And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. (Numbers 26:59)
Friends,
What a temptation it must have been for Moses, and perhaps even his family...
Preferential treatment. In a season where Hebrew boys were being decimated, Pharaoh's daughter ignored her father's edict and Moses was allowed to live.
Privilege. In a society where Hebrews were valued only as slaves, their son Moses was being trained in the ways of the king.
Profit. In a system where Levites were not permitted to be landowners (see Numbers 26:57-62), Moses had access to the best lands available and lived in a palace.
In some instances, parents do not seek to rescue their children from the world system because the family is deriving a benefit from that same system.
-Yes, my daughter's a stripper, but she makes $3000 in a weekend. That's more than I make in a month.
-Yes, we're lying on our tax return, but our son is an accountant and he says it's okay. It's the only way we can keep our house.
-Yes, they're selling drugs, but they don't use them. I mean, there's always going to be someone using drugs, we might as well make some of the money... and we use the money for supporting good causes.
Friend, are your children providing you with benefits from a corrupt system? If the answer is yes, I implore you to release yourself, and them, from the ways that lead to death: "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" (Hebrews 11:25).
Repent, while you can: the door of the ark is being shut.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
"Floating, Not Sinking."
In "The Making of Moses and Other Game-Changers", Pastor Sam shared a number of points that related to the three topics of our Sunday: African-American heritage, the dedication of children, and the offering for our denomination's "Alabaster" ministry that seeks to help fledgling churches with building projects.
The title of today's blog is a quote from Pastor Sam. Towards the end of the sermon, Pastor Sam spoke on two aspects of letting go. In Exodus 2, we see that Moses's family had to let him go when he was too big to hide. However, the "letting go" was done in a strategic manner that not only saved Moses's life, but also made opportunity for the family to continue interacting with Moses over the next few formative years from infancy to early childhood.
First, they prepared for calculated risk. Yes, the Nile was dangerous. Aside from the issue of drowning, there was the risk of infants being devoured by animals. Jochebed (Moses's mother) made a basket that could securely hold her child. But the basket was not just secure, it was camouflaged. And the basket was not just camouflaged, it was also being watched by Moses's sister Miriam. Clearly, the family had planned and prepared.
Second, they were present as partners for career success. When none other than Pharaoh's daughter (and her servants) retrieved Moses from the basket, Miriam was present to make an offer. To paraphrase, she said "I can find a Hebrew woman to take care of this child for you." And, in an irony ordained by God, Jochebed spent the next few years being paid by the Pharaoh's household for nursing her own son, the Hebrew boy that the Pharaoh had said must be killed.
Did Moses's family let go? Absolutely. Scripture tells us that Jochebed returned to child to Pharaoh's daughter. Pharaoh's daughter named the child. And Moses grew up in Pharaoh's household. But, in a wonderful postscript, we learn that the household of Pharaoh never grew up in Moses.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:24-27)
Yes! Friends, that is strategy in action. Seeing our children with the eyes of faith, so that we are not sidetracked by what we see with our physical eyes. Recognizing that the riches of Christ Jesus far outweigh and outlast anything the world tries to offer. Doing all we can to prepare our people, then releasing them with both visible and invisible support systems in place. And when they grow up, they will forsake the world and stand with Jesus.
So, who is your "Moses"?
The title of today's blog is a quote from Pastor Sam. Towards the end of the sermon, Pastor Sam spoke on two aspects of letting go. In Exodus 2, we see that Moses's family had to let him go when he was too big to hide. However, the "letting go" was done in a strategic manner that not only saved Moses's life, but also made opportunity for the family to continue interacting with Moses over the next few formative years from infancy to early childhood.
First, they prepared for calculated risk. Yes, the Nile was dangerous. Aside from the issue of drowning, there was the risk of infants being devoured by animals. Jochebed (Moses's mother) made a basket that could securely hold her child. But the basket was not just secure, it was camouflaged. And the basket was not just camouflaged, it was also being watched by Moses's sister Miriam. Clearly, the family had planned and prepared.
Second, they were present as partners for career success. When none other than Pharaoh's daughter (and her servants) retrieved Moses from the basket, Miriam was present to make an offer. To paraphrase, she said "I can find a Hebrew woman to take care of this child for you." And, in an irony ordained by God, Jochebed spent the next few years being paid by the Pharaoh's household for nursing her own son, the Hebrew boy that the Pharaoh had said must be killed.
