Today I just want us to reflect on the comment that Pastor Benji shared towards the end of the second service, which deals with rosters.
In God's kingdom, there is one roster that counts: the list of names of individuals who have submitted their hearts and lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the ministry of His Holy Spirit. God refers to this list as His book of life.
But there seems to be a set of people who believe that they can get into heaven by having their names recorded on rosters other than God's book of life. These are often people who have been going to church for years, and they have done many good things. Their names are on plaques commemorating their selfless giving, their volunteer spirit, their having invited the most people to church, their opening of homes and businesses in support of ministry programming. Some even get accolades for powerful ministries and giftings. There's just one problem: these dear souls are not submitted to Christ.
Jesus told His disciples, and He tells us today, "...do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). And we are reminded of the warnings in Matthew 25, which we have considered in previous blogs.
God has placed a burden on His pastors and prophets to keep pushing this message of repentance and renunciation of sin. We really want to see everyone in right standing with God. If you are reading this and you know that you are not fully obedient to the mandate of Jesus, then now is a great time to pray for forgiveness. God is mighty and He can forgive, heal, restore... and judge, commend, condemn. Do you want to see His smile or His wrath? And does your lifestyle reflect your desire for Christ?
Remember, tomorrow is not promised. Let's know where we stand today.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Proxy
On Sunday we heard the second sermon in Pastor Benji's series "The Time Is Now: Time To Make A Change". This time we reflected on just one metaphor, found in Revelation 20:11-15: the book of life.
Actually, this metaphor is found throughout scripture. Pastor Benji made a passing reference to Moses' familiarity with God's book of life, which might be good for us to reflect on today. Exodus 32:31-34 records Moses' attempt to offer himself as a stand-in to endure God's punishment on behalf of the Israelites who had worshipped the golden calf: "So Moses went back to the LORD and said, 'Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin- but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.' The LORD replied to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.'"
Note that God did not say "Thanks, Moses, sure. You can be their stand-in." Apparently God does not offer a proxy option. Have you ever tried to stand in as a substitute for someone else? I have, and it went something like this: "God, if taking me means that some other people can be given more time to repent, then I'm willing to be a substitute." (Kids, don't try this at home!!) It's no fun to take the fall for someone else's foolishness, but sometimes the love of God just puts you in a place where you're willing to do crazy things like lay down your life for a friend, or perhaps even for an enemy. So I did one of those crazy prayers.
God's answer? "That's nice, you're willing to die. But you're not qualified to be a proxy. I sent them Jesus, and they are being judged based on how they respond to Him."
So, where are you today? Are you one of those whose heart breaks at the sight of "Christians" who undermine the name of Christ by their behavior, or are you one who ignores the wooing of the Spirit, or are you one who is content with your own intact salvation and disinterested in the spiritual state of those around you? Let's remember the ministry of Noah, who demonstrated crazy obedience to God as his neighbors ignored the Creator. And let's remember that everything was "business as usual" until the day of the flood. It's the same thing today.
My dear postmodern friends, history is repeating itself. And God is closing the door of the ark. Are you inside or outside?
Actually, this metaphor is found throughout scripture. Pastor Benji made a passing reference to Moses' familiarity with God's book of life, which might be good for us to reflect on today. Exodus 32:31-34 records Moses' attempt to offer himself as a stand-in to endure God's punishment on behalf of the Israelites who had worshipped the golden calf: "So Moses went back to the LORD and said, 'Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin- but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.' The LORD replied to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.'"
Note that God did not say "Thanks, Moses, sure. You can be their stand-in." Apparently God does not offer a proxy option. Have you ever tried to stand in as a substitute for someone else? I have, and it went something like this: "God, if taking me means that some other people can be given more time to repent, then I'm willing to be a substitute." (Kids, don't try this at home!!) It's no fun to take the fall for someone else's foolishness, but sometimes the love of God just puts you in a place where you're willing to do crazy things like lay down your life for a friend, or perhaps even for an enemy. So I did one of those crazy prayers.
God's answer? "That's nice, you're willing to die. But you're not qualified to be a proxy. I sent them Jesus, and they are being judged based on how they respond to Him."
So, where are you today? Are you one of those whose heart breaks at the sight of "Christians" who undermine the name of Christ by their behavior, or are you one who ignores the wooing of the Spirit, or are you one who is content with your own intact salvation and disinterested in the spiritual state of those around you? Let's remember the ministry of Noah, who demonstrated crazy obedience to God as his neighbors ignored the Creator. And let's remember that everything was "business as usual" until the day of the flood. It's the same thing today.
My dear postmodern friends, history is repeating itself. And God is closing the door of the ark. Are you inside or outside?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
A Fresh Coat Of Paint To Cover The Mold.
This week, we have been getting under the veneer of counterfeit Christianity.
The sermon this past Sunday informed us that in the church community the useless are intertwined with the useful, so much so that a) they are virtually indistinguishable from each other and b) the useless have to be violently removed by angels at the command of Christ (Matthew 13). This week we have looked at the processes of threshing and winnowing, and we have reflected on the characteristics of the blessed and the wicked.
Our prayer is that your walk with Christ is not a facade, but that you are enjoying a deep and meaningful relationship with Him: a relationship that stands up to the storms and trials of life; a relationship where your lifestyle of integrity and peace shows the world that you have set your anchor in the LORD.
Bronx Bethany is in preparation for events marking the centennial of our denomination, the Church of the Nazarene. There is much potential for danger. I say that because it is easy to program events and create a celebratory/"charismatic" atmosphere without seeking the Holy Spirit's direction. As we've learned, the church community which forges ahead without the powerful Spirit of God is just a facade. So please pray for us, and please pray for yourselves.
(Our next blog will appear on Monday.)
The sermon this past Sunday informed us that in the church community the useless are intertwined with the useful, so much so that a) they are virtually indistinguishable from each other and b) the useless have to be violently removed by angels at the command of Christ (Matthew 13). This week we have looked at the processes of threshing and winnowing, and we have reflected on the characteristics of the blessed and the wicked.
Our prayer is that your walk with Christ is not a facade, but that you are enjoying a deep and meaningful relationship with Him: a relationship that stands up to the storms and trials of life; a relationship where your lifestyle of integrity and peace shows the world that you have set your anchor in the LORD.
Bronx Bethany is in preparation for events marking the centennial of our denomination, the Church of the Nazarene. There is much potential for danger. I say that because it is easy to program events and create a celebratory/"charismatic" atmosphere without seeking the Holy Spirit's direction. As we've learned, the church community which forges ahead without the powerful Spirit of God is just a facade. So please pray for us, and please pray for yourselves.
(Our next blog will appear on Monday.)
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Manner of Living II
How do the righteous behave? Let's take a quick look at Psalm 1:2-3.
They delight in the law of the LORD. They love God's law! They love to hear it, to be taught it, to be rebuked and informed and encouraged by it.
They meditate in the law of the LORD. They think about His law, discuss His law, recite His law.
They are strong in the LORD. The righteous are compared to a tree planted by water, able to enjoy a constancy of resources that move them into a stage of bearing fruit.
They are prosperous in the LORD. Let's not limit God to being a sovreign slot machine. While financial security is certainly within His parameters, the righteous are also the beneficiaries of "good success" because they walk in obedience to His mandate and call on their life (see Joshua 1:1-9).
Are you craving a positive commendation from God? Is your desire to please your Father in heaven? A great place to start is with this call to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to Him.
"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love..." John 15:10
They delight in the law of the LORD. They love God's law! They love to hear it, to be taught it, to be rebuked and informed and encouraged by it.
They meditate in the law of the LORD. They think about His law, discuss His law, recite His law.
They are strong in the LORD. The righteous are compared to a tree planted by water, able to enjoy a constancy of resources that move them into a stage of bearing fruit.
They are prosperous in the LORD. Let's not limit God to being a sovreign slot machine. While financial security is certainly within His parameters, the righteous are also the beneficiaries of "good success" because they walk in obedience to His mandate and call on their life (see Joshua 1:1-9).
Are you craving a positive commendation from God? Is your desire to please your Father in heaven? A great place to start is with this call to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to Him.
"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love..." John 15:10
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Manner of Living
Psalm 1 presents a look at the manner in which the righteous and unrighteous conduct themselves in their day-to-day living. Let's take a quick "walk-through" of some of the images of the lost, derived from Psalm 1:1.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then walk in the counsel of the ungodly. "Walking in" suggests that we are carrying out the suggestion and mandate of another individual. This reminds me of the classic question, "If so-and-so tells you to go jump off a bridge, would you do it?" There is that undercurrent of danger in being a blind follower, ignorant to the consequences of heeding the word of someone whose agenda is contrary to the heart and plan of God.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then keep company with sinners and adapt their lifestyle. Who are we hanging out with? Who do we spend our precious time with? Where are we sowing our money and energy and talent? How do we live as salt and light without compromise? It's the challenge of being in the world, but not of it; loving and seeking and saving the lost while maintaining your faith, your integrity, your character.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then join in with those who mock the plan and purpose of God. This is a tricky thing to discuss, but let me be straight up with you. There are people who call themselves Christians, who are regular church attenders, some even church members holding positions of leadership, that are quick to mock the plan and purpose of God. To use a metaphor, these are they who, when the pastor has called for a church-wide fast, eat incessantly. Their words and actions indicate that they are not interested in God's program, and in fact will publicly oppose it. What a dangerous way to live.
