SOUTHLAWN CHURCH OF GOD

Read the latest article: "A Scriptural Contronym" (below)

Update - October 2021

With the sale of the church buildings we are now officially a "house church"! What we still offer is very meaningful Bible study opportunities on Sunday and Wednesday mornings, and opportunities to participate in a variety of ministry events such as a recent Women's Conference, Sunday evening campground Worship Service with our sister churches, and a Sunday afternoon youth event at Craig's Cruisers. On Sundays we are currently studying Habbakuk - an overlooked prophet in the Old Testament with a surprisingly current message. On Wednesdays we are working our way through the amazing New Testament book of Romans. If you would like more information please call me at 616-308-3736.
Pastor Richard

A Refocused Website

You may have noticed the new heading "Keeping It Simple." We will be redirecting the primary focus of this website away from church news, pictures, reports, and announcements, and focusing on Simple articles and observations on the wonderful SIMPLE truths of life-saving, life-changing scriptures...which are able to make us "wise unto salvation"! There will be less promotion of the Southlawn Church of God, but we will continue to promote the scriptures we hold dear. On "Keeping It Simple" you may find a 'view' that is so simple and straightforward it causes you to ponder interpretations you never questioned.
A further explanation, and example of articles we will be bringing...
In a recent study we noted the TWO PRIMARY rules of understanding the Bible. These two BASIC rules agreed on by all Bible scholars, and can be applied even by a young person, or someone studying the Bible seriously for the first time. In other words, simple.
PRINCIPLE #1. Take the Bible LITERALLY, whenever possible. A closely related principle is that "Words mean what they mean." A relatively small percentage of scriptures were written poetically or as "word pictures" and those examples are usually pretty obvious. GOD gave us HIS message, and we need to recognize that HE chose the words. On ALL important teachings the simplest explanation is probably the right one. God is wise enough to not have ESSENTIAL truths be difficult to understand. Many pastors claim the single-most important doctrine in the Bible (Who GOD is / Who JESUS is) is IMPOSSIBLE for the human mind to understand. It should be inconceivable to Bible believers that God couldn't explain to us who HE is. But there is a "simple" literal view: just take GOD'S WORD at HIS word. God Himself stated what HIS people were to believe: "Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). It could not be more simple, or easier to understand. And it makes sense. God declares throughout HIS word "there is no other God." Jesus even defined this as the most important commandment: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Mark 12:29). One is the smallest, indivisable number. "One" means exactly that. GOD did NOT say that HE was "three-in-one", much less three completely separate persons who together make ONE God! That would directly contradict what HE said. We can't overstress the importance of PRINCIPLE #1: Take the Bible literally.

PRINCIPLE #2. Use the scriptures to interpret the scriptures. Meaning, first look at the context. Then find other passages that speak on the same subject. GOD does not contradict Himself. A contradiction indicates an error in the interpretation of the text. Above we cited Mark 12:29 to show Jesus' adherance to the "SIMPLE" understanding of Deuteronomy 6:4. This is a consistent teaching throughout scripture, so we have the UTMOST CONFIDENCE on the most important teaching in the Bible: God is One. You are not in error if you understand "ONE" to mean one, as it does in all other contexts. The Bible teaches a husband and wife become "One flesh" but that does not mean they are one person, one-and-the-same, co-equal in every way, or any of the other impossible to understand ramifications so prevalent in Christian theology concerning the relationship between Jesus and God. Supposedly we have to take these "interpretations" by faith, or we won't be saved! On this website you will soon find materials that will present you with a very simple picture, together with the scriptural promise of SALVATION for those who BELIEVE. Here's two such promises:
Jesus -- "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).
John, the Beloved Apostle -- "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31)
What you will find on this website is this strange notion that "Words mean what they mean." "One" means a single thing. Everyone knows what "Father" means, what "Son" means. "Life" refers to being alive, and "Death" means the cessation of ALL living function. People of all ages, cultures, civilizations understand these simple words and concepts. GOD gave man the gift of language and the ability to express himself. But above all, language gave GOD the opportunity to communicate TRUTH to us. Just taking these five SIMPLE words at their face value could radically effect the way you understand GOD, JESUS, GOD'S JUDGMENT of the wicked, the RETURN of CHRIST, the coming RESURRECTION, and GOD'S KINGDOM PROMISES.
"The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise unto salvation." Keep it simple! Take them literally, at face value. And learn to use related scriptures to confirm your understanding of a passage. Here's one more principle: "The More ESSENTIAL a scripture is to Salvation the SIMPLER it will be presented." It would serve NO purpose whatsoever for the GOD of language to make ESSENTIAL TRUTHS difficult to understand. We know this because "GOD wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth!" (1 Timothy 2:4).
Sincerely,
Richard Alcumbrack

