While looking over Communion passages for Sunday, reread John 13:1-17. Just before they celebrated the first Lord's Supper together, Jesus washed his disciples' feet.
By doing so, He challenged their ambitions. They had demonstrated - on a number of unfortunate occasions - the desire for public prominence, the desire to be #1, the desire to be served rather than to serve.
In the culture of that time, a servant was responsible to wash guests' feet after a dusty walk. If a servant was not available, others could perform the duty. However, no one would expect the most important person present to do it.
But Jesus loved them - He was confident in His identity and authority - and He wanted to teach them kingdom principles. So...He washed 24 dirty, dusty feet. He left them an example of service that changed their lives - and resonates to this very day.
I have been part of three foot washing events. The first was a failure - elders at the small church I was preaching at gave attendees an opportunity to wash each others' feet - only the chief elder and I participated. The second was a resounding success - church leaders washed hundreds of members' feet - a pivotal event in that church's life. The third caught me off guard - Pastor Tom Kyle washed my feet in a public demonstration of humility in ministry.
What if we held a foot washing service (say, as part of Communion some time)? Would you come? Would you participate? Your answers (internal or external, silent or written) may be a window into your soul.
Something to think about.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
America in Prophecy?
Is America anywhere in God's word?
Not that I can see (unless we are the Babylon of Revelation 18).
So, should crisis situations in the United States make us think that Jesus might return shortly?
Probably not.
Actually - if I understand scripture correctly - we should live each day in the light of His imminent return - while realizing that we cannot "cram" each national or international crisis into prophecy.
Just my thoughts.
Not that I can see (unless we are the Babylon of Revelation 18).
So, should crisis situations in the United States make us think that Jesus might return shortly?
Probably not.
Actually - if I understand scripture correctly - we should live each day in the light of His imminent return - while realizing that we cannot "cram" each national or international crisis into prophecy.
Just my thoughts.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Doing Business With God
We enjoy comedy, humor, laughter, fun. God made us this way. I often picture God smiling at His children, especially His very young children. Scripture tells us that His joy is our strength.
But sometimes God wants to do serious business with us. We'll be looking at one of the serious scriptures Sunday, Hebrews 6:1-12:
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
The most sobering words are in the second paragraph. God tells us that there will be people who appear to be Christians, who make professions of faith, who have been enlightened, tasted and shared, who will fall away (at some point) and never come back. Any of us could, potentially, fall into this category. How careful we must be to avoid "churchianity", avoid going through the motions, avoid making all the right noises, only to discover we never really had a relationship with Jesus, never really made an impact for Him, never bore any fruit. How tragic!
Yet the warning comes with a blessing as well. The writer was convinced that his readers were real followers of Jesus, that God would honor their commitment and work for Him. I have the same confidence in our church as well. However, as we near the end of the year, let me seriously counsel you as scripture does, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
But sometimes God wants to do serious business with us. We'll be looking at one of the serious scriptures Sunday, Hebrews 6:1-12:
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
The most sobering words are in the second paragraph. God tells us that there will be people who appear to be Christians, who make professions of faith, who have been enlightened, tasted and shared, who will fall away (at some point) and never come back. Any of us could, potentially, fall into this category. How careful we must be to avoid "churchianity", avoid going through the motions, avoid making all the right noises, only to discover we never really had a relationship with Jesus, never really made an impact for Him, never bore any fruit. How tragic!
Yet the warning comes with a blessing as well. The writer was convinced that his readers were real followers of Jesus, that God would honor their commitment and work for Him. I have the same confidence in our church as well. However, as we near the end of the year, let me seriously counsel you as scripture does, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
Monday, December 22, 2008
When God Speaks
How do you react when God speaks to you?
Doubt? Righteous people doubt all the time. Zechariah doubted when an angel told him about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) – he and his wife were too old to have children! Mary had at least a sliver of doubt when the angel told her about her son (Jesus) who would save the world from its sins – after all, she’d never even been with a man.
Fear? Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s visit, Gabriel told her not to be afraid. The shepherds dropped in fear as God’s glory shown around them, but the angel encouraged them, sharing good news of great joy. Isaiah collapsed in fear as God made himself evident in the temple, John the apostle was so terrified by Jesus and His words in Revelation that he “feel at his feet as though dead”.
Questioning? The Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem, asking questions about the one born King of the Jews. The disciples were filled with questions as Jesus taught them. Nicodemus, the preeminent teacher in Israel, was filled with questions during his visit.
Two thoughts from these scriptural observations:
Reactions are just that, reactions, our first line of defense when the unexpected impacts us. God does not seem as concerned about our initial reaction (other than to calm us) as He is our long term response. Zechariah doubted initially, but praised God for his son and God’s work among His people. Mary eventually accepted the angel’s promises, praised God and brought Jesus into the world (despite public and private reaction). The shepherds went to Bethlehem, saw Jesus and believed. The Magi found Jesus and worshipped.
God has not changed (James 1:17 & others). He still speaks today. Perhaps He speaks less spectacularly than at Jesus’ birth, but He still speaks to us through His word, His Son, other people, creation and other means. Don’t worry about your initial reaction – doubt, fear, questioning are all natural, God frankly expects such – but move through that reaction to faith, to hearing and obeying Him as He speaks.
Doubt? Righteous people doubt all the time. Zechariah doubted when an angel told him about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) – he and his wife were too old to have children! Mary had at least a sliver of doubt when the angel told her about her son (Jesus) who would save the world from its sins – after all, she’d never even been with a man.
Fear? Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s visit, Gabriel told her not to be afraid. The shepherds dropped in fear as God’s glory shown around them, but the angel encouraged them, sharing good news of great joy. Isaiah collapsed in fear as God made himself evident in the temple, John the apostle was so terrified by Jesus and His words in Revelation that he “feel at his feet as though dead”.
Questioning? The Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem, asking questions about the one born King of the Jews. The disciples were filled with questions as Jesus taught them. Nicodemus, the preeminent teacher in Israel, was filled with questions during his visit.
Two thoughts from these scriptural observations:
Reactions are just that, reactions, our first line of defense when the unexpected impacts us. God does not seem as concerned about our initial reaction (other than to calm us) as He is our long term response. Zechariah doubted initially, but praised God for his son and God’s work among His people. Mary eventually accepted the angel’s promises, praised God and brought Jesus into the world (despite public and private reaction). The shepherds went to Bethlehem, saw Jesus and believed. The Magi found Jesus and worshipped.
God has not changed (James 1:17 & others). He still speaks today. Perhaps He speaks less spectacularly than at Jesus’ birth, but He still speaks to us through His word, His Son, other people, creation and other means. Don’t worry about your initial reaction – doubt, fear, questioning are all natural, God frankly expects such – but move through that reaction to faith, to hearing and obeying Him as He speaks.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Accepting Help
From dwightclough.com (posted with permission, personal friend & past co-worker):
"For those struggling financially ... It is more blessed to give than to receive. I genuinely believe that. If you are a child of God, deep in your heart I know you do too. But let me show you the other side of the coin. It is more educational to receive. Here's what I mean. Accept help. Most of us hate to humble ourselves, to admit that our best efforts weren't good enough, that we tried and failed, that we are now in need. But understand this: All of us are needy. In one way or another, every single person is incomplete alone. By accepting help graciously when we need it, and offering help generously when we can, we acknowledge the truth God spoke in Genesis, when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” I understand the application to marriage, but it goes beyond that. We need each other. "
"For those struggling financially ... It is more blessed to give than to receive. I genuinely believe that. If you are a child of God, deep in your heart I know you do too. But let me show you the other side of the coin. It is more educational to receive. Here's what I mean. Accept help. Most of us hate to humble ourselves, to admit that our best efforts weren't good enough, that we tried and failed, that we are now in need. But understand this: All of us are needy. In one way or another, every single person is incomplete alone. By accepting help graciously when we need it, and offering help generously when we can, we acknowledge the truth God spoke in Genesis, when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” I understand the application to marriage, but it goes beyond that. We need each other. "
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Naive?
Sometimes I come across as naive.
Sometimes it's true, I missed a clue or reality that others pick up on (witness the recent surprise birthday party, I missed a number of clues!). At other times, I'm being intentionally "naive", particularly about people's futures.
You see, I deeply desire people to change, to come to know the Lord, or grow much more deeply in their walk with him. I believe that God changes people (who allow Him to change them). I believe that people can be much better than they currently are.
This runs cross-grain with the belief that people are just a sum total of their experiences, that they will continue to make the same mistakes in the future that they've made in the past. Often this is true. But sometimes it isn't. And it's the "sometimes" I'm looking toward and working for.
Today I wrote a jail inmate that I've known for a few years, someone who has bounced in and out of jails over the last few years. I honestly believe that he can change (more accurately, that God can change him). I will treat him as one that can change. This may make me appear naive, but so what - if he changes, then bring on the naivete!
Sometimes it's true, I missed a clue or reality that others pick up on (witness the recent surprise birthday party, I missed a number of clues!). At other times, I'm being intentionally "naive", particularly about people's futures.
You see, I deeply desire people to change, to come to know the Lord, or grow much more deeply in their walk with him. I believe that God changes people (who allow Him to change them). I believe that people can be much better than they currently are.
This runs cross-grain with the belief that people are just a sum total of their experiences, that they will continue to make the same mistakes in the future that they've made in the past. Often this is true. But sometimes it isn't. And it's the "sometimes" I'm looking toward and working for.
Today I wrote a jail inmate that I've known for a few years, someone who has bounced in and out of jails over the last few years. I honestly believe that he can change (more accurately, that God can change him). I will treat him as one that can change. This may make me appear naive, but so what - if he changes, then bring on the naivete!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Is Barack Obama the AntiChrist?
There has been speculation that our president-elect may be the AntiChrist. One of the best (biblical & rational) discussions of the questions is found on the following website:
www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Barack-Obama-antichrist-PF.html
Please allow me to encourage you not to give into speculation - believers have been "prophesying" who the AntiChrist was since the days of Nero - while Paul encourages us "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed...." (2 Thessalonians 2:3) God will show us when it is time.
Thanks!
www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Barack-Obama-antichrist-PF.html
Please allow me to encourage you not to give into speculation - believers have been "prophesying" who the AntiChrist was since the days of Nero - while Paul encourages us "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed...." (2 Thessalonians 2:3) God will show us when it is time.
Thanks!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christianity & Conservation
How involved should Christians be in environmental/conservation efforts?
God has great joy in His creation (Genesis 1:31, Job 39-41 & other passages). We have been given the stewardship over nature (Genesis 1:26). Nature waits eagerly for God's children to be revealed (Romans 8:19). Our earth is showing significant signs of wear. Sounds like we should be active.
On the other hand, earth's burgeoning population needs to be fed & clothed, which requires resource utilization & clearing of land. Energy resources need to be tapped (and alternatives developed). Nations need to be allowed to develop their economies.
Complicating the issue, conservative American Christians tend to affiliate with the Republican party (not known for its environmental sensitivity), while environmentally savvy people tend to affiliate with the Democrats.
And this summary barely touches the issues (for example, global warming concerns may or may not be true).
We will be covering this in our "Creation Changes Everything" class that starts this Sunday. If you're not already signed up for a class, feel free to come.
Thanks!
God has great joy in His creation (Genesis 1:31, Job 39-41 & other passages). We have been given the stewardship over nature (Genesis 1:26). Nature waits eagerly for God's children to be revealed (Romans 8:19). Our earth is showing significant signs of wear. Sounds like we should be active.
On the other hand, earth's burgeoning population needs to be fed & clothed, which requires resource utilization & clearing of land. Energy resources need to be tapped (and alternatives developed). Nations need to be allowed to develop their economies.
Complicating the issue, conservative American Christians tend to affiliate with the Republican party (not known for its environmental sensitivity), while environmentally savvy people tend to affiliate with the Democrats.
And this summary barely touches the issues (for example, global warming concerns may or may not be true).
We will be covering this in our "Creation Changes Everything" class that starts this Sunday. If you're not already signed up for a class, feel free to come.
Thanks!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Scripture, Devotionals & Commentaries
I'm not particularly picky about the appearance of my Bible - in fact, just purchased a new (well, actually used, new to me) one after 15 years of hard service - Psalms was falling out.
This new Bible is called a "Couple's Devotional Bible", which had the virtue of being $8.98 at Books Revisited in St. Cloud. Every couple of pages has a devotional, which I generally glance at when I'm reading or studying scripture.
If you ever have any doubt about the fact that God inspired the Bible, compare scripture with the devotionals & commentaries about it. Our writings fall so far short of His (sometimes pathetically)! Please allow me to encourage you to not settle for substitutes - devotionals and commentaries have their place - but only after we've looked at the Word for ourselves.
This new Bible is called a "Couple's Devotional Bible", which had the virtue of being $8.98 at Books Revisited in St. Cloud. Every couple of pages has a devotional, which I generally glance at when I'm reading or studying scripture.
If you ever have any doubt about the fact that God inspired the Bible, compare scripture with the devotionals & commentaries about it. Our writings fall so far short of His (sometimes pathetically)! Please allow me to encourage you to not settle for substitutes - devotionals and commentaries have their place - but only after we've looked at the Word for ourselves.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Teach Us to Number Our Days Aright (50 Again)
* 18,262 days of life
* ~12,700 days as a believer
* 9942 days married to Deb
* 1819 days of ministry at Princeton Free.
What a testimony to God's grace & mercy (and Deb's/the church's patience)!
As the old benediction states, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow...."
* ~12,700 days as a believer
* 9942 days married to Deb
* 1819 days of ministry at Princeton Free.
What a testimony to God's grace & mercy (and Deb's/the church's patience)!
As the old benediction states, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow...."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Are You a Teacher?
Hebrews 5:11-14 is a very interesting passage:
“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Over my years in ministry, I’ve heard any number of people say, “I’m not a teacher” – generally in response to my attempts to recruit them:) Perhaps they’re saying that they don’t have the spiritual gift of teaching, which could certainly be correct. Perhaps they’re saying that being up front scares them to death, which is understandable. Perhaps they’re saying that they’re not spiritually mature enough, which could certainly be the case.
However, this passage is quite clear – as we spiritually mature – we ought to become teachers. We are not to just be at the receiving part of the faith, but are to become “senders” as well.
Listen to the inspired author’s frustration here. He wanted to teach the readers deeper truths of the faith – but they had remained spiritually immature by not living what they’d been taught – so they needed “milk” (basic truths) all over again. Choosing immaturity hurt their walk with the Lord, and kept them from reaching out to others (and teaching) as they should.
Don’t hear me (or the author of Hebrews) wrongly here – he is not saying that each spiritually mature believer has great oratorical skills, or can be a superstar up front. Rather, he is saying that each godly man and woman can communicate spiritual truths to others, and the body will grow accordingly (see Ephesians 4: 15-16). “Teaching” need not be formal – it can be the right word in the right situation – it can be investing yourself in another’s life to help them grow – it can be training someone spiritually by doing ministry with them.
Frankly, we need to face facts – our lives teach anyway – people generally know we’re believers and watch us – we might as well be living for the Lord and impacting them positively!
And some of you could teach a Sunday School class or facilitate a small group – don’t let fear or false humility stop you – I’ll be happy to come alongside and help.
(More of you are leaders than you think as well…but that’s probably a subject for another article.)
Blessings!
