Pastor’s NewsViews
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
In the news for the last week of January is the annual State of the Union address by the President of the United States. Although the timing and methodology has morphed, the mandate for this speech is in the United States Constitution. He (the President) shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. (Article 2 Section 3) By tradition, this message is in January or early February. The State of the Union Address originated as communication to a joint session of Congress. It is still primarily addressed to the Congress, but is now also a direct communication to the people of the United States. In the State of the Union Address, the President reports on the condition of the nation and outlines his legislative agenda and national priorities. On Thursday, January 28th, President Barack Obama will present his 5th such speech to the Congress. Predictably, supporters will applaud and opponents will criticize whatever is said in this speech.
Annual assessments are the expectation for virtually all organizations. Most entities coordinate their fiscal year with the calendar year. The month of January is therefore an appropriate time for corporations, community organizations, all levels of government, and even churches to bring reports to their respective constituencies. These reviews of the past year and vision casting for the current year are generally both objective and subjective. The objective data of the ledger is accountability, and the subjective passion of the leaders sets the tone for action. The bias of the audience will always determine how they perceive the various issues.
Fundamentally, a “state of the union” assessment for any “union” is an examination of the heart of each individual in that “union”. The most pertinent issue facing individuals who are members of any organization and for USA citizens in response to the President’s speech, is to assess all life situations in the context of the Will and Purposes of God. God speaks through His Word. No organization, political party or individual should ask God to endorse their own agenda. By contrast, the plan for your life must be to set your priorities and plans according to God’s agenda.
Our understanding and knowledge is limited. It is God’s assessment of our lives and our “unions” that must be sought. The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s Word as a challenge from God Himself to the nation of Judah 2800 years ago. This message is applicable in 2014 regarding any “union”. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace…” (Isaiah 55:6-1)
God’s Ways must be accepted by FAITH. As Christ-followers, assess any and all situations by the Truth of God’s Word. Depend on God for direction. The “State of Union” for any “union” will be blessed by God only as His Ways are accepted as the goal by individual Christ-followers. Make a difference for joy and peace in our country, workplace, school, family, church or with any “union” of people through your affirmation of the Word of God!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sanctity of Human Life
Pastor’s News Views
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
The Supreme Court ruling on January 22, 1973 has incited strong emotion in America for the past 4 decades like no other issue. The Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion continues to be applauded by abortion activists and condemned by pro-life groups. The battle is waged on multiple fronts. Abortion is certainly a political issue as legislators debate various restrictions. It is also a judicial issue with the constitutionality of these laws always under scrutiny. Abortion is furthermore a personal moral issue as millions of pregnant women annually choose life or terminate life.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is observed this Sunday, January 19th in thousand of churches as attention is focused on the truths of God’s Word regarding the sacred gift of life, from conception onward. The Biblical worldview is that life is everlasting- there is a physical beginning, but the human soul is in the image of God and thus is eternal. The 1st National Sanctity of Human Life Day was recognized in a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 on the 11th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Reagan issued the proclamation annually thereafter, designating Sanctity of Human Life Day to be the third Sunday in January. His successor, George H. W. Bush, continued the annual proclamation throughout his presidency. Sanctity of Human Life Day is not now designated by a presidential proclamation, but churches and pro life organizations recognize the day nationwide.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday proclaims God’s Word and is an invitation to choose life from womb to tomb and beyond. A Holy Spirit inspired message through the prophet Micah who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8th century BC is applicable in 21st century. Micah called out unjust leaders, defended the rights of the poor against the rich and powerful, and preached social justice. The prophet proclaimed judgment while promising restoration of a remnant in the future. Although abortion rights were not the specific issue addressed by the prophet, the sanctity of human life was the issue for the residents of ancient Judah and Israel. Micah challenged people in that era… And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 God’s Word challenges Christ-followers in the 21st century also. A Biblical worldview of the Sanctity of Life affects personal & church response to specific moral/ethical issues. Justice, love, and humble dependence on God are foundational regarding personal morality, and in your political convictions.
Monday, January 20th is a federal holiday, marking the January 15th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each 3rd Monday in January, our nation recognizes and honors this pastor and civil rights leader. Indirectly, the life of Dr. King calls attention to the Sanctity of Human Life. He certainly challenged the nation regarding the holiness and dignity of life for all persons. Dr. King’s famous speech on the National Mall at the Lincoln Monument eloquently expressed the dream for equality of all persons. The Sanctity of Human Life also expresses the dream and is fulfilled for all persons, womb to tomb, as Christ-followers live with justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8)
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
The Supreme Court ruling on January 22, 1973 has incited strong emotion in America for the past 4 decades like no other issue. The Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion continues to be applauded by abortion activists and condemned by pro-life groups. The battle is waged on multiple fronts. Abortion is certainly a political issue as legislators debate various restrictions. It is also a judicial issue with the constitutionality of these laws always under scrutiny. Abortion is furthermore a personal moral issue as millions of pregnant women annually choose life or terminate life.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is observed this Sunday, January 19th in thousand of churches as attention is focused on the truths of God’s Word regarding the sacred gift of life, from conception onward. The Biblical worldview is that life is everlasting- there is a physical beginning, but the human soul is in the image of God and thus is eternal. The 1st National Sanctity of Human Life Day was recognized in a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 on the 11th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Reagan issued the proclamation annually thereafter, designating Sanctity of Human Life Day to be the third Sunday in January. His successor, George H. W. Bush, continued the annual proclamation throughout his presidency. Sanctity of Human Life Day is not now designated by a presidential proclamation, but churches and pro life organizations recognize the day nationwide.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday proclaims God’s Word and is an invitation to choose life from womb to tomb and beyond. A Holy Spirit inspired message through the prophet Micah who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8th century BC is applicable in 21st century. Micah called out unjust leaders, defended the rights of the poor against the rich and powerful, and preached social justice. The prophet proclaimed judgment while promising restoration of a remnant in the future. Although abortion rights were not the specific issue addressed by the prophet, the sanctity of human life was the issue for the residents of ancient Judah and Israel. Micah challenged people in that era… And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 God’s Word challenges Christ-followers in the 21st century also. A Biblical worldview of the Sanctity of Life affects personal & church response to specific moral/ethical issues. Justice, love, and humble dependence on God are foundational regarding personal morality, and in your political convictions.