A Scriptural Contronym? October, 2021

I was listening to a really good message on the radio earlier this week when the Pastor said that when Jesus was asked "Are you the Son of God?" he replied "I am." The speaker said Jesus was indicating his "deity" - that he was claiming to be God! This is an extremely common claim, and I'd like to work through it with you. But first a word about "contronyms."
We all know a synonym is a word that means nearly the same thing as another (happy and joyful) and an antonym is a word that means the opposite of another (happy and unhappy). But what is a contronym?
A contronym is a word that means the opposite of what it means! Did you know there was such a thing! Yes, some words have more than one meaning, and the meanings contradict each other. An unwitting speaker using one of these words might mean one thing, while his listeners are hearing the opposite. There are many fun examples. "Left" could mean a person had gone away, or was still there. I love this one: "overlook", which could mean someone had responsibility to look after something, or someone had failed to notice something. Sanction, dust and cleave are all words that mean the opposite of what they mean.
While not exactly a contronym by definition, could Jesus' intended answer have been the opposite of what he said? Did he say one thing while meaning another? Or could people today take his answer to be the opposite of the words he chose? I'll give a clue to what I believe. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe he meant exactly what he said. I believe the Pastor is very much mistaken in how he is interpreting Jesus' answer, which requires no interpreting at all! He was asked what many consider the most important question any person can ask of him, and are we to believe that he said one thing, but meant another??
This Pastor said that Jesus was asked "Are you the Son of God?" to which Jesus replied "I am." His point was that when Jesus said "I am" he meant "I AM" - in other words, I AM GOD, YHWH. The God who appeared to Moses in a burning bush (Exodus 3:14-15), "I am that I am...YHWH, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.")
The first thing I did was look up the passage the Pastor referrenced, Luke 22:68-71 where at daybreak after his arrest Jesus was brought before the Chief Priests and the teachers of the Law, and they asked him, "If you are the Messiah, tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."
They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?"
He replied, "You say that I am." (Many translations read, "Yes. It is as you say.")
Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."
First of all, the Pastor had the Question correct: "Are you the Son of God." And while Jesus did not simply say "I am" as the Pastor claimed, that surely was what he meant to convey. "YES! Yes – I am the Son of God." In Matthew 16:16-18 Jesus stated he would build his church on this truth, that he is the Messiah, the Son of God. John concludes his gospel by saying (John 20:31), "These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." The Apostle Paul states (Romans 1:3-4), "regarding His Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the spirit of holiness was appointed Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." This we believe! Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God!"
Note that when asked the very specific question: "Are you the Son of God?", all translations agree that Jesus unmistakably answered in the affirmative. We can correctly paraphrase his answer: "Yes."
But there are many, like the Pastor I heard on the radio, who use this passage and every other passage where Jesus said, "I am the Bread of life", or "I am the way, the truth and the life" or any of the so-called "7 I AM statements of Jesus" to say "Jesus claimed to be God!" In fact, although they claim it, Jesus never did. He did clearly and unmistakably claim to be the "Son of God." Jesus had a God - the I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was his God. He had a Father. His God and Father is our God and heavenly Father.
So, back to the contronym. When Jesus said "Yes" did he really mean "No"?
When they asked "Are you the Son of God?" did he really claim to be not the Son of God, but very God?
The context proves Jesus did not consider himself to be God because he stated: "the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of mighty God."
When God told Moses (I'm paraphrasing) "My name is I AM" the most basic meaning of this is that the existence of the One True God (as Jesus personally referred to God in the prayer of John 17) is the One and Only Reality that determines all else, He is the Center of everything, He has all Power - all other powers are granted only by Him, the Creator, He is the single Giver of life, He is the Supreme, the Almighty, the Ultimate, the Source, the Beginning and the End, the "King immortal, eternal and everlasting", the one from who all the families on earth derive their name, the Judge, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge against whom no one can stand. Some say it means "the Self-Sufficient One." Jesus was not uttering a contronym. He was not using a phrase that meant the opposite of itself: "I am, but I am not...your are wrong." He told them they were hearing him correctly - He is the Son of God, "It is as you say." In the Bible we must take words to mean what they mean, not to be hidden clues or suppose that they hide deeper meanings that require a doctorate in Theology to understand. To think that Jesus said "Yes" but actually meant "No" is unthinkable. Jesus said "Simply let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37). Mean what you say, say what you mean.
There is no indication in scripture that the Chief Priest, the teachers of the Law, the enemies of Jesus never understood Him or even entertained the notion that He was God. The people didn't hear him say that or he would have been immediately charged with blasphemy. Many understood his claim to be the Messiah (the one appointed by God to carry out God's will), and some believed and some didn't. By opening my Bible I found the scripture did not say what the Pastor said it did. That's always the first step of Bible study - read it for yourself. God chose the words, they are inspired. The most important truths, such as who God is, and who Jesus is, do not need interpretation. God is the Father, Jesus is the Son of God. He referred to God as his Father, and God referred to Jesus as His Son. Why make simple truths difficult? Jesus meant what he said.
Here's the thing. Everyone agrees this is the most important doctrine to get right. Jesus agreed: "This is eternal life, to know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).
"I am" is not a contronym in the Bible. It is not a code word / phrase that Jesus used that Christians wouldn't discover until a couple hundred years later. "I AM" is the name God gave Himself. It has a specific meaning when used in that context. But it does not mean that in it's common usage. "I am" is usually used as an affirmative statement, or a declarative statement of intent. I believe God's usage of it was a declaration of His very being. Jesus didn't use it to declare that He was God. He used it to declare in the affirmative that He was the "Son of God." And for that, they put Him to death. And his resurrection proves he IS the Son of God! This we believe!
What about you? It does make a difference what you believe. I remind you one more time of the verse where John sums up his entire gospel, "These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Only Jesus could say "No one comes to the Father except through me."
If you have questions or would like to know what the Bible says about obtaining salvation please contact me at 616-308-3736.

