On Monday I met an angel. His name is Larry and he drives a cab. I met him while eating lunch at Che Bella, a small eatery in Manhattan near Columbia University.
Larry was full of genuine love for God and for people. Larry showed me the badge of a slain police officer he said was his brother. And Larry said that he drives his cab, tells people about Yeshua (he said he prefers saying Yeshua because it's the name Jesus was called in the context of ancient Palestine), prays with police officers every chance he gets, and is working on innovative evangelism tools which he believes mega-church leaders will finance and market in this country.
Oh, and there was someone else at our table- an agnostic, a brilliant Barnard College sophomore who got a chance to see a flash of the kingdom of God. Larry prayed for her, told her about our wonderful Savior Jesus, and gave her his church address. I told her that I work part-time at Barnard, and I gave her the URL of this blog along with my cell phone number & e-mail.
She left, he left, and I left. As I walked up 120th Street I heard a car horn honking: it was Larry, waving his Bible through the open window as he drove his cab towards Riverside Drive.
In light of this experience, and Sunday's services, and in looking back at the blogs from the previous weeks and months, it is clear to me that we have reached "the front edge of the water" (Joshua 3): the beginnings of a revival that will move Bronx Bethany, and the whole world, into a new realization of the love of God, the power of prayer, and the reality of miracles- the things we call signs and wonders- that can heal bodies and mend broken hearts and transform lives all over the world.
This week I am not sure how the blogs will flow, but I'm thinking that it might be best just to post some of the Bible verses that our brother and friend Dan quoted while preaching on Sunday. I'll pray about it & we'll see, from day to day, how things work out.
You know, I was not being metaphorical in my description of Larry. I really think he was an angel.
Yes, Larry, I see you waving that Bible... thanks for reminding me. And Dan, I heard you this weekend. And Pastor Sam, I heard you on Saturday. I will read through my entire Bible. Not from a spirit of competition, but because I need more of Jesus in me for the days ahead. It's time.
See you tomorrow my friends.
-Genise
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Divine Directive.
"When God gives a directive, we are to obey regardless of our 'comfort level' with the task" (a quote from Pastor Benji, during the first service).
In Acts 10 we see that Simon Peter received a directive from God. In trance, he was challenged by a vision of things he considered unclean but God had pronounced them clean. As the vision ended, the Lord instructed Peter to go with the men who were sent from Cornelius' community. And in the home of Cornelius, Peter was faithful to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the salvation of the entire household.
Sometimes God shows up and destroys our old paradigm, our old belief system, our old way of thinking. Sometimes God has us travel to places where on our own we would not go. Sometimes He asks us to interact with people we would not normally be seen with. Sometimes He asks us to do things we are reluctant to do. Why? Because, in the process of His working, He calls us to participate with Him.
Some of you have been challenged as our church has gone through Back-to-Basics.
Some of you are being challenged during this weekend devoted to consecration through the disciplines of fasting and prayer.
Some of you are longing for the days where you could just come in to church, sit down for an hour or two, go home, and not be asked for anything by God nor by man.
But God is moving.
Peter said, as he saw the unclean animals in the vision, "Lord, I'm not having any of this. I've never eaten any of this stuff in my life- it's unclean" (Acts 10:14, my paraphrase). And what was the reply? Peter, that's your definition... but God has a different definition.
Famous phrases of those who are "stuck" in routine is, "We've never done that before"; "That is not how our people do things"; "I don't need this".
But guess what? Although Christ Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He is also the LORD who says, "Behold! I am doing a new thing". And those of us who hear His directive must obey.
Bronx Bethany, it's time! The feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD are at the edge of the Jordan (see Joshua 3).
Will you cross over, or will you stay behind?
In Acts 10 we see that Simon Peter received a directive from God. In trance, he was challenged by a vision of things he considered unclean but God had pronounced them clean. As the vision ended, the Lord instructed Peter to go with the men who were sent from Cornelius' community. And in the home of Cornelius, Peter was faithful to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the salvation of the entire household.
Sometimes God shows up and destroys our old paradigm, our old belief system, our old way of thinking. Sometimes God has us travel to places where on our own we would not go. Sometimes He asks us to interact with people we would not normally be seen with. Sometimes He asks us to do things we are reluctant to do. Why? Because, in the process of His working, He calls us to participate with Him.
Some of you have been challenged as our church has gone through Back-to-Basics.
Some of you are being challenged during this weekend devoted to consecration through the disciplines of fasting and prayer.
Some of you are longing for the days where you could just come in to church, sit down for an hour or two, go home, and not be asked for anything by God nor by man.
But God is moving.
Peter said, as he saw the unclean animals in the vision, "Lord, I'm not having any of this. I've never eaten any of this stuff in my life- it's unclean" (Acts 10:14, my paraphrase). And what was the reply? Peter, that's your definition... but God has a different definition.
Famous phrases of those who are "stuck" in routine is, "We've never done that before"; "That is not how our people do things"; "I don't need this".
But guess what? Although Christ Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He is also the LORD who says, "Behold! I am doing a new thing". And those of us who hear His directive must obey.
Bronx Bethany, it's time! The feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD are at the edge of the Jordan (see Joshua 3).
Will you cross over, or will you stay behind?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Descriptors.
Today we'll do a quick recap of Simon Peter's sermon, as explained by Pastor Benji during service. I'd recommend that you read Peter's words for yourself: they can be found in Acts 10.
In introducing the household of Cornelius to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Peter described the following:
The Sovreignty of Jesus (Acts 10:34-36);
The Servanthood of Jesus (Acts 10:37-38);
The Suffering of Jesus (Acts 10:39);
The Saving from Sin through Jesus (Acts 10:43).
And, as Cornelius and his family and friends heard the message and believed the message, the Holy Spirit showed up. Perhaps we can make that a fifth alliteration:
The Supernatural manifested by the Spirit of Jesus.
At the end of Acts 10 we see that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit was given to Cornelius' household while Peter was still preaching. Pastor Benji noted that there was no opportunity for Peter to "coach" Cornelius on what to expect. In fact, the event seemed to have taken Peter and his colleagues by surprise... but they recognized that it was only attributable to the work of God.
This weekend Bronx Bethany will be in fasting and prayer. Who knows? Perhaps God might show up in a way that surprises us, in a way that can only be attributed to Him.
Hear the word of the Lord.
Believe the message He brings through His faithful servants.
And watch God work wonders.
In introducing the household of Cornelius to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Peter described the following:
The Sovreignty of Jesus (Acts 10:34-36);
The Servanthood of Jesus (Acts 10:37-38);
The Suffering of Jesus (Acts 10:39);
The Saving from Sin through Jesus (Acts 10:43).
And, as Cornelius and his family and friends heard the message and believed the message, the Holy Spirit showed up. Perhaps we can make that a fifth alliteration:
The Supernatural manifested by the Spirit of Jesus.
At the end of Acts 10 we see that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit was given to Cornelius' household while Peter was still preaching. Pastor Benji noted that there was no opportunity for Peter to "coach" Cornelius on what to expect. In fact, the event seemed to have taken Peter and his colleagues by surprise... but they recognized that it was only attributable to the work of God.
This weekend Bronx Bethany will be in fasting and prayer. Who knows? Perhaps God might show up in a way that surprises us, in a way that can only be attributed to Him.
Hear the word of the Lord.
Believe the message He brings through His faithful servants.
And watch God work wonders.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Defense Mechanism.
When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers contended with him, saying,"You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." So Peter proceeded to explain to them...(see Acts 11:1-4)
Sometimes our obedience to God creates conflict not with unbelievers, but with "our own": those who are fellow servants of God, born again and filled with the Spirit, but who in some areas of life are still bound to tradition and culture.
The opposition to Peter's obedience was rooted in a cultural conflict: in the Jewish law it was not appropriate for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile. Yet as Peter explained the work of God's Spirit in the house of Cornelius, his opposers came to an understanding that God had indeed granted salvation, and His Spirit, to the Gentile community.
