Image Courtesy of MerryMoonMary (iStockPhoto)

To the artist, he or she may work with few or many paints, using various brushes and strokes to express the meaning behind their creation. The writer has lots of room to tell his story and the composer – lots of lines to plan out verses and choruses.

Each one using as much or as little space as needed to share their talents with the world. But it all starts with a blank canvas of sorts.

This month we embark on a ‘blank canvas’ of our own, in that we have twelve months to work with, to use our creative talents, our time and our treasure to advance the kingdom of God.

Someone visiting this page may wonder why we use these for God and his kingdom. Good question…especially if you have not come to this fork in the road before. In a way, we are being faithful to our calling, and our salvation. You see, life is so much more than what meets the eye.  What we see and experience on the outside is like getting a peek at the artists painting, or watching the trailer of a new and exciting movie (like Courageous). It’s only scratching the surface.

The bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to this earth “in order that they may have life, and have it to the full.” May I ask you my friend, do you feel like your life is full? Are you experiencing all that life has to offer? Many times we think we are, but until we have experienced a relationship with the Christ, we have barely started to life.

I was that guy! I thought that I had everything going the way it should be; I worked in a music store, playing guitar in a band in Boston, had the woman of my dreams, had messed around with drugs and alcohol…I mean really, what else is there I thought!  My music career took me to Vegas and Nashville, I wrote songs that were heard on radio, but something was still missing, except I didn’t know what it was.

Then my wife and I split up, I lost my job, the band broke up…all those things that brought me fulfillment were gone. Now what?

That’s when someone invited me to church. I wasn’t interested in church, but something moved me to go…by myself on a Friday night. I didn’t know anyone, but I heard music and could relate to that, so I went in. That night changed my life forever. For the first time I heard the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, painted on a canvas for my eyes to see and it made sense.  It made everything clear to me and I heard the preacher say, “with all eyes closed and all heads bowed, if there is anyone hear tonight who wants more out of life, and is ready leave behind the bad habits and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, raise your hand and let God know.”

Friend, I raised my hand and felt a weight lifted from me as I asked God to forgive me for my sins.It’s funny, looking back…how He was always there, standing outside the door of my heart…in fact he knocked numerous times before… but I wasn’t fully listening with my ears open.

Today, you have the same opportunity, a blank canvas is available to you, a clean slate to start over and experience the full life that he offers. He died, so you and I could live.

Rom. 3:23 says that “all have sinned”. There is noone that is righteous before God except for Jesus.
The bible says that the wages (payment) for our sin is death, spiritual separation from God. (Rom 6:23).

But John 1:12 promises;

“To all who RECEIVED HIM, to those who BELIEVED on HIS NAME,
He gave the right to become children of God.” To be part of His family!

It’s that easy.

If you want to start working with a blank canvas, and rewrite the second half of your life, then I invite you to pray this prayer with me.

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I deserve only to pay for what I have done wrong.
Please forgive me for my sin and wash me clean. I turn away from those sinful ways that I have lived, and I turn to you by faith. Come live in my heart and grant me your Holy Spirit to sustain me. I ask it in your name, Amen.”

For those of you who are reading, who have been walking with Christ for a few or many years, I encourage you to stand before that spiritual mirror that is Christ and ask him if there is anything in you that needs changing. Sometimes we think we are good, until someone comes along and sees a spot on the canvas we missed.

Each of us has a blank canvas as we start this new year. I pray that we will consider what to fill it with, seeking Christ first, and his righteousness. How much of your canvas will be used for self, for others or for serving Him?

Let me ask you one last question; Next year at this time, where do you want to be and how will your life have changed by what you do with your blank canvas?

“Dear Lord, thank you for giving me these words to start out the new year. I pray that you would help each of us to know what to put on our canvases, and may whatever we do, bring you glory and praise. In your Son,  my Lord Jesus’ name we pray.”

Friend, if you have decided to give your life to Christ as a result of this post, I would like to help you as you start this next chapter of our life. Please contact me below. May each of you be blessed! Happy New Year!

(photo courtesy of Associated Press)

Tim Tebow came into the NFL as a backup QB who many said would never fit in as a starting quarterback. His throwing motion, his execution of the plays, etc. etc. etc., were some of the reasons the media, other athletes and coaches said he just couldn’t make it in the NFL. Yet, despite what everyone has said, he finds himself as of Friday Dec. 16, 2011 sitting atop the AFC West division, with the Denver Broncos. The team has gone 7-1 since Tebow has started at QB.

