New Hope– an Evangelical Free Church

“To Know the God of the Bible and to make the God of the Bible known.”

P.O. Box 60(545 First New Hampshire Turnpike)

Northwood, NH 03261

Jesus- Name Above All Names (part 1)

By Pastor Ted White

He is our Advocate (I John 2:1) and the only one who took our punishment for sin so we do not have to.  Through Him we are saved, safe and secure.  Those who reject him will plead their own case before God which will be no case at all and suffer the eternal consequence they have chosen by rejecting Jesus.

He is the Almighty (Revelation 1:8) which mean there is none greater that He.  Oh, so many believe they know better, have a better way, have all the answers, but He is the only One who has all  the answers, knows what is best and has the answer for everything.

He is the Author of eternal life (Hebrews 5:9) for all those who believe and obey Him.  Those who seek to “author” their own ways will forfeit eternal life.

He is the Bread of Life (John 6:32) which can feed as many as come to Him. He is the only One who satisfies spiritual hunger.  Many in this world try to feed themselves with what they think best, but there is no eternal satisfaction apart from Jesus.

He is the Captain of salvation (Hebrews 2:10) and the authority we need to listen to.  Most want to be their own captains, directing their own lives, or at least they think they are.  Those without Jesus are captains guiding their lives into eternal destruction, yes, Hell.

His is the Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22) with those who follow Him having their lives lined up with His desires, His plans, and His blueprint.  Those who are building lives without Jesus as the cornerstone are building lives according to their own desires, plans, and blueprints and will be judged by God as faulty and unacceptable without Jesus the cornerstone.

He is the Creator (John 1:3) and as such owns everything, including you and me.  Yet, for now, He allows His very own creation to reject Him if it so chooses.  All things in creation submit to Him except for man.  Man will choose where he will go after death.

He is the Door (John 10:7) and every person who enters through Him will be saved forever.  Those who seek to enter other doors will be lost forever.

He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and desires the best for people.  Good shepherds have compassion for their sheep.  Jesus is the best Shepherd anyone could be under.  It is amazing to me that so many people do not want Him as their shepherd, but are quick to follow others who are leading them down the path to destruction.

He is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22) and all those who know Him are members of His body, His church.  Those who do not know Him are not part of His church.

It is amazing to look at Jesus and who He is.  No other could be described in such a variety of ways as Jesus is.  Next time we will continue to look at His Name and descriptions of Who He is.
God’s Answer for Man—the Lamb

The Name of Jesus (Part1)

By Pastor Ted White

Why do people do it?  Think about this. Why do people punctuate their every-
day speech with the name of Jesus Christ, Jesus, Christ etc?  Why do people, when they get mad,
use His name to let off some steam?  Why do people use His name when they hurt themselves?  (For instance: you hit your thumb while using a hammer, and in anger you say “Jesus Christ!”)  Now be truthful with yourself.   How often do you hear His name used like this in people’s every-day speech?  How often do you say His name in vain?
Why is the name of Jesus used just to punctuate people’s speech?  Many people say this is only a habit, they don’t mean anything by using His name like this.  But… Jesus died on a Roman cross of execution almost 2,000 years ago!! There have been many great teachers, philosophers, and thinkers etc. that have lived on the Earth. When a person gets angry or hurts himself, why not use Aristotle or Socrates’ name? Why not the name of Plato, Buddha, Mohammad or Einstein?  Why use the name of Jesus Christ?   Can you think of another name that has been used in vain for almost 2,000 years? No, you can’t!  There is no other name that has been taken in vain like His name.  So why is His name used to punctuate people’s speech? There is more going on behind the scenes than most people realize or care to think about!

To find out why people use His name in this way we need only to refer to the Bible, God’s Word.  Nobody has ever proven His Word wrong, nor will they ever. But people do ignore it or just plain don’t want to believe the Bible. They don’t want to hear what it says…..  In Exodus chapter 20 and verse 7, we read this, “You will not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.”  In this verse we have a command and a promise.  The command is “You will not take the name of the LORD, thy God in vain …” This means that you will not use the Lord’s name in a hollow way; in an empty way; in a meaningless way; in a senseless way.  In other words, do not use His Name in an unworshipful way.

