Capitol Columns

Capitol Bible Study: "The Key to Understanding the Bible: Seeing Jesus as the Story of the Scriptures"

2012-01-11T11:15:00.005-05:00

From our first Bible study of the 2012 regular legislative session:

If we lose sight of the overall story or theme of the Bible, then we may begin to see the injunctions, commands, and exhortations of scripture (both Old and New Testaments) as standing alone rather than implications of the grace of God in Christ. As a result we begin to see the essence of Christianity as a matter of keeping the rules, of “being good”. The story of the Bible is that we cannot keep the rules. But Jesus did, suffering and dying for our sins so that when we repent and trust Him for salvation, our sins are forgiven and His goodness is credited to us. This is the story that is the key to understanding Bible.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Capitol Bible Study: "Promises, Promises"

2011-11-10T05:21:00.004-05:00

From our interim Bible study in the West Virginia Capitol:

“A chicken in every pot, and a car in every garage.”

– 1928 Herbert Hoover Presidential Campaign

This may be perhaps one the best known campaign promises ever uttered. During the presidential campaign of 1928 a circular published claimed that if Herbert Hoover were elected, America would see this kind of prosperity. However, the stock market crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression. The American people lost confidence in Hoover and he failed to win a second term.

This is a great example pointing out the difficulty in making and keeping campaign promises. People wrongly believe politicians will say anything “just to get elected”. The reality is most candidates have the best of intentions when making statements regarding stands on issues and plans for serving in office. It is when faced with the challenges of leading and lawmaking, changes in circumstances, and the very realities of the political process that it becomes quite difficult to follow through on the statements and promises made during the campaign. There may be a few who make promises they have no intention of keeping, but most simply find that it may be quite difficult at times, due to circumstances and realities, to keep the promises they have made. Whatever the case, when it comes to politics, many will indeed often say, “promises, promises”.

This is not the case when it comes to God and the promises we find in His Word. Those who trust Christ and follow God have a heavenly Father Who will always keep His promises. He intends to do so when He makes them and He is able to do so regardless of circumstances. So we are reminded in Hebrews 10:23 that we can “Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful…” One of the great privileges we have as citizens of heaven are the great promises we have from our heavenly king. As we near the close of our study of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, we come to one of the most encouraging promises God has given us. When we grasp its truth it will certainly help keep us from wavering in our walk with Christ:

…My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

You can download the complete study HERE.

Capitol Bible Study: "The Secret of Contentment in the Capitol"

2011-10-07T06:54:00.006-04:00

From next week's Capitol Bible Study:

Contentment is an elusive virtue. We often seek for contentment and happiness in places where it cannot be found – money, possessions, power, positions, relationships, or freedom from trials and difficulties in life. Contentment may be particularly difficult to achieve in life and work here in the capitol. There is often the ambition to gain a higher office or position of leadership. There is a great desire to win the political battles over important issues and legislation. There are often difficult circumstances and situations that threaten to rob one of contentment. Paul has encouraged the Philippian believers to “Rejoice in the Lord, always” (Philippians 4:4). Now he writes of a quality closely related to joy, that of contentment:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:10-13)

Download the complete study HERE.

Photo is from the cover of Puritan pastor Jeremiah Burroughs' wonderful book, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment".

Capitol Bible Study: Godly Thinking in the Capitol

2011-09-08T05:18:00.009-04:00

From next week's Bible study at the West Virginia statehouse, "Godly Thinking in the Capitol":

There is nothing more true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute and more excellent and worthy of praise than the person of Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel. We focus on the fact that we are all sinners against a holy God and under His wrath. We consider the truth that Jesus came and lived a perfect life of obedience and suffered and died in our place so that we might have our sins forgiven. When we understand this and repent and trust Him, then it indeed changes our thinking about everything.

Perhaps an apt closing is the prayer found in the old hymn by Kate Wilkinson:

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

You can read or download the complete study here.

Pray for our Interim Committee Meetings and Bible Studies

2011-09-08T04:54:00.004-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on September 12-14.

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month is entitled "Godly Thinking in the Capitol" from Philippians 4:8 and will be held on Tuesday, September 13. Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Resting on That Which will Never be Shaken

2011-08-31T15:49:00.003-04:00

As most of you know, West Virginia recently experienced something quite unusual , at least for us, - an earthquake. I was in my office in downtown Charleston and the shaking of the sturdy, two story building was disturbing. I arrived at our state capitol building shortly after and found that all the buildings on the statehouse campus had been evacuated. The earthquake, which was centered almost 300 miles away and caused minor damage throughout our nation’s capitol, made quite an impact in the WV capitol as well.

After everyone was allowed to return to the building, I met with a friend from the governors office who recounted how the main capitol building was shaken. This made me think of how quickly our lives can be shaken if they are not built upon Christ and His Word. When the capitol was evacuated, it did not matter if you where the governor, a legislator, a secretary, or a maintenance man – everyone found themselves in the same situation. This is a good reminder that everyone, including our elected leaders need to hear the gospel and submit to the truth of God’s word. Many of our leaders build their lives on shaky foundations such as careers or political achievement.

Please join me in praying that God will use circumstances, whether earthquakes or life situations to turn our leaders’ hearts to that which can never be shaken – Jesus Christ.

(This is from the transcript for a weekly spot I do on WOAY Radio (Oak Hill / Beckley) reminding folks to pray for their leaders.)

A Good Reminder to Pray for the Leaders in Your Community

2011-08-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

In just a little over a year, the capitol community saw the deaths of five members of the legislature. Three of these were quite sudden and unexpected. In a small community of 134 members, this certainly had quite an impact, both on the lawmakers themselves as well as on the staff and lobbyists who worked with them over the years. The widows of two of the legislators were appointed to fill the remainder of their husbands’ terms and are now serving in the House of Delegates.

As one seeking to minister in the capitol community, I had the opportunity to attend the visitations and funeral services for several of these leaders. I was reminded of the urgency and importance of sharing the gospel with them. Both in the capitol during the sessions and at home in their districts, many people descend upon our legislators to speak with them about a host of topics and issues. How many have a goal to share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ? How many ever think to seek to help Christian lawmakers grow in their walk with the Lord? If people knew that their meeting with a legislator would be the last time they would ever see them or speak with them, would that change or add to the focus of their conversation?

This should certainly remind us to pray for the spiritual needs of our leaders, and that God would bring into their lives people who will faithfully seek to share with them the gospel and the word of God.

(This is from the transcript for a weekly spot I do on WOAY Radio (Oak Hill / Beckley) reminding folks to pray for their leaders.)

Redistricting & Remembering Our Representative in Heaven

2011-08-05T10:22:00.002-04:00

If you are following the news of West Virginia politics at all, you know that the legislature has been in special session dealing with the issue of redistricting. Every 10 years, the our lawmakers must determine how the districts throughout the state will be drawn to ensure fair representation for all mountain state citizens. As always, the issue brought about much controversy, heated discussion, and debate.

All the talk about how we can be best and most effectively represented by our leaders in Charleston reminds us of an incredibly important biblical truth. In Jesus Christ we have One who perfectly represents believers before His Father in Heaven as He is at the right hand of God to intercede for us. We take great encouragement from the fact that He ever lives to make intercession for us. It is through His death on the cross our sins can be forgiven, and through His perfect life His righteousness can be given to us. This is the case He brings before the Father on our behalf.

In the midst of all the issues discussed and debated at the capitol, this is the message that all need to hear. During the special session last week we were blessed to proclaim the gospel message through our Bible studies in the statehouse. Pray that our leaders will indeed hear and heed the great truth that through faith in Christ we can have Him representing us before the throne of God.

Capitol Bible Study: "Dealing with Worry & Anxiety in the Capitol"

2011-07-29T05:39:00.003-04:00

From next week's Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

Notice Paul writes that this peace comes about “in Christ Jesus”. Before we can ever have the peace of God in our hearts and minds, we must first have peace with God. This is the relationship Paul writes about in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Because of our sin, we are enemies of God and under His wrath. We have the nagging sense of guilt that will keep us from ever experiencing real peace. Christ, through His sinless life and His death on the cross provided the means for our sins to be forgiven so that we are right – we are at peace with God.

Download the study here.

Pray for Our Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Study

2011-07-08T08:49:00.002-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on May 16-18

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month is entitled "The Highest Goal in the Capitol" from Philippians 2:14-16 and will be held on Tuesday, May 17.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Capitol Bible Study: "The Highest Goal in the Capitol" Philippians 3:12-14

2011-07-08T08:40:00.003-04:00

From July's interim Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

Like Paul, we should have a divine discontentment with the current state of our Christian lives. One of the surest signs that we are truly followers of Christ is a constant, overwhelming desire to know Him better and to follow Him more closely. The better we get to know Him, the more we see how infinitely wonderful He is, how sinful we are, and how amazing His grace really is. This leads us to love Him and desire to know Him more. This puts us in a “divine cycle” which will only end when we are with Christ.

You can find the complete study here.

George Whitefield's Exhortation to Pray for Leaders

2011-06-15T10:19:00.005-04:00

In a message entitled "Intercession Every
Christian's Duty", George Whitefield offers this encouragement to pray for leaders:

"Next to the praying for all men, we should, according to St. Paul's rule, pray for KINGS; particularly for our present sovereign King George, and all that are put in authority under him: that we may lead quiet lives, in all godliness and honesty. For, if we consider how heavy the burden of government is, and how much the welfare of any people depends on the zeal and godly conversation of those that have the rule over them: if we set before us the many dangers and difficulties, to which governors by their station are exposed, and the continual temptations they be under to luxury and self-indulgence; we shall not only pity, but pray for them: that he who preserved Esther, David, and Josiah, "unspotted from the world," amidst the grandeur of a court, and gave success to their designs, would also preserve them holy and unblameable, and prosper all the works of their hands upon them."

"Intercession Every Christian's Duty"

Capitol Bible Study: "Gospel Accounting in the Capitol"

2011-06-13T05:52:00.003-04:00

From this week's interim Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

Paul understood the “Great Exchange” that takes place in gospel accounting. When we repent and place our faith in Christ, God places all of our sin on Jesus’ account as He is punished in our place and on our behalf. The goodness, or righteousness, of Christ’s perfect life is then placed on our account. What a glorious transaction of God’s grace! No wonder Paul counted all earthly things as loss in view of knowing Christ.

You can read or download the complete study, "Gospel Accounting in the Capitol", here.