We will continue tomorrow with a look at the way of the righteous.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then walk in the counsel of the ungodly. "Walking in" suggests that we are carrying out the suggestion and mandate of another individual. This reminds me of the classic question, "If so-and-so tells you to go jump off a bridge, would you do it?" There is that undercurrent of danger in being a blind follower, ignorant to the consequences of heeding the word of someone whose agenda is contrary to the heart and plan of God.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then keep company with sinners and adapt their lifestyle. Who are we hanging out with? Who do we spend our precious time with? Where are we sowing our money and energy and talent? How do we live as salt and light without compromise? It's the challenge of being in the world, but not of it; loving and seeking and saving the lost while maintaining your faith, your integrity, your character.
If you want to forfeit your blessed state, then join in with those who mock the plan and purpose of God. This is a tricky thing to discuss, but let me be straight up with you. There are people who call themselves Christians, who are regular church attenders, some even church members holding positions of leadership, that are quick to mock the plan and purpose of God. To use a metaphor, these are they who, when the pastor has called for a church-wide fast, eat incessantly. Their words and actions indicate that they are not interested in God's program, and in fact will publicly oppose it. What a dangerous way to live.
We will continue tomorrow with a look at the way of the righteous.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Processing Plants
The Separation of Wheat from Chaff, "Old-School" style:
Threshing. Threshing loosens the edible grain (wheat) from the inedible outer hull (chaff). The grain is spread out on the ground on a hard surface (for example, a road, or a specially made location such as a threshing floor). A donkey, or an ox, or a person, walks on the grain to loosen the chaff. Or, the grain can be flailed by hand (a flail is basically two sticks attached with a small chain, and the wheat is beaten to loosen up the chaff).
Winnowing. After threshing, the wheat and chaff are thrown into the air. The wheat, which is heavy, falls back down to the ground. The chaff, which is lightweight, is blown away by the wind. A farmer could use a winnowing fork for this process (a large pitchfork), or could similarly use a winnowing fan (a basket to shake the wheat and chaff: the heavier wheat would sink to the bottom of the basket while the lightweight chaff would comprise the top layer, which again would be blown away by the wind).
Of course in our modern times we have machines that have altered some aspects of this process, but let's keep in mind that we are looking at this from the perspective of "old school".
My friends, I have to point out that the threshing and winnowing processes affect both the wheat and the chaff. Both the wheat and the chaff are flailed, or crushed underfoot, in order to separate the two. Both the wheat and the chaff are tossed into the air, or shaken in a basket, to separate the two. What remains? The substance with substance- that is, the wheat.
You know where I'm going with this. Are you remembering the analogy? The one who hears and obeys Jesus is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock... and his house was subjected to rains, floods, and buffeting. The wise man was not exempt from the shaking. But, at the end of the day his house stood. The foolish man built his house on the sand: his house fell, unable to withstand the pressure of the winds and rains (Matthew 7:24-27).
Some of you are going through this shaking right now. If you are in Christ, you'll get through it, you will be all right. But if you have ignored the wooing of the Spirit of God, if you are choosing not to hear and do the sayings of Jesus (7:26), you won't survive. Jesus is calling... how will you respond?
Threshing. Threshing loosens the edible grain (wheat) from the inedible outer hull (chaff). The grain is spread out on the ground on a hard surface (for example, a road, or a specially made location such as a threshing floor). A donkey, or an ox, or a person, walks on the grain to loosen the chaff. Or, the grain can be flailed by hand (a flail is basically two sticks attached with a small chain, and the wheat is beaten to loosen up the chaff).
Winnowing. After threshing, the wheat and chaff are thrown into the air. The wheat, which is heavy, falls back down to the ground. The chaff, which is lightweight, is blown away by the wind. A farmer could use a winnowing fork for this process (a large pitchfork), or could similarly use a winnowing fan (a basket to shake the wheat and chaff: the heavier wheat would sink to the bottom of the basket while the lightweight chaff would comprise the top layer, which again would be blown away by the wind).
Of course in our modern times we have machines that have altered some aspects of this process, but let's keep in mind that we are looking at this from the perspective of "old school".
My friends, I have to point out that the threshing and winnowing processes affect both the wheat and the chaff. Both the wheat and the chaff are flailed, or crushed underfoot, in order to separate the two. Both the wheat and the chaff are tossed into the air, or shaken in a basket, to separate the two. What remains? The substance with substance- that is, the wheat.
You know where I'm going with this. Are you remembering the analogy? The one who hears and obeys Jesus is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock... and his house was subjected to rains, floods, and buffeting. The wise man was not exempt from the shaking. But, at the end of the day his house stood. The foolish man built his house on the sand: his house fell, unable to withstand the pressure of the winds and rains (Matthew 7:24-27).
Some of you are going through this shaking right now. If you are in Christ, you'll get through it, you will be all right. But if you have ignored the wooing of the Spirit of God, if you are choosing not to hear and do the sayings of Jesus (7:26), you won't survive. Jesus is calling... how will you respond?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
"Chaff Stands No Chance"
(Today's title is adapted from a quote from the sermon: "When fire passes through, chaff stands no chance.")
Some of you will have noticed that there was an atmosphere of conviction that settled in during Sunday's sermon. This phenomenon also occured three Sundays ago: please see the blog entry "What's Yours Is His." for more detail. Apparently some people really don't like being faced with the reality of their state of sinfulness and their need for Christ, particularly those who are fixtures in the community of faith and believe that their mere presence is sufficient to save themselves.
So, the wicked are like chaff. Anyone who has memorized Psalm 1 knows of the metaphor "like the chaff which the wind drives away" (1:4). But what is chaff? Pastor Benji gave a great analogy which we all can understand: chaff is trash. Chaff is a waste product. Chaff cannot be eaten, chaff cannot be planted, chaff cannot be thrown to the birds- they don't want it. Chaff's destiny is to be discarded.
There are no positive attributes.
I don't enjoy being harsh, but that seems to be the zone we're in. It's a call for no more compromising, no more duplicity in the kingdom of God. No more pretending that we are fine when our lives indicate no love and no obedience to our Lord and Master.
What does God want? Sunday's sermon gave some guidance:
Value, not worthlessness;
Usefulness, not uselessness;
Adoration, not antagonism;
Insiders, not outsiders (see Revelation 22:14-15).
Tomorrow we will have a crash course in how to separate wheat from chaff.
Some of you will have noticed that there was an atmosphere of conviction that settled in during Sunday's sermon. This phenomenon also occured three Sundays ago: please see the blog entry "What's Yours Is His." for more detail. Apparently some people really don't like being faced with the reality of their state of sinfulness and their need for Christ, particularly those who are fixtures in the community of faith and believe that their mere presence is sufficient to save themselves.
So, the wicked are like chaff. Anyone who has memorized Psalm 1 knows of the metaphor "like the chaff which the wind drives away" (1:4). But what is chaff? Pastor Benji gave a great analogy which we all can understand: chaff is trash. Chaff is a waste product. Chaff cannot be eaten, chaff cannot be planted, chaff cannot be thrown to the birds- they don't want it. Chaff's destiny is to be discarded.
There are no positive attributes.
I don't enjoy being harsh, but that seems to be the zone we're in. It's a call for no more compromising, no more duplicity in the kingdom of God. No more pretending that we are fine when our lives indicate no love and no obedience to our Lord and Master.
What does God want? Sunday's sermon gave some guidance:
Value, not worthlessness;
Usefulness, not uselessness;
Adoration, not antagonism;
Insiders, not outsiders (see Revelation 22:14-15).
Tomorrow we will have a crash course in how to separate wheat from chaff.
Monday, September 22, 2008
T Minus Time
On Sunday Pastor Benji shared with us the first installment of his sermon "The Time Is Now: Time for You To Be Changed". It is a most apropos title, as the ministers of Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene have spent this summer urging congregants to be sure of their decision for Christ and their right standing in Christ. Autumn is beginning, and BBCN continues this plea for all of you to obediently submit to the rule and sovreignty of Jesus Christ.
One of the images in the sermon referred to the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). This parable reminds us that God divides people into two categories: those who are "sons of the kingdom", and those who are "sons of the evil one" (13:38). Jesus says He will send angels to weed out "everything that causes sin and all who do evil" (13:41).
For those of you who have never pulled weeds, I'd like to share a quote from Pastor Benji's sermon that is crucial to understanding the gravity of this weeding process: "Weeding is not a gentle activity." The strength and swiftness of the weeding process is our example and warning of the speed with which Jesus will execute righteousness on behalf of those who love and obey Him. It is a violent and sure and permanent removal of those who seek to hinder the plan of God.
The Matthew 13 passage informs us that it is not pastors or prophets who remove evildoers, but that Jesus will send His angels to uproot and throw out those who have planted themselves among the people of God but are in fact "weeds"- agents of Satan who seek to engage in the things which are contrary to righteousness. What is contrary to righteousness? Jesus gives us a list in Revelation 22:15. "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolators and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
Pastor Benji's warning towards the close of the sermon is reminiscent of Psalm 1: "Don't be a part of anything that goes contrary to righteousness." Some of you have been enjoying short-term profits from industries and ideologies that stand in opposition to the desire of Christ. We are asking you, in the interest of saving your soul, to abandon those things that in the end will result in your destruction.
The title of today's blog refers to the traditional countdown before a rocket or space shuttle is launched. But, I cannot give you an exact countdown time. I do not know the day when Christ will send His angel to purge unrighteousness from Bronx Bethany, and according to Scripture our task is not to determine dates, but to be ready at all times for the return of Christ (Matthew 24:36-44). But we do have this statement from Jesus: "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots" (Matthew 15:13).