Pastor Al
“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Over my years in ministry, I’ve heard any number of people say, “I’m not a teacher” – generally in response to my attempts to recruit them:) Perhaps they’re saying that they don’t have the spiritual gift of teaching, which could certainly be correct. Perhaps they’re saying that being up front scares them to death, which is understandable. Perhaps they’re saying that they’re not spiritually mature enough, which could certainly be the case.
However, this passage is quite clear – as we spiritually mature – we ought to become teachers. We are not to just be at the receiving part of the faith, but are to become “senders” as well.
Listen to the inspired author’s frustration here. He wanted to teach the readers deeper truths of the faith – but they had remained spiritually immature by not living what they’d been taught – so they needed “milk” (basic truths) all over again. Choosing immaturity hurt their walk with the Lord, and kept them from reaching out to others (and teaching) as they should.
Don’t hear me (or the author of Hebrews) wrongly here – he is not saying that each spiritually mature believer has great oratorical skills, or can be a superstar up front. Rather, he is saying that each godly man and woman can communicate spiritual truths to others, and the body will grow accordingly (see Ephesians 4: 15-16). “Teaching” need not be formal – it can be the right word in the right situation – it can be investing yourself in another’s life to help them grow – it can be training someone spiritually by doing ministry with them.
Frankly, we need to face facts – our lives teach anyway – people generally know we’re believers and watch us – we might as well be living for the Lord and impacting them positively!
And some of you could teach a Sunday School class or facilitate a small group – don’t let fear or false humility stop you – I’ll be happy to come alongside and help.
(More of you are leaders than you think as well…but that’s probably a subject for another article.)
Blessings!
Pastor Al
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Fall Pastoral Report
Some of you may not be in attendance at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, so here is my pastoral report for that day:
Currently preaching through Hebrews (believe congregation needed to be in a strong book study after a couple of topical series) – will mix in Advent and New Years message if/as the Spirit leads.
Winter Adult Sunday School classes have been set up, options include “Wild at Heart”, “Creation Changes Everything”, a fundamentals/membership class, “The Reformers” and “Walking in God’s Promises” (life of Sarah). Please sign up over this next week for the class of your choice. On the other hand, our small group initiative is proceeding very slowly.
Fall attendance is averaging 247, year is in the mid-230’s (slow summer, averaged 199). However, as we look over Sunday morning attendance, Awana, Youth, Women’s Bible Study and other ministries I find we are impacting 350+ adults and children. So why do only 2/3 of all those involved at Princeton Free come on any given Sunday morning? Thoughts:
- Some of these numbers reflect “community kids” – some believers, some not – who are only touched by us on Wednesdays. Transitioning them from unbelief to belief, and from “the crowd” to “the congregation”, is one of our greatest challenges.
- Some of these reflect youth and children from other churches who lack a strong youth or children’s ministry program. If these are coming from evangelical churches, we should not be recruiting them.
- These numbers reflect a great many people who only come 1-2 Sundays per month. Some have family commitments that take them away the other Sundays (such as children’s sports programs). Some are relatively new or inexperienced believers who don’t have or see the value of consistent attendance that leads to discipleship growth. Some base their decisions on how they feel on Sunday morning or on how their week went. This reflects a significant culture change, and is an area that needs thought, prayer and proclamation, particularly in light of Hebrews 10:25 and on-going discipleship needs.
The second draft of the ordination paper is nearly complete. Process from here is a second reading/review – recruiting and scheduling of the ordination council – probable recommendation to the Board of Ministerial Standing of the EFCA for affirmation or denial. Chad is also actively working on his ordination process.
Dave Redding has been commissioned by the elders to build and oversee an Outreach Committee. Initiatives by that committee will include BabyCare (an outreach to single mothers in the area) and PROJECT, an outreach led by Terry Harvey to provide house repair and related help to congregational attendees and related who need assistance. They are also examining other outreaches as well.
I heartily commend to you the work done by the elders and councils on the budget. The 3+% reduction (note most current budget), while both maintaining and adding to our sphere of ministry, represents significant thought and work. I particularly want to state my appreciation to the Missions Council for adding Michael Lundell - a new, younger missionary with connections to Princeton and our Awana program – we need to face the fact that our missionary force is aging and retiring. In addition, I think the elders are exercising good judgment by recommending moderate salary increases for the staff (except for me, I requested a personal one year freeze) – this is a staff that the congregation has graded out as consistently a 4.5 or better out of 5 on our 360 degree annual review process - lot of good work being done! I imagine you will have a spirited but positive budget discussion today.
Lord willing, we will be holding a Winter Ministry Seminar here for our cluster of churches (Zimmerman north to Malmo) in February. Look for more information on that in the near future.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your pastor. I love being here!
Currently preaching through Hebrews (believe congregation needed to be in a strong book study after a couple of topical series) – will mix in Advent and New Years message if/as the Spirit leads.
Winter Adult Sunday School classes have been set up, options include “Wild at Heart”, “Creation Changes Everything”, a fundamentals/membership class, “The Reformers” and “Walking in God’s Promises” (life of Sarah). Please sign up over this next week for the class of your choice. On the other hand, our small group initiative is proceeding very slowly.
Fall attendance is averaging 247, year is in the mid-230’s (slow summer, averaged 199). However, as we look over Sunday morning attendance, Awana, Youth, Women’s Bible Study and other ministries I find we are impacting 350+ adults and children. So why do only 2/3 of all those involved at Princeton Free come on any given Sunday morning? Thoughts:
- Some of these numbers reflect “community kids” – some believers, some not – who are only touched by us on Wednesdays. Transitioning them from unbelief to belief, and from “the crowd” to “the congregation”, is one of our greatest challenges.
- Some of these reflect youth and children from other churches who lack a strong youth or children’s ministry program. If these are coming from evangelical churches, we should not be recruiting them.
- These numbers reflect a great many people who only come 1-2 Sundays per month. Some have family commitments that take them away the other Sundays (such as children’s sports programs). Some are relatively new or inexperienced believers who don’t have or see the value of consistent attendance that leads to discipleship growth. Some base their decisions on how they feel on Sunday morning or on how their week went. This reflects a significant culture change, and is an area that needs thought, prayer and proclamation, particularly in light of Hebrews 10:25 and on-going discipleship needs.
The second draft of the ordination paper is nearly complete. Process from here is a second reading/review – recruiting and scheduling of the ordination council – probable recommendation to the Board of Ministerial Standing of the EFCA for affirmation or denial. Chad is also actively working on his ordination process.
Dave Redding has been commissioned by the elders to build and oversee an Outreach Committee. Initiatives by that committee will include BabyCare (an outreach to single mothers in the area) and PROJECT, an outreach led by Terry Harvey to provide house repair and related help to congregational attendees and related who need assistance. They are also examining other outreaches as well.
I heartily commend to you the work done by the elders and councils on the budget. The 3+% reduction (note most current budget), while both maintaining and adding to our sphere of ministry, represents significant thought and work. I particularly want to state my appreciation to the Missions Council for adding Michael Lundell - a new, younger missionary with connections to Princeton and our Awana program – we need to face the fact that our missionary force is aging and retiring. In addition, I think the elders are exercising good judgment by recommending moderate salary increases for the staff (except for me, I requested a personal one year freeze) – this is a staff that the congregation has graded out as consistently a 4.5 or better out of 5 on our 360 degree annual review process - lot of good work being done! I imagine you will have a spirited but positive budget discussion today.
Lord willing, we will be holding a Winter Ministry Seminar here for our cluster of churches (Zimmerman north to Malmo) in February. Look for more information on that in the near future.
Thank you for the opportunity to be your pastor. I love being here!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
50
Next Monday I will be 50. I've encouraged the congregation to take time to examine their lives, perhaps this would be a good opportunity to personally do so:
* I'm probably 2/3 done with my time here on earth (Schirmacher males tend to pass by 75). Psalm 90 tells us to number our days, and I need to use those that remain well, for Him. There have been plenty of wasted days in the past, these need to be minimized in my future.
* 50 is not 25, or 30. I have some physical limitations, and more are coming. It will be interesting to mix passion/drive and realistic expectations.
* 50 could be the end. There is no guarantee of another day. I spent part of yesterday with a 56 year old who is probably terminal (unless God heals him), and there is much to learn from his acceptance of his situation before the Lord.
* 50 is a blessing. I'm more settled with myself, with my strengths and weaknesses, with what God does through me, then probably at any other time of my life. Praise Him for His peace, His faithful care over all these years.
* Lord willing, I have 15-20 more years of ministry in front of me - and I dare not blow it through stupid sin or a midlife crisis. Studies show that middle-aged men in ministry are very vulnerable to temptation, and I need to be careful - by His strength and Spirit filling.
* 50 will be OK, because God is already there before me.
Blessings!
* I'm probably 2/3 done with my time here on earth (Schirmacher males tend to pass by 75). Psalm 90 tells us to number our days, and I need to use those that remain well, for Him. There have been plenty of wasted days in the past, these need to be minimized in my future.
* 50 is not 25, or 30. I have some physical limitations, and more are coming. It will be interesting to mix passion/drive and realistic expectations.
* 50 could be the end. There is no guarantee of another day. I spent part of yesterday with a 56 year old who is probably terminal (unless God heals him), and there is much to learn from his acceptance of his situation before the Lord.
* 50 is a blessing. I'm more settled with myself, with my strengths and weaknesses, with what God does through me, then probably at any other time of my life. Praise Him for His peace, His faithful care over all these years.
* Lord willing, I have 15-20 more years of ministry in front of me - and I dare not blow it through stupid sin or a midlife crisis. Studies show that middle-aged men in ministry are very vulnerable to temptation, and I need to be careful - by His strength and Spirit filling.
* 50 will be OK, because God is already there before me.
Blessings!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Are Small Groups Important?
We'll be talking about this for a little while on Sunday, but it's an important enough concept to communicate multiple times & ways:
* We need a stronger small group movement in our church *
This church does well as a large group, in worship/sharing/preaching/basic discipleship. On the other end of the spectrum, there are many excellent one-on-one relationships & friendships within the body - overall, we're a pretty friendly, caring group (there are always exceptions:)).
But mention small groups, and we run the other direction. We agree it's a good idea, then look at our schedules, our commuting and family activities, our overall busy-ness and the question arises, "Where do I fit it in?"
Perhaps that's the wrong question. Perhap's we should be asking questions like, "Are there important aspects of my Christian walk that I'm missing by not being in a group?", and "How does not being in a small group hurt others in the congregation", and "What does God want"? Or,
Can we really experience and share the encouragement, the accountability, the sharing, the discussion about God & His word in quite the same way in any other environment? Can the connections we make with others help keep us connected with God?
I leave you with these questions. We're working on another approach, please pray for us.
* We need a stronger small group movement in our church *
This church does well as a large group, in worship/sharing/preaching/basic discipleship. On the other end of the spectrum, there are many excellent one-on-one relationships & friendships within the body - overall, we're a pretty friendly, caring group (there are always exceptions:)).
But mention small groups, and we run the other direction. We agree it's a good idea, then look at our schedules, our commuting and family activities, our overall busy-ness and the question arises, "Where do I fit it in?"
Perhaps that's the wrong question. Perhap's we should be asking questions like, "Are there important aspects of my Christian walk that I'm missing by not being in a group?", and "How does not being in a small group hurt others in the congregation", and "What does God want"? Or,
Can we really experience and share the encouragement, the accountability, the sharing, the discussion about God & His word in quite the same way in any other environment? Can the connections we make with others help keep us connected with God?
I leave you with these questions. We're working on another approach, please pray for us.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Falling Away (Truth in Reverse)
Studying Hebrews 3 for this week's message, found it interesting to look at the truths from the passage in reverse:
How to Fall Away
* Don't Think About Jesus
* Ignore Past Examples
* Never Examine Yourself
* Never Accept Encouragement
* Allow Unbelief to Grow
How to Fall Away
* Don't Think About Jesus
* Ignore Past Examples
* Never Examine Yourself
* Never Accept Encouragement
* Allow Unbelief to Grow
Monday, November 10, 2008
Prayer Requests
One of our new attendees this afternoon asked about my prayer requests. I appreciate his interest, wanted also to share requests with those who follow this blog:
1) For Holy Spirit leading and wisdom as I study and preach on the book of Hebrews
2) That my family would corporately and individually follow the Lord - the boys in Madison, Bekah at college, Nate in high school - and, of course, Deb as she works at the bank and ministers at home and the church
3) That I would have the Lord's wisdom in leading the church, both in short term operations and "fire-fighting" and long term vision/planning - and that I would both empower the body (Ephesians 4:11-16) and manage my own load (Galatians 6) well
4) That the Lord would continue to bring new families & individuals to the church - both unsaved and saved.
Thanks to each of you who pray; feel free to drop me a note if you wish.
1) For Holy Spirit leading and wisdom as I study and preach on the book of Hebrews
2) That my family would corporately and individually follow the Lord - the boys in Madison, Bekah at college, Nate in high school - and, of course, Deb as she works at the bank and ministers at home and the church
3) That I would have the Lord's wisdom in leading the church, both in short term operations and "fire-fighting" and long term vision/planning - and that I would both empower the body (Ephesians 4:11-16) and manage my own load (Galatians 6) well
4) That the Lord would continue to bring new families & individuals to the church - both unsaved and saved.
Thanks to each of you who pray; feel free to drop me a note if you wish.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Politics/Voting #2
From John Piper (used with permission):
Let Christians Vote As Though They Were Not Voting
By John Piper October 22, 2008
Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s because “the present form of this world is passing away” and, in God’s eyes, “the time has grown very short.” Here’s the way Paul puts it:
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)
Let’s take these one at a time and compare them to voting.
1. “Let those who have wives live as though they had none.”
This doesn’t mean move out of the house, don’t have sex, and don’t call her Honey. Earlier in this chapter Paul says, “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights” (1 Corinthians 7:3). He also says to love her the way Christ loved the church, leading and providing and protecting (Ephesians 5:25-30). It means this: Marriage is momentary. It’s over at death, and there is no marriage in the resurrection. Wives and husbands are second priorities, not first. Christ is first. Marriage is for making much of him.
It means: If she is exquisitely desirable, beware of desiring her more than Christ. And if she is deeply disappointing, beware of being hurt too much. This is temporary—only a brief lifetime. Then comes the never-disappointing life which is life indeed.
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.
2. “Let those who mourn [do so] as though they were not mourning.”
Christians mourn with real, deep, painful mourning, especially over losses—loss of those we love, loss of health, loss of a dream. These losses hurt. We cry when we are hurt. But we cry as though not crying. We mourn knowing we have not lost something so valuable we cannot rejoice in our mourning. Our losses do not incapacitate us. They do not blind us to the possibility of a fruitful future serving Christ. The Lord gives and takes away. But he remains blessed. And we remain hopeful in our mourning.
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 (Revelation 21:4).
3. “Let those who rejoice [do so] as though they were not rejoicing.”
Christians rejoice in health (James 5:13) and in sickness (James 1:2). There are a thousand good and perfect things that come down from God that call forth the feeling of happiness. Beautiful weather. Good friends who want to spend time with us. Delicious food and someone to share it with. A successful plan. A person helped by our efforts.