Capitol Bible Study: "The Answer for Grumbling & Complaining"

2011-05-16T06:26:00.005-04:00

From this week's interim Bible study in the West Virginia state capitol:

We will not grumble and complain if we remember God’s great blessings and provisions for us, especially our salvation in Christ. How can we ever grumble and complain when we look at the cross? As Paul reminds us:

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

If God provided our greatest need of salvation of sin through giving His own Son, will He not care for us in all the lesser things of our daily lives?

You can download the complete study here.

Pray for Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2011-05-16T06:23:00.000-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on May 16-18

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month is entitled "The Answer for Grumbling & Complaining in the Capitol" from Philippians 2:14-16 and will be held on Tuesday, May 17.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Excited About Politics?

2011-03-26T07:57:00.003-04:00

From C.J. Mahaney quoting Don Carson:

'Make sure that in your own practice and excitement, what you talk about, what you think about, what you pray over, what you exude confidence over, joy over, what you are enthusiastic about is Jesus, the gospel, the cross. And out of that framework, by all means, let the transformed life flow.'

We will transfer to others what we are most passionate about. And those we serve should see a difference between our passion for the gospel and our passion for other issues. It’s worth asking ourselves regularly: Is it clear to others that nothing excites me more than the gospel of Jesus Christ and him crucified?

From C.J.'s View from the Cheap Seats blog.

Capitol Bible Study: "A Matter of Life and Death in the Capitol"

2011-02-16T13:14:00.005-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia statehouse, "A Matter of Life and Death in the Capitol":

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Philippians 1:21

In this amazing statement, we see that being a follower of Jesus Christ, living as a citizen of heaven, is indeed a matter of life and death. The supremacy of Christ is what filled and dominated Paul’s life. The desire to be with Christ gave him comfort and encouragement to face and even relish his own death. In a world like that of the statehouse and politics which can easily consume our values and priorities, it will be helpful to concentrate on this verse that reminds us that each of us faces a matter of life and death.

Download the complete study here.

Ministry Update: Advancing the Gospel in the Capitol

2011-02-09T09:05:00.005-05:00

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else…” Philippians 1:12-13

Yesterday I stood at one end of the main floor of the West Virginia capitol building and looked down that grand corridor, across the rotunda, towards the Senate chamber at the other end. The hallway was packed with people—legislators, lobbyists, staff, state employees, and regular citizens—all gathered for one of the special days held throughout the regular session. I was overwhelmed with the main thought of this week’s statehouse Bible study, “Advancing the Gospel in the Capitol”. The question that captivated me was “How can we see the gospel advance more openly and effectively here in this place among these people?”

In our studies of Philippians we see how Paul rejoiced in the midst of difficult circumstances. He saw that the challenges he faced only served to “advance the gospel”. The gospel progressed to the point that when Paul offered greetings from the saints at the end of his letter, he included “especially those from Caesar’s household” (4:22). Paul rejoiced because he saw the gospel advance to some of the highest levels of leadership in the Roman Empire.

I prayed as I watched the crowd that God would grant us more opportunity to see the advance and progress of the gospel in the West Virginia state capitol. Please partner with us in prayer, as the Philippian believers did with Paul, that the “cause of Christ will become well known throughout the whole state capitol”.

Pray for our ongoing Bible studies during the session as the notes are distributed in person and by email each week. (You can find a copy of this week’s study here).

Pray that I might have more courage and boldness to proclaim the gospel personally as I regularly visit throughout the capitol.

Pray that God will bring about circumstances and situations that might serve to turn out for the greater progress of the gospel in the capitol.

As always, thank you for your support and prayer for our ministry.

Tim Pauley

State Director, Capitol Commission West Virginia

Capitol Bible Study: "Advancing the Gospel in the Capitol"

2011-02-09T08:30:00.004-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol, "Advancing the Gospel in the Capitol":

"In Philippians we read of those whose passion was to see the good news of the gospel progress and advance to all those who are sinners in need of a Savior. We are examining how Paul encouraged the believers to live in a manner worthy of their citizenship in heaven (1:27; 3:20). Paul demonstrates that a believer, a good “citizen of heaven” will be involved in the task of advancing the gospel, the cause of sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. This is true of believers serving in the capitol. Those who believe strongly and feel passionately about the gospel will seek to see it advance both in the capitol and at home."

You can download the complete study here.

Ministry Update: How to Pray for Leaders

2011-02-02T06:20:00.001-05:00

How should we pray for our legislators and elected officials? An important part of our ministry is encouraging churches and individual believers to faithfully and specifically pray for their leaders. That is why we developed the West Virginia Prayer Column, an online version of our daily prayer guide. There you can find the names of several legislators and leaders for whom you can pray each day. When we do pray for them, how should we pray? We find a good example in the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

This week’s Bible study in the West Virginia state capitol is titled, “A Great Prayer for the Capitol Community”. In it we are studying Paul’s prayer for the church in Philippi found in Philippians 1:9-11. Indeed, in it we see a great model of how we might pray for those serving in the statehouse. We must certainly pray for those who do not know Christ that they might believe in Him. Paul gives us a wonderful example of how we can pray for believers there as well. We can pray:

That their love may abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment

That they might approve the things that are excellent

That they might be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ

That they might be filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ

That all they do might be to the glory and praise of God

Of course, this is a great prayer for every church and for each one of us as believers. I believe it is also a great prayer for those serving in the capitol community.

Capitol Bible Study: "A Great Prayer for the Capitol Community"

2011-01-31T15:05:00.006-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia State Capitol, "A Great Prayer for the Capitol Community"(Philippians 1:9-11):

"Paul wraps up his prayer with the purpose and goal for all that we do – the glory and praise of God. When our love for Him and others abounds, it brings glory and praise to God. When we choose what is best and excellent in our lives, it brings glory and praise to God. When we are sincere and blameless before others, it brings glory and praise to God. When our lives are filled with the fruit of righteousness, it brings glory and praise to God. In this last element we find the best way to pray for everyone working in the statehouse. We should pray, and then seek to demonstrate, that everything in the life of a believer serving in the capitol community should bring glory and praise to God."

You can find the complete study here.

Capitol Bible Study: "Finding Joy in Life at the Capitol"

2011-01-26T10:51:00.002-05:00

From this week's capitol Bible study:

"How do we find joy in the capitol? By centering on Jesus Christ. We find that Paul’s letter to the Philippians is really all about Jesus. As you read the letter, notice how constantly Paul refers to Jesus – seventeen times in the first chapter alone. It is when we fill our minds with Jesus instead of the things of this world that we can experience real joy."

You can download the complete study here.

Capitol Bible Study: "How to Become a Citizen of Heaven"

2011-01-21T07:17:00.002-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

"Finally, we see this transaction takes place through faith in Christ and on the basis of faith. It is when we trust in Christ as the only way of salvation that our sins are forgiven, Christ’s righteousness and goodness are credited to us, and we become saints and citizens of heaven. Remember Paul & Silas’ answer to the Philippian jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved”. Faith simply means to believe what God says. We must believe what He says about our sinful condition –that we have all sinned and fallen short of His Glory. We must believe what He says about how to be right with Him, that it is through faith in what Christ did for us on the cross."

You can download the complete study here.

Bible Study: "Citizens of Heaven: Studies in Philippians"

2011-01-12T19:02:00.004-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

"The Christian’s ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ, not earthly kingdoms or earthly leaders. Paul and Silas had already experienced persecution from earthly leaders, right there in Philippi and as he wrote from prison in Rome. Believers in the Roman Empire would ultimately have to declare their true allegiance. Roman citizens soon had to declare allegiance to the emperor as a god. Believers who proclaimed “Jesus is Lord” soon had to face persecution and even death. This is what it meant for them to be citizens of heaven."

You can download the complete study here.

Ministry Update: Regular Session Begins

2011-01-12T12:01:00.003-05:00

The 2011 regular session begins Wednesday evening with the governor’s state of the state address. This is a grand event as both the West Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates gather together for a joint meeting in the house chamber. They are joined in a procession by all the members of the executive branch and the justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court. Finally, the governor and his family enter, escorted by a special committee of senators and delegates. There are usually a number of special guests and celebrities, both on the house floor and in the galleries. The governor then gives his address laying out his goals and agenda for the coming year.

As I sit in the gallery and observe this august event, I am overwhelmed by the privilege and opportunity to share the gospel and teach the Word of God among this group of West Virginia’s leaders. I am thankful and amazed at the open doors God has provided for our ongoing ministry at the statehouse. Just as the governor reveals his plans and goals for the coming year in his state of the state address, I’d like to share with you our plans for the upcoming session.

We will be holding three Bible studies each week during the regular legislative session which runs from January 12 – March 16.

Each Tuesday at 12:00 noon we will meet with lobbyists and staff. We have sent out an email with a copy of our first study notes attached to every registered lobbyist in the state (over 300). We usually have several lobbyists along with a number of staff who join us each week throughout the session.

We hold two studies for legislators and elected officials on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and at noon. Spring Hill Baptist Church is helping to sponsor breakfast and lunch for each of our meetings. We hope this helps busy leaders to attend during the hectic days of the session.

We will be teaching a series entitled “Citizens of Heaven”: Studies in Philippians. We are excited about the opportunity to share the gospel as we discuss how to become a citizen of heaven. We will also consider both the privileges and responsibilities of heavenly citizenship as we face the challenges of living and serving here on earth. You can download the first study in our series here.

Every week we distribute the study notes to every legislator and elected official’s office throughout the capitol in person and through email. This provides a wonderful opportunity to meet with and minister to both leaders and staff on a weekly basis.

Please pray for our Bible studies and our other ministry opportunities during the session. Pray for those leaders who do not know Christ that God will work in their hearts so that they may might know what it means to be "rescued from the domain of darkness, and transferred to the kingdom of His Son" (Col. 1:13-14). Pray for those who do know Christ to be encouraged to live as " citizens of heaven" in the midst of the challenges of life in the capitol.

Interim Bible Study: "The Gift that Inspires All Gifts"

2010-12-10T05:00:00.004-05:00

From our interim Bible study at the West Virginia State Capitol:

"Paul spends a great deal of time in his writings trying to describe what he says here is indescribable. God’s glory and holiness are indescribable. Our desperate need for a Savior because of our sin is indescribable. Not only the physical suffering upon the cross was amazing, but the punishment Christ took upon Himself in our place is indescribable. The love which drove Jesus to do this for those who were His enemies is indescribable. When we truly understand this, we are overwhelmed with thanksgiving for what He has done."