There are two (and only two) ways to act toward God.  1- Believe what He says in His word, the Bible, and worship Him as all mankind should.  2- Not believe His word and rebel against God like Satan did and continues to do.

Next time we will consider the reason why even those who hate Jesus, use His Name in vain and may have His Name on their lips more than some Christians do!

The Name of Jesus (Part 2)

By Pastor Ted White

Did you come up with another Name that is taken in vain like the Name of Jesus is?  No, you haven’t?  You will not either.  But, why do people do it? One responder to the last article said, ” Same reason Eve ate the forbidden fruit: she was told not to. That is the reason the Lord’s Prayer says “Lead us not into temptation.”  I agree and I’ll mention one other aspect that goes along with this response.
In the last article I mentioned there was a command and a promise in Exodus 20:7.  The command was simply, “You will not take the name of the LORD, thy God in vain …” This means that you will not use the Lord’s name in a hollow way; in an empty way; in a meaningless way; in a senseless way.  In other words, do not use His Name in an unworshipful way.
The promise is,  “. for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.” This simply means that those who take the Lord’s name in vain are guilty.  Guilty of what? Guilty of sin! Sin is going against (rebellion) God’s commands. Taking or using the Lord’s name in vain is sin! It is rebellion against God! Jesus said in Matthew 12:30, “He that is not with me is against me.”
The responder to the last article was correct, Eve was tempted to eat the forbidden fruit and yes we should ask the Lord to be pleased to keep us from temptation.  The eating of the fruit crossed the line and Eve sinned, rebelled against God.  Taking the Lord’s Name in vain  also is crossing the line and is sin, rebellion against God.  The promise in verse 7, or consequence, is being guilty before Almighty God of using His Name in a way that is offensive to Him and rebellious against Him.
WHERE DO YOU STAND?  Taking the Lord’s name in vain gives strong evidence that; 1-You are not a Christian, that you have not been born-again (John 3:3)and that means you are presently  under the wrath of God (John 3:18) and if you were to die at this moment you would spend eternity in hell, separated from Him forever!  2- You may be a Christian, but you carried this over into your Christian life and are acting worldly (I Corinthians 3:1-3). Hearing the Lord’s Name used like this should be offensive to the Christian. To hear the Name of the One who loves us so, and we love Him, should cause the Christian to cringe.
Next time we will talk about the remedy to this problem.

The Name of Jesus (Part 3)

By Pastor Ted White

Do people want to remedy taking the Lord’s Name in vain?  Few will and most do not care.  It is a serious condition, but who really cares?  Those who say they follow Jesus should care and not be a part of this!  His Name is to be praised!
THE REASON people take the Lord’s name in vain is because they are rebelling against Him. Whether they realize it or not, Satan has them under his control (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan was the first to rebel against God and he wants us to do the same. All who follow Satan’s way will be thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented day and night … forever as stated in Revelation 20: 1 0-15.  Again, these are not my words, but those of the Bible, God’s Word.  Argue with Him about it or don’t believe it, but it doesn’t change the facts.  Granted these are hard sayings, but that doesn’t make them any less true or any less serious.  You may not want to believe them, but if you are wrong.
God’s says there are two gates and roads on which men will walk through and travel upon (Matthew 7:13-14).  There is the wide gate and road that leads to destruction.  Most people are passing through this wide gate and are walking down this wide road.  Then there is the narrow gate and road that few are passing though and walking upon.  This narrow way leads to life now and forever.  Did you know that those who do not know Jesus are spiritually dead?  Check it out in Ephesians 2:1-10!  Many think they are spiritual, but in the true since of what spirituality is, there is no spiritual life in them!  Again, that is what God’s Word says.  Read it for yourself.  Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No
man comes to the Father  but by Me” (John 14:6).  It is only through Jesus’ name that we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the narrow road. All other ways lead to hell.

