In the second service Pastor Sam made a comment about Mary "moving mystically" through her act of pouring the perfume on Jesus. I find myself tempted to say something like 'it takes a mystic to know a mystic'...
So, today, let's look at the party from this angle: the act of anointing. In previous blogs we've reflected on anointing of kings as a two-part process. There was an anointing that was private, and a confirmation that was public. We see this in the lives of Saul and David (see First Samuel 10:1, 11:15, 16:13, and Second Samuel 2:4). And it is not coincidence that Jesus, a direct descendant of David, is anointed during this party.
But the anointing is not with oil, but nard. Jesus declared the anointing was a preparation for His burial, and we can certainly surmise that a perfume so strong in scent would be appropriate to pour on a dead body to mask the odor. One of the properties of nard, as a plant in the valerian family, was that it is antispasmodic, so perhaps the nard was also used to delay the process of rigor mortis so that the body could be more easily bound in grave cloths.
As I and my husband learned from Pastor Sam after the service, Mary's offering was far more than just her personal activity of extravagant worship: it was the "pull of the flywheel" that began the process of the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the act that publicly and prophetically declared the ultimate purpose of the Christ, who was sent to die for our sins. It was the act that infuriated Judas and propelled him into the decision to betray Jesus.
Wow. Wouldn't it be interesting if our Alabaster Offering from this Sunday was not simply the giving for building churches around the world, but was also the "pull of the flywheel"- a public, prophetic declaration that will surprise us with the measure of its impact?
Yes. Some, like Judas, will be infuriated to the point of insurrection. And others, like Mary, will be immortalized.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Our Great Loss
Dear Friends,
Yesterday evening (Thursday) we were shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of our Pastor in charge of Latino Ministry (Ministerios Latinos), Reverend Publio Fajardo. He died suddenly, and we are not yet sure whether he may have had an aneurysm or perhaps a massive stroke or heart attack. Many of us went to his house to be in prayer and support of his widow, and most stayed until late in the evening.
Because my devotional blogs are written several days in advance, you'll continue to see the devotions posted for Friday and Saturday. I was thinking about removing them, but I know my friend Publio would have wanted the word of God to continue going forth- so I hope you'll see that continuation not as any sort of disrespect, but as tribute to Publio's heart for evangelism and discipleship.
Please keep his widow, Pastor Martha, in your prayers, as well as his children and their families. And please pray for our other pastors and denominational leaders who will have the difficult task of determining how to move forward regarding the leadership and administration of Ministerios Latinos at Bronx Bethany.
What God ordains is always good:
Though I the cup am drinking
Which savors now of bitterness,
I take it without shrinking.
For after grief God gives relief,
My heart with comfort filling
And all my sorrow stilling.
Yesterday evening (Thursday) we were shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of our Pastor in charge of Latino Ministry (Ministerios Latinos), Reverend Publio Fajardo. He died suddenly, and we are not yet sure whether he may have had an aneurysm or perhaps a massive stroke or heart attack. Many of us went to his house to be in prayer and support of his widow, and most stayed until late in the evening.
Because my devotional blogs are written several days in advance, you'll continue to see the devotions posted for Friday and Saturday. I was thinking about removing them, but I know my friend Publio would have wanted the word of God to continue going forth- so I hope you'll see that continuation not as any sort of disrespect, but as tribute to Publio's heart for evangelism and discipleship.
Please keep his widow, Pastor Martha, in your prayers, as well as his children and their families. And please pray for our other pastors and denominational leaders who will have the difficult task of determining how to move forward regarding the leadership and administration of Ministerios Latinos at Bronx Bethany.
What God ordains is always good:
Though I the cup am drinking
Which savors now of bitterness,
I take it without shrinking.
For after grief God gives relief,
My heart with comfort filling
And all my sorrow stilling.
Judas Rising: Indignation and Insurrection
Today, let's reflect on Mark 14:10-11.
Then Judas Iscariot,...
Judas, one of the people at the party, was vocal about his indignation at Mary's offering of pure nard. In response to Judas's complaint, Jesus commended Mary's actions and said that there would be a permanent link between her extravagant gift and the preaching of the gospel.
...one of the Twelve,...
There must have been such a tension in the room, for Jesus to rebuke His disciples- His closest companions- in favor of a woman who exhibited behavior that was culturally and economically inappropriate. And Judas, as the one who spoke up, was clearly identified as being in opposition to what Jesus felt was important.
...went to the chief priests...
Well, I guess it makes sense that Judas, if he was complaining about a Man he perceived as just a rabbi, would take the complaint "one step up" and file a grievance with the priests in charge.
...to betray Jesus to them...
Apparently, the events that occurred at the party were sufficient to cause Judas to shift from being a disgruntled disciple to being an insurrectionist. But, as the John passage tells us, Judas had been frequently breaking the law of God (see John 12:6)- so perhaps it is no surprise that Judas stood in opposition to Jesus.
...They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money...
What a classic satanic move. The devil doesn't entice you with things you don't care about: a pack of cigarettes is no temptation for the man who has no desire or inclination to smoke. In this case we have already seen in John 12:6 that Judas was a thief, and thieves generally steal things that they want to keep for themselves. The chief priests made the perfect offer, and Judas agreed to betray Jesus.
...So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Judas. A man who spent years in the company of God, in the very presence of Jesus, but was not open to the heart of God. Three years of direct instruction from the Master had no effect on his heart. The action of being directly involved in ministries of healing and deliverance could not deliver him from his desire to steal. And so Judas watched.
Christe eleison: Christ, have mercy on me, I don't want to be the one who lifts a hand against Your plan and program. Help me to be an extravagant giver and an extreme worshipper who lives a life of obedience to you.
Then Judas Iscariot,...
Judas, one of the people at the party, was vocal about his indignation at Mary's offering of pure nard. In response to Judas's complaint, Jesus commended Mary's actions and said that there would be a permanent link between her extravagant gift and the preaching of the gospel.
...one of the Twelve,...
There must have been such a tension in the room, for Jesus to rebuke His disciples- His closest companions- in favor of a woman who exhibited behavior that was culturally and economically inappropriate. And Judas, as the one who spoke up, was clearly identified as being in opposition to what Jesus felt was important.
...went to the chief priests...
Well, I guess it makes sense that Judas, if he was complaining about a Man he perceived as just a rabbi, would take the complaint "one step up" and file a grievance with the priests in charge.
...to betray Jesus to them...
