord. But He still stepped into the river Jordan as an adult to be immersed by John. John the Immerser (i.e., Baptist) was telling people to repent and be immersed. Even though Jesus had nothing to repent of, He still got into the water and submitted to immersion as an example for us to follow.

And he [the apostle Paul] brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
(Act 16:30-33)


God joined together repentance and baptism in a holy union. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Have You Been Name Dropping?

Have you ever met people that make a point of dropping names of important people they know? You'd often think by the way that they talk that these important people are good friends, but often they are acquaintances at best.

Then there are those of us that frequently mention the name of Jesus in our conversations. And there are probably some who hear us do that and wonder if we really know Jesus, or whether we just like to drop his name around to make us seem spiritual.

God wants the name of Jesus to be magnified, that is, lifted up so that men will hear about Him, be drawn to Him, and worship Him (John 12:32).

But the Lord doesn't want people acting as if they have a relationship with Him if they don't.
Jesus warned that those that toss His name around lightly will be punished:

Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'
And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' - Matthew 7:22-23

There is an interesting story in the book of Acts where some men try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus:

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches."
Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. - Acts 19:13-17

We are disrespecting God to toss around the name of Jesus as if we have a relationship with Him, if He is no more than a name we pay homage to on Sundays. Jesus deserves our respect. Our Heavenly Father wants the name of Jesus to be magnified, and He wants all men to be drawn to Him and saved. But we need to make sure that we are honest in the way we use His name. If you have a relationship with Jesus, tell others about it, and point them to Him. If you don't have a relationship with Jesus, find someone that does, and learn the difference between just believing things about Jesus, and knowing Jesus.

I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. - Psalm 34:1
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

In what direction have you been pointing people?

People are scurrying about all around us, trying to get ahead and find their way in life. We have a mission from God to point people in the right direction. We're like spiritual traffic cops, if you will. What makes directing traffic difficult, however, is we direct traffic by the words we speak, and by the example we set, not by simply pointing a finger.

The Old Testament Levites were to be spiritual 'traffic cops'. They were given the responsibility to not only teach God's law, but to to point people in the right direction- the way to life and peace.

In Malachi 2:5-8 we read,

The law of truth was in his [the Levite's] mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.

"For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And [people] should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," Says the LORD of hosts.

We who are Christians under the New Testament or Covenant, are messengers of the Lord to the world. Is God's Word in our mouths? Do we walk in peace and impartiality? Do we turn people away from decisions that are dishonoring and disobedient to God? If people listen to our conversation will it teach them more about God?

Or do our words and actions cause people to be confused about what a Christian is? Have we corrupted or distorted the meaning of being a Christ follower by the example we set before people?

Whether we like it, or not, those of us that are Christians are like traffic cops standing in the middle of the intersections of life as people race by. God is counting on us to point them in the right direction. So what kind of a traffic cop are you?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

In Tune with God

Are you in tune with God? Are your conscience, mind, and heart tuned into God's frequency? The Greek word 'hä-plo'-tās' is used in the New Testament to describe a conscience, mind, or heart that is in tune with God, and that seeks to honor God. It is frequently translated with the word 'simplicity' or the word 'sincerity'.

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:8

For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

2 Corinthians 1:12

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted--you may well put up with it!

2 Corinthians 11:3

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Colossians 3:22

May God bless us with a conscience that is not corrupted by selfish desires, with a mind that is not corrupted by worldly thinking, and with a heart that selflessly loves God and others.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Sound the Retreat!

Sound WHAT retreat? The Calvary Chapel Space Coast Ladies Retreat that begins tonight at 6? The CCSC Mens' Retreat that begins next Friday? Why is everyone at CCSC retreating? The word retreat actually means to 'draw back to a safe place'. It can mean to draw back from a frenzied battlefield, or it can mean to draw back from the busyness of life. Retreating is not always a sign that one has given up. Sometimes we retreat to regroup, and that is what Christian retreats are all about, Retreating to regroup, so we can reenter the battlefield of life with new vision, new hope, and new strength.


The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:9-10

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.
The LORD [is] their strength, And He [is] the saving refuge of His anointed.
Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.
Psalm 28:7-9

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until [these] calamities have passed by.
Psalm 57:1

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God [is] a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:8

Who do you turn to in times of trouble? Where do you run in times of distress? Can you say, with the Psalmist, that it is the Lord that you turn to in times of trouble? Is it the Lord that you run to in times of distress? It is interesting that in each of the above passages there is a statement about trusting the Lord; with our heart, with our soul, and at ALL TIMES.