IT’S YOUR CHOICE  1-To be on the wide road to hell, do nothing about your relationship with God.  2-To be on the narrow road to heaven, get right with God!   Admit to God that you are a sinner(Romans 3:23).  Admit that Jesus died for your sin(rebellion) and rose from the dead(Romans 5:8; 10:9-11). Repent (turn from your sin and have a change of heart, mind and direction) Acts 3:19.  Ask Jesus to come into your life to save you and make you a child of God(John 1:12).

I understand that many will think this is foolishness.  Actually, it was foretold(I Corinthians 1:18-31).  But, nobody would blaspheme a dead man! Jesus is alive and He is coming again.  Be ready to meet Him as your Savior, not as your Judge.  ” .. .It is appointed unto man to die once, but after this the judgment. “(Hebrews 9:27)  Jesus is the only way, please trust Him Today!

The Gift of God’s Word
By Pastor Ted White

It is true that those who suppress the truth of God’s Word are wicked, but let’s make it clear, those are not my words.  These are words from God’s Word, the Bible, as seen in Romans chapter 1 verse 18 and following.  The argument is not with me, it is with what God has to say.  I am just seeking to be faithful in sharing what He has asked me to share.
His Word is a love letter to people, but not all people will accept His Word.  That is their choice.  My choice is to believe what it says and seek to live out what God desires, though I fail too often.  Without His Word we would be in the dark, actually most of the world is in the dark.  Many do not believe in God, but do believe in a god of their own making or say they are atheists.  God has given us the wonderful gift of His Word.  But, like any other gift, a person can choose to accept the gift or reject it.  Most people reject the gift of His Word.  That is their choice. The eternal ramifications will be their choice as well.  We will all face death and then it will be known if what we believed was accurate.
In Psalm 14:1 there is another statement made about those who will not believe.  It says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”  Men like to measure themselves by themselves. It is a pretty poor way to measure except for those who are prideful and think more highly of themselves than they ought.  God does the measuring and when we see Him after death there will be no excuses, no rebuttals and no self measuring.  A person can say they do not believe.  Fine, your choice.  But I will warn you, it will not be a pleasant experience after you pass over the threshold of death.
By the way, I have met many people who do not believe.  I always find it interesting that those people speak the Name of Jesus often, but by taking His Name in vain.  One of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not take the Name of the Lord in vain, for those who take His name in vain will not be held guiltless.”  More about this the next time I write.
God desires you to have a relationship with Him.  He loves you more than anyone else.  Check out the link below.

God’s Answer for Man—the Lamb
http://www.newhopenorthwood.com/?page_id=212
www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729

The Gift of Enjoyable Moments
By Pastor Ted White

I was recently looking out the screened window on a beautiful sunny day. The trees on the edge of the woods were gently swaying in the soft breeze. The backdrop of light blue sky brought out the intense deep green of the flickering leaves.  Two yellow Labrador retrievers were lying at my feet as I drank in this peaceful scene, enjoying the moment.  Was this just a coincidence?  Was it only a meaningless convergence of some unknown evolutionary force?  Or was the joy and peace I experienced at that time more than some happenstance in time?
Personally, I do not think these moments of joyful peace are accidental occasions or meaningless moments, but insightful gifts foretasting the greatest joy ever to come.  How grand they are now!  How awesome they will be!  We are told in Psalm 147:18, “He sends His Word and melts them, He stirs up His breezes, and the waters flow.”  He is the Creator of all things (Genesis chapter 1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2).  There are some people who are fearful that the world will end.  It will end, but not until the Lord God Almighty causes it to.  The reason this planet and all of creation is still here is because He is holding it together.
It is amazing that one can look around and not see evidence for a Creator. Actually Romans 1:18ff tells us that it is not that they did not believe in God, but they have chosen to suppress the truth by their wickedness.  People are not born atheists; it is a chosen lifestyle like any other sinful lifestyle that is chosen.
You believe what you want, but I will thank the Almighty Creator and His Son Jesus for these wonderful momentary gifts from His hand that foretell the perfect place He has provided, Heaven!  May we enjoy it together!

