The One Who Overcomes Will Rule with Authority

The One Who Overcomes Will Rule with Authority

When I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, we had no air conditioning and the summer was brutal. We lived on streets that were paved black asphalt, with sidewalks made of concrete. In the summertime, the streets would absorb the heat all day long and then radiate it during the night. When we went to bed we had the windows wide open with the hope that there would be some breeze to cool us down. I slept in the least clothes I could and I don’t even recall having a fan. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and the sheets were wet from my sweat. But, that’s the way it was. We had no recourse. We had to ‘tolerate’ the hot summers in the city.

In those days, ’tolerate’ meant “to accept or endure (something or someone unpleasant or disliked) with forbearance.” It had a different emphasis then. Unfortunately, ‘tolerate’ today is primarily emphasized this way, “to allow without question any different opinion without interference or opposing opinion”.

Today, we must ‘tolerate’ the opinions of everyone concerning politics, bringing up children, marriage, divorce, sexual orientation, and even Biblical teachings, without our opinion mattering. I just read an article about a church which “had a “Drag Sunday” a couple of weeks ago, in which drag artists sang, prayed, and performed. A drag speaker during the service said the goal was “celebrating and uplifting the voices of drag artistry within the church. Drag itself, the speaker said, is ’divine’”. According to the trending world view of progressive America, we should not state that this kind of lifestyle is contrary to Biblical truth. We are ‘intolerant’ if we do.

The Church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) was a church that had a history of “deeds…love…faith…service…perseverance” but they tolerated teachings of sexual immorality and idol worshipping. Jesus warned them and then exhorted them to “hold firmly to the end”. This was the promise which
Jesus gave to them. “The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE
POTTER ARE SHATTERED, as I also have received [authority] from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.” (Rev 2:26-28 NASB)

According to the Bible, we are all heirs of Christ, all entering into the millennial kingdom and the New Heaven and Earth with Him for eternity. However, each of us will have different roles in that kingdom based on the good works we performed while in our mortal bodies. The “overcomer” in Revelation 2 and 3 is one who lives the walk of a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and will receive rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Some will simply enter the kingdom, but others will share in the rulership of the kingdom as co-regents with the King of Kings.

The “one who overcomes” in this promise will be given very powerful authority over the nations. The “morning star” which Jesus refers to could be understood this way. “The Lord is promising the overcomer that he will share His royalty and splendor as the morning star. First, the Lord said that the overcomer would be given a dominion like His own (cf. 2:27b) “as I also have received [authority] from My Father”), and so here in 2:28, the overcomer will be given a rule and splendor like that of the Lord’s. In this promise the Lord promises a dominion and splendor just like His own.” (Studies in Revelation, J. Hampton Keathley III)

It is incomprehensible to me to imagine being a co-ruler with Jesus Christ, but that’s what He promises to “the one who overcomes”. We may not seek that role this side of the kingdom, but what a glorious eternity it will be for “the one who overcomes”. All of us should be working now to achieve the rewards promised to “the one who overcomes”. The Lord will decide what role we play in His kingdom. This is the time to evaluate your devotion to following Jesus Christ daily.

An Australian pastor, Stephen McAlpine says, “there is a culture, which is highly evangelistic and actively hostile to our orthodox standards of living. It considers sexual ‘freedom’ and ‘authenticity’ to be vital to personal and social flourishing. Biblical morality is therefore seen as dangerous to society and potentially deadly to LGBTQ individuals. The same vitriolic stance is taken with regard to abortion, euthanasia, or any other personal ‘freedoms’ that are ‘threatened’ by biblical faith.” We need to ask ourselves, “Am I tolerant with the progressive culture around me?” “Am I being conformed to this world system, which is contrary to what God declares in the Bible?” “Am I devoted to holding firm to my Biblical convictions, no matter what the consequences are?” “Do I want to co-reign with the King of Kings?” “If not, why not?” The choice is ours. Be obedient to God’s Word and be rewarded, or be tolerant with the world’s ideas and lose rewards in shame.

The One Who Overcomes Will Rule with Authority

According to the trending world view of progressive America, we should not state that this kind of lifestyle is contrary to Biblical truth. We are ‘intolerant’ if we do.