Apparently, the events that occurred at the party were sufficient to cause Judas to shift from being a disgruntled disciple to being an insurrectionist. But, as the John passage tells us, Judas had been frequently breaking the law of God (see John 12:6)- so perhaps it is no surprise that Judas stood in opposition to Jesus.
...They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money...
What a classic satanic move. The devil doesn't entice you with things you don't care about: a pack of cigarettes is no temptation for the man who has no desire or inclination to smoke. In this case we have already seen in John 12:6 that Judas was a thief, and thieves generally steal things that they want to keep for themselves. The chief priests made the perfect offer, and Judas agreed to betray Jesus.
...So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Judas. A man who spent years in the company of God, in the very presence of Jesus, but was not open to the heart of God. Three years of direct instruction from the Master had no effect on his heart. The action of being directly involved in ministries of healing and deliverance could not deliver him from his desire to steal. And so Judas watched.
Christe eleison: Christ, have mercy on me, I don't want to be the one who lifts a hand against Your plan and program. Help me to be an extravagant giver and an extreme worshipper who lives a life of obedience to you.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
"Reckless Abandonment"
(Special thanks to Pastor Benji, who spoke with me after the second service and who used the term "reckless abandonment" during our conversation.)
We seem to have this tendency to try and mask our responses when other people are in the room. We get concerned about how we look, or how we sound, or perhaps we get concerned about our reputation.
But when the Spirit of God is present, and when we are submitted to Him, we sometimes experience things that we really can't mask. As Pastor Benji shared with me after the service, our "reckless abandonment" to God causes us to walk with Him, with a measure of obedience that looks ridiculous to those who have not fully surrendered to Him.
We can't mask passion. And, as we said yesterday, passion is not evidenced by how well you sing during "praise and worship". It's evidenced by extravagance in how you give to God and obedience in how you live.
We can't mask tears. As Pastor Sam said during the first service, some of our responses to God are "not for prime time". So occasionally we get to see things like Pastor Sam crying, and that's okay... in fact, we should be praising God that we have a set of pastors who embrace true worship without concern for what people might think.
We can't mask cries. There are occasions when God speaks a profound word and you know that His Spirit is speaking to you, and you know the cost of the offering, and you know you have to say yes to Him. And in the midst of the experience it's not odd that, like the alabaster jar that had to be broken, we submit to the Spirit as He breaks the hard shell that kept us from being completely submitted to Christ. And, in that act of submission, we cry out.
Interestingly, modern dictionaries equate extravagance with wastefulness, excessive expenditure, and going beyond reasonable or proper limits.
Yes, God, that's exactly how I want to be with You.
We seem to have this tendency to try and mask our responses when other people are in the room. We get concerned about how we look, or how we sound, or perhaps we get concerned about our reputation.
But when the Spirit of God is present, and when we are submitted to Him, we sometimes experience things that we really can't mask. As Pastor Benji shared with me after the service, our "reckless abandonment" to God causes us to walk with Him, with a measure of obedience that looks ridiculous to those who have not fully surrendered to Him.
We can't mask passion. And, as we said yesterday, passion is not evidenced by how well you sing during "praise and worship". It's evidenced by extravagance in how you give to God and obedience in how you live.
We can't mask tears. As Pastor Sam said during the first service, some of our responses to God are "not for prime time". So occasionally we get to see things like Pastor Sam crying, and that's okay... in fact, we should be praising God that we have a set of pastors who embrace true worship without concern for what people might think.
We can't mask cries. There are occasions when God speaks a profound word and you know that His Spirit is speaking to you, and you know the cost of the offering, and you know you have to say yes to Him. And in the midst of the experience it's not odd that, like the alabaster jar that had to be broken, we submit to the Spirit as He breaks the hard shell that kept us from being completely submitted to Christ. And, in that act of submission, we cry out.
Interestingly, modern dictionaries equate extravagance with wastefulness, excessive expenditure, and going beyond reasonable or proper limits.
Yes, God, that's exactly how I want to be with You.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mary: "Misconduct" Misconstrued
Well, all I can say is thank God the party wasn't at Bronx Bethany. But if it was, here is what it would look like:
There would be people sitting around, just eating and having a good time, but then each one realizes that there's a distinct smell of spikenard in the air...
"WHO sprayed perfume in here?"
"Oh my God it's so strong- they must have used the whole bottle on themselves."
"Psst- look at her!"
"That is so lewd- why is she rubbing the Teacher's feet with her hair?"
"Why is the Teacher even letting her do that to him?"
"Mary, why did you waste all that perfume on the Teacher?"
"Uh, Mary, wasn't that supposed to be for your retirement?"
"If you were going to get rid of it you should have at least sold it, I could have spent the money on- I mean we could have used the money to help out at the shelter."
"Listen Mary, I know you're friends with the Teacher but your behavior is really inappropriate. You're making everyone uncomfortable. You need to stop it."
Oh, to live for the commendation of Jesus, even in the face of reproach from man!
Jesus says, "Leave her alone... She has done a beautiful thing" (see Mark 14:6).
Mary knew that this itinerant preacher was more than just another rabbi: He was the Christ, the One who came from God, the One who was the source of redemption and healing for the whole world.
Mary knew that Jesus was the King, and she brought the best offering she could think of.
In today's society we are bombarded with preachers that treat God like a pawn shop: Okay, you give God this and He'll give you that... but what does the passage say?
Well, it does not say that Mary will recoup her investment.
It does not say that Mary will gain respect in her faith community.
Mary was ridiculed by the other guests, including Jesus' own disciples.
Are you willing to be ridiculed for your passion towards Jesus?
Yes, Lord. In the face of what You've done for me, I understand that You are more than just a nice teacher. You are my God, and I have no other choice than to worship You by giving my best to You. Here, take my money. I give up my own agenda. Take my passion. I will gladly be misunderstood, misconstrued, maligned for going public with this worship that is "no holds barred". I love You, Jesus.
When the true worship comes forth, it won't be in the form of people singing "Take My Heart" with a reggae beat. True worship originates from a contrite heart and a broken spirit. It comes from the soul that is in anguish over its sin, and in awe of the amazing grace of God. True worship is evidenced by obedience to Christ in how you give and how you live.
Pastor Sam said it on Sunday, and it's true: People who are not givers regard givers as being wasteful and irresponsible.
And I will add this: People who are not worshippers regard Jesus as "just another teacher", and they treat Him with the same disdain that they present against His servants.
As for me, I'm going to keep pouring out my worship to Jesus. What about you?
There would be people sitting around, just eating and having a good time, but then each one realizes that there's a distinct smell of spikenard in the air...