So, when you are walking around in the city (where headquarters is housed) and people start intimating that you have violated policy, how do you respond?
Peter did not get self-defensive or self-protective. He simply shared exactly what had happened, from beginning to end. And that humble response made room for God to act as defender and verifier of the truth of Peter's witness.
Perhaps that's what we should do, too.
Sometimes our obedience to God creates conflict not with unbelievers, but with "our own": those who are fellow servants of God, born again and filled with the Spirit, but who in some areas of life are still bound to tradition and culture.
The opposition to Peter's obedience was rooted in a cultural conflict: in the Jewish law it was not appropriate for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile. Yet as Peter explained the work of God's Spirit in the house of Cornelius, his opposers came to an understanding that God had indeed granted salvation, and His Spirit, to the Gentile community.
So, when you are walking around in the city (where headquarters is housed) and people start intimating that you have violated policy, how do you respond?
Peter did not get self-defensive or self-protective. He simply shared exactly what had happened, from beginning to end. And that humble response made room for God to act as defender and verifier of the truth of Peter's witness.
Perhaps that's what we should do, too.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Diamond-esque.
Let's continue reflecting on the life of Cornelius. As Pastor Benji shared on Sunday, and as we mentioned yesterday, Cornelius (prior to his encounter with Simon Peter) was sort of the poster child for the fake Christian. Everything looked great from the outside, but the Spirit of Jesus was not resident in him. And, in spite of his goodness, Cornelius needed intervention from God to transform his household.
As we learned last year in the parable of the wheat and the tares, often we have no idea who is authentically Christian and who is counterfeit. And, Jesus tells us it's not our job to pull up the tares: He will send an angel to do that at the appropriate time (see the blogs from September 23 through 27, 2008 for more on the subject).
Today's title recalls for me a concept used by some retail outlets. Instead of using the true name for the product, a fancy name is presented to entice the consumer. It's like a diamond, but not exactly... it's diamond-esque. It smells like an apple, but it's not really an apple... it's apple essence.
Well, that doesn't work for a community of believers. "Christ-esque" will not be a satisfatory answer on the day of God's judgement.
Have you received Jesus as your Savior?
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?
As we learned last year in the parable of the wheat and the tares, often we have no idea who is authentically Christian and who is counterfeit. And, Jesus tells us it's not our job to pull up the tares: He will send an angel to do that at the appropriate time (see the blogs from September 23 through 27, 2008 for more on the subject).
Today's title recalls for me a concept used by some retail outlets. Instead of using the true name for the product, a fancy name is presented to entice the consumer. It's like a diamond, but not exactly... it's diamond-esque. It smells like an apple, but it's not really an apple... it's apple essence.
Well, that doesn't work for a community of believers. "Christ-esque" will not be a satisfatory answer on the day of God's judgement.
Have you received Jesus as your Savior?
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Decoy.
This week we will be reflecting on the sermon from this past Sunday, in which Pastor Benji continued the topic of salvation for the entire household.
A key point of the sermon was that the message of salvation must be preached: in other words, it is not something that people acquire by osmosis. Proximity to Christians is not sufficient to bring a person to conversion. God has given us preaching and teaching as the means by which we present our risen Christ to a dying world.
This is illustrated in Acts 10, where we find Simon Peter sharing the gospel with Cornelius, his family, and his friends. Those of you who remember my blog "The Open Show: Cornelius Caught In The Act" (January 3, 2009) will recall that I commended Cornelius for being a devout man with a clear influence on his family. But, as we learned Sunday, the devout nature of Cornelius was not sufficient to save him.
We perhaps should take some time today to reflect on this for ourselves. Often when Christians are described, the following items are mentioned: they pray; they give; they treat others with dignity and respect; they are honest in business and at home; they demonstrate a heart of compassion toward the needy. Well, that was the same description of Cornelius in Acts 10, and Scripture makes it clear that he was doing these things before having received Jesus Christ as His Savior.
Let's be honest. The Cornelius of Acts 10:31, if he were alive today, would certainly look like a Christian in terms of his consistent prayer life, his generous giving, and his impeccable character... perhaps he would appear more Christian than us. But, for all his apparent goodness, he was destined for hell until God sent Peter with the word that could save him.
Perhaps a re-read of Acts 10 and 11 might be helpful, as we consider our own standing before God. Have we truly encountered Christ? Have we received the gift of the Holy Spirit? Or are we just nice church-attending, giving, praying, loving people with no measure of the Spirit of Jesus in us?
Are you authentic, or just a decoy? And how do you know what you are? We'll pick up on this thought tomorrow.
A key point of the sermon was that the message of salvation must be preached: in other words, it is not something that people acquire by osmosis. Proximity to Christians is not sufficient to bring a person to conversion. God has given us preaching and teaching as the means by which we present our risen Christ to a dying world.
This is illustrated in Acts 10, where we find Simon Peter sharing the gospel with Cornelius, his family, and his friends. Those of you who remember my blog "The Open Show: Cornelius Caught In The Act" (January 3, 2009) will recall that I commended Cornelius for being a devout man with a clear influence on his family. But, as we learned Sunday, the devout nature of Cornelius was not sufficient to save him.
We perhaps should take some time today to reflect on this for ourselves. Often when Christians are described, the following items are mentioned: they pray; they give; they treat others with dignity and respect; they are honest in business and at home; they demonstrate a heart of compassion toward the needy. Well, that was the same description of Cornelius in Acts 10, and Scripture makes it clear that he was doing these things before having received Jesus Christ as His Savior.
Let's be honest. The Cornelius of Acts 10:31, if he were alive today, would certainly look like a Christian in terms of his consistent prayer life, his generous giving, and his impeccable character... perhaps he would appear more Christian than us. But, for all his apparent goodness, he was destined for hell until God sent Peter with the word that could save him.
Perhaps a re-read of Acts 10 and 11 might be helpful, as we consider our own standing before God. Have we truly encountered Christ? Have we received the gift of the Holy Spirit? Or are we just nice church-attending, giving, praying, loving people with no measure of the Spirit of Jesus in us?
Are you authentic, or just a decoy? And how do you know what you are? We'll pick up on this thought tomorrow.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Fast Forward: The Holy Convocation.
On the night of March 27 and the day of March 28, Bronx Bethany will be in prayer and fasting.
I hope that, for those readers who are members of Bronx Bethany, you will be at church for both events. If you show up, I really hope that you show up because you deeply desire to have a significant, life-changing encounter with God. His Spirit is present to empower, encourage, and equip those who earnestly seek Him. Be advised, though, He is NOT present to entertain you- so if you were planning on showing up just to be a disinterested or disdaining spectator, it might be safer for you to stay home.
If you are not familiar with fasting in conjunction with prayer, "God's Chosen Fast" by Arthur Wallis is a relatively short, easy-to-read book that can give you a concise overview of why we fast, how to fast, and practical advice on beginning and ending the fasting process. It's a classic and you'll find it a welcome addition to your personal library.
God has said that we will seek Him, and find Him, when we seek Him with all our heart. If you have never given yourself totally to God, perhaps now is the time to abandon your agenda and embrace His. Why wait any longer?
Blessings and peace to you, my friends. Lord willing, we'll meet here again next Tuesday.
Love,
Genise
I hope that, for those readers who are members of Bronx Bethany, you will be at church for both events. If you show up, I really hope that you show up because you deeply desire to have a significant, life-changing encounter with God. His Spirit is present to empower, encourage, and equip those who earnestly seek Him. Be advised, though, He is NOT present to entertain you- so if you were planning on showing up just to be a disinterested or disdaining spectator, it might be safer for you to stay home.