The God of Man’s Making
By Pastor Ted White

How do you know there is a God?  Can man know God?  Has God made any revelation to man about His existence?  If God has made revelation to man, how did that happen?  Man cannot know God unless revelation is made. Otherwise, man may know God exists, but man cannot know God.  God becomes whatever man’s imagination desires.  Man then puts God in the same category as the tooth fairy, Easter bunny and any other fairly land character man has made up.
Those who say “God is a God of Love” and reject that God is a God of judgment and wrath as well, get their information from where? If God has not revealed anything, how do people know this?  The God of “only love” is the making of man’s mind.  Man’s intellect becomes the measurement of who/what God is.  Man’s pride becomes the issue.  It always is.
In Hebrews chapter 1:1-2 we read, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.”  So, there you have it whether you accept it or not.  God has revealed Himself through the prophets in the past and through His Son, Jesus in these last day (when Jesus lived on Earth to the end of time).  God’s Living Word (Jesus John 1:1) and His written Word (the Bible John 8:31-32) is the authority we are to live by.  Otherwise we are living by our own authority or some other person’s self proclaim authority.
If you choose to follow your own authority or another man’s, that is up to you.  But, I have chosen to follow God’s Word and God’s Son as He has revealed in His Word through His Holy Spirit (John 16:12-15).  When a person decides to believe what they believe not based on anything by self or another person, there is no way to check to see if it is truth.  Everything becomes relative.  Just believe what you want.
But, when there is a written Blueprint for life (the Bible), then there is something to measure by.  It is not like a homosexual marriage advocate told me, “God still reveals things today.”  What he was telling me is that God has revealed to him (no way to check that out, but just take his word for it) that homosexual marriage is now acceptable.  Apparently from this man’s perspective, God has a different design for marriage that is never, not once mention in His Word, the Bible.  So, just accept what this man says.  People will, they always have accepted teaching contrary to God’s Word (I Timothy chapter 4).

Your Word, O God, Is Truth
By Pastor Ted White

Some have asked, “What is truth?”  What can you truly believe?  There are so many voices out there.  Who is right?  Is there anybody right?  Is there anybody wrong?  Are all ways right?

In John chapter 8:31-32 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Plain and simply God’s Word, the Bible, is the authority.  Man can reject it, but truth remains the truth.  In Romans 3:4 He says, “.Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

Here are a few areas where God’s truth prevails and men are liars:

.    Men have promoted the lie that evolution is truth and scientific.  In reality Creation is revealed in God’s Word and is scientific.  How many people remember that Creation was first taught in our schools until liberal thought promoted evolution?  God’s Word, the Bible, does not promote evolution and I will trust His Word over man’s false ideas.

.    Abortion has been promoted as not killing a child.  This has been an utterly destructive lie that Satan has used to entice the liquidation of innocent, defenseless children!  Fetus, what does it mean?  I have heard people use this word when they do not even know what it means.  This word is used euphemistically to take away the harsh, wicked blow against children. Fetus is Middle English, from Latin fetus , offspring.  So yes, it is only a fetus, but that means it is an offspring, a child that is being aborted!

.    Another lie has to do with homosexual marriage.  Look for an example of homosexual marriage in the Bible and you will never find it.  This also is a satanic lie promoted by men.  This is not God’s design.

.    Euthanasia is another deception.  It is interesting how the young and old are preyed upon.  Again, you will not find this in God’s Word.

Evolutionary thought leads to the devaluing of life.  Those who call themselves Christians and believe these lies are in direct opposition to God’s Word, to God Himself.  It is a dangerous place to be.  I’ll stick to the truth of the Word of God.  I’ll stake eternity on it.  Will you stake your eternity on your belief system?

God loves you and wants you to enjoy the life He has given you and to escape the consequence of death, which is separation from Him forever, under His wrath in Hell.  To do so go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

Christian Leaders (Part 5)
Biblical Leadership’s With Humbleness
By Pastor Ted White

What does a Christian leader have that he did not receive?  Actually, that could be asked of anyone who claims to follow Jesus.  It can even be asked of those who do not acknowledge Jesus.  So many people think they are “self made” and do not acknowledge that what they have comes from God.  We should be thankful, humble and not unappreciative or prideful.

