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“Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace.”

“Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war has actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” March 23, 1775; A speech by Patrick Henry made at the Second Virginia Convention at St. Johns Church in Richmond, Virginia.

I remember learning of Patrick Henry in school. As a kid I often wondered what was special about liberty. I also often wondered why Patrick Henry chose not to use the term/idea of “freedom”. It honestly wasn’t until within the last few years that I revisited these ponderings, but with a new understanding from a biblical perspective. First, let’s define the two terms. Liberty—the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. Freedom—the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

According to The Jefferson Perceptive: Commentary on Today’s Social and Political Issues

Based on the Writings of Thomas Jefferson (http://eyler.freeservers.com/JeffPers/jefpco26.htm) “One should distinguish between the terms ‘freedom’ and ‘liberty.’ Speaking generally, Freedom usually means to be free from something, whereas Liberty usually means to be free to do something, although both refer to the quality or state of being free. Jefferson’s use of the terms almost always reflected those meanings. Thus, he never spoke of freedom as a right, though liberty is listed in the Declaration as one of our inalienable rights.”

It seems to me that Liberty encompasses Freedom. Regarding scripture, both words/concepts are used in Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18. Yes, Jesus is quoting the scroll of Isaiah in Luke 4, but Hebrew doesn’t always equal Greek, and English, well I’ll behave myself. We get a fuller understanding for what Christ did on the Cross for us in Romans 6:22, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.” We have been “freed” from sin, “freed” from bondage through the power of Christ on the Cross. With this freedom through Christ we can now approach God’s throne with “Liberty”! Encompassing the Christ relationship is a freedom to approach the Throne of Grace with Liberty, that is, without FEAR of judgment from God’s Wrath.

In conclusion, Jude vs24-25, “24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

In Christ,
Pastor Bryan

Helping Hands – List of Community Needs

Helping Hands continues its mission to help those less fortunate in the Beckley/Raleigh County area and your support has been greatly appreciated. They are still in need of non-perishable food items, toilet paper, bar soap and summer clothing. There is also a great need for volunteers to work one day a week Tuesday through Friday. See Edna Nasby and let her know when you can help.

Operation Christmas Child: Important Changes

Some important changes have taken place these past few months that will impact our church and how we are involved in Operation Christmas Child this year and for the foreseeable future.

In years past, we were the collection center for the Beckley/Raleigh County area which meant that the churches in our area brought their shoeboxes to us, we cartooned them up and took them to the main collection point in Princeton.

The gentleman who ran that main collection center has retired from the OCC ministry and that location will no longer be our central drop off point. The central point has been moved to the Assembly of God church right here in Beckley on Sunset Road approximately two miles from our church. After discussing this with our area leaders, it was decided that having two drop off points so close two each other would not be practical and a mutual decision was reached to close our location and move the drop off location to Calvary Assembly.

In a nutshell, this means that we would do our own shoeboxes and then deliver them to Calvary in November. However, Calvary will still be needing some help during collection week but that’s not until November. The mission of OCC hasn’t and never will change and that mission is to spread the name of Jesus to children around the world through the power of a simple shoebox.

Now for your June challenge. We’re starting something new and that’s called the $5.00 challenge. What we are collecting this month is toothbrushes, combs and children’s scissors. What I need you to do is purchase one of each of these three items and spend no more than $5.00. If you shop at the right stores, this can be done. In the event that you can’t or don’t want to do the leg work, I will gladly take your donation and shop for you. This way it’s not too much of a financial burden on anyone and helps fill our shoeboxes.

As always, please keep this ministry in your prayers as they are delivering these shoeboxes to countries and children around the world and remember YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH THE POWER OF A SIMIPLE SHOEBOX. God bless you all !!

The Backpack Pantry is Almost Empty

School is out and I am sure our Backpack Children are looking forward to sleeping late and spending their days playing.

