Frankly Speaking

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It is a day that Americans get together with family to cook, to eat, to relax, and to watch some football. Many view this day as nothing more than a secular holiday, but a short history lesson proves that it is rooted in faith. It is widely accepted that the present day Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate began at a Plymouth settlement. There in 1621 the Pilgrim settlers gathered to give thanks to God for the harvest. William Bradford, who served thirty years as Governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote this of the first Thanksgiving celebration, "Thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their outgoing and incoming, for which let His Holy Name have the praise forever, to all posterity." After the colonies became a country, President George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God." We sometimes forget the great favor that God has bestowed upon this nation and take for granted His provision and the prosperity that we enjoy as a result of that divine favor. This Thanksgiving, no matter what you have planned, make time to reflect on the goodness of your Heavenly Father and to give Him the gratitude He deserves. Honestly, we shouldn't wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks. We should do it every day.
"Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:3,4
​                                                                                                 Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2
 
Tuesday, November 3 is the much anticipated mid-term elections. There is much at stake this year including control of the house and senate as well as numerous state, and local positions. We must never take for granted the election process in this country. We are blessed to have the right to elect the ones who will lead us. Each candidate on your ballot will represent a set of core beliefs that are stated in his or her party's platform. These include critical issues such as human life, religious liberty, education, health care, marriage, and many more.  It is important to know these beliefs before you go to cast your vote - an uninformed electorate is a dangerous thing. Not only know the beliefs and issues before you go to vote, but prioritize them. As a political ad posted by the Catholic Church some years ago so rightly stated, "There are many important issues, but, some are more important than others." Accompanying this ad was an image of an unborn child. I encourage you to pray and seek guidance from your Heavenly Father before you vote. Consider the things that are most dear to Him, not what brings you temporary pleasures or benefits your pocket book.  Consider what His word says about the sanctity of life and the importance of traditional family values before you cast your vote. No candidate is perfect nor will they likely measure up to your standards, but that doesn't mean that God cannot use them to do His will. So, exercise your right, prayerfully and joyfully, knowing that many brave men and women have given their lives to defend this great freedom that you have.
 
God bless America!
​                                                                                             Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Wednesday, while most Americans will be dressing up and going out to trick-or-treat, one of the most important events in the history of Christianity will be largely overlooked. October 31st is the 501 year anniversary of the day in 1517 that a German theology professor named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Church of All Saints in Wittenberg, Germany. This event rocked the world. It sparked the Protestant Reformation which brought about the end of the practice of indulgences-the claim that freedom from God's punishment of sin could be purchased with money. Luther's theology challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church by teaching that the Bible is the only source of divinely revealed knowledge.  He did not agree with the idea that only a certain order of priests could make sacrifices for the peoples' sin. Luther considered all baptized Christians to be a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and taught that salvation is not earned by good deeds but received only as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Within weeks his Ninety-Five Theses was translated from Latin into German, and with the aid of the newly invented printing press, it was copied and distributed throughout Europe. Isn't it sad that Reformation Day, one of the greatest days in the history of the Church, has been overshadowed by a pagan holiday? Beware, the enemy is subtle like that. The Biblical Worldview would be to refer to October 31st as Reformation Day, and when asked what Reformation Day is, you'll have good news to share.
 
Happy Reformation Day!
 
"For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all." 1Tim. 2:5,6 NRSV
                                                                                                                 ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32
 
