Category Archives: Calvary Corner

Analyzing the Fear of God

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Analyzing the Fear of God

I recently learned that one cubic foot of sand could hold 1.8 billiongrains of sand. In Psalm 139:17 David revealed God’s heart for us saying, “How precious are Your thoughts to me O God! How vast isthe sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.” Consideringall the deserts and oceans, God has indicated that His thoughts ofus are both precious and endless.

If God’s thoughts of us are precious, then why is the “fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom” (Psa 111:10)? How is the “fear of the Lord anybody’s treasure” (Isa 33:6)? The paradoxical nature of these verses complicates further when we read in Exodus 20:20, “Do not be afraid, for God has come in order to test you, in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” So, how am I to fear God and not be afraid?

God led Israel out of the slavery of Egypt to be close to Israel. Likewise, God hasliberated Christians from the slavery of sin in this world so He could be close to us, and that we would now touch lightly the things of this world. In James 4:8 James declares, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” So, when we cleanse our hands from engaging in sin, and purify our thought-life, God is willing to draw near to us. Our sinful habits block the closeness of God that we so desire. Closeness to God depends on us.

In light of Exodus 20:20, I should never be afraid to draw near to God. Rather, I should be afraid to create distance between myself and God by practicing sinful habits. Sin separates, and the fear of the Lord would be a fear of living apart from Him. May it never be.

Isaiah 59:2, Jude 1:21
Pastor Huck

Activated?

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Activated?

People dispute over which Bible is better, which day to worship, tongues and tithing, spiritual gifting, pre, mid, post tribulation rapture on and on. I wonder about Biblical intellectuals who win the war of words and prove their point, after justifying the significance of their perception, with hardly a sign of spiritual maturity. Is there any indication of activation? If Christ is in you, then what degree of godliness was activated in your soul?

Take Romans 13:11 for example. Paul wrote, “Knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken out of your sleep; for now our salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” Regardless if there is a pre, mid or post trib rapture you are going to die physically. Shouldn’t we all live like we are ready and actively demonstrating our obedience to the gospel of our Lord and Savior?

Paul wrote, “Make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.” He also wrote, “I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Godliness was activated in Paul’s life. James exhorts us to wash our hands from the filth of this world saying, “cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts.”

If there is no activation of godly living in a professing believer’s life, then how are they born again? That person could have a bachelors, a masters, a doctorate and yet be so totally dead in their sins. Their brain might be activated with facts and figures but where is the active presence of the Holy Spirit?

Steve Green once sang, “We are called to take His light, to a world where wrong seems right. What could be too great a cost, for sharing life with one who's lost? When will we realize, that we must give our lives, for people need the Lord.”

Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Active
Pastor Huck

The Most Important Sign

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The Most Important Sign

As a young boy I can remember seeing my dad’s work badge for Libbey Owens Ford on the counter with his keys. That badge identified him as an employee as he walked through the guard shack to punch in. He was obviously singled out from all others as an L.O.F. employee, allowing Him access to the company. Throughout the scriptures there were identifiable badges that connected disciples to those they were following.

In Genesis, Abraham was separated from his old life and separated unto God. The mark of that separation was the circumcision of the flesh. All males who followed Abraham were circumcised. This was the sign of a covenant between God and Abraham that promised him to receive a land, a seed, and a people who would be a blessing to all the earth.

In Exodus God imposed a new sign on those who would follow Moses. The observance of the Sabbath became an indication that people were disciples of Moses. This was a sign between God and Israel (Exo 31:16). Anybody ignoring this sign of separation would be cut off from the fellowship of Israel.

Another sign appeared with John the Baptist. People of the circumcision and the Sabbath now believed God was about to send the expected Messiah. They were ready to repent and be water baptized. The first sign was one of separation, the second sign was of redemption, and third was for those expecting the soon arrival of Messiah.

Then, all signs were superseded when Jesus Christ commanded, “You shall love one another as I have loved you. Thus, all men will know that you are My disciples if you love one another (John 13:34-35).” You will never be recognized as a child of God without loving one another. Only the Holy Spirit can produce this kind of love. Without the evidence of loving the people of Christ’s church, a person has zero proof that they are a Christian. They have deceived themselves.

Love One Another and Don’t Be Duped
Pastor Huck

The Grief of Grieving the Holy Spirit

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The Grief of Grieving the Holy Spirit

When was the last time you were verbally abused? Did those inappropriate words leave you feeling grieved, or with an aching void inside? Ephesians 4:30 declares, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” Grief causes feelings of sorrow, unhappiness or even outrage. The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a power, and resides inside every Christian. He is God the third person of the Trinity and He feels emotions.

We grieve the Holy Spirit with our sinful actions and attitudes, which can shut down our sensitivities to God’s inner promptings. Harboring bitterness, harsh words, anger, unforgiveness, and foul language dulls our ability to hear the Holy Spirit’s impressions and directions. Unholy behavior moves us off the spiritual frequency of God where we can hear and communicate with Him. This leaves us wondering where God went. He is there, but we’re just sensing empty static. Our sins have separated us from the feeling of God’s closeness.

