The book of Matthew, chapter 22, tells of a wedding in which many were invited, but few accepted the invitation. 

At the king's request, his servants went out in the streets and brought in all who would go to be guests at this wedding.

One man chose to attend, but was not properly attired, for he did not have on the wedding garments. When confronted, he had no real answer and was cast out, bound, into outer darkness, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." He was stating that there would be great torment for those who tried to attend His marriage supper without wearing the proper garments.

Isaiah 61:10 describes how the Lord clothes us with garments of salvation, and decks us out with robes of righteousness.  

We also know there is no other name by which we might be saved.  Acts 15:11 names the Lord as Jesus Christ. He is indeed the author and finisher of our salvation, and to try to come in any way besides Him will be rejected. 

In the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapter 21:8, we see a list of things that God will put into the lake of fire. We cannot be a liar and expect to go to Heaven; all who commit what the Bible calls abominations, such as sexually immoral acts — none of these will make it to heaven.

My job is not to judge you, but to warn you of judgment to come and what God has stated in His Word.

My friends, we are not called to condone sin.

James summed it up in a simple sentence. H said that to know to do good, and not do it, is sin. To not witness is a sin. To not live a life of holiness is a sin.

You may have your weak moments, but you should never seek to sin. To do so is to allow sin in your life, and you may miss out on that beautiful promise of heaven.

And if you do not stand for the Bible, and God's demands of Holiness, your friends and loved ones may never hear or see the sermon that only you can preach. 

Defend the Word; stand for Christ. It may not be popular, but it shows the true love you have for humankind. 

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Preaching may not be popular, but it shows love

Revival is more than a series of special services with an outside evangelist. True revival begins when someone tires of their church's direction.

This is no knock on churches; we sometimes become so involved in projects and activities that we temporarily lose sight of what is important: making disciples of each another. 

Thinking "If my pastor did this…," "If the board did this…" or "I wish the congregation did this…" often signals that true revival in a church is needed. A renewed vision, deeper teaching and more exciting worship, all can be outward signs of revival occurring. 

If you are not seeing these, what are you going to do about it? Call for the pastor to resign?

May I offer a better solution?

Let's start with the one who senses need for change. Grab a mirror and get ready to talk to that person. Burnout results from not spending time alone with the Master.

To begin revival in your church, pray for, and do what it takes, to begin revival in you.

It is not always easy, and sometimes we do not wish to hear what is required of us by God, but the rewards are definitely worth the problems. 

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Revival begins with you

As a child, I wanted to catch a chipmunk running around my back yard, so I set up a box-with-a-stick-and-a-string trap.  

I put peanuts under the box, set the string, and waited for the chipmunk. Eventually, the critter showed up to have a snack. At just the right time, I pulled the string; the box dropped and trapped the chipmunk.

I was so excited! I ran to tell my mother, who came outside to check it out. Sure enough, when we got close to the box we could hear frantic scratching against the cardboard.

My mother saw my pride at having outsmarted the creature. Then she said six words that sent my head spinning, “Okay. You’ve got it. Now what?”

Sometimes, getting hold of something requires taking a next step.

Becoming Jesus' follower is a gift for which many search but don’t realize. Once they make that decision, it is life-changing. But how does one know what to do with Jesus once you’ve got hold of him?

My suggestion is to realize that you do not have a hold on Jesus. Rather, he has a hold on you. He has called to your mind and heart for quite some time. He has let you know in many ways how fond of you he is. He has waited for you to recognize his presence.

Once you recognize his call, you open yourself to be fully embraced by him. You respond to his loving grace, his presence and his forgiveness. All you need do is hang on to him, and ask him to help you to grow.

Recognize his Lordship and the gift of life he has offered. Then you can live your life to honor him.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Having faith requires follow-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to his disciples: “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?

"And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.”

For most who don’t know the importance of minding a flock, that parable may seem farfetched. The modern mind tends to think it is too risky to leave an entire flock untended to go and look for one stray sheep.

What if a wild animal attacks the rest while you’re gone?

What if another sheep wanders itself lost while you are searching for the lost one?

The pursuit is a waste of time; there are plenty of others — after all, it’s just one sheep.

That’s Jesus' point. It is one lost sheep — and one is too many to be lost. From a human perspective, risking 99 to save one doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, especially in a throw-away society.

Just write it off.

That’s the cost of doing business.

There are plenty of others.

But the parable is about people's worth. One person who gets lost in life — whether it is lost from the family of faith, or having lost their direction in doing what is right and good, or becoming confused because of ill health, or a loved one's death, or suffering from fear and uncertainty of what the future may hold — is important enough to pursue and help that person regain a sense of direction and belonging.