Monday, January 20th is a federal holiday, marking the January 15th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each 3rd Monday in January, our nation recognizes and honors this pastor and civil rights leader. Indirectly, the life of Dr. King calls attention to the Sanctity of Human Life. He certainly challenged the nation regarding the holiness and dignity of life for all persons. Dr. King’s famous speech on the National Mall at the Lincoln Monument eloquently expressed the dream for equality of all persons. The Sanctity of Human Life also expresses the dream and is fulfilled for all persons, womb to tomb, as Christ-followers live with justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8)
Highlands Crime WatchPastor’s NewsViews 01/07/2014
Pastor’s NewsViews 01/07/2014
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
On 1st Thursday of 2014, approximately 500 deeply concerned citizens gathered at First Baptist Church Highlands in response to the crime and safety concerns for the Highlands area. These citizens, Sherriff Adrian Garcia, Constable Ken Jones, and several other Harris County officers are to be commended for their attendance. Highlands resident and event organizer Mike James is living proof that one person can make a difference for good. It is imperative that this January 2nd meeting is the beginning of a movement, and not just a one-time gathering. Over 300 persons put their name on the dotted line to register for the Highlands Crime Watch Program. These are the people who are committed to taking action and making a difference.
One recurrent theme that was expressed during the Thursday night meeting is the need for prayer for our community. God’s Power and Peace is stronger than any evil. Christ-followers and churches are challenged to pray for the men and women who daily stand to protect us in their Law Enforcement roles. Intercede for the safety of the men, women, and families in our homes and businesses. Prayer is greater than one more New Year resolution- prayer is a lifestyle of faith and trust expressed in continual submission to God and His Will. Although it is appropriate to voice specific requests to God, the true spirit of prayer is not just to talk to God because we have troubles. Prayer is intimacy in a love relationship with God. Christ-followers who love truth will pray directly and specifically for physical safety but will also talk to God regarding His Will. Christ-followers are under authority- the authority of God’s Word. The demand is that we be hearers and doers of the Word. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves James 1:22 As doers of the Word, get involved in making a spiritual difference and in combating crime.
Commitment and organization are essential for a Crime Watch to protect our homes and businesses. Commitment and organization is demanded by God Himself for Christ-followers to have a supernatural impact in the lives of people. If we keep doing the same things, we will keep getting the same results. That is a truism physically and spiritually. There is a direct correlation between hearing and obeying God’s Word and whether an area is victimized by evil. Highlands and this area will change as individual hearts change. God’s Word and His grace transforms hearts. Make a difference by a lifestyle that honors God. As you hear and do God’s Word, Highlands will not be the same. Love Truth! If Christ-followers dare to ask God to bless and protect our community, we must first commit to obey God’s Word.
Community transformation is all about taking action. Get involved with the Crime Watch. Be vigilant in protecting your home or business without being a vigilante. Commit to hear and obey God’s Word by personal study and church involvement. Love truth and live truth day by day in 2014!
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
On 1st Thursday of 2014, approximately 500 deeply concerned citizens gathered at First Baptist Church Highlands in response to the crime and safety concerns for the Highlands area. These citizens, Sherriff Adrian Garcia, Constable Ken Jones, and several other Harris County officers are to be commended for their attendance. Highlands resident and event organizer Mike James is living proof that one person can make a difference for good. It is imperative that this January 2nd meeting is the beginning of a movement, and not just a one-time gathering. Over 300 persons put their name on the dotted line to register for the Highlands Crime Watch Program. These are the people who are committed to taking action and making a difference.
One recurrent theme that was expressed during the Thursday night meeting is the need for prayer for our community. God’s Power and Peace is stronger than any evil. Christ-followers and churches are challenged to pray for the men and women who daily stand to protect us in their Law Enforcement roles. Intercede for the safety of the men, women, and families in our homes and businesses. Prayer is greater than one more New Year resolution- prayer is a lifestyle of faith and trust expressed in continual submission to God and His Will. Although it is appropriate to voice specific requests to God, the true spirit of prayer is not just to talk to God because we have troubles. Prayer is intimacy in a love relationship with God. Christ-followers who love truth will pray directly and specifically for physical safety but will also talk to God regarding His Will. Christ-followers are under authority- the authority of God’s Word. The demand is that we be hearers and doers of the Word. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves James 1:22 As doers of the Word, get involved in making a spiritual difference and in combating crime.
Commitment and organization are essential for a Crime Watch to protect our homes and businesses. Commitment and organization is demanded by God Himself for Christ-followers to have a supernatural impact in the lives of people. If we keep doing the same things, we will keep getting the same results. That is a truism physically and spiritually. There is a direct correlation between hearing and obeying God’s Word and whether an area is victimized by evil. Highlands and this area will change as individual hearts change. God’s Word and His grace transforms hearts. Make a difference by a lifestyle that honors God. As you hear and do God’s Word, Highlands will not be the same. Love Truth! If Christ-followers dare to ask God to bless and protect our community, we must first commit to obey God’s Word.
Community transformation is all about taking action. Get involved with the Crime Watch. Be vigilant in protecting your home or business without being a vigilante. Commit to hear and obey God’s Word by personal study and church involvement. Love truth and live truth day by day in 2014!