"WHO sprayed perfume in here?"
"Oh my God it's so strong- they must have used the whole bottle on themselves."
"Psst- look at her!"
"That is so lewd- why is she rubbing the Teacher's feet with her hair?"
"Why is the Teacher even letting her do that to him?"
"Mary, why did you waste all that perfume on the Teacher?"
"Uh, Mary, wasn't that supposed to be for your retirement?"
"If you were going to get rid of it you should have at least sold it, I could have spent the money on- I mean we could have used the money to help out at the shelter."
"Listen Mary, I know you're friends with the Teacher but your behavior is really inappropriate. You're making everyone uncomfortable. You need to stop it."
Oh, to live for the commendation of Jesus, even in the face of reproach from man!
Jesus says, "Leave her alone... She has done a beautiful thing" (see Mark 14:6).
Mary knew that this itinerant preacher was more than just another rabbi: He was the Christ, the One who came from God, the One who was the source of redemption and healing for the whole world.
Mary knew that Jesus was the King, and she brought the best offering she could think of.
In today's society we are bombarded with preachers that treat God like a pawn shop: Okay, you give God this and He'll give you that... but what does the passage say?
Well, it does not say that Mary will recoup her investment.
It does not say that Mary will gain respect in her faith community.
Mary was ridiculed by the other guests, including Jesus' own disciples.
Are you willing to be ridiculed for your passion towards Jesus?
Yes, Lord. In the face of what You've done for me, I understand that You are more than just a nice teacher. You are my God, and I have no other choice than to worship You by giving my best to You. Here, take my money. I give up my own agenda. Take my passion. I will gladly be misunderstood, misconstrued, maligned for going public with this worship that is "no holds barred". I love You, Jesus.
When the true worship comes forth, it won't be in the form of people singing "Take My Heart" with a reggae beat. True worship originates from a contrite heart and a broken spirit. It comes from the soul that is in anguish over its sin, and in awe of the amazing grace of God. True worship is evidenced by obedience to Christ in how you give and how you live.
Pastor Sam said it on Sunday, and it's true: People who are not givers regard givers as being wasteful and irresponsible.
And I will add this: People who are not worshippers regard Jesus as "just another teacher", and they treat Him with the same disdain that they present against His servants.
As for me, I'm going to keep pouring out my worship to Jesus. What about you?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Guest List
My Friends,
I hope that you will be inspired by this week's blogs. I am not sure that I can even approach the level of insight that Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, but those of you who know me surely know that I'm crazy enough to try.
Let's start this week with the cast of characters. We don't know the complete guest list for the party, but we have a few persons' names:
Mary. Mary had been commended by Jesus in a previous setting for her choice to sit at the feet of Jesus, hearing His word and learning of Him and from Him (Luke 10:38-42).
Martha. Martha, in the moments before seeing her brother raised from the dead, received a most profound teaching from the lips of Jesus: "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:21-27).
Lazarus. Lazarus, by virtue of having been raised from the dead, was not only identified with Christ, but also considered to be enough of a threat that the Pharisees were plotting to kill both Lazarus and Jesus (John 12:9-11; special thanks here to Pastor Sam, who shared this point with me and my husband after the second service).
Simon the Leper. During the sermon, Pastor Sam noted that Simon had to have been healed by Jesus- persons with active leprosy were required to live outside of the city, and certainly would not have been in a position to host a party. The host of the party, and the location of his home, are evidences of healing. Perhaps we would do better to say "Simon who had been a leper" (see Leviticus 13:1-46).
John. The beloved disciple, who some scholars believe was the youngest of Jesus's disciples. He was part of the "inner circle" of three disciples who were closest to Jesus (the others being Peter and James) and the writer of John 12 (where we read his assessment of what happened at the party).
Judas Iscariot. The disciple of Jesus who was responsible for the finances (John 12:6).
As we look at this list, we can ask some questions:
-What has Jesus done for me? Healing? Teaching?
-Is He welcome in my home?
-How would Jesus describe me? A learner? A worshipper? A thief?
Tomorrow we'll consider Mary's actions at the party.
I hope that you will be inspired by this week's blogs. I am not sure that I can even approach the level of insight that Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, but those of you who know me surely know that I'm crazy enough to try.
Let's start this week with the cast of characters. We don't know the complete guest list for the party, but we have a few persons' names:
Mary. Mary had been commended by Jesus in a previous setting for her choice to sit at the feet of Jesus, hearing His word and learning of Him and from Him (Luke 10:38-42).
Martha. Martha, in the moments before seeing her brother raised from the dead, received a most profound teaching from the lips of Jesus: "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:21-27).
Lazarus. Lazarus, by virtue of having been raised from the dead, was not only identified with Christ, but also considered to be enough of a threat that the Pharisees were plotting to kill both Lazarus and Jesus (John 12:9-11; special thanks here to Pastor Sam, who shared this point with me and my husband after the second service).
Simon the Leper. During the sermon, Pastor Sam noted that Simon had to have been healed by Jesus- persons with active leprosy were required to live outside of the city, and certainly would not have been in a position to host a party. The host of the party, and the location of his home, are evidences of healing. Perhaps we would do better to say "Simon who had been a leper" (see Leviticus 13:1-46).
John. The beloved disciple, who some scholars believe was the youngest of Jesus's disciples. He was part of the "inner circle" of three disciples who were closest to Jesus (the others being Peter and James) and the writer of John 12 (where we read his assessment of what happened at the party).
Judas Iscariot. The disciple of Jesus who was responsible for the finances (John 12:6).
As we look at this list, we can ask some questions:
-What has Jesus done for me? Healing? Teaching?
-Is He welcome in my home?
-How would Jesus describe me? A learner? A worshipper? A thief?
Tomorrow we'll consider Mary's actions at the party.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Unconditional Love!
The capstone of Habakkuk is surely his praise at the end of chapter 3. He in effect says "no matter what happens, I will rejoice in the LORD".
Can you rejoice in the LORD when there's no fruit? No vegetables? No oil? No livestock? No dairy?
Can you rejoice in the LORD when He's permitted your enemies to run all over you?
O LORD, how I love You! Help me to demonstrate love by saying 'yes' to whatever You have in store for me.
Can you rejoice in the LORD when there's no fruit? No vegetables? No oil? No livestock? No dairy?
Can you rejoice in the LORD when He's permitted your enemies to run all over you?
O LORD, how I love You! Help me to demonstrate love by saying 'yes' to whatever You have in store for me.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Running On Half A Tank.