But none of these good and beautiful things can satisfy our soul. Even the best cannot replace what we were made for, namely, the full experience of the risen Christ (John 17:24). Even fellowship with him here is not the final and best gift. There is more of him to have after we die (Philippians 1:21-23)—and even more after the resurrection. The best experiences here are foretastes. The best sights of glory are through a mirror dimly. The joy that rises from these previews does not and should not rise to the level of the hope of glory. These pleasures will one day be as though they were not. So we rejoice remembering this joy is a foretaste, and will be replaced by a vastly better joy.
So it is with voting. There are joys. The very act of voting is a joyful statement that we are not under a tyrant. And there may be happy victories. But the best government we get is a foreshadowing. Peace and justice are approximated now. They will be perfect when Christ comes. So our joy is modest. Our triumphs are short-lived—and shot through with imperfection. So we vote as though not voting.
4. “Let those who buy [do so] as though they had no goods.”
Let Christians keep on buying while this age lasts. Christianity is not withdrawal from business. We are involved, but as though not involved. Business simply does not have the weight in our hearts that it has for many. All our getting and all our having in this world is getting and having things that are not ultimately important. Our car, our house, our books, our computers, our heirlooms—we possess them with a loose grip. If they are taken away, we say that in a sense we did not have them. We are not here to possess. We are here to lay up treasures in heaven.
This world matters. But it is not ultimate. It is the stage for living in such a way to show that this world is not our God, but that Christ is our God. It is the stage for using the world to show that Christ is more precious than the world.
So it is with voting. We do not withdraw. We are involved—but as if not involved. Politics does not have ultimate weight for us. It is one more stage for acting out the truth that Christ, and not politics, is supreme.
5. “Let those who deal with the world [do so] as though they had no dealings with it.”
Christians should deal with the world. This world is here to be used. Dealt with. There is no avoiding it. Not to deal with it is to deal with it that way. Not to weed your garden is to cultivate a weedy garden. Not to wear a coat in Minnesota is to freeze—to deal with the cold that way. Not to stop when the light is red is to spend your money on fines or hospital bills and deal with the world that way. We must deal with the world.
But as we deal with it, we don’t give it our fullest attention. We don’t ascribe to the world the greatest status. There are unseen things that are vastly more precious than the world. We use the world without offering it our whole soul. We may work with all our might when dealing with the world, but the full passions of our heart will be attached to something higher—Godward purposes. We use the world, but not as an end in itself. It is a means. We deal with the world in order to make much of Christ.
So it is with voting. We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. So we vote as though not voting.
By all means vote. But remember: “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).
Voting with you, as though not voting,
Pastor John
Let Christians Vote As Though They Were Not Voting
By John Piper October 22, 2008
Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s because “the present form of this world is passing away” and, in God’s eyes, “the time has grown very short.” Here’s the way Paul puts it:
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)
Let’s take these one at a time and compare them to voting.
1. “Let those who have wives live as though they had none.”
This doesn’t mean move out of the house, don’t have sex, and don’t call her Honey. Earlier in this chapter Paul says, “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights” (1 Corinthians 7:3). He also says to love her the way Christ loved the church, leading and providing and protecting (Ephesians 5:25-30). It means this: Marriage is momentary. It’s over at death, and there is no marriage in the resurrection. Wives and husbands are second priorities, not first. Christ is first. Marriage is for making much of him.
It means: If she is exquisitely desirable, beware of desiring her more than Christ. And if she is deeply disappointing, beware of being hurt too much. This is temporary—only a brief lifetime. Then comes the never-disappointing life which is life indeed.
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.
2. “Let those who mourn [do so] as though they were not mourning.”
Christians mourn with real, deep, painful mourning, especially over losses—loss of those we love, loss of health, loss of a dream. These losses hurt. We cry when we are hurt. But we cry as though not crying. We mourn knowing we have not lost something so valuable we cannot rejoice in our mourning. Our losses do not incapacitate us. They do not blind us to the possibility of a fruitful future serving Christ. The Lord gives and takes away. But he remains blessed. And we remain hopeful in our mourning.
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 (Revelation 21:4).
3. “Let those who rejoice [do so] as though they were not rejoicing.”
Christians rejoice in health (James 5:13) and in sickness (James 1:2). There are a thousand good and perfect things that come down from God that call forth the feeling of happiness. Beautiful weather. Good friends who want to spend time with us. Delicious food and someone to share it with. A successful plan. A person helped by our efforts.
But none of these good and beautiful things can satisfy our soul. Even the best cannot replace what we were made for, namely, the full experience of the risen Christ (John 17:24). Even fellowship with him here is not the final and best gift. There is more of him to have after we die (Philippians 1:21-23)—and even more after the resurrection. The best experiences here are foretastes. The best sights of glory are through a mirror dimly. The joy that rises from these previews does not and should not rise to the level of the hope of glory. These pleasures will one day be as though they were not. So we rejoice remembering this joy is a foretaste, and will be replaced by a vastly better joy.
So it is with voting. There are joys. The very act of voting is a joyful statement that we are not under a tyrant. And there may be happy victories. But the best government we get is a foreshadowing. Peace and justice are approximated now. They will be perfect when Christ comes. So our joy is modest. Our triumphs are short-lived—and shot through with imperfection. So we vote as though not voting.
4. “Let those who buy [do so] as though they had no goods.”
Let Christians keep on buying while this age lasts. Christianity is not withdrawal from business. We are involved, but as though not involved. Business simply does not have the weight in our hearts that it has for many. All our getting and all our having in this world is getting and having things that are not ultimately important. Our car, our house, our books, our computers, our heirlooms—we possess them with a loose grip. If they are taken away, we say that in a sense we did not have them. We are not here to possess. We are here to lay up treasures in heaven.
This world matters. But it is not ultimate. It is the stage for living in such a way to show that this world is not our God, but that Christ is our God. It is the stage for using the world to show that Christ is more precious than the world.
So it is with voting. We do not withdraw. We are involved—but as if not involved. Politics does not have ultimate weight for us. It is one more stage for acting out the truth that Christ, and not politics, is supreme.
5. “Let those who deal with the world [do so] as though they had no dealings with it.”
Christians should deal with the world. This world is here to be used. Dealt with. There is no avoiding it. Not to deal with it is to deal with it that way. Not to weed your garden is to cultivate a weedy garden. Not to wear a coat in Minnesota is to freeze—to deal with the cold that way. Not to stop when the light is red is to spend your money on fines or hospital bills and deal with the world that way. We must deal with the world.
But as we deal with it, we don’t give it our fullest attention. We don’t ascribe to the world the greatest status. There are unseen things that are vastly more precious than the world. We use the world without offering it our whole soul. We may work with all our might when dealing with the world, but the full passions of our heart will be attached to something higher—Godward purposes. We use the world, but not as an end in itself. It is a means. We deal with the world in order to make much of Christ.
So it is with voting. We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. So we vote as though not voting.
By all means vote. But remember: “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).
Voting with you, as though not voting,
Pastor John
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Political Thoughts & Feelings
I find that I am not completely discouraged by the election results last night:
* I'm encouraged that America could finally elect a black president. Prejudice, so rooted & insidious in our culture, took a bit of a hit.
* I'm encouraged that we have an opportunity to get back to the main things - loving God, loving others, ministry & service - elections drain much of believer's focus and energy.
* I'm encouraged that our witness will probably stand out over the next four years. Sometimes the gospel makes the greatest inroads when strongly contrasted with the current culture.
Of course, I realize there could be tough times ahead. Remember, tough times test and strengthen our faith, our dependency on the Lord.
* I'm encouraged that America could finally elect a black president. Prejudice, so rooted & insidious in our culture, took a bit of a hit.
* I'm encouraged that we have an opportunity to get back to the main things - loving God, loving others, ministry & service - elections drain much of believer's focus and energy.
* I'm encouraged that our witness will probably stand out over the next four years. Sometimes the gospel makes the greatest inroads when strongly contrasted with the current culture.
Of course, I realize there could be tough times ahead. Remember, tough times test and strengthen our faith, our dependency on the Lord.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Drifting Away
A number of years ago an evangelist (believe it was Billy Sunday) declared that backsliding from our faith was rarely a blowout, but more of a slow leak. Today I was studying Hebrews 2 for Sunday, and noted verse one:
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
There's the danger - a slow drifting away from the Lord and His word - bit by bit we lose the poignancy of our relationship with and ministry for Him - find that we care less - find an emptiness inside.
So where are you on the drift-ometer? What will you do about it?
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
There's the danger - a slow drifting away from the Lord and His word - bit by bit we lose the poignancy of our relationship with and ministry for Him - find that we care less - find an emptiness inside.
So where are you on the drift-ometer? What will you do about it?
Praise God!
I would just like to praise God for His answers to prayer recently:
* A lost boy was found
* A trashed relationship was restored
* An unbeliever came to know Christ
* Strength to keep going was given.
Thank you, Lord!
* A lost boy was found
* A trashed relationship was restored
* An unbeliever came to know Christ
* Strength to keep going was given.
Thank you, Lord!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Slavery or Freedom
Tomorrow's message at Faith Christian School's chapel:
In the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln wrote: "That on the 1st day of January, A.D. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” (Restate in 2000’s English.)
Declaring them free was only the beginning of the process, practical action was required. The Union soldiers daily freed thousands of blacks free as they swept across the south in 1865.
Yet, if you walked down many of the southern US roads in 1870, you would still see many slaves working in the fields. They hadn’t heard about their freedom, hadn’t acted upon it, or were still being oppressed by their masters.
Christians in 2008 struggle with their freedom as well.
Jesus said in John 8: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
We read in Galatians 5: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
If you are a believer in Jesus, you have been set free. Yet we often don’t act like it.
Two things threaten us: law, and sin.
The Book of Galatians was primarily written to combat the first problem. Paul had preached in Galatia, many had come to Christ, they were living free lives by faith, but then Paul left. Other teachers snuck in, teaching them that they had to obey Jewish laws, had to follow certain rules to be good Christians. The rules sounded good, made sense, but as they gradually gave into them, they became chained, stopped living by the Spirit, started living by the flesh again with all of its accompanying problems. This legalism led to all sorts of problems, including attacking others who didn’t believe as they did. Love fled.
Paul had some strong words for them (Galatians 5:2-10): “Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.”
There are serious implications to living legalistically, trying to earn our righteousness through rules and regulations. Our relationship with Christ will break down. We will have to obey more and more laws, eventually we’ll break down under the load. And we will judge others who are attempting to live in God’s freedom. What a mess.
However, living in our freedom can lead to another problem. As an old expression stated: “Liberty, without love, becomes licentiousness.” This means that we can use our freedom to sin against God and each other. Paul addressed this in the same chapter of Galatians (5:13-16): “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
Sin also enslaves us, even though we were saved from it. Many of you may know of obvious examples – a former student from here who no longer lives for the Lord – a Christian relative with a drug or alcohol problem – a friend struggling with sexual issues. These are the obvious, but less obvious are “just as addictive sins” as gossip, envy, jealousy, anger and others.
So what’s the answer? I believe there are three embedded in the verses we’ve read:
1) You have been set free. Believe it. Expect to act like it. Expect that this wonderful proclamation – not from Lincoln, but from Jesus – will change your life. We often kill truth simply by not believing it. We believe our experience, believe what others tell us, believe what our ever changing emotions want us to feel – rather than believing Jesus. Learn to reckon – God says it, I believe it, and that settles it.
2) Live in love. Serve one another in love. This is key. If we would just ask ourselves, “is this loving” before acting – if we would just listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our hearts before reacting – we would live in the joy of His freedom. This is even true in structured environments with significant rules like a Christian school. You may think a rule is stupid, and that your freedom is hampered by obeying it – but there is joy in following a rule if it loves a brother or sister in Christ.
3) Finally, live by the Holy Spirit. Train yourself to listen to His promptings in your heart. Slow down often enough – at least once daily – to hear His voice through God’s word, through prayer, through the inner workings of your soul.
My conclusion: you are free - believe it - live like it - experience your freedom by living in love through the Spirit. Prayer.
In the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln wrote: "That on the 1st day of January, A.D. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” (Restate in 2000’s English.)
Declaring them free was only the beginning of the process, practical action was required. The Union soldiers daily freed thousands of blacks free as they swept across the south in 1865.
Yet, if you walked down many of the southern US roads in 1870, you would still see many slaves working in the fields. They hadn’t heard about their freedom, hadn’t acted upon it, or were still being oppressed by their masters.
Christians in 2008 struggle with their freedom as well.
Jesus said in John 8: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
We read in Galatians 5: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
If you are a believer in Jesus, you have been set free. Yet we often don’t act like it.
Two things threaten us: law, and sin.
The Book of Galatians was primarily written to combat the first problem. Paul had preached in Galatia, many had come to Christ, they were living free lives by faith, but then Paul left. Other teachers snuck in, teaching them that they had to obey Jewish laws, had to follow certain rules to be good Christians. The rules sounded good, made sense, but as they gradually gave into them, they became chained, stopped living by the Spirit, started living by the flesh again with all of its accompanying problems. This legalism led to all sorts of problems, including attacking others who didn’t believe as they did. Love fled.
Paul had some strong words for them (Galatians 5:2-10): “Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.”
There are serious implications to living legalistically, trying to earn our righteousness through rules and regulations. Our relationship with Christ will break down. We will have to obey more and more laws, eventually we’ll break down under the load. And we will judge others who are attempting to live in God’s freedom. What a mess.
However, living in our freedom can lead to another problem. As an old expression stated: “Liberty, without love, becomes licentiousness.” This means that we can use our freedom to sin against God and each other. Paul addressed this in the same chapter of Galatians (5:13-16): “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
Sin also enslaves us, even though we were saved from it. Many of you may know of obvious examples – a former student from here who no longer lives for the Lord – a Christian relative with a drug or alcohol problem – a friend struggling with sexual issues. These are the obvious, but less obvious are “just as addictive sins” as gossip, envy, jealousy, anger and others.
So what’s the answer? I believe there are three embedded in the verses we’ve read:
1) You have been set free. Believe it. Expect to act like it. Expect that this wonderful proclamation – not from Lincoln, but from Jesus – will change your life. We often kill truth simply by not believing it. We believe our experience, believe what others tell us, believe what our ever changing emotions want us to feel – rather than believing Jesus. Learn to reckon – God says it, I believe it, and that settles it.
2) Live in love. Serve one another in love. This is key. If we would just ask ourselves, “is this loving” before acting – if we would just listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our hearts before reacting – we would live in the joy of His freedom. This is even true in structured environments with significant rules like a Christian school. You may think a rule is stupid, and that your freedom is hampered by obeying it – but there is joy in following a rule if it loves a brother or sister in Christ.
3) Finally, live by the Holy Spirit. Train yourself to listen to His promptings in your heart. Slow down often enough – at least once daily – to hear His voice through God’s word, through prayer, through the inner workings of your soul.
My conclusion: you are free - believe it - live like it - experience your freedom by living in love through the Spirit. Prayer.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Is God Cool, or What?
Yesterday evening we were invited out to watch "Fireproof" with a family from church. I went, more because of our relationship with that family than any deep interest in the movie.
Today a woman came into the office who had seen the movie and related to the issues. Chad, the woman and I spent an hour together, and together we probably referred to the movie 10+ times during our discussion.
Before she left, she accepted Christ as Savior.
The Holy Spirit, through the movie (and other situations/relationships in her life), had done the work beforehand - we just saw the fruit.
To put it in the vernacular, is God cool, or what?