You can read the complete study HERE.

Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2010-12-10T04:43:00.002-05:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on November 15-17.

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our studies for this month entitled "The Gift that Inspires All Gifts" from 2 Corinthians 8:9 & 9:15 will be held on Tuesday, December 14.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Are You Thankful for Your Leaders?

2010-11-22T13:56:00.001-05:00

As you approach the Thanksgiving holiday and pause to consider all God’s blessings, are you thankful for your political leaders? ALL your political leaders?

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul challenges us to make it a priority to pray for our political leaders (“for kings and all who are in authority”). He uses four distinct words for prayer: entreaties, prayers, petitions, and THANKSGIVINGS. We are to be thankful for the leaders God has set up to rule over us. The leaders of whom Paul spoke in his day were those of the Roman Empire. They were immoral, brutal, and corrupt, soon to bring great persecution upon the church. Yet Paul exhorted the church to offer God thanksgivings for them.

We are to be thankful for all our leaders, regardless of party or ideology. This becomes easier when we remember they are established by God (Romans 13:1; Daniel 2:21) and are God’s servants (Romans 13:6).

We should be thankful for the order our government and its leaders provide as opposed to the chaos and disorder that would result in their absence.

We should be thankful that God is in control and has a purpose and plan to work out through the leaders He has put into place.

We should be thankful for how God is working in the hearts and lives of leaders and pray they would turn to Christ and grow in their walk with the Lord.

We should be thankful for Christian leaders who take a stand for the truth and pray they will have a tremendous testimony for Christ before those they serve as well as their colleagues.

As you take time for giving thanks, please remember to be thankful for the leaders God has placed over our communities, our state, and our nation.

Pray for Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2010-11-12T15:12:00.002-05:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on November 15-17.

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our studies for this month entitled "Final Thoughts on Treasuring God's Word" from Psalm 119:10 will be held on Tuesday, November 16.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Interim Bible Study: "Final Thoughts on Treasuring God's Word"

2010-11-11T07:51:00.004-05:00

From next week's interim Bible study at the West Virginia state Capitol:

"How can we begin to treasure God and love Him more deeply? We can do so simply by looking at the cross of Christ. It is at the cross we see God’s absolute holiness and hatred of sin. It is at the cross we are reminded of our own wretched sinfulness and the fact that there Jesus bore the wrath and punishment for our sin. In so doing we cannot help but grow in love and affection for Him."

Read or download the complete study HERE.

Pray for God to use His Word to impact hearts and lives at the capitol next week.

Pray for Our New West Virginia Legislators

2010-11-11T05:58:00.008-05:00

We will have 21 new lawmakers serving in the West Virginia Legislature beginning with the regular session in January. Please pray for these leaders as they assume new positions of leadership:

West Virginia Senate

David C. Noe - 3^rd (Pleasants, Roane, Wirt, Wood Counties)

Ronald F. Miller - 10th (Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers Counties)

Mark Wills - 10^th (Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers Counties)

Gregory Tucker - 11^th (Clay, Fayette, Nicholas, Upshur, Webster Counties)

Making the move from the House to the Senate:

Robert Beach - 13th (Marion, Monongalia Counties)

Orphy Klempa - 1st (Brooke, Hancock, Ohio Counties)

West Virginia House of Delegates

Erikka Storch - 3^rd (Ohio County)

Ryan Ferns - 3^rd (Ohio County)

Brian Savilla - 14^th (Mason,Putnam Counties)

Rupert Phillips, Jr. - 19^th (Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam Counties )

Marty Gearheart - 24^th (Mercer County)

Joe Ellington - 25^th (Mercer County)

Rick Snuffer - 27^th (Raleigh, Summers Counties )

John O’neal - 27^th (Raleigh, Summers Counties )

John Pino - 29^th (Clay, Fayette, Nicholas Counties ) (Del. Pino is returning to the House)

Erik Nelson - 30^th (Kanawha County)

Harold Sigler - 35^th (Nicholas County)

Denise Campbell - 37^th (Pocahontas, Randolph Counties)

Amanda Pasdon - 44^th (Monongalia County)

Anthony Barill - 44^th (Monongalia County)

Gary Howell - 21^st (Minera County l)

Larry Kump - 52nd (Berkeley, Morgan Counties)

Erik Householder - 56th (Berkeley, Jefferson Counties)

We look forward to ministering to these new leaders as they serve in Charleston.

Let Christians Vote as Though They Were not Voting

2010-10-30T06:26:00.002-04:00

John Piper at the Desiring God Blog posted a great article which will challenge us as believers to consider our priorities when it comes to politics and elections. He reviewed Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31:

The appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Dr. Piper goes on to share:

...So it is with voting. We should do it. But only as if we were not doing it. Its outcomes do not give us the greatest joy when they go our way, and they do not demoralize us when they don’t. Political life is for making much of Christ whether the world falls apart or holds together.

...So it is with voting. There are losses. We mourn. But not as those who have no hope. We vote and we lose, or we vote and we win. In either case, we win or lose as if we were not winning or losing. Our expectations and frustrations are modest. The best this world can offer is short and small. The worst it can offer has been predicted in the book of Revelation. And no vote will hold it back. In the short run, Christians lose (Revelation 13:7). In the long run, we win (21:4).

These are great words to keep in mind as we approach the coming election.

Read Dr. Piper's complete article

Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2010-10-09T06:14:00.003-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on October 11-13.

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our studies for this month entitled "How Can Someone in Politics Keep Their Way Pure?" from Psalm 119:9 will be held on Tuesday, October 12.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

You can download the complete study HERE.

You can download our New Testament 90-day reading guide HERE.

Interim Bible Study: "How Can Someone in Politics Keep Their Way Pure?" (Psalm 119:9)

2010-10-07T08:00:00.003-04:00

From next week's Bible Study at the West Virginia State Capitol:

Psalm 119:9 - "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word."

Most of us reading these notes do not fall under the description “young man”. Yet this verse is very practical for each of us in our particular life situation. There are temptations and sins that are particularly common to “young men”. Thomas Manton shared how young men need the guidance of the Bible due to “being inclined to liberty and carnal pleasures, and apt to be led aside from the right way by the motions of the flesh; being headstrong in their passions and self-willed.” Manton vividly describes how “unbroken colts need the stronger bits”.[i] There are temptations and sins that are particularly common to politics and government service. There can be a temptation to pride. In the heat of campaigns or debates it is easy to become angry and hold grudges. Extended time away from family and community can lead to the enticement of moral failure. The barrage of dinners and receptions might tempt one to drink more than they should. We can point to those who have given in to the temptation to use their position of influence for personal gain. Indeed, there are many temptations especially prevalent in life in the political realm. So I do not believe it is a stretch in the application of this verse to ask, “How can someone in politics keep their way pure?”

[i] Manton, Thomas. Sermons Upon Psalm 119. Sermon 10. (Vol. 6, pg 82)

You can read or download the complete study HERE.

Interim Bible Study: "Treasuring God's Word through Study"

2010-09-13T06:23:00.004-04:00

From this month's interim Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol:

"If we look at God's Word simply as a rule book or a roadmap, we will study it in bits and pieces merely looking for rules and principles. If we see it as the grand story of redemption we’ll look to see how it points to Jesus and what He has done for us."

You can download a copy of the Bible study HERE.

Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2010-09-12T05:50:00.005-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on August 9-11.

During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our studies for this month entitled "Treasuring God's Word through Study" from Psalm 119 selected verses and Deuteronomy 17:14-20 will be held on Tuesday, September 14. We are also distributing a 90-day New Testament Reading Guide to encourage our legislators and leaders to develop the habit of reading God's Word.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Studies

2010-08-09T06:02:00.004-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on August 9-11. During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our studies for this month entitled "Can We Trust the Bible?" from Psalm 119:42 & 56 will be held on Tuesday, August 10.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Interim Bible Study: Can We Trust the Bible?

2010-08-05T14:45:00.005-04:00

From this month's interim Bible study at the West Virginia state capitol entitled, "Can We Trust the Bible?":

"There are many who doubt or deny the truth of God’s Word. Some deny the existence of absolute truth altogether. Others criticize the scriptures as perhaps a mixture of truth and error. The presence of other religious writings raises the question, “Is the bible true?” Over the years many have attacked the trustworthiness of the Bible in a variety of ways. The fact is, if the Bible is true, it changes everything."

Read or download the complete study HERE.

Embracing Our Mission

2010-07-28T05:31:00.001-04:00

"For the church to be the church, she must bow before her King and embrace the mission He has given to her. Yes, we desire a cultural reformation and a restoration of public morality. But that is secondary to and dependent on our mission to bear witness to the truth. Doctrine is important because its central concern is for an understanding of truth, without which there can be no godliness. It is the truth that sets us free, reforms our behavior, and defines us as disciples of Christ."

From the Ligonier Daily Devotional

Interim Bible Study

2010-07-19T05:36:00.006-04:00

From this month's interim Bible study on Psalm 119:24, "Seeking Counsel from God's Word":

When do we need counsel? We may be ignorant of the truth regarding an issue or decision. In this case we need instruction. We may be forgetful of truths we have previously learned. In this case we need to be reminded. We may face difficult trials and circumstances and be tempted to despair and give up. Then we need comfort and encouragement . At times we may simply be rebellious, knowing God’s truth yet determined to go our own way. If so we need to be warned and rebuked. All this we find when we seek counsel from God’s Word.

You can download the complete study HERE.

Special Session, Interim Meetings, & Bible Study

2010-07-19T05:33:00.000-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year. In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session. Our legislators have actually been working in special session dealing with U.S. Senate secession and education issues.

Our Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol will be held on Tuesday, July 20 at 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Our study for this month from an ongoing series in Psalm 119 is entitled "Seeking Counsel from God's Word". You can view or download the study HERE.

Please pray for our legislators as they continue in these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Interim Committee Meetings & Bible Study

2010-06-04T08:49:00.003-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on June 7-9. During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides a Bible studies for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "A Sure and Changeless Word in a Changing World" from Psalm 119:89-91 will be held on Tuesday, June 8.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Interim Bible Study: "A Sure and Changeless Word in a Changing World"

2010-06-04T08:38:00.006-04:00

From this month's interim Bible study on Psalm 119:89-91, "A Sure and Changeless Word in a Changing World":

Grasping this truth of the unchanging nature of God and His Word should cause two responses in our hearts. First, as we comprehend God’s absolute holiness and perfection of moral character, we realize the holy moral standards found in Scripture based on that character never change, shift, or go out of style. This should result in a deep realization and conviction of our sinfulness before Him and a fear of the wrath under which we find ourselves because of our sinful rebellion.