I am not writing to give you the feedback that can be found in all the sports blogs and other media writings; you can google those on your own.

I want to speak from the scriptures as to whether or not God is helping him win
and the actions he is displaying on the sidelines.

1. How is Tebow winning?I cannot answer that question, but I can tell you that when you are faithful in your walk with God, you are more likely to receive His favor. It’s called grace, and it’s a free gift that God alone can give.Grace is defined as God’s “unmerited favor”;
   That means it is not given to us by something that we do. Rather it is given at God’s decision.

   If Tebow has found favor with God, that could enable him to be able to accomplish things that most people find impossible; like five 4th quarter comebacks in seven games , or a low pass to interception ratio. It’s quite possible he has found favor with God!

2. Display on SidelinesMatt. 6:5 tells us that we should not pray “to be seen by others” as we would appear to be hypocrites, and I agree. Praying in public, in order that people would notice you, would be wrong. But the bible also says “pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:16-18)It’s like a balancing act! On one hand we are to pray continually (wherever we may be) and give thanks in all circumstances (even after touchdowns), but on the other hand we have to be careful that we are not doing it with wrong motives (to bring self gratification).
3. What does God command us to do?In Matt. 5:16, Jesus tells his followers; “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”It would be easy for us to interpret that as let your light shine (on the football field) before men, that they (fans and team) may see your good works (touchdowns, prayer) and give glory (pointing to the heavens) to your Father (God) in Heaven.

It is not my place to pass judgment on Tim Tebow; it is between him and his Heavenly Father. I will say it is exciting to see God using someone in the public light and I do pray for him that he will persevere (just not against the Pats!).

I remember that at one time the disciples were out sharing the good news and the Sanhedrin were telling them to stop. An old wise man named Gamaliel stood up among them and said; “Men of Israel…if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

Friends, if former Gator, Tim Tebow is in God’s favor, he will find success, but if it is for his own benefit or self-gratification, he will eventually fail. In the meantime, let us enjoy some exciting football and wait for God to bring to light his purpose and plan.

Pastor Nick
Go Patriots! 

If we take a look at all that God is doing in our lives, in our churches, in our ministries, in our world, we cannot help but be thankful to him for his grace.
We are blessed to have men, women and young people involved in our churches and para-church ministries. We are blessed to have two eyes, two ears, a nose and a mouth…to be able to experience all of God’s creation.

Maybe you are someone who is going through a struggle, or do not have your health at 100%, or are having a hard time making ends meet, it may seem harder to be thankful during these times, but we would be amiss to recognize that even in the midst of our struggles God is present and continues to provide. Our happiness is not to be based upon what we have.

The Apostle Paul told us the way to get through our struggles, while maintaining our joy.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

How could Paul go through such hardship but remain content? His answer is found in verse 13 of Phil 4 –
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

My hope for all of us this year is that we will be thankful for God’s presence in our lives.

“I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn 10:10)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Pastor Nick

We might come up with a variety of ideas or possible outcomes, but we may never uncover the real problem.

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ”  On the surface, it would seem that people are not asking, seeking or knocking.

There is another reason why the struggle goes on, day after day, week after week, year after year… Satan!

James tells us that if we doubt, we should not expect to receive anything from God. We also know that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s storehouse of blessing, healing and providence. If Satan can cause us to doubt and hinder our faith then he has the victory.

In Mark 10, we read about a blind man who was shouting as he knew that Jesus was near. He cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Jesus asked what he wanted him to do for him, and he asked for his sight.

Notice the key to this man’s receiving Christ’s healing in verse 52;
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Satan wants to keep us from believing in faith for what we seek from God, so he looks for a foothold in our lives, and then fills us with doubt. This is what he did to Eve, by stating; “You will surely not die!” He planted thoughts of doubt in her mind, causing her to consider the forbidden fruit.

Rust left to itself will rot away the whole car!

Have you ever seen a car with rusty quarter panels (the lower section of the car behind the rear tires)? If rust is left alone it eventually becomes rot and eats away at the rest of the car.

If we allow doubt to creep into our lives through our lack of faith, it will eventually become sin and will lead to spiritual death. I have seen this in the lives of people in our churches, and in the church itself. When the church no longer operates by faith, but by man made programs and godless leadership, God is no longer pleased with the church.

Remember the church at Smyrna? What did Jesus say about them?
He called them a “synagogue of Satan”. To Sardis, Jesus commanded them to “wake up” for they were about to die.