Our attitude should be like that of the Lord Jesus as mentioned in Philippians 2:5-8.  He is our example, His Word is our guide.  In this section we are told that Jesus’ very nature is God.  Yet, even as great as He is, He made Himself nothing.  He took on the very nature of a servant, was made in human likeness and appeared as a man.

Jesus, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, humbled Himself.  He did not come as a great King from the world’s perspective, though He is King of kings.  He did not come looking for people to serve Him, but instead He served the very creatures He created!  Man is so puny compared to Jesus who is so majestic, grand and awesome with all power and authority.  Humbleness? He showed us what it is when He allowed men to kill Him by crucifixion and all that entailed.  The resurrection declared He was the Son of God(Romans 1:4).

Christian leaders, Biblical leadership, should have the same humble attitude as Jesus.  All that a leader and all others have, they have because God gave it to them.  There is no place for pride, we are in no way self-made.  Pride is self-focused, humbleness is others focused.  Most assuredly, a humble person will be a person who serves without having to be recognized.  If they are recognized, they will acknowledge that it is only by God’s grace that they are what they are.

What does it mean to be humble?  Need to be saved first!  Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

Christian Leaders (Part 4)
Biblical Leadership’s Foundation Comes From Servanthood
By Pastor Ted White

What is your concept of Biblical leadership? Is it with an iron fist?  Does it leave room for input from others?  Is it transparent?  Is it approachable? There are some leaders who think they are always right and it is their way or the highway.  What was Jesus’ concept of Biblical leadership?  Let’s take a look.
In Mark 10:42-45 “Jesus called them together and said, You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Unsaved rulers have the tendency to exercise their authority over people. They use their positions to flex their power and have the people serve them instead of serving the people.  Jesus said this was not to be the case of His followers.  Those who are His leaders need to have a servant’s heart.  Biblical leaders need to be willing to serve all people and not just the ones they are comfortable with.  This does not mean they agree with everyone.
There are leaders that appear to be great in man’s sight, but it is what God thinks about them that ultimately counts.  People have the tendency to look at the outward appearance, but God goes straight to the core of the person.  He sees what a person really is no matter how wonderful they can appear on the outside.  How many times do people look at appearance, the eloquent speech, the nice things people do etc.  But only God truly knows the motivation of the heart.  He knows what the thoughts of any person are.
Jesus is not only our Lord and Savior, but He surely is our example as well.  He who is over all men came to serve even the least among men.  He who created everything that is good, allowed that creation to kill Him.  That was the greatest service ever to take place in all creation.  Then He rose from the grave.  May those of us who are Biblical leaders follow His example.  Yea, may all of us who claim to follow Him look to His example of servanthood.  May we actively be serving others in Jesus Name, in His authority!  This is greatness to God\!
What does it mean to be a servant?  Need to be saved first!  Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God

Christian Leaders (Part 3)
Biblical Leadership Seeks The Good Of Others
By Pastor Ted White

Biblical leadership has to have the right motivation.  Leaders are to look to the flock’s best  interest from a Biblical viewpoint and encourage the flock in that direction.  Too many times leaders are looking out for their own interests and not the interest of those they have been made overseers of by the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 20:28).   The Apostle Paul gives us some insight to servant leadership in I Corinthians chapter 10 and verses 31-33.  Here are a few:
-He sought to do everything for the glory of God, to exalt God in all he did.
-He did not want to cause anyone to stumble, to falter on his account whether Jewish, non-Jewish those who have trusted Jesus.  Paul never shied away from what God’s Word had to say, he just wanted to present the Word in a godly way.
-He also wanted to please everyone in every way.  He is not talking about sinful activity here, but plain and simply the willingness to be a servant to anyone.
-He was not seeking his own good, but he was seeking the good of many.
-He was seeking their good that ultimately they would be saved.
What does it mean to be saved?  Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

Christian Leaders (Part 2)

Biblical Leadership is Personal

By Pastor Ted White

Paul took the time to know people and the people he spent time with got to personally know him as well. Unfortunately, many leaders do not get to know people within the church they pastor. That was not the case with Paul.