Today a woman came into the office who had seen the movie and related to the issues. Chad, the woman and I spent an hour together, and together we probably referred to the movie 10+ times during our discussion.
Before she left, she accepted Christ as Savior.
The Holy Spirit, through the movie (and other situations/relationships in her life), had done the work beforehand - we just saw the fruit.
To put it in the vernacular, is God cool, or what?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Criticizing
Sharing Criticism:
"When you need to show others their fault, do not talk down to them as though you are faultless and they are inferior to you. Instead, talk with them as though you are standing side-by-side at the foot of the cross. Acknowledge your present, ongoing need for the Savior. Admit ways that you have wrestled with the same or other sins or weaknesses, and give hope by describing how God has forgiven you and is currently working in you to help you change ... When people sense this kind of humility and common bond, they will less inclined to react to correction with pride and defensiveness."
Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 172
Used with permission
"When you need to show others their fault, do not talk down to them as though you are faultless and they are inferior to you. Instead, talk with them as though you are standing side-by-side at the foot of the cross. Acknowledge your present, ongoing need for the Savior. Admit ways that you have wrestled with the same or other sins or weaknesses, and give hope by describing how God has forgiven you and is currently working in you to help you change ... When people sense this kind of humility and common bond, they will less inclined to react to correction with pride and defensiveness."
Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 172
Used with permission
Family First ?
An Open Question
“Of course, family comes first.”
Heads nodded all around. Of course family comes first. This is a given.
But is it?
Family is certainly a high priority in our hearts. We love our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, and (most of :)) our extended family. We have and will continue to sacrifice for their well being.
Family is certainly a high priority in our Christian culture. Stores are full of books on raising young children, raising teens, parenting adult children, loving our spouses, grandparenting successfully, and other important issues. Tapes & DVDs abound. Talk shows address family situations. Listen to two Christian mothers communicate: family is huge.
Family is certainly a high priority in scripture. Much of the book of Proverbs, Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 5 & 6 and other passages speak to the importance of “doing family” well.
But is family first? What does Jesus say?
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22)
“ Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 8:31-35)
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own wife – he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) (Certainly hyperbole – overstatement – for effect, but what is Jesus’ message?)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
So this is the open question: does family come first in God’s kingdom? I await your feedback.
“Of course, family comes first.”
Heads nodded all around. Of course family comes first. This is a given.
But is it?
Family is certainly a high priority in our hearts. We love our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, and (most of :)) our extended family. We have and will continue to sacrifice for their well being.
Family is certainly a high priority in our Christian culture. Stores are full of books on raising young children, raising teens, parenting adult children, loving our spouses, grandparenting successfully, and other important issues. Tapes & DVDs abound. Talk shows address family situations. Listen to two Christian mothers communicate: family is huge.
Family is certainly a high priority in scripture. Much of the book of Proverbs, Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 5 & 6 and other passages speak to the importance of “doing family” well.
But is family first? What does Jesus say?
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22)
“ Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 8:31-35)
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own wife – he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) (Certainly hyperbole – overstatement – for effect, but what is Jesus’ message?)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
So this is the open question: does family come first in God’s kingdom? I await your feedback.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Boundaries
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
“…be prepared in season and out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2
During last Sunday’s message I shared a story from our family’s St. Cloud trip. We were downtown during homecoming, students lined the streets, and we had a brief errand before heading to the mall on the other side of town. A young woman approached us, somewhat impaired if not inebriated, wanting a ride. After initial hesitation, we gave her a ride to her apartment while listening to a most unique monologue that featured many repeated questions about where we went to school, about Bekah’s and Nathan’s relationship (including a comparison with her “dorky” brother that she loved), and pronouncements of “that’s a win-win” on every answer.
I’ve been examining my thoughts and feelings about this, and wonder:
Why was I surprised to be asked for a ride?
Why was I hesitant to help?
Why did her unusual conversation catch me off guard?
I was surprised because, in our culture, people have stopped asking for help from strangers except in emergency or highly structured situations. Strangers are risky. And, in the rare instances like this when they do ask, one wonders if they’re trying to take advantage or might be dangerous.
I was hesitant because I was focused on our errands and family time together, rather than being open to whatever God brought along. Theoretically I know that serving Him means being “prepared in season and out of season” but, selfishly, I was not ready for anything but the expected. Shame on me!
Chances are she was not a believer – and she had obviously been drinking (I’m glad Nathan didn’t light a match in the back seat) – so of course her conversation was going to be less inhibited, more unique than normal.
Hindsight may always be 20/20, but this has made me more resolved to be open, even prepared, for the unique opportunities God brings along – not to erect boundaries where He has none – and more ready to share the gospel in situations like this.
“…be prepared in season and out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2
During last Sunday’s message I shared a story from our family’s St. Cloud trip. We were downtown during homecoming, students lined the streets, and we had a brief errand before heading to the mall on the other side of town. A young woman approached us, somewhat impaired if not inebriated, wanting a ride. After initial hesitation, we gave her a ride to her apartment while listening to a most unique monologue that featured many repeated questions about where we went to school, about Bekah’s and Nathan’s relationship (including a comparison with her “dorky” brother that she loved), and pronouncements of “that’s a win-win” on every answer.
I’ve been examining my thoughts and feelings about this, and wonder:
Why was I surprised to be asked for a ride?
Why was I hesitant to help?
Why did her unusual conversation catch me off guard?
I was surprised because, in our culture, people have stopped asking for help from strangers except in emergency or highly structured situations. Strangers are risky. And, in the rare instances like this when they do ask, one wonders if they’re trying to take advantage or might be dangerous.
I was hesitant because I was focused on our errands and family time together, rather than being open to whatever God brought along. Theoretically I know that serving Him means being “prepared in season and out of season” but, selfishly, I was not ready for anything but the expected. Shame on me!
Chances are she was not a believer – and she had obviously been drinking (I’m glad Nathan didn’t light a match in the back seat) – so of course her conversation was going to be less inhibited, more unique than normal.
Hindsight may always be 20/20, but this has made me more resolved to be open, even prepared, for the unique opportunities God brings along – not to erect boundaries where He has none – and more ready to share the gospel in situations like this.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Perseverance (upcoming Sunday message)
The American collective memory of the Great Depression (1929 to at least 1939, probably longer) has greatly diminished. We may remember a story or two told by grandparents, we heard bits & pieces during school, and there have been recent reminders as our economy has struggled. We scarcely remember:
- Stock market crash of 87% over three years, including loss of money five times the Federal budget in one week
- 15-25% unemployment
- Manufacturing production decrease of 45% from 1929 to 1932
- Homebuilding dropping 80% during the same time frame
- 5,000+ banks closing
- 80% of all income earners drop off the tax rolls completely
- Price of wheat declining nearly $2.00 per bushel to $.25
- Storms creating the Great Plains Dust Bowl, grasshoppers devouring all vegetation in their path, brutal temperatures, numerous (illegal) abortions & suicides as people lost hope.
Perhaps a short story from one family will help illustrate this: “My dad, Bob Holland, was born at the height of the depression, in 1933. His dad was a printer in the midwest. After years of poor harvests coupled with the dismal economy, my grandfather could no longer support a family of five when there was just no printing work left in his small town. The Hollands loaded up whatever they could pack, and set off in a Ford Model T to find work. At some point during the journey, the car broke down, literally in the middle of no where. The family picked what they could carry out of the car and began walking - never to see their car or their belongings again. They came upon a farm worked by a Native American family. The Hollands were allowed to sleep in the barn with the animals in the hay, milk the cow and pick vegetables from the garden. Leaving his wife, infant son and two daughters, my grandfather continued his walk for work. During his absence, my grandmother cleaned laundry in a huge iron pot over an open fire. When some long-forgotten illness restricted her ability to walk, she dragged herself through the garden on her elbows to gather food for her children. In those days, telephone were few and far between across the Great Plains, and months elapsed with no word or money from my grandfather. The coming winter was a serious concern as they considered the threat of living in the unheated barn. As fall approached, the story continues that my grandfather returned in a borrowed car. He had walked, hitchhiked and ridden the rails until he secured a job, saving every penny to finally rent a place for his family.”
Today many of the media and economic “prophets” are anticipating another depression, or at least a severe recession. They couild be right, they might be wrong. Their words produce discomfort, anxiety, fear. What can be done? Will economic bailout programs solve the situation, or make it worse (we still haven’t solved that question looking back at the Great Depression!)?
Frankly, Americans Christians face a number of national situations outside of our individual abilities to solve - abortion, breakdown of the family, crime rates that have filled our prisons, a post-Christian culture that often views us as irrelevant, a philosophy of science & life (evolution) that seeks to exclude our faith, natural resource problems – I won’t even try to name every difficulty. Tough times will come. Some will impact us, our family, our friends. What can we do? We are urged to vote our values, which is good (although I would urge you not to put intense hopes in any one candidate or party); we are urged to pray, which is better; let me urge you another way today: we can persevere.
What is perseverance? Dictionary definitions include: doggedness, persistent determination, steady and continued action or belief over a long period and despite difficulties or setbacks.
Following Jesus, living a life of discipleship, requires perseverance. As Eugene Peterson puts it, we need “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”. Let’s see what the Scriptures have to say.
Perseverance is key to character development (Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-6)
- Romans 5 teaches us that God has saved us, now He wants to develop us. To do so, He allows and/or causes suffering and trials, which produce perseverance (if we’ll cooperate with the process), developing our character and hope. Our natural hope in circumstances, resources and people is gradually replaced by hope based in Him and His promises alone.
- James 1 teaches us that tough circumstances test our faith. If we allow perseverance to finish its work, we will become mature and complete, not lacking anything we need for our faith walk.
- Hebrews 12 assures that it’s best to treat tough times as discipline, as God training and correcting us, as a father does his children. An attitude of perseverance is key here, because we can walk away.
Perseverance is key to effectiveness and rewards (Luke 8: 8& 15, Hebrews 10:35-39)
- Remember the Sower & Seed parable? Remember the last seed that fell on good soil? Luke 8 refers to this – if we hear God’s word, retain it in our heart, and persevere in obeying it, we will eventually see a crop. There are no shortcuts to effective ministry for the Lord, we must persevere through tough times and failures (our own and others’). Also, we must not forget that difficult times separated the fruitful groups from the non-fruitful (and perhaps believers from unbelievers).
- Tough times can rattle our confidence. The writer in Hebrews 10 encourages us not to lose our confidence, rather, persevere in doing good so that His promised rewards will come. After all, Christ could return at any time – or He will bring us home through death – we only have to hang on a little longer (from His perspective, for us it may feel a lot longer). I love the note at the end of the passage: we are not those who shrink back, those who are true believers will persevere.
Perseverance is key to keeping our and others’ faith (I Timothy 4:16)
- We often think that a loss of faith comes through worldly influences and situations. We wring our hands over our grown and not-so-grown children, wanting to save them from people and teaching that could lead them astray. But these are secondary causes. I would submit to you that many more “faith failures” are due to a lack of diligence on the person’s part, that instead of watching their faith and life closely, instead of persevering, they began to drift away – and something else will fill that hole.
- Paul is careful to remind Timothy, and us through him, that our lack of perseverance can certainly affect others. Personally I find this very sobering.
Perseverance is key to making it through tough times
- I had an opportunity to read a number of people’s Great Depression stories this week. Almost invariably attitude was the key to their survival, their flourishing in difficult circumstances. I hear the same thing as I talk with a number of you. An attitude of “God is faithful, He will bring me through this, I can hang on” works so much better than complaining – finding fault with others – worrying – fear – anger – and all the other human responses we’re tempted with.
- Persevere. Don’t hear me wrongly, I’m not saying “grin and bear it”, or “shut up and handle it”, but commit to following the Lord through your difficult circumstances, commit to allowing Him all the space He needs to develop your character, commit to following His calling and will for you all the way to fruitfulness, commit to keeping your faith and walk with the Lord fresh. Persevere.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:5 states this blessing, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” May it be so for you.
- Stock market crash of 87% over three years, including loss of money five times the Federal budget in one week
- 15-25% unemployment
- Manufacturing production decrease of 45% from 1929 to 1932
- Homebuilding dropping 80% during the same time frame
- 5,000+ banks closing
- 80% of all income earners drop off the tax rolls completely
- Price of wheat declining nearly $2.00 per bushel to $.25
- Storms creating the Great Plains Dust Bowl, grasshoppers devouring all vegetation in their path, brutal temperatures, numerous (illegal) abortions & suicides as people lost hope.
Perhaps a short story from one family will help illustrate this: “My dad, Bob Holland, was born at the height of the depression, in 1933. His dad was a printer in the midwest. After years of poor harvests coupled with the dismal economy, my grandfather could no longer support a family of five when there was just no printing work left in his small town. The Hollands loaded up whatever they could pack, and set off in a Ford Model T to find work. At some point during the journey, the car broke down, literally in the middle of no where. The family picked what they could carry out of the car and began walking - never to see their car or their belongings again. They came upon a farm worked by a Native American family. The Hollands were allowed to sleep in the barn with the animals in the hay, milk the cow and pick vegetables from the garden. Leaving his wife, infant son and two daughters, my grandfather continued his walk for work. During his absence, my grandmother cleaned laundry in a huge iron pot over an open fire. When some long-forgotten illness restricted her ability to walk, she dragged herself through the garden on her elbows to gather food for her children. In those days, telephone were few and far between across the Great Plains, and months elapsed with no word or money from my grandfather. The coming winter was a serious concern as they considered the threat of living in the unheated barn. As fall approached, the story continues that my grandfather returned in a borrowed car. He had walked, hitchhiked and ridden the rails until he secured a job, saving every penny to finally rent a place for his family.”
Today many of the media and economic “prophets” are anticipating another depression, or at least a severe recession. They couild be right, they might be wrong. Their words produce discomfort, anxiety, fear. What can be done? Will economic bailout programs solve the situation, or make it worse (we still haven’t solved that question looking back at the Great Depression!)?
Frankly, Americans Christians face a number of national situations outside of our individual abilities to solve - abortion, breakdown of the family, crime rates that have filled our prisons, a post-Christian culture that often views us as irrelevant, a philosophy of science & life (evolution) that seeks to exclude our faith, natural resource problems – I won’t even try to name every difficulty. Tough times will come. Some will impact us, our family, our friends. What can we do? We are urged to vote our values, which is good (although I would urge you not to put intense hopes in any one candidate or party); we are urged to pray, which is better; let me urge you another way today: we can persevere.
What is perseverance? Dictionary definitions include: doggedness, persistent determination, steady and continued action or belief over a long period and despite difficulties or setbacks.
Following Jesus, living a life of discipleship, requires perseverance. As Eugene Peterson puts it, we need “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”. Let’s see what the Scriptures have to say.
Perseverance is key to character development (Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-6)
- Romans 5 teaches us that God has saved us, now He wants to develop us. To do so, He allows and/or causes suffering and trials, which produce perseverance (if we’ll cooperate with the process), developing our character and hope. Our natural hope in circumstances, resources and people is gradually replaced by hope based in Him and His promises alone.
- James 1 teaches us that tough circumstances test our faith. If we allow perseverance to finish its work, we will become mature and complete, not lacking anything we need for our faith walk.
- Hebrews 12 assures that it’s best to treat tough times as discipline, as God training and correcting us, as a father does his children. An attitude of perseverance is key here, because we can walk away.