It is disheartening to God when we do not respect His presence with us in our daily lives. So, how do we stop grieving God the Holy Spirit who dwells within?

1) Maintain a clean heart with a willing spirit. Remain sensitive to God’s promptings. Basically, God desires that we cultivate holiness in our everyday living. Ask God to create in you a clean heart.

2) Maintain regular conversational prayer. We’ll be able to express our hopes, our failures, feelings of inadequacy, our needs and enjoy all our expressions of joy and appreciation as we identify the miracles He is performing in our life. God loves our expressions of gratitude.

3) Regularly read the living word of God, the Bible. This will renew our mind and shape us to be more like Jesus Christ.

Remember, our Lord blesses those who, “tremble at His word” (Isaiah 66:5). “Wealways pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, so that the nameof our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you” (2Thes 1:11-12).

Tremble on
Pastor Huck

The Rest of the Story

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The Rest of the Story

His dad came home and as he passed by his fifteen year old son’s room, his attention was immediately drawn to an unusual atmosphere of neatness. Clothes were folded and his bed was made without wrinkle or fold. He then noticed an envelope with the words “Mon and Dad” on it.

The father’s paranoia shifted into overdrive as he began to read. “Dear mom and dad, I’ve found the love of my life on Tinder. She’s everything I could ever want, absolutely gorgeous, with lots of really cool piercings, and totally smart. We decided it would be best for me to drop out of school and move into her place.

She’s got this quaint little trailer deep in the woods with a really cool five acre garden. All the plants grow tall and green with this truly unique flower sprouting on top. She says we’re going to make a lot of money selling this stuff. Okay… it’s pot, but we’re so isolated the authorities will never find us. I told you she was smart.

We have no trouble getting around cuz she’s thirty-five years old and has her own driver’s license. We plan on having a ton of kids but don’t worry; we’ll be visiting down the road so you can play with all your grandchildren. Love Josh.

PS: None of the above is true. I’m at Jason’s. I just wanted to remind you there are worse things in life than the hideous report card I left on the couch.”

Now, here’s a couple of points to ponder when you think your life is crashing. Jesus told the apostles no less than six times He would be killed, buried, but will rise. By Saturday they had all forgotten everything He promised. When you feel you’re at the end of your rope, what promises of God do you have trouble remembering?

Remember, the resurrection of Jesus separates Christianity from every other religion. We can always trust in our Lord no matter what.

Happy Resurrection Day
Pastor Huck

The Remnant Church

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The Remnant Church

Pastor Brandon Holthaus of the Rock Harbor Church in Bakerfield, California has developed a nationwide ministry known as the “The Remnant Church Locator.” After an extensive interview, I was asked if they could refer us to those people searching for a Biblical New Testament church. We agreed and think you would like to know just what this means.

Pastor Brandon writes: “You have the responsibility to be good Bereans (Acts 17:11), checking the Scriptures against what is being taught. Here are some key doctrinal issues to consider when you evaluate a church.“Their doctrinal statement should state that the gift of salvation is offered freely to all mankind, not to a select group, and not in agreement with five point Calvinism. Also, the salvation of the believer is eternally secure. Salvation cannot be earned; therefore, it cannot be lost. “

Dispensational: Teaching a pre-tribulation rapture of the church, a pre-millennial and bodily return of Christ; not Replacement Theology. The Church does not replace Israel. God is not finished working with Israel.“

The Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants are unilateral and everlasting covenants between God and Israel. God has promised to fulfill these covenants and will. We are Pro-Israel – for the people, the nation and the land, but not always their government or leadership. Israel’s leadership has done and will do things that are wrong; such as land for peace agreements, denying the Messiah, and in the future, signing a covenant with the Anti-Christ.“

When you visit churches, listen critically. Talk to the pastor about the doctrinal issues mentioned. Ask him about prophecy and world events. If a church you are checking out is vague or will not take a position on these issues, you will be better served by moving on.”

We at Calvary Chapel BCC refuse to adapt to the godless beliefs embraced by our cancel culture society, but believe that the current culture of America is in desperate need of adapting to Christianity.

Sincerely
Pastor Huck

You From God’s View

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You From God’s View

Remember snapshots? There’s a word that vanished with I-Phones. Regardless, God has placed plenty of snapshots within our Bibles, and some of those pictures resemble us in remarkable ways.

In 2 Samuel 9 we find David searching for anyone of Jonothan’s family to whom he may show kindness. See if you can identify the descriptive similarities of your own life in Christ, as David the king found Mephibosheth whose name means shame, in a place of bareness. Since he was five years old Mephibosheth became lame in both feet due to a great fall, as his nurse ran to escape an enemy attack. David found and called him to himself in Jerusalem, where Mephibosheth fell on his face as a humble servant before his king.

David commanded all of Saul’s land, riches and belongings to be given to Mephibosheth, for the sake of his father Jonathan. Although the family’s farmland now belonged Mephibosheth, David desired that he eat with him at the king’s table regularly.