Pastor Joy asked a question on Sunday, and today is a good day for us to reflect on it:
If everyone who accepts Christ as Savior has access to the Holy Spirit, then why are Christians not more victorious?
Her assessment was that Christians have access to the Spirit, but have chosen not to be full of the Spirit.
Pastor Joy then asked another relevant question: Why are Christians reluctant to be filled with the Spirit?
Well, there are plenty of answers to that one:
-they're afraid of "losing control";
-they're afraid of the presence of the Spirit being accompanied by certain physical manifestations;
-they're afraid of what other people might think or say;
-they're harboring secret sins that they don't want to surrender to God.
Galatians 5:25 says "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit". On Sunday we learned that this involves our intentional, attentive, and constant cooperation with the Holy Spirit. As we give Him more of ourselves, He will fill us to overflowing and we will find that our life decisions are made in light of His desires.
Can you say, honestly, that you are interested in God's desires and plans? Or are you holding tightly to your own agenda?
If everyone who accepts Christ as Savior has access to the Holy Spirit, then why are Christians not more victorious?
Her assessment was that Christians have access to the Spirit, but have chosen not to be full of the Spirit.
Pastor Joy then asked another relevant question: Why are Christians reluctant to be filled with the Spirit?
Well, there are plenty of answers to that one:
-they're afraid of "losing control";
-they're afraid of the presence of the Spirit being accompanied by certain physical manifestations;
-they're afraid of what other people might think or say;
-they're harboring secret sins that they don't want to surrender to God.
Galatians 5:25 says "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit". On Sunday we learned that this involves our intentional, attentive, and constant cooperation with the Holy Spirit. As we give Him more of ourselves, He will fill us to overflowing and we will find that our life decisions are made in light of His desires.
Can you say, honestly, that you are interested in God's desires and plans? Or are you holding tightly to your own agenda?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mercy in the Midst of Wrath.
In Sunday's sermon Pastor Joy highlighted Habakkuk 3:2: "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Habakkuk's prayer has historical precedence. I am reminded of King David and also of Moses: both men had the experience of appealing to God's mercy even as He was in the process of meting out judgement.
King David, after his sin of numbering the people, suffered the consequence of having a plague sent upon Israel which caused the death of 70,000 people. After interceding for the nation, David followed the counsel of the prophet Gad and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD accepted his offerings, and the plague was stopped (see Second Samuel 24).
Moses pronounced the judgement of God against Korah and his followers, and the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron after the incident. God's response was to judge the entire assembly, and a plague went through the community. Moses instructed Aaron to make atonement for the people, and the plague stopped at the place where Aaron stood "between the living and the dead" (Numbers 16).
It is a relief to know that, even in the midst of judgement being executed, it is possible to appeal to God for mercy. While there are cases in Scripture where the appeal is not granted (i.e. Second Samuel 11:1 - 12:23), we are nonetheless encouraged to pray. As King David said, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious..." (Second Samuel 12:22).
Are you suffering the consequences of your own sinfulness? And have you truly repented? If you have, pray for God's mercy. Perhaps He will shield you from further suffering. Perhaps His grace will cover you. In Your wrath, O LORD, remember mercy.
Who knows?
Habakkuk's prayer has historical precedence. I am reminded of King David and also of Moses: both men had the experience of appealing to God's mercy even as He was in the process of meting out judgement.
King David, after his sin of numbering the people, suffered the consequence of having a plague sent upon Israel which caused the death of 70,000 people. After interceding for the nation, David followed the counsel of the prophet Gad and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The LORD accepted his offerings, and the plague was stopped (see Second Samuel 24).
Moses pronounced the judgement of God against Korah and his followers, and the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron after the incident. God's response was to judge the entire assembly, and a plague went through the community. Moses instructed Aaron to make atonement for the people, and the plague stopped at the place where Aaron stood "between the living and the dead" (Numbers 16).
It is a relief to know that, even in the midst of judgement being executed, it is possible to appeal to God for mercy. While there are cases in Scripture where the appeal is not granted (i.e. Second Samuel 11:1 - 12:23), we are nonetheless encouraged to pray. As King David said, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious..." (Second Samuel 12:22).
Are you suffering the consequences of your own sinfulness? And have you truly repented? If you have, pray for God's mercy. Perhaps He will shield you from further suffering. Perhaps His grace will cover you. In Your wrath, O LORD, remember mercy.
Who knows?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Are You Sure You Want To Know?
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Joy made the observation that God's silence is not an indicator of God's absence: on the contrary, He is ever-present. It is His choice whether He responds to us immediately, or whether He allows periods of time to pass with no response. We might indeed feel like the prophet Habakkuk, who in light of God's silence felt that the LORD was being tolerant of evil (see Habakkuk 1: 2-4).
Have you been praying and, like Habakkuk, experiencing "no answer" from the LORD? Be encouraged: God is not asleep, and He is not ignoring you. At the right time, the appointed time, the kairos time, He will respond.
But, perhaps we should not be so impatient in seeking a response: the answer might be very different from what we expect. In the case of Habakkuk, His cry for justice was answered with a pronouncement of judgement. Not only would Judah be punished, but they would be punished by a nation even more wicked than their own (see Habakkuk 1:6,12-13).
How do you approach God when you're experiencing His silence?
How do you respond to God when He tells you something you don't want to hear?
Have you been praying and, like Habakkuk, experiencing "no answer" from the LORD? Be encouraged: God is not asleep, and He is not ignoring you. At the right time, the appointed time, the kairos time, He will respond.
But, perhaps we should not be so impatient in seeking a response: the answer might be very different from what we expect. In the case of Habakkuk, His cry for justice was answered with a pronouncement of judgement. Not only would Judah be punished, but they would be punished by a nation even more wicked than their own (see Habakkuk 1:6,12-13).
How do you approach God when you're experiencing His silence?
How do you respond to God when He tells you something you don't want to hear?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
(Untitled)
This week we'll be reflecting on the untitled sermon given by Pastor Joy this past Sunday- though perhaps we should refer to it as "Spirit-fullness in the Midst of Stressfulness", one of the several sermon titles that Pastor Benji offered to Pastor Joy (which she used in the second service).
The text was Habakkuk 3, and it might be a good thing for us each to take the time to re-read the whole book (which is only three chapters long). In Habakkuk's chapters we see the silence of God, the judgement of God, and the responses of Habakkuk as a servant of God.