If you are not familiar with fasting in conjunction with prayer, "God's Chosen Fast" by Arthur Wallis is a relatively short, easy-to-read book that can give you a concise overview of why we fast, how to fast, and practical advice on beginning and ending the fasting process. It's a classic and you'll find it a welcome addition to your personal library.
God has said that we will seek Him, and find Him, when we seek Him with all our heart. If you have never given yourself totally to God, perhaps now is the time to abandon your agenda and embrace His. Why wait any longer?
Blessings and peace to you, my friends. Lord willing, we'll meet here again next Tuesday.
Love,
Genise
Friday, March 20, 2009
Proposition, Seduction, Destruction.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam warned us of the ways in which we are tempted in "the wilderness experience": a setting in which we are not receiving answers or 'rescues' from God; a setting in which Satan presents himself powerfully, offering alternative options in an attempt to lure us away from the will of God.
Pastor Sam noted the following themes in Matthew 4 verses 1-11:
The seduction to survival: seeking to fulfill normal needs in a satanic way.
"Well, everyone knows you were lonely- they understand you can't control your sexual desires- and she is willing to compromise, so why not take advantage? God hasn't struck you dead, so it must be okay..."
The seduction to significance: choosing personal significance over humble service.
"Well, if you do some spectacular manifestation then you'll prove to everyone who you really are- these people need to understand they're dealing with a premier apostle- they'll respect you when they see how God empowers you..."
The seduction to success: obtaining accolades and credentials in the quickest possible fashion, even if it means disobeying or disbelieving the word of God.
"Well, why take another four years in school? If you would just kiss up to the right people you'd have your robe and your pectoral cross- you would have already been ordained a long time ago, if you would just keep quiet about the whole charisma thing..."
Oh, God help us. It seems many who call themselves Christians still fall for the same old tricks of the devil. The sad thing is that after years of sitting under teachers who tell the truth, some people still prefer the "quick fix" offered by the enemy. There's just one little problem with that strategy:
Satan never delivers the package. He only uses it to lure you into a life of sin.
To those of you who are inclined to be seduced by Satan's propositions, Pastor Sam offered a prophetic warning in the second service. It echoed the word of Elisha: "You will see it with your eyes, but you will not inherit it" (see Second Kings 7 for the context- this chapter is an excellent example of how God responds when His people don't trust Him). Destruction is the end product for anyone who trades God's truth for Satan's lies.
SO, if you're offered a way out of the wilderness that's quick, easy, painless, and involves levels of secrecy or compromise, watch out.
The wilderness journey involves time, pain, uncertainty. It's the place where only God can help you. It's a place to, as Pastor Sam said during the Revelation sermon series, "embrace the pain in light of the purpose".
Embrace the pain. Wander through the wilderness with a trusting heart. And God, in His way and His time, will bring you into a place of rest.
Pastor Sam noted the following themes in Matthew 4 verses 1-11:
The seduction to survival: seeking to fulfill normal needs in a satanic way.
"Well, everyone knows you were lonely- they understand you can't control your sexual desires- and she is willing to compromise, so why not take advantage? God hasn't struck you dead, so it must be okay..."
The seduction to significance: choosing personal significance over humble service.
"Well, if you do some spectacular manifestation then you'll prove to everyone who you really are- these people need to understand they're dealing with a premier apostle- they'll respect you when they see how God empowers you..."
The seduction to success: obtaining accolades and credentials in the quickest possible fashion, even if it means disobeying or disbelieving the word of God.
"Well, why take another four years in school? If you would just kiss up to the right people you'd have your robe and your pectoral cross- you would have already been ordained a long time ago, if you would just keep quiet about the whole charisma thing..."
Oh, God help us. It seems many who call themselves Christians still fall for the same old tricks of the devil. The sad thing is that after years of sitting under teachers who tell the truth, some people still prefer the "quick fix" offered by the enemy. There's just one little problem with that strategy:
Satan never delivers the package. He only uses it to lure you into a life of sin.
To those of you who are inclined to be seduced by Satan's propositions, Pastor Sam offered a prophetic warning in the second service. It echoed the word of Elisha: "You will see it with your eyes, but you will not inherit it" (see Second Kings 7 for the context- this chapter is an excellent example of how God responds when His people don't trust Him). Destruction is the end product for anyone who trades God's truth for Satan's lies.
SO, if you're offered a way out of the wilderness that's quick, easy, painless, and involves levels of secrecy or compromise, watch out.
The wilderness journey involves time, pain, uncertainty. It's the place where only God can help you. It's a place to, as Pastor Sam said during the Revelation sermon series, "embrace the pain in light of the purpose".
Embrace the pain. Wander through the wilderness with a trusting heart. And God, in His way and His time, will bring you into a place of rest.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Dancing Deviants
[NOTE: I did check my "last chance" resource for the hymn "Forty Days and Forty Nights", and was not able to re-locate the stanza that linked the Flood to the Temptation... but maybe I will write my own sometime between now and Lent 2010.]
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot... (Exodus 32:19)
It's quite an interesting thing to consider: the people of ancient Israel, who had danced in victorious praises to God after crossing the Red Sea, shortly disgraced themselves in a dance of sensuality before an idol- a golden calf that had been fashioned using their own jewelry.
Sometimes, the wilderness experience reveals how far away from God we really are. And all the singing, dancing, and worshipping in the world cannot mask a heart that despises the counsel and discipline of God.
We hear the appeal of God in Psalm 95:8, "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness". In the opportune moment, the kairos moment, Israel failed to demonstrate complete trust in God. Pastor Sam shared three points in this regard:
-they gave in to the temptation of grumbling and longing for a return to bondage and slavery (Exodus 16:3);
-they gave in to the desire to settle in a place that God did not intend for them to stay (Numbers 32:1-9);
-they gave in to the fear of perceived threats to God's promise instead of focusing on the miracle of God's provision (Numbers 13:26-33).
When God has already spoken concerning a matter, our only appropriate response is to agree with God, trust Him, and obey Him.
SO, what will you do while you are in this wilderness experience of no work, no food, no vision? Will you distract yourself, like Israel of old, with sensuality and idolatry? Or will you face the barrenness of the wilderness with an unwavering trust in the Spirit of the Lord who sent you there to be tested?
YES! "I will bring you into the wilderness and plead with you... Like I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the LORD GOD" (see Ezekiel 20:35-36).
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot... (Exodus 32:19)
It's quite an interesting thing to consider: the people of ancient Israel, who had danced in victorious praises to God after crossing the Red Sea, shortly disgraced themselves in a dance of sensuality before an idol- a golden calf that had been fashioned using their own jewelry.
Sometimes, the wilderness experience reveals how far away from God we really are. And all the singing, dancing, and worshipping in the world cannot mask a heart that despises the counsel and discipline of God.
We hear the appeal of God in Psalm 95:8, "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness". In the opportune moment, the kairos moment, Israel failed to demonstrate complete trust in God. Pastor Sam shared three points in this regard:
-they gave in to the temptation of grumbling and longing for a return to bondage and slavery (Exodus 16:3);
-they gave in to the desire to settle in a place that God did not intend for them to stay (Numbers 32:1-9);
-they gave in to the fear of perceived threats to God's promise instead of focusing on the miracle of God's provision (Numbers 13:26-33).
When God has already spoken concerning a matter, our only appropriate response is to agree with God, trust Him, and obey Him.
SO, what will you do while you are in this wilderness experience of no work, no food, no vision? Will you distract yourself, like Israel of old, with sensuality and idolatry? Or will you face the barrenness of the wilderness with an unwavering trust in the Spirit of the Lord who sent you there to be tested?
YES! "I will bring you into the wilderness and plead with you... Like I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the LORD GOD" (see Ezekiel 20:35-36).
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mettle Detector
There's an old saying: character is demonstrated by what you do when no one is watching.
There are some individuals who almost brag about what they will not do during Lent: they "give up" candy, or movies, or some other favorite activity or food.
