Pastor John Garrison's Blog

Universalism creeping in!

I was recently given a copy of a book with the simple title The Gospel which seems to be a re-visit back to the basics of what the Gospel is all about.  I’ve not finished the book yet but have read enough to know that this is the theme.  I found this to be very interesting, since my sermons right now are coming from the book of Romans (which presents the Gospel truths so clearly), and my own passion for preaching the truth of the Gospel has heightened.  Yesterday a piece of mail, which I receive on a regular basis, called Facts and Trends came.  I have quickly scanned the periodical and found a very interesting article by Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research .

In Dr. Ed’s article he discusses “Guiding Beliefs.” Recently a survey was done of 1,000 Protestant pastors and they were asked to respond to the statement, “If a person is sincerely seeking God, he/she can obtain eternal life through religions other than Christianity.”  Here are some amazing statistics.  Only 12% of pastors agreed with that statement.  An overwhelming percentage of Protestant pastors believe that salvation is exclusively found in the Christ of Christianity.  When the survey was given to church goers in Protestant churches the numbers were quite different.  When asked the same question, Protestant church goers were not so sure.  A full 32% of church goers disagreed with that statement.  Another 8% strongly disagreed.  That leaves only 40% of the church goers that believe Christ is the only way to heaven.  Startling!

Let me make some statements related to this alarming statistic.

1. It is very alarming that 12% of Protestant pastors believe that salvation can come through someone other than Christ.  You may say, “Well, that is pretty good because 88% agree that salvation is in Christ only.”  I would hope we would always be appalled by the fact that less than 100% of Protestant pastors agree that Christ is our only hope.
2. Somewhere between the pulpit and the pew the message has been missed.  I am assuming that the pastors who do believe that Christ is the only hope are preaching that message with clarity and passion.  A large number of our people are not getting it, or perhaps they’re listening to another drummer.
3. The Bible is very clear on the subject.  Just read John 14:6; 3:16 and many others.  These are the classic verses that are so clear it seems impossible to misunderstand.

Dr. Stetzer says, “The question is how can a pastor address the universalism that is creeping into the church?”  I think that is what disturbs me the most.  How have we allowed such a watered-down gospel to be preached in pulpits across America?  How could someone who claims to have the truth ever believe such a lie?

We are in the time of year when it is “easy” to proclaim this truth.  I say “easy” because we will soon celebrate Easter – or better stated – Resurrection Sunday!  We have the opportunity to proclaim the truth about Jesus.  My prayer is that we will preach that message without apology and with passion.  My prayer is that we will experience real revival in the pulpits, the pews, and America.  Real revival will be a return to the truth of the Gospel.  It is Christ and Christ alone!

God help us if we depart from the truth!

Pots – Vessels!

A very intriguing story appears in Jeremiah 18 about vessels. God told Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house to get this message and he went. He gave us a spiritual meaning and interpretation of what he saw. I’d suggest you read verses 1 through 12 to get the story. It might help you understand this blog a bit better.

Vessels belong to the potter – he can do whatever he pleases with them! You have “vessels” at your house that you use for specific purposes. There are others for use for things other than what they were “designed” for. For example, a mug or coffee cup is designed to hold a drink from which you enjoy your coffee, tea or whatever you choose to sip on. At my house there is a mug with a house plant in it! It came to my house that way as a gift. I have chosen to keep it as a flower pot – it’s mine, I can use it for that if I want to! I was cooking breakfast for a group of men one time and I used a coffee cup to scoop flour as I was making biscuits. What has God “designed” you to do? Has he changed the way He’s using you over the years?

Verse 4 of Jeremiah 18 says the pot was “spoiled” or marred in the potter’s hand. Verse 7 says the potter had the ability to “uproot, pull down, and destroy” (a nation) or a pot according to His desire and need. Some vessels need to be broken and re-made before they can be used. That is what happened in the potter’s house where Jeremiah visited. The vessel the potter was working on had some “foreign” particle in it and if he had continued to mold the pot it would have been an imperfect pot for the potter’s use. So he started over! How many times God has had to “start over” in my life! The lessons I need to learn sometimes are hard ones and I, often times, more than I would like to admit, have to go back to “school” at the Potter’s House and let him take out something that will “spoil” the vessel on which He is working.