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

Persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The word “granted” may be obvious in meaning but, it is packed with incomprehensible meaning in Paul’s usage.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

Is the future of the church defined by a building or its people? What can we glean from the New Testament about this?

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in the early days of 2021, we need to have our perspective directed in the right place.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead

The Shepherd’s Staff: Light In The Darkness

A little child was born to insignificant parents, in an insignificant village in Israel and in an insignificant moment in the history of the Roman empire. BUT, that baby was the fulfilment of the prophecy made by Isaiah about 700 years prior to His birth

The Shepherd’s Staff: He Emptied Himself For You and For Me

In the midst of singing carols, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, feasting on pastries and roasted meats, and gathering together with other believers-in person or online-to worship the One Who was born 2 centuries ago, there is a deeper, and more profound aspect of...

The Shepherd’s Staff: The Blessed Hope

If you have ever received correspondence from me, I typically sign it with the term, “Maranatha!”. The term is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22

The Shepherd’s Staff: Love Letters

Why am I writing this to you? Because I want you to experience the presence of the living God, Who is like
no other god created by man.

The Shepherd’s Staff   The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

I regularly receive a copy of The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) magazine and I am always humbled by the stories I read. These stories literally put flesh and blood to the word “martyr”. We, in the American church, have a minimal understanding of what martyrs encounter in a hostile environment which vehemently hates followers of Christ. We have biblical accounts, such as Stephen being stoned to death and John the Baptizer being beheaded. Various historical accounts say that all of Jesus’ Apostles died because of their faith, except John. Those are occurrences which occurred almost two millennia ago. However, when you read the graphic stories of contemporary believers in the VOM magazine, you sit gasping at the horrible persecution that is going on today around the world. This persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

In addition to our position as an overcomer, there is the practice of being an overcomer. That refers to the man, woman or student, who has willfully decided to present himself or herself to God as a living sacrifice as a logical response to God’s immeasurable mercies. While all believers are in one sense ‘overcome’, not all believers ‘overcome’ absolutely. “The overcomer passages are promises given to believers to encourage and kindle love and obedience in view of who they are in Christ and what they possess in Him.

These are not warnings against the loss of salvation, nor necessarily warnings against false professions, though that could be one application of these promises. Furthermore, they are not statements affirming the preservation of saints. Instead, they are guarantees of special blessings or rewards for faithful service and lives of faith.” (Studies in Revelation, J. Hampton Keathly, III, 2013, Appendix 3, p. 11) 

According to Open Doors’ 2019 World Watch List (an in-depth investigative report focusing on global Christian persecution) persecution is increasing at an alarming rate. “Research for the List indicates that each day, a staggering 11 Christians are killed for their faith in the top 50 countries ranked on the World Watch List. The world’s 10 most dangerous places to be a Christian (countries where saying “yes” to following Jesus is truly a life-or-death decision) are North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran and India.” In  Matthew 5:10 and Luke 6:22, Jesus said that persecuted believers are blessed. Paul spoke about persecution and suffering for Christ in Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12 and Philippians 1:29. John wrote about persecution in Revelation 12:11. As I read the accounts of believers choosing death rather than denouncing Jesus as Lord, I am convicted about my witness for my Lord. The reason I use the term “witness” is because that is the English translation for the Greek word “μαρτυρίαν” (marturian) in the New Testament. In other words, a witness is a martyr. That is, a witness is one, who in critical situations, is willing to give their life for the Lord Jesus Christ. When I read about rewards, I can’t help but think that those who experienced death rather than denounce the Savior Who bought them, deserve greater rewards than any other overcomer. Let’s look at what Jesus said about the one who overcomes through tribulation and death for Christ’s sake.