Pastor Richard

"I Am" is not Code"
The "I Am" sayings absolutely prove the diety of Christ...or do they?
... stay tuned for this follow-up article.

"Open Doors" -- Updated May 10, 2021

God called Abraham - the "Father of the Faithful" - to go out, not knowing where he was going. By faith we are passing through the doors that God opens before us.

Door #1: We are "in between". We are no longer functioning as a traditional church, but we have not disbanded. Currently we are encouraging members to attend our sister Churches of God on Sunday mornings, and we conduct a weekly Bible Study sometimes in person, but always available for participation via "FreeConferenceCall.com". There is still a "family" feeling and valued friendships. And we are still financially supporting various ministries and programs that are important to us.

Door #2: We have entered an agreement to SELL the Church Property! We are in a legally binding agreement to sell our church and parsonage. The interested party has until the end of June to close the sale, which is contingent upon the sale of their property. Our congregation can easily meet in homes or elsewhere as needed. If this sale does not go through it is our intention to list the property for sale.

- Richard Alcumbrack

NOTE: The following message was shared January 1, 2020, two months BEFORE we were faced with a frightening World-Wide Pandemic! But notice how TRUE and FAITHFUL God was every day as we trusted in Him! The promise I was MOST mindful of was the second one listed: "God will be with you every step of the way!" I felt that, and shared that at every opportunity - and there were daily opportunities to share this good news with those who were filled with fear. We have spent the first several weeks of the new year reviewing each promise and rejoicing at how faithful, loving and PRESENT our God is! Our God is an awesome God!
How are you feeling about the New Year? Worried? Apprehensive? Hopeful? At peace?
If you are a Christian here are TEN great truths that will bring immense comfort, joy and peace!
TEN GREAT things that will hold true this year:
   • The Word of God will still prove infallible - Psalm 119:89 “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
   • God will be with you every step of the way - Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
   • God will still give You strength when you are weak - Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”
   • God will still give you wisdom for every situation you encounter - James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
   • God will still supply every need you have - Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
   • God will still give you peace as you trust in Him - Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
   • God will still give you the Holy Spirit to be with you always - John 14:15-16 “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
   • God will still answer your prayers - Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
   • God will still forgive you - 1 Timothy 1:15-16 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
   • God will still be saving you - Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

IF you are not yet a Christian your salvation is not as impossible as you might think. Just consider the predicament of those who were guilty of actually shouting for the crucifixion of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. How could they ever be forgiven? Even Judas hanged himself when he realized his guilt. When confronted with news that God had raised Jesus from the dead they cried out "What must we do?" AMAZINGLY the response of Peter to them was that they could be forgiven and welcomed into God's family, and God's promise to you is exactly the same!
Acts 2:38-39 “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
God wants all men to believe, repent and be saved. Nothing would please our God more than you responding in trust. He promises not only forgiveness, but the GIFT of His indwelling Spirit! You can be a "new creation" in Christ Jesus! If you would like more information about this promise and how to become a member of God's Kingdom please email me at ralcumbrack@mac.com.
                                                                                                                                                                             -- Pastor Richard