In I Thessalonians 2:5-14 we can see many areas where the people really knew Paul. In these verses “you” is used on an average of 2 times each verse. Here are a few things within this passage that the Thessalonians knew about Paul. They knew:

• He never used flattery

• He did not cover up greed

• He was not looking for man’s praise
• He was not looking to be a burden to them
• He was gentle among them
• He was like a mother caring among them
• He greatly loved them
• He delighted to share the gospel with them
• He delighted to share his life with them
• He held them dear
• He toiled while with them
• He had hardship while with them
• He worked night and day
• He lived holy among them
• He lived righteously among them
• He lived blamelessly among them
• He dealt with them as a father
• He encouraged them
• He comforted them
• He urged them to live godly lives
• he was thankful for them

As a Christian Leader, how well do you know those you are leading? This is not just for leadership in a local church though. Each member of the Body of Christ, the Church are to develop healthy relationships with each other and encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25) even more as the Lord’s return continues to draw closer.

Want to trust Jesus? He loves you more than any other possibly could. Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729. To find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

Christian Leaders (Part 1)

They Encourage Individuals to Examine

the Word of God for Themselves

By Pastor Ted White

Christian leaders have great responsibility! A person may be a leader in a church, but are they a leader that adheres to God’s Word? In Matthew 12:37 Jesus said, “By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” We will give account to the Lord one day and our very words will be a witness for us or against us.

The Apostle Paul was a great leader. He brought the gospel message to Berea in Acts 17:11-12. These people “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul was saying was true.” A couple things really stand out in this passage. First, these people received the Word of God with eagerness. Are you eager to hear the Word of God or is it just boring to you? But, these people in Berea did not receive it with eagerness; they received it with great eagerness. They had a desire to know the truth.

Second, the Apostle Paul did not get offended when these people checked “the Word of God daily to see if what he was saying was true.” There are some leaders today who would be offended if you questioned them or looked into the Bible to see if what they were saying were true. Some think because they have had some education that they may know more than those who have not “formal education.” That is not necessarily the case. Many have head knowledge about the Word of God, but very little practical application. The early disciples were known not to have had “formal” education and yet those who did were astounded at their understanding. The reason they had understanding was that they had spent time with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Spending time with Jesus is where the real education takes place.

The Apostle Paul was excited to see people discover truth in God’s Word for themselves and encouraged people to do so. A Biblical Leader will do the same thing. Christians should be eager to receive the Word of God and to examine it daily to make sure that what they are hearing is true.

Want to trust Jesus? He loves you more than any other possibly could. Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729. To find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

In His Grace,

Ted White

The Lack of Reasoning

By Pastor Ted White

Where are the logical thinkers today? Where are the people who do not just mimic what others are saying, but are expressing ideas that are thought through and not just going along with the crowd or emotions? Where are those who have a solid foundation for their thinking?
I was rec…ently at a town hall meeting when an article came up to consider. Those who opposed the article said those promoting the article were hateful, mean, bigoted etc. One person even said, “Do you really think that you want the people to vote on this issue? Do you think they know the constitution enough?” This is not only a lack of reasoning, but it is the lowest form of it. When you do not want to discuss something, just call people names. That shuts down the dialogue or attempts to. If that is not bad enough just call the people too stupid to vote. That is an elitist attitude that seeks to bully people into silence. Funny how our government introduces bills on bullying for children on playgrounds, but not for the adults from whom the children learn this from! When you do not have a foundation from which to reason, then bullying in different forms takes place.
The foundation from which I seek to live and write comes from God’s Word. Do I do this perfectly? Surely I do not! But, the Word of God is perfect and is the firm foundation to live and reason by. “Come now, and let us reason together”, says the Lord. Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, thought they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” The Lord invites dialogue. He wants us to reason and line up with what He says. Most of the time people of this world want to do things their own way, do their own thing and their foundation for thinking is themselves or another person. When man becomes the foundation for their thinking, then anything goes. When God’s Word is the foundation, then He has already established what is right and wrong.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27).
What is your foundation for reasoning? Want to get together to reason? I am open to talk with anyone at anytime. Just contact me through our web site.
Want to trust Jesus? He loves you more than any other possibly could. Go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729. To find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/

Truth is Suppressed

By Pastor Ted White

There are those who want to suppress the truth. They want to have their own way, be their own captain, be in control, be their own self-made person and push their agenda on others. So, how is truth suppressed?