So what can we do to stand for Christ against these attacks of Satan.

 I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Eph. 6:10-18  Put on the full armor of God to take your stand against the evil one. Pray in the Spirit (in agreement with God’s word) on all occasions.

Remember this; Jesus faced the temptations of Satan in the desert using what?
Answer: Scripture! Know the Word and know His word!

We will continue to struggle if we doubt God and if we fail to live by faith!
Stand firm and believe in God and his word. He who has promised is faithful!

“Father, I pray for those who are reading this post that you will increase their faith, and that you will show them how to take faith steps of action. May we never stop praying for those who struggle, bringing them before you throne day and night. Remember your word to your servant, for in you I find hope!
In the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen”

Friend, if you have been struggling and want to overcome, feel free to email me at pastor@elmstreetbaptist.org and I will pray for you.  May God richly bless you!

Pastor Nick
 

Family and friends are elated, and the news gives us something to celebrate about.  Unfortunately, not all stories end this way.
There is a youtube video that tells the story of America’s Missing Children. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5BamZtplgE   I encourage you to pray for these and the many others!

Jesus gave his life up and chose twelve disciples to make sure that the message of salvation, hope and peace, would go forth for generations to come. Those early disciples in turn gave their lives in obedience to the great commission.

My question is this? When Jesus returns for his church will we be found alive?

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:  These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Rev. 3:1)

There are obviously some churches that are not alive. Those that failed to follow the commands of God, those that allowed divisions to set in and those that thought more of themselves than the people to which they were called to minister.

Hopefully, I haven’t depressed you! My goal in writing tonight was to talk about revival and how much we need God to bring it into our churches and homes today!

We are seeking God’s refreshing in the cities of Everett, Chelsea, Revere, Malden and all the surrounding communities. He has brought together several of the Pastors in Everett and we meet on a regular basis for prayer and fellowship. We hold revival services on Thursday nights and people are coming and giving their lives to Christ. Christians are being revived and God is doing an amazing work!

In Hosea 6:2 we read;
“After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.”

When you and I take a step of faith and believe his words, and act upon them, we will see revival come in our  time!

Father I pray for every person who reads these words, that you will fill them with your overflowing Spirit that will enable and equip them to be used by you for your glory and purpose. May we see revival come during the coming days, weeks and months. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bless you my friend. Give of yourself to God’s work and purpose for your life and you will find true fulfillment.

One of my favorite scenes in the Jesus movie is where Jesus is asleep in the bow of the boat during a howling storm. Luke records it like this in chapter 8 and verse 23-25;

But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”   (Have you ever felt like that? Lord help us!)

And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?”

Such a powerful picture of Christ’s authority over all of his creation!

Stop for a moment and consider the times in your life when a ‘storm’ or ‘trial’ brought grief and uncertainty. Maybe you got the notice that you were going to be layed off from work, or maybe your relationship with your spouse was on the rocks and the future was uncertain.  Fill in the blank and visually picture your scenario, and then ask yourself this question;

“If God is for me, who can be against me?”

If Jesus could command the wind and the waves to be silent, is there anything in your life that he cannot handle? The answer has to be no. He has the authority and the power to overcome any obstacle we face. I have found that to be true in my own life. No matter what has come my way, through every trial I faced, He was faithful to respond to my needs.

How about you? Has Jesus been your personal lifeboat? If not, you ought to allow him to be that and so much more! He is not a genie, available at our every wish… but He is God in human flesh. Lord over all and master of our very lives!

On 9/11, a day I’m sure you will never forget, He responded to the cries of his people as tragedy and terror his the World Trade Center in NY. He was also there for the people  who cried out in anguish from Arlington Virginia as American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. Jesus was with the faithful, seeking men and women who overwhelmed the hijackers on United Flight 93 which was aimed for Washington DC, but crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Through every trial, He remains faithful. So many people face trials on their own, refusing to call upon Him who is able to overcome. He is there, he is willing, he is able and he is listening… but pride, doubt and disillusionment keep many from experiencing freedom from anxiety.

One of the most encouraging passages of scripture that I have read or shared with anyone is found in Phil. 4:12-13(cev). It is authored by Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and he says in relation to needs and struggles;

“I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”

Christ gives me the strength to face anything! Can you say that today?
Or another way to say it would be;
“I can do ALL things, through Christ who strenghtens me.”