In God's eyes, each person is just as important as the next. Each person, each individual, is valued and loved. Nothing will stop God from searching for us when we stray.

Are you willing to believe you are that important to God? If not, why not — because you are.

How important are the people in your life?

Is there an errant family member who needs to be reminded of how they are loved and need to be brought back into the family fold?

Is there a friend who seems to be heading down a path of self-destruction that needs to be reminded of their great worth?

Is there someone suffering loneliness and isolation who needs to comforted and reminded they are loved?

Go search for the lost. There is great rejoicing when the lost is found — not only by the one who is searching, but also for the one who was recovered.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Go — search for the lost 'sheep'

In the Bible, in the book of Habakkuk, the prophet attempts to correct God's actions. He further states that he will continue his watch upon the watchtower, and wait to see how God will answer Him, and how he should reply.

It seems like he recognizes that he has attempted to correct God, and now awaits God to correct, or rebuke, him.

My friend, it is natural to question God and some of the things in our lives. At times, it seems that the events that come into our lives do not make sense. I remember getting angry over the death of someone I loved dearly, ready to tell God that he did not know what he was doing.

Years later, perhaps I understand more than I did then.

Habakkuk's writing here leads to an interesting point. While we can question God and, yes, even his motives, we need to be still and await his response. We do not always see the big picture. The real mark of maturity is to be willing to be corrected by him and his Word.

As a pastor, I see many times where people are going through some of the hardest times, and looking on from the outside, I tend to think in some cases that they brought these things on themselves because of poor decisions.

Why can they not listen to what is preached, what is written, or what is spoken to them in the still of the night?

Then, just when I believe my advanced maturity in my relationship is now defending God and his ways, I stand to be corrected — and he does it in miraculous form.

I do not always receive that still small voice, for I am indeed stubborn. Sometimes, he has to shout at me. However, I have learned that by waiting on him, keeping my watch, and waiting for his response to my questions, his voice is so much more pleasurable.

Go ahead. Question God. Even scold him if you dare.

But be prepared for his correction — and be willing to take it like a real man or woman of Christ.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: It's natural to question God

This year, Christmas decorations first appeared before Labor Day in some places. 

The day after Halloween, most stores had their Christmas displays up.

Mid-November, many homes were fully decorated outside. 

Mid-December, all those going to decorate had done so.

Did you also notice, just a few days after Christmas, that many decorations had come down? 

Stores, following post-Christmas sales, put away their displays. Neighborhoods once brightly illuminated by colorful displays went dark. 

This seems to be a way of life in our society: We look forward to a special event or time. 

Enthusiasm builds. 

We take steps to make it special. 

The event happens, with great fanfare. And then — it's over, and time to move on to the next event.

We have forgotten, it seems, the ability to relax and reflect. 

We have forgotten a concept talked about in the Bible. The Greek word deipnon characterizes a calm, relaxed time, when no one is in a hurry, conversation flows, and relationships grow and strengthen.

There is no rush to move on to the next event.

Practicing deipnon allows you to be with other people, focusing on them and your relationship together. 

What comes next is not nearly as important as the present.

Jesus and his disciples practiced this kind of relationship. They were a close-knit group of friends — they walked together, talked together and ate together. 

What would your life be like if you were to do the same with people in your life? 

What would it be like for you to enjoy an event and then its afterglow, instead of hurrying off to the next item on the agenda?

In this new year, why not practice deipnon? 

Seek the Lord and rest in him.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Practicing deipnon, a forgotten concept

I pray that your New Year is filled with the glory of God. 

But I have a question for you:  What if the world ended today? 

Perhaps you believe in the rapture of the church, and look forward to it.  Your ideology may have you convinced as to when this may occur, or you may question if it will. 

Either way, are you ready to meet the Father of all things and receive judgment for your life? 

Are you truly ready to go?

I come from a rather large family. Looking at natural dynamics, you would think that the oldest would be called to God first, and then the younger. 

Not so. 

Yes, the oldest uncle went home this year, but he was not the first of his siblings, and two of his children preceded him. 

Age is no determining factor of when you are going home.  Illness and disease are not factors, either. 

We just do not know if tomorrow will bring us another day, so we must live life completely, sweetly hold to the Master's hands, and do all that we can to bring joy into this world, especially giving security of heaven to others around us by leading them to Christ. 

Christian friend, if you have never led someone to the Lord for salvation, you have no fruit. Christ, if you remember, cursed the fig tree that bore no fruit. 

How much more will we be judged if we do not make the effort to have fruit; win others? 

 May your new year be filled with much fruit. May you win a multitude this year, and do not grow weary of doing so. 

I know that you and I will be rejected, even made fun of, possibly persecuted, for any stand we make for Christ. 