What Child IS This? The most important question in the Bible!
Who is this baby in a manger? We are considering this question simply using Luke 2 as our source. Simply put, it doesn't seem to be the same baby that many profess. We see no hint whatsoever that the baby was "God Incarnate," "God in the flesh," "the God-Man," the "Second Person of the Trinity," or even as has more recently become popular among Christians -- "the Creator of the Universe!" Using Luke 2, some claim that this is exactly what Mary was contemplating in her heart: how she had given birth to the ONE who created her!! Of course, there is no hint of such a notion in the text, and it presents a question (or several!).
When the Word of God states one thing, but popular teachings use that same text to state something different, which should we believe? Of course the only correct answer is that we should always go with the Word of God. In most instances we do not need a theologian to explain things to us. For instance, the text that says "Mary pondered these things in her heart" is in reference to the shepherds coming to her stating that angels (!) had just come and announced to them that Savior had been born, AND telling them where they could find the baby. There can be no doubt to any reader that she was pondering what the shepherds told her - another visitation by angels confirming precisely what the angels had previously announced separately to Joseph and herself. This was a ONCE-IN-HUMAN-HISTORY event, with a choir of angels to herald the good news.
There is no possible way to suggest that Mary could have possibly been considering that she had just given birth to God, nor to the Creator of Heaven and Earth, nor to a God-man. The angels had told her who the child would be, and that was clearly "the Son of God" (Joseph was not the Father - what was born in her was of the Holy Spirit) AND the "Christ" (Messiah). The Messiah had been identified way back in the third chapter of the Bible as "the SEED of the WOMAN." No greater definition could be given that the Messiah would be a human - not a God, and certainly not God Himself. The entire Old Testament gave the promise of a Messiah, which means "Annointed One" (One annointed to accomplish a task by the One doing the Annointing, as kings were annointed for their service.) The New Testament continually makes it clear that Jesus IS the Christ, the Son of God. This was declaration of the disciples after witnessing Jesus' earthly ministry (Matthew 16:16 "Simon Peter answered, Thou art the Christ, the Son of God."), as it was the clear description of John (John 20:31 "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God."). Jesus himself stated, "This is eternal life to know YOU, the ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom YOU have sent." (Remember, "Christ" means the one sent. God sent Jesus, which is what we are celebrating at Christmas...and every day!! On the day the Church was born (Acts 2) Peter declared, "Men of Israel, you know that Jesus of Nazareth was a MAN appointed unto by God...". The Apostle Paul said "For us there is but One God, the Father..." and "There is One God, and one mediator between God and men, the MAN Christ Jesus. It's safe to say that not only did Mary not contemplate Jesus being God, nor did the disciples (His own students), nor did the early Church until deceptions came in, nor did Jesus himself! His favorite description of Himself was "Son of Man."
IF this baby was God, that would trump every claim that the Angels made about the baby! It would trump everything said in the Bible about Him. It would trump everything He said about Himself. It drastically changes the Gospel to it's very core, which is exactly what proponents of such a view proclaim when they state: "You must believe Jesus is God to be SAVED!" Not surprisingly the Gospel states otherwise: "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name!" (John 20:31). This is exactly what we teach! There is no need to add a word to it, to take a word away, or to change it in any way. Perhaps this clarifies things that may have confused you. When you take God's Word at face value, and accept the words at their common meaning, a lot of things become clear.
Whether we are meeting in person, or via phone meetings (Teleconference calls) we rejoice in the opportunity to clearly share the words of Jesus, the promises of God's prophets, and even the angels. THEY have the words of life - we simply share what they said. Contact me at ralcumbrack@mac.com to learn how simple it is to join us from your home!
Pastor Richard

WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE SAVED? “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

“As your days, so shall your strength be.” (Deuteronomy 33:25 - Adapted from Dr. David Jeremiah)

   Only one man is listed twice among the presidents—Grover Cleveland. He served two non-consecutive terms, so he’s listed as the twenty-second and the twenty-fourth president. Cleveland was a Presbyterian preacher’s kid who was trained in Christian truth. He faced a lot of troubles in office, but was considered honest. His dying words seem to have summed up his life: “I have tried so hard to do right.”
   Cleveland had a motto he lived by, and it hung directly over his bed where he would see it every night on retiring and every morning when awakening. He once said, “If I have any coat of arms and emblem, it is that.” It was a verse of Scripture—Deuteronomy 33:25: “As your days, so shall your strength be.”
   The point of this scripture is this: If God has given you this day to live, He will also give you all the strength you need to make it through this day. You never need fear that God will not strengthen you to face the challenges of the day!
   As we face a new year, none of us knows the challenges ahead. But if we have God, we have the passion of God’s power and strength within us. He will give us strength for each new day. In Him, you’ll always find strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Trust in Him!
                                                                                                                                                                                               -- Pastor Richard