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We live in a culture of subjective beliefs. We often hear in some form or fashion, “What may be wrong for you doesn’t mean it’s wrong for me.” In other words, sin has been tossed into the basket of pick and choose relativism. God’s Word, however tells us that sin is serious business. In a newspaper article from the mid nineteen nineties, Gary Richmond, a former zoo director tells a story about a friend of his who owned a pet raccoon. In the article, Richmond warned his friend Julie that raccoons go through a glandular change at about twenty four months old. It is at that time that they have often been known to attack their owners. Richmond recalls Julie saying, “It will be different for me, Bandit would never hurt me, he just wouldn’t.” Three months later, Julie underwent plastic surgery for facial lacerations given to her by her pet raccoon. Believers and unbelievers alike can fall into the trap of the deceptiveness of sin. Sin comes clothed in an appealing manner. It promises more than it can deliver. It takes us into deeper problems than we ever thought it could. And the price it extracts is far greater than we could possibly ever imagine. Psalm 119:11 tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” God’s Word is our shield against the self-deceptive notion that, “It will be different for me.” We are called to be different for God’s glory. His Word, His Power and His Spirit will give us the victory and make us different in the best sense of the word! Blessings, Dr. Joe

Striving for other people’s approval can be quite problematic. We can become victims of a self-induced seesaw ride of ups and downs. Our emotional stability is placed at the mercy of our up-to-the-minute approval or disapproval rating. This is not only emotionally unhealthy, it is also highly unbiblical. As believers in Jesus Christ, we already have God’s approval. The Apostle Paul states in I Thessalonians 2:4 that, “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” When we live under the blessing of God’s approval, we are free to MINISTER to people instead of focusing on our own need for approval and affirmation. And God doesn’t submit his children to their latest popularity poll. Our test is not based on the approval of others but on our faithfulness to God and his Word. We need to be careful. We live in a world filled with conflictive views and unbiblical values. Many have bowed at the altar of worldly approval and compromised the eternal truth of God’s Word. The fact is that some people will choose not to like us simply because we submit to Jesus and his Word. But, “we speak as men approved by God.” Thankfully, our identity is found in the true and living God of the universe. Our ultimate worth is found in Him. May the evidence of his approval and grace be found in each day as, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” Blessings, Dr. Joe

Years ago, churches reached children through their parents. Today, one of the most effective ways to reach parents is through their children. June is Vacation Bible School month. We will hold our 2018 VBS on June 25-29. We offer any child in our community the opportunity to enjoy a truly life-changing week. There will be crafts, music, activities and of course Bible lessons. All of our VBS students are exposed to the Gospel. For many of our students, this is the only time during the entire year that they come into contact with the Bible and God’s message of salvation. We have a couple of hundred volunteer church members that staff our VBS each year. They love the Lord and they love children. The children growing up in our world today are classified by demographics as ‘Gen Z’. They are the children born between the years 2000 and 2018. They are a generation growing up in what is classified as post-Christian America. More than ever, each of us must prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit of God can use us to connect this generation to Jesus. It could be a child in our neighborhood, a child of a co-worker, or someone we meet in a check-out line. Let’s all keep our eyes open for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and leadership. Sometimes, all it takes is an invitation from a friendly face. The cost for a student to attend the entire week of VBS is free. The cost for them not to be exposed to this gospel-centered week is incalculable. Blessings, Dr. Joe

The dynamics of self improvement or ‘getting better’ through physical exercise are measured in different ways. For instance, at the end of a workout on an elliptical machine, we can measure our latest average per mile speed by using the timer clock on the machine. We can also measure our ability to lift heavier weights by simply referring to the pounds reference number inscribed on the barbell. In the physical world, it is relatively easy to determine whether or not we are faster and stronger. When it comes to measuring spiritual growth, God employs many interesting monitoring tools. These tools can best be described an ‘little things.’ In Luke 16:10 Jesus tells us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” How we handle ’little things’ is important to God. For instance, how we handle disappointments can be quite revealing to Him. Our attitude in dealing with such things reveals whether or not we are growing in Him. Do we allow ’little things’ to make us bitter or better? God desires for all of His children to grow in grace and dependence on Him. He wants to expand our spiritual ministry territory and give us more responsibility. First, however, God wants us to be responsible with the ’little things’. All of us encounter all kinds of ’little thing’ opportunities throughout the day. Little opportunities to pray, encourage someone, witness or be a good Samaritan are just a few examples. Every day is a composition of many ’little things’. ’Little things’ are not little to God. ’Little things’ matter to God and we are blessed when we allow ’little things’ to matter to us. Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Blessings, Dr. Joe