Did Moses's family let go? Absolutely. Scripture tells us that Jochebed returned to child to Pharaoh's daughter. Pharaoh's daughter named the child. And Moses grew up in Pharaoh's household. But, in a wonderful postscript, we learn that the household of Pharaoh never grew up in Moses.
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:24-27)
Yes! Friends, that is strategy in action. Seeing our children with the eyes of faith, so that we are not sidetracked by what we see with our physical eyes. Recognizing that the riches of Christ Jesus far outweigh and outlast anything the world tries to offer. Doing all we can to prepare our people, then releasing them with both visible and invisible support systems in place. And when they grow up, they will forsake the world and stand with Jesus.
So, who is your "Moses"?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Name-Calling.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam took time to discuss what I would call "the strategy of resistance". As Christians, we often fight on two battlefields. The first, which was blogged on Tuesday, was the idea of a sociopolitical mandate that flew in the face of God's plan and purpose. Specifically, if God's design is for the multiplication of mankind through marriage and having children, then it is a sin to obey Pharaoh when Pharaoh calls for every male in a particular ethnic group to be killed at birth.
The second battlefield, though, might be a bit more subtle. It is in operation on a spiritual plane: in a realm we can't see, but that is powerful and deadly, the devil works to destroy the children of God. This is seen in Scripture. Let's look at a scene Pastor Sam referred to back in December 2007 during the Revelation series:
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
As the chapter progresses, we see that the devil was unsuccessful in his attempt to subvert the work of Christ, and in anger the enemy strategizes to instead subvert the work of Christ's followers:
And the dragon was wroth (angry) with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)
To wrap up, I'll leave you with this thought: sometimes, there is a demonic force behind certain forms of media. Why? Because, although the stated goal is to entertain, the actual goal is to destroy. To paraphrase the former Chief Executive Officer of BET (Robert Johnson), "The 'E' in BET does not stand for enlightenment or education, but entertainment."
What sort of future is promised to a people who are uneducated and unenlightened?
Pharaoh had the Nile. And today, there is still a Nile where children are drowned.
Friends, there's a war going on.
The second battlefield, though, might be a bit more subtle. It is in operation on a spiritual plane: in a realm we can't see, but that is powerful and deadly, the devil works to destroy the children of God. This is seen in Scripture. Let's look at a scene Pastor Sam referred to back in December 2007 during the Revelation series:
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
As the chapter progresses, we see that the devil was unsuccessful in his attempt to subvert the work of Christ, and in anger the enemy strategizes to instead subvert the work of Christ's followers:
And the dragon was wroth (angry) with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)
To wrap up, I'll leave you with this thought: sometimes, there is a demonic force behind certain forms of media. Why? Because, although the stated goal is to entertain, the actual goal is to destroy. To paraphrase the former Chief Executive Officer of BET (Robert Johnson), "The 'E' in BET does not stand for enlightenment or education, but entertainment."
What sort of future is promised to a people who are uneducated and unenlightened?
Pharaoh had the Nile. And today, there is still a Nile where children are drowned.
Friends, there's a war going on.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Three In One.
Hello Friends!
This past Sunday, Pastor Sam dealt with the topics of Black History Month, parenting concerns, and our denomination's Alabaster Offering project... all in one sermon.
We'll take the next few days to review some of the points from the sermon. For today, though, let's just reconsider a couple of the scripture verses Pastor Sam referred to during the sermon.
And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. -Exodus 1:22
And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. -Exodus 2:3
Pharaoh, who ordered his people to commit infanticide, had an agenda to destroy Israel by eliminating its male population. But Amram and Jochebed, the parents of Moses, had their own agenda. Because they chose to obey God and not kill their son, they paved the way for the deliverance of Israel.
So, in this twenty-first century filled with options on granting children life or death, will you obey Pharaoh or God?
This past Sunday, Pastor Sam dealt with the topics of Black History Month, parenting concerns, and our denomination's Alabaster Offering project... all in one sermon.
We'll take the next few days to review some of the points from the sermon. For today, though, let's just reconsider a couple of the scripture verses Pastor Sam referred to during the sermon.
And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. -Exodus 1:22
And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. -Exodus 2:3
Pharaoh, who ordered his people to commit infanticide, had an agenda to destroy Israel by eliminating its male population. But Amram and Jochebed, the parents of Moses, had their own agenda. Because they chose to obey God and not kill their son, they paved the way for the deliverance of Israel.
