August 11th 2020
David_Orr • August 11, 2020
The Watchman (continued)
'“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. ' Ezekiel 3:17 Introduction
Ezekiel’s Vision was not his alone
This vision that Ezekiel waited for 7 days in agony of spirit was for his understanding so he could do his job. Those rebelling against God weren’t going to listen to “Thus Saith The LORD!” but Ezekiel needed to understand his job description. You need to look into God’s Word and look at the spiritual red sky looming every morning around us and act in the wisdom and empathy God gives us.
I don’t watch news or read the paper but I know everyone sees the political and social red morning sky coupled with pandemic. I know because everyone is screaming that everyone is like Hitler and every opposing organization is the SS on Facebook and Twitter. Did God cease to be God? Is he pleased that we are in terror or did He do this? We did this! God has been warning us and allowing things we chose to go ahead and happen to us because just like Judea in his time we have forsaken God. So look at what is going on in “the Prince of the Power of the air’s” air and see God is saying judgment is coming and warn with the intention of leading people to Jesus and Salvation. We should be Diligent in our Watchman Duties
The Wicked
'If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. ' Ezekiel 3:18 ESV
This knocks that way of thinking “If I don’t tell them they will go free because they didn’t know” in the head. God says they will still die but He will hold you responsible for not warning them. But if you tell them what God’s Word says there is a choice before them. If they repent you gain a brother or sister; if they continue in their wickedness they will die in their sin but you warned them. You are free from any responsibility because you did what God said do The Righteous
The Danger of our Perception
God is just and injustice is injustice whether we see the person as righteous or wicked. He sees every soul as Lost or Saved – unbelieving or believing and we are in danger of bringing about God’s chastisement upon our own lives by judging those He wants us to speak to. God is not a respecter of persons because right and wrong weigh equally on each person. In our obedience we are to speak what God says for us to say whether it be to a homeless person or the president or the pimp the same as the pope. Wickedness done by a child of God is still wickedness and righteousness done by a lost person is still righteousness. You are not responsible for anyone’s obedience but your own.
Ridgecrest Blog
There’s a difference between walking near someone and walking with them. It's a difference you can feel. I don’t just want to walk beside my wife—I want to hold her hand, to wrap my arm around her, to stay close. And in the same way, God doesn't just want us to stroll behind Him at a safe distance. He wants us right next to Him. Closer than close. The Bible makes that clear—again and again. In fact, one of the most beautiful things is when the same truth is spoken in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s when we know God is driving a point home. Take James in the New Testament. He gives us four practical, life-changing steps that can draw us closer to God: Depend on the Savior Deny the devil Desire to sin less Delight in selflessness These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re daily actions. They’re reminders that we’re not strong enough to live this life on our own. We need help. We need a Savior. And when we lean on Him, He promises to draw near to us. That message isn’t new. It echoes through Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” This ancient wisdom from Solomon aligns perfectly with James. Why? Because truth doesn’t change. God's Word is living, consistent, and always calling us to take that next step closer to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been walking on autopilot—doing the right things, going to church, saying the prayers—but deep down, you know there’s a gap. Here's the good news: If you’re not close to God right now, it’s not because He moved. He’s still there. Still waiting. Still inviting. “Draw near to me,” God says, “and I will draw near to you.” That word “draw” isn’t passive. It’s personal. In the original language, it carries the idea of reaching out and hugging someone. That’s the kind of closeness God wants. Not cold religion, but a warm relationship. An embrace. An arm around your shoulder. And if you’ve never experienced that before—if you’ve never known what it’s like to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—it’s not too late. All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Admit you can’t save yourself. Believe that only Jesus can. He will meet you there. Every time. And if you’re already a believer? There’s still room to grow. Every single one of us could walk a little closer to Jesus than we did yesterday. None of us have arrived. And the beautiful part is—He’s not asking for perfection. He’s just asking for your heart. So today, let’s take those steps. Let’s depend. Deny. Desire. Delight. Let’s walk a little closer. Let’s hold His hand. And let’s never let go. Closing Thought: Wouldn’t it feel good to be hugged tight by Jesus? That’s not just poetic. That’s possible. Because He’s reaching out right now—waiting for you to reach back.
We are proud to share that Ridgecrest Baptist Church has been a part of the efforts supporting Together We Foster, an organization dedicated to serving the foster care community of Northeast Arkansas.
Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church! We're thrilled to have you join us today for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're a long-time member or visiting for the first time, your presence enriches our community. Let's open our hearts to receive God's word and blessings together. Thank you for joining us at our VBS closing celebration! Today, our kids will receive certificates, perform a special song for parents, and enjoy a slideshow/video highlighting this week's exciting activities. Stick around after the service for a celebration meal with all families. Blessings,
Happy Father's Day! Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church as we celebrate and honor all fathers today. Whether you're a father, a father figure, or celebrating with a father, we're delighted to have you join us for worship and fellowship. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings of fatherhood and the love of our Heavenly Father. May today's service uplift and inspire you! "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." - Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV) Blessings,