In the depths of your heart and your soul is the real you. If you trust the Lord in your heart and your soul, you will run to the Lord when you are in distress, because those who really know Him know that they can count on Him. How well do you know Him? Are you willing to pour out your heart before Him?

For some, retreats are a way to withdraw from the craziness of life and relax. For some, retreats are a way to connect better with some brothers and sisters in Christ. But more than anything else, retreats should be a time for us to pour out our hearts before the Lord. You can have your own personal retreat with the Lord whereever you can get alone with Him. If you're in need of spiritual renewal, a good place to start is to say what is probably one of the most powerful prayers a person can utter- "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." Selah.

(By the way, there is no cost to our CCSC retreats and guests are welcome. For women that would like to be a guest tonight or tomorrow morning at our CCSC Ladies retreat, just call my wife, Claudia at 794-8413 [they're meeting at the church facility in Titusville]. For men that would like to be a guest next Friday night or Saturday morning at our CCSC Men's retreat, just call me at 638-4464 [we're meeting at a home in the Groves]. Also, if you missed my blog on 'Selah' you can go to the blog site and find the article on 2-17-09.)

Sound the Retreat!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

God is making the perfect Quilt

Many people admire a beautiful quilt, but few know the creative planning, the painstaking work, and the skill involved in designing and making a beautiful quilt. The Word of God says that God is making a beautiful quilt called the body of Christ, and is knitting us together into one wonderful example of His handiwork. Unlike the passive material pieces of a quilt, however, we play an active role in God's making of this quilt we call His church. We, as the church are to be equipping one another for the work of the ministry. We are to commit ourselves to the work of building each other up in our faith and our walk until the day when the quilt is finished, and there is one perfectly united patchwork, and we as the church reveal the glory of Christ.

for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. - Ephesians 4:12-16

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, . . . the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase [that is] from God. - Colossians 2:2, 19

It's hard to believe sometimes, but eventually the quilt will be finished, we will be perfectly knit together, and we will be a beautiful work to behold. We, the church, will actually reveal the glory of the Lord, and the heavnly hosts will go, "Wow"!

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly [places], to Him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:10, 29

We like to remind ourselves that we are a work in progress, and that God is not finished with us yet. We must remember that the 'we' that are a work in progress, and the 'us' that God is not finished with, includes ALL of our brothers and sisters in Christ, even the ones that don't look so good to us. Be thankful that God has chosen you to be part of His masterpiece in Christ, be thankful for all the others He has chosen, and do your part to join Him in His work to unite and build up those that have trusted in Christ.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Are You a Spiritual Air Freshener?

Did you know that God has called us to be spiritual air fresheners?

Now thanks [be] to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing . . . And who [is] capable and worthy for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling or distorting the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.- 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Every time we speak of Christ to people we are diffusing the fragrance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, just like a spiritual air freshener. Many Christians don't spend much time spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some may just not be willing, but others may just not feel capable or worthy of such an undertaking. I dedicate today's thought to those of you that may be willing, but hestiate to pour yourself into sharing the gospel of Christ due to feelings of unworthiness, or inability.

In the above passage of scripture I have taken the liberty to translate the Greek word hee-kah-nos as "capable and worthy". The apostle Paul talks of us sharing Christ with the world, and asks the question, "Who is capable and worthy of these things?"

Though you may not believe or feel that you are capable and worthy to be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with people, the fact is that we are all made capable and worthy by God! Not even the apostle Paul was capable and worthy in himself.

Not that we are capable and worthy of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our capability and worthiness [is] of God; Who also hath made us capable and worthy ministers of the new testament; - 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us capable and worthy to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:- Colossians 1:12

Praise God! He has made us capable and worthy to be His children and ministers, and yes, to be His spiritual air fresheners.

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 1 Corinthians 1:30

Are you IN CHRIST? If you are in Christ, then you are clothed with HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, HIS CAPABILITY, HIS WORTHINESS. Are we capable and worthy of spreading the gospel of Christ? As far as ourselves goes, the answer is a resounding "No!" BUT, IN CHRIST WE ARE CAPABLE AND WORTHY!!

So what kind of fragrance have you been emitting lately?
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How has YOUR Modeling been going? What kind of Modeling Agency to you work for?

Most of us don't think of ourselves as models, and most of us wouldn't think of walking down runways in outfits while hundreds of spectators look on. But whether we like it or not, we are all models because we are all modeling something every day by the way that we carry and conduct ourselves.