In the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), Jesus said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev 2:10-11 NASB) What does that mean?  The second death is eternal separation from God and we know that no believer will ever have to fear the second death because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev 20:14-15 NASB) We have to understand that Jesus used a figure of speech when He said that. “Litotes” is a figure of speech in which the writer expresses an affirmative idea through the negation of its opposite. Examples include, “I am not amused” (meaning “I am very annoyed”). “I won’t forget that” (meaning “I’ll remember that”), and “That test was no snap” (meaning “That was a rough test”). For some biblical examples, see Acts 12:18; and 27:20. The point of the Lord’s promise is that those who remain faithful will experience eternal life to the utmost in the life to come. The first death might hurt them briefly, but the second death would not hurt them at all.” (Notes on Revelation, Thomas L. Constable, p. 53)

How gratifying that is for someone who is facing the decision to choose life or death! I read an account of a father instructing his family just before Muslim fanatics were going to invade their house to kill them. He lovingly told them not to deny Jesus, no matter what they did to anyone in the family. He told them that they all would shortly be in the presence of the One Who purchased them with His blood. They would suffer for a little while and experience the first death, but they would soon see Jesus and receive the reward promised to the one who overcomes. Life to the utmost!

I don’t know if we will have to experience the persecution that others do in many countries around the world. But be assured, that if you do have to choose between life and death for your witness for Jesus Christ, you can be the one who overcomes and you will receive the “crown of life”, which is eternal life to the utmost. Never deny the One Who bought you with His blood.

In the meantime, pray for your brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering persecution for the One Who died for them and for us. He died for me, will I be willing to die for Him?

Bill Olsen, Elder

The One Who Overcomes Will Rule with Authority

According to the trending world view of progressive America, we should not state that this kind of lifestyle is contrary to Biblical truth. We are ‘intolerant’ if we do.

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

Persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The word “granted” may be obvious in meaning but, it is packed with incomprehensible meaning in Paul’s usage.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

Is the future of the church defined by a building or its people? What can we glean from the New Testament about this?

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in the early days of 2021, we need to have our perspective directed in the right place.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead

The Shepherd’s Staff: Light In The Darkness

A little child was born to insignificant parents, in an insignificant village in Israel and in an insignificant moment in the history of the Roman empire. BUT, that baby was the fulfilment of the prophecy made by Isaiah about 700 years prior to His birth

The Shepherd’s Staff: He Emptied Himself For You and For Me

In the midst of singing carols, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, feasting on pastries and roasted meats, and gathering together with other believers-in person or online-to worship the One Who was born 2 centuries ago, there is a deeper, and more profound aspect of...

The Shepherd’s Staff: The Blessed Hope

If you have ever received correspondence from me, I typically sign it with the term, “Maranatha!”. The term is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22

The Shepherd’s Staff: Love Letters

Why am I writing this to you? Because I want you to experience the presence of the living God, Who is like
no other god created by man.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

There is a word which the Apostle Paul uses that is packed with incomprehensible meaning. The word is used in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” The Greek word is translated with two words in English, “freely give”. It is defined in Strong’s Concordance this way, “to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue-deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.” As we read in the verse above we understand the Father’s indescribable gift of His Son was freely given.

 

What Was Church Like In Those Early Days?

It was an act of grace, undeserved favor from a loving God, to sinners and enemies who deserved eternal separation and punishment because of our sin. It was a merciful act as well. God, the Father,  delivered His Son, to die for the payment of our sin. The Father withheld His wrath, which we deserved, and placed it on His Son, so that His holiness would be satisfied. The cross was the perfect picture of other centered love, unconditional love, pure love, unrequited love and it is the love that the Triune God exemplifies for us. John wrote in his first epistle, “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul wrote, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” What would it be like if God had spared His Son and not delivered Him over for us all? Would you please ponder that thought right now where you are? 

Having done that, read the next two words especially. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (vvs. 4-10).  Look at what we were (dead in sin), BUT GOD, and now we are (seated with Him).

What Is House Church?

What emotion comes to your heart when you meditate on that thought? Don’t you want to give Him your all? Holding nothing back because He held nothing back? “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:3). Wouldn’t you give your life for your wife, your child, your parents, your best friend? After reading what God the Father did to demonstrate His love for us and the self sacrifice that Jesus gave for us, do you consider Jesus as your friend? Are you willing to give your life for Jesus? Paul exhorts us “to present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice,” having reflected on the mercies of God. I am urging you as well.