Second, we rejoice as we read of the Good News of the mercy and grace of God and the promise of the redemption we can find through repentance and faith in Christ and His work as He suffered and died on the cross and rose again. This brings hope and joy as we realize we can have our sins forgiven and Christ’s goodness given to us. We find assurance of a right relationship with God because of the promises we find in His Word. As believers we find great comfort and assurance in the promises God has given us in His Word. As sure as the sun will rise in the morning we can be certain of God fulfilling His promises to save, keep, and care for us as His children.

You can download the complete study here.

Man's Law Changes; God's Law is Fixed and Settled

2010-05-31T10:51:00.004-04:00

"The words of temporal kings are on earth, and therefore their laws and edicts are subject to many changes, and are often revoked and altered, either by themselves or by their successors; but the Word of God is above all changes and alterations, as being decreed in heaven. It is preached on earth, believed on earth, fulfilled on earth; but decreed in heaven, fixed and settled there by God's unalterable purpose and will." - Thomas Manton

Thomas Manton Biography & Resources

Interim Bible Study: "The Authority of God's Word"

2010-05-21T06:12:00.007-04:00

From this month's interim Bible study from Psalm 119, "The Authority of God's Word":

"The writer of this Psalm loved, esteemed, and treasured God’s Word because He loved, esteemed, treasured God. Because He had a high and exalted view of God, he had a high and exalted view of His Word. If we neglect or denigrate the Scriptures, we must consider carefully our view of and attitude towards God Himself."

Our conclusion taken from Martin Lloyd-Jones:

"We all therefore have to face this ultimate and final question: Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do we not? Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture and sit in judgment upon it, putting myself and modern knowledge forward as the ultimate standard and authority? The issue is crystal clear. Do I accept Scripture as a revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding and human reason."

You can read the complete study here.

Interm Committee Meetings & Bible Study

2010-05-21T06:06:00.002-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on May 24-26. During the interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "The Authority of God's Word" from selected verses in Psalm 119 will be held on Tuesday, May 25.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Pray for the Family of Senator Donald Caruth

2010-05-02T08:01:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the family of West Virginia Senate Minority Leader Donald Caruth of Mercer County who passed away Saturday as the result of brain cancer. Pray for all those who served with him at the Capitol as well.

Gazette Article

WV Metronews Article

J.C. Ryle on Government and Religion

2010-05-02T07:38:00.004-04:00

"No Government can expect to prosper which refuses to recognize religion, which deals with its subjects as if they had no souls, and cares not whether they serve God, or Baal, or no God at all. Such a Government will find, sooner or later, that its line of policy is suicidal, and damaging to its best interests. No doubt the kings of this world cannot make men Christians by laws and statutes. But they can encourage and support Christianity, and they will do so if they are wise. The kingdom where there is the most industry, temperance, truthfulness, and honesty, will always be the most prosperous of kingdoms. The king who wants to see these things abound among his subjects, should do all that lies in his power to help Christianity and to discourage irreligion."

Taken from J.C. Ryle's message on John 18:1-11.

Capitol Bible Study: "Memorization & Meditation: The Means of Treasuring God's Word"

2010-03-17T20:38:00.003-04:00

From this week's Capitol Bible Study:

I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. (Psalm 119:15)

Eight times in Psalm 119 the writer speaks of meditating on God’s Word. When we speak of meditation, perhaps we picture one sitting with legs crossed chanting a mantra while in some sort of mind-emptying trance. This is not the biblical view of meditation. Rather than emptying one’s mind, biblical meditation refers to the process of filling one’s mind and heart with the truths of the Word of God. The word "meditation" in Hebrew means basically to speak or to mutter. When this is done in the heart it is called musing or meditation. So meditating on the Word of God means speaking to yourself the Word of God. We think about it, mull it over, and contemplate it. We saturate our mind and our heart with the scriptures. We consider carefully how it applies to the situations of our daily lives. This is how Thomas Manton described biblical mediation:

"Meditation is applying our minds and hearts to serious consideration of the
scriptural truths we understand and believe for practical uses and purposes."

Download the complete study here.

This Week's Capitol Bible Study: "Obedience: The True Test of Treasuring God's Word"

2010-03-10T09:52:00.004-05:00

From this week's Capitol Bible study:

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. I John 2:3-6

"There is an integral connection between knowing Christ and obeying His commandments. Knowing Christ will necessarily produce obedience. We gain assurance of our salvation by obeying His Word. Anyone who says he knows Christ ought to “walk as He walked” or else assurance is lost and in the end they prove they never knew Christ."

Download the entire study here.

The Importance of God's Word for Leaders - Thomas Manton

2010-03-04T08:35:00.003-05:00

"...Unless we have continual light and direction from God, and He lead us by the hand through all our affairs, passion or unbelief, or some carnal affection, will make us stumble and dash against one divine precept or another. This concerns all Christians, much more those in public station, whose good or evil is of a more universal influence. Men of place and power and interest have need of this often in their mouths and hearts." Thomas Manton

February Newsletter: Voices in the Capitol

2010-02-27T12:12:00.013-05:00

The rotunda and main floor of the West Virginia capitol building is a fascinating place during the regular legislative session. Crowds gather around the well of the rotunda discussing various issues before the legislature. Throughout the session special days are set aside to focus on diverse aspects of life in West Virginia with assorted agencies, interest groups, and organizations setting up displays. Music groups often perform on the ground floor below with the sound rising up through the well. Legislators, lobbyists, staffers, and visitors all congregate to make this grand hallway a loud, boisterous, busy place.

The clamor reminds me of all the voices loudly vying for our legislators’ and elected officials’ attention. Lobbyists and interest groups seek to get bills introduced. Many endeavor to influence leaders’ votes on pending legislation. Competing voices argue various sides of a myriad of issues. A multitude of groups and organizations pursue funding for projects and programs. Voices seem to come from all directions. Though it seems impossible to compete with all the voices jockeying for attention in the statehouse, what a joy it is to proclaim the gospel and share the Word of God in the capitol community!

God has given us outstanding opportunities for ministry during the 2010 regular legislative session. Our Bible study series from Psalm 119, Treasuring God’s Word, has challenged our leaders to make it a priority to read, study, and apply God’s Word to their lives. As always, we seek to share the gospel in each of our studies that are distributed in person and by email throughout the statehouse every week. I have included one of these studies, The Word on Trials and Affliction, which I pray might be an encouragement to you.

One of our goals is to equip you to join us in the cause of reaching and ministering to government leaders. I have included our 2010 Leaders Prayer Guide to help you pray more consistently and effectively for our leaders. You can also use our online tools to help. Visit our Prayer Column Blog for an online version of our prayer guide. There you can subscribe to receive an email with leaders to pray for each day. You can also visit the Capitol Columns Blog for regular updates and articles related to reaching political leaders with the gospel.

Next week, March 2-7, I will be attending the Shepherd’s Conference in California with all of our state directors and staff from around the country. We will be spending time together as a ministry team for fellowship, training, and encouragement in our ministry to leaders in our respective states. This is always an inspiring time as we seek to continue faithfully in our work

Prayer Requests:

Pray that the Spirit of God will cut through the all the clamor and make the
gospel and Word of God clearly heard in the capitol community.

Pray for the final weeks of the legislative session which ends on March 13 and for our
final Bible studies from Psalm 119. Pray for our ongoing outreach to our leaders
throughout the year

Pray for several legislators who have severe health problems. Pray that I might have further opportunities to minister to them during these difficult times.

Pray for safety and for a blessed time at Shepherd’s Conference.

Pray for the ongoing financial needs of our ministry. Following the regular session we will need to spend some concentrated time raising additional support. Pray for us as seek those who might partner with us in sharing the gospel with leaders around the state.

Thank you so much for your interest and involvement in our ministry.

Tim Pauley
State Director, Capitol Commission West Virginia

Capitol Bible Study: "Illumination: The Key to Understanding Scripture"

2010-02-24T15:07:00.007-05:00

One pastor did a survey asking the reasons why people do not read the Bible. He shares the top three: Number three: "It is old and boring". Number two: "I forget to read it". The number one answer: "I don’t understand it". We have been studying Psalm 119, the longest and perhaps the most unique chapter in the Bible. All 176 verses give us the picture of one who loves to read, study, and apply God’s Word to every area of their life. Certainly there are many who fail to read the Bible for the reasons given above. Some outright reject God’s Word, believing it to merely be a collection of the writings of men. Most simply neglect or ignore the Word as they go about their daily lives. Why is this so? Why do some treasure God’s Word while others reject or neglect it? I believe we find the answer to this query in our verse for today’s study:

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law". Psalm 119:18

Download the complete study here.

Capitol Bible Study: "The Word on Trials & Affliction"

2010-02-17T09:30:00.006-05:00

From this week's Bible study at the West Virginia State Capitol:

"We must point out that for the unbeliever trials and affliction are but a sign of God’s punishment, judgment and wrath upon their life. The child of God, however, is never “punished” for sin. That punishment was taken by Jesus Christ when he suffered and died upon the cross. We no longer stand before God as our judge but rather as our Heavenly Father who lovingly corrects and disciplines us in order to make us more like Christ. As believers, God corrects us in love, not punishes us in anger."

Download the complete study here.

Capitol Bible Study: "Better than Gold: The True Value of God's Word"

2010-02-12T09:23:00.007-05:00

From this week's Bible study in the West Virginia State Capitol:

"This appraisal of God’s Word as more valuable than earthly riches has three powerful implications for us. If we have earthly wealth, it should draw our hearts from it to better things. If we desire earthly wealth, it should encourage us to find contentment in godliness and those things that really matter. And, if we lose earthly wealth, we know when we have Christ we still have that which is better and really matters."

Download the entire study here.

Capitol Bible Study: "Shining the Light of God's Word in the Capitol"

2010-02-03T06:30:00.006-05:00

This week's Capitol Bible study:

The world in which we live is a dangerous and treacherous place. Without a guide to give us clear and sure direction, we are bound to fall into any number of life’s pitfalls that confront us. It is this guidance and direction of which Psalm 119:105 speaks:

Your Word is lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

How can make sure we use God’s Word as a lamp and a light for our lives? How do we “shine the light of God’s Word” on our lives and in the capitol?