Good parents know that proper rearing of children must include more than just teaching them the right behavior. It must include modeling the right behavior. They need to see right living firsthand, not just hear about it.

It is the same in the church of Jesus Christ. Mature Christians know that proper rearing (i.e., discipling) of believers must include more than just teaching them about following Christ. It must include modeling how we follow Christ. They need to see how a person follows Christ firsthand.

The Thessalonians saw firsthand how Paul and his fellow laborers in the Lord lived for Christ, and followed their example, becoming examples, themselves.

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."

We should be an example "in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12), in all things showing "a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7).

Do you have some mature Christians in your life that show you firsthand what it means to follow Christ? Are you emulating them so that you, too, are modeling for others what it means to follow Christ?

If you are following Christ, then you are working for Him, and His church, which is God's modeling agency here on earth. How has YOUR modeling been going?

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Koinonia

κοινωνία- There is an amazing word in the Greek language that the Holy Spirit selected to describe life in the local church. I put together four 'words' to help you pronounce it: 'coin-no-knee-a'. It means to be connected with, care, and concern yourself with others in a fellowship or community.

We need to look out for each other as Chrisitans and Christian families. Take a look at what this passage in Acts says about the birth of the early church:

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized: and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.- Acts 2:41-47

I put the words, coin, no, knee, and 'a' together to not only help my church family pronounce the Greek word 'koinonia', but to help them remember the essence of the word. I had each of the sections in our sanctuary yesterday shout some phrases similar to the ones below as I waved that 'special K' in front of them.

Coin- Give generously to your church family

No- No family left behind

Knee- Pray for each other

A- Acclaim Christ

We need to look out for each other, and especially in hard times. Connect, care, and concern yourself with others.

And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58:10-11

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Saturday, March 14th- What are you waiting on?

Waiting isn't a lot of fun. There's an old saying that good things come to those who wait, but it can still be discouraging or frustrating when what we are expecting, or hoping for doesn't take place.

Sometimes we can even find ourselves blaming God when what we're waiting for doesn't happen.

What are the most important things that you wait on? Your car getting fixed? A medical exam?

An e-mail or call from someone you love?

Did you know that the Bible talks a lot about waiting on God? The interesting thing is that God's word talks about waiting on God when we are afflicted, in distress, troubled in our heart, and discouraged. God looks beyond the things on the surface of life that stress us out, and sees our deepest need. Confess your sin, ask Him to forgive you, and obey His word in your life. He will give you the courage to face your fears, will strengthen your heart, and will come through for you. He will lift you up out of the mire and will direct your goings.

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

Turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I [am] desolate and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: [O] bring me out of my distresses.

O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Psalm 25:11, 16-17, 20-21

[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.

Psalm 40:1-2

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalm 130:5

Stay in Christ, and stay in His word. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Trust in the Lord and His word. Walk in the Lord and His word.

Wait on the Lord. He is faithful and He takes care of His own.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Guilty of sinning against God, or Not Guilty?

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
- Hebrews 9:27

So what will the verdict be in God's courtroom when you make your appearance? Guilty, or Not Guilty?

We are all guilty of sinning against God. We are all horrible sinners by God's righteous standard.

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."- Romans 3:23
"There is none righteous, no not one."- Romans 3:10
"But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags;"
- Isaiah 64:6

What hope is there for us when we stand before the Almighty, the judge of all mankind? We have no legitimate excuse for our conduct, and even we if we did, we are guilty nonetheless.

Yet the Bible tells us that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8).

Therefore by the deeds of the law [i.e., doing right things] there shall no flesh be justified [i.e., delcared righteous, or in right standing with God] in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely [i.e., being declared righteous, in right standing with God] by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation [payment for our sin; ransom that frees us from the penalty and power of sin] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission [i.e., forgiveness] of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus [i.e., one who declares those that trust in Christ to be righteous, and in right standing with God].

Romans 3:20-26

So what will the verdict be when those of us that have repented of our sins and trusted in Christ for our salvation appear before God? NOT GUILTY!

Therefore being justified [i.e., declared righteous, declared in right standing with God] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5:1, 9

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Are you a Rough Rider or a Weary Walker?

Would someone looking at your zeal for Christ describe you more as a rough rider, or a weary walker? Some of you are probably thinking that regardless of what some might say, you definitely feel like a weary walker! Well, take heart. It is the faithful weary walkers that are the true rough riders.