I encourage all of us to read and meditate on Psalm 1 during this week. Tomorrow we will take a closer look at "chaff" as a metaphor for ungodliness (Psalm 1:4).
One of the images in the sermon referred to the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). This parable reminds us that God divides people into two categories: those who are "sons of the kingdom", and those who are "sons of the evil one" (13:38). Jesus says He will send angels to weed out "everything that causes sin and all who do evil" (13:41).
For those of you who have never pulled weeds, I'd like to share a quote from Pastor Benji's sermon that is crucial to understanding the gravity of this weeding process: "Weeding is not a gentle activity." The strength and swiftness of the weeding process is our example and warning of the speed with which Jesus will execute righteousness on behalf of those who love and obey Him. It is a violent and sure and permanent removal of those who seek to hinder the plan of God.
The Matthew 13 passage informs us that it is not pastors or prophets who remove evildoers, but that Jesus will send His angels to uproot and throw out those who have planted themselves among the people of God but are in fact "weeds"- agents of Satan who seek to engage in the things which are contrary to righteousness. What is contrary to righteousness? Jesus gives us a list in Revelation 22:15. "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolators and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
Pastor Benji's warning towards the close of the sermon is reminiscent of Psalm 1: "Don't be a part of anything that goes contrary to righteousness." Some of you have been enjoying short-term profits from industries and ideologies that stand in opposition to the desire of Christ. We are asking you, in the interest of saving your soul, to abandon those things that in the end will result in your destruction.
The title of today's blog refers to the traditional countdown before a rocket or space shuttle is launched. But, I cannot give you an exact countdown time. I do not know the day when Christ will send His angel to purge unrighteousness from Bronx Bethany, and according to Scripture our task is not to determine dates, but to be ready at all times for the return of Christ (Matthew 24:36-44). But we do have this statement from Jesus: "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots" (Matthew 15:13).
I encourage all of us to read and meditate on Psalm 1 during this week. Tomorrow we will take a closer look at "chaff" as a metaphor for ungodliness (Psalm 1:4).
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Day to Pray II
Today is a day to do less reading and more praying.
Our "Summer of Souls" has been a battle cry. As we are told in Ephesians 5:14, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." As we stand in the light of God, He exposes our associations with the deeds of darkness so that we can renounce them. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a wondrous thing to go through the process of deliverance.
I think a good prayer for today would be that we all confess to God our willingness to be exposed to His light, so that He can do the work of deliverance that we need in order to become children of light. It is not something to fear, but something to embrace. As the old hymn says, "the flames shall not hurt you- I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
Our "Summer of Souls" has been a battle cry. As we are told in Ephesians 5:14, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." As we stand in the light of God, He exposes our associations with the deeds of darkness so that we can renounce them. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a wondrous thing to go through the process of deliverance.
I think a good prayer for today would be that we all confess to God our willingness to be exposed to His light, so that He can do the work of deliverance that we need in order to become children of light. It is not something to fear, but something to embrace. As the old hymn says, "the flames shall not hurt you- I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
Friday, September 19, 2008
A Grand Entrance
Last Sunday's sermon brought to light some assumptions that people make regarding how one enters the kingdom of God:
Physical death- There are some who believe, falsely, that people go to heaven as a sort of "default" location for those who lived life without making a decision for Christ.
Mental assent- Mere belief in the existence of God is not sufficient for gaining entrance into the kingdom of God. As we mentioned in a blog earlier this week, even demons believe in the existence of God while remaining committed to deeds of darkness.
John 6:53 reveals to us that Jesus is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. Our confession and renunciation of sin, and our acceptance of and belief in Jesus as the sacrifice made on our behalf, bring us into a position where we can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Have you entered into the kingdom? One of the challenges we face is that there are often many people filling the church pews, but they have only entered the building in which we worship; they have never entered into the kingdom of God and as such are lost in darkness. As was said at the start of Sunday's sermon, we are concerned and pray for these who are self-deceived, whose "membership" in the kingdom is a masquerade.
In this group of pretenders we have sub-groups. Some are intentionally indifferent to the wooing of the Spirit of God. Others are intentionally fighting against the mandate of God to come to Him. What perplexes me is that while they are saying no to God, they are securely ensconced in the company of God's people- as if they can enter the kingdom of heaven by association. Some pretenders sit in the pew. Some pretenders are choir members. Some pretenders are teachers.
When the judgement of God falls in a congregation, there is no position left exempt from examination. The Old Testament records the attire of Aaron as high priest, and we note in Exodus 28 that the hem of his robe was surrounded by bells and pomegranates so that he could be heard walking and his colleagues would be assured that God had not struck him down during his ministration. And in an earlier blog we have already discussed the Acts 5 account of Ananias and Sapphira, a prominent church couple who lied to God and suffered the consequence of God taking His breath from them.
For those of you who might be reading who hold positions of authority in church, and you know you have not submitted yourself to God, this is a great opportunity to repent before His judgement crushes you. As was said so powerfully in the sermon "Giving to God: Lose the Attitude", lip service is not a substitute for obedience to God. (For those of you who did not hear that sermon and want to read the source text, it is based in Psalm 50.) Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can ignore God and do what you please. More importantly, if you love Him, why do anything that you know would grieve His heart?
Let's make sure that we are in the right position to make a "grand entrance" into the kingdom of God!
"And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name." Revelation 15:2
Physical death- There are some who believe, falsely, that people go to heaven as a sort of "default" location for those who lived life without making a decision for Christ.
Mental assent- Mere belief in the existence of God is not sufficient for gaining entrance into the kingdom of God. As we mentioned in a blog earlier this week, even demons believe in the existence of God while remaining committed to deeds of darkness.
John 6:53 reveals to us that Jesus is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. Our confession and renunciation of sin, and our acceptance of and belief in Jesus as the sacrifice made on our behalf, bring us into a position where we can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Have you entered into the kingdom? One of the challenges we face is that there are often many people filling the church pews, but they have only entered the building in which we worship; they have never entered into the kingdom of God and as such are lost in darkness. As was said at the start of Sunday's sermon, we are concerned and pray for these who are self-deceived, whose "membership" in the kingdom is a masquerade.
In this group of pretenders we have sub-groups. Some are intentionally indifferent to the wooing of the Spirit of God. Others are intentionally fighting against the mandate of God to come to Him. What perplexes me is that while they are saying no to God, they are securely ensconced in the company of God's people- as if they can enter the kingdom of heaven by association. Some pretenders sit in the pew. Some pretenders are choir members. Some pretenders are teachers.
When the judgement of God falls in a congregation, there is no position left exempt from examination. The Old Testament records the attire of Aaron as high priest, and we note in Exodus 28 that the hem of his robe was surrounded by bells and pomegranates so that he could be heard walking and his colleagues would be assured that God had not struck him down during his ministration. And in an earlier blog we have already discussed the Acts 5 account of Ananias and Sapphira, a prominent church couple who lied to God and suffered the consequence of God taking His breath from them.
For those of you who might be reading who hold positions of authority in church, and you know you have not submitted yourself to God, this is a great opportunity to repent before His judgement crushes you. As was said so powerfully in the sermon "Giving to God: Lose the Attitude", lip service is not a substitute for obedience to God. (For those of you who did not hear that sermon and want to read the source text, it is based in Psalm 50.) Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can ignore God and do what you please. More importantly, if you love Him, why do anything that you know would grieve His heart?
Let's make sure that we are in the right position to make a "grand entrance" into the kingdom of God!
"And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name." Revelation 15:2
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ignore The Gallery.
As a child growing up, I would sometimes hear one of my siblings say "No comments from the peanut gallery!" My sibling meant if my counsel was not asked for, then counsel should not be given. The use of the term 'gallery' also suggested a scene where people were sitting way up in a balcony with no clue of what was really happening on the stage.
Last Sunday's sermon included questions regarding this contrast between people in the gallery versus people on the stage:
"What are people saying about Jesus?"
"What are you saying about Jesus?"
In Matthew 16 Jesus asked about the comments from the gallery of His day: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (16:13). And, His disciples were able to answer without hesitation. In other words, they knew what the gallery was saying. The opinions and ideas of people were common knowledge to them, and it was no big deal for the disciples to repeat what they heard on the street.
Then Jesus asks a different question: "But what about you?" (16:15). And most of us know Simon Peter's famous answer, given to him by the revelation of God the Father: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (16:16).
I'd like to ask you a question, the same one Jesus asked: But what about you? Are you listening to the comments from the people on the street, or are you listening to the voice of your Father in heaven? Do you spend your energy in the gallery, or are you engaged with the Daystar, the Center of our attention, the One who makes things happen on the stage of life?
God is in the business of revealing truth to those who seek Him. As Pastor Sam said in his sermon at the National Black Nazarene Conference this past July, what we need to do is to spend some time seeking the presence of the living God. As God fills us with His Spirit and His reality, we are transformed into effective agents in the kingdom of light. The revelation born from that intimacy will take us much farther than any hypotheses generated from the gallery.
Lord, help us to seek Your presence.
Last Sunday's sermon included questions regarding this contrast between people in the gallery versus people on the stage:
"What are people saying about Jesus?"
"What are you saying about Jesus?"
In Matthew 16 Jesus asked about the comments from the gallery of His day: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (16:13). And, His disciples were able to answer without hesitation. In other words, they knew what the gallery was saying. The opinions and ideas of people were common knowledge to them, and it was no big deal for the disciples to repeat what they heard on the street.