Perseverance is key to effectiveness and rewards (Luke 8: 8& 15, Hebrews 10:35-39)
- Remember the Sower & Seed parable? Remember the last seed that fell on good soil? Luke 8 refers to this – if we hear God’s word, retain it in our heart, and persevere in obeying it, we will eventually see a crop. There are no shortcuts to effective ministry for the Lord, we must persevere through tough times and failures (our own and others’). Also, we must not forget that difficult times separated the fruitful groups from the non-fruitful (and perhaps believers from unbelievers).
- Tough times can rattle our confidence. The writer in Hebrews 10 encourages us not to lose our confidence, rather, persevere in doing good so that His promised rewards will come. After all, Christ could return at any time – or He will bring us home through death – we only have to hang on a little longer (from His perspective, for us it may feel a lot longer). I love the note at the end of the passage: we are not those who shrink back, those who are true believers will persevere.
Perseverance is key to keeping our and others’ faith (I Timothy 4:16)
- We often think that a loss of faith comes through worldly influences and situations. We wring our hands over our grown and not-so-grown children, wanting to save them from people and teaching that could lead them astray. But these are secondary causes. I would submit to you that many more “faith failures” are due to a lack of diligence on the person’s part, that instead of watching their faith and life closely, instead of persevering, they began to drift away – and something else will fill that hole.
- Paul is careful to remind Timothy, and us through him, that our lack of perseverance can certainly affect others. Personally I find this very sobering.
Perseverance is key to making it through tough times
- I had an opportunity to read a number of people’s Great Depression stories this week. Almost invariably attitude was the key to their survival, their flourishing in difficult circumstances. I hear the same thing as I talk with a number of you. An attitude of “God is faithful, He will bring me through this, I can hang on” works so much better than complaining – finding fault with others – worrying – fear – anger – and all the other human responses we’re tempted with.
- Persevere. Don’t hear me wrongly, I’m not saying “grin and bear it”, or “shut up and handle it”, but commit to following the Lord through your difficult circumstances, commit to allowing Him all the space He needs to develop your character, commit to following His calling and will for you all the way to fruitfulness, commit to keeping your faith and walk with the Lord fresh. Persevere.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:5 states this blessing, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” May it be so for you.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Confidence
Have you ever noticed how confidence waxes and wanes?
It's so easy to base our confidence on accomplishments or acclamation (at least for me). One can leave the office with a good feeling if projects were completed and/or people were helped - and struggle mightily when projects fail or criticism comes.
I need to continually remind myself that my confidence is in the Lord, not myself - that worth is not based on ability to work effectively - that confidence should never be based on feedback, positive or negative (I'm rarely as good or bad as either, anyway).
By the way, please allow me to say e-publicly how much I appreciate the gifts for pastoral appreciation month - and the applause for the staff on Sunday.
Blessings!
It's so easy to base our confidence on accomplishments or acclamation (at least for me). One can leave the office with a good feeling if projects were completed and/or people were helped - and struggle mightily when projects fail or criticism comes.
I need to continually remind myself that my confidence is in the Lord, not myself - that worth is not based on ability to work effectively - that confidence should never be based on feedback, positive or negative (I'm rarely as good or bad as either, anyway).
By the way, please allow me to say e-publicly how much I appreciate the gifts for pastoral appreciation month - and the applause for the staff on Sunday.
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Lincoln Still Speaks
Perhaps Abraham Lincoln's words from his second inaugural address also apply to our current political situation:
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and all nations."
"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and all nations."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mushrooms
While walking in Pioneer Park this morning, noted a mushroom (or related fungus)on the side of a trail that was at least eight inches across. Imagine the time that went into its development! Imagine how large it could become if left alone (not likely)!
The mushroom reminded me of growth in our lives. On the negative side, we are often tempted to allow small sins or fears to grow in our lives - then one day we have a huge problem. On the positive side, God plants seeds in our lives (see Matthew 13 for an example) that often grow into surprising virtues, character qualities and actions.
Have a great weekend!
The mushroom reminded me of growth in our lives. On the negative side, we are often tempted to allow small sins or fears to grow in our lives - then one day we have a huge problem. On the positive side, God plants seeds in our lives (see Matthew 13 for an example) that often grow into surprising virtues, character qualities and actions.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Marriage Message (for those who want a sneak peek)
There is an incredible amount of confusion in our culture about marriage. We hear voices saying that the institution itself is passing away – that living together is a better option – that gender should not be an issue in marriage – that divorce is simply the termination of a contract between two individuals who no longer want to stay together – that an occasional extra-marital affair can actually be good for marriage – not to mention all the internal issues like child raising, joint career development, sexual fulfillment, and numerous others.
Of course, I have all the answers and will be happy to share them with you this morning:)
What’s important is to hear God’s voice above the other voices, including our own. Last week we concluded that if we are going to follow Jesus, we must listen intently to His word, and obey. Scripture has much to say about marriage, let’s look at five areas this morning.
Marriage is not for Everyone
- We forget this teaching, to our shame. Read I Corinthians 7:1-2, 8-9, 32-35.
- God has called some to singleness. Single believers can devote themselves more fully to the Lord, and this pleases Him. We need to honor the singles among us who have served the Lord passionately – as well as the widows and widowers who made this choice after their spouse’s death.
- But for most this is not an option, and Paul is frank – it’s better to marry than to burn.
Marriage is a Life Long Commitment
- We admire long term commitment. George Blanda played quarterback and kicker for 26 years, longer than anyone in the NFL. Ella Fitzgerald sang for 57 years. Jessica Tandy acted for 69 years. Strom Thurmond served his country politically for 72 years, including eight terms in the senate. Liu Yung-Yang and Yang Wan were married for a little over 86 years, while Bill & Claudia Ritchie of Kentucky only made it 83.
- Yet only 60-70% of American marriages will make it to “death do us part”. First marriages that end in divorce only statistically last eight years, second marriages only seven. Only 33% of American marriages make it to their 25th anniversary, 20% to their 35th (these statistics do include deaths).
- What does God say? Matthew 19:1-9, I Corinthians 7:10-11, Malachi 2:16. Seems pretty clear that marriage is a life long commitment, with divorce reserved for only the most extreme situations (adultery being the clearest scripturally).
- Before moving on, I want to be abundantly clear about something. If you have been divorced in the past – which a number of you have - that does not make you a second class citizen of the kingdom or unwelcome here. Rather, understand that what God’s word says is for your present, and for your future. Close the trap door, remove the divorce option from your “now” and your future, work at your marriage. If there are past relational sins that need to be taken care of – with your current or past spouse – take care of them, and move forward.
Marriage is for Spiritual Equals
- Many have lost this concept. Marriage is for two believers to enter into, or two unbelievers. Don’t mix believers and unbelievers, it rarely works.
- The Old Testament is full of this concept – Solomon’s pagan wives led to his downfall – revivals under Ezra & Nehemiah both emphasized spiritually pure marriages – many spiritual or governmental leaders in the OT crashed and burned because their spouse didn’t follow God.
- Read I Corinthians 7:39 & 2 Corinthians 6:14. This is very clear – if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, marry a follower of Jesus Christ. It’s easy to deceive ourselves into believing we will convert our spouses (happens sometimes) – or that we will be able work out a good spiritual arrangement – ask those who have gone through it for their input.
- Again, this is not a second class citizen concept. If you are married to an unbeliever, deal with any past sin involved and move on. And please don’t divorce your unbelieving spouse, I Corinthians 7:12-16 is quite clear that you shouldn’t.
Marriage Requires Submission, Love & Respect
- Read Ephesians 5:21-33. There are multiple sermons in this passage alone.
- We are to submit to each other, and wives particularly to their husbands (command is repeated in five separate passages, and exemplified elsewhere). The submission concept is used with governmental & spiritual authorities, servants to masters, demons to Jesus, of the church to Jesus, children to their parents, and younger men to older, among others. We are all in submission relationships. It’s not an oppressive word, our culture has only made it such. It’s an obedience word, and in my personal opinion is only invalidated when we are asked to do something outside of God’s revealed will.
- Husbands are to love their wives – I Corinthians 13 defines this as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn’t keep record of wrongs – it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The companion passage in Colossians commands husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them – which captures the concept well.
- And wives are to respect their husbands. This is more key than we think – men are easily brought down inside and outside their marriage when their wives don’t respect them. And it’s not a conditional command, we can’t say, “well, I would respect him if he was respectable” – in fact, one can make a case that respecting him helps make him respectable.
Marriage is a Symbol of a Greater Reality
- Paul says an astonishing thing here in verse 32 of Ephesians 5 – he’s actually thinking of Christ and the church. The husband-wife relationship is symbolic of an eternal relationship the church has with Jesus Christ – complete with our engagement here and a wedding feast in heaven.
- The two most profound truths that arise out of this is that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church – self-sacrificially – and that the church is to live in purity (found in 2 Corinthians 11:2).
So, what have we learned or been reminded of? Marriage is not for everyone, singleness is at least as good, and often a better, option. Marriage involves a life long commitment, divorce is not to be an option except in extreme situations (like adultery, and I’ve seen adulterous couples come back together and make it work). Marriage is for spiritual equals, believers with believers, unbelievers with unbelievers. Marriage requires heavy and continuous doses of submission, love and respect – a concept that probably needs more development in a different message. And, finally, our marriages are a life time picture of an eternal truth – we will live in intimate relationship with Christ forever.
Of course, I have all the answers and will be happy to share them with you this morning:)
What’s important is to hear God’s voice above the other voices, including our own. Last week we concluded that if we are going to follow Jesus, we must listen intently to His word, and obey. Scripture has much to say about marriage, let’s look at five areas this morning.
Marriage is not for Everyone
- We forget this teaching, to our shame. Read I Corinthians 7:1-2, 8-9, 32-35.
- God has called some to singleness. Single believers can devote themselves more fully to the Lord, and this pleases Him. We need to honor the singles among us who have served the Lord passionately – as well as the widows and widowers who made this choice after their spouse’s death.
- But for most this is not an option, and Paul is frank – it’s better to marry than to burn.
Marriage is a Life Long Commitment
- We admire long term commitment. George Blanda played quarterback and kicker for 26 years, longer than anyone in the NFL. Ella Fitzgerald sang for 57 years. Jessica Tandy acted for 69 years. Strom Thurmond served his country politically for 72 years, including eight terms in the senate. Liu Yung-Yang and Yang Wan were married for a little over 86 years, while Bill & Claudia Ritchie of Kentucky only made it 83.
- Yet only 60-70% of American marriages will make it to “death do us part”. First marriages that end in divorce only statistically last eight years, second marriages only seven. Only 33% of American marriages make it to their 25th anniversary, 20% to their 35th (these statistics do include deaths).
- What does God say? Matthew 19:1-9, I Corinthians 7:10-11, Malachi 2:16. Seems pretty clear that marriage is a life long commitment, with divorce reserved for only the most extreme situations (adultery being the clearest scripturally).
- Before moving on, I want to be abundantly clear about something. If you have been divorced in the past – which a number of you have - that does not make you a second class citizen of the kingdom or unwelcome here. Rather, understand that what God’s word says is for your present, and for your future. Close the trap door, remove the divorce option from your “now” and your future, work at your marriage. If there are past relational sins that need to be taken care of – with your current or past spouse – take care of them, and move forward.
Marriage is for Spiritual Equals
- Many have lost this concept. Marriage is for two believers to enter into, or two unbelievers. Don’t mix believers and unbelievers, it rarely works.
- The Old Testament is full of this concept – Solomon’s pagan wives led to his downfall – revivals under Ezra & Nehemiah both emphasized spiritually pure marriages – many spiritual or governmental leaders in the OT crashed and burned because their spouse didn’t follow God.
- Read I Corinthians 7:39 & 2 Corinthians 6:14. This is very clear – if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, marry a follower of Jesus Christ. It’s easy to deceive ourselves into believing we will convert our spouses (happens sometimes) – or that we will be able work out a good spiritual arrangement – ask those who have gone through it for their input.
- Again, this is not a second class citizen concept. If you are married to an unbeliever, deal with any past sin involved and move on. And please don’t divorce your unbelieving spouse, I Corinthians 7:12-16 is quite clear that you shouldn’t.
Marriage Requires Submission, Love & Respect
- Read Ephesians 5:21-33. There are multiple sermons in this passage alone.
- We are to submit to each other, and wives particularly to their husbands (command is repeated in five separate passages, and exemplified elsewhere). The submission concept is used with governmental & spiritual authorities, servants to masters, demons to Jesus, of the church to Jesus, children to their parents, and younger men to older, among others. We are all in submission relationships. It’s not an oppressive word, our culture has only made it such. It’s an obedience word, and in my personal opinion is only invalidated when we are asked to do something outside of God’s revealed will.
- Husbands are to love their wives – I Corinthians 13 defines this as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn’t keep record of wrongs – it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The companion passage in Colossians commands husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them – which captures the concept well.
- And wives are to respect their husbands. This is more key than we think – men are easily brought down inside and outside their marriage when their wives don’t respect them. And it’s not a conditional command, we can’t say, “well, I would respect him if he was respectable” – in fact, one can make a case that respecting him helps make him respectable.
Marriage is a Symbol of a Greater Reality
- Paul says an astonishing thing here in verse 32 of Ephesians 5 – he’s actually thinking of Christ and the church. The husband-wife relationship is symbolic of an eternal relationship the church has with Jesus Christ – complete with our engagement here and a wedding feast in heaven.
- The two most profound truths that arise out of this is that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church – self-sacrificially – and that the church is to live in purity (found in 2 Corinthians 11:2).
So, what have we learned or been reminded of? Marriage is not for everyone, singleness is at least as good, and often a better, option. Marriage involves a life long commitment, divorce is not to be an option except in extreme situations (like adultery, and I’ve seen adulterous couples come back together and make it work). Marriage is for spiritual equals, believers with believers, unbelievers with unbelievers. Marriage requires heavy and continuous doses of submission, love and respect – a concept that probably needs more development in a different message. And, finally, our marriages are a life time picture of an eternal truth – we will live in intimate relationship with Christ forever.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
How Intimate?
Would appreciate feedback on this question:
How intimately is Jesus involved with Princeton Free Church? Can you sense His presence or involvement with us?
Thanks!
How intimately is Jesus involved with Princeton Free Church? Can you sense His presence or involvement with us?
Thanks!
Worship
As human beings, we often want our words to have a single meaning. If our spouse serves hamburgers for supper, we may expect a burger with lettuce, tomato and ketchup on a hamburger bun – so the following would all be surprises:
Hamburger patty on a plate with raw onions
Turkey burger with mustard and pickles
Steak burger with steak sauce and fried onions
Rare hamburger steak on a plate (as in parts of Europe).
Ground beef in pita bread.
Yet each would be a burger, even though we aren’t used to thinking of them as such.
Worship is very much the same, but much more complicated.
Looking at the Hebrew, Greek and English concepts, worship can mean:
Service in a religious building
Devotion, love, honor for God
A posture of submission, acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty (bending the knee or bowing down in reverential fear)
Sacrifice (in New Testament, often self-sacrifice in service to others)
Raising hands to God
Singing, including accompanied by instrumentation
Celebration, make a show
To address in a loud tone
To dance or jump for joy (this is not a comprehensive list).