This photograph is a picture of the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment that went to Cuba to fight in the Spanish American War. Their first commander was Colonel Woods. Due to transport difficulties they were shipped without their horses, and they had to fight on foot. Their original nickname was Wood's Weary Walkers. It was later under their second commander Teddy Roosevelt that they became known as Roosevelt's Rough Riders.

So cheer up all you weary walkers! You'll eventually get your horses, and you will be among those rough riders that follow Christ into the decisive battle at the end of the age:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. - Revelation 19:11, 13-14

In the mean time, we must be content to fight on foot:

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) - 2 Corinthians 5:7

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.- Galatians 5:16, 25

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them [good works for Christ]. - Ephesians 2:10

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:2, 8

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him [Christ Jesus]:
Colossians 2:6

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

Walk, my brothers and sisters, walk! And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall get our horses (Galatians 6:9).

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Okay, Lord, How about putting another 12 hours in the day?

Here I am working on this 'post', eight hours later than I had planned for today, I still have several things to do before the church service tonight, haven't seen my wife, Claudia, since early last evening, and let's see . . . the hour hand indicates it's about 43 o'clock!

Have you ever felt like you'd already put in 43 hours in your day, and you still had lots of stuff left to do? How often do you stop and take inventory, asking yourself where the time has gone? Actually, that's sort of like asking, "Where has the money gone?"

The truth is, that like our money, our waking time just doesn't slip away. It is spent! At times, we may feel like we have little choice where our waking time or money is to be spent, but the fact remains that we choose how to spend it.

In fact, the Bible says that we can, and must redeem the time! That means that there is a way for us to pay a ransom, and set time free so that it can come back to us, and not get away from us.

The Greek word, eks-ä-go-rä'-zō , appears four times in the New Testament, and is translated 'redeem', which means to set someone/something free to come back to us by paying a ransom. It is used twice in Galatians where we are told that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13, 4:5), and it is used twice to tell us to redeem the time.

We can, and must pay a price to allow time to come back to us, and not be out there somewhere, constantly slipping through our fingers. Ephesians 5:15-17 tell us that the ransom we must pay is to walk circumspectly, walk in the will of the Lord, walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus, and to watch what we speak. It is a steep price, but it is price that God commands up to pay.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;- Ephesians 5:15-18

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. - Colossians 4:5-6

We must not be so consumed with our own plans and projects, and our own desires and goals, that we neglect considering the ramifications of our choices, words, and deeds throughout the day. We must not be so anxious to meet the demands of others around us that we neglect to seek and do the will of God. We must be filled with the Spirit of God, as this is the only way that we be able to do the will of God.

Lord, grant me the knowledge of your will, and the power to carry it out.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

Have You Made Your Missionary Prayer Cards for Your Family?

Your family's missionary prayer card might read, "Please pray for the Beck family as they serve God in Port St. John, Florida".

After all you and your family ARE MISSIONARIES, aren't you?

The primary meaning of the word "mission" is, 'a body of persons sent to establish relations with a foreign group', or the work to be performed by this dispatched (i.e., sent out) body of persons.

We therefore, tend to think of missionaries as those that represent Christ in foregin countries. But we are not sent out to reach people that are foreigners to us, but to people that are foreigners to God (i.e., unbelievers). All of us as Christians are therefore pilgrims living among foreigners here on this earth.

These [i.e., the faithful of God in times past] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, . . . Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, . . . they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:11-12

Missionaries are the members of a 'sent out' body, and since the church of Jesus Christ is a body of persons that has been sent out as ambassadors to a foreign group (i.e., the unbelievers of this world), the church is a mission group that has a mission, and we, as members of the church of Jesus Christ, are therefore missionaries.

The first body of persons sent out by the Lord were the original twelve apostles (i.e., 'sent out ones')

"These twelve Jesus sent forth" (Matthew 10:5). "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" (John 20:21-22).

But Jesus sending out the original twelve disciples was just the beginning. Jesus said that every one that believes on Him and abides in His Word is truly a disciple. (John 8:31). He didn't just give the power of His Holy Spirit to the original twelve, but promised the power of His Holy Spirit to the whole church, and that includes YOU!

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost world in which we reside.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a proclaimer?
And how shall they proclaim, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Romans 10:13-15

Reaching the lost can be challenging, and even dangerous, but we must be committed to the mission.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

Pray that you will be a faithful missionary as part of your mission team, the church.