Some questions to consider in preparation for this week's blogs:
- Are you truly resting in God? (see Matthew 11:28)
- Are you a giver or a hoarder? (see Acts 2:42-47)
- Are you willing to accept the LORD's report even when the report does not work in your favor? (see Habakkuk 1:5-6)
The text was Habakkuk 3, and it might be a good thing for us each to take the time to re-read the whole book (which is only three chapters long). In Habakkuk's chapters we see the silence of God, the judgement of God, and the responses of Habakkuk as a servant of God.
Some questions to consider in preparation for this week's blogs:
- Are you truly resting in God? (see Matthew 11:28)
- Are you a giver or a hoarder? (see Acts 2:42-47)
- Are you willing to accept the LORD's report even when the report does not work in your favor? (see Habakkuk 1:5-6)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Is It Nothing To You?
In talking about the metaphor of seeds, Pastor Benji shared the following:
-seeds have unstoppable power;
-seeds can move sod and split rocks;
-when the conditions are right, seeds come forth.
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed...
The kingdom of heaven is like the smallest seed...
And we have seen in nature how a tiny, insignificant, dead-looking seed can grow into a huge tree.
"Embrace it while it's small... later it will be too large for you." Let's receive Pastor Benji's sermon as a personal reminder and warning.
Take heed.
-seeds have unstoppable power;
-seeds can move sod and split rocks;
-when the conditions are right, seeds come forth.
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed...
The kingdom of heaven is like the smallest seed...
And we have seen in nature how a tiny, insignificant, dead-looking seed can grow into a huge tree.
"Embrace it while it's small... later it will be too large for you." Let's receive Pastor Benji's sermon as a personal reminder and warning.
Take heed.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Spent.
In the final point of this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Benji noted that the kingdom of God is lasting. Because it's an everlasting kingdom, it carries a value that is worth all we have.
Let's reflect on what was shared:
-Since the kingdom of God is everlasting, the wise man secures it (Matthew 13:44-46);
-No sacrifice is too great to ensure we enter this everlasting kingdom (Luke 9:47);
-Present entry guarantees future security (Matthew 19:29).
Are you willing to spend all you have for the sake of God's eternal kingdom? For those of us who are members of Bronx Bethany, we have stated our willingness to give of our tithes and offerings, our time, and our talent to support the work of the local church... but this commitment to the kingdom goes beyond the local church. Our call is to say yes to God, Who can do as He pleases with us.
To paraphrase Oswald Chambers, God can choose to make us poor or rich, sick or well. He can send us to India or plant us in the center of Idaho. He can bless us with respect or cause us to be bombarded with ridicule. It's His call, not ours.
My friends, will you say yes to being spent for the sake of God's kingdom? It's a costly yes, but a worthwhile yes.
Don't pull back. If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him (see Second Timothy 2:10-13). Yes, God.
Let's reflect on what was shared:
-Since the kingdom of God is everlasting, the wise man secures it (Matthew 13:44-46);
-No sacrifice is too great to ensure we enter this everlasting kingdom (Luke 9:47);
-Present entry guarantees future security (Matthew 19:29).
Are you willing to spend all you have for the sake of God's eternal kingdom? For those of us who are members of Bronx Bethany, we have stated our willingness to give of our tithes and offerings, our time, and our talent to support the work of the local church... but this commitment to the kingdom goes beyond the local church. Our call is to say yes to God, Who can do as He pleases with us.
To paraphrase Oswald Chambers, God can choose to make us poor or rich, sick or well. He can send us to India or plant us in the center of Idaho. He can bless us with respect or cause us to be bombarded with ridicule. It's His call, not ours.
My friends, will you say yes to being spent for the sake of God's kingdom? It's a costly yes, but a worthwhile yes.
Don't pull back. If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him (see Second Timothy 2:10-13). Yes, God.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Alliter-Bug
In the spirit of Pastor Benji's sermon, today's points will be alliterative.
In considering the the kingdom of God, we learned on Sunday that it is a large kingdom:
-The kingdom initially will fool. Many people in this world make the mistake of thinking that the kingdom is small. They limit the "kingdom" to their notion of the local church, or their pastor(s), or their cultural norms. But God is not limited by any of these things: He surpasses and supercedes them all.
-The kingdom increasingly will fill. As we read in Scripture, the earth is full of God's goodness (Psalm 33:5), God's praise (Habakkuk 3:3), God's glory (Isaiah 6:3). It is the nature of God to fill the environment with His attributes.
-The kingdom inevitably will flourish. As the kingdom of heaven increases, all the kingdoms of the earth will be destroyed (Daniel 2:44) and God's kingdom will be the only one that stands forever. The process has been set into motion by God and nothing will stop it.
As Pastor Benji said on Sunday, God's kingdom annihilates the kingdoms of the world without firing a shot. It's the ultimate coup.
So, whose side are you on?
In considering the the kingdom of God, we learned on Sunday that it is a large kingdom:
-The kingdom initially will fool. Many people in this world make the mistake of thinking that the kingdom is small. They limit the "kingdom" to their notion of the local church, or their pastor(s), or their cultural norms. But God is not limited by any of these things: He surpasses and supercedes them all.
-The kingdom increasingly will fill. As we read in Scripture, the earth is full of God's goodness (Psalm 33:5), God's praise (Habakkuk 3:3), God's glory (Isaiah 6:3). It is the nature of God to fill the environment with His attributes.
-The kingdom inevitably will flourish. As the kingdom of heaven increases, all the kingdoms of the earth will be destroyed (Daniel 2:44) and God's kingdom will be the only one that stands forever. The process has been set into motion by God and nothing will stop it.
As Pastor Benji said on Sunday, God's kingdom annihilates the kingdoms of the world without firing a shot. It's the ultimate coup.
So, whose side are you on?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New York Winter
I love winter, especially here in New York. You never know what a day might bring: it could be snowing, or icy, or fifty degrees, or zero degrees...
But in a normal winter cycle, a walk through the park will reveal a stark, bare picture of plant life. All the trees have lost their leaves and, to the untrained eye, they look dead... but look again.
Do you see it? There's life.
Oh, maybe you won't see it with your eyes until March or April or May, when the trees begin to bud again. But I think you've been through enough cycles to know, by faith, that spring will reveal the life that has existed all through the winter.
As Pastor Benji shared on Sunday, the kingdom of heaven is a living kingdom.
Do you see it?
Oh. Maybe you don't see it because you're too overwhelmed by life's circumstances- maybe your prayer didn't get answered the way you wanted it to. Maybe the triumph of evil has jaded you and you are no longer willing to wait on God. Maybe the duplicity of carnal Christians has convinced you that this God thing is a sham.