Battles are an inevitable part of life. Believers are not exempt from problems and struggles. We should not be surprised. Jesus clearly states in John 16:33 that we are living in a troubled world. In fact, in this passage, Jesus promises that we will have troubles. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It is important to remember two significant truths when we find ourselves in the midst of a ‘battle’. The first truth has to do with Satan. He wants to destroy us through the ‘battle’. The second truth has to do with Jesus. He wants to develop us through the ‘battle’! That is why he has left us the precious promises found in John 16:33. “In me you may have peace.” Not the absence of problems, but the presence of peace. Jesus also told us to “Take heart.” That is, don’t give up, don’t let go, and don’t be overcome with discouragement. Why? Because our peace is found in the one who has overcome the world. In Him, we are not overcome, we are overcomers. He is our victory! Blessings, Dr. Joe

I've enjoyed the last eight weeks of preaching through the Armor of God series from Ephesians 6. Of course, one of the most integral pieces of armor in this passage is the "Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." If you are looking to get more out of your daily Bible reading, there are three simple things that you can do. First, talk to the passage. No I'm not crazy. What I mean is ask questions of the passage. You can start with who, what, where, why and when. Then you can ask specific questions regarding meaning, context and the big idea. Second, record your answers. By writing down this information you gain at least two things. You will remember what you studied longer and you will be blessed to see what the Holy Spirit has taught you. Third, you should act. Acting on God's Word is the practical outcome of the two previously mentioned dynamics. God expects his disciples to follow his principles, precepts and ways. It's reading for change in behavior, attitude and actions. God's word is filled with wonder. Ponder the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 119:18: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Blessings, Dr. Joe

The Apostle Paul, like us, wasn’t perfect. Over the course of his life he learned to make wise decisions. God designed our minds and gave us the Holy Spirit and His infallible Word to enable us to grow and learn. Think about how many things that we have learned to do well in the aftermath of a poor or unbiblical decision. Good decisions come from experience. Experience often comes by way of bad decisions. Poor decisions however, don’t have to remain a life sentence. Like Paul, we can all learn to make wise decisions. One of the great scriptural life lessons that Paul learned is found in Philippians 4:11 where he states, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Paul learned that the foundation for contentment is not based on some other person’s possessions, gifts or personality. He learned to base his contentment on his relationship in Christ. Circumstances change. Christ never changes. So Paul could be content with very little or with very much. Who we are in Christ is eternal. Who we are in the things of the world is temporal and fleeting. Discontentment is unbiblical because it slanders God’s character. It places the value of other gods above the value of the true and living God. Fortunately God is patient with us. And His grace and mercy has allowed us, even today, like Paul to “Be content whatever the circumstances.” Blessings, Dr. Joe

Happy New Year! That one phrase was probably uttered billions of times around the world as the clock struck twelve on New Year's Eve. The fact is that no one except for God knows what is in store for us in 2018. However, the Word of God informs us that there are some significant things that we can do to keep more of the 'Happy' in Happy New Year. First, we should take the opportunity to ask ourselves, "Who influences us?" Our relationships to others is extremely important. Do we have godly friends who can speak truth into our lives? A friend who is willing to love us enough to tell us the truth, even when it is uncomfortable, is a true friend indeed. Proverbs 27:6 tells us that, "The wounds from a friend can be trusted." Second, we all need loyal friends. No doubt, all of us will experience a measure of disappointment and perhaps even failure of some sort in 2018. Loyal friends are there for us in life's most difficult seasons. Once again, the Word of God tells us in Proverbs 17:17, "a friend loves at all times." Third, we need friends who strive to be 'thermostats' not 'thermometers'. Thermostats set temperature. Friends who are Christian thermostats help us refuel when we are feeling drained. They also encourage us when they see the Lord's work flowing from our lives. Or, as Hebrews 10:24 says, they "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Last, and perhaps most important - while we all need friends that exhibit these qualities, there is another significant element to the equation. It's us. We will all have a happier, spiritually prosperous New Year as we practice being THIS kind of friend to others! Blessings, Dr. Joe

Lawndale is pleased to announce that Jon Boling will begin serving as our new Associate Pastor of Senior Adults beginning January 2018. With extensive education and ministry experience - as well as strong, long term roots in our church, Jon will bring a dynamic presence to our senior adult ministry. Please make it a priority to welcome, pray for, and get to know Jon and his family in the coming weeks.

