Monthly Archives: November 2007

Nov 26 2007

Proverbs 19:7


“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”

There are several children in Bayou La Batre who will have gifts for Christmas this year. Thanks to the generosity of folks who have worked in the Bayou community many smiles and the laughter of happy kids will be heard on Christmas morning.

There are others who will have little. There isn’t enough money to provide for all of the needy kids yet. For only $100 you can sponsor a child’s Christmas. What better way to spread some joy this year? Perhaps two or three families can go together and give $100. Or, perhaps a Sunday school class will do it. Most of these children live in single parent homes or with poor grandparents. Their lives are very meager.

If you want to give, send a check to 104 Skate Lane, Monroe, LA 71203 made payable to Bayou Recovery Project and I will see that another child will have a Merry Christmas this year.

Thanks for your consideration.

His peace,
Royce Ogle

Nov 15 2007

The throne of grace


“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

What a wonderful invitation! Invited to enter the throne room and to approach the One who sits upon the throne “boldly”. How can such a thing be? I, a mere man, sinful and weak, and wholly undeserving should “boldly” come to my God? Yes, for I am a child of this King. I am not a commoner, my position in the kingdom is greater by far than that of a subject, I am a son!

When I approach this throne, I can do so without fear or reservation for it is not a seat of judgment but one of grace! A one word description of this throne of God given in the above text is not holiness, although He is holy, it is not justice although He is just, it is not righteousness although He is righteous, no, here it is characterized as a throne of grace! It is a place where the unmeasured favor of the God of is lavished upon those who come to Him. Grace? What does it mean?

I fear that we have been short sighted in regard to grace. The usual answer given when someone is asked for a definition is “God’s unmerited favor”. It surely is that but most of the time we have in mind the forgiveness of our sins only. God’s grace toward us does encompass forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and even one day glorification. But most of the time when grace is mentioned in the Bible it means much more than a perfect salvation given to imperfect people.

In Luke’s gospel he wrote of the child Jesus and said, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:40)From this verse we can be sure that grace meant something far different than having to do with salvation. “…And the grace of God was upon Him.” Every day of His life on earth He walked in the favor of His Father in heaven. Every good thing He needed His Father provided. It is one thing to have the favor of a public official. You might possibly get some special treatment that other citizens do not enjoy. But this is the Creator God who loves us without measure and is extravagant in how He provides for us. We can’t imagine what bad things would have come our way except for His love in caring for us. We know for sure that every good and perfect gift comes from His loving hand of grace.

Do you have lack? Paul said, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Do you need help witnessing for Christ? Grace is the answer. “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33) It is to this God of grace we can come as dear children. Why do we come? “..To obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. How wonderful are the benefits of being a child of God! (Psalm 103)

It is at our point of want that we need God’s lavish favor upon our coming and going. And we find it accompanied with mercy. By God’s grace he delights to give us what is good and best for us, to simply “help” us. But then by God’s mercy He stays what should be ours if we received what we deserved.

What would God do such a thing? Because He is love.

In His final statement to mankind about His love, Jesus Christ the Righteous took upon himself our sin, or brokenness, and because He could do nothing more for us and could offer nothing more to the Father, there He died in my place and yours. God’s fiery wrath for sin was poured out upon Christ to the last drop.

He looks on Christ and pardons sinners, declaring them “right” with Him. “To those who received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God”. Have you received Him? He is full of grace for you. He will not always wait.

Christian have you been living on less than God’s gracious provision? Shake it off! Run to the throne of grace, your Father waits to pour out His love into your life and circumstances.

His peace,

Royce Ogle

Nov 5 2007

The Gospel of Christ Perverted?


In his letter to the churches of Galatia Paul used some of his strongest language and a warning worth repeating to those who would “pervert” the gospel of Christ. “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 2:6-9 NKJV)

What offence was so egregious that Paul would make such an accusation with such a strict warning? How had the gospel been perverted? What was this “other gospel” that was really not another? And finally, is the gospel of Christ Jesus being perverted today in much the same way and if so how?

Grace to you,
Royce Ogle

Nov 2 2007

“…..the gates of hell shall not prevail….” against the church


On last Sunday the Hemley Rd. church in Bayou La Batre passed a mile stone that many did not expect. At 2:00 p.m. they had a celebration and dedication of their permanent home. Against great odds and in the face of opposition from within and without, the little flock has persevered in prayer and service and they now have a facility with great potential, much of the rehab work has been done, and they are debt free.

People traveled from as far away as Los Angeles, California to come share the great victory and celebrate what God has done. On Sunday morning I taught the adult Bible class and challenged them to remember that the race of faith is a marathon, not a sprint. One of the greatest qualities of one who would please the Lord is patient endurance. Learning to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, and when necessary, to simply wait upon God are much needed disciplines.

Bro’ John McCord, pulpit minister of the ElCampo, Texas church of Christ preached, reminding us of the past and casting a vision for the future. He characterized the members of the Hemley Rd. church as “Sold out, over committed, junkies for Jesus” whose mission is to confront their community with the claims of Jesus while serving their physical needs. Two of ElCampo’s elders were there as well.

After the great service there was a spread to die for, (or because of). Big fat bay shrimp prepared in different ways, and almost everything one could want for a great feast. The fellowship was amazing!

In the afternoon World Radio Director Bro’ Ken Bolden opened the time of dedication, celebration, and thanksgiving. One after another, elders, preachers, and those who have generously given to the work in Bayou La Batre spoke words of encouragement and challenge and several of the men prayed simple, humble prayers, asking God to keep His hand on the work and to continue to supply every need. Next to the last speaker was a leader at Hemley Rd. Bro’ Billy Spaulding gave a very moving and inspired talk answering the question “Have I ever seen Jesus?” As he told of the many times he had seen Christ in others who had come to Bayou La Batre to serve those who had lost so much he was so overcome with emotion he had to pause before he could continue. Billy Spauling is one of those “Salt and Light” men for whom I, and everyone who knows him, hold the deepest respect and trust him completely to always do the right thing.

I closed the meeting giving honor to Daphnie German without whom the work would have died long ago, and to my wife Carol whom I often lovingly call “The Little General”. Just as in Paul’s ministry, faith filled women with pit bull perseverance, and unconditional love in their hearts, are just as valuable to ministry as any man can hope to be.

There are perhaps 2 or 3 pews of teens who are there every time the doors are open. What great potential!There have been 3 baptisms in the last few weeks! What a great bunch of Christians who see no limit to what God can do. Praise God for the folks at Hemley Rd. church of Christ in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

If you know a preacher who is Christ centered and grace oriented and can support himself for several months please contact me. The church desperately needs a preacher full time to come along and help them.

Grace to you,
Royce Ogle