Some vessels are special vessels – chosen specifically for a specific purpose. Acts 9:15 speaks of Paul being a “chosen vessel” for the Kingdom of God. What has God chosen you for? Are you fulfilling that calling and being used as the vessel He wants?

According to Scripture some vessels have to be broken or purged before they are used. In John 15 Jesus talked about vines that needed to be productive. Some of them needed to be purged in order to produce more fruit. The purpose of the pruning, or purging, is not to cause pain but to assist the vine in being more productive. The word that is used there is a word that means abrasive cleanser. Sometimes the cleansing does not feel good but the end result is always for His glory and for our benefit.

Where might Jesus have to purge your life today? What needs to be loped off (pruned) in order to make you more productive? Is there some personal “flaw” that God needs to deal with? He has done that many times in my life and continues to do so. I’m glad “He’s Still Working On Me” to mold me into His image.

Some vessels need to be filled to be used. Imagine a watering pot you may use for watering your house plants or shrubs. The pot does you no good unless it is filled with water, and perhaps, plant food for proper use. Paul talked about being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18. As a matter-of-fact, it is in the imperative mode in the original language, which means, it is a command Christ intends for us to obey.

Do you need His filling? Perhaps there is something in your vessel which needs to be emptied before He can fill you!

Then, there are some vessels that just need to be poured out to be used properly. Once the vessel is filled it is filled for a purpose. Jesus wants to “sup” from us! What is He getting from you today as he “drinks” from your cup – from you? Jesus “poured out” Himself for us (Isaiah 53:12 uses this language), how much more do we need to be poured out for Him.

Perhaps we need to ask, what kind of vessel am I in His service? Can He “sup” from me and get the sweetness of the Spirit? There is a world around us that needs to draw the living water from our lives.

May they drink from me today!

Touching the Depths 

Touching the depths is all we are
able to do when it comes to describing and appreciating our God.   In reading Psalm 18 we discover just how
impossible that is.  Verse 2 uses some
very descriptive and revealing words to paint a picture of God.  David has experienced deliverance from his
enemies, Saul in particular.  He pens a
song of praise to the God who delivered him.
Here are the descriptive words he uses for God (just listing them would
be enough but I want to give a brief description of each):

My Rock – David has been dwelling
among the crags in the mountains of Judea.
He had escaped the malice of Saul, and here he compares God to such a
place of concealment and security.  C. H.
Spurgeon says, “Believers are often hidden in their God from the strife of
tongues and the fury of the storm of trouble.”
The clefts of the Rock of Ages are safe abodes.

My Fortress – A Hebrew word that
means a stronghold, a castle or a safe place.
David could run to God because God is a safe place in which to hide.

My Deliverer – I am sure that David
felt that when he was almost captured, God rescued him from the hand of the
mighty (Saul) by him who is mightier still (God).  What a word!
God delivers and preserves us and enable us to go forth in safety.

My God – Jehovah was David’s
perpetual, unchanging, infinite and eternal God!  This encompasses all that can be said.  When our hope or trust is in God – no one can
overpower us, as David had experienced and feared.

My Strength – The word used here could
be translated “rock” in the sense of strength and immobility.  God is my sure, unchanging, eternal
confidence and support.  So the world
“rock” occurs twice but the first time it is a rock for concealment, here a
rock of firmness and immutability.

My Buckler – Warding off the blows
of my enemy, shielding me from arrow and sword.
The Hebrew word can be translated a shield, protector and (I find this
very interesting) the scaly hide of the crocodile.  Think about that!

The Horn of My Salvation – “Horn”
has to do with an ancient figure of victorious and defiant power.  Horn of my salvation is that which interposes,
or intervenes on the side of my feebleness, conquers and saves me.  Since I am unable to save myself I need a God
who is able.  He is the victorious one
who conquered death and the grave and moves forward with His great army in
power and defeat of His (and my) enemies.

My High Tower – Surgeon says this
speaks of a high citadel “planted on a rocky eminence beyond the reach of my
enemies.”  It is a good place for protection.  It is also a good place to get a vision and a
perspective of life.