May I give you a word of encouragement? See life from heaven's perspective. See springtime in the kingdom: not with your physical eyes, but with the eyes of faith. God's kingdom is real and alive and flourishing, even though it might look dead to the world.
Yes, I can smile in the dead of winter... SOON, soon life will burst forth and everyone will see. And there will be no doubt that it is a work of God, for His glory.
But in a normal winter cycle, a walk through the park will reveal a stark, bare picture of plant life. All the trees have lost their leaves and, to the untrained eye, they look dead... but look again.
Do you see it? There's life.
Oh, maybe you won't see it with your eyes until March or April or May, when the trees begin to bud again. But I think you've been through enough cycles to know, by faith, that spring will reveal the life that has existed all through the winter.
As Pastor Benji shared on Sunday, the kingdom of heaven is a living kingdom.
Do you see it?
Oh. Maybe you don't see it because you're too overwhelmed by life's circumstances- maybe your prayer didn't get answered the way you wanted it to. Maybe the triumph of evil has jaded you and you are no longer willing to wait on God. Maybe the duplicity of carnal Christians has convinced you that this God thing is a sham.
May I give you a word of encouragement? See life from heaven's perspective. See springtime in the kingdom: not with your physical eyes, but with the eyes of faith. God's kingdom is real and alive and flourishing, even though it might look dead to the world.
Yes, I can smile in the dead of winter... SOON, soon life will burst forth and everyone will see. And there will be no doubt that it is a work of God, for His glory.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
O Zerubbabel!
This past Sunday's sermon had a long title, and the title reflected a clear prophetic warning: "Embrace It While It's Small: Later It Will Be Too Large For You."
This week we'll reflect on some of the thoughts shared by Pastor Benji during the sermon. Let's start with a recap of the main points shared:
-the kingdom of God is living;
-the kingdom of God is large;
-the kingdom of God is (ever)lasting.
In Matthew 13:31-32 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, and that is a good place to start our reflection for today. (Let's not nit-pick over the use of the phrase "kingdom of God" versus the phrase "kingdom of heaven": I think we'll agree that the issue at hand is rather the approach we take to the things of God: His law, His principles, His mandates, His protocol.)
What credence do we give to something that is the size of a mustard seed? I think of words like 'inconsequential', 'insignificant', 'irrelevant'. Sometimes we don't pay attention to things because they are small. But if any of you have experienced the pain of a splinter, or the discomfort of walking with a tiny pebble caught in your shoe, you know that small things have the potential to get our attention in a big way. And if you don't deal with the small thing, it can soon become a big problem.
Are there kingdom principles that you are ignoring- submission to authority? Obedience? Humility? The day will come when we have to answer for what we've done, and what we've failed to do, in this effort to live the life of the kingdom while we're here on this earth.
The smallest seed becomes the biggest tree. How will you treat that seed?
This week we'll reflect on some of the thoughts shared by Pastor Benji during the sermon. Let's start with a recap of the main points shared:
-the kingdom of God is living;
-the kingdom of God is large;
-the kingdom of God is (ever)lasting.
In Matthew 13:31-32 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, and that is a good place to start our reflection for today. (Let's not nit-pick over the use of the phrase "kingdom of God" versus the phrase "kingdom of heaven": I think we'll agree that the issue at hand is rather the approach we take to the things of God: His law, His principles, His mandates, His protocol.)
What credence do we give to something that is the size of a mustard seed? I think of words like 'inconsequential', 'insignificant', 'irrelevant'. Sometimes we don't pay attention to things because they are small. But if any of you have experienced the pain of a splinter, or the discomfort of walking with a tiny pebble caught in your shoe, you know that small things have the potential to get our attention in a big way. And if you don't deal with the small thing, it can soon become a big problem.
Are there kingdom principles that you are ignoring- submission to authority? Obedience? Humility? The day will come when we have to answer for what we've done, and what we've failed to do, in this effort to live the life of the kingdom while we're here on this earth.
The smallest seed becomes the biggest tree. How will you treat that seed?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Escha- M.O.'s
On Sunday Pastor Sam made reference to a statement made by Pastor Gabriel (our guest speaker at the launch of our Ministerios Latinos): "Your eschatology will determine your ethics": that is, what you believe about the future will have a direct effect on how you live your life in the present.
I am so grateful for the forgiveness and mercy of God. For years, my 'modus operandi' (M.O.) was to live a dichotomous lifestyle: I claimed to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but in my day-to-day living I was making decisions that I knew were displeasing to God and grievous to the Spirit of God. Back then, I didn't care.
Things are different now. What made the difference? An encounter with the Holy Spirit. I shifted from being a nominal Christian to being a true Christian, one whose sole desire is to please God regardless of what it might cost me personally or professionally.
A few nights ago I was listening to Pastor Sam's sermon from January 6, 2008 ("There Ain't Nothing But The Real Thing, Baby"). During that sermon he quoted a song I used to sing as a little girl in church: Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, till I am wholly lost in Thee... and that is all I want. That is my prayer, to be so full of the Spirit of God that people forget who I am, and that they will just remember that in some way the power of God reached them and changed them.
How will that happen? I have to live a life that points people to Christ. I can't point people to Christ if I'm embracing the ways of the world. I can't point people to Christ if I'm maligning His servants. I can't point people to Christ if my lifestyle is one of disobedience to His word.
Let's end this reflection on the 'basics' by reviewing the pattern set in Hebrews:
-Jesus Christ is superior to all things and all peoples;
-We are entreated, tenderly, to walk in obedience to Him;
-We are warned, sternly, of the consequences of disobedience to Him.
Let's keep living for Jesus. Not for ourselves, but for Him. His Spirit is here to help us. If you have not experienced the baptism of the Spirit, the Lord can present Himself to you in a way that will transform your life forever. All you have to do is ask Him.
I am so grateful for the forgiveness and mercy of God. For years, my 'modus operandi' (M.O.) was to live a dichotomous lifestyle: I claimed to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but in my day-to-day living I was making decisions that I knew were displeasing to God and grievous to the Spirit of God. Back then, I didn't care.
Things are different now. What made the difference? An encounter with the Holy Spirit. I shifted from being a nominal Christian to being a true Christian, one whose sole desire is to please God regardless of what it might cost me personally or professionally.
A few nights ago I was listening to Pastor Sam's sermon from January 6, 2008 ("There Ain't Nothing But The Real Thing, Baby"). During that sermon he quoted a song I used to sing as a little girl in church: Sweet will of God, still fold me closer, till I am wholly lost in Thee... and that is all I want. That is my prayer, to be so full of the Spirit of God that people forget who I am, and that they will just remember that in some way the power of God reached them and changed them.