Let me assure you, the effort will make the reward sweeter.  

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: North Okaloosa Christians, are you ready for the rapture in 2016?

Most of you are making last-minute preparations, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

But between all those things, please allow me to take a moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. 

Perhaps you look around and are worried about the future, with current events looming.  The picture can seem grim — until you look at the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. 

Mary and Joseph were traveling, not for pleasure, but because of a mandate of the Roman Empire.  Joseph had to leave his homeland and go to Egypt to avoid the attempted murder of Jesus that left Bethlehem in tears. 

It is possible that Jesus grew up seeing beatings, murders, and even crucifixions occurring every day. 

Yet, He grew and prospered, and we are indeed blessed today.

Look up, my friend, for your redemption draws near. If you have not done so, get your mind off yourself and the events of the day; steel away; and search for Him if you do not know Him. 

Receive His salvation, and make this the happiest Christmas ever. 

May God smile upon you. And again, Merry Christmas.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Look up — redemption draws near

In the book of Genesis, we read about Abraham, who desires a wife for his son, Isaac. He sends his trusted servant to find her. 

We are told that this servant had all the riches that belonged to Abraham at his disposal, along with Abraham's promise that God would send His angel to go before him to help in his endeavor. 

The servant does as he is asked, and, upon finding Rebekah, he praises God and offers her and her family members gifts. 

My interpretation is that he treated her with all the kindness that he could, and was pleased when he finally presented her to Isaac and he evidently approved. 

This is a picture of how we should live our daily Christian walk. 

Allow me to prove my point.

God the Father is looking for the bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. 

He chooses His trusted servants — you and I — with this task. We have the Holy Spirit's promise to go before us to prepare the hearts of those who would become the bride of Christ. 

We have all of God's richest promises and gifts at our disposal.

We offer the greatest gift, salvation, to all those that we can.  When one accepts this gift, he or she is to be treated as precious until the day that we present them to Jesus for His approval. When He receives one, all of heaven rejoices.

Abraham is the father of many nations. God is the father of all creation. Isaac was the father of Jacob, who would later be called Israel. Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the father of the Church.

We should live our lives as trusted servants, having access to all that our Master has given to us. 

When we find "the bride," precious are they in God's hands and Jesus' heart.

Do not withhold God's gifts from others; seek for them. 

The obedient servant will find the rewards. 

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Seek God's gifts for others

Each Jan. 1, we celebrate the start of a new year. Resolutions are often made to do better at something in our lives. People resolve to quit smoking, eat less, drink less, behave better…the list goes on.

Tomorrow starts a new year, according to the Christian calendar. So, Happy New Year!

Sunday begins Advent, the season in which we watch and wait for Christmas. Or rather, the coming of the Messiah. Or, to be even more accurate, the Messiah's second coming.

With the Christian New Year starting, the intent is to focus on Jesus Christ as the center of our lives. We are to focus on the redemption he offers the whole world.

But society's events and expectations have overrun this season of preparation. The season has taken on a completely  —  and erroneously  —  different nature.

For the vast majority of people in our nation and world, the season of preparation is all about busyness and rushing around.  

In this season there are many arrangements to be made  —  most of which will have people running from store to store, or hopping from one website to another. There are baked goods to prepare, mailings to send out, parties to plan or attend.

And yet, this is not what was intended for this season. And it is certainly not what we are called to do as Jesus Christ's followers.

In faith, we are to prepare our minds and hearts, not just to celebrate Jesus' earthly life 2,000 years ago  —  that is, Christmas  —  but also to celebrate his continuing role in our lives today, and for his promised return at a time of God's choosing.   

We are called to prepare our minds and hearts spiritually, because Christmas is the celebration of the birth of God's Son, Immanuel, which means "God with Us."

 In all truthfulness, preparing for Christmas is not an either/or proposition  —  either spiritual or worldly. There is room for both.

Here is my suggestion: Most people know the Bible talks about giving 10 percent of our income to God as an offering. To prepare your heart and mind equally for the Christmas celebration, make a Christian New Year resolution to give God 10 percent of the time you spend on shopping, baking and partying to prayer, worship and reading your Bible.

 If you spend two hours a day baking or making gifts (which is 120 minutes), give God 12 minutes of prayer and Bible reading before you retire for the day.

If you spend four hours shopping (240 minutes), give God 24 minutes of prayer and reading your Bible.

 This way, you can make a new year resolution to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas' true meaning, and get all your typical Christmas "stuff" done.

 And by the way: If you find yourself too tired at the end of the day to give God 10 percent of the time you spent doing other things, you probably need to cut back on the other kinds of preparation or partying.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Tithe 10 percent of your time