Download the complete study.

Capitol Bible Study: "Hungering for the Word of God"

2010-01-27T06:44:00.006-05:00

From our latest capitol Bible study on Psalm 119:103:

How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

"We all have passions for various things in our lives. Some have a passion for their job and career into which they pour much of their efforts and energy. Some have a passion for an activity or hobby and spend a great deal of time and money in those pursuits. Some have a passion for a college or professional athletic team which they exhibit by attending games and cheering them on faithfully during the season. We find that the writer of Psalm 119 had a tremendous passion for God’s Word, which he demonstrated in penning for us this wonderful passage. This chapter is in fact a wonderful poem or song expressing the writer’s passion for God’s Word. Consequently he uses some vivid, poetic language to describe the Scriptures. Consider some of the eloquent, meaningful poetic figures he uses:

How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (:103)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. (:105)

Therefore I love Your commandments
Above gold, yes, above fine gold. (:127)

"We can learn much about the Word of God and the attitude we should have towards it by studying these wonderful images. In our next studies we will look at these more closely, beginning with considering the Scriptures as 'sweeter than honey'."

Download the complete Study on Psalm 119:103

Previous capitol Bible Studies from Psalm 119:

Treasuring God's Word

Finding True Blessing in the Capitol - Psalm 119:1-2

Pray for the Will Smith Family and the California Capitol Community

2010-01-13T05:02:00.003-05:00

Will Smith, chief of staff to California State Senator George Runner, died Monday night after he collapsed while playing basketball. He was 41. He was a committed believer and follower of Christ.

Smith is survived by his wife Anissa and four children; Lydia, Joshua, Julia and Caleb.

"We are devastated but we rejoice knowing that Will is home with Jesus at this very moment," Anissa Smith said in a written statement. "He lived his life on earth for Christ and now he will spend his eternity with Him."

Pray for Will's family as they deal with this tragic loss.

Pray for our State Director in California, Frank Erb, as he has opportunities to minister to the California capitol community.

Pray that God will use Will's testimony and his death to work in the hearts of leaders and colleagues in Sacramento.

Sacramento Bee Article

Capitol Commission Update: Pray for Our Ministry During the Regular Session

2010-01-12T06:04:00.008-05:00

“We rightfully treasure the founding documents of our nation. The Declaration of Independence by which our country was founded and the constitutions by which our nation and state are governed are highly valued and esteemed. Students memorize their content. Scholars study and teach their meaning. Attorneys pour over potential legislation to assure its agreement. Judges interpret and apply their principles to our current affairs and situations. These documents are vitally important to the history and current life of our nation.

“The Bible is also a document that has been highly treasured in our nation’s history. While our founding documents are indeed vital to the governing of our country, God’s Word has even greater importance for each of us as it reveals the very nature of God and what is required of those who would be right with Him. The vital importance of God’s Word is the main reason we seek to hold regular Bible studies in the Capitol. This year we will be considering a passage of Scripture that clearly shares the infinite value of God’s Word – Psalm 119. This chapter, the longest in the Bible, is wholly dedicated to the Word of God and its vital role in the believer’s life.”

This is the introduction to our first Bible study of the 2010 legislative session which begins this week. We will be holding at least two studies each week for all those serving in the capitol community:

Lobbyists & Staff: Tuesdays at 12:00 noon (beginning January 12)

Legislators & Elected Officials Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. (beginning January 14)

How can you pray for our leaders and for our ministry to them during this important time? As we study Psalm 119 we see an important prayer repeated often throughout the chapter – a prayer for God to grant understanding of His Word.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (vs. 18)

Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all
my heart. (vs. 34)

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments (vs. 73)

Paul made it clear that “…The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18) He reminds us that “…a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Cor. 2:14). It takes a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for any of us to understand and respond to God’s Word.

Pray that God will work in the hearts and minds of legislators, elected officials, lobbyists, and staff who might attend our studies or receive the study notes so that they might understand and respond to His Word.

Pray for impact of the Bible study notes as they are distributed throughout the capitol in person and by email each week.

Pray for opportunities for us to minister one on one as we visit throughout the session.

You can download a copy of our study notes here.

Is It Good or Bad to Be a "Gospel Reductionist"?

2009-12-18T07:31:00.006-05:00

Owen Strachan at the 9 Marks Blog asks the question, "Is it good or bad to be a gospel reductionist?"

From the article:

"...(Scripture) seems to suggest that Paul was himself what we might call a "gospel reductionist" (one might also look at texts like 2 Timothy 1:8-14 and consult resources like Ligon Duncan's 2008 T4G talk). That is, the entirety of his life and ministry centered in the cross. The crucifixion of the Christ formed the cornerstone of his worldview, the grid by which he interpreted, well, everything. Paul's categories of thought boiled down to this: the cross of Christ.

"Moving from Paul's day to our own, it seems that we would do well to imitate Paul in our life and thought. It would be no bad thing, therefore, to be a 'gospel reductionist'."

Read the entire post here.

December Prayer Letter

2009-12-10T06:00:00.005-05:00

December 2009

Dear Ministry Friends & Partners,

Our ministry has undergone significant changes over the last several months. Through it all God has wonderfully blessed in allowing us to continue reaching out to political leaders throughout the state of West Virginia with Capitol Commission. As our new name suggests, our goal is to help local churches fulfill The Great Commission among government leaders here in our state and around the nation.

In November our ministry leaders from around the country met together for a time of training and planning in Raleigh, North Carolina. This was our first opportunity to gather since the formation of Capitol Commission and was a very encouraging and inspirational time. We were challenged to focus on spending more personal time with leaders in order to share the gospel and help them grow in their faith. We all came away from our meetings with a renewed sense of commitment to this vital ministry God has given us.

Even though we have been dealing with issues related to the transition, God has still allowed us to continue our regular ministries at the Capitol. During this month’s interim committee meetings we presented a Christmas themed lesson for our legislators and elected officials from John 1:14 entitled “The Real Meaning of Christmas”. What a joy to share the amazing truth of the incarnation of our Lord right in the statehouse. We read that Jesus Christ “…became flesh and dwelt among us”. Now we want to take His Word to every part of our world, including the Capitol.

We now look forward to the upcoming regular legislative session which begins January 13. We are once again planning to hold multiple Bible studies during the session for legislators, elected officials, lobbyists, and staff serving in the capitol. Our studies will be on “The Treasure of God’s Word” and will be taken from Psalm 119. Please pray for us as we prepare for these studies and for the tremendous ministry opportunities available to us while our leaders are gathered in Charleston for the sixty day session.

The transition has forced us to closely examine the financial needs of our ministry. Though the Lord has graciously provided, we have fallen significantly short of the support we need on a monthly basis. The transition has also presented additional challenges as supporters switch over to the new organization. For those of you who have given faithfully and continue to do so, we cannot thank you enough. If you have not given regularly or done so recently, we pray that you might consider a gift to help us as we seek to fulfill The Great Commission among the political leaders of our state. You can give you our ministry online here.

Thank you for your interest, prayer, and support for our ministry and we pray you have a wonderful Christmas.

Tim

Interim Committee Meetings and Bible Study

2009-12-06T07:23:00.005-05:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year.

In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on December 7-9. During the interim meetings, Capitol Ministries provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "The Real Meaning of Christmas" from John 1:14 will be held on Tuesday, December 8 at 8:00 a.m.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families and jobs.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to our leaders.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Are You Thankful for Your Leaders (Repost)

2009-11-25T00:45:00.000-05:00

We should be thankful for the order our government and its leaders provide as opposed to the chaos and disorder that would result in their absence.

We should be thankful that God is in control and has a purpose and plan to work out through the leaders He has put into place.

We should be thankful for how God is working in the hearts and lives of leaders and pray they would turn to Christ and grow in their walk with the Lord.

We should be thankful for Christian leaders who take a stand for the truth and pray they will have a tremendous testimony for Christ before those they serve as well as their colleagues.

As you take time for giving thanks, please remember to be thankful for the leaders God has placed over our communities, our state, and our nation.

Taking the Swagger Out of Christian Cultural Influence by John Piper (Repost)

2009-11-18T05:46:00.002-05:00

We often question how believers are to best engage and influence the culture around us. One of our greatest mistakes is to make those who are unbelievers (and their leaders) enemies to be defeated rather than people to be reached.

Several years ago John Piper wrote a good article reminding us of our proper attitude towards the lost and the culture in which we live.

Piper writes:

"The fact that Christians are exiles on the earth (1 Peter 2:11), does not mean that they don’t care what becomes of culture. But it does mean that they exert their influence as very happy, brokenhearted outsiders. We are exiles. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 3:14)."

His conclusion is a great reminder:

"...Christian exiles are not passive. We do not smirk at the misery or the merrymaking of immoral culture. We weep. Or we should. This is my main point: being exiles does not mean being cynical. It does not mean being indifferent or uninvolved. The salt of the earth does not mock rotting meat. Where it can, it saves and seasons. And where it can’t, it weeps. And the light of the world does not withdraw, saying “good riddance” to godless darkness. It labors to illuminate. But not dominate.

"Being Christian exiles in American culture does not end our influence; it takes the swagger out of it. We don’t get cranky that our country has been taken away. We don’t whine about the triumphs of evil. We are not hardened with anger. We understand. This is not new. This was the way it was in the beginning –- Antioch, Corinth, Athens, Rome. The Empire was not just degenerate, it was deadly. For three explosive centuries Christians paid for their Christ-exalting joy with blood. Many still do. More will.

"It never occurred to those early exiles that they should rant about the ubiquity of secular humanism. The Imperial words were still ringing in their ears: “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). This was a time for indomitable joy and unwavering ministries of mercy.

"Yes, it was a time for influence–-as it is now. But not with huffing and puffing as if to reclaim our lost laws. Rather with tears and persuasion and perseverance, knowing that the folly of racism, and the exploitation of the poor, and the de-Godding of education, and the horror of abortion, and the collapse of heterosexual marriage, are the tragic death-tremors of joy, not the victory of the left or the right.

"The greatness of Christian exiles is not success but service. Whether we win or lose, we witness to the way of truth and beauty and joy. We don’t own culture, and we don’t rule it. We serve it with brokenhearted joy and longsuffering mercy, for the good of man and the glory of Jesus Christ."

