Russell Moore's recent blog post

What Mariam Ibrahim Means Posted: 01 Jun 2014 06:33 PM PDT News reports have gone back and forth all weekend about whether or not Sudan will release our sister in Christ, Mariam Yahya Ibrahim. What’s not up for dispute is that Mariam, who just gave birth in prison chains, is condemned to die for “apostasy,” that is violating Sharia law by becoming a Christian. She’s also charged with “adultery,” because her marriage to a Christian man isn’t recognized. As we pray for her, I’d like us to reflect on what we see in her. Mariam’s husband tells the press that she refused, despite all she has been through, to renounce the name of Jesus. For her, her freedom, even her life, aren’t worth tossing aside her allegiance to the Lord Christ. In this, Mariam is a true daughter of Sarah. The Apostle Peter commends such as those who do not “fear anything that is frightening” (1 Pet. 3:7). It’s not just that Mariam is displaying the sort of fearless faith Peter commends. It’s also that she’s displaying the sort of fearless faith Peter himself lacked, at least at first. Simon Peter, when faced with potential execution, denied even knowing his Lord. Jesus didn’t leave him there, of course, but found him hiding out in Galilee, and fueled in him the sort of heroic faith that was willing to face even the worst thing he could imagine: being bound and taken where he didn’t want to go (Jn. 21:18). And that’s just the point. Mariam is a living picture of Jesus keeping his promise, made to us at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus said that he would build his church, and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. And sure enough. Nero Caesar couldn’t kill the church. Josef Stalin couldn’t kill the church. Even now, Sudanese tyrants and Chinese despots can’t eradicate this church. When we see a heroine such as Mariam standing up for Jesus, even in chains, we are not simply seeing her. We are seeing the Spirit who blows where he wills, giving the kind of faith that fears not the one who can kill the body, the kind of faith that seeks first the kingdom of God. Let’s keep praying for Mariam’s release and safety. Let’s keep pressuring the State Department to act. But let’s also remember to step back and thank God for the gospel to which she clings. Mariam is not just fighting for her life. She’s fighting against hell itself. And how does she do it? She does it with the only weapons that work: the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony, for she loves not her life even unto death (Rev. 12:11). Whatever the Sudanese authorities do, they won’t be able to stop Mariam from overcoming. Whatever their charges, she is justified before God. If they kill her, she is resurrected in Christ. They may terrorize her, but it seems this brave mother can hear another voice behind theirs, one that says, “Be not afraid.” May we hear that voice, too. I am so thankful that God continues to prove Himself faithful. Just like He has done in the past, working through the saints who have gone before us, He continues to do today. Mariam is not the only one. Let's pray fervently for the persecuted church.

An Excerpt from Herb Hodges recent letter.

If you have read John Bunyan’s classic Christian allegory, PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, you will remember the stopover Christian (Pilgrim) makes in “the House of the Interpreter.”  Just as a refresher, I have read this section several more times, because it is a great primer for an overseas disciple-making trip with pastors and leaders.  The “Interpreter” represents the Holy Spirit in the story, and with Bunyan’s remarkable genius, he pictures beautifully the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in the economy of God.  The Interpreter is defined by a “picture on the wall” of his house, the portrait of a “certain man” ( a kind of representative “interpreter”).  Let me explain that.  Though in Bunyan’s story there is one “Interpreter”, there are several “Interpreter’s assistants, or helpers”.  These represent all of the called and assigned servants in the Household of God.  Jesus said, “He who would be great among you, let him be the servant (bondslave!) of all.  A bondslave is a slave who has “bonded” or bound himself to his master because of love, not because he is bound by law.  A Christian is not a servant because he is FORCED into such a life, but because he deeply “loves his Master, and WILL NOT GO OUT FREE” (see Exodus 21:1-6, especially verse 5).

I want to linger to look at the portrait of the Interpreter in that picture.  Seven characteristics are listed in Bunyan’s  verbal portrait in PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.  (1) While happy of heart, he is still a serious (graveyard serious) person.  C.S. Lewis echoed this in one of his brilliant works entitled, Joy, the Serious Business of Heaven.  (2) His eyes are elevated to Heaven, a living example of the verse, “Since you are risen with Christ, set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).  (3) He is Biblical.  “His blood runs Bibline”, as Spurgeon said.  Bunyan defined him as one who “had the best of Books in his hand.”  (4) He is Truth-dominated—and Truth-declaring.  “The law of Truth was written upon his lips”, Bunyan said.  What a remarkable line!  Truth, then, is the law; not a mere moral option, but a mandated necessity.  And it was “inscribed” as in letter of fire—upon his lips.  When he speaks, he even unwittingly speaks the Truth that fills the vitals of his life.  In short, he is a walking, talking BIBLE.  (5) He is unworldly.  “The world was behind his back.”  He doesn’t even notice the glamor and glitter of the world; he has already acclimatized himself to a world where the streets are of gold!  “I have seen the King; what have I to do any more with baubles and bubbles?”  He wears this world like a loose garment, and it may be left behind at any moment in favor of a better inheritance!  (6) He is urgent about men’s souls.  “He stood as if he pleaded with men.”  And again, “He is one in a thousand; he can beget children, and travail in birth with them until they are born.”  (7)  He is a disciple-maker, one who nurtures new-borns to bring them to mature character and productivity. “He sponsors them himself when they are born.”  (8) “His head will bear a crown of reward” in the next world.   I Peter 5:4 says that “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, he shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.”