How will that happen? I have to live a life that points people to Christ. I can't point people to Christ if I'm embracing the ways of the world. I can't point people to Christ if I'm maligning His servants. I can't point people to Christ if my lifestyle is one of disobedience to His word.
Let's end this reflection on the 'basics' by reviewing the pattern set in Hebrews:
-Jesus Christ is superior to all things and all peoples;
-We are entreated, tenderly, to walk in obedience to Him;
-We are warned, sternly, of the consequences of disobedience to Him.
Let's keep living for Jesus. Not for ourselves, but for Him. His Spirit is here to help us. If you have not experienced the baptism of the Spirit, the Lord can present Himself to you in a way that will transform your life forever. All you have to do is ask Him.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Unappealing.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam made reference to the Revelation 20 passage that gives us a snapshot of the final judgement that will occur. Verses 11 through 15 indicate that everyone will be judged "according to what they had done".
We are judged based on our record. The passage speaks of books that are maintained by God- books that hold data on what we have done, and a particular book called the book of life where names are written down. But, as we see in the passage, not everyone's name is in the book of life. By default, if your name is not in the book of life, you are not going to have the benefit of eternal life with Christ; you will be destined to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
As was shared so poignantly on Sunday, there is no appeal process in this final judgement. Let's revisit some of the things we heard in the sermon:
-the resurrection of all people is for the purpose of judgement (Acts 17:31);
-God, our Owner, is the only one who has the right to be our Assessor;
-God's justice requires judgement;
-God's judgement is based upon His complete knowledge of our motives as well as our actions;
-God will bring every deed into judgement, whether good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)
There are some who believe that they can live a life of dichotomy and still back their way in to eternal life with Christ. If that's you, may I ask you why you believe that? What Scriptures are you using to support that assumption?
God doesn't want you to perish. That's why He's given you the opportunity now, during your earthly life, to repent and live for Him. Don't wait. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
We are judged based on our record. The passage speaks of books that are maintained by God- books that hold data on what we have done, and a particular book called the book of life where names are written down. But, as we see in the passage, not everyone's name is in the book of life. By default, if your name is not in the book of life, you are not going to have the benefit of eternal life with Christ; you will be destined to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
As was shared so poignantly on Sunday, there is no appeal process in this final judgement. Let's revisit some of the things we heard in the sermon:
-the resurrection of all people is for the purpose of judgement (Acts 17:31);
-God, our Owner, is the only one who has the right to be our Assessor;
-God's justice requires judgement;
-God's judgement is based upon His complete knowledge of our motives as well as our actions;
-God will bring every deed into judgement, whether good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)
There are some who believe that they can live a life of dichotomy and still back their way in to eternal life with Christ. If that's you, may I ask you why you believe that? What Scriptures are you using to support that assumption?
God doesn't want you to perish. That's why He's given you the opportunity now, during your earthly life, to repent and live for Him. Don't wait. You aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
500 Pieces.
Several weeks ago in a conversation with Pastor Sam, I explained my crazy faith by comparing it to a jigsaw puzzle: that is, I don't have all the pieces of the puzzle in place, but God has given me one piece of the puzzle- and I hold that one piece and know that there is a completed puzzle, even though I'm not seeing all of the pieces... the 'one piece' is my proof that other pieces exist and will fall into place.
In Sunday's sermon we learned about Jesus as "the firstfruits of them that sleep" (First Corinthians 15:20). The fact of His resurrection is the evidence we hold on to, and we are assured that we too shall be raised from the dead. As Pastor Sam mentioned, the first fruit of the harvest is the indicator that an entire harvest will follow.
When will we experience the entire harvest? No one knows but God (see Matthew 24:36). But the day will come when we will stand before the Lord of all, and He will judge us for what we have done (or failed to do) while we lived on this earth.
What will our life be when we have transitioned from temporal life to eternal life? There are two, and only two, choices- eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. Through the resurrection of Christ, the wheels have been set into motion and we are on a course to the final judgement that will seal our eternal destiny. It's inevitable and irreversible.
Unfortunately some of us are living as if there's no such thing as judgement, or as if we have unlimited time to repent. Let me say this: neither are true. Our days are numbered, and there is such a thing as judgement. That should be incentive for us to live each day as if it's our last- in pursuit of holiness and a godly lifestyle.
In Sunday's sermon we learned about Jesus as "the firstfruits of them that sleep" (First Corinthians 15:20). The fact of His resurrection is the evidence we hold on to, and we are assured that we too shall be raised from the dead. As Pastor Sam mentioned, the first fruit of the harvest is the indicator that an entire harvest will follow.
When will we experience the entire harvest? No one knows but God (see Matthew 24:36). But the day will come when we will stand before the Lord of all, and He will judge us for what we have done (or failed to do) while we lived on this earth.
What will our life be when we have transitioned from temporal life to eternal life? There are two, and only two, choices- eternity in heaven or eternity in hell. Through the resurrection of Christ, the wheels have been set into motion and we are on a course to the final judgement that will seal our eternal destiny. It's inevitable and irreversible.
Unfortunately some of us are living as if there's no such thing as judgement, or as if we have unlimited time to repent. Let me say this: neither are true. Our days are numbered, and there is such a thing as judgement. That should be incentive for us to live each day as if it's our last- in pursuit of holiness and a godly lifestyle.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Manifesting The Unknown Thing
Today we continue our reflection on the last two components of the "elementary things" from Hebrews 6:1,2: resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement.
God specializes in doing things that, in our estimation, are impossible. Let's think about two things He has done in Christ:
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). God's physical presence, in the earthly ministry of Christ, begins with the impossible. But this is the power of God, to even bypass His own system for the creation of human life; this is the power of God, to send a word by an angel to this perplexed young woman Mary. In the eyes of the world, Mary was a disgrace because she was pregnant before her marriage to Joseph was finalized. But God, in that situation, was bringing fulfillment of the prophetic word from Isaiah.
My friends, somtimes the fulfillment of the promise of God does not appear in a way that makes us comfortable. But I hope that you will have the same answer as Mary: that once you have received the revelation of 'how this will be', your answer will be 'May it be as You have said' (see Luke 1:26-38).