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringgod.org

Read John Piper's complete article.

Interim Bible Study

2009-11-16T09:09:00.004-05:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year. In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on November 17-19 and will also include a special session called by Governor Manchin.

During their interim meetings, Capitol Commission provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at 8:00 a.m. I will be out of town so the meeting will be led by Pastor Mark Patton of Spring Hill Baptist Church.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as our leaders travel to Charleston.

Pray for them as they take this time away from work and families.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to them.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Weep for the Helplessness of the World

2009-11-12T06:16:00.003-05:00

This great article by John Piper should certainly help our attitudes toward those who do not know Christ. From his conclusion:

"...Weep for the helplessness of the world the way Jesus wept over Jerusalem’s blindness: “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). Rejoice that the providence of God is so massively active in restraining evil and prompting so much external conformity to righteousness. Trust in the triumph of Christ at Calvary. Resist the devil in faith that the one in you is greater than he. Risk your life to spread the liberating news as far as you can."

Read the full article here.

Submission to God and Submission to the State - By John Piper

2009-10-29T07:42:00.007-04:00

From John Piper's Series on Romans. As he comes to chapter 13 he deals with the issue of the church's relationship with government.

"This text has implications for war and peace, dictators and totalitarianism, concentration camps and gulags, revolts and revolutions, laws and law enforcement, political activism and civil disobedience, elections and lobbying, voting and paying taxes, speed limits and seat belts, stop signs and baby seats. This is not a small text. It is one of those mountain peaks of the book of Romans that makes a reader dizzy with implications."

Subjection to God and Subjection to the State, Part 1

Subjection to God and Subjection to the State, Part 2

Subjection to God and Subjection to the State, Part 3

Subjection to God and Subjection to the State, Part 4

Raleigh County Leader's Luncheon

2009-09-23T07:45:00.004-04:00

Capitol Ministries is partnering with the Christian Resource Center of Beckley to host the Raleigh County Leader’s Luncheon. We have invited every elected official in Raleigh County to join us for lunch on Thursday, September 24 at the Tamarack. At this point we have 18 leaders signed up to attend.

The purpose of our meeting is to honor and thank the elected officials for their service, share a message of challenge and encouragement, and introduce them to the work of Capitol Ministries and the Christian Resource Center. We will share the desire of both ministries to serve them as they serve the people of Raleigh County.

Pastor Larry Halsey of Faith Baptist Church in Prosperity will offer a word of thanks to our leaders for their service. Pastor Don Pfleger of Daniels Bible Church will share a brief message of challenge and encouragement from the Word. We also have a Christian businessman who will pray for the leaders.

It is my desire that this meeting will help open “a wide door of for effective service” (1 Cor. 16:9) to leaders in Beckley and Raleigh County. If this event goes well, we would like to hold similar meetings for leaders around the state.

Please pray for this event on Thursday that God will indeed use it to open up doors for ministry to our leaders.

Finish the Course: A Mandate for Ministry to Leaders

2009-09-17T22:02:00.003-04:00

From my message at Appalachian Bible College in recognition of Constitution Day:

If Paul were to stand before Barak Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, or Jay Rockefeller would his message be any different than what he proclaimed before Festus, Felix, Agrippa, or Caesar?

Do not let the message of the Gospel be drowned out by that of Tea Parties or Town Hall Meetings. Do not let our love for the lost be overshadowed by opposition to policies or political parties. Don’t let our mission of taking the good news of the gospel to every creature be sidetracked by a desire to “Take America Back”.

Download the complete message here.

Interim Bible Study: "The Real Authority in the Capitol"

2009-09-14T10:40:00.004-04:00

From our interim Study at the Statehouse "The Real Authority in the Capitol":

"We find in the Sermon on the Mount an authority that goes far beyond that found in legislative bodies, courts, and elected offices. As we come to the close of the Sermon on the Mount, we see the crowd’s response to Jesus’ message:

When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29"

Read the complete study.

"Why Moralism Is Not the Gospel -- And Why So Many Christians Think It Is"

2009-09-03T13:24:00.008-04:00

From an article by Dr. Al Mohler:

"The deadly danger of moralism has been a constant temptation to the church and an ever-convenient substitute for the Gospel. Clearly, millions of our neighbors believe that moralism is our message. Nothing less than the boldest preaching of the Gospel will suffice to correct this impression and to lead sinners to salvation in Christ."

Read the complete article.

Interim Committee Meetings and Bible Study

2009-08-06T20:34:00.005-04:00

This month's interim meetings will be held on August 10-12. They are also likely going to have a special session which may extend their meetings several days. During their interim meetings, Capitol Ministries provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "How Firm Is Your Foundation?" will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 8:00 a.m.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to them.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Read this month's interim Bible study entitled "How Firm Is Your Foundation?"

Bible Study: "How Firm Is Your Foundation?"

2009-08-06T20:24:00.007-04:00

From our study on Matthew 7:24-27 to be presented to legislators and elected officials at the West Virginia capitol next week:

"We often speak of various aspects of our lives in terms of constructing a house or a building. We point to a successful businessman and say “he built his business from the ground up”. We describe a couple faithfully married for years as having “built a wonderful life together”. We portray a leader in government as someone who has “built a political career”. In the closing words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes building something of infinitely greater importance – our spiritual lives."

Read the complete study here.

Roll Call

2009-07-17T13:10:00.007-04:00

Links dealing Christians, politics, and evangelism:

God & Politics

September / October 1994 issue of Modern Reformation

The Unique Perspective of the Gospel on Life Issues

Jason Robertson at the Fide-O Blog

Calvin and Politics

Brief video by Marvin Olasky

Fighting Tigers With Paper Swords

2009-07-14T20:53:00.007-04:00

From a letter by John Newton:

"Knowing that the Gospel is the wisdom and power of God, and the only possible means by which fallen man can obtain peace with God—he (the mature Christian) most cordially embraces and avows it. Far from being ashamed of it—he esteems it his glory. He preaches Christ Jesus, and Him crucified. He disdains the thought of distorting, disguising, or softening the great doctrines of the grace of God, to render them more palatable to the depraved taste of the times (2 Corinthians 4:2). And he will no more encounter the errors and corrupt maxims and practices of the world, with any weapon but the truth as it is in Jesus—than he would venture to fight an enraged tiger with a paper sword!"

HT: Grace Gems

Roll Call

2009-07-10T16:53:00.011-04:00

Links Dealing with Christians & Politics:

Web Roundup On Christianity and Patriotism Paleoevangelical Blog

"The Christian and Politics" by John Angell James Grace Gems

"Raising Illinois"
World Magazine article on Capitol Ministries Illinois and State Director Shaun Lewis

Interim Committee Meetings and Bible Study

2009-07-10T06:41:00.003-04:00

Every month our legislators gather in Charleston for three days of interim committee meetings. Each lawmaker is assigned to one or more committees in order to work on various issues throughout the year. In these meetings they deal with a variety of topics, many of which will be taken up during next year’s regular session.This month's interim meetings will be held on July 14-16.

During their interim meetings, Capitol Ministries provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "Christians In Name Only" will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at 8:00 a.m.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to them.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Read this month's interim Bible study entitled "Christians In Name Only".

Bible Study: "Christians In Name Only"

2009-07-10T06:21:00.005-04:00

From our upcoming interim Bible study in the capitol:

In political discussions perhaps you have heard the labels thrown about, usually in a derogatory fashion, of “RINO” (REPUBLICANS IN NAME ONLY) or “DINO” (DEMOCRATS IN NAME ONLY). They are used to refer to members who do not genuinely hold to the ideas, platform, or philosophies of the party but maintain their affiliation for personal reasons or political expediency.

In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus has some challenging words for those who are "CHRISTIANS IN NAME ONLY”. He speaks of those who claim to be believers yet do not have a genuine relationship with Him. Here Jesus presents one of the most fearful statements found anywhere in His teachings:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Read the complete study here.

The Christian and Politics

2009-07-09T11:49:00.006-04:00

Good advice from John Angell James on The Christian and Politics:
(Written in 1837)

"The calm, dispassionate, charitable, and conscientious exercise of your political rights, without sectarian bitterness, and party animosity, in such measure as does not interfere with your own personal religion, and in such manner as does not wantonly injure the feelings of those who are opposed to you; which does not take you too much from your closet, your family, and your shop; if indeed you can thus exercise your rights, is quite lawful for you as professors. These rules and restrictions, however, must be imposed; for, without them, the subject will be sure to do you harm. A Christian must carry his religion into everything, and sanctify everything he does by it. "Whatever he does, he must do all to the glory of God." Everything must be done religiously, done in such a manner that no one shall say justly, "this is contrary to his profession." His politics must form no exception to this. Even in these he must be guided by conscience, and his conscience by the word of God. He must look well to his motives, and be able to appeal to the Searcher of hearts for their purity. If his attention to these matters, be such as to flatten his own devotional spirit, take him off from his religious duties, or diminish seriously the power of godliness and the vigor of faith; if it fills his imagination, make him restless, uneasy and anxious, disturbing the calmness of his religious peace and comfort—if it interferes more with his business than is good for his worldly prosperity, or with his family more than is consistent with his obligations to instruct and benefit them, if it injures his charity, and fills his bosom with ill-will and hatred to those who differ from him; if it leads him into political associations, and places him upon committees; if it make him looked up to as a leader and champion of a party; if it causes his pious friends to shake their heads and say, "I wish he were not quite so political," we may be very sure, and he may be sure too, that although it is not easy to fix with precision the boundary that separates right from wrong on this subject—he has passed the line, and is on dangerous and unlawful ground."

Read entire message at Grace Gems.

The Panacea for the World's Evils

2009-06-29T06:04:00.004-04:00

"The secret of the world's moral renovation, and the panacea for the world's evils, lies compressed in that one expression of the apostle Paul, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!"'

John Angell James - 1828

HT - Grace Gems

Mark Sanford and the Struggle of Every Politician

2009-06-29T05:56:00.002-04:00

From Brent Alderman at the Paphos Paradigm:

"Let’s just get this first one out of the way. All of us are sinners and need the gospel of Jesus Christ for forgiveness and the power to obey Him. We all won’t struggle with the same sins, but we all will struggle. Governor Sanford claims to follow Christ which is another reminder that Christians can give in to their flesh and fall as well. This doesn’t address the issue of intelligence, but is just a statement of fact: “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)."

Read the rest of Brent's post here.

How Should Believers Balance National and Eternal Interests?