(I pray that we, you and I, have the passion to follow Christ in like manner.)

Pastor Mike

An Exerpt from a letter from Franklin Graham

Dear Friend,

I have recently returned from holding an evangelistic Crusade in El Paso, Texas, and as I write, I am preparing for a Crusade in Sapporo, Japan. Sapporo is in the most northern part of the country, a city where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. Not long after those Olympics, a surprising news report captivated Japan and the world when the last World War II Japanese soldier finally surrendered—30 years after the war.

Hiroo Onoda’s fascinating story came back into the headlines this January when he died at age 91 in a Tokyo hospital. As an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army, he had been stationed on the island of Lubang in the Philippines and given strict orders to stay there and carry out reconnaissance and guerrilla warfare. Lieutenant Onoda was directed not to leave the island or to surrender. His commanding officer, Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, ordered: “You are absolutely forbidden to die by your own hand. It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens, we’ll come back for you. Until then, so long as you have one soldier, you are to continue to lead him. You may have to live on coconuts. If that’s the case, live on coconuts! Under no circumstances are you [to] give up your life voluntarily.” He was told to carry out his duties until his commanding officer returned.

In the confusion that followed defeat, the Japanese army lost track of Onoda. For 30 years, this dedicated soldier evaded capture and continued to fight a war he didn’t know had ended. He didn’t compromise. He followed his orders without interruption until he was found in the jungle and his commanding officer, long since retired, returned in person to the island to relieve him of his orders.

This one-time enemy soldier’s devotion to duty spoke to me about the commitment we are to have as followers of Christ. We too have been given orders. Our orders are from the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16, NKJV). He is clear about them in His Word, and we are not to compromise. I’ve been shocked in recent months to hear about organizations who say they accept the authority of God’s Word but support same-sex marriage. I’ve heard of a Christian publisher planning to print a book that says actively practicing homosexuals can continue in their lifestyle and live as Christians. Not only is this compromising, it is heresy. What God calls sin is sin—we cannot call it something else. The penalty for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (see Romans 6:23). It is through the cross that God, in His love, provides forgiveness for those who repent. This is the Good News we must proclaim.

The last order our Lord gave us before returning to Heaven was to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth—“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, … teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18–20). He will return one day soon, and will He find us faithful? Will He find us carrying out what He has asked us to do? Will He find us using our energy, our time, and our resources to share the Gospel message with a lost and hurting world that He loved enough to die for?

Franklin Graham

Weekly Email Update

It’s such a pleasure to write to you each week. I hope that you are encouraged, and at times informed about things at Highland. We have such a great church, and outside of the working of the Holy Spirit, what makes Highland great is YOU. I want you to know I appreciate you, and am so thankful for the way (s) you serve the Lord Jesus here. I am thankful to be called to serve along side you, and I pray the Lord Jesus multiplies our efforts to live for Him and serve Him. I love you with the love of Christ, and pray that you experience His powerful hand at work in you, around you, and through you.

On Sunday, April 6 we will have a voter registration table in the welcome area by the glass doors. If you have never registered to vote this will be your time to do so, I will even care your registration to Albemarle for you. You must be registered by April 10, 2014 to vote in the primary elections on May 6. Almost half of the Christian population across our state and country are not registered to vote. We can and will make a difference in the future direction of our country by either participating or refusing to participate. Don’t be a Christian who refuses to get involved. Your voice counts, my voice counts, and they sound great together.

Sunday is big day in the life of our church. We have a lot of things going on. We will celebrate both ordinances of the church: baptism and communion. We will participate in a baby dedication. Sunday night we will have our quarterly business meeting immediately followed by a time of fellowship in the FLC. Bring your favorite desert and finger foods, and let’s enjoy some family time.