It has been said that education is freedom but I beg to differ. That statement might have been true in the past, but I'm not so sure anymore. While I am certainly not against formal education, I know a lot of highly educated people who are far from free. We live in the most educated society in history but to listen to the rhetoric coming from the highly educated in academia today you wouldn't know it. There was a time when formal education was for the purpose bringing up a future generation and preparing them for life. Children were not only taught the basics; reading, writing, math, history, and the sciences, but were taught life skills as well. They were taught to reason and think for themselves. Today however, they are told what and how to think. There is little room for any discourse or debate outside of what academia deems is "politically correct." On university campuses 'rogue' professors, who don't conform with the liberal agenda being perpetuated from the left, are being censured and even denied tenure. History is being rewritten to fit this agenda and our children are now being taught that America was never great. In a nutshell, education has become nothing less than a means of thought control. So, what can we do? Get involved, Christianity is not a spectator sport. We are in an 'all out' fight for the future of this nation. It is our responsibility to train our children in the ways of the Lord, not the schools. Vote for righteous leaders, especially on the school board. Pray hard. Walk around the schools in your neighborhood and pray as the Spirit leads. Pray for the teachers who are in the trenches. Get involved in a PTA and any other activity that gives you access. Finally, never forget who your enemy is. This is a spiritual battle and greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 
 
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Ephesians 6:12, 13
​                                                                    Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” Luke 9:18-20
 
That same question, asked today, would get the same results. Jesus isn't the same to everyone. That doesn't mean Jesus isn't who He is, it just means that not everyone knows, or believes, who He really is. A better question to ask might be, "Who is Jesus to you?" Who Jesus is to you will define who you are - it will affect every aspect of your life. If He was just a historical figure to you then your life will be no different than those who haven't even heard of Him. If you believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, then you are somewhat better than the first group, but still lacking. "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." James 2:19. You see, Jesus needs to be more than just "the Son of God" to you; He needs to be the Lord of your life. Knowing He is Lord and making Him Lord of your life are two different things. Making Jesus Lord of your life means giving Him everything, holding nothing back. When you make Jesus Lord of your life, then your life will definitely change. First, making Him Lord of your life is what brings salvation and the promise of eternal life. Second, making Him Lord of your life makes you a new person with a whole new world view. Your thoughts, views, actions, and reactions begin to line up with His - you literally become more 'Christ like.' When this happens, people will no longer have to ask you who Jesus is to you, they will know you by your fruit. 
"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." Matt.  7:20
                                                                                   Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
WWJD: What would Jesus drive? If there were automobiles back in Jesus' day, what kind do think He would choose to drive; a pickup, a convertible, or maybe a sport utility?  Would it be a Ford, Chevy, or a Dodge? No one knows for sure nor does it really matter.  Marvin Olasky who writes for World Magazine posed that question but concluded, "The right question is not "What would Jesus drive?" but how would He use it?" Wondering what Jesus would drive might sound silly, but pondering how He might put it to use is no joke. We must carefully consider how we use the gifts that God has given us, understanding that we are only stewards of them. Are we using them to satisfy our desires or to glorify God? Are we using them to draw attention to ourselves or draw others to Jesus? Some people get all caught up in the ostentatiousness of another's large house while not considering how it is being used for advancing the kingdom. How can we truly know another's heart anyway? Many like to point to the wealthy and quote Jesus, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25), while at the same time refusing to be obedient with the little they have been given. People with little can be just as guilty of this as the rich. It's not how much we have or how much we make that matters, it is what we are doing with it. Likewise God has entrusted each of us with various gifts, talents, skills, and abilities. Some may seem greater than others, but all are important in the kingdom of God. A common excuse is the misconception is that our gift, talent, or skill isn't good enough or big enough to matter. That simply is not true. Begin to use what God has given you for His glory and watch how He will multiply and increase it beyond your imagination.
 
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ (Luke 19:17) 
​                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1Samuel 15:22
 
How do we know God's will? We know by learning to listen to His voice. How does He speak? He never speaks the same way. Loud & thunderous? Usually not. A still, small voice? Usually. Through others? Many times. So then, how do we know it's His voice and not that of another? We must rely on the Spirit of God that lives within us. Jesus said,"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." (John 14:26)  When the Spirit takes up residence within us, we then have the ability to converse with God. To converse is to "keep company; to associate; to cohabit; to hold intercourse and be intimately acquainted with." The Spirit conveys God's will to us. Being in God's will is not about following endless rules and jumping through hoops to please God-it's about a relationship. When He tells you what to do, you do it; no matter how impossible it seems or how silly it looks, no matter what others think, no matter that others aren't doing it, and no matter that you may never figure out why He had you do it in the first place. It's simply hearing and obeying. God is looking for those who will listen and obey-they are the ones who truly please Him. They are the ones He uses to build His kingdom here on Earth.
 