2009-06-25T07:34:00.007-04:00

A thought provoking article by David Brown entitled "Heart of the Collective King" was posted over at Sharper Iron. In it Brown deals with how the unique form of American government affects how the church and believers relate to their government leaders and get involved in politics.

From David Brown's conclusion:

"So what must Christians do? While the latest flavor of man’s sin has changed, the answer to it has not.

"First we pray. Then we need to lovingly and enthusiastically bring the Gospel to people one by one. The heart of the Collective King in America must be changed one cell at a time, one miracle of God’s grace at a time. Christian political action would work if the populous was by majority Christian and distinctively Christian. But it is not. There is, in fact, no moral majority. As we have refused to share the Gospel meaningfully, our society has drifted away with Oprah the Prophetess, and we have found ourselves fatuously content as long as there is a patriotic conservative in the White House.

"We need to repent. The answer lies in winning people to Christ, not in winning elections."

Brown wraps up his article with this challenge:

"Personally sharing the Gospel is the most patriotic thing you can do for America. Representative democracy and free enterprise capitalism only function well, avoid oppression, and endure when there is a Christian populace. John Adams wrote: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."Adams similarly explained: "Statesmen, my dear sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue." If you want better government, if you want to guard your liberties, share the Gospel and gradually bring the heart of the Collective King back to his Creator." (See article for footnotes)

David Brown's article: "Heart of the Collective King"

Capitol Ministries Argentina Update

2009-06-23T06:46:00.003-04:00

A Poorly Attended Study

by Luciano Bongarra

Each week we experience the hand of God on our lives as He opens doors where we least expect them. Recently a reporter saw me with a small group and came over to ask what I was doing. I shared with her that every Wednesday, we gather to have a Bible Study in our desire to reach each legislator. That week we had not had a big turn out, although I know we are on difficult ground, we always want to see a bigger group. After a few days I received a call from the owner of the of the place this reporter works for, we made an appointment and I went to see him, having no idea what God had prepared.

The owner of this media group started by saying, “my family is very grateful to your family because many years ago when my father was without money, your father gave my brother a scholarship. That allowed him to later become a medical doctor and he was the only one in our family that got that kind of education and it is due to your father and your family. He went on to share that his brother has Christian values that were learned at the school he attended and due to the influence our family had on him. He offered all the publications that he owns so that Capitol Ministries can share the gospel of Jesus. So this past week my first article has appeared in one of his publications that goes to every legislator in our country, it has a total circulation of 15,000 and will now carry a monthly gospel message with Capitol Ministries as its sponsor.

Capitol Ministries Argentina

Praying for Our Leaders on Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:52:00.002-04:00

1 Timothy 2:1-2 exhorts us to make it a priority to offer prayers, intercessions, supplications, and thanksgivings for our leaders. This means we are to pray specifically for the needs of those who serve in positions of authority.

Father’s Day should remind us to pray for the families of our leaders. Those who serve in local, state, and national government sacrifice a great deal of time with their families.

As we seek to pray faithfully for our leaders, let this special day remind us how might pray more specifically and effectively for them.

Meet Capitol Ministries' State Directors: Gregg Anderson, Idaho

2009-06-20T06:03:00.004-04:00

Gregg was born in Normal, Illinois, the fourth of six children. He and his siblings were raised in a Christian home and Gregg was privileged to attend Christian private schools from Kindergarten through high school. All of his education came after his family relocated to Southern California. While in high school, Gregg’s desire to serve began. Starting out as a desire to teach secondary education, the focus of his desire changed, but never waned.

Following high school and a year of college, Gregg joined the United States Navy. His career of over twenty-two years took him and his family to Illinois, Florida, Idaho, California, Virginia, Utah, and back to Virginia. After his three-year tour of duty in Idaho, Gregg and his wife Cori longed to return there some day.

During his long military career, Gregg and Cori were involved in numerous aspects of local church ministry, focused primarily on children and youth. Throughout those years, God was preparing Gregg for a ministry of which he had never conceived. Gregg served as a deacon, elder, and Youth Pastor of Faith Bible Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was from there that Gregg was sent out to minister to the political people group of Idaho as the Ministry Leader for Capitol Ministries Idaho. God’s providence introduced Gregg to Capitol Ministries through David Andersen, the Ministry leader for Capitol Ministries Virginia and the brother-in-law of one of Gregg’s fellow elders. After longing and praying for a ministry in which Gregg and Cori could involve themselves as well as for a return to Idaho, the Lord provided both through Capitol Ministries. Gregg also earned his Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University while on active duty.

Gregg and Cori have five children, Amy Reynolds and Arin Plew (who are married and living with their families in Nampa, Idaho), Ashlie Van Vorous (who is married and living with her family in Meridian), Garrett (who lives in Virginia Beach, VA) and Audrey (who still lives at home in Meridian). They have also been blessed with six grandchildren.

Capitol Ministries Idaho

On the Moral Sin of a Pro-Marriage Politician

2009-06-17T11:57:00.007-04:00

Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries has a good take on the moral sin of Senator John Ensign. You can read his article, “Pro-Marriage Senator has Affair” here.

Pastor Ray writes of how many pounce on Senator Ensign’s confession as proof of the hypocrisy of the pro-family movement. However, he concludes:

“Sin happens. It would be a bigger deal if it didn’t happen. But where sin abounded, grace super-abounded, and that’s why we call the gospel Good News.”

I believe it is when we argue family and moral issues apart from the message of the gospel that we indeed promote the appearance that we are self-righteous and hypocritical in these areas.

We cannot argue for marriage, life, or any other moral issue without making it clear that each and every one of us are sinners before God and in need of a Savior. We must share that it is the message of the gospel that changes our hearts and enables us to live out the righteousness of Christ which has been given to us.

Sure, the sin of Senator Ensign gives believers and conservatives a black eye. However it also gives us an opportunity to present the message of forgiveness of sin through repentance and faith in Christ.

Read Ray Pritchard's article.

Capitol Ministries Minnesota in the News

2009-06-17T08:44:00.005-04:00

Capitol Ministries Minnesota and state director Aaron Dogotch were recently featured in an article in the Minnesota Christian Chronicle entitled "Something More Important Than the Budget at the State Capitol".

Aaron is one of twenty state directors currently serving whose goal is to reach every political leader with the gospel and the Word of God. Please continue to pray for Capitol Ministries and our work in various states, throughout the nation, and around the world.

Read the Minnesota Christian Chronicle article.

Capitol Ministries Minnesota

Capitol Ministries Argentina

New Blog: "The Paphos Paradigm"

2009-06-15T07:46:00.007-04:00

Brent Alderman, state director of Capitol Ministries Maryland, has a great new blog: "The Paphos Paradigm".

What is "The Paphos Pradigm"?

Brent's latest post: "The Legacy of Solomon - When Leaders Compromise".

Meet Capitol Ministries' State Directors: Dan Madison, Nevada

2009-06-13T06:00:00.007-04:00

Capitol Ministries seeks to reach every political leader in the world, at every level of government, every year, with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our strategy is to place one, full-time disciple-maker in each of America’s 50 state capitols. This servant will seek to reach leaders in the state house and then develop a strategy to reach elected officials at all levels of government throughout the entire state. I would like to introduce you to our state directors so that you may pray for them as they seek to reach our government leaders for Christ.

Dan is a native Californian having raised his three children in the Southern California and Fresno areas. He served in the Army Security Agency for three years and while stationed in Eritrea, East Africa he met his wife Diane. Dan and Diane have recently celebrated forty-six years of marriage.

Dan received his BA and Masters of Religion degree from Bethany Theological Seminary and Bible College, and a law degree from LaSalle University. He spent over twenty-two years with a large national insurance company and was involved in claim management for over fifteen years. Always active in leadership in his local church, Dan heeded the call to full time ministry in 1986. He was called to Aurora Ministries in Bradenton, Florida as the Director of National Ministries, where he ministered for over sixteen years. This world wide ministry served the visually and physically impaired on a worldwide basis and Dan and his wife traveled extensively as they shared the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dan has been active from the very beginning with Capitol Ministries serving on the Board of Directors since its inception. In 2002 he retired from Aurora Ministries and joined Capitol Ministries as Ministry Leader at Large, an administrative and oversight position. In January of 2005 the ministry at the Nevada State Capitol was started with the help of a dedicated group of legislators. Dan now serves in the capacity of Ministry Leader in Nevada.

Visit Capitol Ministries Nevada website.

Interim Committee Meetings and Bible Study

2009-06-12T06:20:00.005-04:00

During their interim meetings, Capitol Ministries provides a Bible study for our legislators and elected officials at the capitol. Our study for this month entitled "Beware False Prophets" will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 8:00 a.m.

Please pray for our legislators as they gather for these meetings:

Pray for safety as they travel.

Pray for them as they take this time away from their families.

Pray for them as they deal with many issues important to our state.

Pray that our Bible study and other aspects of our ministry will be a challenge and encouragement to them.

You can learn more about the legislative interim committee assignments and meetings at the West Virginia Legislature web site.

Read this month's interim Bible study entitled "Beware False Prophets".

Interim Bible Study: "Beware False Prophets"

2009-06-11T09:09:00.009-04:00

From next week's interim Bible study for legislators and elected officials entitled "Beware False Prophets":

"Jesus describes false teachers as those who come in “sheep’s clothing” but are actually “ravenous wolves”. In New Testament times a shepherd would commonly wear a wool cloak, something which immediately identified him as a shepherd. Christian leaders, preachers, and teachers are commonly referred to as “pastors”, a word meaning “shepherd”. False prophets are those who would identify themselves as Christian leaders. They appear to be spiritual and their words sound good and perhaps even biblical. Yet they distort the message of the gospel and point people away from the true way of salvation. Though appearing positive and helpful, they are deadly dangerous, like “wolves”. Paul describes them like this: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds”. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)"

Read the complete study.

Meet Capitol Ministries' State Directors: Frank Erb, California

2009-06-06T05:42:00.011-04:00

Capitol Ministries seeks to reach every political leader in the world, at every level of government, every year, with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our strategy is to place one, full-time disciple-maker in each of America’s 50 state capitols. This servant will seek to reach leaders in the state house and then develop a strategy to reach elected officials at all levels of government throughout the entire state. I would like to introduce you to our state directors so that you may pray for them as they seek to reach our government leaders for Christ.

Frank Erb is a lifelong third generation Californian who has lived in both the southern and northern parts of the Golden State.