Unfortunately, we often boil worship down to music, and each of us has a favorite style based on our experience (I’ve identified at least five favorite styles in our congregation alone, and there certainly could be more).
Let me encourage you to think biblically about worship, which includes thinking broadly – much more broadly than a particular approach or style. Let’s worship Him together!
Hamburger patty on a plate with raw onions
Turkey burger with mustard and pickles
Steak burger with steak sauce and fried onions
Rare hamburger steak on a plate (as in parts of Europe).
Ground beef in pita bread.
Yet each would be a burger, even though we aren’t used to thinking of them as such.
Worship is very much the same, but much more complicated.
Looking at the Hebrew, Greek and English concepts, worship can mean:
Service in a religious building
Devotion, love, honor for God
A posture of submission, acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty (bending the knee or bowing down in reverential fear)
Sacrifice (in New Testament, often self-sacrifice in service to others)
Raising hands to God
Singing, including accompanied by instrumentation
Celebration, make a show
To address in a loud tone
To dance or jump for joy (this is not a comprehensive list).
Unfortunately, we often boil worship down to music, and each of us has a favorite style based on our experience (I’ve identified at least five favorite styles in our congregation alone, and there certainly could be more).
Let me encourage you to think biblically about worship, which includes thinking broadly – much more broadly than a particular approach or style. Let’s worship Him together!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sacred & Sent
These two verses are right next to each other in John 17, Jesus' prayer for His followers:
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."
Sanctify means to make sacred or holy. If you think about the sacred or holy objects in the world, we tend to hide them away from public view, or put them under glass, or somehow protect them. Jesus is asking His Father to do exactly the opposite: make His followers sacred through your truth, then send them out into the world.
In other words, God has made His followers special through truth & holiness - but then we are to be "totally out there", not worrying about our self-protection, reaching those who are not yet followers of His. God protects His people (see the preceding verse, John 17:15), but not by taking them out of the world.
You and I are sacred and sent - do we act so?
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."
Sanctify means to make sacred or holy. If you think about the sacred or holy objects in the world, we tend to hide them away from public view, or put them under glass, or somehow protect them. Jesus is asking His Father to do exactly the opposite: make His followers sacred through your truth, then send them out into the world.
In other words, God has made His followers special through truth & holiness - but then we are to be "totally out there", not worrying about our self-protection, reaching those who are not yet followers of His. God protects His people (see the preceding verse, John 17:15), but not by taking them out of the world.
You and I are sacred and sent - do we act so?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
How Long in Hell?
Many in & around our congregation are going through very difficult times. After one conversation, this question came to mind:
* How long are we to stay in hell for heaven's purposes?
This question was quickly followed by a response (not sure if it was the Lord or not, but I'm suspicious):
* For as long as the Lord will stay with you there.
Guess that means we can make it through today. And the one that follows.
* How long are we to stay in hell for heaven's purposes?
This question was quickly followed by a response (not sure if it was the Lord or not, but I'm suspicious):
* For as long as the Lord will stay with you there.
Guess that means we can make it through today. And the one that follows.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Revised Lord's Prayer
How often are our prayers more like this:
My ship come in,
My will be done....
Then "your kingdom come,
Your will be done...."
My ship come in,
My will be done....
Then "your kingdom come,
Your will be done...."
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Following Jesus, Union Eagle Article
Following Jesus
Jesus stood by the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds that were following Him. Acoustics were difficult, so He borrowed a boat, asking a local fisherman (Peter) to put out a little ways from shore. This enabled Him to sit down and share stories about God more easily & thoroughly with the people.
Jesus finished His presentation, turned to Peter, telling him to put out into the deep water for a catch. Peter respected this teacher – but He was certainly no fisherman – so explained that they’d worked all night and caught nothing. Jesus just looked at Peter, so he decided to humor his teacher. After all, what was one more cast before bed?
The fish exploded into the net. Peter and his brother could not haul them all in, to they signaled a second boat for help. Both boats were so filled that they began to sink.
Peter, typically, overreacted. “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man”. Jesus assured him that everything would be OK, but a career change was in order: now was the time to fish for men.
Matthew worked the tax booth diligently. Locals needed to file by him at some point during their week; he would remind them of their financial commitment, loudly if necessary. Matthew worked for the Romans, took excessive taxes from rich and poor alike; he was a despised man.
Except by Jesus. He ambled by the booth, looked into Matthew’s eyes, invited him along for a lifetime. The decision didn’t take long – riches with a poor reputation or poverty with a chance for significance – he took the poverty.
He also threw one whale of a party and invited his prior cronies: tax collectors and local sinners. The local leadership was outraged, Jesus was delighted. These were the people who needed Him. He was here for them.
John the Baptist was working the crowd, preaching, teaching, baptizing, arguing with the religious leaders. His ministry had tremendous impact. People were streaming in to hear him, to repent, to seek the Lord’s face for forgiveness. Then Jesus walked by.
John knew that he was not here for his own sake – not to build his own ministry or reputation - rather, to proclaim the one who was to come, Jesus. He pointed Him out to the crowds; then, the next day, specifically pointed Him out to two of His disciples. Look, there He is, follow Him – and they did.
John’s reaction: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Did your Jesus completely change your life direction? Did He rejoice to reach out to you, and to others very much like and unlike you? Is He so important to you that you are willing to take a lesser role to share Him with others?
He did, and does – and I will - and that has made all the difference.
Jesus stood by the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds that were following Him. Acoustics were difficult, so He borrowed a boat, asking a local fisherman (Peter) to put out a little ways from shore. This enabled Him to sit down and share stories about God more easily & thoroughly with the people.
Jesus finished His presentation, turned to Peter, telling him to put out into the deep water for a catch. Peter respected this teacher – but He was certainly no fisherman – so explained that they’d worked all night and caught nothing. Jesus just looked at Peter, so he decided to humor his teacher. After all, what was one more cast before bed?
The fish exploded into the net. Peter and his brother could not haul them all in, to they signaled a second boat for help. Both boats were so filled that they began to sink.
Peter, typically, overreacted. “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man”. Jesus assured him that everything would be OK, but a career change was in order: now was the time to fish for men.
Matthew worked the tax booth diligently. Locals needed to file by him at some point during their week; he would remind them of their financial commitment, loudly if necessary. Matthew worked for the Romans, took excessive taxes from rich and poor alike; he was a despised man.
Except by Jesus. He ambled by the booth, looked into Matthew’s eyes, invited him along for a lifetime. The decision didn’t take long – riches with a poor reputation or poverty with a chance for significance – he took the poverty.
He also threw one whale of a party and invited his prior cronies: tax collectors and local sinners. The local leadership was outraged, Jesus was delighted. These were the people who needed Him. He was here for them.
John the Baptist was working the crowd, preaching, teaching, baptizing, arguing with the religious leaders. His ministry had tremendous impact. People were streaming in to hear him, to repent, to seek the Lord’s face for forgiveness. Then Jesus walked by.
John knew that he was not here for his own sake – not to build his own ministry or reputation - rather, to proclaim the one who was to come, Jesus. He pointed Him out to the crowds; then, the next day, specifically pointed Him out to two of His disciples. Look, there He is, follow Him – and they did.
John’s reaction: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
Did your Jesus completely change your life direction? Did He rejoice to reach out to you, and to others very much like and unlike you? Is He so important to you that you are willing to take a lesser role to share Him with others?
He did, and does – and I will - and that has made all the difference.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
What Would You Fight Over?
I received an email this afternoon from a person who was upset about eternal security - he disagreed with another's viewpoint that one could lose their salvation.
I can understand his frustration, this does seem to be a key issue - and that debate has raged for over 500 years. It's important, but I'm not sure I would fight over it. There are more similarities to the two sides than one would initially think - and they can meet over how one should reach out to someone who has made a profession of faith, but does not follow the Lord over an extended period of time (deal with them as an unbeliever first).
What would I fight over, stand up for, even die for? I would "fight" for Christ's person and work - particularly for salvation by faith. I would fight for our freedom to worship - not necessarily in a church building or formal way - but together with other believers, even "underground". I would fight for scripture being inspired by God, inerrant. I would fight for our "right" to share our faith - or I would at least go ahead and share anyway. Many of the Evangelical Free doctrines are basic enough to "fight" for.
I doubt that I would fight for one particular position on the Lord's coming.
How about you?
I can understand his frustration, this does seem to be a key issue - and that debate has raged for over 500 years. It's important, but I'm not sure I would fight over it. There are more similarities to the two sides than one would initially think - and they can meet over how one should reach out to someone who has made a profession of faith, but does not follow the Lord over an extended period of time (deal with them as an unbeliever first).
What would I fight over, stand up for, even die for? I would "fight" for Christ's person and work - particularly for salvation by faith. I would fight for our freedom to worship - not necessarily in a church building or formal way - but together with other believers, even "underground". I would fight for scripture being inspired by God, inerrant. I would fight for our "right" to share our faith - or I would at least go ahead and share anyway. Many of the Evangelical Free doctrines are basic enough to "fight" for.
I doubt that I would fight for one particular position on the Lord's coming.
How about you?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Discipleship
"We teach what we believe, but we reproduce what we are."
Scary statement from Conformed to His Image by Kenneth Boa - sounds like my "are" needs to catch up with my beliefs.
Scary statement from Conformed to His Image by Kenneth Boa - sounds like my "are" needs to catch up with my beliefs.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A Very Different Perspective on Worship
From Eugene Peterson's "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" (book about discipleship):
"An excellent way to test people's values is to observe what we do when we don't have to do anything, how we spend our leisure time, how we spend our extra money. Even in a time when church attendance is not considered to be on the upswing in the United States, the numbers are impressive. There are more people at worship on any given Sunday, for instance, than are at all the football games or on the golf links or fishing or taking walks in the woods. Worship is the single most popular act in this land."
Now there's a different perspective....
"An excellent way to test people's values is to observe what we do when we don't have to do anything, how we spend our leisure time, how we spend our extra money. Even in a time when church attendance is not considered to be on the upswing in the United States, the numbers are impressive. There are more people at worship on any given Sunday, for instance, than are at all the football games or on the golf links or fishing or taking walks in the woods. Worship is the single most popular act in this land."
Now there's a different perspective....
Prayer
Have been studying prayer for adult Sunday School, ran across this quote in Leith Anderson's book, "Praying to the God You Can Trust":
"Some Christians mistakenly think that the Bible's call for faith means believing God will answer a prayer precisely as it is requested. Faith isn't faith in an answer. It isn't faith in prayer. It is faith in God."
We need to be aware that God answers prayers as He sees fit - not on the basis of how much "faith" we can work up in the answer we want.
By the way, this little book has been excellent so far, particularly the section on how God answers contradictory prayers.
"Some Christians mistakenly think that the Bible's call for faith means believing God will answer a prayer precisely as it is requested. Faith isn't faith in an answer. It isn't faith in prayer. It is faith in God."
We need to be aware that God answers prayers as He sees fit - not on the basis of how much "faith" we can work up in the answer we want.
By the way, this little book has been excellent so far, particularly the section on how God answers contradictory prayers.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sunday Sermon on Joy
Posting my sermon notes for the upcoming Sunday so that you can review them - there's a lot in here, easy to miss something or forget.
Life is Hard, Then You Die – Not!
Product packaging warning – this is an intense, packed with scripture & thoughts, but joyful message.
Life is Hard
How many of you remember the children’s book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”? He wakes up with gum in his hair, doesn’t get a prize in his cereal (unlike his two brothers), his teacher doesn’t like his drawing of an invisible castle, he loses his yo-yo, there is no dessert in his lunch, the dentist tells him he has a cavity, there is kissing on TV and he has to wear his hated railroad train pajamas. His conclusion – he wants to move to Australia!
“Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.” David Gerrold
Or the 1993 song (I don’t claim this is all truth, but it is a reflection of this life philosophy):
LIFE IS HARD (THEN YOU DIE)
Charlie turned to Sam and said I hate to burst your bubble
But you ain't the only one in this world who's seen trouble
You been going on 'bout how your life is in a rut
Well good buddy I sure hate to disappoint you but
Life is hard then you die
It don't matter how you carve up that old existential pie
It ain't always cherry filling' in between the crust and sky
Life is hard then you die
He said Sam don't get me wrong it's not that I ain't sympathetic
But you don't gotta go on like your life is so pathetic
In between the tears you got to find a way to laugh
You've already lost more than some folks will ever have
Life is hard then you die
And though I'll admit there's prob'ly more to it than meetsthe eye
It'll take a better man than me to try and tell you why
Life is hard then you die
Philosophers, theologians, folksingers and bums
All got their own slant on what inevitably comes
I think God's a jazz man and eternity's a riff
And every day above the ground's a pure and precious gift
Life is hard then you die
In the blinking of a cosmic eye
There'll be tears for all those who deny
Life is hard then you die
Sam said Charlie thank you for those words of consolation
You've been like a beacon in my fog of desperation
Just when I was thinking that at least things couldn't be
Any worse than they are right now you've reminded me...
Life is hard then you die
It don't matter how you carve up that old existential pie
It ain't always cherry filling' in between the crust and sky
Life is hard then you die
© 1993 Flying Stone Music
Life is hard, as Solomon attests in Ecclesiastes (book about man’s best wisdom):
- “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (1:2)
- “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again.” (1:8-9)
- “What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (1:13b-14)
- “Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath, man has no advantage over the animal! Everything is meaningless!”
- Happy little book!
Jesus concurs, “In this world you will have trouble.” However, He then says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
But….
Psalm 23 captures the tension between our troubles & our joys well:
- Read verses 1-6
- David faces the evil, the valley of the shadow of death, the enemies
- But he rejoices in his relationship with the Lord (shepherd)
- He rejoices in God’s activity in his life (leading, guiding, restoring, correcting, preparing, anointing
- His conclusion? “Surely goodness and love (not necessarily happy circumstances) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
We Shall Have Joy
There are 242 references in scripture to joy, 156 to rejoicing, 38 to laughing. Joy is part of the package of the Christian life. Romans 14 states that the kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. I Thessalonians 5:16 states we can be joyful always.
There is the joy of circumstances. Numerous times in scripture followers of God are encouraged to be joyful at their holiday feasts and special occasions, whether it’s the Old Testament Passover or the joy of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:10) and resurrection (Matthew 28:8). Scripture speaks of the joy of success, of a good harvest, of rebuilding the house of God, of winning a battle and many others. There is the joy that came from winning the two softball championships this week! There is the joy of hearing about the Brazil Team’s blessings. We often draw a distinction between happiness and joy, but I don’t find this distinction in scripture. As mature believers, we need to realize this joy is temporary, but nevertheless it is a gift from God.
There is the joy of seeing God at work. God called creation very good, and “the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). The parting of the Red Sea led to dancing, Jehoshaphat’s “no shots fired” victory was a source of national joy, Jesus experienced full joy over God’s work through His disciples (Luke 10:21), a whole city in Samaria experienced joy over God’s work there (Acts 8:8). Little down in the mouth? Depressed? Remind yourself – as the psalms often do during trials – about what God has done.
There is the joy of salvation. David prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12) Isaiah writes, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (12:3) The Philippian jailer experienced great joy when he came to the Lord (Acts 16:34). Think for a moment – you were an enemy of God, a rebel, a sinner. You had no hope. Jesus died on the cross not only for the world but for you, to take away the guilt and penalty of your sins. You have been set free. What’s not to rejoice about?