Wow!

Commenting on this verse C. H.
Spurgeon says, “Here are many words, but none too many; we might profitably
examine each one of them…we may conclude…that David here equips the faithful
from head to foot.”

Who is Jesus (part 2)? 

One of the other names of Jesus in Isaiah 9 is “Mighty God.”  The Hebrew is El Gibbor and means “all powerful” or “omnipotent.”

The amazing thing is the Mighty God is a child born in a stable in Bethlehem! 

Alexander McClaren says the word “Mighty implies victorious energy in battle.  It is often applied to human heroes, and here carries warlike connotations…Thus strength as of God, and, in some profound way, strength which is divine.”

We see Christ’s power as creator in John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:16.  The universe is not self produced as some scientists try to claim.  Biological analysis has failed to show one particle’s ability to mutate itself into visibility.  And, by-the-way, cloning is not creating, which reminds me of a poem I heard once. 

Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was slightly gray,

It didn’t have a father, just some borrowed DNA.

It sort-of had a mother, though the egg was on loan,

It was not so much a lambkin, as a little lamby clone.

And soon it had a fellow clone, and soon it had some more.

They followed her to school one day, all cramming through the door.

It made the children laugh and sing, the teacher found it droll.

There were too many lamby clones for Mary to control.

No other could control the sheep, since their programs didn’t vary.

So the scientist resolved it all, by simply cloning Mary.

But now they feel quite sheepish, those scientist unwary,

One problem solved, but what to do with Mary, Mary, Mary!

We may chuckle with this little ditty but the fact remains that God is the only author of created beings and things.

He not only created it all, but He sustains it all as seen in Colossians 1:17.  Nothing grows at its own will.  A grain of corn goes through a divinely ordered change.  The sun shines at His bidding.  Earth’s rotation is at His command.  When we see and understand His power – well, I feel really small!

But, (back to the message of Christmas), not only is He Creator and Sustainer, but He is Redeemer.  Isaiah 49:26 says, “…And all flesh will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”  That is why He came to earth – to redeem mankind.

As we proceed through the remaining days of the Christmas celebrations let’s be thankful for our Mighty God who came as the Redeemer to save us.

Who is Jesus? 

Do you remember what the prophet says about who Jesus would be?  “…And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace…” (Isaiah 9:6).  Perhaps one of the best known references to the coming of the Messiah is found here.  But what does all that mean?

As “Wonderful Counselor” we learn something of the fullness of the gospel and the sufficiency of Christ.  In an article in the New York Tribune, the need for a wonderful counselor is underscored.  The article was titled “How Mentally Fit Are We New Yorkers?”  It was an 8 year study by a 5 member team from Cornell Medical Center.  Here is a quote from them:  “Only one out of five is mentally well; one out of four is so psychologically disturbed as to be impaired in his social relations.  The rest have some symptoms of psychological illness but they do not interfere with their lives…The frequency of symptoms does not appear to differ much from other parts of the United States.”

Wow!

Some of us would say, “That’s New Yorkers” but our prejudices are bashed when they report that their findings did not “differ much from other parts of the United States.”  Do we need a Counselor?  Let me break down this name of Christ for you and see how He meets the need in our lives.

“Wonderful” indicates the incomprehensible in the original language.  “Counselor” means one who gives advice and counsel. One who gives counsel must qualify by being able and willing to give counsel.  Several things are comforting to us.  One is that Jesus needs no counselor!  The Bible says he is full of wisdom.  The wisdom of Christ is pure, peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering or without partiality and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).  Colossians 2:3 adds the fact that Christ is full of knowledge.

Anyone like this would be very attractive to those around them.  Jesus attracted people wherever they were.  Christianity has taken root on every continent of the world because of who He is.  Jesus attracts people whomever they are.  He said if I am lifted up I will draw all men to myself.  Men came to Him for counsel.  Women came to Him for advice.  Children responded to His smile and gentle touch.  Jesus attracts people whatever they are.  Theologians sought His wisdom (even at age 12).  Sin-sick souls came for cleansing.  Even his enemies said, “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).  What a Wonderful Savior!