So, in this twenty-first century filled with options on granting children life or death, will you obey Pharaoh or God?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Loving Rebuke.
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:6)
As we close this week, let's consider one thing Pastor Benji mentioned, ever so briefly, in the middle of his sermon:
Even God's rebuke and chastisement is done in love.
Yes, God is love (see First John 4:8). And, because He loves us, He lovingly brings us into fellowship with Himself; He lovingly corrects us when we sin; He lovingly warns us to obey Him. The psalmist David rejoices in His experience of God's rebuke: "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy word" (Psalm 119:67); ""I know, O LORD, that Thy judgements are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).
Perhaps some of you have children, or know children, whom you've had to correct in love. There's always that classic example of the toddler who lingers too close to the stove, or who reaches for a harmful object, and who is in a situation that requires immediate intervention. From the toddler's standpoint, it seems a painful and unexplained action. But, from the perspective of the adult, it's an action that demonstrates true love because it saves the child from dire harm.
Friends, God sees so much more than we ever will. He is the One who knows the end from the beginning. We can trust Him to always do what is best for us, even if it means we suffer chastisement, rebuke, loss of property, or loss of status. If our suffering is God's way of saving us from dire harm, then we should be so glad for every time God has stepped in to help us (even if we weren't conscious of needing help).
Lord, how we thank You for Your love. Please help us to reflect Your love to everyone around us: for healing, salvation, deliverance, protection, and peace. In Jesus's name, Amen.
As we close this week, let's consider one thing Pastor Benji mentioned, ever so briefly, in the middle of his sermon:
Even God's rebuke and chastisement is done in love.
Yes, God is love (see First John 4:8). And, because He loves us, He lovingly brings us into fellowship with Himself; He lovingly corrects us when we sin; He lovingly warns us to obey Him. The psalmist David rejoices in His experience of God's rebuke: "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy word" (Psalm 119:67); ""I know, O LORD, that Thy judgements are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).
Perhaps some of you have children, or know children, whom you've had to correct in love. There's always that classic example of the toddler who lingers too close to the stove, or who reaches for a harmful object, and who is in a situation that requires immediate intervention. From the toddler's standpoint, it seems a painful and unexplained action. But, from the perspective of the adult, it's an action that demonstrates true love because it saves the child from dire harm.
Friends, God sees so much more than we ever will. He is the One who knows the end from the beginning. We can trust Him to always do what is best for us, even if it means we suffer chastisement, rebuke, loss of property, or loss of status. If our suffering is God's way of saving us from dire harm, then we should be so glad for every time God has stepped in to help us (even if we weren't conscious of needing help).
Lord, how we thank You for Your love. Please help us to reflect Your love to everyone around us: for healing, salvation, deliverance, protection, and peace. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Command: Performance.
"Go, and do thou likewise." (Luke 10:37)
As we continue our thoughts on Pastor Benji's sermon, let's take a minute today to consider the out-working of love.
When we think of examples of how the love of God is expressed, one that comes to mind is Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus speaks of a situation in which a man had been attacked by thieves and left for dead, and is lying on the road in need of immediate assistance. (I'd recommend you read the whole story, found in Luke 10:25-37.)
Love acts. In this story the Samaritan was preceded by a priest and a Levite, both of whom chose not to stop and help. And, whether we debate about whether they could have helped, or whether their status as ministers prevented them from helping, the end result is the same: they didn't help.
Love heals. The Samaritan used oil and wine to bandage the wounds and bring the man to a point where he could be transported, on the Samaritan's own donkey, to an inn where he could receive continuing care.
Love gives. The Samaritan made a financial contribution towards the full healing and restoration of a man he didn't even know, with no guarantee of receiving reimbursement or even a 'thank you'. And, the Samaritan make a promise to come back to the innkeeper and pay whatever additional costs were necessary for the care of this stranger.
Would you do that for a stranger? Would you do that for someone who is from a different culture than your own?
At the beginning of this story, in Luke 10:25, a lawyer asks a question: "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
Yes, lawyer, you are right. It's not just what we believe, it's what we do.
As we continue our thoughts on Pastor Benji's sermon, let's take a minute today to consider the out-working of love.
When we think of examples of how the love of God is expressed, one that comes to mind is Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus speaks of a situation in which a man had been attacked by thieves and left for dead, and is lying on the road in need of immediate assistance. (I'd recommend you read the whole story, found in Luke 10:25-37.)