Jesus gives us a more intensive model to follow. Lent is not just giving up one or two "fun" things for a few weeks: it's a call to relinquish those things that are, as Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, natural, normal, and necessary. In other words, we do not allow our bodies to dictate policy to us: we instead exercise self-control by putting our own bodies under subjection (see First Corinthians 9:27).
This act of giving up natural, normal, and necessary human desires does not occur in a vaccuum. It's accompanied by behaviors we commonly call spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, and giving.
These disciplines are spoken of by Jesus. In Matthew 6, we see the disciplines accompanied by a key word: when. Not "if", but "when". It seems Jesus has an expectation that the community who follows Christ will, as part and parcel of their membership in that community, engage in spiritual disciplines. And the engagement is not for public accolades, but is instead a private demonstration of love and obedience to God.
When you give.
When you pray.
When you fast.
When you do these things in accordance with God's protocol of how they are to be done, then "your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you openly" (see Matthew 6:4, 6:6, 6:18).
And, when you do these things in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can be sure that Satan is lurking in the shadows, waiting for an oportunity to tempt you when you are at your weakest physically, mentally, and financially.
During Lent, we undertake this discipline of divesting: intentionally becoming weak and vulnerable, so that we might lean even more on the mercy and grace of God. Pastor Sam used the word "trust" on Sunday, and we would do well to continue reflecting on that simple and profound mandate: Trust God.
When we have expended ourselves, when we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, we cry out to God. And, even if there is no immediate answer, we trust Him. If our situation gets worse instead of better, we trust Him. It's the "mettle detector": our character is revealed by our response to God when He seems to have left us unprotected from the darts of the enemy.
Job, I hear you: "Yes, though He slay me, I will trust Him; I will maintain my way before Him; He shall be my salvation" (see Job 13:15-16).
Oh, my friends, what will your response be when it's your turn to experience the dark night of the soul?
There are some individuals who almost brag about what they will not do during Lent: they "give up" candy, or movies, or some other favorite activity or food.
Jesus gives us a more intensive model to follow. Lent is not just giving up one or two "fun" things for a few weeks: it's a call to relinquish those things that are, as Pastor Sam shared on Sunday, natural, normal, and necessary. In other words, we do not allow our bodies to dictate policy to us: we instead exercise self-control by putting our own bodies under subjection (see First Corinthians 9:27).
This act of giving up natural, normal, and necessary human desires does not occur in a vaccuum. It's accompanied by behaviors we commonly call spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, and giving.
These disciplines are spoken of by Jesus. In Matthew 6, we see the disciplines accompanied by a key word: when. Not "if", but "when". It seems Jesus has an expectation that the community who follows Christ will, as part and parcel of their membership in that community, engage in spiritual disciplines. And the engagement is not for public accolades, but is instead a private demonstration of love and obedience to God.
When you give.
When you pray.
When you fast.
When you do these things in accordance with God's protocol of how they are to be done, then "your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you openly" (see Matthew 6:4, 6:6, 6:18).
And, when you do these things in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can be sure that Satan is lurking in the shadows, waiting for an oportunity to tempt you when you are at your weakest physically, mentally, and financially.
During Lent, we undertake this discipline of divesting: intentionally becoming weak and vulnerable, so that we might lean even more on the mercy and grace of God. Pastor Sam used the word "trust" on Sunday, and we would do well to continue reflecting on that simple and profound mandate: Trust God.
When we have expended ourselves, when we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, we cry out to God. And, even if there is no immediate answer, we trust Him. If our situation gets worse instead of better, we trust Him. It's the "mettle detector": our character is revealed by our response to God when He seems to have left us unprotected from the darts of the enemy.
Job, I hear you: "Yes, though He slay me, I will trust Him; I will maintain my way before Him; He shall be my salvation" (see Job 13:15-16).
Oh, my friends, what will your response be when it's your turn to experience the dark night of the soul?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
"The Singing Church" Is Not Necessarily A Compliment.
Are you ready for this week's reflections? Take a deep breath, we are going to journey into the wilderness. But today we'll keep things light, just a quiz and a homework assignment.
I have spent several hours researching an old hymn entitled "Forty Days and Forty Nights", originally written by Reverend George Hunt Smyttan. The revised lyrics were written by Francis Pott, and beyond that there have been many updates to the text to "modernize" the language. I have yet to find a copy of the original nine verses created by Reverend Smyttan.
Though I recall singing a version of this hymn a couple of years ago that referenced the Flood in relation to the temptation of Christ, I have not been able to find that particular version online- nor is it in any of the sixteen(!!!) hymnals my husband & I have here at home. But I have one more chapel to check this Wednesday, so if I do find that version I'll certainly share the text with you later this week.
For today's quiz, we'll use the version of the hymn from the Christadelphian Hymn Book. Here is your quiz question: What's wrong with this song?
Forty days and forty nights Thou wast fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights tempted, and yet undefiled.
When in hunger, Thou didst say "It is written, man shall live"-
(Putting fleshly lust away)- "By the word that God did give".
When the world would make Thee king in the way men ever trod,
Spurnedst Thou the unclean thing: "It is written, Worship God".
When the devil tempted Thee with the Scripture wrested sore,
From his toils Thou didst break free, with the Scripture honored more.
Lust of flesh, and lust of eyes, pride of life- those dreaded three!
Lord, Thou didst antagonize by the Word, made flesh in Thee.
Father, by that holy Word which did strengthen Thy dear Son,
Strengthen us, that with our Lord we at last may be made one.
Quiz Answer:
You'll notice that the song text does not completely line up with the Matthew 4 passage. The song is missing the second temptation... and the third verse attributes the act of temptation to the world, while the Scripture makes it clear that this particular temptation was direct from Satan... oh, and the first verse implies that the temptation occurred during the forty days, but Scripture tells us that the temptation began after the forty day fast had been completed.
I hope this will encourage you to not sing blindly, but to follow Paul's counsel to sing with the Spirit, even with understanding (see First Corinthians 14:15). Because there's nothing more dangerous than error set to a catchy tune.
Homework:
You would do well to read the following Scripture passages mentioned (or alluded to) by Pastor Sam during the introduction to the sermon- these all relate to instances of the number 40 in Scripture. You know, it would have been so cool if Pastor Sam could have had the time to really dive deep into these passages. I have fantasies of being able to experience a four-hour sermon...and perhaps someday I'll be part of a church where the pastor can spend four or five hours teaching the word of God... sort of a twenty-first century revival of the Antioch church in Acts...
But that is not where we are today. So, for now, here is your homework. READ:
Genesis 7:11-24
Exodus 24:12-18
Numbers 13
Numbers 14:20-35
First Kings 19:1-8
Matthew 4:1-11
Acts 1:1-5
Yes, it's lots of reading... but if you would just turn off the television, shut down the computer, and silence your phone, you can do these readings in one evening and I promise it won't take you all night.
Tomorrow we'll consider the sacrificial nature of the Lenten season.
I have spent several hours researching an old hymn entitled "Forty Days and Forty Nights", originally written by Reverend George Hunt Smyttan. The revised lyrics were written by Francis Pott, and beyond that there have been many updates to the text to "modernize" the language. I have yet to find a copy of the original nine verses created by Reverend Smyttan.
Though I recall singing a version of this hymn a couple of years ago that referenced the Flood in relation to the temptation of Christ, I have not been able to find that particular version online- nor is it in any of the sixteen(!!!) hymnals my husband & I have here at home. But I have one more chapel to check this Wednesday, so if I do find that version I'll certainly share the text with you later this week.
For today's quiz, we'll use the version of the hymn from the Christadelphian Hymn Book. Here is your quiz question: What's wrong with this song?
Forty days and forty nights Thou wast fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights tempted, and yet undefiled.
When in hunger, Thou didst say "It is written, man shall live"-
(Putting fleshly lust away)- "By the word that God did give".