There are two things on the calendar I want to make you aware of. The first is the youth sponsored golf tournament at Tillery Tradition Golf Club. We have a great time of golf and fellowship each year and we would love to have you be part of it. Even if you don’t play golf, come hang out with us and support our youth as they raise money for summer camp. Help us spread the word get as many teams as possible to play. If you have any questions see Pastor Matt ASAP. The second thing is that baseball season is just around the corner. We will be scheduling several trips to watch the Intimidators play ball this season. Be watching for times and signup sheets. Game time is always a fun time at the ballpark.

Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of FBC Charlotte, Republican Candidate for US Senate NC

I recently had the privilege of representing Dr. Harris at the Stanly county Republican Convention. He wrote a letter to be read to the convention because he couldn't attend, and I stood in his stead and read it on his behalf. I would like to post that letter, and make a few comments.

Dear Friends,
Please accept this brief letter in my absence.

A strong America is built like a three-legged stool: a strong domestic policy, a strong foreign policy, and a commitment to traditional values. If one of these legs is weakened, the stood cannot stand. I have been saying exactly this on the campaign trail since we began this journey.

Today, renewing America means getting the right people in public office immediately. We simply have no time to wait and hope things improve. I sense we are at the height of a very different America unless you and I, and others of like-mind, stand together.

I am dedicated to the vital principles of liberty, limited government, faith, and family. These principles, and the Constitution itself, are under attack as never before. We must rise to their defense. I've been proudly laboring under these very principles my entire adult life as a husband, father, and through decades of publicly speaking truth without fear.

Right now North Carolina needs a man who is pro-life, pro-family, and pro-marriage between one man and one woman. North Carolina needs a man who is unwavering in his support for the 2nd Amendment. North Carolina needs a man who supports the full repeal of Obamacare, while making sure that every voter understands we have Obamacare because of ONE democrat senator from North Carolina. More than anything, North Carolina Republicans must nominate a man unencumbered by questions of character. I don't care how much experience you have, or how well you know the Constitution. If you don't have character, it just doesn't matter. I cannot stress this enough. Character is the absolute core of what North Carolina, and truly all of America, needs most. Character is undeniably paramount.

As a native of our great state, I am in this race to give North Carolinians a new voice in Washington. A voice that will be conservative and solutions-oriented. A voice that says free market solutions are better than government programs. A voice to say "NO" to Common Core and "Yes" to more local control of our public schools. A voice to say "NO AMNESTY" in discussions of illegal immigration. A voice not willing to substitute political gamesmanship or crony capitalism for doing what is right. I want to be a voice of all who recognize the dysfunction of big government and the corrosive effects of tax-and-spend politics. A voice, finally, to stand on the oath of office and the rule of law while demanding the same of all who serve our nation.

I bring the needed vision. My tested business and leadership skills in the Senate will begin the shift toward an earned pride we desperately need in America. I firmly believe in American exceptionalism, as did Ronald Reagan. President Reagan saw America as that "shining city upon a hill." My prayer and goal is to represent you well as your United States Senator from North Carolina. To do so, I ask for your support of the Mark Harris campaign. I need you to encourage family and friends to join us in this journey. The time is now. I join Senator Ted Cruz in a firm belief that a "morning in America" is at hand. Our brightest days are ahead. I humbly ask for your support. Today.

Please visit my website at www.markharrisforsenate.com to learn more and to get involved.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Candidate for U.S. Senate from North Carolina
Mark Harris

1. Mark Harris is the kind of representative we need in North Carolina. He is the kind of representative every person in America needs. No more politics as usual. He is a man of principle, integrity, and character. He will stand out in Washington.

2. Mark Harris has my vote. He believes like I believe. He will actually represent my values, biblical values, in Washington. No other candidate comes close.

3. Mark Harris will do what he says he will do. Other politicians make promises but don't keep them. We have their votes on record. We also have Mark Harris' life, ministry, and messages. He has never wavered or compromised. We need Mark Harris in Washington.

4. Register to vote by April 10. You may need to change your voter registration to Independent or Republican. Mark Harris is running in the Republican primary. You will not be able to vote for him: if you are not registered to vote, or if you are registered as a democrat. You don't have to register as a republican, but you must be a republican or an independent. If you are a registered independent, you will have to tell those working your precinct you wish to vote in the republican primary. That is the only way you will be able to cast your vote for Mark Harris.

Mark preached a message from Jeremiah chapter 8 at Highland this past Sunday. If you would like to hear that message please visit the church website at www.hbcfamily.org and click on the media tab.

Have a blessed day.

Just a thought going into the weekend.

I was reading my Bible this morning and part of what I was reading came from Numbers 10-12. In chapter 11 something amazing happens with the people of Israel; they begin to grumble and complain about where they are and what they have. (I guess not much has changed over the years, has it?) It begins with a few but quickly spreads like wildfire. Actually by the time chapter 11 is over and chapter 12 begins the grumbling and complaining has even spread among the leaders, namely Aaron and Miriam.