       Returning to the first paragraph about the “freely give” translation, the same Greek word is used by Paul in Philippians 1:29-30, “For to you it has been granted (freely given) for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me.” Paul says that to suffer for Christ’s sake is a gracious gift just as the Father’s gracious gift of His Son and the ability to believe for the gift of salvation. It is a gratuitous gift, a privilege to suffer for Christ’s sake. Won’t you join with me in asking the Holy Spirit to empower us to be willing to suffer for Him as He did for us?

Bill Olsen, Elder

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

Persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The word “granted” may be obvious in meaning but, it is packed with incomprehensible meaning in Paul’s usage.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

Is the future of the church defined by a building or its people? What can we glean from the New Testament about this?

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in the early days of 2021, we need to have our perspective directed in the right place.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead

The Shepherd’s Staff: Light In The Darkness

A little child was born to insignificant parents, in an insignificant village in Israel and in an insignificant moment in the history of the Roman empire. BUT, that baby was the fulfilment of the prophecy made by Isaiah about 700 years prior to His birth

The Shepherd’s Staff: He Emptied Himself For You and For Me

In the midst of singing carols, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, feasting on pastries and roasted meats, and gathering together with other believers-in person or online-to worship the One Who was born 2 centuries ago, there is a deeper, and more profound aspect of...

The Shepherd’s Staff: The Blessed Hope

If you have ever received correspondence from me, I typically sign it with the term, “Maranatha!”. The term is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22

The Shepherd’s Staff: Love Letters

Why am I writing this to you? Because I want you to experience the presence of the living God, Who is like
no other god created by man.

2020 Advent Devotional

Advent is a special time to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as Lord and Savior. This booklet is written by members of Belmont to encourage and help us as we celebrate this special time.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they [began] selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47, NASB).

What Was Church Like In Those Early Days?

         These verses describe what it was like to be a member of the church soon after the day of Pentecost when the church was born. Since these initial believers were all Jewish, they continued to gather in the temple, for that was a matter of habit for them. The temple was where the Jewish people worshipped God. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father”,,,”But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:21, 23-24, NASB).

     As the church grew, the believers discontinued temple worship and began gathering in their houses where the manifestation of their new identity was defined as a devotion to biblical teaching, caring community, sharing meals together and praying together. It was a daily way of life to worship in spirit and truth rather than in a weekly visit to the temple.

         The significant focus in the New Testament church, is functioning as the family of God, as demonstrated in the passage above. The church of Jesus Christ is to demonstrate to the world that we love one another. That love is manifested in the “one another” passages in the epistles, of which there are at least 22. A brief summary of these exhortations includes, “you are members of one another“, be devoted to one another”, “honor one another”, “be of the same mind with one another”, “accept one another”, “admonish one another”, “greet one another”, “serve one another”, “carry one another’s burdens”, “bear with one another”, “submit to one another”, and “encourage one another”. As you read these one another passages, you realize that they are observable expressions of loving relationships between believers. Jesus said, “by this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, NASB).

     In order to live out those commands, members of the church have to have physical gatherings which will facilitate those kinds of action. Realistically, a once a week meeting will not foster “one another” relationships except for perhaps, “greet one another”. The New Testament church met together in houses and sharing with one another throughout the week. Functionally healthy families spent time together and basically performed the one another functions listed above. There were occasions where the house churches met together in order to celebrate and to hear a letter read to them from one of the Apostles. These house churches established a way of life, “body life”, where the family of God lived out the “one another” passages. Not only are we a family, we are the “body of Christ”, each of us a necessary part. Therefore, when we exercise our giftedness in the calling the Lord has revealed to us, we manifest “body life”. When that occurs, it is the evidence that we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are exemplifying body life as disciples, we are fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples (Matt. 28:19).

What Is House Church?

          In house churches, devoted believers develop community where trust is developed between one another. Love gradually manifests itself as the individual members devote themselves, first to the Lord and then to one other. The church in Acts 2:42 devoted themselves to spiritual disciplines as they frequently met together. That term “devoted” is expressed in the following definitions, depending upon the context:

1.       to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one

2.       to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing

3.       to continue all the time in a place

4.       to persevere and not to faint

5.       to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly

 

         As I envision the future of Belmont Church, I dream of devoted individuals, manifesting love in body life, where all the world will see that we are His disciples. Will you dream with me? I pray that you will.     