Then Jesus asks a different question: "But what about you?" (16:15). And most of us know Simon Peter's famous answer, given to him by the revelation of God the Father: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (16:16).
I'd like to ask you a question, the same one Jesus asked: But what about you? Are you listening to the comments from the people on the street, or are you listening to the voice of your Father in heaven? Do you spend your energy in the gallery, or are you engaged with the Daystar, the Center of our attention, the One who makes things happen on the stage of life?
God is in the business of revealing truth to those who seek Him. As Pastor Sam said in his sermon at the National Black Nazarene Conference this past July, what we need to do is to spend some time seeking the presence of the living God. As God fills us with His Spirit and His reality, we are transformed into effective agents in the kingdom of light. The revelation born from that intimacy will take us much farther than any hypotheses generated from the gallery.
Lord, help us to seek Your presence.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Body Building
Last week I was trying to profile in the parking lot (big mistake!), and I mentioned to a couple of people that I was working out. While I was flexing my mediocre arm muscles Pastor Benji interjected, "Keep working!"
It's a good thing to care for ourselves and strive for healthy living. More important than caring for our physical bodies, though, is caring for ourselves and each other as members in the community that worships the Christ. Sunday's sermon used some metaphors in describing this community, and today we will take another look at those three terms.
The Body of Christ (First Corinthians 12). This passage encourages each believer to think of the entire community of faith as one unit made of many parts (12:1). Our spiritual gift or gift-mix has a particular function that serves to enhance the body as a whole. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts, and we are exhorted to use them within the context of the church community.
The Temple of God (Second Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1). Identification with Christ does carry with it the expectation that we will not engage in behaviors that cause us to be identified with the enemy. We are warned against idolatry. While this might cause us to think of a physical statue that is worshiped, idolatry often appears in the guise of people insisting on their own way as opposed to submitting to God's way. Avoid the trap of insisting on your own way and becoming a stumbling block to other believers.
The Family of God (Second Corinthians 6:18). God promises to make His dwelling place in us and to walk among us, but He also warns us that He will not receive those who touch the 'unclean thing' (6:17). Leviticus chapters 26 and 27 give clear indication of the punishment that befalls those who embrace disobedience and crave those things that are contrary to the heart of God. According to the scripture, our membership in the family of God is evidenced by our embracing holiness (7:1).
My prayer for you is that, if you claim to be a Christian but are still preferring your own agenda to God's, that you would repent and abandon yourself to the Spirit of God. No sinful relationship or ideology is worth losing the favor and commendation of God. In fact, your duplicity identifies you not as a child of the kingdom of light, but as an agent of the devil.
There are only two sides, and you cannot straddle the two. Whose side are you on?
It's a good thing to care for ourselves and strive for healthy living. More important than caring for our physical bodies, though, is caring for ourselves and each other as members in the community that worships the Christ. Sunday's sermon used some metaphors in describing this community, and today we will take another look at those three terms.
The Body of Christ (First Corinthians 12). This passage encourages each believer to think of the entire community of faith as one unit made of many parts (12:1). Our spiritual gift or gift-mix has a particular function that serves to enhance the body as a whole. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts, and we are exhorted to use them within the context of the church community.
The Temple of God (Second Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1). Identification with Christ does carry with it the expectation that we will not engage in behaviors that cause us to be identified with the enemy. We are warned against idolatry. While this might cause us to think of a physical statue that is worshiped, idolatry often appears in the guise of people insisting on their own way as opposed to submitting to God's way. Avoid the trap of insisting on your own way and becoming a stumbling block to other believers.
The Family of God (Second Corinthians 6:18). God promises to make His dwelling place in us and to walk among us, but He also warns us that He will not receive those who touch the 'unclean thing' (6:17). Leviticus chapters 26 and 27 give clear indication of the punishment that befalls those who embrace disobedience and crave those things that are contrary to the heart of God. According to the scripture, our membership in the family of God is evidenced by our embracing holiness (7:1).
My prayer for you is that, if you claim to be a Christian but are still preferring your own agenda to God's, that you would repent and abandon yourself to the Spirit of God. No sinful relationship or ideology is worth losing the favor and commendation of God. In fact, your duplicity identifies you not as a child of the kingdom of light, but as an agent of the devil.
There are only two sides, and you cannot straddle the two. Whose side are you on?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Excellence in Exposition
Some years ago in an article written by the great expository preacher Stephen Olford, he said that the challenge of preaching is not what to say, but what to leave out. There is so much in the word of God, and I believe that somewhere in the world there is still a church that enjoys three- and four-hour sermons. It reminds me of Paul's preaching in Troas, where Paul preached all night long and into the next morning (taking a break to resurrect Eutychus and to share a communion meal).
Expository preaching is often enhanced by the use of alliteration. This past Sunday's sermon incorporated a number of alliterations, as well as metaphors: to help us understand what was revealed in the scriptures, and to remind us that we are given opportunity to repent and live for God- particularly in light of the fact that each one of us will give an account before Him.
Pastor Sam asked some questions at the end of the sermon. There is much to consider, so I'll only mention the alliterative questions for today and we'll use tomorrow's blog to pick up on some of the metaphoric questions.
Are you really in Christ? "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (Second Corinthians 5:17). Being in Christ means that we no longer live for ourselves (5:15) and we no longer regard people from a wordly point of view (5:16).
Are you a representative of Christ? If I am representing someone, I am speaking on their behalf and of necessity will not promote my own agenda. Second Corinthians 6 encourages us not to be a stumbling block and not to discredit the ministry (6:3).
Are you a reflection of Christ? "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all" (First John 1:5). If we are reflecting Christ, then we cannot simultaneously be "mixed up" in things that are common to the dominion of darkness (Second Corinthians 6:14-17).
I hope that this is not merely an intellectual pleasantry for you, but that each of you will really pause to consider your standing in Christ. Time is short.
Expository preaching is often enhanced by the use of alliteration. This past Sunday's sermon incorporated a number of alliterations, as well as metaphors: to help us understand what was revealed in the scriptures, and to remind us that we are given opportunity to repent and live for God- particularly in light of the fact that each one of us will give an account before Him.
Pastor Sam asked some questions at the end of the sermon. There is much to consider, so I'll only mention the alliterative questions for today and we'll use tomorrow's blog to pick up on some of the metaphoric questions.
Are you really in Christ? "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (Second Corinthians 5:17). Being in Christ means that we no longer live for ourselves (5:15) and we no longer regard people from a wordly point of view (5:16).
Are you a representative of Christ? If I am representing someone, I am speaking on their behalf and of necessity will not promote my own agenda. Second Corinthians 6 encourages us not to be a stumbling block and not to discredit the ministry (6:3).
Are you a reflection of Christ? "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all" (First John 1:5). If we are reflecting Christ, then we cannot simultaneously be "mixed up" in things that are common to the dominion of darkness (Second Corinthians 6:14-17).
I hope that this is not merely an intellectual pleasantry for you, but that each of you will really pause to consider your standing in Christ. Time is short.
Monday, September 15, 2008
I Know Who You Are... The Matter of Belief
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder. James 2:19
There are scriptures in the Old and New Testaments that record encounters between ambassadors of the kingdom of light and ambassadors of the dominion of darkness. It is interesting to note that each acknowledges the presence and activity of the other. The devil and his demons know who Jesus is. And the agents of God are able to recognize demonic activity and destroy the darkness through the power of Jesus Christ. Pastor Sam noted that in the spirit realm, there exists an entire community of evil spirits that believe in God. They know who Jesus is. They even know the scriptures. But their agenda is still to favor and promote the dominion of darkness.
This same dichotomy is, unfortunately, present and active in the community of faith here on earth. We in this community are comprised of two groups: those who know Jesus and submit to Him, and those who know about Jesus but have not given their lives to Him. They are active members in the church community but their lifestyles indicate that they have adopted the agenda of the dominion of darkness. And there are some in the community, the agents of the kingdom of light, who have recognized the presence of agents of evil among the flock.
Well, what do we do? The Lord gave me a wonderful insight. I had gotten a text message from a friend of mine who responded to a comment I had made regarding a "tough crowd", and I spent half an hour reflecting on his one-sentence reply. Then it dawned on me: LOVE. Vengeance and justice are in the the hands of God. I think that my job is to pray, to warn, and to demonstrate the love of Jesus to my fellow believers who know about Jesus but who are captive in the dominion of darkness.
Paul says, and I paraphrase here, "My brothers, I am begging you to present your bodies as living sacrifices. Jesus is not dragging you to the altar. He is so merciful to have not destroyed you, He is giving you another chance. Please offer yourself to God- your body and your mind, because when you have the mind of God you will know what He wants and how you can please Him." (Romans 12:1-2)
This week we'll be reflecting on several different passages that serve to encourage us in this process of rejecting the influence and temptations of the dominion of darkness, and instead embracing the kingdom of light. I'll leave you to reflect on James 2:19 for today.
There are scriptures in the Old and New Testaments that record encounters between ambassadors of the kingdom of light and ambassadors of the dominion of darkness. It is interesting to note that each acknowledges the presence and activity of the other. The devil and his demons know who Jesus is. And the agents of God are able to recognize demonic activity and destroy the darkness through the power of Jesus Christ. Pastor Sam noted that in the spirit realm, there exists an entire community of evil spirits that believe in God. They know who Jesus is. They even know the scriptures. But their agenda is still to favor and promote the dominion of darkness.