Is this not a snapshot of any of us? God so loves the people of this world, even though they are all lame from sin and have no walk with Him at all. Christians were exactly the same before being called to Jesus Christ our King. Once we meet our King we realize the shame of our sins, bow in repentance, and seek acceptance expressing humility. Mephibosheth’s final recorded words are, “All my Lord and King commands I will do.”

If this is not your story, then allow us at Calvary Chapel to introduce you to the God who made you and loves you. If this is you, then I leave you with this challenge.

BE REAL: Stay honest before our Father. Remain humble. It’s when we admit we’re wrong that we’re right.

BE REACHING: Press on in prayer, fellowship and the Word. Mephibosheth never returned to his barren beginnings.

BE READY: Live today like it’s going to mean something for eternity. Jesus is coming!

Be Governed by God
Pastor Huck

God Is Greater Than Our Heart

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God Is Greater Than Our Heart

Regarding those who are born again of the Spirit John wrote, “In whatever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things” (1 John 3:20). The first issue to consider is that John declared a Christian’s heart can produce a convincing sense of condemnation. Because of sin we might feel an accusing conscience and ask ourselves, “Why did I ever think such an evil thought?” Or “How could I do that and still be a Christian?”

In reality, a condemning heart is not a bad thing if there is regular sin occurring in our life. The Holy Spirit brings a healthy conviction to our soul so that we respond by bringing our failures to God’s throne of grace. The idea is that we would then confess, repent, renounce, realize forgiveness for our sins and press forward, knowing with confidence that our relationship with God is on track. The Bible declares, “As we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

By forgiving us in Christ, God conquers our condemning heart to bring assurance of our salvation. When condemnation has been removed, confidence with God abounds.

On the night Jesus was betrayed Peter took his eye off the ball and denied knowing Christ three times. The world says three strikes and you’re out, but not Jesus. Our Lord knew Pete was in desperate need of comfort and confidence in order to become the leader God intended him to become.

In John 21 on the shores of the Galilee Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved Him, and three times Peter confessed his love. Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and the rest is history. Peter’s condemning heart was then replaced with confidence to serve his Savior.

Sometimes our heart condemns us but in doing so it delivers the wrong verdict. God is greater than our heart.

Assured in Christ
Pastor Huck

Feelings Are Followers

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Feelings Are Followers

Our feelings are not leaders, but followers of our predominant thoughts and desires. Psalm 42 was written by the Levitical descendants of Korah who led worship at the temple. After Babylon conquered Jerusalem, their hearts ached for the days of gathering with the multitudes for worship. David may have said, “Where are your eyes? God is not only in heaven but with you.”

In verse 5 the psalmist challenged his own soul, rather than surrender to his feelings of discouragement. He declared, “Why are you downcast O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” He did not say, “Well this always happens to me.” Or “What’s the use?” He still may have felt sorrow, but he put it in a right relation to God. Sometimes we have to take ourselves by the hand and preach God’s promises to ourselves.

The psalmist did not continue looking inside himself for answers, but began to look up. He just didn’t feel like praising God but said, “I shall yet praise Him.” For us, Philippians 4:4-9 is a great place to meditate on God’s counsel when we’re so low we’re kicking the bottom out of the bucket. That may be the medication you really need, and it’s free in Christ Jesus.

Maybe you can relate to verse 7 when the psalmist writes, “Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls. All Your breakers and waves roll over me.” He is feeling like he is buried under a waterfall of his misery and the noise just doesn’t stop. Yet he declares, “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime.”

Hope is like the sun. Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, “As we walk toward the sun, the dark shadow of our trouble stays behind us.” The trouble is there, but our focus is Christ.

Isaiah 26:3
Pastor Huck

Broken Crayons Still Color

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Broken Crayons Still Color

By age twenty-three Major League baseball teams are no longer interested in you. Scouts and GMs consider you too old to be developed. Even Sports Illustrated once ran a headline reading, “There’s Just No Room for the Late Bloomer.” I’m so glad that’s not a Bible verse.

I have never forgotten a young college player at the San Francisco Giant spring training facility saying, “We got to walk on with San Diego. This is all I got.” He had just seen his name on the released board. The door to baseball had just shut in his twenty-one year old life, but what burned in my mind was him declaring baseball was all he had. That’s simply not true with Jesus Christ.

The times when we experience our biggest regrets, failures, mistakes or broken dreams can often become opportunities to hear God the clearest. God’s call seems to be louder in our brokenness. David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a crushed heart” (Psa 51:17). David wrote this after confessing his adultery with Bathsheba, his murder of Uriah, and lying. God heard that confession to Nathan the prophet and restored him.

David was broken, but just as broken crayons are still able to color, David’s repentance allowed God to bless him again. The king responded by saying, “I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will be converted.”

It’s the same with us. God still makes masterpieces out of our messes if we just come to repentance. May we aggressively cast down our fears, imaginations and inappropriate thoughts and pull down those strongholds that become welcome mats for demons to infect our lives.

Start Coloring
Pastor Huck