Satan doesn't so much mind us sacrificing, but he hates it when we are obedient!

​                                                                                Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Yom Kippur begins at sundown Tuesday and ends at sundown Wednesday. The Jews consider Yom Kippur, also known as the 'Day of Atonement' to be the holiest day of the year. It is a time of personal reflection and prayer - a day to draw closer to God. It is also a day of reconciliation when Jews strive to make amends with others. The Day of Atonement was the day the high priest went into the Holy of Holies each year to offer a blood sacrifice for his own sins and the accumulated sins of the people. In Hebrews 9 we are told that Christ entered the Holy of Holies once for all and offered his own blood as a sacrifice for his people. This made the ritual of the Day of Atonement, which was just a shadow of things to come, obsolete. The Gospels tell us that the curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place split open at the moment of Christ's death in proof that the final and perfect atonement for sin had been made. So, although the ritual is obsolete, does it mean that we should no longer recognize this holiest of days? I think not. Yom Kippur should be a reminder of what Christ has done for us- how Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice of our sins. It should be a day of repentance, prayer and fasting. Additionally, Yom Kippur points to the day of the Second Coming of Messiah when He will return to earth. That will be the Day of Atonement for the Jewish remnant when they "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah.
 
So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Heb 9:11-12 NLT
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                                                                         Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

In ancient Israel, they didn't have holidays-they had feasts. Their feasts (seven of them each year) were all considered Holy Days because they were God ordained. Israel is the only Nation where God establish the holidays. Today at sundown Rosh HaShanah, one of the three fall Jewish feasts, begins and continues through sundown Tuesday. Rosh HaShana, literally "Head of the Year,"  is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, one of the two Holiest days of the year, and is celebrated with the blowing of the shofar to call God's people together. Although it is a solemn day of soul-searching, forgiveness, repentance and remembering God's judgment, it is also a joyful day of celebration, looking forward to God's goodness and mercy in the New Year. The Holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Wednesday, Sept 19, and ends at sunset the following day. Yom Kippur, also known as The Day of Atonement, is a day of repentance, prayer, and fasting. The ten days inbetween these two Holy Days are known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, during which Jews reflect upon their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for their transgressions. They are encouraged to seek out anyone they may have offended and to sincerely request forgiveness so that the New Year can begin with a clean slate. The common theme throughout these Holy Days becomes apparent- reflection and repentance. These actions, when done in earnest, will always get God's attention. When we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-8a.
                                                                                  Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2
 
Ever wonder why some things are not so clear to you in the Bible? Do you find yourself many times having to dig and dig just to find an answer? Ever give up and just read a commentary? Why would God hide His truth from us? Trust me, He has a purpose in this. I don't believe that God hides things from us, He hides them for us! It gives our Father great pleasure for us to seek out and find the morsels of truth that He has hidden within His Word. I believe that a person's willingness and diligence to search and dig for the "deep things of God" not only shows a desire within him for truth, but a maturity. Sure God could lay it all out plainly before us, but what would that accomplish? Nothing. If you continue to "spoon-feed" a baby, he will never learn to feed himself. God wants us to grow up, and study is a form of growth.  He wants us to know His Word and be able to navigate the Bible with confidence. It is His desire for us to be fully equipped adult Christians, able to discern truth from lies and capable of teaching others. Being grounded in the Word is becoming more and more imperative in these perilous times of rampant deceit and debauchery in which we live. So keep digging-- those who seek will find.
 