Frank miraculously became a follower of Jesus Christ as a teenager. Since then, he has started many new outreach and discipleship ministries and has served in numerous pastor / teacher roles, including as the Senior Pastor of a well-established church, a Church Planting Pastor, a College Ministry Pastor, a Youth Pastor, and now as the State Director for Capitol Ministries. He is a summa-cum-laude graduate (M.Div) from the Talbot Theological Seminary at Biola University in La Mirada. He also holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science and worked as a software specialist. His greatest passion is lovingly teaching the Word of God so that people can enjoy a rich relationship with God and become increasingly like Jesus Christ, to His glory.

In recent years, one of Frank’s friends who served in the state legislature occasionally invited Frank to visit the Capitol. One day in 2008, Frank sat alone in the gallery overlooking the legislative chambers, silently praying that God might someday give him an opportunity to help governmental leaders like those gathered below. He told no one about this, but much to his surprise (but not the Lord’s), he soon received an invitation to lead Capitol Ministries in California. He began serving in this way in January 2009.

Frank has been happily married to his best friend, Valerie, for 21 years. Together, they have two middle-school age children. As a family, they enjoy playing with their new dog, traveling, and exploring the beautiful beaches and mountains that abound in California.

Capitol Ministries California

"God Forbid That I Should Glory Save in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ"

2009-06-05T06:39:00.006-04:00

From C.H. Spurgeon’s Sermon, "The Story of a Runaway Slave":

"Look at the difference between the man who robbed and the man who now comes back to be profitable to his master. What wonders the Grace of God has done! Brethren, let me add—what wonders the Grace of God can do! Many plans are employed in the world for the reformation of the wicked and the reclaiming of the fallen—and to every one of these, as far as they are rightly bottomed, we wish good success—for whatever things are lovely and pure, and of good report, we wish them God speed.

"But mark this word—the true reforming of the drunk lies in giving him a new heart! The true reclaiming of the harlot is to be found in a renewed nature! Purity will never come to fallen women by those hideous Contagious Diseases Acts, which, to my mind, wear, like Cain, a curse upon their forehead! Womanhood will but sink lower under such laws. The harlot must be washed in the Savior’s blood or she will never be clean! The lowest strata of society will never be brought into the light of virtue, sobriety and purity except by Jesus Christ and His Gospel—and we must stick to that. Let all others do what they like, but God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"I see certain of my Brethren fiddling away at the branches of the tree of vice with their wooden saws, but, as for the Gospel, it lays the axe at the roots of the whole forest of evil! And if it is fairly received into the heart it fells all the Upas trees at once—and instead of them, there spring up the fir tree, the pine tree and the box tree together—to beautify the house of our Master’s Glory! Let us, when we see what the Spirit of God can do for men, publish the Grace of God and extol it with all our might!"

Read Spurgeon's complete sermon here.

The Devil Votes Christian Values

2009-06-04T04:01:00.010-04:00

Dr. Russell Moore preached a powerful message entitled "The Devil Votes Christian Values: Why We're Tempted to Be Glorified Satanists Rather Than Crucified Followers". This sermon deals with our temptation to be taken with the kingdoms of this world rather than the cross of Christ.

From Dr. Moore's message:

"Satan ultimately has a power that is not found most importantly in moral decay or in cultural chaos. His power is in the authority to accuse.

"The power of accusation. The power of holding humanity captive through the fear of death and the certainty of judgment.Satan is not fearful of external conformity to rule. Not even to the external conformity of the rule of Christ--provided there is no cross.

"Satan does not mind family values--as long as what you ultimately value is the family.

"Satan does not mind social justice--as long as you see justice as most importantly social.
"Satan does not tremble at a Christian worldview. He will let you have a Christian worldview as long as your ultimate goal is viewing the world.

"If Jesus will receive the kingdoms of the world, this crafty serpent thinks, then he can hand them to him apart from the shedding of blood at the cross. Apart from the overthrow of the demonic powers through the empty tomb. Apart from a reconciliation between a holy God and a renegade humanity.If he can just bypass the cross--and get to the kingdom apart from the cross--then he will have everything that he wants."

From his conclusion:

"We're tempted for now to remain content with a flurry of influential, self-referential, and irrelevant power and glory. But they (the world) still don't listen to us. The day they listen to us is when the Spirit of God comes through what we are saying to point to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ."

This is a MUST HEAR message. Download or listen to the sermon here.

Dr. Russell Moore's Website.

Pray for the California Supreme Court Justices

2009-05-29T04:39:00.005-04:00

Lately we have heard a great deal about the California Supreme Court due to their ruling on the marriage amendment to the state constitution. I encourage you to use this as a reminder to pray for these justices, especially for their spiritual needs.

Click here to find an individual photo and biography of each the California Supreme Court justices.

Bible Study: "The Narrow Gate"

2009-05-28T04:37:00.004-04:00

"Every good sermon has an effective and powerful application. Whether interposed throughout the presentation or supplied at the end, a good preacher will challenge his hearers on what to do with the truth that has been presented. What action does the congregation need to take? What difference should the message make in their lives? The Sermon on the Mount is no different. After the presentation of tremendous truth, Jesus makes a pointed, powerful application in 7:13-29. In today’s study we will begin to look at the pointed application of this “greatest sermon ever preached”.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14

See the complete Bible study here.

Prioritizing the Responsibilities of the Church

2009-05-26T12:56:00.008-04:00

From Church Matters, the 9Marks blog. This is the 25th of 35 points from a paper by Pastor Mark Dever entitled "The Congregation and the Wider Community". Pastor Dever's church, Capitol Hill Baptist, is located in Washington, D.C. just five blocks from the capitol building. Given the location of his church and the nature of many of the people who attend, Pastor Dever has a thought provoking view of the church and politics.

"25. We must carefully prioritize the responsibilities unique to the church. Matters like a concern for education, politics, and mercy ministries for those beyond the church’s membership are proper concerns for Christians to have, but the church itself is not the structure for addressing such concerns. They are the proper concern of Christians in schools, governments, and other structures of society. In fact, if such concerns came to be the focus of the church, they could potentially distract the church from its main and unique responsibility, that of incarnating and proclaiming the gospel. “To the church is committed the task of proclaiming the whole counsel of God and, therefore, the counsel of God as it bears upon the responsibility of all persons and institutions. While the church is not to discharge the functions of other institutions such as the state and the family, nevertheless it is charged to define what the functions of these institutions are . . . To put the matter bluntly, the church is not to engage in politics. Its members must do so, but only in their capacity as citizens of the state, not as members of the church," (John Murray, “The Relation of Church and State,” in Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 1 [Banner of Truth, 1976], 255). We want to protect the practice of evangelism, and the priority of evangelism in the life of the local church. We never want to allow our congregation’s activity in caring for the needs of the community to diminish, or encroach upon the priority of the Gospel."

Capitol Hill Baptist Church

Church Matters blog

IX Marks

"The Congregation and the Wider Community" from the 9Marks blog

America the Beautiful...God Shed His Grace on Thee

2009-05-25T06:41:00.004-04:00

At church on Sunday we were singing the familiar patriotic song “America the Beautiful”. I must admit how often I have sung those famous words without really thinking about their meaning. I am sure many others do so as well.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote these words after a trip across the country culminating in a visit to Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. There she was awed by the beauty and majesty of our country and was moved to write the famous poem which was published in 1895. It was set to music and published as a song in 1910.

Several phrases of the song struck me, especially as I considered the gospel truths in the message I was about to present in the morning service.

One phrase is repeated several times throughout the song, “God shed His grace on thee…” We know that God shed His grace on us through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Certainly we believe in “common grace” and ask for God’s blessing and protection of our nation in a general sense. However, God’s grace can only be genuinely shed upon our nation through the message of the Gospel. (1 Cor. 1:4)

In the second stanza, Bates asks God “to mend thy every flaw…” I doubt Katherine Bates could have even imagined the flaws we see in our nation today. The only thing that can mend the flaws in our own lives, in our communities, and in our nation is the life changing power of the gospel. (2 Cor. 5:17) The “flaws” are sin, and the only way this can be “mended” is through repentance and faith in what Christ has done on the cross.

In the third stanza is the request that “May God thy gold refine…” Scripture speaks of the refining process coming through trials and persecution. The nation of Israel was refined as silver or gold (Is. 48:10; Ps. 66:10; Mal. 3:2-3) Peter vividly writes of our faith being proven, “though tested by fire” (1 Peter 1:7). Our nation has certainly seen some trials with 9/11, natural disasters, and the recent economic difficulties. We should ask God to use these and other coming trials and difficulties to turn our hearts towards Christ in order to refine our own lives, refine the church, and thereby refine our nation.

I am not certain that this is what Katherine Bates had in mind as she penned these words. Her father was a congregational minister, though he died when she was very young. She was raised in the Congregational faith; however there is evidence to suggest she may not have been a genuine believer. Regardless, careful thought of her famous tribute to our nation will remind us what America really needs—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are actually several other stanzas to the poem rarely read or sung. You can find the entire poem here.

Spurgeon on the Gospel

2009-05-24T09:18:00.002-04:00

"Everywhere there is a cry for the gospel, for men who will preach it in the love of it, for ministers who will live it, and inoculate others with its life: the church is growing sick of essayists, and asks for men of God. She is weary of word-spinners, and pretenders to deep thought, and she cries for men full of the Holy Spirit, who are lovers of the word and not speakers only. Soul-winners will soon be in demand, and your genteel essayists will have to carry their dry goods to another market. Sane men do not need fiddlers, while the life-boat is being manned to save yonder perishing ones from the devouring deep." C.H. Spurgeon

HT: TeamPyro

Pray for Interim Meetings / Extended Session

2009-05-22T10:50:00.010-04:00

Our legislators will be coming into town for their monthly interim committee meetings and an extended session to deal with the budget. The interim meetings will be on May 26-28 and the extended session will run concurrently and finish up whenever work on the budget is completed. We will be providing a Bible study for legislators and elected officials on Thursday, May 28.

Please pray for our leaders as they travel into Charleston and take this time away from their families.

Pray for our Bible study and other ministry opportunities with our leaders while they are gathered for these meetings.

If you are not from West Virginia, I encourage you to make yourself aware of the schedule of the legislative session and other meetings in your own state so that you might pray for your leaders more effectively. Check out http://www.capmin.org/ to see if Capitol Ministries is active in your state.