The Moores' Blog

August is quite a month for me. As I write this, it is my birthday (Aug. 18). Five other relations celebrate their birthdays this month. Not only that, but August 8 marked my wife’s and my 29th wedding anniversary! As marvelous as these landmarks are significant, there is another great day no one should overlook: their spiritual “rebirthday”! Jesus spoke of that to Nicodemus when he discussed “being born of water and of the spirit” (John 3). No one can have life without birth, and so no one can have eternal life without the new birth! Such tremendous truths should make us consider such life changing decisions!

America for years has sent missionaries to foreign fields in order to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a world largely unacquainted with the Bible and the God of the Bible. Interestingly enough, however, America itself has become a mission field. Many come to America from foreign lands to establish for themselves the “American Dream.” They have never heard the name of Jesus Christ, much less visited a church.

I ran into this situation this very day. A young man from India visited our Vacation Bible School because he had a desire to learn about Christianity. He is a student at a major university here in Virginia, but is curious to know what the Christian religion is about. I attempted to answer some of his questions as I also asked questions about his faith. I asked him to attend my College and Career Sunday School class so we could discuss these matters. He said that he would. Please pray for this young man who has a curious and open heart to learn!

With a nation so greatly blessed as America, it becomes all to easy to criticize and critique more than express genuine gratitude for all the material blessings we all experience. Wouldn’t a third-world country resident express shock by walking into a buffet restaurant and see the amazing abundance of food present? The blessings of the Lord are overwhelming and awesome if we simply observe them! If the truth be known, God has been better to us than we ever deserve! The old church hymnal rightly proclaims: “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” As the Psalmist said, “Selah”–think about it!

The Fourth of July approaches. As usual, Americans lose sight of what such occasions represent. We could have no freedom without the sacrifices of thousands of lives to protect our freedoms. We have freedom from sin through the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. As we should remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives so we can possess freedom, may we also remember our Savior Who died for us. May we never neglect the precious gift of eternal life only made possible through Him.

Someone ably said, “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad!” As strange as it may seem, men often shirk their responsibilities in raising children. I have never understood how men can leave their babies and forsake them! How thankful I am that my Heavenly Father is not that way! He is forever faithful! May the Lord teach us poor hard-headed people how marvelous the love of our Heavenly Father truly is! “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” Awesome truth: we cannot love without giving. God, teach me to give.

Not only have I served this year as the pastor of the Faith Baptist Church, Ringgold, Virginia, but I have also served as the administrator of the Victory International Christian Academy, Fieldale. Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday, May 30) will mark the second graduation service in the young history of this Christian school. Our three high school grads will rejoice and think that school is finally over! Oh, but how surprised they will be when they enter into the classroom of hard knocks we know as “life”! I have talked to many former students that have said they would love to be back in school once again. I guess experience is one of the greatest teachers in the world. The analogy is true spiritually as well: may we allow Jesus Christ to be our headmaster, the Holy Spirit our teacher, and the Bible our textbook as we travel through the classroom of life. May the Lord help us to pass exams until our graduation known as the rapture! Amen!

As I write this, Mother’s Day will be tomorrow. I forget who coined the phrase, “”She who rocks the cradle rules the world.” There can be no greater truth. How we need Godly mothers who will be like Susanna Wesley who trained a large family to walk in the ways of the Lord. From this spiritual heritage came John and Charles Wesley, who moved two continents for the cause of Christ. May mothers once again see the need for bended knees, submissive hearts, and tearful eyes in order to bring a generation to the Lord!

I brought a message to our church last Sunday night evening concerning the Christian’s Library. I pointed out that even the Apostle Paul, totally cognizant of his impending death, still asked young Timothy to bring him three things: his cloak, his books and his parchments (or the Bible). Cf. II Timothy 4:13. Whatever we put into our hearts and minds will manifest themselves through our mouth and lives. Someone has said, “Trash in, trash out.” These are truly wise words by which to live. Paul said previously to the Philippian church: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true … if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). May the Lord help us to build within the right foundation, beginning with the Holy Scriptures. What a life of inner peace would ensue!

Easter 2010! What a beautiful day … sunny, warm temperatures … lovely! But Easter should never be recognized only once a year! The risen Christ should live in the hearts of believers year round! Death, hell and the grave could not hold him. The hymn states, “Up from the grave He arose, a mighty triumph o’er His foes”! This is the blessed hope our Savior offers through His resurrection. There can be no victory apart from His rising again from the dead. Because He lives, we who believe can live also! What a wondrous truth: through Him we have not just life, but ETERNAL LIFE! How glorious to know that we shall live forever in Heaven based on a principal truth: I shall live as long as He lives … which is eternity. Hallelujah!

There isn’t anyone that loves winter any more than myself. But I believe I am finally ready for Spring to spring! As a matter of fact, calendar-wise it has already sprung!

I am glad that the Lord knows what He is doing concerning creation. If winter represents death, then isn’t it awesome that spring represents life … and that is the season of Easter, or RESURRECTION OF LIFE! Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again from the grave (I Corinthians 15)! This is the Biblical definition of the Gospel. Heartfelt belief of this great message results in salvation by the grace of God! What a mighty God we serve!