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
 
Next Thursday we Americans will celebrate 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 reminds us of 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 Brits, 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
 
Much is being said today about freedom; freedom to marry whomever we want-regardless of gender, freedom to exercise our "reproductive rights," freedom to choose to end our own life, freedom to practice our own religion, and the list goes on. Each camp believes that achieving their "right" is what brings them freedom, but Jesus tells us otherwise; "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. True freedom comes from knowing the truth, not some watered-down half-truth devised by man to promote an agenda or to legitimize a sin. Truth comes from God's word. Knowing and obeying His commandments is the truth that will truly set men free. Many believed that their new found freedom, handed down by the Supreme Court's redefinition of the sacrament of marriage a few years ago, would guarantee them freedom. It's proven to be quite the opposite. They are now bound in a false belief that man has the power to override God's laws and precepts. Pray for those who have made such laws and for those who have been deceived by such arrogant acts. Instead of pointing the finger and condemning them try praying for them to know the truth and to truly be set free.
 
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."  John 3:17
 
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
                                                                                        Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking
 
Near the end of every man's life there will come that moment when he must ponder all of his achievements. He will take inventory of all his possessions and accomplishments and wonder whether he had used his God-given resources wisely. God has a calling on every man's life and each man is given three resources to achieve that calling - time, treasure, and talents. How we use and manage these resources will determine the amount of satisfaction and peace we have at the end of our days on this planet. Of all the callings, there is no greater call on a man's life than to be a father. This charge encompasses much more than just siring, it is a lifelong calling. The Apostle Paul instructs men to "bring your children up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph 6:4. This requires a large investment into their lives, an investment of time. Men, we will be held accountable for how seriously we take this command. Training, as well as discipline, is a hands-on activity, not something to be delegated (or abdicated) to our wives, the schools, or our local church. Fathers are called to lead and set an example for their children to follow. Being a father requires commitment and sacrifice, but the rewards are well worth it. Watching our children grow into godly men and women and enjoying fellowship with them brings joy and accomplishment to our lives. But the greatest reward comes at the end of our lives when our Father in heaven says to us," Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over what I have given you" Matt 25:21. Keep up the good work and happy Father's Day men!
When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son, "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. 1Kings 2:1-3
                                                                         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. Sanai - 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. Amazingly, 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
 

Frankly Speaking
 
Over the last few weeks I have been talking about several different mindsets that not only influence our perception of the world around us but also control how we react to various situations or events in our lives. The most important consequence of our mindset is how it shapes our relationship with God. Someone with a 'Barbaric Mindset' is controlled by fear. They tend to see God as a mean old man just waiting to squash them like a bug when they mess up.  This type of mindset will drive a person to try to earn favor with God through performance. People with this mindset tend to be very religious or legalistic. Another mindset is the 'Greek Mindset'. People who adopt this frame of mind usually struggle with faith. They have a hard time accepting things they don't understand - constantly trying to reason things out and have an explanation for everything. They seldom recognize the miracles and wonders of God all around them. This form of thinking is rooted in pride which seeks to exalt itself rather than God. The third perspective that I presented was the 'Hebrew Mindset.' BUT GOD! Four thousand years ago our loving Father in heaven, knowing that man could never grasp Him on his own, introduced a flawless mindset that would draw man to Him and would fulfill all his longings and desires. It would be a mindset based on trust and faith. He started by making a covenant with a man named Abraham and over the next 2000 years He shaped the thinking and culture of this man's offspring to come into line with His truth. He gave them a revelation of who He was, speaking directly to prophets who would write it down, so that they would have a manual that would teach, instruct and guide them through life. He gave them answers to all their questions, from where they originated to what their future would hold. He also told them of a Messiah who would come to set them free from sin and death. We know this Messiah as Jesus Christ. When a person adopts this flawless mindset he is able to draw near to his heavenly Father trust Him in all things. Trust me, peace will come with the knowledge that Abba Father loves you unconditionally and has the best for you.

...let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think… Rom 12:2
                                                                                            Pastor Frank Dodson