Bill Olsen, Elder

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

Persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The word “granted” may be obvious in meaning but, it is packed with incomprehensible meaning in Paul’s usage.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

Is the future of the church defined by a building or its people? What can we glean from the New Testament about this?

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in the early days of 2021, we need to have our perspective directed in the right place.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead

The Shepherd’s Staff: Light In The Darkness

A little child was born to insignificant parents, in an insignificant village in Israel and in an insignificant moment in the history of the Roman empire. BUT, that baby was the fulfilment of the prophecy made by Isaiah about 700 years prior to His birth

The Shepherd’s Staff: He Emptied Himself For You and For Me

In the midst of singing carols, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, feasting on pastries and roasted meats, and gathering together with other believers-in person or online-to worship the One Who was born 2 centuries ago, there is a deeper, and more profound aspect of...

The Shepherd’s Staff: The Blessed Hope

If you have ever received correspondence from me, I typically sign it with the term, “Maranatha!”. The term is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22

The Shepherd’s Staff: Love Letters

Why am I writing this to you? Because I want you to experience the presence of the living God, Who is like
no other god created by man.

2020 Advent Devotional

Advent is a special time to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as Lord and Savior. This booklet is written by members of Belmont to encourage and help us as we celebrate this special time.

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in our world and in our nation at the beginning of a new year, we need to have
our perspective directed in the right place. Psalm 62, written by David, provides words of focus for us as we
tread into the unknown turmoil of 2021. Here are a few verses from this beautiful portion of Scripture.

“My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory [rest;] The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (vvs.5-8 NASB).

When I was a teenager, I used to go to Riis Park Beach in Queens, New York. We would go as a youth
group during the Summer and enjoy the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the particular features of that beach
were its “bays”. They were sections of the beach that were delineated by rock jetties extending from the fine
sandy beach into the turbulent ocean. The jetties were there to influence the current and riptides so that it was
safer to bathe. These jetties were “off limits” to bathers, but as typical teens, we wanted to explore them. So, we
would gingerly jump from rock to rock and go out to the end of the jetty. Fortunately, none of us ever got into
trouble or fell into the water. Now, as I look back, the experience of standing on those rocks reminds me of the
words and truths in Psalm 62.

I recall jumping from rock to rock, until I found one which was flat enough to confidently stand on. I could experience the big waves crashing onto the rock, with the splashing salt water drenching me amidst the loud sounds of the ferocious ocean surrounding me. In spite of the dangerous situation I was in, my feet felt no movement under me, whatsoever. My senses told me that there was formidable power surrounding me. I could hear the waves crashing, I could feel the water splashing and the wind blowing, I could taste the salt water in my mouth and the burning sensation in my eyes. But, I had no trouble keeping my balance because the rock was not moving. The rock was so big and so heavy, that it could not move. It was as if the surrounding torrent was no threat to me at all. I was safe. So when I read Psalm 62, I identified almost immediately with the rock jetties that I used to recklessly explore. In the midst of danger, the rock was a safe place.

David said that, “God only” is that safe place. God only is his rock. God only is his salvation. God only is his stronghold. God only keeps him from being shaken. God only is his strength. God only is his refuge. David rests his salvation and glory on God alone, He is his rock. So David exhorts us to pour out our hearts to God alone, for He is our refuge in the midst of any kind of tumult in our lives.

As I hear of the increasing cases of COVID-19 and accompanying deaths, as I reflect on the incomprehensible events at the U. S. Capitol, as I recall the all too frequent reports of racial violence, of civil disobedience accompanying peaceful protest, of worldwide reports of religious persecution, of economic devastation to many businesses, of divisiveness in churches over face coverings and in-person meetings, of reports about prominent Christian leaders participating in some of the most heinous sins, and the list goes on, I am at rest when I stand on the Rock of my salvation. That is only possible through faith. That is only through an intimate experiential knowledge of the Creator God.