This same dichotomy is, unfortunately, present and active in the community of faith here on earth. We in this community are comprised of two groups: those who know Jesus and submit to Him, and those who know about Jesus but have not given their lives to Him. They are active members in the church community but their lifestyles indicate that they have adopted the agenda of the dominion of darkness. And there are some in the community, the agents of the kingdom of light, who have recognized the presence of agents of evil among the flock.
Well, what do we do? The Lord gave me a wonderful insight. I had gotten a text message from a friend of mine who responded to a comment I had made regarding a "tough crowd", and I spent half an hour reflecting on his one-sentence reply. Then it dawned on me: LOVE. Vengeance and justice are in the the hands of God. I think that my job is to pray, to warn, and to demonstrate the love of Jesus to my fellow believers who know about Jesus but who are captive in the dominion of darkness.
Paul says, and I paraphrase here, "My brothers, I am begging you to present your bodies as living sacrifices. Jesus is not dragging you to the altar. He is so merciful to have not destroyed you, He is giving you another chance. Please offer yourself to God- your body and your mind, because when you have the mind of God you will know what He wants and how you can please Him." (Romans 12:1-2)
This week we'll be reflecting on several different passages that serve to encourage us in this process of rejecting the influence and temptations of the dominion of darkness, and instead embracing the kingdom of light. I'll leave you to reflect on James 2:19 for today.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Counterculture Church, Part Four
This final look at the Acts 2 passage reflects on prayer as a characteristic of the counterculture church (Acts 2:42).
In referencing Luke 18:1-8, Pastor Sam said the following: "The church that is praying is a dangerous church." In referencing a Care Group experience, an anonymous ex-care group member said the following: "I stopped attending because all they did was eat and talk. They never got around to praying."
Jesus has made it clear that the petition made in faith gets His attention. And, appropriately, we are quick to concur. We quote little scripture-ettes like "nothing is impossible with God", "you have not because you ask not", et cetera. But what do we do when we are faced, daily, with the opposite of what we have petitioned God for? Do we continue to believe while we are being buffeted by the distractions of the devil?
Wow, this is a great place to engage in some disclosure. I had a particular thing that I was struggling with: I believed God was preparing me to work in a certain office, and the enemy kept battering me with doubts: You made a mistake, that wasn't God. Let it go. You'll never work there. They are not going to hire you. You can't handle it. You'll end up doing something stupid. For several weeks, every day of the week, he sent these distressing thoughts.
One day, I got tired of the diatribe and decided to respond out loud: Yes, you're right. I'm weak and incapable. There is no way I can succeed on my own. I do not have what it takes. That is why God has chosen me, because He knows I will be completely reliant on Him. He will do the work in me and through me, and only He will get the glory. Since that day, the enemy has stopped attacking my mind regarding that issue. Of course there are other struggles. But I am learning to agree with God and dismiss the enemy.
So, in the face of human and demonic opposition we continue to pray and believe according to the word of God. The church knows no impossibilities because our God specializes in doing what is impossible. How amazing that God permits us to participate in this process of making the impossible occur through the power of prayer, and specifically through the process of praying in faith.
One more disclosure: on my wall at home, and in my bible, are a few pictures. One is of a doctoral robe, one is of a clergy robe, and one is of a pectoral cross. It helps me to have the pictures in my face every day, to remind me of what God has said and to bolster my faith. I pray that we all can remain confident in the assurance and veracity of God, regardless of what the enemy sends in attempts to discourage us.
God bless you, and thanks so much for visiting. I won't be posting on Sunday morning, so the next blog will appear on Monday.
In referencing Luke 18:1-8, Pastor Sam said the following: "The church that is praying is a dangerous church." In referencing a Care Group experience, an anonymous ex-care group member said the following: "I stopped attending because all they did was eat and talk. They never got around to praying."
Jesus has made it clear that the petition made in faith gets His attention. And, appropriately, we are quick to concur. We quote little scripture-ettes like "nothing is impossible with God", "you have not because you ask not", et cetera. But what do we do when we are faced, daily, with the opposite of what we have petitioned God for? Do we continue to believe while we are being buffeted by the distractions of the devil?
Wow, this is a great place to engage in some disclosure. I had a particular thing that I was struggling with: I believed God was preparing me to work in a certain office, and the enemy kept battering me with doubts: You made a mistake, that wasn't God. Let it go. You'll never work there. They are not going to hire you. You can't handle it. You'll end up doing something stupid. For several weeks, every day of the week, he sent these distressing thoughts.
One day, I got tired of the diatribe and decided to respond out loud: Yes, you're right. I'm weak and incapable. There is no way I can succeed on my own. I do not have what it takes. That is why God has chosen me, because He knows I will be completely reliant on Him. He will do the work in me and through me, and only He will get the glory. Since that day, the enemy has stopped attacking my mind regarding that issue. Of course there are other struggles. But I am learning to agree with God and dismiss the enemy.
So, in the face of human and demonic opposition we continue to pray and believe according to the word of God. The church knows no impossibilities because our God specializes in doing what is impossible. How amazing that God permits us to participate in this process of making the impossible occur through the power of prayer, and specifically through the process of praying in faith.
One more disclosure: on my wall at home, and in my bible, are a few pictures. One is of a doctoral robe, one is of a clergy robe, and one is of a pectoral cross. It helps me to have the pictures in my face every day, to remind me of what God has said and to bolster my faith. I pray that we all can remain confident in the assurance and veracity of God, regardless of what the enemy sends in attempts to discourage us.
God bless you, and thanks so much for visiting. I won't be posting on Sunday morning, so the next blog will appear on Monday.
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Counterculture Church, Part Three
"...to the breaking of bread..." (Acts 2:46)
This breaking of bread referred to in Acts 2 was not merely the sharing of a meal, but was an intentional remembrance of the Lord's Supper which Jesus instituted at His last Passover meal prior to the prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
As the community shares communion, we are reminded of what Jesus has done for us. To quote Pastor Sam, "we look back, we look in, we look forward". We contemplate our corporate and individual need for the grace of God. We rejoice in knowing that He made the way for our sins to be forgiven, and we anticipate the return of the Christ: as was often said during our Revelation series, we recognize that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
Communion comes with a warning label. Paul exhorts us: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." (First Corinthians 11:28-30)
Let's break this down. Paul is saying that there is a direct, positive correlation between a wrong approach to God and a person's physical ailments. Paul is saying that if you take communion in "an unworthy manner" (First Corinthians 11:27) it is sin.
I have a friend who was a minister of music in a particular church, and prior to my visiting his church he informed me that I would not be served communion because his pastor conducted "closed communion": that is, although I was a Christian, the pastor did not know me and therefore would not serve me because he could not know where I stood with Christ. The pastor was not willing to take the risk of people eating and drinking in an unworthy manner, so his solution was to only serve the people he knew were in right relationship with Christ. That's pretty easy to do when your church only has three hundred people. But what about the pastors who are responsible before God for thousands of people? I believe that is why the First Corinthian passage exhorts the believers and places the responsibilty for examination on the believer, not the pastor or the apostle.
Paul had a few controversies with the first-century church, and perhaps these same controversies plague us, concerning our corporate approach to the table of the Lord:
Selfishness- "you go ahead without waiting for anybody else" (11:21)
Inequity- "one remains hungry, another gets drunk" (11:21)
Disdain- "you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing" (11:22)
In today's church it's not likely that a person would get drunk during communion, because the elements served are quite small. But does it make a difference whether our observance of communion is a tiny wafer and a teaspoon of juice, or whether it is a re-enactment of a Seder (passover meal) complete with four glasses of wine? Our actions are merely a snapshot of the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The spirits of selfishness, inequity, and disdain are not bound solely in the process of eating and drinking. They infiltrate every area of life. Our crisis is that we dare to take communion with these spirits resident in our hearts, and we open ourselves to the just judgement of God who will not tolerate duplicity in His children.
The King James version uses the term "discernment" (11:29), and that is a great word for us to reflect on in this matter of the breaking of bread. We must discern and understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and above all we must reverence the One we remember- in our thoughts, and in the way we live.
This breaking of bread referred to in Acts 2 was not merely the sharing of a meal, but was an intentional remembrance of the Lord's Supper which Jesus instituted at His last Passover meal prior to the prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
As the community shares communion, we are reminded of what Jesus has done for us. To quote Pastor Sam, "we look back, we look in, we look forward". We contemplate our corporate and individual need for the grace of God. We rejoice in knowing that He made the way for our sins to be forgiven, and we anticipate the return of the Christ: as was often said during our Revelation series, we recognize that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
Communion comes with a warning label. Paul exhorts us: "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." (First Corinthians 11:28-30)
Let's break this down. Paul is saying that there is a direct, positive correlation between a wrong approach to God and a person's physical ailments. Paul is saying that if you take communion in "an unworthy manner" (First Corinthians 11:27) it is sin.
I have a friend who was a minister of music in a particular church, and prior to my visiting his church he informed me that I would not be served communion because his pastor conducted "closed communion": that is, although I was a Christian, the pastor did not know me and therefore would not serve me because he could not know where I stood with Christ. The pastor was not willing to take the risk of people eating and drinking in an unworthy manner, so his solution was to only serve the people he knew were in right relationship with Christ. That's pretty easy to do when your church only has three hundred people. But what about the pastors who are responsible before God for thousands of people? I believe that is why the First Corinthian passage exhorts the believers and places the responsibilty for examination on the believer, not the pastor or the apostle.