" (We should) no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—" Ephesians 4:14,15
                                                                      Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
“O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! I will rebuild you with precious jewels and make your foundations from lapis lazuli. I will make your towers of sparkling rubies, your gates of shining gems, and your walls of precious stones." Isaiah 54:11-12
 
Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey making landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast near Rockport. Estimates put the total damage at $125 billion, tying it with Katrina as the costliest tropical cyclone on record. The devastation of this category 4 storm has left lasting marks on our communities. Thousands of homes were destroyed beyond repair, families were displaced or separated, and many businesses will never open again, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Although the damage was great, it didn't define our communities, it was the resilience of you, our citizens that did. You came together like never before spending endless hours serving; whether it was collecting and distributing goods, helping each other clean up debris and rebuild, or feeding the many first responders and work crews. Instead of allowing the storm to beat you down and bring despair, you rose up and let it be your finest hour. Yes, Hurricane Harvey left its mark on this area, but you have left even a greater one. Thank you all for being a shining example of Christ's love by serving your neighbors.
 
"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes." Isaiah 58:10-12
                                                                           Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

It is back-to-school time. Without exception, there will be change; new teachers, new curriculum, and new classmates. For many it will include a different campus or school. Although scary and many times painful, change is good. Change is what forces us out of our comfort zone and pushes us forward. Without change there would be no new growth in our lives and we would become stagnant and of little use. So why do we resist change so much? Fear. It is fear of the unknown causes us to dig in our heels. Many times this resistance is contrary to what our Heavenly Father has planned for us. God looks at you and only sees the finished product. It is His desire for you to become seasoned and mature, functioning fully in the capacity that He created you. You may never realize all that God has planned for your life, but a good start would be allowing Him to grow you through change. There's a choice-you can either go forward kicking and screaming or trust Him and go peacefully. Learning to trust God in all things is the key to being at peace through times of change. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress due to changes in your life, give them to God. Tell Him you trust Him and allow His peace, "which surpasses all understanding, to guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus."
 
Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you. 1Peter5:7 TPT
​                                                                          Pastor Frank Dodson
​

Frankly Speaking

And don't allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you've planted is coming! Gal 6:9 TPT
 
I have been hearing the word "suddenlies" spoken a lot lately. It has been said that we are in a season of "suddenlies," where the Spirit of God is beginning to move suddenly upon those who have waited patiently on Him. Prayers are being answered; visions and dreams fulfilled, and prophesy coming to fruition suddenly. Truth is God has always operated this way. Throughout history each generation has had their suddenlies that brought forth breakthroughs. These breakthroughs were the result of days, weeks, or even years of prayers and intercession being lifted up to heaven. I believe that we are in such a season now. Expect to experience breakthroughs in your life; your marriage, family, job, business, church, or ministry soon. Don't think for a moment that God has not heard your prayers or was not aware of your dreams and visions. He is the One who planted those desires deep within your innermost being and He will bring them to fruition in His timing. Just as we cannot see the germination of a seed and the growth of the plant before it appears above the ground, neither can we see the work that the Lord is doing in preparation for our breakthrough. So, don't lose hope and give up. If you are growing weary then pray to the Lord, for He is faithful to give you strength.
 
I pray that He would unveil within you the unlimited riches of His glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with His divine might and explosive power. Eph 3:16 TPT 
                                                                                Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:19,20

These words of wisdom from the book of James should be read everyday by everyone who calls themselves a Christian. They are a reminder of the standard of behavior that is required of us who bear the name of our Savior. Many of us have become so entrenched in a world that lacks respect, kindness or any resemblance of decorum that we have become just like the ones we are trying to reach. How can we possibly expect people to listen to us if we are not willing to show them any respect? This is a good statement, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." In other words, why should they listen if they perceive you don't really care about them or what they think. We have been given a great commission to go into the world and make disciples but in order to accomplish that we must first show those in the world that we care about them. Respect doesn't mean you have to agree with someone, it just means that you are willing to care enough to listen to them. Trust me, if you become a good listener, you will in turn be heard. Choose your words wisely, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and you will find favor- both with God and with man.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8 
                                                     Pastor Frank Dodson