When the world would make Thee king in the way men ever trod,
Spurnedst Thou the unclean thing: "It is written, Worship God".
When the devil tempted Thee with the Scripture wrested sore,
From his toils Thou didst break free, with the Scripture honored more.
Lust of flesh, and lust of eyes, pride of life- those dreaded three!
Lord, Thou didst antagonize by the Word, made flesh in Thee.
Father, by that holy Word which did strengthen Thy dear Son,
Strengthen us, that with our Lord we at last may be made one.
Quiz Answer:
You'll notice that the song text does not completely line up with the Matthew 4 passage. The song is missing the second temptation... and the third verse attributes the act of temptation to the world, while the Scripture makes it clear that this particular temptation was direct from Satan... oh, and the first verse implies that the temptation occurred during the forty days, but Scripture tells us that the temptation began after the forty day fast had been completed.
I hope this will encourage you to not sing blindly, but to follow Paul's counsel to sing with the Spirit, even with understanding (see First Corinthians 14:15). Because there's nothing more dangerous than error set to a catchy tune.
Homework:
You would do well to read the following Scripture passages mentioned (or alluded to) by Pastor Sam during the introduction to the sermon- these all relate to instances of the number 40 in Scripture. You know, it would have been so cool if Pastor Sam could have had the time to really dive deep into these passages. I have fantasies of being able to experience a four-hour sermon...and perhaps someday I'll be part of a church where the pastor can spend four or five hours teaching the word of God... sort of a twenty-first century revival of the Antioch church in Acts...
But that is not where we are today. So, for now, here is your homework. READ:
Genesis 7:11-24
Exodus 24:12-18
Numbers 13
Numbers 14:20-35
First Kings 19:1-8
Matthew 4:1-11
Acts 1:1-5
Yes, it's lots of reading... but if you would just turn off the television, shut down the computer, and silence your phone, you can do these readings in one evening and I promise it won't take you all night.
Tomorrow we'll consider the sacrificial nature of the Lenten season.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
I'm Not Moving... My Family Bought This Pew!
It's always interesting to deal with people who are resistant to change, and more interesting to deal with people who resist the move of the Holy Spirit of God.
At the start of the sermon during the first service Pastor Benji said, "Church is not a place to go; it is the church that should be going."
Evangelism: our opportunity to get out and go to the people, to love them and share the heart of God with them, and above all to pray earnestly for the salvation of souls.
But, sometimes, it's not easy to get people to go out. It's a challenge to get people to have compassion for the lost. Do you know what it is to get comfortable? Sometimes it's hard to break out of that comfort zone.
In a world where a meal can be brought to your door, we make the appeal to Christians to get up, get out, and go fishing. God has given us all the equipment and tools we need. But, as the old saying goes, though God feeds the birds He does not drop the food into the nest for them.
With this in mind, let's pray:
-for Holy Spirit boldness in our preaching and teaching;
-for a spirit of humility, realizing that we too were rescued;
-for God's direction as to where we go and who we speak to.
Yes! Every person will see and know that it is not your work, but it is the declaration of the LORD... and that declaration will not return void... DO YOU SEE IT? It's a line of people on 227th Street, waiting for the church doors to open. Be gracious when the ushers ask you to give up your seat.
At the start of the sermon during the first service Pastor Benji said, "Church is not a place to go; it is the church that should be going."
Evangelism: our opportunity to get out and go to the people, to love them and share the heart of God with them, and above all to pray earnestly for the salvation of souls.
But, sometimes, it's not easy to get people to go out. It's a challenge to get people to have compassion for the lost. Do you know what it is to get comfortable? Sometimes it's hard to break out of that comfort zone.
In a world where a meal can be brought to your door, we make the appeal to Christians to get up, get out, and go fishing. God has given us all the equipment and tools we need. But, as the old saying goes, though God feeds the birds He does not drop the food into the nest for them.
With this in mind, let's pray:
-for Holy Spirit boldness in our preaching and teaching;
-for a spirit of humility, realizing that we too were rescued;
-for God's direction as to where we go and who we speak to.
Yes! Every person will see and know that it is not your work, but it is the declaration of the LORD... and that declaration will not return void... DO YOU SEE IT? It's a line of people on 227th Street, waiting for the church doors to open. Be gracious when the ushers ask you to give up your seat.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Until They All Come Home...A Testimony.
Today's title is part of a quote from Pastor Benji's sermon in the first service: "God is not finished until they all come home".
I recall many years ago, one of my nieces and one of my nephews came to live with us for the summer. Our household had an inviolable rule: no one stayed home on Sundays. And my nephew gladly and dutifully got up early each Sunday morning so he could commute to the particular church of his choosing, while my niece attended services in reluctance... and shortly called her mom to complain about the rule.
The debate went on for days. Her mom did not see the importance of the assembling together of believers, and I did not accept the counter-offer of allowing my niece to just stay at home and watch television all day. Well, I was "reminded" that I was not "the parent", and her mother insisted that I could not force her to go to church. I agreed... and sent my niece back to her mom. I lost the fight, but I refused to compromise the integrity of my household. For me, that meant no exceptions to the rule.
Well, that was almost twenty years ago. I had forgotten the incident until this past Sunday's sermon.
There are sayings out there: you have to pick your battles, this hill isn't worth dying for, and so on. I'd like to ask you: is the salvation of souls worth fighting and dying for?
Pastor Benji shared, "When God designs a plan to liberate, it is for complete liberation". We can recall the appeal of the angels to Lot in Genesis 19, who (this amazes me) had to take hesitant Lot and his family by the hands and lead them out of
Sodom. That family had gotten so accustomed to life in the wicked city that even the command of God was not sufficient to make them fear the impending destruction.
In other words, not everyone wants to be liberated.
Guess what? The angels were right. God's design is to destroy "the cities of the plain", and in the midst of destruction He also makes provision for the rescue of families.
So, we who have been liberated seek the liberation of our loved ones. We pray, we admonish, we love, and we discipline... until they all come home.
I recall many years ago, one of my nieces and one of my nephews came to live with us for the summer. Our household had an inviolable rule: no one stayed home on Sundays. And my nephew gladly and dutifully got up early each Sunday morning so he could commute to the particular church of his choosing, while my niece attended services in reluctance... and shortly called her mom to complain about the rule.
The debate went on for days. Her mom did not see the importance of the assembling together of believers, and I did not accept the counter-offer of allowing my niece to just stay at home and watch television all day. Well, I was "reminded" that I was not "the parent", and her mother insisted that I could not force her to go to church. I agreed... and sent my niece back to her mom. I lost the fight, but I refused to compromise the integrity of my household. For me, that meant no exceptions to the rule.
Well, that was almost twenty years ago. I had forgotten the incident until this past Sunday's sermon.
There are sayings out there: you have to pick your battles, this hill isn't worth dying for, and so on. I'd like to ask you: is the salvation of souls worth fighting and dying for?
Pastor Benji shared, "When God designs a plan to liberate, it is for complete liberation". We can recall the appeal of the angels to Lot in Genesis 19, who (this amazes me) had to take hesitant Lot and his family by the hands and lead them out of
Sodom. That family had gotten so accustomed to life in the wicked city that even the command of God was not sufficient to make them fear the impending destruction.
In other words, not everyone wants to be liberated.
Guess what? The angels were right. God's design is to destroy "the cities of the plain", and in the midst of destruction He also makes provision for the rescue of families.
So, we who have been liberated seek the liberation of our loved ones. We pray, we admonish, we love, and we discipline... until they all come home.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Designer Clothes
In Sunday's sermon Pastor Benji stated, "God has given the design; we must carry out the activity."
