Episode 119: Good Grief!

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: ceruleansanctum.com

 

Conviction – it’s a word many Christ-followers misunderstand. When the Spirit moves through the words of the pastor, many people get uncomfortable and upset.

While many would rather not address the subject of conviction through the pastor’s messages, we join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he wades into the deeper waters of the ways of God.

Let’s open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 5 and discover how the Church is supposed to work and why, from time to time, the words of the pastor will be used by the Spirit of God to show us we are doing something wrong.

 

At the end of this message, as men and women chose to not hold grudges or anger when people failed them and chose to quickly call others to repentance when they see a failure in another, the Spirit of God rejoiced and the people in attendance stepped closer to Christ-likeness. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in making these choices of forgiveness as well.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.”

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

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Big Book of History Book Review

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Have you wanted to get a grasp on world history from a Biblical point of view? Now you can! Big Book of History is targeted for young learners, ages 7-12. However, my copy seems to draw “children” of all ages.

Tracking 4 themes from creation to the election of President Barack Obama, this up to date timeline follows Biblical / Christianity, World Events, Civilizations / Empires and Inventions / Technology.

 

What is clever is how creative the designers have been with the layout. As a graphic artist, author, pastor and university professor, I am amazed at how much information is packed into this fluid, 15-foot long history chart! One glance and you are captured by its beauty. Upon closer inspection, you are intrigued by the clarity it brings to history.

 

While this is a MUST acquisition for every parent, I highly recommend this for all teachers of God’s Word and World History. Such a tool is a valuable reference to everyday learning. There is also a Teachers Study Guide available.

 

Big Book of History has just won the CBA Retailer’s Choice Award for 2012 in the category of Christian Education. You can read about it here.

You can see more and order your copy directly from Master Books or from Amazon.

 

 

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When Depression Falls On the Child of God – Part 2

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: carroll.edu

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?” (Psalm 43:5, HCSB)

We return to the anathema subject of depression in the Christian today because the Bible addresses the reality that many suffer from it, even those whose lives are focused on the worship of Almighty God.

While some misguided and insensitive saints have chosen to chastise their brothers and sisters in Christ, the reality is many are perplexed and in turmoil over their conditions and the power of God they read about in the Word of God.

The psalmists, too, found this conundrum unpleasing and damaging to their souls. They wrote about it after much contemplation, like most musicians do. As we review the lyrics, we find Psalm 43 and Psalm 42 are probably one song, broken into two parts. The chorus in Psalm 42.5, 11 is repeated in Psalm 43.5. As we read these words, we learn that …

  • When depressed, we are told to seek God’s vindication. (Ps 43.1) The overwhelming oppression of terrorizing tongues has taken its toll on the psalmists. God hasn’t worked on their behalf in a long time and they wish to see His power displayed – the power they read about in the Bible. Thus they plead for defense and rescue.
  • When depressed, we are told to question God’s rejection. (Ps 43.2) Again, as in Psalm 42.9-10, we are instructed to call on God from a broken and confused heart. There is little that makes sense when the Lord of the Universe allows the children He loves to be crushed by the conquerors.
  • When depressed, we are told to crave God’s presence. (Ps 43.4) Apart from a fresh visitation of God, the darkness will never depart. Until the circumstances and the soul are changed, the morbid feelings of futility will not be dispelled. Only in God’s presence is there “fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.” (Ps 16.11)
  • When depressed, we are told to praise God’s hope. (Ps 43.5) Here we see the chorus of this song of worship (see Ps 42.5, 11) sung again: “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB)

God inhabits the praises of His people. We are told “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, KJV 1900) If depression is to leave the child of God, then the presence of God is surely the antidote. His ability, His character and His love all seek to remove the fog of futility from the child of God.

It is God’s personal guidance that will lead you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.  As David reminds us, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV) Will you come into His presence today, take His hand and ask Him to lead you in His path of life for your life?

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Come and Listen to the Beatitudes Where Jesus First Taught Them!