Paul had a few controversies with the first-century church, and perhaps these same controversies plague us, concerning our corporate approach to the table of the Lord:
Selfishness- "you go ahead without waiting for anybody else" (11:21)
Inequity- "one remains hungry, another gets drunk" (11:21)
Disdain- "you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing" (11:22)
In today's church it's not likely that a person would get drunk during communion, because the elements served are quite small. But does it make a difference whether our observance of communion is a tiny wafer and a teaspoon of juice, or whether it is a re-enactment of a Seder (passover meal) complete with four glasses of wine? Our actions are merely a snapshot of the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The spirits of selfishness, inequity, and disdain are not bound solely in the process of eating and drinking. They infiltrate every area of life. Our crisis is that we dare to take communion with these spirits resident in our hearts, and we open ourselves to the just judgement of God who will not tolerate duplicity in His children.
The King James version uses the term "discernment" (11:29), and that is a great word for us to reflect on in this matter of the breaking of bread. We must discern and understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and above all we must reverence the One we remember- in our thoughts, and in the way we live.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Counterculture Church, Part Two
In continuation from yesterday's blog, today we will look at fellowship as the second characteristic of life in the church community (Acts 2).
"They devoted themselves... to the fellowship." What did fellowship involve? Giving and sharing. In the sermon we learned the principle and practice of fellowship: the principle of believing that people are more important than things, and the practice of exhibiting a spirit of generosity.
We often think of fellowship simply as gathering, but the believers in Acts 2 were very intentional in the purpose of their gathering. They made sure to learn the word of God which Jesus revealed to the apostles, and the believers also made sure that the community was cared for in a practical way.
This morning I thought that it might be cool to give out keychains that had a little logo saying "remember the food pantry" or something like that. I don't know if maybe it would help people to get into the mindset of looking out for the community. As has been said, we can't do everything but we can all do something. Maybe reading this blog can be our reminder for today, to go out and buy one non-perishable item for the food pantry.
We are blessed to see Bronx Bethany growing in diversity, and are expecting both the diversity and the attendance to increase. My prayer is that it will not merely be more bodies in the room, but that our congregation will exhibit this wonderful characteristic of the early church: authentic fellowship exhibited by generosity in giving and sharing.
"They devoted themselves... to the fellowship." What did fellowship involve? Giving and sharing. In the sermon we learned the principle and practice of fellowship: the principle of believing that people are more important than things, and the practice of exhibiting a spirit of generosity.
We often think of fellowship simply as gathering, but the believers in Acts 2 were very intentional in the purpose of their gathering. They made sure to learn the word of God which Jesus revealed to the apostles, and the believers also made sure that the community was cared for in a practical way.
This morning I thought that it might be cool to give out keychains that had a little logo saying "remember the food pantry" or something like that. I don't know if maybe it would help people to get into the mindset of looking out for the community. As has been said, we can't do everything but we can all do something. Maybe reading this blog can be our reminder for today, to go out and buy one non-perishable item for the food pantry.
We are blessed to see Bronx Bethany growing in diversity, and are expecting both the diversity and the attendance to increase. My prayer is that it will not merely be more bodies in the room, but that our congregation will exhibit this wonderful characteristic of the early church: authentic fellowship exhibited by generosity in giving and sharing.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Counterculture Church, Part One
In considering the role of the church in the work of salvation and deliverance, Sunday's sermon included a look at the description of the early church in Acts 2. Today we will reflect on one characteristic of the church community: scholarship.
Scholarship, frankly, is out of vogue in the postmodern church. Do you want a huge congregation in a short period of time? Scholarship won't fill the pews. Feed them with great music, funny skits, and fifteen-minute sermons about how to be a better spouse/how to be successful/how to live a life of ease and prosperity. Cram their schedules with networking seminars and weekend trips to build houses in poor neighborhoods. Don't say a word about suffering and the way of the cross. Don't delve into the deep things of God. And whatever you do, don't challenge them- don't use the words 'sin' or 'disobedience' or 'fear'. Do this and you will have many sheep, but few true scholars.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.” The apostles taught the church community to obey everything that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). Knowing what God has said, and doing what He has instructed: both are necessary components in the life of the scholar.
Pastor Sam noted that the concept of scholarship involves both principle and practice. Our love for God leads us to live lives that correspond to the things we say and believe about Him. It is not enough to know that the greatest among us is the one who serves. We have to take off our jacket, get the basin and towel, and get down on the floor. Some time ago Pastor Benji noted that we demonstrate our understanding of the love of Christ by imitating the One who washed the feet of Judas as well as the feet of Peter.
Are we ready to be identified as part of the church community by our scholarship?
Scholarship, frankly, is out of vogue in the postmodern church. Do you want a huge congregation in a short period of time? Scholarship won't fill the pews. Feed them with great music, funny skits, and fifteen-minute sermons about how to be a better spouse/how to be successful/how to live a life of ease and prosperity. Cram their schedules with networking seminars and weekend trips to build houses in poor neighborhoods. Don't say a word about suffering and the way of the cross. Don't delve into the deep things of God. And whatever you do, don't challenge them- don't use the words 'sin' or 'disobedience' or 'fear'. Do this and you will have many sheep, but few true scholars.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.” The apostles taught the church community to obey everything that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). Knowing what God has said, and doing what He has instructed: both are necessary components in the life of the scholar.
Pastor Sam noted that the concept of scholarship involves both principle and practice. Our love for God leads us to live lives that correspond to the things we say and believe about Him. It is not enough to know that the greatest among us is the one who serves. We have to take off our jacket, get the basin and towel, and get down on the floor. Some time ago Pastor Benji noted that we demonstrate our understanding of the love of Christ by imitating the One who washed the feet of Judas as well as the feet of Peter.
Are we ready to be identified as part of the church community by our scholarship?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Snatching Destruction From The Jaws of Salvation
Do you know what bothers me? Sometimes when Pastor Sam is preaching, and he is preaching about something serious, there are certain persons who will laugh out loud. They are not engaging in a 'Toronto blessing' laugh, and they are not suffering from any medical condition as far as I know- it doesn't happen during other components of the service. And they are not holding side conversations with their friend. They appear to be laughing as a direct response to what has been said. If someone out there has a plausible explanation for this phenomenon I'd love to hear it, because I really don't understand how a soul headed for hell can be a comical subject.
Today's title is adapted from a comment made during Sunday's sermon. In reflecting on Noah's neighbors ignoring his years of "carpentry evangelism" and Lot's hesitation and excuses in the face of angels imploring him to flee the impending destruction of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, Pastor Sam gave the following insight: when God makes a way of escape, there are some who snatch destruction out of the jaws of salvation. God always has a rescue plan, and in His gracious way He does not force it onto us. He calls us to embrace it. But the Scripture gives us numerous examples of men and women who cast aside the rescue option and choose to remain in an environment that is slated for destruction.
If you'll forgive me for not being spiritual, allow me to just appeal for a moment to your logical, rational mind. If you were living in Noah's time, and you and your children have spent the past ten years laughing at Noah's 'radical obedience' as he built this strange uber-container in a land that never knew rain, wouldn't you have picked up on the cue when you saw two of every living creature, one male and one female, walking down to the ark? Would you not have wondered when you saw the seven pairs of all clean animals and birds trekking to take their place in the ark? Ah, and we hear Jesus: if you don't believe based on what I say, at least believe based on the demonstrated signs and wonders. It's the last-chance demonstration of the spectacular power and provision of God before He breaks out in judgement.
Lot, and Lot's wife, still live in the hearts of those who see God at work and yet resist His call to flee from destruction. What does it mean when you have seen the angels of God strike a community with blindness (Genesis 19:1-14), and the angels of God say "Destruction is coming- you must hurry", and your response is "No, I will hesitate"? It means that you are snatching destruction from the jaws of salvation. It means you are sitting comfortably in the fourth row, laughing out loud while humble sons of God are making an appeal for you to run to Jesus while you still have a chance. Would you still laugh if I told you that you only have thirty days left? Unfortunately, history suggests that the answer is yes. So we appeal to the mercy of God and ask Him to take your hand and lead you out (Genesis 19:15-16).
Redemption, rescue, reconciliation, rejoicing. We pray that everyone will be caught and secured in the salvation of God. We pray especially for the four people that God has placed as special prayer requests at this time, as we prepare to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of our denomination. Celebrating the denomination is nice, but it is nothing compared to the celebration of souls coming to Christ. We are looking for, and expecting, a community that is safe in the ark.
Today's title is adapted from a comment made during Sunday's sermon. In reflecting on Noah's neighbors ignoring his years of "carpentry evangelism" and Lot's hesitation and excuses in the face of angels imploring him to flee the impending destruction of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, Pastor Sam gave the following insight: when God makes a way of escape, there are some who snatch destruction out of the jaws of salvation. God always has a rescue plan, and in His gracious way He does not force it onto us. He calls us to embrace it. But the Scripture gives us numerous examples of men and women who cast aside the rescue option and choose to remain in an environment that is slated for destruction.
If you'll forgive me for not being spiritual, allow me to just appeal for a moment to your logical, rational mind. If you were living in Noah's time, and you and your children have spent the past ten years laughing at Noah's 'radical obedience' as he built this strange uber-container in a land that never knew rain, wouldn't you have picked up on the cue when you saw two of every living creature, one male and one female, walking down to the ark? Would you not have wondered when you saw the seven pairs of all clean animals and birds trekking to take their place in the ark? Ah, and we hear Jesus: if you don't believe based on what I say, at least believe based on the demonstrated signs and wonders. It's the last-chance demonstration of the spectacular power and provision of God before He breaks out in judgement.