Love acts. In this story the Samaritan was preceded by a priest and a Levite, both of whom chose not to stop and help. And, whether we debate about whether they could have helped, or whether their status as ministers prevented them from helping, the end result is the same: they didn't help.
Love heals. The Samaritan used oil and wine to bandage the wounds and bring the man to a point where he could be transported, on the Samaritan's own donkey, to an inn where he could receive continuing care.
Love gives. The Samaritan made a financial contribution towards the full healing and restoration of a man he didn't even know, with no guarantee of receiving reimbursement or even a 'thank you'. And, the Samaritan make a promise to come back to the innkeeper and pay whatever additional costs were necessary for the care of this stranger.
Would you do that for a stranger? Would you do that for someone who is from a different culture than your own?
At the beginning of this story, in Luke 10:25, a lawyer asks a question: "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
Yes, lawyer, you are right. It's not just what we believe, it's what we do.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Fail-safe.
The phrase "Love never fails" is dangerous. In the face of crisis, betrayal, misunderstanding, disappointment, or neglect, how can we love in a way that shows constancy and consistency? How can we keep from falling down on the job?
Well, without the help of God, that would indeed be a dangerous venture. We can't love without Him.
Pastor Benji mentioned First John chapter 4, and that chapter contains many wonderful and encouraging words. In it, we are reminded that it is God who equips us with His love, and His life in us enables us to express love to others. Let's take some time today to think about some verses from this chapter, and to find encouragement for our souls.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God." (First John 4:7)
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (First John 4:10)
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (First John 4:12)
"We love because he first loved us." (First John 4:19)
In the safety of God's amazing love, we too can love... with a love that never fails.
Well, without the help of God, that would indeed be a dangerous venture. We can't love without Him.
Pastor Benji mentioned First John chapter 4, and that chapter contains many wonderful and encouraging words. In it, we are reminded that it is God who equips us with His love, and His life in us enables us to express love to others. Let's take some time today to think about some verses from this chapter, and to find encouragement for our souls.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God." (First John 4:7)
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (First John 4:10)
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (First John 4:12)
"We love because he first loved us." (First John 4:19)
In the safety of God's amazing love, we too can love... with a love that never fails.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love, In You!
Friends,
Welcome to a new week of Glossa Water! This week we'll be taking time to think about Pastor Benji's sermon from this past Sunday, which was based on First Corinthians 13.
Although the sermon was preached on Valentine's Day, we're not really thinking of First Corinthians 13 in light of current notions of romantic or erotic love. Instead, we are considering how the love of God is expressed in our day-to-day interactions with everyone we meet.
The title of the sermon was "Love Never Fails", those three words that appear at the end of verse 8. Pastor Benji shared with us that the phrase is not just the concept of "not failing", but also the concept of "not falling": that is, we can count on love to get the job done. True love, God's love, won't let us down.
And that is the kind of love we want to show to others; a love that is constant and consistent. For the next few blogs, we'll reflect on this idea, and challenge, of loving others with an unfailing love.
Welcome to a new week of Glossa Water! This week we'll be taking time to think about Pastor Benji's sermon from this past Sunday, which was based on First Corinthians 13.
Although the sermon was preached on Valentine's Day, we're not really thinking of First Corinthians 13 in light of current notions of romantic or erotic love. Instead, we are considering how the love of God is expressed in our day-to-day interactions with everyone we meet.
The title of the sermon was "Love Never Fails", those three words that appear at the end of verse 8. Pastor Benji shared with us that the phrase is not just the concept of "not failing", but also the concept of "not falling": that is, we can count on love to get the job done. True love, God's love, won't let us down.
And that is the kind of love we want to show to others; a love that is constant and consistent. For the next few blogs, we'll reflect on this idea, and challenge, of loving others with an unfailing love.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Bright!
Today we wrap up our reflections on Pastor Sam's sermon.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14, King James Version)
How do you hide light? You don't. Light is either present or absent. If even the smallest light source is present, it is visible.
Perhaps one of the more sobering realizations for we Christians is that Jesus described us in the same way He described Himself: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" (John 8:12); "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5)
The Holy Spirit has equipped us to be the representation of Christ in the world. We are the body of Christ. We embrace His Light, we reflect His Light, and everyone knows we belong to Him.