There is the joy of on-going relationship with the Lord. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11) “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14) “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” (Jeremiah 15:16) This includes our obedience, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11, selected)
There is even the joy of adversity. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus could endure the cross because of the joy of its impact, particularly on believers. James tells us we can consider trials to be pure joy because of the impact they will have on our lives. ‘Life is hard” can actually be a source of joy.
Let me conclude with Steven Curtis Chapman’s son, “More to This Life”:
Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,
And I strained to see if there wassomething hidden in their eyes;
But they all looked at me as if to say
Life just goes on.
The old familiar story told in different ways,
Make the most of your own journeyfrom the cradle to the grave;
Dream your dreams tomorrow because today
Life must go on.
CHORUS
But there's more to this life than living and dying,
More than just trying to make it through the day;
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,
And there's more than this life alone can be.
Tonight he lies in silence staring into space,
And looks for ways to make tomorrow better than today,
But in the morning light it looks the same;
Life just goes on.
He takes care of his family, he takes care of his work,
And every Sunday morning he takes his place at the church;
And somehow he still feels a need to search,
But life just goes on.
CHORUS
So where do we start to find every part
Of what makes this life complete;
If we turn our eyes to Jesus we'll find
Life's true beginning is there atthe cross where He died.
He died to bring us . . . (more to this life, part of which is joy)
Life is Hard, Then You Die – Not!
Product packaging warning – this is an intense, packed with scripture & thoughts, but joyful message.
Life is Hard
How many of you remember the children’s book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”? He wakes up with gum in his hair, doesn’t get a prize in his cereal (unlike his two brothers), his teacher doesn’t like his drawing of an invisible castle, he loses his yo-yo, there is no dessert in his lunch, the dentist tells him he has a cavity, there is kissing on TV and he has to wear his hated railroad train pajamas. His conclusion – he wants to move to Australia!
“Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.” David Gerrold
Or the 1993 song (I don’t claim this is all truth, but it is a reflection of this life philosophy):
LIFE IS HARD (THEN YOU DIE)
Charlie turned to Sam and said I hate to burst your bubble
But you ain't the only one in this world who's seen trouble
You been going on 'bout how your life is in a rut
Well good buddy I sure hate to disappoint you but
Life is hard then you die
It don't matter how you carve up that old existential pie
It ain't always cherry filling' in between the crust and sky
Life is hard then you die
He said Sam don't get me wrong it's not that I ain't sympathetic
But you don't gotta go on like your life is so pathetic
In between the tears you got to find a way to laugh
You've already lost more than some folks will ever have
Life is hard then you die
And though I'll admit there's prob'ly more to it than meetsthe eye
It'll take a better man than me to try and tell you why
Life is hard then you die
Philosophers, theologians, folksingers and bums
All got their own slant on what inevitably comes
I think God's a jazz man and eternity's a riff
And every day above the ground's a pure and precious gift
Life is hard then you die
In the blinking of a cosmic eye
There'll be tears for all those who deny
Life is hard then you die
Sam said Charlie thank you for those words of consolation
You've been like a beacon in my fog of desperation
Just when I was thinking that at least things couldn't be
Any worse than they are right now you've reminded me...
Life is hard then you die
It don't matter how you carve up that old existential pie
It ain't always cherry filling' in between the crust and sky
Life is hard then you die
© 1993 Flying Stone Music
Life is hard, as Solomon attests in Ecclesiastes (book about man’s best wisdom):
- “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (1:2)
- “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again.” (1:8-9)
- “What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (1:13b-14)
- “Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath, man has no advantage over the animal! Everything is meaningless!”
- Happy little book!
Jesus concurs, “In this world you will have trouble.” However, He then says, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
But….
Psalm 23 captures the tension between our troubles & our joys well:
- Read verses 1-6
- David faces the evil, the valley of the shadow of death, the enemies
- But he rejoices in his relationship with the Lord (shepherd)
- He rejoices in God’s activity in his life (leading, guiding, restoring, correcting, preparing, anointing
- His conclusion? “Surely goodness and love (not necessarily happy circumstances) will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
We Shall Have Joy
There are 242 references in scripture to joy, 156 to rejoicing, 38 to laughing. Joy is part of the package of the Christian life. Romans 14 states that the kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace and joy. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. I Thessalonians 5:16 states we can be joyful always.
There is the joy of circumstances. Numerous times in scripture followers of God are encouraged to be joyful at their holiday feasts and special occasions, whether it’s the Old Testament Passover or the joy of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:10) and resurrection (Matthew 28:8). Scripture speaks of the joy of success, of a good harvest, of rebuilding the house of God, of winning a battle and many others. There is the joy that came from winning the two softball championships this week! There is the joy of hearing about the Brazil Team’s blessings. We often draw a distinction between happiness and joy, but I don’t find this distinction in scripture. As mature believers, we need to realize this joy is temporary, but nevertheless it is a gift from God.
There is the joy of seeing God at work. God called creation very good, and “the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). The parting of the Red Sea led to dancing, Jehoshaphat’s “no shots fired” victory was a source of national joy, Jesus experienced full joy over God’s work through His disciples (Luke 10:21), a whole city in Samaria experienced joy over God’s work there (Acts 8:8). Little down in the mouth? Depressed? Remind yourself – as the psalms often do during trials – about what God has done.
There is the joy of salvation. David prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12) Isaiah writes, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (12:3) The Philippian jailer experienced great joy when he came to the Lord (Acts 16:34). Think for a moment – you were an enemy of God, a rebel, a sinner. You had no hope. Jesus died on the cross not only for the world but for you, to take away the guilt and penalty of your sins. You have been set free. What’s not to rejoice about?
There is the joy of on-going relationship with the Lord. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11) “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14) “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” (Jeremiah 15:16) This includes our obedience, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10-11, selected)
There is even the joy of adversity. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus could endure the cross because of the joy of its impact, particularly on believers. James tells us we can consider trials to be pure joy because of the impact they will have on our lives. ‘Life is hard” can actually be a source of joy.
Let me conclude with Steven Curtis Chapman’s son, “More to This Life”:
Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,
And I strained to see if there wassomething hidden in their eyes;
But they all looked at me as if to say
Life just goes on.
The old familiar story told in different ways,
Make the most of your own journeyfrom the cradle to the grave;
Dream your dreams tomorrow because today
Life must go on.
CHORUS
But there's more to this life than living and dying,
More than just trying to make it through the day;
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,
And there's more than this life alone can be.
Tonight he lies in silence staring into space,
And looks for ways to make tomorrow better than today,
But in the morning light it looks the same;
Life just goes on.
He takes care of his family, he takes care of his work,
And every Sunday morning he takes his place at the church;
And somehow he still feels a need to search,
But life just goes on.
CHORUS
So where do we start to find every part
Of what makes this life complete;
If we turn our eyes to Jesus we'll find
Life's true beginning is there atthe cross where He died.
He died to bring us . . . (more to this life, part of which is joy)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Second Reflection on the Funeral
I was approached today by a person who attended yesterday's funeral. They remarked on what a difficult audience this must have been to preach to (tavern customers, etc.).
On one level I understood the person's comment - it certainly wasn't a typical church audience - who didn't respond in classic "churchy" ways.
On another level I deeply disagreed. This wasn't a difficult audience at all. In fact, it's the exact audience one hopes for - most not knowing the Lord, but potentially open to hearing about Him through grief's door.
Frankly I would love to see more of this type of audience at PEFC - people who have not yet started their journey of faith - people like our neighbors, friends, co-workers, acquaintances.
Of course, wishing won't bring them here....
On one level I understood the person's comment - it certainly wasn't a typical church audience - who didn't respond in classic "churchy" ways.
On another level I deeply disagreed. This wasn't a difficult audience at all. In fact, it's the exact audience one hopes for - most not knowing the Lord, but potentially open to hearing about Him through grief's door.
Frankly I would love to see more of this type of audience at PEFC - people who have not yet started their journey of faith - people like our neighbors, friends, co-workers, acquaintances.
Of course, wishing won't bring them here....
Community
Men & women desperately desire community.
This was evident yesterday at a funeral I preached at. The lady who passed away worked for a tavern in the cities - many of the attendees were customers or employees of that tavern - frankly, she was deeply loved by them.
They showed this love practically through financial (and other) gifts while she struggled with cancer - through participating in a home makeover that "blessed her socks off" - by donating the food for the funeral dinner - by grieving together with the family.
Sort of sounds like church, doesn't it - particularly when the church is loving each other and the community as it (we) should.
On one hand, I often see members and attendees of our church doing the exact same thing for others - and my heart sings when this happens. On other occasions, people live out on the fringes of the church, don't feel as connected, and sometimes aren't ministered to in their needs.
This is one of the reasons we are emphasizing small groups this fall. We need community. We need the friendship/fellowship, the accountability, the mutual prayer, the sharing of the word, sharing of like & dislike interests - the connecting.
Let me encourage each of you to sign up for a small group this fall, to "test drive" community.
Have a great weekend.
This was evident yesterday at a funeral I preached at. The lady who passed away worked for a tavern in the cities - many of the attendees were customers or employees of that tavern - frankly, she was deeply loved by them.
They showed this love practically through financial (and other) gifts while she struggled with cancer - through participating in a home makeover that "blessed her socks off" - by donating the food for the funeral dinner - by grieving together with the family.
Sort of sounds like church, doesn't it - particularly when the church is loving each other and the community as it (we) should.
On one hand, I often see members and attendees of our church doing the exact same thing for others - and my heart sings when this happens. On other occasions, people live out on the fringes of the church, don't feel as connected, and sometimes aren't ministered to in their needs.
This is one of the reasons we are emphasizing small groups this fall. We need community. We need the friendship/fellowship, the accountability, the mutual prayer, the sharing of the word, sharing of like & dislike interests - the connecting.
Let me encourage each of you to sign up for a small group this fall, to "test drive" community.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Self Protection
In Karen Mains excellent "Tales of the Kingdom" (I highly recommend both the book and the series for children and adults - the stories are good, the illustrations exceptional), Scarboy always covers the scar on his face with his hand when he's with other people - even if they are working together. Obviously this hurts his ability to help, until he is encouraged to use two hands when sawing wood - and it feels so good.
Metaphorically, I wonder how many of us have at least one spiritual hand covering our scars, our weaknesses, our problems - and how this hinders our walk with and ministry for the Lord.
This Sunday's Myth Busters message is, "I Have to Protect Myself - Not!" Hope to see you there.
Metaphorically, I wonder how many of us have at least one spiritual hand covering our scars, our weaknesses, our problems - and how this hinders our walk with and ministry for the Lord.
This Sunday's Myth Busters message is, "I Have to Protect Myself - Not!" Hope to see you there.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Discipleship
Are we disciples of Jesus Christ?
The word for disciple in the original Greek of the New Testament means "follower", implies a personal attachment to a teacher, allowing the teacher to exercise formative power in the follower's life. It implied commitment and obedience.
Christ said that his followers would:
* Deny themselves, take up their crosses, follow Him (Luke 9:23-25)
* Put Jesus before self, family and possessions (Luke 14:25-35)
* Be committed to His teachings (John 8:31)
* Be committed to personal and world evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20)
* Love others as Christ loves them (John 13:34-35)
* Abide in Christ in relationship, obedience and impact (John 15)
(Adapted from Bill Hull's, "The Disciple Making Pastor")
So, are we disciples of Jesus Christ, or simply American church attendees? This is a tough question that I need to ask myself first.
(We will be addressing this topic from the pulpit in September.)
The word for disciple in the original Greek of the New Testament means "follower", implies a personal attachment to a teacher, allowing the teacher to exercise formative power in the follower's life. It implied commitment and obedience.
Christ said that his followers would:
* Deny themselves, take up their crosses, follow Him (Luke 9:23-25)
* Put Jesus before self, family and possessions (Luke 14:25-35)
* Be committed to His teachings (John 8:31)
* Be committed to personal and world evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20)
* Love others as Christ loves them (John 13:34-35)
* Abide in Christ in relationship, obedience and impact (John 15)
(Adapted from Bill Hull's, "The Disciple Making Pastor")
So, are we disciples of Jesus Christ, or simply American church attendees? This is a tough question that I need to ask myself first.
(We will be addressing this topic from the pulpit in September.)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Faith, Understanding or God?
Today (August 1st) our church celebrated a 90 year old’s birthday with a church open house, and mourned an infant’s passing at a graveside service. Life can be so backwards.
The death of a child – and other “backwards” trials of life – can leave us spiritually gasping for breath. We feel the wrongness of such an event on at least two levels: general day to day expectations, and deep inside where the sense of fairness/justice/rightness resides.
Children are conceived to be born, born to live, live to have rich and full experiences of life. Any interference, vertically or horizontally, deeply tests our souls.
Some would encourage us to have faith – and such is correct, as far as it goes. But faith is like the tubing leading from an oxygen machine to the mask of a patient – essential, but what is needed is the oxygen! So faith connects us to what is essential – or, more correctly, who is essential – God. We certainly need faith, but we need Him, His words, His truth, His presence to bring us through those gut-wrenching, horrific experiences that life brings.
We must be cautious in another way. Sometimes what we think is faith is actually analysis. If we can simply figure out the situation, see what the benefits are, see the “why”, then our souls can rest more easily. This is not faith, it’s understanding – and it’s potentially dangerous (see Proverbs 3:5-6) – because our souls cannot feed on understanding over the long term – and there’s always the good possibility that our analysis is wrong! There’s certainly nothing wrong with asking (or crying out, for that matter) “why” – Job and the Psalms are full of such questions – but the asking is, ultimately, another way of finding God.
So, seek to understand – have faith – but remember both are vehicles to experiencing God’s presence, comfort and truth – not answers in and of themselves.
(We also experienced a birth in the last 24 hours, a source of joy!)
The death of a child – and other “backwards” trials of life – can leave us spiritually gasping for breath. We feel the wrongness of such an event on at least two levels: general day to day expectations, and deep inside where the sense of fairness/justice/rightness resides.
Children are conceived to be born, born to live, live to have rich and full experiences of life. Any interference, vertically or horizontally, deeply tests our souls.
Some would encourage us to have faith – and such is correct, as far as it goes. But faith is like the tubing leading from an oxygen machine to the mask of a patient – essential, but what is needed is the oxygen! So faith connects us to what is essential – or, more correctly, who is essential – God. We certainly need faith, but we need Him, His words, His truth, His presence to bring us through those gut-wrenching, horrific experiences that life brings.
We must be cautious in another way. Sometimes what we think is faith is actually analysis. If we can simply figure out the situation, see what the benefits are, see the “why”, then our souls can rest more easily. This is not faith, it’s understanding – and it’s potentially dangerous (see Proverbs 3:5-6) – because our souls cannot feed on understanding over the long term – and there’s always the good possibility that our analysis is wrong! There’s certainly nothing wrong with asking (or crying out, for that matter) “why” – Job and the Psalms are full of such questions – but the asking is, ultimately, another way of finding God.
So, seek to understand – have faith – but remember both are vehicles to experiencing God’s presence, comfort and truth – not answers in and of themselves.
(We also experienced a birth in the last 24 hours, a source of joy!)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Prayer
Prayer is always important - sometimes it's crucial. Now is a crucial time.
I keep a running prayer sheet of congregational needs, usually runs about a page. Today it's two and a half type pages, which is the highest it's ever been.