It was December 25, 1914. In the book titled Christmas Truce, that day was called “The most famous truce in military history.” British and German troops put down their firearms and peacefully celebrated Christmas together between the trenches. A quote from Private Oswald Tilly, a British infantry soldier, in a letter to his parents recounts the remarkable day. “Just you think that while you were eating turkey, etc., I was out talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!” It is said the Generals and high command officers were shocked at what happened there on the battlefield. Their diaries expressed anxiety because they felt that this type of bizarre behavior could quell their troops’ willingness to fight. No wonder. They witnessed their soldiers exchanging gifts, sharing addresses and playing soccer together. As recorded in history, the sentiment of the Angels of Luke 2, who called out “Peace on earth,” overshadowed the fighting and killing for 24 hours. Sadly, in the aftermath of World War I, eight million soldiers and an estimated twelve million civilians died. Peace on earth has been proven to be out of the reach of mere mortals. It is the Divine Savior of the world who came down from heaven to earth that first Christmas day that brings lasting peace. I pray that both you and your family will celebrate Christmas 2017 with the deepest gratitude for the Savior who came to earth to die for our sins. HE IS our lasting peace. HE IS our only peace. Blessings, Dr. Joe

Some of you remember the days when your parents or grandparents covered their upholstered furniture in clear plastic. Several of my childhood friends had ‘living’ rooms in their homes that never got used. You could LOOK at the ‘living’ room but you could not use it. Kind of crazy for a room that is designated as a ‘living’ room. Perhaps the term ‘show’ room would have been a more accurate description of such rooms. And IF you ever did get to sit on such furniture you quickly learned that it was hot and sticky. Not to mention that after a few years, the clear plastic covering turned into a clingy yellowish color, like the color of a nicotine stained finger. In my estate sale escapades over the years, I have run across some of these plastic covered relics from the past. Upon spotting them, I’ve wondered if the deceased owners could do it all over again, would they have made it more about the ‘living’ room rather than the ‘show’ room. In Galatians 5:22,23 we are given a list of nine fruits of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Fruit, like furniture is meant to be shared. No one has ever heard of a fruit show room. And God’s fruit is good fruit. It is nutritious. It restores health and vitality. It is good for the ‘body’. God never intended for his children to leave his fruit on the shelf. He expects us to share it. What a blessing it is to take advantage of the opportunities before us to bless others while we can. Fruit has a shelf life, so let’s use it while we are able. There are no ‘do-over’ once they are holding our estate sales. Blessings, Dr. Joe

My calling from God is to preach and teach his whole counsel and watch over the flock that he purchased with his blood. Therefore, my intent in writing this article is not to step on toes; that’s God’s business. He does the ‘toe stepping’ through the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit. That being stated, I would like to have a frank discussion about money. Today, as you well know, many nations, including ours, no longer function with manageable debt. Reckless borrowing has placed citizens around the world in grave danger. I don’t need to cite examples because anyone who is breathing is well aware of this sizeable problem. What concerns me on another level is the reckless borrowing going on in homes across our nation. And the church is not immune to it. A number of true believers have gotten themselves into deep trouble by renting their prosperity. Anytime we disregard God’s redemptive principles for our lives we wind up hurting ourselves, our families and our effectiveness as Christians. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” Unmanageable debt makes a horrible master. It puts marriages in peril. It threatens the security of the family. The strain of debt can lead to substance abuse and all the problems associated with it. As believers, we can expect to be attacked by those ‘outside the church.’ We need to do everything possible to make sure that our homes are not under attack from the inside due to our unbiblical decisions. If you would like to seek some redemptive solutions and advice for debt reduction, please know that any of our pastoral staff would love to meet with you. With God’s help, there is a way out. Blessings, Dr. Joe