Can He do the job in today’s society?  Does He continue to fulfill the “Wonderful Counselor” role?

He can analyze the condition of men and women.   In John 3 when Nicodemus came to him, He saw straight into his heart and knew his need.  In John 4 a woman who knew every trick in the book came to Jesus and He put his finger on her real need.  In John 5 a man of 38 years of age who had sought healing all his life came to Jesus and was made well.

Jesus can meet the need in people’s lives. 

To Nicodemus he said, “You must be born again” (john 3).

To the woman of Samaria he offered her “living water” (John 4).

To the man with an infirmity he said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5).

He never met a need He could not handle.  Whatever your need is – Christ is the answer!  The Wonderful Counselor is yours in your hour or moment of need today.  Seek His counsel – it will be wonderful!

Never Forget! 

It seems every year we move Christmas a little bit further ahead – at least the commercial world does that.  Did you notice this year that Christmas gift buying started before Halloween?  Incredible!  I remember a few years ago we complained when the ads started before Thanksgiving!  Now the money industry and commercialism is moving it further.  Before long we may see Christmas sale ads beginning on the 4^th of July!  Matter-of-fact, I can’t believe I’m writing a blog about Christmas before Thanksgiving – albeit it is only two days from Thanksgiving!

In all the hustle and bustle of the commercial aspect of Christmas it is easy to forget what the real purpose of this time of year is all about.  Allow me to share something with you that some of you may never see otherwise.  Some have read this because they make use of the devotionals we provide for those who attend our church and for people in our community.  The following seven paragraphs are from that devotional introduction.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS!  (English)  ¡ FELIZ NAVIDAD! (Spanish)  FELIZ NATAL!  (Portugese)              عيد ميلاد سعيد!  (Arabic) ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΎΓΕΝΝΑ!  (Greek)  JOYEUX NOEL!  (French)

Regardless of the language it says the same!  What does this mean?  It means that all over the world people will be hearing Christmas wishes in their mother tongue and understand what is being said. 

This also means that the message of Christ can be understood in every language of the world.  I have information that tells me that in the State of Florida we are worshiping in more than 21 languages – just in Baptist churches.  Almost 1,000 churches worship in a language other than English.

The message of Christmas is for everyone everywhere.  God says that He is “not willing that any should perish.”  Therefore, His message needs to get out to everyone everywhere.

What a wonderful opportunity we have to bring you the good news that the “Prince of Peace” is still alive and well!  Born in a stable many years ago, living and dying in and around Jerusalem, buried and resurrected, He still lives and gives new life to all who seek Him. 

Jesus was born into the world as a little baby, but He needs to be born in your heart as the Savior of your soul…  

Is He your Prince of Peace?  I truly hope so!  If not, may you come to know Him during this Christmas season!  Pause from the hustle and bustle of life to celebrate Christmas.  It is not just a holiday season!  It is Christmas!”

So don’t forget what Christmas is all about.  It is not about buying gifts, giving gifts and receiving gifts.  It IS about the greatest Gift ever given to mankind – the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world.

I intended this to be on line some time ago but becasue of technical difficulties it couldn’t happen.  So, albeit it is late, here it is.

Time! 

In a few days we’ll be changing time again.  We’re moving to the end of “daylight savings” time.  Question – did you save any time during the last few months?  What did you do with it?  Just kidding!

Another question – does anyone know what time it is?  The answer will depend on how you interpret the question.  While it is important to be cognizant of the time of day it is, that may not be the most important and sensitive question at the moment.

I’m thinking of a passage of Scripture which talks about all kinds of events to which there is a “time to.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is the one that lists no less than 28 things that are appropriate in its time.  The summary is actually in the beginning of the list – “There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven.”  The Hebrew word translated “event” in the NASV is the word chephets which can be interpreted pleasure, abstract desire, a valuable thing, a matter, or a delightsome thing.  All of these “things” he lists are things done, or experienced “under heaven,” or by man in his earthly existence.  Having set the stage, let’s look at the things there is a time for.

The negatives:

1. A time to die.
2. A time to uproot.
3. A time to kill.
4. A time to tear down.
5. A time to weep.
6. A time to mourn.
7. A time to throw stones.
8. A time to shun embracing.
9. A time to give up searching.
10. A time to throw away.
11. A time to tear apart.
12. A time to be silent.
13. A time to hate.
14. A time for war.