 Frankly Speaking

"But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." James 3:8-10
 
The other day I made a statement that caused great pain to someone I love. They were careless words that were delivered with little or no thought, but nevertheless they did much damage. There is power in the words we speak. The words we speak can build up or they can tear down. They can encourage or discourage. They can bring peace or they can bring turmoil. The power of our words extends much further than that which is audible to our ears. Our words carry the authority to bring blessings or curses. James tells us that our tongue is a mighty powerful weapon. He compares it to a bit placed in the mouth of a horse and to the rudder of a great sailing ship. In both cases, it is a very small device that controls the direction of something much bigger. Can our words be powerful enough to control the destiny of others? Yes, in fact the words that we speak not only affect contemporaries, but future generations to come. But it doesn't stop there, know that the principle of blessing and cursing applies to the words that we speak concerning ourselves; our health and our memory as well. It even applies to the words that we speak over our jobs, our cities, our country, and our President. With this much at stake we need to be more careful with our words. Yes, the power of the words that we speak is great but so is our responsibility as Christians to wield them wisely.
 
"......For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed." Num 22:6
                                                                              ​Pastor Frank Dodson

 Frankly Speaking

"Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?" Job 1:10
 
Hardly a week passes without news of rockets being launched against Israel. Israel is surrounded by those who plot her demise. Although Israel seeks peace, these enemies have no desire to live in peace- their only objective is total annihilation of the Jewish people. It seems that no matter how severe the retaliation by Israel, the terrorists persist, launching their missiles at civilian targets around the clock. Thank God for the Iron Dome. The Iron Dome is a mobile, all-weather missile defense system capable of intercepting and destroying incoming enemy rockets fired from a distance of 2.5 to 43 miles away. It has been extremely effective, knocking out 85% of the rockets fired by the Palestinian militants based in Gaza. Without this "hedge of protection" there is no telling how much carnage would exist today. We too can have a "hedge" placed around us to protect us from our enemies' daily barrage. Unlike the Iron Dome, which has a price tag in the hundreds of millions, this one is free. God offers, to those who ask, special armor that protects them from their enemy - satan. This is spiritual armor designed to thwart any attack, any time. To be eligible for this free offer, one must only believe and pray for it. For more information on this defense system go to Ephesians 6 and begin reading at verse 10. God spared no cost when He implemented this system for you, take advantage of it.
 
".....above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" Ephesians 6:16
                                                                                ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1
 
This past Wednesday we celebrated Independence Day. Most countries on this planet have a similar day, a national holiday in which they celebrate their independence as well. For them it is usually the day in history when they won a significant battle, were liberated from tyrannical oppressor, or held their first free election. In France for example, July 14 commemorates the storming of Bastille, a prison in Paris, which initiated the French Revolution in 1789. For us, the fourth of July signifies the day that brave delegates of the young Continental Congress met and adopted the Declaration of Independence-a document that formally stated the colonies' justification to be free from British rule. Of course that resolution didn't settle well with the British, they resisted and two wars had to be fought to settle the matter. The difference is this; most other countries celebrate the day their independence was won, we celebrate the day ours was declared. For there to be a victory, there must first be a declaration made to state a cause. This is also true for individuals as well. Whenever we make a declaration for our freedom, regardless of what that is, know that it will not come without a fight. Freedom never comes easy. The one who holds another in bondage never lets go without a struggle. Whether your struggle is against an addiction, a besetting sin, an illness, or any other thing that holds you captive know that there is victory in Christ. Start with a declaration; declare what it is you desire regardless of how impossible the situation looks. Believe for victory and know that the battle is no longer yours but the Lords.
 
