A Message from Martinsburg: The Church In The New Year
By Rev. Larry Thompson, Pastor
In the dawning days of this New Year, as the winds of political, cultural and spiritual upheaval continue to swirl around us, we are presented with the perfect opportunity to refocus on the eternality and sovereignty of Almighty God. I say this, because the root problem in America today is not political or cultural, but spiritual. There exists no real fear (reverence/awe) of God or His word in the hearts and minds of millions of Americans.
The key to reversing all of this is the pulpit of America’s local churches. The eternality of God and the truth of His sovereign word must ring forth with renewed conviction and clarity. The Bible is very clear on this, “Thy word is true from the beginning (from eternity): and every one of thy righteousness judgements (laws) endures forever (Psalm 119:160).” As pastors, we are commanded to “take heed” of ourselves and to the flocks of Christ that have, for a season, been placed in our trust. We must shepherd (feed) the church of God, because it has been purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28).
The Apostle Peter expands upon the eternality of God’s word in 2 Peter 1:20-21: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation; for the prophecy came not in (any) time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (of God).” The Apostle Paul firms everything up in 2 Tim.3:16: “All scripture is given by the inspiration (breath) of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof (exposure of error), for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
The Bible also says, “All men (mankind) have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the penalty of sin is death (physical and spiritual), but the gift of God is eternal life through (in) Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.3:23; 6:23).” Jesus says in His own words, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father (eternal life), but by me (John 14:6).” The glorious resurrection of Jesus conquered, forever, the “sting” of death and the “victory” of the grave (1 Cor.15:55)!” The word of God is very clear, there is no escape from the penalty of sin, if we neglect God’s great salvation in Jesus Christ (Heb.2:3).”
God’s word to America and her people is very clear: “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Prov.14:34).” Our hope does not rest in the empty and fleeting words of politicians, cultural activists, or historical revisionists, but in the awesome, eternal and sovereign word of the one living and true God. Let us “take heed.”
Larry Thompson, Pastor
Martinsburg Church of Bruin