And take a few moments to pray for, and even write to, those missionaries that are in prison for the gospel of Christ. There is a web site called http://www.prisoneralert.com/ where you can pray for imprisoned Christians such as Gulsher Masih and his daughter Sandul Bibi, who have been recently arrested in Pakistan and charged with violating their Moslem law that prohibits blasphemy.

And write me if you would like help in putting together your own family missionary prayer card so that you can pass them out to friends so that they will remember to pray for you as you serve the Lord where you are for the cause of Christ.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

How do you get up there?

There is a place high above our circumstances and the craziness of life, where our God dwells, and where we can dwell as His children.


But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 2:4-6

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Colossians 1:13

Most of us know some Christians that live 'up there' with the Lord, high above their circumstances, and who have the peace and the joy of the Lord in spite of what life dishes out. But some of us wonder, "Just how did they get up there?"

Like moutain goats on the rocks, they stand tall and strong in the midst of life's storms.

We know that God wants us to be stable, to have our feet firmly planted on the rock of Christ and His word. Most of us know that God doesn't want us to be easily shaken, dislodged, or moved. But sometimes just getting up to the top of that rock seems like an insurmountable challenge. Forget worrying about not being moved from our post, how do we get up there to begin with? When someone tells you not to lose your spiritual footing, you're thinking, "What footing?"

It would be like someone telling me not to lose my focus with respect to my eating and excercise habits. What habits? My only habit right now there is my habit of not having any habits!

Is that the answer, then? Habits and displines? Do I just need to work harder at being a better Christian? Is my problem that I don't pray enough, read my Bible enough, witness enough? Is that why I'm not up there on the rock above my circumstances?

Read God's Word again, and you tell me:

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:4-6

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13

Do you see it? If you are in Christ, just as surely as He is risen and at the right hand of the Father, you are risen and sitting in heavenly places with Him. You are already on top of that rock!


He makes my feet like hinds' [feet], and sets me upon my high places.
Psalm 18:33

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5

He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Because you have made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, your dwelling place [i.e., habitation];
Psalm 91:1, 9

Dwell in Christ, and you will be dwelling up there on that high rock, above life's circumstances and craziness. Christ is up there, and yet He is in also down here in you. You are down here, and yet you are also up there in Christ. In every circumstance give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).

Think on Christ, thank Christ, and enjoy the view!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

Don't Step where you shouldn't Step!

Life is like a walk in the shallow waters of the ocean. There is much soft sand, and many safe places for your feet, but there are also many times and places where one wrong step could result in you stepping on something sharp, slipping on something slimy, or getting stung or bit by something unexpectedly.

Ponder the paths of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil.- Proverbs 4:26-27

How do we keep from stepping where we shouldn't step? There is no way to see or predict everything that is under the water when we take a walk in the ocean, and so it is with life. How do we know where not to step? The answer is to be rooted and grounded in Christ.

Yesterday I mentioned that there is a Hebrew word "mote" that means to totter, shake, slip, fall, be moved, be turned aside, be dislodged, or be greatly shaken. (It's not a hard word to remember if you think of our English words, 'demote' and 'promote', which both have 'mote' at their root since both involve moving someone. Be glad your Lord wants to promote you, and not demote you!- Jeremiah 29:11)

King David understood both spiriutal defeat and spiritual victory, and he knew the key to not stepping in places that would cause us to 'mote' (i.e., slip, fall, stumble, be shaken, be dislodged, be turned aside).

I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalm 16:8

Now, look at this mighty prayer of David:

You have proven my heart; you have visited [me] in the night; you have tried me, [and] shall find nothing; I am purposed [that] my mouth shall not transgress.

Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips (i.e., the Word of God) I have kept myself [from] the paths of the destroyer.

Hold up my goings in your paths, [that] my footsteps slip not.

I have called upon you, for you will hear me, O God: incline your ear unto me, [and hear] my speech.

Show your marvellous lovingkindness, O you that saves by your right hand them which put their trust [in you] from those that rise up [against them].

Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings

Psalm 17:3-8

What walks have you been taking lately in your mind and heart? In your daydreams, your thoughts, your desires? If the Lord spent some special time with you today to discuss the desires and aspirations that you have been pondering most lately, would He find no fault with you? Do you just want God's protection in your life, or do you also want God's will in your life?

Those of us that are God's children are the apple of His eye. Let's do our part to not walk down paths where we shouldn't walk, and not step where we know we shouldn't step, and let's trust our Heavenly Father to protect us from those unseen or unexpected dangers, as we faithfully serve Him under the shadow of His wings.