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: BiblePlaces.com

“When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them, saying: “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1–12, HCSB)

Sit where the disciples sat when Jesus taught them the attitudes of His followers! Listen as we read them in their setting, here at the Mount of the Beatitudes.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.  The alleged discrepancy between Matthew’s version being on a hill and Luke’s being on a level place is easily reconciled with observation of many level places on the Galilean hillsides.  Scripture gives no indication of the exact location of this event, but the Byzantines built a church to commemorate it at the bottom of the hill.

The suggestion of this hill for the location of the Sermon on the Mount is a good one.  Once known as Mt. Eremos, this hill is located between Capernaum and Tabgha and is just above the “Cove of the Sower.”  This spacious hillside provides much room for crowds to gather, as evidenced by preparation for 100,000 Catholics to observe mass nearby with the Pope’s visit in March 2000 (it rained and fewer came, but the space was available).

The Mt. of Beatitudes overlooks the four-mile long Plain of Gennesaret, an area famed for its fertility.  Josephus said this plain was the location of “nature’s crowning achievement.”  Several times the New Testament records that Jesus was in this area including when he healed the multitudes here and faced Pharisaic condemnation for ritual impurity (Mark 6-7).

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring Israel with you in February!

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Los Angeles Friends Invited to Israel Tour Informational Meeting

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Pastor Matt teaching on board the tour boat on the Sea of Galilee

Photo Credit: Melodee Joy Smith

Eagles In Leadership is forming an Israel tour group for February 2013. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, says, “This 10-day tour will feature extensive time in Jesus’ ministry home in the Galilee as well as Jerusalem. Onsite, short teaching lectures will provide valuable historical, theological and spiritual insight throughout the trip.”

Departing from Los Angeles on February 18th, 2013, (as well as from Chicago and New York for those in other parts of the United States who would also like to participate), Smith will lead his third tour to the Holy Land.

A non-obligation information meeting will be held on July 31 at 3:00 pm at the Pacific Baptist Church campus, 859 Main Street, for all who are interested in learning more.

The tour starts with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Other Galilee highlights will include, but not be limited to, the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves and Capernaum, the city of Jesus and Peter.

Sites in Capernaum include the house of Peter and an ancient synagogue where Jesus preached and gathered his disciples.  “This is one of the great opportunities on the tour,” Dr. Smith stated. “When you sit in the synagogue of Jesus, walk to Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house and see the shoreline just past it where the fishing boats of James and John were moored, you gain a great understanding into life in New Testament times.”

Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, Mount Carmel, the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal, as well as the Valley of Armageddon are included in the Galilee tour.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the port city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C., Yardenit, the Baptismal Site of Jesus on the Jordan River, and Beit Shean, a city with extensive Roman Ruins start the southerly course toward Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, the Pool of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa, the Temple area, Mt. Moriah and the Western Wall all provide ample opportunity for study and discovery. “As a seminary and Bible School professor, it is my privilege to open up the history and theology behind these places,” Smith explained. “As Susan Marcus, long-time Israeli tour guide once told us, ‘When you understand Israel’s geography, you understand it’s history.’ Truly this is what this tour does – it changes even the casual reader of the Bible for life,” Dr. Smith said.

One of the highlights of the tour is the excursion to the fortress of Masada where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Romans before choosing suicide over surrender on April 15, AD 73. “You cannot help but be moved on a visceral level as the story of Masada is explained. Once you comprehend that this is the place where the annual Israeli Defense Forces recruits come for graduation by running the 5 mile “snake path” to the top, you understand the tenacity of the heart and soul of modern Israel,” Smith commented.

One of the favorite stops is the “float” in the Dead Sea before the tour of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

The tour continues with a visit to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and seeing the model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Time is provided for prayer in the famous Garden of Gethsemane in the Mt. of Olives. With a visit to the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb, the tour culminates at the Garden Tomb with a Communion service.

Many more sites and activities are planned on the 10-day tour. Information about the tour can be found on the Eagles In Leadership website.

The informational meeting on July 31 at 3-4 pm is open to the community. For more information, contact Dr. Smith by commenting below.

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When Depression Falls On the Child of God

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB)

There seems to be a stigma to those Christ-followers who profess some sort of sadness of soul these days. Critics scorn them with pious platitudes like, “How can you be sad when God is so great?”