At each point during these two chapters the Lord deals with the people, and with each instance the discipline gets more intense. I was drawn to something toward the end of chapter 11. It really got my attention. The people had a tendency to name the place they were with what was going on at the time, and this time and place were no different.

They had begun to complain against God's provision of manna. As they complained to the Lord and Moses about God's provision, they began to say how good things were in the past. They remembered the fruits and vegetables, the spices and flavors, the meat and potatoes, but they seemed to have forgotten the chains and bondage. So the Lord told Moses to get the people ready for some meat. He was going to give them enough meat to last longer than they wanted it to. The Lord brought them quail. Quail was in front of them, quail was behind them, it was beside them. Scripture tells us it surrounded them a whole days journey any way they wanted to go. That was an abundance of quail! God gave them just what they wanted, just what they asked for. And along with all the quail, God gave them His judgment. That's right, judgment. It made God mad that His people weren't satisfied with what He was giving them. He gave them what they thought they wanted, but He judged them. They had a big grave digging party, because God killed a bunch of them.

They named that place Kibroth-hattaavah, which means Graves of Craving. Be careful what you complain about. Be careful what you crave. God just might give it to you.

Weekly Email Article plus some

2014 is flying by; it’s hard to believe February has come and gone, but it has. March is at the door, and we have some great things on the calendar for March. The first is our spring revival. It starts on Sunday morning March 9 with Dr. Bailey Smith preaching in the morning service. We have altered the morning schedule and will have Life Groups at 9 AM, and one morning worship service at 10 AM. Please note the change and help us spread the word. Dr. Greg Batchelor will be preaching Sunday night through Wednesday night. Sunday night will begin at 6 PM and Monday through Wednesday service times will be at 7 PM nightly.

I have known Dr. Bailey Smith for over twenty years. He is an evangelist the Lord has used to reach people across the nation and around the world. He preaches anywhere the Lord opens the door. One of the things Bro Bailey is known for is his annual Real Evangelism Conferences. I have been attending this conference for years. He will be hosting the Real Evangelism Conference at First Baptist Church Indian Trail next week March 5-7. If you would like to go with me to the conference Thursday or Friday please let me know. You will be greatly blessed.

I met Dr. Greg Batchelor when I entered the doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a godly man, a great husband and father, a shepherd to his congregation, and a friend to me. I know you will be blessed to sit under his preaching.

I pray you are thinking about and inviting friends and family, especially lost friends and family, to come to one of these special services. I believe the Lord Jesus wants to save the lost, and encourage the Christians during these days. Make every effort to attend. Don’t miss a service. With that being said, if you are comfortable talking with people about Christ and sharing the gospel, I need you to be a decision time counselor during our revival services specifically, and also a counselor during our invitations each week. If you will do this please let me know ASAP. And Thank You in advance for serving the Lord Jesus in this way.

We have one other guest speaker who will be preaching in March. On March 23, Dr. Mark Harris will be at Highland preaching in both the 8:30 and 11 AM services. Dr. Harris is currently the pastor at First Baptist Church Charlotte, but he is seeking election as US Senator from NC. It is a privilege to host Dr. Harris. I encourage you to pray for him as he continues to seek the path the Lord Jesus is leading him to follow at this time. (The end of the email article)

I am also excited to tell you about the new format for our monthly leadership meeting, formerly called the Strategic Leadership Team meeting). Beginning March 16 at 6 PM, we will have our monthly Family FOCUS night. Each month on the 3rd Sunday night of the month we will gather together for a time of information, discussion, presentations of ministries, vision casting and direction along with a time of fun, food, and fellowship. I hope you will make plans to be present each Family FOCUS night, that you will bring some delicious goodies to snack on, and a heart and mind open to what God is doing and wants to do at Highland Baptist Church. On the 16th we will hear reports from our finance team, REACH leaders, PLACE leaders, and the JOY club will have a chunk of time to share what's going on in their ministry. I can't wait. This time should last about 40-45 minutes, immediately followed by food and fun in the FLC.

One last thing I want to share with you is a new way I am trying to communicate with the church. Of coarse I use this blog, Facebook, and Twitter. The church uses Facebook, emails, the phone tree, and other means. But Matt showed me something not long ago that he has been using to communicate with parents and students via text messages. So, I decided to give it a try. Many Highland folks have received either an email or text invitation from me to join the Highland group. This isn't spam or a scam, it was really from me. If you want to receive these texts from me periodically you can just follow the instructions from the text or email I sent or/and I will post the instructions here.  Send a text message to 704-322-4951 and put @highlandbc in the message of the text. If you do that you begin receiving messages from me as I send them out. That's it.