As the band Casting Crowns reminds us: “It’s not because of who I am, but because of what You’ve done! ” Because of God’s incredible sacrifice…and Christ’s death on the tree that we have an opportunity to speak with confidence as the Apostle Paul did; Christ gives me the strength to face anything!

“Father, I thank you for who you are, and for what you have done. You have given us the greatest gift of all; your Son Jesus, who has paid the greatest price to bring us into your family and your very presence through prayer. I pray for the soul who reads this post today, that they would find hope in you. If they have not received you yet, I pray that you would draw their hearts into relationship with Jesus Christ. Refresh the heart of the reader who has been discouraged or feeling hopeless. In all things, may you be glorified through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Friend, no matter what may come your way on your journey of life and faith, seek and trust in Him who through every trial is faithful to provide!

Blessings,

Pastor Nick Scarpa
pastor@elmstreetbaptist.org

I started by looking for a picture to add to my post, but found myself struggling to select one from among the millions that the web had to offer. It raises the question; what does holiness look like? Can you think of something? I guess the only thing that makes sense would be a picture of Jesus, right?

Scripture teaches that God sits as a refiner, to make us holy, but there is an aspect of holiness that falls under our responsibility. Peter writes, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV) 

We are called to be holy, by our Heavenly Father, but if we do not know what it looks like, then where do we start?

There is a wonderful little book written by author Jerry Bridges called The Pursuit of Holiness, which helps us to understand how to live in such a way as to be holy. In the summary section of the book (the last chapter) Bridges writes;

God has given us everything we need to live a life of holiness.
He has redeemed us from a life of sin, has given us his Holy Spirit to help us, has promised to answer our prayers when we are tempted.

What does it take to learn to speak a new language or play an instrument you have never played? Discipline…and possibly blisters on your fingers!

Hebrews 3:12 exhorts us; “See to it brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

The very first place that we need to focus on if we expect to be holy as God desires, is to allow no place in our heart for sin and unbelief.

Do you have doubts about God, who He claims to be, what His word teaches?
If you do, you may have unbelief in your heart. I exhort you to get rid of it. Let Satan have no foothold in your life. It’s like that one bad apple mentality; it only takes a bite to get to the rest of the apple and eventually the whole basket!

Unbelief is what happens when we refuse to allow faith to believe. The other aspect the author of Hebrews tells us to avoid is sin. Wait…how do you eliminate sin. Even after we come to know Christ as Lord, we still will find the flesh gaining victory over us at times; like when I forget how much my foot weighs and get a $150 speeding ticket (ouch!). Seriously though, God is angered when we sin, especially when He forgave us for that same sin four times last week.

The Jews who were rescued from Pharaoh and the Egyptians grumbled and complained against God and eventually his wrath caused him to let them die in the desert, just outside the promised land. Are you angry with God or ungrateful for all that He has done for you? Be careful or you just might miss the blessings that God has planned for your life.

Sin that causes our heart to be displeasing to God must be avoided at all cost. Every day we will face temptation to reject God’s word, God’s Son and God’s plan. We need to be disciplined to keep our hearts pure. When you think about it, the first half of that word speaks to who we are supposed to be…disciples!

Father God, I thank you for putting people in my path who have something to share like Jerry Bridges, or who are seeking you…like the person reading this post. May you bless each of us with the ability to be your disciplined followers that we may experience your promised blessings! In Jesus name, Amen.

Friend, I hope you have enjoyed this post. Feel free to share your thoughts or opinions. If you find it helpful, please share it with others.

Pastor Nick

As a Pastor, whenever I come to Father’s Day I think of two things; my dad, who passed away about 10 years ago, and what/who should I preach about.

My dad was my best friend, my boss and my hero. We spent alot of time together during my teen and young adult years because of some health issues I had and my working for my dad at his company in Peabody, MA.

There are many men in the pages of scripture that we could focus on as an example for a good father, but I believe that Noah gives us a great example of what a godly man looks like.

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. (Gen. 6:9)

I cannot image a young man today, putting aside their goals and hopes and dreams to obey their father in his response in obedience to God’s command to build an ark. Noah must have been faithful in prayer for his family to see such a positive response from his boys.

When you dig a little deeper (that’s another whole story!) you find that Noah was a very interesting man who respected his wife, taught his boys to be faithful and overall submitted to God in obedience. It would be understandable for Noah to question God’s plan and commission to build an Ark.  