To paraphrase Matthew 5:15, no one lights a candle and then sticks it under a bushel. The weight of the bushel would not just obstruct the light of the candle, it would snuff out the candle completely. The whole point of having a lit candle is to shine the light, not hide it. What does that mean for us? Well, it means we shouldn't hide the Light that is in us. Just like the example of salt, our purpose as Christians is to have a tangible, unmistakable effect on everyone we come into contact with. And we don't have to stand on a crate and scream: we can simply live for Jesus every day. And people will notice us. They will notice the decisions we make, they'll notice the compassion, the forgiveness, the integrity. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Yes, Lord, we are happy to obey You, and to let our light shine... because our light is the Light of the world!
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14, King James Version)
How do you hide light? You don't. Light is either present or absent. If even the smallest light source is present, it is visible.
Perhaps one of the more sobering realizations for we Christians is that Jesus described us in the same way He described Himself: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" (John 8:12); "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5)
The Holy Spirit has equipped us to be the representation of Christ in the world. We are the body of Christ. We embrace His Light, we reflect His Light, and everyone knows we belong to Him.
To paraphrase Matthew 5:15, no one lights a candle and then sticks it under a bushel. The weight of the bushel would not just obstruct the light of the candle, it would snuff out the candle completely. The whole point of having a lit candle is to shine the light, not hide it. What does that mean for us? Well, it means we shouldn't hide the Light that is in us. Just like the example of salt, our purpose as Christians is to have a tangible, unmistakable effect on everyone we come into contact with. And we don't have to stand on a crate and scream: we can simply live for Jesus every day. And people will notice us. They will notice the decisions we make, they'll notice the compassion, the forgiveness, the integrity. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Yes, Lord, we are happy to obey You, and to let our light shine... because our light is the Light of the world!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Saltshaker Ghetto.
One of the descriptors used by Jesus to describe us Christians is "salt": as in, "You are the salt of the earth" (see Matthew 5:13). This past Sunday, Pastor Sam warned us of the danger of living our lives as if we were grains of salt which never leave the salt-shaker.
Oh, friends, the problem still exists as it has for decades, if not centuries. What problem? The problem of people coming into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then living the rest of their lives as if no one else should be won into the kingdom. It's like they say, 'I've got mine: I don't care if you get saved or not, at least I know where I stand'.
How is something salted? Well, the salt has to leave the salt-shaker and be deposited onto, or into, the thing that needs to be salted. That's you, who have gotten so comfortable going from your house to your car to that same church pew, then back to your car and back home, never touching the world; never showing the love of Christ to a co-worker or to the guy that's always hanging out on your block; never using your Spirit-given influence in order to change the world.
Let's recap a few things that Pastor Sam shared:
-Salt is always in the minority.
-When salt is present, everyone knows it.
Those of you who are cooks know that, in virtually every recipe that includes salt, you don't use much salt. But, that tiny bit of salt is critically important in creating a successfully executed dish.
-Salt, in ancient Palestine, was the means of preservation.
-Not every crystallized substance is NaCl.
Pastor Sam reminded us of the Dead Sea as a body of water with no outlet, a place where salts routinely could be found on the shore. The true salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), was used as a preservative in a time when there was no such thing as refrigeration. But contaminated salt was not a viable substitute for NaCl.
And the warning, from God through Pastor Sam to us, is that we need to check ourselves and make sure that we are authentically Christian: not based on how we look or even our presence in church, but based on God's assessment of us.
So, are you out of the saltshaker? And are you really NaCl?
Perhaps that's a good place to pause for today, and a good thing for us to pray about. Tomorrow we'll consider the second metaphor that Jesus referred to in this passage.
Oh, friends, the problem still exists as it has for decades, if not centuries. What problem? The problem of people coming into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then living the rest of their lives as if no one else should be won into the kingdom. It's like they say, 'I've got mine: I don't care if you get saved or not, at least I know where I stand'.
How is something salted? Well, the salt has to leave the salt-shaker and be deposited onto, or into, the thing that needs to be salted. That's you, who have gotten so comfortable going from your house to your car to that same church pew, then back to your car and back home, never touching the world; never showing the love of Christ to a co-worker or to the guy that's always hanging out on your block; never using your Spirit-given influence in order to change the world.
Let's recap a few things that Pastor Sam shared:
-Salt is always in the minority.
-When salt is present, everyone knows it.
Those of you who are cooks know that, in virtually every recipe that includes salt, you don't use much salt. But, that tiny bit of salt is critically important in creating a successfully executed dish.
-Salt, in ancient Palestine, was the means of preservation.
-Not every crystallized substance is NaCl.