In reflecting on the mention of Noah in Hebrews 11, we understand that God gave him particular instructions regarding the building of an ark to save himself and his household. And we can take away a few insights from the accounts of Noah (both in Hebrews and in Genesis):
- Noah built an ark, by faith, for the purpose of salvation;
-Noah was not deterred by the taunting of his neighbors, nor did he defer the work of building in the face of no evidence of rain;
- Noah's sons and daughters-in-law, as well as Noah's wife, all entered the ark of safety- a testimony to the plan and desire of God to save households;
- Noah's obedience to God stood as an indictment of the ungodly community he lived in.
What about us? How do we approach "building the ark" in the twenty-first century?
-Are we carrying out God's assignment to us by faith?
-Are we doing what God told us, even in the face of ridicule?
-Are our family members taking us seriously- will they follow us as we follow God's commands?
-Are we able to live in such a way that our lifestyle is as much a testimony as the words we say?
If not, why not? Lord, help us to wear obedience in such a way that, even before we speak, our lives will declare that we delight in carrying out Your design.
In reflecting on the mention of Noah in Hebrews 11, we understand that God gave him particular instructions regarding the building of an ark to save himself and his household. And we can take away a few insights from the accounts of Noah (both in Hebrews and in Genesis):
- Noah built an ark, by faith, for the purpose of salvation;
-Noah was not deterred by the taunting of his neighbors, nor did he defer the work of building in the face of no evidence of rain;
- Noah's sons and daughters-in-law, as well as Noah's wife, all entered the ark of safety- a testimony to the plan and desire of God to save households;
- Noah's obedience to God stood as an indictment of the ungodly community he lived in.
What about us? How do we approach "building the ark" in the twenty-first century?
-Are we carrying out God's assignment to us by faith?
-Are we doing what God told us, even in the face of ridicule?
-Are our family members taking us seriously- will they follow us as we follow God's commands?
-Are we able to live in such a way that our lifestyle is as much a testimony as the words we say?
If not, why not? Lord, help us to wear obedience in such a way that, even before we speak, our lives will declare that we delight in carrying out Your design.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
God's Controversy: Selfish Salvation.
Today we continue our reflection on the sermon "God's Salvation Plan".
Pastor Benji made the powerful analogy of Christians as those who have been rescued out of a burning building; but, instead of running back into the building to attempt to save their loved ones, they stand outside and sing and rejoice in their own deliverance while the others are left to perish.
I believe this was a profound prophetic indictment on our Bronx Bethany community, as well as being an indictment on many who belong to the the Christian Church. We are born again, but our prayers make it clear that we are self-absorbed and not conscious of the heart of God:
"Oh, Lord, bless my business... God, be with my family... Lord, help me pass my exam..."
In the account of the miracle of fish in Luke 5:1-11, I think Jesus was trying to show Peter, and us, that this fishing for souls is one in which every person in every nation of the world is poised to be rescued. Jesus said, "Fear not: from now on, you will catch men" (see Luke 5:10), and we can apply His word to ourselves. As Pastor Benji noted on Sunday, it's not enough for us to be saved individually when God has presented a design for the saving of entire households.
Don't be afraid. When God is orchestrating the expedition, the fish will come to you.
Pastor Benji made the powerful analogy of Christians as those who have been rescued out of a burning building; but, instead of running back into the building to attempt to save their loved ones, they stand outside and sing and rejoice in their own deliverance while the others are left to perish.
I believe this was a profound prophetic indictment on our Bronx Bethany community, as well as being an indictment on many who belong to the the Christian Church. We are born again, but our prayers make it clear that we are self-absorbed and not conscious of the heart of God:
"Oh, Lord, bless my business... God, be with my family... Lord, help me pass my exam..."
In the account of the miracle of fish in Luke 5:1-11, I think Jesus was trying to show Peter, and us, that this fishing for souls is one in which every person in every nation of the world is poised to be rescued. Jesus said, "Fear not: from now on, you will catch men" (see Luke 5:10), and we can apply His word to ourselves. As Pastor Benji noted on Sunday, it's not enough for us to be saved individually when God has presented a design for the saving of entire households.
Don't be afraid. When God is orchestrating the expedition, the fish will come to you.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Gone Fishing.
This week we'll spend some time reflecting on Pastor Benji's sermon, "This Great Salvation/God's Salvation Plan".
Pastor Benji made reference to two Old Testament passages that should be familiar, but I think it would be beneficial for all of us to read them again: Genesis chapters 6 through 10, and Exodus chapters 8 through 10. You'll notice that the references I wrote are longer than the ones stated by Pastor Benji. That's correct- I would like you to actually find time to sit down, open your Bible, and read it.
The historical plan of salvation, as seen in the Old Testament, was one in which entire households were saved: parents, children, extended family. It was not enough that Noah could enter the ark: God commanded him to save his entire family. It was not enough for Moses to have been delivered from the Nile River as an infant: God gave him a mandate to return to Egypt and be an agent for the deliverance of an entire nation.
As we continue in our "fishing for souls", let's look to this historical context and seek to understand God's heart for families.
Pastor Benji made reference to two Old Testament passages that should be familiar, but I think it would be beneficial for all of us to read them again: Genesis chapters 6 through 10, and Exodus chapters 8 through 10. You'll notice that the references I wrote are longer than the ones stated by Pastor Benji. That's correct- I would like you to actually find time to sit down, open your Bible, and read it.
The historical plan of salvation, as seen in the Old Testament, was one in which entire households were saved: parents, children, extended family. It was not enough that Noah could enter the ark: God commanded him to save his entire family. It was not enough for Moses to have been delivered from the Nile River as an infant: God gave him a mandate to return to Egypt and be an agent for the deliverance of an entire nation.
As we continue in our "fishing for souls", let's look to this historical context and seek to understand God's heart for families.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Church Of The Nazarene (Charismatic)
I think that there's an interesting link between the mission of Jesus as detailed in the John 4 and John 9 passages, and our Back to Basics courses on the Holy Spirit.
When we do God's will and God's work, it seems that people can't help but notice. And I really believe that something happens, some sort of manifestation, that makes it clear we are engaged in the work of God.
I often think of Acts 6, a passage we discussed in one of our Back to Basics lessons. And I will say to you, as I said in one of my classes, that this selection of Stephen is something to reflect on in light of the will of God and the work of God.
The twelve apostles did not choose Stephen. In Acts 6:3 we see that the selection of the seven men (for overseeing food distribution, and that's a blog for another time) was a task delegated to the community. What was the selection criteria?
A man with a degree in hospitality and food management? No.
A man who was fluent in Greek and Hebrew? No.
A man who held political clout and had friends in the Sanhedrin? No, that wouldn't work either.
The apostles basically said:
1. Choose seven men from among you;
2. Choose seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
I did check this verse in my husband's Greek New Testament (Pastor Benji and Pastor Sam seem to have started a little brush fire with this Greek thing), where I once again saw the word "kai"- which we translate as "and", but which can also be translated as "even"- so perhaps we could say that the second criteria was for seven men full of the Spirit, even wisdom. It's reminiscent of the list we see in Isaiah 11:2:
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Well, here's the question. How is it that a community of thousands had no trouble pointing out Stephen as a man with these qualities?
There are really only two possible answers:
1. Declaration- It was something that they heard Stephen say;
2. Manifestation- It was something that they saw Stephen do.
In the Church of the Nazarene we seem to be a little nervous about certain public, or charismatic, expressions of Spirit-fullness. I think that perhaps people are afraid of not being able to distinguish the work of the Spirit of God from the counterfeit works of the enemy.
Well, there is counterfeit money in the world... does that stop you from using real money?
We Nazarenes tend to promote the fruit of the Spirit more so than the gifts of the Spirit, because our love for others is a key evidence of our standing in God (see First John 3). But God has also designated particular gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of buiding up His body, the Church (see First Corinthians 12). To be a healthy church, we need both in operation.
I pray that you will choose to allow the Holy Spirit to have full control in your life, and that you will not block His working in you and through you.
God bless you my friends.