Now think about this for a moment; this was no small task. This was the largest boat ever built. Noah’s mission was not only to build the boat, but to somehow get two of every kind of animal into it. He also had to convince his wife and his in-laws that there would be enough room on board for all the animals and them. I’m sure there were lots of questions about bathrooms, showers, kitchen tables and sleeping quarters, but every one of them obeyed Noah in helping to build the Ark.

Despite his focus on God, Noah set a great example for his family, showing them what it looks like to live for Christ. For 90+ years, day after day Noah reflected obedience, humility and faithfulness for his family while the 40,000 square feet of gopher wood was assembled. Quite the incredible task.

So what do you think; do you agree that Noah should be considered Father of the Century? He has to be in the running imo!

Father God, your word is truth and shows us how you want us to live our lives so as to please you. Help us in our failures Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

First let me emphasize that I do not know it all, but I try to be faithful in giving information that comes from the pages of the bible. If I write something that sounds out of whack, I encourage you to study the scriptures for yourself and if you see something in my posts that doesn’t line up, let me know.

Getting back to the end of the world speculation; whether it’s Harold Camping or the so called Mayan prophecy, there is one place where we can turn to get accurate information; the bible. Let’s take a look and see what we can learn.

Mark 13:32 makes it clear for all to see that we cannot speculate about the end of the world or the second coming of Jesus.
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

If Jesus, the son of God does not know when that time will come, how can anyone else tell us that they have figured it all out. It’s impossible!

There is another reason why people cannot determine when the time will come!
Because God the Father is not ready yet! Huh?
God could decide at any time to send His Son to return for those who are his own, but there is something keeping him from doing that right now…patience!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

If only God knows at what point He will send Christ Jesus, and He is patient so that no-one will perish, there is only one question. Who is God waiting patiently for? In Peter’s introduction he writes to those who have received faith. That would seem to say God’s patience is for those who have come to know Christ -however  1 Timothy 2:4 reminds us that God is not partial, “Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Friend, none of us have been or will be left behind, if we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

God loves you and has a great plan for your life (Jer.29:11). He sent his only son, Jesus that if we would receive him, we would not perish, but have eternal life. If you happened upon this blog and you have not made that decision yet, I believe it is not by chance that you are here. If you have questions and would like to talk with someone, please contact me. I will be happy to pray with you or discuss your questions. May the Lord bless you all!

“Father God, I pray for the one reading this post, and ask that you will guide their hearts and forgive their sins. You know their needs Father, and I ask that you would draw them to you that they may receive your abundant blessing. These things I ask in Jesus name, Amen.”

By the way, we have not been left behind, but remember He will come like a thief in the night.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like had Jesus not risen on the third day?

The first thing that would be different is that there would be no Easter Sunday. This religious holiday that is known as Easter may have had a variety of meanings prior to it becoming the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

Stories are told of years prior to Easter of a people celebrating a passover meal and reflecting on what the resurrection meant. Others talk about a goddess of Fertility known as Eostre, who pagans believe returned to the earth each year to bring light and life. Still other people celebrate the commercialized day of Easter, with colored eggs, the bunny and brightly colored outfits.

No matter what you believe is true, one thing remains and has stood the test of time. Jesus’ resurrection from dead, three days after he was crucified and was buried as promised, is the most amazing fact the world has ever known. Easter Sunday may come and go, but the historical evidence by those who were not his disciples continues to this day. In fact, it is the most important holiday of all. More important than Christmas, Thanksgiving or even Independence Day.

But if we were to consider what life would be like without the resurrection, we would have to accept the fact that there would be no hope of life after death. Our burial would be final! There would be no expectation of a second chance. There would be no eternal life or a possible reunion with loved ones. Life would be over and done with when the lid closed on that casket.

I don’t know about you, but that causes me to think and act differently…

I celebrate Easter each year with the hope and expectation that one day – I too shall be resurrected from the ground and my body will rise to join Him who paid for my sin and purchased my eternal home…my Mansion in Glory!

It also motivates me to tell others…that they too may know the joy that I feel. How about you? Have you considered the resurrection and what it means for you and your loved ones? Maybe this year you should take time and reflect on the scriptures and seek God to help you understand the truth. His word is truth!

Father I pray for all who may read this post, that you would stir within their hearts a desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection! I am forever grateful for what you did for us on the cross, and I pray in the name above all names…that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father. Amen.

I hope that you will think about Easter differently and that you will experience the joy and anticipation of the empty tomb. Be blessed!