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent... He has given proof of this to all men by raising him (Jesus) from the dead" (Acts 17:30,31). As Pastor Sam mentioned in Sunday's sermon, there were previous accounts of Jesus raising people from the dead (most notably Lazarus, who had been dead for four days). But, the day came where Lazarus once again died, and that was the end of his life. The distinctive feature of the resurrection of Jesus is that Jesus rose from the dead and has been alive ever since (see Revelation 2:8). How is that possible? Well, the answer was given by the angel who spoke to Mary: "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37), and reiterated by Christ during His earthly ministry: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23); "With men this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27).
So, this is the One we serve- the One for whom nothing is impossible. Perhaps if we keep that thought at the forefront of our minds, we'll take a different perspective on what can be accomplished in our life and ministry.
God specializes in doing things that, in our estimation, are impossible. Let's think about two things He has done in Christ:
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). God's physical presence, in the earthly ministry of Christ, begins with the impossible. But this is the power of God, to even bypass His own system for the creation of human life; this is the power of God, to send a word by an angel to this perplexed young woman Mary. In the eyes of the world, Mary was a disgrace because she was pregnant before her marriage to Joseph was finalized. But God, in that situation, was bringing fulfillment of the prophetic word from Isaiah.
My friends, somtimes the fulfillment of the promise of God does not appear in a way that makes us comfortable. But I hope that you will have the same answer as Mary: that once you have received the revelation of 'how this will be', your answer will be 'May it be as You have said' (see Luke 1:26-38).
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent... He has given proof of this to all men by raising him (Jesus) from the dead" (Acts 17:30,31). As Pastor Sam mentioned in Sunday's sermon, there were previous accounts of Jesus raising people from the dead (most notably Lazarus, who had been dead for four days). But, the day came where Lazarus once again died, and that was the end of his life. The distinctive feature of the resurrection of Jesus is that Jesus rose from the dead and has been alive ever since (see Revelation 2:8). How is that possible? Well, the answer was given by the angel who spoke to Mary: "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37), and reiterated by Christ during His earthly ministry: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23); "With men this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27).
So, this is the One we serve- the One for whom nothing is impossible. Perhaps if we keep that thought at the forefront of our minds, we'll take a different perspective on what can be accomplished in our life and ministry.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Resurrexit!
Dear Friends, I don't usually talk shop here, but I think I should explain why Devon- and you- have to "eat leftovers" every weekend...
I'm sure that by now you've noticed that my blog postings are just five days per week (Tuesday through Saturday). In praying about how to be a better steward of my time, I'm finding that it's better for me (and my husband) if I don't stay up all Sunday night blogging a Monday posting. Also, the spring semester is in full swing and I'm taking four classes (!!!). Oh, and I'm also writing my dissertation proposal which I hope will be approved this June. Add this to my duties as a wife and homemaker and minister, and you'll see that my 'dance card' is full.
For reasons that I won't detail now, I have resigned from dance ministry. This has opened up several hours in my schedule, and I think that the removal of dance and the removal of the Monday blog post will be enough to help me manage this semester. As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated. I hope I won't have to cut anything else.
(For my "midnight" people, my apologies for not posting today's blog at midnight- I will try to do better next week!)
Okay, let's get to the sermon!
Pastor Sam finished the series on the "basics" of our faith this past Sunday. As a recap, these are the basics- "the elementary things"- noted by the writer of Hebrews in chapter 6, verses 1 and 2:
-repentance from acts that lead to death;
-faith in God;
-instruction about baptisms;
-the laying on of hands;
-the resurrection of the dead;
-eternal judgement.
Those last two, the resurrection and eternal judgement, are what we'll look at this week. But for now I want to reiterate something that Pastor Sam said at the beginning of the sermon in the second service: "we must pay the most earnest heed to what we have learned".
So, let's add some brief summaries to the first four 'elementary things' that we learned already:
-repentance from acts that lead to death (you have to be born in order to grow; if you have not repented from dead works, you are not a Christian);
-faith in God (never put your faith in anyone or anything other than God; God is a jealous God, and He will destroy any competing idols);
-instruction about baptisms (water baptism as clear identification and complete commitment to God; Spirit baptism as public manifestation of the spiritual engagement between God and you);
-the laying on of hands (God deals with us through other people- for blessing, healing, ordination, and being set apart for ministry).
Tomorrow we'll start to unpack the final two 'basics' of our faith. In the meantime, if you click on the link below that says "Back To Basics", it will pull up every blog that's related to the Hebrews 6:1,2 passage. A little something to munch on while you're waiting for the next meal (smile)...
I'm sure that by now you've noticed that my blog postings are just five days per week (Tuesday through Saturday). In praying about how to be a better steward of my time, I'm finding that it's better for me (and my husband) if I don't stay up all Sunday night blogging a Monday posting. Also, the spring semester is in full swing and I'm taking four classes (!!!). Oh, and I'm also writing my dissertation proposal which I hope will be approved this June. Add this to my duties as a wife and homemaker and minister, and you'll see that my 'dance card' is full.
For reasons that I won't detail now, I have resigned from dance ministry. This has opened up several hours in my schedule, and I think that the removal of dance and the removal of the Monday blog post will be enough to help me manage this semester. As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated. I hope I won't have to cut anything else.
(For my "midnight" people, my apologies for not posting today's blog at midnight- I will try to do better next week!)
Okay, let's get to the sermon!
Pastor Sam finished the series on the "basics" of our faith this past Sunday. As a recap, these are the basics- "the elementary things"- noted by the writer of Hebrews in chapter 6, verses 1 and 2:
-repentance from acts that lead to death;
-faith in God;
-instruction about baptisms;
-the laying on of hands;
-the resurrection of the dead;
-eternal judgement.
Those last two, the resurrection and eternal judgement, are what we'll look at this week. But for now I want to reiterate something that Pastor Sam said at the beginning of the sermon in the second service: "we must pay the most earnest heed to what we have learned".
So, let's add some brief summaries to the first four 'elementary things' that we learned already:
-repentance from acts that lead to death (you have to be born in order to grow; if you have not repented from dead works, you are not a Christian);
-faith in God (never put your faith in anyone or anything other than God; God is a jealous God, and He will destroy any competing idols);
-instruction about baptisms (water baptism as clear identification and complete commitment to God; Spirit baptism as public manifestation of the spiritual engagement between God and you);
-the laying on of hands (God deals with us through other people- for blessing, healing, ordination, and being set apart for ministry).
Tomorrow we'll start to unpack the final two 'basics' of our faith. In the meantime, if you click on the link below that says "Back To Basics", it will pull up every blog that's related to the Hebrews 6:1,2 passage. A little something to munch on while you're waiting for the next meal (smile)...