When we experientially know Him through our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, we will by faith, rest
secure on the jetty that is extended out into the tumultuous ocean of a sin corrupted world. My prayer is that you
will read Psalm 62 and draw hope from the Rock, Who alone is God our Savior.

Bill Olsen, Elder

The Shepherd’s Staff The One Who Overcomes Shall Not Be Hurt By the Second Death

Persecution will not cease but will increase as we near the end times and the Great Tribulation.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Granted

The word “granted” may be obvious in meaning but, it is packed with incomprehensible meaning in Paul’s usage.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Devoted

Is the future of the church defined by a building or its people? What can we glean from the New Testament about this?

The Shepherd’s Staff: My Rock

With all that is going on in the early days of 2021, we need to have our perspective directed in the right place.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead

The Shepherd’s Staff: Light In The Darkness

A little child was born to insignificant parents, in an insignificant village in Israel and in an insignificant moment in the history of the Roman empire. BUT, that baby was the fulfilment of the prophecy made by Isaiah about 700 years prior to His birth

The Shepherd’s Staff: He Emptied Himself For You and For Me

In the midst of singing carols, decorating trees, exchanging gifts, feasting on pastries and roasted meats, and gathering together with other believers-in person or online-to worship the One Who was born 2 centuries ago, there is a deeper, and more profound aspect of...

The Shepherd’s Staff: The Blessed Hope

If you have ever received correspondence from me, I typically sign it with the term, “Maranatha!”. The term is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22

The Shepherd’s Staff: Love Letters

Why am I writing this to you? Because I want you to experience the presence of the living God, Who is like
no other god created by man.

2020 Advent Devotional

Advent is a special time to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as Lord and Savior. This booklet is written by members of Belmont to encourage and help us as we celebrate this special time.

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

The Shepherd’s Staff: Each Day is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

      With a new year rapidly approaching us, I wanted to bring you some encouragement as you anticipate the unknown 365 days ahead. In retrospect, the last 366 days were unknown to each of us, but God has been faithful and He has accomplished His sovereign will in all things, including a pandemic, an election, peace treaties with Israel, religious persecution, racial discord, street violence, natural disasters, economic distress, exhibits of personal sacrifice, the development of COVID-19 vaccines, innovative ways to conduct worship and to spread the Gospel, a new appreciation of family values, a greater appreciation of community, a greater appreciation of the little things in life, like toilet paper (LOL). 

        I have experienced a more thankful spirit because I have been learning not to take a lot of things for granted. God is with us and will never leave us and He is in absolute control in spite of all the unfavorable experiences we face. Looking back we can see hardship and we can see reasons for thanksgiving. As a result I have grown closer to Him. I have been encouraged to serve Him more this year.

       As I read Psalm 103 during one of my quiet times with my LORD, I was greatly encouraged by what David wrote for our benefit. Please follow along as I bring out some valuable lessons from David’s words to prepare you for each day which in reality will be the first day of the rest of your life.

         In verses 1-5, David begins with worship as he remembers what the LORD has done for us. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, [bless] His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, [so that] your youth is renewed like the eagle.”

         In verses 6-14, David emphasizes that the LORD does not keep our past sins hanging over us because He is compassionate and gracious. “The LORD performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel [Exodus 34:6-7]. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive [with us,] nor will He keep [His anger] forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on [his] children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are [but] dust.”  

In verses 15-19, David reflects on the LORD’s lovingkindness toward those who have reverential obedience toward Him. “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer. But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them. The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.”

         In verses 20-22, David exhorts the angels and all of His creation who serve Him to bless the LORD. “Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the LORD, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion; bless the LORD, O my soul!”

          Each day, let us follow the steps laid out by David. Don’t forget what the LORD has previously done in you and for you. Remember that all your past sins are forgiven and will not be held against you.  Rejoice in His unfailing lovingkindness toward you. Finally, serve and bless Him.

 Each day, for the rest of your life, Bless the LORD!

 Bill Olsen, Elder

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Advent is a special time to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as Lord and Savior. This booklet is written by members of Belmont to encourage and help us as we celebrate this special time.