When we do God's will and God's work, it seems that people can't help but notice. And I really believe that something happens, some sort of manifestation, that makes it clear we are engaged in the work of God.
I often think of Acts 6, a passage we discussed in one of our Back to Basics lessons. And I will say to you, as I said in one of my classes, that this selection of Stephen is something to reflect on in light of the will of God and the work of God.
The twelve apostles did not choose Stephen. In Acts 6:3 we see that the selection of the seven men (for overseeing food distribution, and that's a blog for another time) was a task delegated to the community. What was the selection criteria?
A man with a degree in hospitality and food management? No.
A man who was fluent in Greek and Hebrew? No.
A man who held political clout and had friends in the Sanhedrin? No, that wouldn't work either.
The apostles basically said:
1. Choose seven men from among you;
2. Choose seven men who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
I did check this verse in my husband's Greek New Testament (Pastor Benji and Pastor Sam seem to have started a little brush fire with this Greek thing), where I once again saw the word "kai"- which we translate as "and", but which can also be translated as "even"- so perhaps we could say that the second criteria was for seven men full of the Spirit, even wisdom. It's reminiscent of the list we see in Isaiah 11:2:
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Well, here's the question. How is it that a community of thousands had no trouble pointing out Stephen as a man with these qualities?
There are really only two possible answers:
1. Declaration- It was something that they heard Stephen say;
2. Manifestation- It was something that they saw Stephen do.
In the Church of the Nazarene we seem to be a little nervous about certain public, or charismatic, expressions of Spirit-fullness. I think that perhaps people are afraid of not being able to distinguish the work of the Spirit of God from the counterfeit works of the enemy.
Well, there is counterfeit money in the world... does that stop you from using real money?
We Nazarenes tend to promote the fruit of the Spirit more so than the gifts of the Spirit, because our love for others is a key evidence of our standing in God (see First John 3). But God has also designated particular gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of buiding up His body, the Church (see First Corinthians 12). To be a healthy church, we need both in operation.
I pray that you will choose to allow the Holy Spirit to have full control in your life, and that you will not block His working in you and through you.
God bless you my friends.
Friday, March 6, 2009
This Is A Reminder, You Have An Appointment.
Many years ago, for a short period of time, I was in a small contemporary gospel group. On one occasion we were scheduled to sing at an event which featured Out of Eden and Alvin Slaughter.
Much to my surprise, I heard our group being mentioned on a Christian talk radio program a couple of days before the concert. The discussion went something like this:
"Who's on this concert?"
"Alvin Slaughter is headlining, and Out of Eden is going to be there, and the opening acts are local Salvation Army groups: The New Sounds for Christ, and another group called Committed."
"Called what?"
"Committed."
"Oh my God, I hope they show up!"
Committed. We are engaged. We have made, as implied in Psalm 50, certain promises to God that we are bound to keep. We are a living document, a public record of the work of God in us and through us. As Pastor Sam said on Sunday, "His agenda must be engaged by me." There is no alternative for the true servant of God.
Pastor Sam also noted that the committed person is one who will seize opportunity in the face of difficulties and distractions. Why? Because this is God's will we are talking about. When we have given up our personal agendas, we become free to fully immerse ourselves in the plan and program of God. Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us that when God ordains something, His purpose will be accomplished. And as we look at the words of Christ in John 4 and John 9, we understand that this love we have for God will inevitably manifest itself in our obedience to His call, and our submission to His will, and our execution of His work.
Is this easy? No. But I hope that, for all of us, our passion and love for God will spur us on to do the hard things for the sake of His kingdom agenda.
God, I am committed... and I promise I'll show up.
Much to my surprise, I heard our group being mentioned on a Christian talk radio program a couple of days before the concert. The discussion went something like this:
"Who's on this concert?"
"Alvin Slaughter is headlining, and Out of Eden is going to be there, and the opening acts are local Salvation Army groups: The New Sounds for Christ, and another group called Committed."
"Called what?"
"Committed."
"Oh my God, I hope they show up!"
Committed. We are engaged. We have made, as implied in Psalm 50, certain promises to God that we are bound to keep. We are a living document, a public record of the work of God in us and through us. As Pastor Sam said on Sunday, "His agenda must be engaged by me." There is no alternative for the true servant of God.
Pastor Sam also noted that the committed person is one who will seize opportunity in the face of difficulties and distractions. Why? Because this is God's will we are talking about. When we have given up our personal agendas, we become free to fully immerse ourselves in the plan and program of God. Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us that when God ordains something, His purpose will be accomplished. And as we look at the words of Christ in John 4 and John 9, we understand that this love we have for God will inevitably manifest itself in our obedience to His call, and our submission to His will, and our execution of His work.
Is this easy? No. But I hope that, for all of us, our passion and love for God will spur us on to do the hard things for the sake of His kingdom agenda.
God, I am committed... and I promise I'll show up.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Anybody Hungry For A Two-Course Meal?
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34).
In this passage, Jesus shares a mission statement that clarifies what He intended to do during His earthly ministry.
First, He intended to carry out the will of the Father. In John 4:34 Jesus referred to this carrying out of God's will as "His food"- the thing that sustained Him, refreshed Him, energized Him.
Second, He intended to complete the work of the Father. In subsequent passages Jesus credits God the Father as the preparer of His sermons (John 7:16); as the prover of His honor (John 8:54); and as the protector of His followers (John 10:29). God, who assigned the work, reveals Himself as the One who also assists in the execution of the work.
God's will.
God's work.
And God still chooses people to carry out His mandate to be agents of redemption, healing, deliverance, and transformation in this world... people like us.
In this passage, Jesus shares a mission statement that clarifies what He intended to do during His earthly ministry.
First, He intended to carry out the will of the Father. In John 4:34 Jesus referred to this carrying out of God's will as "His food"- the thing that sustained Him, refreshed Him, energized Him.
Second, He intended to complete the work of the Father. In subsequent passages Jesus credits God the Father as the preparer of His sermons (John 7:16); as the prover of His honor (John 8:54); and as the protector of His followers (John 10:29). God, who assigned the work, reveals Himself as the One who also assists in the execution of the work.
God's will.
God's work.
And God still chooses people to carry out His mandate to be agents of redemption, healing, deliverance, and transformation in this world... people like us.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
When All Else Fails, Read The Instructions.
Pastor Sam made the observation that, when we experience crisis, the appropriate response for the believer manifests itself in two primary ways:
The expression of deep faith. It's so important to develop a lifestyle of faith in God. This faith is a well that we draw from in seasons of grief and uncertainty. Like the parable of the ten virgins, which we've discussed before, there is this idea of building up a spiritual reserve... having something extra to refuel us when our lamp is going out. I'm speaking in metaphor, but I think you know where I'm going with this. There are some people who only show up in church when a crisis hits, and those persons have it all backwards. We need to be in an ongoing, growing relationship with Christ so that when a crisis hits, we won't be blindsided or blown away. Pastor Sam shared a few lines of a hymn that expresses this concept:
"When darkness seems to veil His face, I rest on His unchanging grace:
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
Because the hymnwriter had a history with God, the experience of life's storms did not disturb or distract him.
The expression of deep worship. In the first service Pastor Sam asked a question, and answered the question succinctly: "What do we do when there's nothing we can do? We worship." That's what Job did, and I hope we can all express the godly response of Job: "The LORD gives; the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (see Job 1:20-22).
Like faith, worship is a lifestyle that is built up over months and years of engaging in the worship of God. As my husband often says, it's the one thing we do on earth that we know we'll be doing in heaven, so why not get as much practice as possible?
We have made the great mistake of equating worship with music, and that's not the case. Worship is the declaration- declarative, spoken out loud, publicly expressed- it's the declaration of the attributes and worthiness of God. Certainly we can use music as a vehicle for this expression, but the music isn't always in support of the worship. I'll give you an example- the song I mentioned during last week's blogs.