We have numerous cancer and other serious medical situations (10+) - a miscarriage and a birth - a short term missionary team to pray for - addiction situations - unemployment - needs for salvation - serious financial problems - marital situations - struggles with worry - serious spiritual issues - and many other needs.
Obviously this is not the format for specifics. Many of you are aware of a few of these situations. Will you covenant with me to pray for them at least daily? We need the Lord's touch.
(The elders and staff would also appreciate your prayer as we reach out to some of these needs.)
I'm confident He will answer, in His time, in His way, both inside and outside our expectations. He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
I keep a running prayer sheet of congregational needs, usually runs about a page. Today it's two and a half type pages, which is the highest it's ever been.
We have numerous cancer and other serious medical situations (10+) - a miscarriage and a birth - a short term missionary team to pray for - addiction situations - unemployment - needs for salvation - serious financial problems - marital situations - struggles with worry - serious spiritual issues - and many other needs.
Obviously this is not the format for specifics. Many of you are aware of a few of these situations. Will you covenant with me to pray for them at least daily? We need the Lord's touch.
(The elders and staff would also appreciate your prayer as we reach out to some of these needs.)
I'm confident He will answer, in His time, in His way, both inside and outside our expectations. He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Blogs Helpful?
Are these blogs helpful to anyone out there? Are they facilitating communication?
Occasionally someone comments or mentions they read one - and I am happy to continue writing about what's on my heart, particularly as it impacts God's kingdom - but also want to use time wisely.
It's raining relatively hard currently - but the sun is also out - reminds me that we often want life to be like that - multiple blessings at once!
Have a great weekend.
Occasionally someone comments or mentions they read one - and I am happy to continue writing about what's on my heart, particularly as it impacts God's kingdom - but also want to use time wisely.
It's raining relatively hard currently - but the sun is also out - reminds me that we often want life to be like that - multiple blessings at once!
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Speaking Into Our Lives
Have you ever had anyone speak into your life?
At 16 a visitor to our church thanked me for holding the door open for his family by saying, "It's better to be a doorman at the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of iniquity", a quote from the psalms. This statement stuck with me, teaching me the importance of serving in even the smallest ways.
In my 20s' someone compared me to Mr. Spock (highly controlled, nearly emotionless alien from original Star Trek series) - this personal image wrongly stuck with me into my 30's.
In my late 30's I fell away from the Lord and His ministry through pride, but two pastors from Door Creek Church in Madison, WI spoke into my life, assuring me that He would use me again - and so He has.
I have a plaque in my office from the staff and elders of the this church - each wrote words of specific encouragement - this still speaks to me.
Isn't this what the Lord does in our lives? He looks at us and the messes we've made, then calls us His chosen children - saints - beloved (and numerous other strong names) - He promises us that He will never cease working in our lives - He tells us He will never leave us - and, somehow, we change and grow, becoming what He has spoken.
So, have others spoken into your life? Have you heard His voice speaking into you?
At 16 a visitor to our church thanked me for holding the door open for his family by saying, "It's better to be a doorman at the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of iniquity", a quote from the psalms. This statement stuck with me, teaching me the importance of serving in even the smallest ways.
In my 20s' someone compared me to Mr. Spock (highly controlled, nearly emotionless alien from original Star Trek series) - this personal image wrongly stuck with me into my 30's.
In my late 30's I fell away from the Lord and His ministry through pride, but two pastors from Door Creek Church in Madison, WI spoke into my life, assuring me that He would use me again - and so He has.
I have a plaque in my office from the staff and elders of the this church - each wrote words of specific encouragement - this still speaks to me.
Isn't this what the Lord does in our lives? He looks at us and the messes we've made, then calls us His chosen children - saints - beloved (and numerous other strong names) - He promises us that He will never cease working in our lives - He tells us He will never leave us - and, somehow, we change and grow, becoming what He has spoken.
So, have others spoken into your life? Have you heard His voice speaking into you?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Fall Changes at Church
We have some interesting changes coming up this fall at Princeton Evangelical Free Church.
There will be a renewed emphasis on small groups, led by elder couples (and others). Some of these groups will be general & open to everyone, others will have specific "audiences". Emphasis will be on fellowship/friendship, study of the word, prayer and care.
In addition our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Fellowships will become more like Sunday School classes, with topics and teachers changing quarterly. Topics could include: "Experiencing God", "Jesus & the Marketplace", "Parenting", "Growing in the Basics", "Spiritual Formation", "Peacemaking" and others.
Lord willing, this should provide the balance between discipleship and relationship that our church needs.
Would appreciate each of your prayers. As the Lord leads, let me know if you want to become involved as well. Have a great weekend!
There will be a renewed emphasis on small groups, led by elder couples (and others). Some of these groups will be general & open to everyone, others will have specific "audiences". Emphasis will be on fellowship/friendship, study of the word, prayer and care.
In addition our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Fellowships will become more like Sunday School classes, with topics and teachers changing quarterly. Topics could include: "Experiencing God", "Jesus & the Marketplace", "Parenting", "Growing in the Basics", "Spiritual Formation", "Peacemaking" and others.
Lord willing, this should provide the balance between discipleship and relationship that our church needs.
Would appreciate each of your prayers. As the Lord leads, let me know if you want to become involved as well. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Biblical Sexuality & Freedom
Have been studying biblical sexuality for the Family Matters class on Sunday.
One of the interesting contrasts is the incredible amount of sexual freedom in marriage (read Song of Solomon) - and the total lack of sexual freedom outside of marriage.
God is very clear that He set up sexuality for both procreation and recreation - His descriptions in the Song are quite graphic, even provocative - but when we take sex outside of marriage, we offend Him, hurt others and eventually destroy ourselves.
Much like life! Our freedom operates best within obedience (Galatians 5:13), an interesting paradox.
One of the interesting contrasts is the incredible amount of sexual freedom in marriage (read Song of Solomon) - and the total lack of sexual freedom outside of marriage.
God is very clear that He set up sexuality for both procreation and recreation - His descriptions in the Song are quite graphic, even provocative - but when we take sex outside of marriage, we offend Him, hurt others and eventually destroy ourselves.
Much like life! Our freedom operates best within obedience (Galatians 5:13), an interesting paradox.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Summer Church Attendance
I welcome each of your feedback on this.
Our attendance drops 20% or so during the summer. It's not the numbers that are important, rather the implication that up to 20% of our body each week misses out on regular teaching, fellowship, prayer and other vital aspects of being the family of God together.
Some people vanish for almost the whole summer. Others are gone a few weeks. Some take a weekend or two.
On one hand I fully appreciate and understand the need for family vacations and events. On the other hand I think about scripture like:
* Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
* Acts 2:42, 44, 46, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together...Every day they continued to meet together...."
Do our needs for each other - for support & service, for relationship, for prayer, for meeting with God corporately - take the summer off?
Please allow me to encourage you - join with us this summer as we seek Him together.
Our attendance drops 20% or so during the summer. It's not the numbers that are important, rather the implication that up to 20% of our body each week misses out on regular teaching, fellowship, prayer and other vital aspects of being the family of God together.
Some people vanish for almost the whole summer. Others are gone a few weeks. Some take a weekend or two.
On one hand I fully appreciate and understand the need for family vacations and events. On the other hand I think about scripture like:
* Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
* Acts 2:42, 44, 46, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together...Every day they continued to meet together...."
Do our needs for each other - for support & service, for relationship, for prayer, for meeting with God corporately - take the summer off?
Please allow me to encourage you - join with us this summer as we seek Him together.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Beauty
Have begun expanding my "naturalist" skills outside of birds. Purchased field guides to learn about & identify butterflies and dragonflies - figured I'd stay with the fliers for a year or so:)
This week have been observing and attempting to identify butterflies - and am amazed at the sometimes splashy, sometimes subtle beauty God has given them. He must be very fond of color, of shading, of contrast, of beauty in general. Think about it - He could have created everything in gray scale and made it work - but He works with at least 6 million differentiable colors in His creation.
How have you seen His penchant for beauty?
Have a great weekend.
This week have been observing and attempting to identify butterflies - and am amazed at the sometimes splashy, sometimes subtle beauty God has given them. He must be very fond of color, of shading, of contrast, of beauty in general. Think about it - He could have created everything in gray scale and made it work - but He works with at least 6 million differentiable colors in His creation.
How have you seen His penchant for beauty?
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Confession
* "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9
* "When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned." Leviticus 5:5
* "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshipping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3
* "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" - and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5
* "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14
Christians (unfortunately) sin. God has provided relational forgiveness through confession to Him. Yet we so often neglect this, presuming that He will hear and answer our prayers anyway - that He will draw near us in intimate relationship. Or we offer a general confession that doesn't address the real issues.
Think how well this approach would work in our close earthly relationships. No apology, no intimacy.
The tax collector encourages me. He was a real sinner with real guilt & real shame - and received real forgiveness.
Let me encourage you - confess your sins to the Lord - experience His forgiveness, His renewing of your spirit, His intimacy with you.
See you Sunday!
* "When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned." Leviticus 5:5
* "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshipping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3
* "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" - and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5
* "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14
Christians (unfortunately) sin. God has provided relational forgiveness through confession to Him. Yet we so often neglect this, presuming that He will hear and answer our prayers anyway - that He will draw near us in intimate relationship. Or we offer a general confession that doesn't address the real issues.
Think how well this approach would work in our close earthly relationships. No apology, no intimacy.
The tax collector encourages me. He was a real sinner with real guilt & real shame - and received real forgiveness.
Let me encourage you - confess your sins to the Lord - experience His forgiveness, His renewing of your spirit, His intimacy with you.
See you Sunday!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Heaven
How great will heaven be?
If you think how fantastic some of our earthly experiences are:
* Marriage at its best
* Beauty of nature - fall trees, Scarlet Tanagers & Indigo Buntings, waterfalls, Grand Canyon, morning mists, blue ice along Mille Lacs Lake & thousands of other experiences
* Captivating book or movie
* Newborn child
* Soul-satisfying conversation
And that these are all part of a fallen creation, probably just a foretaste of our future....
(Best of all, much closer relationship with the Creator of all this.)
Enjoy the dream.
If you think how fantastic some of our earthly experiences are:
* Marriage at its best
* Beauty of nature - fall trees, Scarlet Tanagers & Indigo Buntings, waterfalls, Grand Canyon, morning mists, blue ice along Mille Lacs Lake & thousands of other experiences
* Captivating book or movie
* Newborn child
* Soul-satisfying conversation
And that these are all part of a fallen creation, probably just a foretaste of our future....
(Best of all, much closer relationship with the Creator of all this.)
Enjoy the dream.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Writing A Book
Recently an old dream has begun to resurface - writing a book.
This can't be a right now dream, since I'm actively working on my 'transfer of ordination' paper - but that process should be complete by the end of the year.
The $64.00 question is, what kind of a book should I write - and its corollary question, what kind needs to be written?
(Of course, the most important question is what does God want me to do? Not all dreams come from Him.)
Should this be a Christian novel - or a novel that could reach those who are not Christians - or a book of poetry (wrote poetry many years ago, but few buy these any more) - or a historical work - or theological - or birding (such as a book on Christian birding) - or...? What do you think? Would love feedback on this. Please feel free to post a comment or email me (pastoral@princetonfreechurch.net).
This can't be a right now dream, since I'm actively working on my 'transfer of ordination' paper - but that process should be complete by the end of the year.
The $64.00 question is, what kind of a book should I write - and its corollary question, what kind needs to be written?
(Of course, the most important question is what does God want me to do? Not all dreams come from Him.)
Should this be a Christian novel - or a novel that could reach those who are not Christians - or a book of poetry (wrote poetry many years ago, but few buy these any more) - or a historical work - or theological - or birding (such as a book on Christian birding) - or...? What do you think? Would love feedback on this. Please feel free to post a comment or email me (pastoral@princetonfreechurch.net).
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Family Values
Where do our family values come from?
Do they come from our prior family experiences - the society around us - scripture - media - or....?
This is one of the fundamental questions we will be addressing during our first Family Matters class this summer (small and large group format). We meet at 8:45 AM in the youth room. Please join us!
Do they come from our prior family experiences - the society around us - scripture - media - or....?
This is one of the fundamental questions we will be addressing during our first Family Matters class this summer (small and large group format). We meet at 8:45 AM in the youth room. Please join us!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Refuge
Studying Psalm 71 this afternoon for the Elim Chapel message tomorrow. Scattered thoughts from the passage:
* God is our refuge. The truth here is not that He provides us a place to hide, to be renewed - rather, that He Himself is that refuge.
* He is our refuge from birth. Our children have gotten it right - they come out trusting - only learning mistrust as they grow older.
* God's refuge does not mean we will not experience trouble - "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter" - rather, that we have someone/where to go when we do. The psalmist admitted that God had a role in his troubles, but also knew that God's role would include refuge and restoration.
* God's refuge is for the young and the old: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb"; and "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God...."
* Just a personal thought. How tempting it is to trust in other refuges! Investments, insurance, government, family relationships, friendships, career development/job security, our own abilities and/or wisdom....all will, at one point or another, fail. He won't.
Blessings!
* God is our refuge. The truth here is not that He provides us a place to hide, to be renewed - rather, that He Himself is that refuge.
* He is our refuge from birth. Our children have gotten it right - they come out trusting - only learning mistrust as they grow older.
* God's refuge does not mean we will not experience trouble - "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter" - rather, that we have someone/where to go when we do. The psalmist admitted that God had a role in his troubles, but also knew that God's role would include refuge and restoration.
* God's refuge is for the young and the old: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb"; and "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God...."
* Just a personal thought. How tempting it is to trust in other refuges! Investments, insurance, government, family relationships, friendships, career development/job security, our own abilities and/or wisdom....all will, at one point or another, fail. He won't.
Blessings!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling the disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others….” (Mark 12:41-43)
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need….All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them…” (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32, 44)
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Sacrificial giving. Sensitive giving. Joyful. Voluntary. Cheerful. Confident.
During this time of rising gas/lifestyle costs, lower offerings, reduced ministry expenses and impending missions/youth trips, I could be anxious (and sometimes have been). I could plead for increased giving – which would be helpful. I could teach a structured giving approach (like 10% tithing or similar) – which works and often leads to blessing.
Instead, I want to focus on our attitudes: our sensitivity to others’ needs, our joy, our willingness, our confident cheerfulness. God is as much honored by our attitudes as by our actions. One flows into the other.
So as you consider the church needs, focus on attitude, then allow God to lead you accordingly. I have confidence in Him – and you, as His people (this is a great church!) – during this time.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need….All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them…” (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32, 44)
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Sacrificial giving. Sensitive giving. Joyful. Voluntary. Cheerful. Confident.
During this time of rising gas/lifestyle costs, lower offerings, reduced ministry expenses and impending missions/youth trips, I could be anxious (and sometimes have been). I could plead for increased giving – which would be helpful. I could teach a structured giving approach (like 10% tithing or similar) – which works and often leads to blessing.
Instead, I want to focus on our attitudes: our sensitivity to others’ needs, our joy, our willingness, our confident cheerfulness. God is as much honored by our attitudes as by our actions. One flows into the other.
So as you consider the church needs, focus on attitude, then allow God to lead you accordingly. I have confidence in Him – and you, as His people (this is a great church!) – during this time.
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