 "Don't be afraid or distressed by this great horde; for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2Ch 20:15b
                                                                                 Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
 
On Wednesday we will be celebrating Independence Day. On the fourth of July each year we celebrate the day that brave delegates of the young Continental Congress met and adopted the Declaration of Independence-a document that formally stated the colonies' justification to be free from British rule. That resolution didn't settle well with the British- they didn't just pack up and go home, they resisted and a war (actually two wars) had to be fought to settle the matter. Freedom never comes easy. The one who holds another in bondage never lets go without a fight or struggle. So it is with sin. The Bible tells us that we were born into slavery, that we are "slaves to sin" (Romans 6). A slave is someone who is subject to the will of another. They are controlled by their oppressor. When unchecked, sin takes over our lives and controls us-we end up doing, and saying, things that not only hurt us, but hurt others. But we too have a Declaration of Independence, it is called The Bible. Found within its pages is the plan for deliverance, redemption, and justification. Whenever you feel tempted, overwhelmed, defeated, anxious, alone, fearful, or depressed, open the Bible and begin to read. Pray for Holy Spirit to speak to you through the words that you read. He is faithful to do so. If you will commit to this one simple act, you will find life, liberty and happiness.
 
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]" 2Cor 3:17 AMP
                                                                          ​Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

​"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4
 
I read years ago that a deeply troubled man, just before taking his life, called his wife on the phone and said, "I've done my job by bringing my kids into the world, now someone else can raise them."  Sadly, far too many men hold this view of fatherhood. Procreation does not fulfill the true meaning of being a father. Fathering requires more of a man than just siring children, he is called to raise them up and teach them the ways of the Lord. To bring children up in the training and admonition of the Lord requires years of patience, faithful love and nurturing. This is not an easy task and many men stumble and fail along the way. Truth is, there was only one perfect man to walk the earth and therefore there never will be a perfect dad. All of us, at some time in our lives, have probably felt that our dads failed us in some way. Maybe they did, but we must forgive them. Forgiving someone is liberating for both parties. Today is Father's Day, a day set aside to honor the fathers in our lives. If you know a father who has invested his life into the raising of his children, take the time to thank him. Our faithful fathers need to know that their dedicated service has not gone unnoticed. Happy Father's Day Dads!                                                                                Pastor Frank Dodson

 Frankly Speaking

"This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends." John 15:12,13
 
This is Memorial Day weekend; a time set aside to remember all of the Americans who gave their lives for our freedom while serving in the armed forces. Flags will be flown at homes and at businesses. There will be thousands of military-themed parades across the country. The BBQ pits will be smoking as families and friends gather to eat and fellowship. Millions will tune-in today to watch the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 and later the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Still, with all of this commotion going on there will still be solemn moments of remembrance. Loved ones will visit cemeteries and place flags on the graves of the fallen. There will be ceremonial gatherings in every town and city. In the traditional observance, the US flag is raised quickly to the top of the flagpole and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position to honor the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon it is raised to full-staff by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. So, no matter what you have planned for the Memorial Day weekend, set aside some time to reflect on how blessed you are and to remember those who gave their lives for you to live free. Let us never take our salvation or our freedom for granted, both came at a great cost.
 
"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." Author: Unknown
​                                                                                               Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:2-4
 
This event, described in the second chapter of Acts, is known as the day of Pentecost. This was the day that God chose to pour out His Spirit on man, just as Jesus had promised. The Jews had been celebrating this feast for over 1400 years. Pentecost (literally, 50th) came 50 days after Passover. This was believed to be the day when God revealed His law to Moses on Mt. Sinai - the day that God firmly established Israel as His holy people through His covenant with them. Pentecost, or Shavuot as the Jews called it, was one of the three major feasts in which the entire Jewish populace made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  It was no accident that God chose this day to send His Spirit - He knew what he was doing. "And dwelling at Jerusalem there were Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven." Acts 2:5 After being empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up, preached, and gave an altar call. The 3000 that were saved that day would return to their homeland with a salvation message that was radical; salvation was no longer limited just to the Jews but to "all men." It was a liberating message of love and hope that replaced an endless list of laws. Word would spread throughout the world of a Savior named Jesus, who came and set men free. Ironically, Pentecost was also known as "The Feast of Harvest". It was a day that the Jews gave thanks to the Lord for the "latter grains" harvest. Let us today give thanks for the plentiful harvest that God has promised; not a harvest of grains, but one of souls.
 
"Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" John 4:35
                                                                               Pastor Frank Dodson