Lot, and Lot's wife, still live in the hearts of those who see God at work and yet resist His call to flee from destruction. What does it mean when you have seen the angels of God strike a community with blindness (Genesis 19:1-14), and the angels of God say "Destruction is coming- you must hurry", and your response is "No, I will hesitate"? It means that you are snatching destruction from the jaws of salvation. It means you are sitting comfortably in the fourth row, laughing out loud while humble sons of God are making an appeal for you to run to Jesus while you still have a chance. Would you still laugh if I told you that you only have thirty days left? Unfortunately, history suggests that the answer is yes. So we appeal to the mercy of God and ask Him to take your hand and lead you out (Genesis 19:15-16).
Redemption, rescue, reconciliation, rejoicing. We pray that everyone will be caught and secured in the salvation of God. We pray especially for the four people that God has placed as special prayer requests at this time, as we prepare to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of our denomination. Celebrating the denomination is nice, but it is nothing compared to the celebration of souls coming to Christ. We are looking for, and expecting, a community that is safe in the ark.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sorry, We're Closed... Revisiting Noah
A phrase that is common in some circles goes something like, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." It's what people tell me when they find out that I do not have a full-time job, or perhaps people have said that to you when news comes around that they interpret as negative- don't worry honey, God has something better for you... you'll get another chance... He'll open a window.
What seems to be missing from the phrase is the idea that, on occasion, it is our sin and disobedience that has precipitated the activity of God. God closes the door and as the risen Christ says in Revelation 3, what He shuts no man can open. In other words, there is no window option. Part of this Sunday's sermon referenced the classic account of man trampling on grace and running out of time: Noah's Ark (or, if you prefer, Noah and the Flood). The bottom line? Our God is infinite, but He sets limits: "My Spirit will not contend with man forever" (Genesis 6:3a).
Scripture is careful to inform us that it was God, not Noah, who shut the ark (Genesis 7:16). I imagine that if Noah were able to, he would have 'opened a window' to try and let in his neighbors, who might have had a change of heart once the rain fell and floods rose. (I say "might have had" because of the account of Lot's departure in Genesis 19, which clearly indicated that Lot's neighbors had no interest in redemption... so we cannot assume that the people of Noah's day were pounding on the ark's exterior begging to be let in.)
Why do we dare to be defiant in the face of God's mighty power? Maybe we don't really believe that the God of the Old Testament will show up in our postmodern paradigm. Or maybe we have decided that we love our sin more than we love Jesus. In any case, the warning has gone out, the same simple warning that has been issued for millenia: repent or perish. In the face of God's accuracy and efficacy, we would do well to heed His warning.
What seems to be missing from the phrase is the idea that, on occasion, it is our sin and disobedience that has precipitated the activity of God. God closes the door and as the risen Christ says in Revelation 3, what He shuts no man can open. In other words, there is no window option. Part of this Sunday's sermon referenced the classic account of man trampling on grace and running out of time: Noah's Ark (or, if you prefer, Noah and the Flood). The bottom line? Our God is infinite, but He sets limits: "My Spirit will not contend with man forever" (Genesis 6:3a).
Scripture is careful to inform us that it was God, not Noah, who shut the ark (Genesis 7:16). I imagine that if Noah were able to, he would have 'opened a window' to try and let in his neighbors, who might have had a change of heart once the rain fell and floods rose. (I say "might have had" because of the account of Lot's departure in Genesis 19, which clearly indicated that Lot's neighbors had no interest in redemption... so we cannot assume that the people of Noah's day were pounding on the ark's exterior begging to be let in.)
Why do we dare to be defiant in the face of God's mighty power? Maybe we don't really believe that the God of the Old Testament will show up in our postmodern paradigm. Or maybe we have decided that we love our sin more than we love Jesus. In any case, the warning has gone out, the same simple warning that has been issued for millenia: repent or perish. In the face of God's accuracy and efficacy, we would do well to heed His warning.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Day to Pray
Hello! Hope you all are having a restful Saturday. Today seems to be a good day to put the writing on pause in favor of prayer and supplication.
I'd like to encourage all of us to pray for the modern-day versions of our examples from Matthew 25: that is, those who are entrenched in church and church programming but are not on board with God's agenda. His judgement is coming and we pray that our fellow believers will not be caught unawares.
Blessings and peace to each of you. In respect of the LORD's day there will not be a Sunday morning posting, but I may do a posting on Sunday night. Take care.
I'd like to encourage all of us to pray for the modern-day versions of our examples from Matthew 25: that is, those who are entrenched in church and church programming but are not on board with God's agenda. His judgement is coming and we pray that our fellow believers will not be caught unawares.
Blessings and peace to each of you. In respect of the LORD's day there will not be a Sunday morning posting, but I may do a posting on Sunday night. Take care.
Friday, September 5, 2008
From My Journal
Here is the way Sunday's sermon from the second service was captured in my journal:
PSJC (Pastor Sam Jamaican Colloquialism): "oonoo"? = "you all" with urgency.
Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom is here to bring justice and peace and joy. These are things we experience now: God's future has invaded the present.
We become: peaceable; peaceful; peacemakers
What has Jesus done? He has spoken like no one else does; and He has demonstrated signs of the kingdom: feeding the 5000 (the King cares), walking on water (the King is competent), raising from the dead (the King is in control)
Matthew 25: Jesus shows who is and who is not of the kingdom of God
The parable of the virgins: dressed and in the right place but not ready; in the right associations and in the right activity but not ready
PSJC: "do something before something do you"
The parable of the talents: the indictment of ignoring the opportunities that God presents
The parable of the sheep and goats: how we live now determines where we end up then; the people who were commended did not even realize their works as commendable ("when did we...?")
As you can see these notes are not as good as other people's notes (Marilyn! Wayne! Pastor Joy!), but I hope it's enough to remind us of the flow of the sermon and cause us to further reflect on what we've heard and learned.
Thank you for reading, and God bless you.
PSJC (Pastor Sam Jamaican Colloquialism): "oonoo"? = "you all" with urgency.
Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom is here to bring justice and peace and joy. These are things we experience now: God's future has invaded the present.
We become: peaceable; peaceful; peacemakers
What has Jesus done? He has spoken like no one else does; and He has demonstrated signs of the kingdom: feeding the 5000 (the King cares), walking on water (the King is competent), raising from the dead (the King is in control)
Matthew 25: Jesus shows who is and who is not of the kingdom of God
The parable of the virgins: dressed and in the right place but not ready; in the right associations and in the right activity but not ready
PSJC: "do something before something do you"
The parable of the talents: the indictment of ignoring the opportunities that God presents
The parable of the sheep and goats: how we live now determines where we end up then; the people who were commended did not even realize their works as commendable ("when did we...?")
As you can see these notes are not as good as other people's notes (Marilyn! Wayne! Pastor Joy!), but I hope it's enough to remind us of the flow of the sermon and cause us to further reflect on what we've heard and learned.
Thank you for reading, and God bless you.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
What's Yours Is His.
Every now and then, a pastor preaches and during the preaching an atmosphere of conviction falls over the congregation. This phenomenon occurred in both services this past Sunday. Scripture records the optional responses for one who is "cut to the heart": either they repent, as in the case of those who heard Peter's sermon (Acts 2:37); or they revolt, as the religious leaders did in response to Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:54). I am mentioning this because today's blog reflects on money, and I have seen otherwise calm Christians get really upset when their financial stewardship is brought into question. So if that's you getting mad in the back row, just relax and embrace the conviction. God is trying to help us all get with His program of giving.
The parables of Matthew 25 are loaded with monetary references. The wise and foolish virgins had to spend money to be appropriately attired and to obtain the extra oil they needed while waiting for the Bridegroom. The parable of the sheep and the goats indicates that the commended individuals made financial sacrifices in offering food, drink, shelter, provision, and visitation to strangers in need.
The parable of the talents, however, is the one most overtly concerned with financial stewardship. For years I thought that "talent" referred to some sort of artistic or spiritual gifting/grace, and that "money" was a euphemism for the skills we have been given by God. I later found out that a talent was a weight, and that the substance being weighed (usually silver or gold) carried monetary value. The original readers and hearers of the Matthew 25 parable would have immediately understood the talent as a financial entity.
But we are trying to understand this in twenty-first century life. So, let's pretend that the master gave you a talent of gold, and that he gave it to you on Tuesday. If a talent weighs approximately seventy-five pounds, and the master gave you a talent of gold which on Tuesday carried a trade value of about $800 per ounce, then the monetary value of that talent would be about $960,000. Wow. What will you do with his money while he tarries? Does it make a difference to you whether you are stewarding $20 or $2 million?
We can recall the commendation that Jesus gave to the widow who gave all she had into the temple treasury. And some of us know the story of Hudson Taylor, who raised his tithe to 90% and left a legacy of excellent business strategy and extravagant giving to God. I have to ask again, and I have to include myself: what will we do with His money while He tarries? Lord, help us to handle your money in such a way that we are able to demonstrate financial excellence and deliver substantial returns to You- not just for your commendation, but because we love You.
The parables of Matthew 25 are loaded with monetary references. The wise and foolish virgins had to spend money to be appropriately attired and to obtain the extra oil they needed while waiting for the Bridegroom. The parable of the sheep and the goats indicates that the commended individuals made financial sacrifices in offering food, drink, shelter, provision, and visitation to strangers in need.
The parable of the talents, however, is the one most overtly concerned with financial stewardship. For years I thought that "talent" referred to some sort of artistic or spiritual gifting/grace, and that "money" was a euphemism for the skills we have been given by God. I later found out that a talent was a weight, and that the substance being weighed (usually silver or gold) carried monetary value. The original readers and hearers of the Matthew 25 parable would have immediately understood the talent as a financial entity.