"Take my heart and form it; take my mind, transform it; take my will, conform it to Yours O Lord..."
It's performed as a classic "worship" song, but as you read the lyrics you'll see there's no declaration of the attributes of God. It's a great song, but "Take My Heart" is better described as a prayer set to music.
What do we say when we worship? We declare who God is: How great is our God... Lord, You are holy... The Lord our God in the midst of us is mighty... The LORD reigns... in other words, it's all about Him. No personal requests, and not even thanksgiving...
So God, today we lift our hands and we worship You. You who are holy, kind, merciful and just. Oh God, we see Your hand of judgement looming and we know that Your mercy requires the execution of Your judgement. You are the mighty, everlasting, all-powerful God. When You speak the earth shakes and trembles. You are the One who reigns over all. A fire goes before You and burns Your enemies. Oh Lord, You are exalted above all gods. We worship You, almighty God... truly there is none like You!
The expression of deep faith. It's so important to develop a lifestyle of faith in God. This faith is a well that we draw from in seasons of grief and uncertainty. Like the parable of the ten virgins, which we've discussed before, there is this idea of building up a spiritual reserve... having something extra to refuel us when our lamp is going out. I'm speaking in metaphor, but I think you know where I'm going with this. There are some people who only show up in church when a crisis hits, and those persons have it all backwards. We need to be in an ongoing, growing relationship with Christ so that when a crisis hits, we won't be blindsided or blown away. Pastor Sam shared a few lines of a hymn that expresses this concept:
"When darkness seems to veil His face, I rest on His unchanging grace:
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil."
Because the hymnwriter had a history with God, the experience of life's storms did not disturb or distract him.
The expression of deep worship. In the first service Pastor Sam asked a question, and answered the question succinctly: "What do we do when there's nothing we can do? We worship." That's what Job did, and I hope we can all express the godly response of Job: "The LORD gives; the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (see Job 1:20-22).
Like faith, worship is a lifestyle that is built up over months and years of engaging in the worship of God. As my husband often says, it's the one thing we do on earth that we know we'll be doing in heaven, so why not get as much practice as possible?
We have made the great mistake of equating worship with music, and that's not the case. Worship is the declaration- declarative, spoken out loud, publicly expressed- it's the declaration of the attributes and worthiness of God. Certainly we can use music as a vehicle for this expression, but the music isn't always in support of the worship. I'll give you an example- the song I mentioned during last week's blogs.
"Take my heart and form it; take my mind, transform it; take my will, conform it to Yours O Lord..."
It's performed as a classic "worship" song, but as you read the lyrics you'll see there's no declaration of the attributes of God. It's a great song, but "Take My Heart" is better described as a prayer set to music.
What do we say when we worship? We declare who God is: How great is our God... Lord, You are holy... The Lord our God in the midst of us is mighty... The LORD reigns... in other words, it's all about Him. No personal requests, and not even thanksgiving...
So God, today we lift our hands and we worship You. You who are holy, kind, merciful and just. Oh God, we see Your hand of judgement looming and we know that Your mercy requires the execution of Your judgement. You are the mighty, everlasting, all-powerful God. When You speak the earth shakes and trembles. You are the One who reigns over all. A fire goes before You and burns Your enemies. Oh Lord, You are exalted above all gods. We worship You, almighty God... truly there is none like You!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Preparation Or Procrastination?
On this past Sunday, Pastor Sam shared a relevant, timely, and powerful rhema word from "two definitive sayings of Jesus" (that's a direct quote from his introduction): John 9:4 and John 4:34. Today we'll begin with the end, as we reflect on the conclusion of the sermon.
At the close of the sermon during the first service, Pastor Sam said something like "God help you if you are dragging your feet in the face of urgency."
In reflecting on John 9:4, particularly in light of Pastor Publio's sudden death, we see the reality of time. We don't have "forever" on this earth. We know that... but sometimes that knowledge does not instill within us a sense of urgency to complete the work to which God has called us.
We really only have two choices when God calls us to engage in, and complete, His work:
Preparation. In both services Pastor Sam spoke about the twin tools of gifting and training. There are some skills that God has graced us with as part of our spiritual gift-mix, and there are other skills that we can acquire through education. Often, both are necessary in the process of completing the work of Him who sent us.
Procrastination. There are spiritual forces that oppose us and seek to undermine the work of the Lord and the sovreign plan of God: perhaps the most prominent opposing forces are the spirit of fear and the spirit of apathy. Things like aversion to risk, disinterest, or competing agendas fuel these destructive spirits and hinder us from reaching our full potential in Christ.
At the close of the sermon during the second service, Pastor Sam made a reference to Ephesians 5:15-18. Paul urges the church in Ephesus to "redeem the time, for the days are evil" (from verse 16). Our awareness of our own temporal nature should drive us to a corresponding desire to maximize the relatively short time we have on this earth... for even if we live to be a hundred years old, what is a hundred years in light of eternity? And what sort of track record will be recorded next to our names?
Oh Lord God, You know how tired I am, and how I struggle with procrastination and despair. But in my spirit I know that You have called me to do a particular work in support of the building of Your kingdom. Please help me to realize that You have gifted me and trained me so that Your work can go forward. Thank You, God, for this amazing privilege of participating with You in works that lead to eternal life. Help me to be fully engaged in this work, Your work, to Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
At the close of the sermon during the first service, Pastor Sam said something like "God help you if you are dragging your feet in the face of urgency."
In reflecting on John 9:4, particularly in light of Pastor Publio's sudden death, we see the reality of time. We don't have "forever" on this earth. We know that... but sometimes that knowledge does not instill within us a sense of urgency to complete the work to which God has called us.
We really only have two choices when God calls us to engage in, and complete, His work:
Preparation. In both services Pastor Sam spoke about the twin tools of gifting and training. There are some skills that God has graced us with as part of our spiritual gift-mix, and there are other skills that we can acquire through education. Often, both are necessary in the process of completing the work of Him who sent us.
Procrastination. There are spiritual forces that oppose us and seek to undermine the work of the Lord and the sovreign plan of God: perhaps the most prominent opposing forces are the spirit of fear and the spirit of apathy. Things like aversion to risk, disinterest, or competing agendas fuel these destructive spirits and hinder us from reaching our full potential in Christ.
At the close of the sermon during the second service, Pastor Sam made a reference to Ephesians 5:15-18. Paul urges the church in Ephesus to "redeem the time, for the days are evil" (from verse 16). Our awareness of our own temporal nature should drive us to a corresponding desire to maximize the relatively short time we have on this earth... for even if we live to be a hundred years old, what is a hundred years in light of eternity? And what sort of track record will be recorded next to our names?
Oh Lord God, You know how tired I am, and how I struggle with procrastination and despair. But in my spirit I know that You have called me to do a particular work in support of the building of Your kingdom. Please help me to realize that You have gifted me and trained me so that Your work can go forward. Thank You, God, for this amazing privilege of participating with You in works that lead to eternal life. Help me to be fully engaged in this work, Your work, to Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Monday, March 2, 2009
A last good-bye
Our friend and beloved Latino Ministries pastor, Publio Fajardo, will be buried in his home country of Colombia, in South America.
Yesterday we met many members of the Fajardo family, who have traveled from places as far as Florida, California, and Canada to comfort Martha and to be with us at Bronx Bethany for the funeral service we are holding at our church on Tuesday evening (please note this is a change from the original announcement, due to today's inclement weather).
Your prayers for the Fajardos, and for Bronx Bethany, are appreciated.
Yesterday we met many members of the Fajardo family, who have traveled from places as far as Florida, California, and Canada to comfort Martha and to be with us at Bronx Bethany for the funeral service we are holding at our church on Tuesday evening (please note this is a change from the original announcement, due to today's inclement weather).
Your prayers for the Fajardos, and for Bronx Bethany, are appreciated.