Our Backpack pantry is almost empty so we will shop all summer to restock it with good healthy food for the next school term. We try to find bargains but as we all know there are very few. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and friends we will be able to purchase what we need. Thanks to everyone who has donated food, money and prayers to our Backpack Ministry. May God Bless Each One of You!

For the month of June please donate 12oz. jars of peanut butter.

ABW: Join Us!

Our ladies meet the first Thursday of every month 12 :15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We have several mission projects that we are working on and would love to have you join us. Our “undie Sunday” project is going well. each month. We ask the congregation the last Sunday of each month to bring in underwear and socks for children. These items are taken over to Helping Hands and distributed from there.

Courage

Joshua 2:11 Rahab Shelters Spies

When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.

1 Samuel 4:9 Philistines Take the Ark in Victory

Take courage and be men, O Philistines, or you will become slaves to the Hebrews, as they have been slaves to you; therefore, be men and fight.”

The two passages above are two separate usages of the word “courage” in our English language, but the Hebrew words are different and the contexts are different. Joshua 2:11 is from the perspective of an individual outside of fellowship with YHWH hearing of the Great deeds of YHWH and the other is reminding those that walk with YHWH also have the One True God. So what can we learn from these two verses in the context and the source thereof?

Joshua 2:11 the word translated here for courage is רוּחַ/ruwach—used 378 times in the Hebrew text. 232 times it has been translated into Spirit/spirit. This is the same exact word used in Genesis 1:2, “…And the Spirit of God moved upon the waters.” It is translated “courage” once! Rahab uses this word to explain to the two spies that absolutely no courage/spirit could be found in any man because of them. In other words, she confessed her realization that their God, YHWH is the one true God, the Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all that exists; for without the ruwach/Spirit of YHWH there is nothing else that could remain in anyone, for they are all false gods.

Which brings us to 1 Samuel 4:9, “Take courage”/חָזַק/chazaq—this word is used 290 times, strong 48 times; repair 47 times; hold 37 times; strengthened 28 times; strengthen 14 times. In the context of 1 Samuel it serves as a reminder of the strength of God and with whom He supports, at least to those that have fellowship with Him. Since they are serving the One True God they must remind themselves of His strength thus in turn have strength also!

Two separate uses of the English word “courage.” What is the take away?

First, if your trust, courage, hope and faith are placed into anything other than YHWH, then you actually have no trust, courage, hope and faith in you at all. It’s all vain and fruitless.

Second, if you place your trust, courage, hope and faith in God/YHWH you must remind yourselves of His promises. Deuteronomy 31:6, “6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Blessings! Pastor Bryan

200 Millionth Shoebox!

Last month in Orlando, Florida, people gathered from over 150 nations to celebrate the 200 millionth shoebox being distributed and what a weekend it was. There was a time of praise and worship, many workshops and just gathering with people at the receiving end of these shoeboxes. They shared their stories of the children receiving their box along with the program “The Greatest Journey” which outlines for the children how they can give their life to Christ and gives them an opportunity at the end of the program to “graduate” and hopefully share their lessons with their families. This ministry has grown tremendously in the last 25 years and with your help will continue to grow and reach out to children in previously unreachable countries and share the love of Jesus. This ministry works 365 days a year to spread the gospel.

Last month I asked for small toys such as jump ropes, small balls or a small doll and that’s what we are asking for again. The dollar stores are your best bet to shop for these items. There is a box located in the Welcome Center for your donations.

Backpack Kids: Counting the Days

I am sure our Backpack children are counting down the days left until summer vacation. The school calendar shows June 6 as the last day. We have provided food every week to ensure our children will have enough to eat during the weekends.

Thanks to everyone who has donated food, money and prayers for our backpack children. May God Bless each one of you!


For the month of May, please donate Ramen Noodles.

Help!

Our children’s group is growing and we have big plans for this year. We still need volunteers to teach during the morning worship service. Our children are the future of our church and they need to be taught and encouraged to follow the way Jesus lived and that He died for them. So please contact Megan Knight and let her know when you can help.