In Romans chapter one we are told. This is a powerful chapter, which deals with God’s perspective on mankind. Man can come up with his own gods, the gods of his own mind, but the true God has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. People are invited to trust Him. It is their choice.

First, God has made it very plain that He exists. Just look around at creation. If you cannot see design there, then you won’t see Him. But that does not excuse a person from their accountability to God. They can deny it, but just as surely as death is getting closer to each one of us, so too are we getting closer to giving an account to our Maker (1:18-20).

Second, when man decides not to follow God his thinking becomes futile and his foolish heart becomes darkened. Those who deny God think they are wise, but God says they became fools. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worship the creation rather than the Creator. Interestingly though, what comes next is sexual degradation (1:24-25).

Third, those who deny God approve of others who do. The rest of Romans chapter one deals with the slippery slope that a person or nation is on by denying the truth about God (1:26-32). The truth is suppressed by:

• Those who deny in the existence of God
• Those who worship creation(nature) rather than the Creator
• Those who practice sexual degradation of any sort
• Those filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity
• Those filled with envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice
• Those who are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful
• Those who invent ways of doing evil
• Those who disobey their parents
• Those who are senseless, faithless, heartless and ruthless

Again, those who practice these things seek to influence others to practice them as well. But God’s truth is evident to whoever wants to know the truth. Jesus said there is a wide and narrow road. The majority is on the wide road to destruction, few find the narrow road. Few see their need to trust the Savior from sin, Jesus. Many believe they are okay, they are all set. My hope is that you would see your need to trust Jesus. But, that is up to you. These are not my words. Take it up with Jesus who said, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” I truly hope you will trust Him.

True Freedom

By Pastor Ted White

What do you think freedom is? Some people think freedom is life without boundaries and they should be able to do anything they want. Others believe in a freedom where everything is done for them and they shouldn’t have to take any responsibility.

Freedom is the opposite of bondage, imprisonment, captivity or confinement. It has to do with independence, liberty, autonomy and sovereignty. Where is there freedom on this planet and why does it exist? I have seen free people in prison that are freer than the majority of people that are not in a prison or jail. I have seen free people in situations where others seek to keep them in bondage. There are those who think they are free, having everything this world has to offer, but they are in bondage. There are those in locked units in psychiatric hospitals or nursing homes. Others are in bondage to alcohol or drugs, sexual promiscuity and deviate lifestyles. What makes a person or a nation free?

In 2^nd Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 17 we read that “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Plain and simply, where the Lord Jesus is, there is freedom. It matters not where a person is, but WHO a person knows. To know Jesus brings freedom and to not know Him brings bondage, whether one accepts this or not.

America was founded on a Christian foundation. Anyone, if they are willing, can see this. Look at all the States’ preambles in their constitutions. They all directly mention or allude to God. So many of our documents mention God. You used to hear “In the year of our Lord” when dates were given or read on older documents, but not so much any more. America has been free because the teachings of the Lord Jesus permeated the culture. That does not mean everyone believed, but there was an influencing affect in our early history, but not so much anymore. People throught it progressive to take Bible reading and prayer out of school. Sure it was progressive, progressed us right into immorality and deeper darkness while believing this it good.

Romans 1:18-32 shows us where our nation is headed and why. Verses 18-23 tells us that men did not want to retain God in their knowledge and that they suppress the truth about God by their wickedness. There is no mistake and we are seeing it clearly today, men suppress the truth of God by practicing and pushing their wicked agendas. They are encouraging others to follow their dark path! The only hope for us as individuals and for our nation is by experiencing the freedom that is found in Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are in bondage and our national freedoms will be lost! Yet there is always freedom in Jesus Christ for those who believe no matter how bound a nation or this world becomes.

God wants you to enjoy the life He offers you, to be free and to escape the consequence of death which is separation from Him forever, the ultimate bondage. To do so go to www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com/