But such ridicule is more theoretical than real-life. Those who would verbally abuse the beaten-down have yet to taste the power of pain and the searing suffering so common in today’s real world.

The psalmists were no strangers to such depression. And as they meditated on their woeful situation, they wrote about it. The lyrics of their lament became encapsulated in the book of Psalms for weary wanderers in this world of woe.

  • When depressed, we are told to seek God’s presence. (Ps 42.1-3) Phrases like “long for You, God” and “thirst for God, the living God” remind us that the only source of true emotional healing is to be found in the joyous presence of our Lord. (Ps 16.11)
  • When depressed, we are told to remember God’s worship. (Ps 42.4) The psalmists turn their attention to the joy-filled days when they participated in the worship procession. We are reminded here that most depressed children of God (then and now) fail to return to worship until the dark clouds have passed.
  • When depressed, we are told to focus on God’s hope. (Ps 42.5) “I will still praise Him, my Savior and My God.” At the heart of help for the depressed is the hope that God will rescue. Whatever the circumstances that led to the ingrained injury to the soul, God is able to rescue. That hope can bring help and healing.
  • When depressed, we are told to remember God’s works. (Ps 42.6-7) So many times depression seeps into the heart and mind because of the apparent hopelessness of our situation. The majesty of God’s greatness can pull one away from the torrent of one’s turmoil. Viewing nature firsthand reminds us that, like the cascading waterfall, God’s power can restore what life has torn away.
  • When depressed, we are told to await God’s faithful love. (Ps 42.8). Throughout the Old Testament we are confronted by the “hesed” of God. Translated a number of ways, it carries with it the unending, unbreakable love, care and compassion of a Father who never leaves or forsakes His child. While it may seem God has forgotten you, the reality is God is on the way to help. Wait for it!
  • When depressed, we are told to question God’s distance. (Ps 42.9-10) This is not the rebellious disrespect of the angry, but the confused pleas of a wounded child. The psalmists instruct us to ask our loving Father, “Why?” in anticipation of His loving, compassionate response of rescue.

Ultimately, when depressed, we are told to hope in God! (Ps 42. 11) The chorus of this song of worship (see verse 5) is sung again: “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB) After all, He is our only hope for healing. Only He can rescue and redeem our lives from the pit we are in.

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Come and View a Fisherman’s Boat From the Time of Jesus!

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: Bettina & Dominique Zygmont.

“As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this?—even the winds and the sea obey Him!”” (Matthew 8:23–27, HCSB)

What kind of boat did the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee fish from? How big were they? Would 13 men fit into one comfortably? Come and see!

In 1986, an ancient boat was pulled from the mud along the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was a unique and exciting find that gives us an idea of the sort of boat used during the time of Jesus.

The boat appeared due to a great drought during which the waters of the lake receded and was discovered by the brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, second-generation fishermen from Kibbutz Ginosar. The brothers reported that when they found the boat, a double rainbow appeared in the sky.

The subsequent archaeological dig was undertaken by members of the Kibbutz Ginosar, the Antiquities Authority, and many volunteers. Pulling the boat from the mud without damaging it — yet quickly enough to extract it before the water rose again — was a delicate process, lasting 12 days and nights. The boat then had to be submerged in a chemical bath for 7 years before it could be displayed.

The boat has been dated to the 1st century AD based on pottery and nails found in association with the boat, radiocarbon dating, and hull construction techniques. Evidence of repeated repairs indicates the boat was used for several decades, perhaps nearly a century. When it was considered beyond repair, all useful wooden parts were removed and the remaining hull sunk to the bottom of the lake.

The Galilee Boat is apparently the type of boat that was used on the Sea of Galilee for both fishing and transportation across the lake. It is likely that this sort of boat was used by Jesus and his disciples, many of whom were fishermen. Boats played a large role in Jesus life and ministry — they are mentioned 50 times in the Gospels!

There is no evidence connecting the boat to Jesus or his disciples, but it is certainly tantalizing to think that Jesus may have seen the boat sail by out on the Sea of Galilee — or even used it himself. But regardless of its history, the “Jesus boat” is a fascinating artifact that brings to life many of the Gospel accounts.