Looking at a few – a time to kill?  Is that the same as a time for war?  Perhaps not, because the writer lists those items separately.  When is a good time to kill?  I don’t think the answer to that question is not in a classroom.  A time to throw stones?  Are they to be thrown at someone or thrown into a ravine to fill a hole?  A time to throw away?  I think I know this one – look in my attic or garage!  Number 12 – a time to be silent!  Is that a negative suggestion or a positive one?  You choose – however it applies in your life, this is what the Holy Spirit is saying.  A time to hate?  Yes, even God hates sin!  Even God hates the result sin brings – killing, destruction, death and disease.

The positives:

1. A time to give birth.
2. A time to plant.
3. A time to heal.
4. A time to build up.
5. A time to laugh.
6. A time to dance.
7. A time to gather stones.
8. A time to embrace.
9. A time to search.
10. A time to keep.
11. A time to sew together.
12. A time to speak.
13. A time to love.
14. A time for peace.

Again, look at a few – number 12 is still a question for me.  Sometimes it may not be a positive thing to “speak” but I’ll take the high road on this one.  I cannot think of a time when it is not appropriate to plant (your life in others, etc.), to build up (your brother – who may be struggling and needing a touch today), to embrace (someone who is hurting), to love and a time for peace.

What the world needs today is peace!  In the midst of a torn world, country, state, county, community or home, we need peace.  The only way we can have that is to know the prince of peace – Jesus.

Isn’t It Just Like God!

By Lori Howard on Pastor Appreciation October 16, 2011

Isn’t it just like God – to send John and Amelia Garrison to Africa for 10 years – to plant seeds – to build hope – and be overseers for pastors…just to bless them 20 years later when they returned…so they could see the fruits of their labors?

Isn’t it just like God – to cause John and Amelia to pray day and night for a wayward son that was determined to find his own way in this world…as a result they were to find that many years of prayer rags tied to nails in crosses that are still hanging in churches across the United States as a testimony to God’s faithfulness of trusting in the unseen hand of God…they would discover that the prodigal would return and begin the path of ministry that he was once called to follow?  Their life of prayer is a testimony!

Isn’t it just like God – to send them to Indiana – where there was great resistance to God – to those who needed a shepherd’s heart to guide them and then realize that even in the valley lives were touched – this too was for a purpose from the Father?

Isn’t it just like God – to take the earnest prayers and cries from 2 broken hearts wrestling with all the “whys” – to bring them through challenging spiritual experiences, in order that together they would seek God for His direction and know that whatever God’s purpose was – it became theirs?

Isn’t it just like God – to answer the prayers of the Saints at Oakview who cried out to God that good would come out of the ashes of our broken hearts and that His most precious will would be done in finding a pastor to lead us…God knew His plan and brought us all together for the purpose of furthering the gospel in Okeechobee?

Isn’t it just like God – to use the past three years – to speak His words through this preacher who has the Father’s heart and desires to be used of God – to pierce our hearts with messages from the throne room of Heaven with words of truth that only the Father knows will resonate within?

Isn’t it just like God – to use this simple farmer from Alabama who only knows to stay on his knees to hear the words to speak – from the Father – that in turn impacts lives for eternity and continues to ruin us for the ordinary?

Isn’t it just like God – to send us a man with a passion for the things of God – a desire to see us grow deeper in God’s ways?

John and Amelia responded to God’s calling to serve – willing to be used wherever God led them.

We, at Oakview, prayed for what our minds could comprehend, for someone with knowledge, a passion for lost souls, someone who loved God more than anything, one who would speak boldly from the pulpit and one who knew the fear of the Lord more than the fear of man.  God blessed us with Luke 6:38 (“a good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over…”) we are grateful to God who sent us a leader with God’s vision who desires nothing more than to please His heavenly Father.

With our heart full of gratitude to the Lord for sending you both to lead us and grow with us!

He answered our prayers more than we could have imagined.

ISN’T THAT JUST LIKE GOD!

 (Italics added)