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.

How Stable Are You?

We talk about some people not being mentally or emotionally stable, but what about spiritual stability? How spiritually stable are you?

You don't find out how stable you are until you are shaken by someone or something. Then you find out how grounded you really are.

Healthy trees that have strong deep roots can withstand amazing storms and wind velocities. Healthy trees bear good and much fruit. Unhealthy trees with shallow root systems are easily uprooted, and don't bear the fruit that they could if they were healthy.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us:

"Blessed is the person that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river . . . nor will it cease from yielding fruit."

Are you trusting in the Lord for your salvation and for your spiritual growth? How are you doing in your walk with Christ?

We live in a day and age where we are encouraged to be self-made and self-sufficient. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our spiritual destiny and well-being relies on our good works, rather than living a life of faith. Do you trust in the Lord for your salvation? ("By grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast"- Ephesians 2:8-9). If so, are you trusting in the Lord to grow you spiritually and cause you to bear lots of good fruit in your life? ("Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect [i.e., mature] by the flesh [i.e., your own accomplishments and doings]?"- Galatians 3:3)

Many of us have had great starts spiritually at one time or another in our lives, but we have been uprooted or derailed by life's storms, tragedies, or trials. Jesus, Himself warned us in His parable of the sower that this could happen:

"But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:20-22)

Have you been stumbling around lately? How has your fruit been? Would most people around you describe you as someone that is Christ-centered in your conversation, and Christ-like in your behavior? (e.g., compassionate, patient, forgiving, kind, merciful, gracious, long-suffering)

Christ said, "Abide in Me . . . As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4)

"Then Jesus said . . . If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." (John 8:31)

God wants us to abide in Christ, and the foundation of any good relationship is trust and truth. We therefore must recognize that being grounded in the Word of God is essential to being spiritually grounded and growing a strong spiritual root system.

There is a Hebrew word "mote" that means to totter, shake, slip, be moved, be overthrown, be dislodged, fall, or be greatly shaken. God does not want any of us to be 'moted'. He wants us to be well-grounded, and rooted in Christ.

My prayer for you is that, "Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, . . . May be able to . . . know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19)

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Be rooted and grounded in Christ, in His Word, and in His love. Be spiritually stable!

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.

What have you done with God's invitation?

Have you received any invitations lately? And if so, what did you do with your invitation? Did you know that you have received an invitation to dine with God (i.e., have personal fellowship with Him)? However, it is not enough to receive the invitation. We must show up!

In Luke 14:15-27 Jesus tells of a parable where many people were invited to a banquet, but had all sorts of excuses as to why they couldn't make it. In this parable Jesus makes a shocking statement:

If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:26-27

Jesus is making the point that our devotion to God must be absolute and total. God, not our family, MUST BE OUR TOP PRIORITY if we are going to be his true disciples, and we must be willing to make whatever sacrifice neceesary to obey God's invitation and call on our lives. If we are not careful, even our family can be an excuse for ignoring God's invitation and call on our lives.

And then there are those that do show up, but don't show up properly dressed. In Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus tells a parable of many people that were invited to a wedding banquet. However, someone did not have on the proper garment and was cast away. It is not enough to just show up, we must show up properly dressed. Jesus said many are called (i.e., invited), but few are chosen (i.e., members of that elite group that ultimately sit down to enjoy the blessings of the invitation- personal fellowship with the Heavenly Father!). You may be one of the many invited ones, but are you one of God's chosen? Are you one of those that showed up properly dressed? Are you one of those that are dining at the table of God?

The only acceptable attire at the table of God is the pure white robe of the righteousness of Christ.

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 3:9
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:5
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9-10

And then, there are those that answer the invitation, show up properly dressed, but don't stay at the table. They end up secluding themselves and allowing shame, heartache, or other thoughts and emotions to prevent them from staying in close fellowship with the Lord. Jesus is at your door as you read this, knocking and wishing to renew your relationship and once again enjoy that sweet fellowship you used to have.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20

So where do you fall in all this? Have answered God's invitation to fellowship with Him? Have you put on the robe of righteousness in Christ through faith in the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from all sin? Have you withdrawn from the banqueting table where the Father and the people of God enjoy great fellowship? Whereever you are, Jesus is asking you to let Him sit down with you again, and rebuild, restore, and renew that sweet fellowship/communion of the Spirit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.