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring Israel with you in February!

 

 

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Episode 118 – Forgiving or Forbearing?

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork by OnlyCurious

“People find fault as if there is a reward for it!  Too many people look for the worst in others and never pass up the chance to cut down or criticize others.”

That quote from Zig Ziglar reminds us of our theme for today’s podcast: God wants us to forgive people, not just bear with them.

Forgiveness is a new life style the Christ-follower has to “put on” – like one would put on their clothes each day. With our Bibles open to Colossians 3, let’s discover the 2 things Jesus expects us to put on in order to forgive the people we are currently bearing with.

We join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he talks about a new suit and how that taught him to forgive.

 

And with Dr. Smith’s responsive prayer at the end of this episode, men and women chose to forgive those that they were currently bearing with. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in that prayer as well.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

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Come and Consider the Future World War in the Valley of Armageddon!

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: BiblePlaces.com

Can you imagine standing in the very place where Jesus predicted that the future World War battle for the planet would happen? You can overlook the valley if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel!

The spacious Jezreel Valley (pictured above) spreads out to the north and east from Mount Carmel, providing convenient passage for international travelers in ancient times.  The fertile alluvial soil makes this the country’s breadbasket as well.  The Bible speaks of the gathering of armies in this valley at the place of Armageddon.

The Bible teaching about the Battle of Armageddon is one of tragedy, evil, destruction – but of the ultimate victory of good over evil. It is pictured in the Bible as the final world war that will play out on the earth in the plains of Esdraelon near the city of Megiddo in central Israel (Revelation 16:16).

This horrific Battle of Armageddon is described in Revelation 19:11-20:3 and Ezekiel 38:17-39:29. It is graphic, brutal, and ends with utter bloody destruction of the forces of evil. The evil ones will assemble in battle formation, tensely waiting to engage their enemy (Revelation 19:19).

The battle will start with Christ descending from heaven with the armies of heaven, which are evidently angels, and others (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 24:29-31). Guns are fired, missiles launched, fighter planes dispatched, artillery belches fire and lead, and the two sides will engage with deafening ferocity.

Then Jesus opens up His salvos, “A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:15–16, HCSB)

The Battle of Armageddon is quickly over. The cries of the dying and the stench of the dead fill the air. The birds will be called to eat of the flesh of dead bodies. In fact, it will take over seven months to bury the dead (Ezekiel 38:12). The devastation of evil will be utter and complete. (Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman)

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

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Come and Rejoice In the Victory at the Gates of Hell!

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

 

Can you imagine standing in the very place where Jesus predicted that the Church would never succumb to “the Gates of Hell” – a place where the worship of false gods had prevailed for centuries! You can if you join Melodee and I for these 10 Life-Changing Days in Israel!

The early name of this place was “Panias” directly identifying this location with worship of one pagan Greek god, “Pan”. It’s later and current name (Banias and Banyas) are merely corruptions of this original, with the “B” later being substituted for the “P”, due to usage in the Arabic language.

Close to the foot of Mount Hermon (about 1150 feet, or 350 meters, above sea level), it is an area of lush grasslands and trees, with plenty of water as one of the sources of the Jordan River. Here, a massive spring flows out of the rock – its abundant supply of water made the area attractive for farming and religious purposes.

The grotto of Pan was a focal point in the worship of this half-man half-goat, flute playing deity. For at least two centuries before Christ, sacrifices were cast into the cave as offerings to Pan. At that time the main spring emerged from this large cave. Earthquakes have since caused the water flow to emerge elsewhere. Near the grotto of Pan a number of niches were carved in the rock cliff. These niches were used to hold idols depicting numerous deities, including Echo, a mountain nymph who was said to be a consort of Pan.

The grotto of Pan and the rock face of the mountain would have made imposing visuals as Jesus declared Himself the Rock on which the church would be built and that the gates of Hell  (Matthew 16) would never prevail against it. (Gates of Hell: think of a Grotto into which a sacrifice would be thrown, which would then be pulled down by the current, into the earth, not to rise again). Clearly these visuals would have driven home Jesus’ claim of authority and power.

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 

 

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