But we are trying to understand this in twenty-first century life. So, let's pretend that the master gave you a talent of gold, and that he gave it to you on Tuesday. If a talent weighs approximately seventy-five pounds, and the master gave you a talent of gold which on Tuesday carried a trade value of about $800 per ounce, then the monetary value of that talent would be about $960,000. Wow. What will you do with his money while he tarries? Does it make a difference to you whether you are stewarding $20 or $2 million?
We can recall the commendation that Jesus gave to the widow who gave all she had into the temple treasury. And some of us know the story of Hudson Taylor, who raised his tithe to 90% and left a legacy of excellent business strategy and extravagant giving to God. I have to ask again, and I have to include myself: what will we do with His money while He tarries? Lord, help us to handle your money in such a way that we are able to demonstrate financial excellence and deliver substantial returns to You- not just for your commendation, but because we love You.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Apathy=Wickedness
Most of the time, persons who are task-avoidant can provide a logical reason for their unwillingness to work. The servant has presented a strong indictment against the master (Matthew 25:24-25, paraphrase mine): Master, I have decided that I am not interested in performing according to the ability you know I have within me. Master, I have a problem with the way you do things and therefore I refuse to support your agenda. Master, I am afraid of you and therefore I will do nothing. Master, since I was reluctant to invest your money I did absolutely nothing with it- well no, I did do one thing: I dug a hole and buried it. Master, I am giving you a zero percent return on what you have given me.
Apathy. Hole-digging aside, apathy gives the lie that it is the easy way out. But the master returns a stronger indictment against the servant: You wicked and lazy servant... Pastor Sam has offered some additional reflection on this indictment, which I will attempt to summarize in the remainder of this paragraph. Pastor Sam noted that we tend to relegate the word 'wicked' to those who engage in active evil, but Jesus uses the word to describe those who embrace inactivity in opposition to the mandate of God. As Jesus tells the parable, it is clear that He has a problem with people who, having been entrusted with God's property, do nothing with it. Or do the wrong thing with it. To make matters worse, there was probably some unknown servant (in the background of the story) who got no talents, but who would have performed better than the wicked servant.
We serve a God of multiplication. A single marigold flowerhead can contain over 50 seeds (yes, I counted this myself). In tithing we give God ten percent, and He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing we cannot contain. God's first mandate to man, recorded in Genesis 1, is a simple order: Be fruitful. Multiply. Increase in number.
As was said in Sunday's sermon, doing nothing is dangerous. In God's economy, doing nothing is an affront to His agenda and earns you the label wicked- an enemy of God. It is also an affront to the body of Christ, which is designed to live with all its parts functioning. What part of God's estate have you been entrusted with? Are you spending your energies digging a hole to hide the very thing God has asked you to invest and increase?
In the language of the first century, "talent" was a sum of money. Interestingly, all the parables in Matthew 25 involve money. I think that is something we can reflect on in tomorrow's blog.
Apathy. Hole-digging aside, apathy gives the lie that it is the easy way out. But the master returns a stronger indictment against the servant: You wicked and lazy servant... Pastor Sam has offered some additional reflection on this indictment, which I will attempt to summarize in the remainder of this paragraph. Pastor Sam noted that we tend to relegate the word 'wicked' to those who engage in active evil, but Jesus uses the word to describe those who embrace inactivity in opposition to the mandate of God. As Jesus tells the parable, it is clear that He has a problem with people who, having been entrusted with God's property, do nothing with it. Or do the wrong thing with it. To make matters worse, there was probably some unknown servant (in the background of the story) who got no talents, but who would have performed better than the wicked servant.
We serve a God of multiplication. A single marigold flowerhead can contain over 50 seeds (yes, I counted this myself). In tithing we give God ten percent, and He promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing we cannot contain. God's first mandate to man, recorded in Genesis 1, is a simple order: Be fruitful. Multiply. Increase in number.
As was said in Sunday's sermon, doing nothing is dangerous. In God's economy, doing nothing is an affront to His agenda and earns you the label wicked- an enemy of God. It is also an affront to the body of Christ, which is designed to live with all its parts functioning. What part of God's estate have you been entrusted with? Are you spending your energies digging a hole to hide the very thing God has asked you to invest and increase?
In the language of the first century, "talent" was a sum of money. Interestingly, all the parables in Matthew 25 involve money. I think that is something we can reflect on in tomorrow's blog.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A Special Anniversary
On September 2, 2007 my husband and I became members of Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. It was an extremely important event for us. God is so good! We are blessed to be under spiritual covering. One of the interesting aspects of membership in a prophetic community is that, every now and then, God shows up and manifests His presence in ways that confound and humble us. Events occur that cannot be attributed to anything but the work of God. We see the impossible made possible and we marvel.
But, just as in the days of Christ, the community also contains those who are staunch skeptics. We heard this reiterated in the sermon example of the Pharisees and Sadducees who would listen to the words of Christ only for the purpose of looking for flaws in His teaching. And we have seen this reiterated in the present-day example of persons who are in attendance at church, but have their hearts set on criticism and doubt.
Part of the text that precedes Matthew 25 says 'no one knows the day or the hour'. Sadly, that truth seems not to be sufficient for some of us. If anyone needs incentive to trim their lamps and carry extra oil, what better incentive can there be than not knowing what time the Bridegroom will appear? If we know that our Master is returning to settle accounts, shouldn't that be incentive enough to maximize our talents? If God has indicated that His heart is for 'the least of these' and our eternal destiny is at stake, then why not embrace His heart?
The Matthew 25 passage warns us that one day the ride will be over. The passage has an undertone that hints at the subsequent tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira, a wonderfully prominent couple in the early church who were in the right prophetic community but with the wrong motive. We would do well to learn from their failure.
Interestingly enough, sometimes it takes a manifestation on the level of an 'Ananias and Sapphira' event in order to shake communities and deliver people from apathy and doubt. Yesterday evening I spoke very briefly with Pastor Sam on the aspect of apathy as a form of wickedness. Tomorrow's blog will offer some reflections on that topic.
But, just as in the days of Christ, the community also contains those who are staunch skeptics. We heard this reiterated in the sermon example of the Pharisees and Sadducees who would listen to the words of Christ only for the purpose of looking for flaws in His teaching. And we have seen this reiterated in the present-day example of persons who are in attendance at church, but have their hearts set on criticism and doubt.
Part of the text that precedes Matthew 25 says 'no one knows the day or the hour'. Sadly, that truth seems not to be sufficient for some of us. If anyone needs incentive to trim their lamps and carry extra oil, what better incentive can there be than not knowing what time the Bridegroom will appear? If we know that our Master is returning to settle accounts, shouldn't that be incentive enough to maximize our talents? If God has indicated that His heart is for 'the least of these' and our eternal destiny is at stake, then why not embrace His heart?
The Matthew 25 passage warns us that one day the ride will be over. The passage has an undertone that hints at the subsequent tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira, a wonderfully prominent couple in the early church who were in the right prophetic community but with the wrong motive. We would do well to learn from their failure.
Interestingly enough, sometimes it takes a manifestation on the level of an 'Ananias and Sapphira' event in order to shake communities and deliver people from apathy and doubt. Yesterday evening I spoke very briefly with Pastor Sam on the aspect of apathy as a form of wickedness. Tomorrow's blog will offer some reflections on that topic.
Monday, September 1, 2008
And your name is...?
It's not hard to live a dichotomous life. If we just keep saying no to the agenda of God, He will stop striving with us and will allow callouses to form on our reprobate hearts. And, strangely enough, He does not cancel the promises. We tithe and see the windows of heaven opened. We can pray and see people healed. We can even be effective in evangelism. I know this because I have lived this. And I appreciate the plaintive inquiry: what good is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?
Oh, the dreaded fear of not being recognized by Jesus. As we heard in Sunday's sermon, and as we have read for ourselves in Matthew 25, this is a reality of the kingdom of God. If the LORD had returned in 1990, I certainly would have been 'cast into the darkness'... the consequence of embracing my own agenda and using God as a personal candy machine. To quote Reverend Darryl, I was saved but not surrendered. God, in His graciousness, has allowed me to live long enough to wake up and happily abandon my agenda for His.
What is God seeking? Not just trimmed lamps, but a supply of extra oil; not just talent, but immediate and aggressive investment of the talent with the intent to produce a substantial return; and not just 'all my work is for the Master', but a heart to embrace 'the least of these'. Reflecting on these three parables has led me to consider, deeply and with excitement, how I can support God's agenda in a way that brings Him returns worthy of commendation.
Oh, the dreaded fear of not being recognized by Jesus. As we heard in Sunday's sermon, and as we have read for ourselves in Matthew 25, this is a reality of the kingdom of God. If the LORD had returned in 1990, I certainly would have been 'cast into the darkness'... the consequence of embracing my own agenda and using God as a personal candy machine. To quote Reverend Darryl, I was saved but not surrendered. God, in His graciousness, has allowed me to live long enough to wake up and happily abandon my agenda for His.
What is God seeking? Not just trimmed lamps, but a supply of extra oil; not just talent, but immediate and aggressive investment of the talent with the intent to produce a substantial return; and not just 'all my work is for the Master', but a heart to embrace 'the least of these'. Reflecting on these three parables has led me to consider, deeply and with excitement, how I can support God's agenda in a way that brings Him returns worthy of commendation.