Pastor Sam reminded us of the Dead Sea as a body of water with no outlet, a place where salts routinely could be found on the shore. The true salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), was used as a preservative in a time when there was no such thing as refrigeration. But contaminated salt was not a viable substitute for NaCl.
And the warning, from God through Pastor Sam to us, is that we need to check ourselves and make sure that we are authentically Christian: not based on how we look or even our presence in church, but based on God's assessment of us.
So, are you out of the saltshaker? And are you really NaCl?
Perhaps that's a good place to pause for today, and a good thing for us to pray about. Tomorrow we'll consider the second metaphor that Jesus referred to in this passage.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Will The Middle Passage Kill You?
Pastor Sam, this past Sunday, brought together an amazing juxtaposition of two themes. On the surface they may have seemed unrelated, but in fact they hold hands. So, all you doctors out there, put on your masks: we're headed for some surgery here.
Before the sermon began, he spoke about Black History Month and the physical and mental strength that was necessary for enslaved Africans to survive the Middle Passage as they traveled in ships, bound in chains below deck, from Africa to the Caribbean and America.
Then, during the sermon, Pastor Sam reminded us of the challenge of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes have a literary 'middle passage', those hard words that appear between the "blessed are"s and the "for they will"s. And we cannot survive those 'middle passages' unless we have spiritual strength, given to us by the Holy Spirit, to live a lifestyle that the world ridicules and abhors.
It's a funny thing. We all want to be blessed, and we all want to enter the kingdom of heaven and be called sons of God and inherit the earth and all that other good stuff. But who wants to embrace the words in the middle?
Can you say these things, with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Yes, I will be poor in spirit. I will acknowledge that I have nothing to offer outside of the grace given me by God.
Yes, I will mourn, because I recognize my own sinfulness.
Yes, I will be meek, and accept the truth from the throne of God and from the mouths of people who God has sent to speak to me.
Yes, I will hunger and thirst for righteousness. There is nothing I want more than to know the presence of God and live for Him.
Yes, I will be merciful. God has been merciful to me: how can I withhold mercy from others?
Yes, I will demonstrate purity of heart. My personal agenda has been abandoned in favor of God's agenda.
Yes, I will be a peacemaker, pursuing peace, that fruit of the Spirit found in the children of the kingdom of God.
Yes, I will endure persecution and be cool with it: it's an indicator of my alignment with Jesus, who suffered greatly on my behalf, as well as prophets who suffered for the sake of the kingdom long before I was ever born.
Yes, Lord, we will do these things! Not on our own, but with Your help. Thank You for saving us, helping us, keeping us, loving us. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Before the sermon began, he spoke about Black History Month and the physical and mental strength that was necessary for enslaved Africans to survive the Middle Passage as they traveled in ships, bound in chains below deck, from Africa to the Caribbean and America.
Then, during the sermon, Pastor Sam reminded us of the challenge of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes have a literary 'middle passage', those hard words that appear between the "blessed are"s and the "for they will"s. And we cannot survive those 'middle passages' unless we have spiritual strength, given to us by the Holy Spirit, to live a lifestyle that the world ridicules and abhors.
It's a funny thing. We all want to be blessed, and we all want to enter the kingdom of heaven and be called sons of God and inherit the earth and all that other good stuff. But who wants to embrace the words in the middle?
Can you say these things, with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Yes, I will be poor in spirit. I will acknowledge that I have nothing to offer outside of the grace given me by God.
Yes, I will mourn, because I recognize my own sinfulness.
Yes, I will be meek, and accept the truth from the throne of God and from the mouths of people who God has sent to speak to me.
Yes, I will hunger and thirst for righteousness. There is nothing I want more than to know the presence of God and live for Him.
Yes, I will be merciful. God has been merciful to me: how can I withhold mercy from others?
Yes, I will demonstrate purity of heart. My personal agenda has been abandoned in favor of God's agenda.
Yes, I will be a peacemaker, pursuing peace, that fruit of the Spirit found in the children of the kingdom of God.
Yes, I will endure persecution and be cool with it: it's an indicator of my alignment with Jesus, who suffered greatly on my behalf, as well as prophets who suffered for the sake of the kingdom long before I was ever born.
Yes, Lord, we will do these things! Not on our own, but with Your help. Thank You for saving us, helping us, keeping us, loving us. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Return Of The Apostate Apostle.
"He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." Matthew 10:1
As we continue our reflection on the introduction to Pastor Sam's sermon, let's stay parked at this crisis of "the many" who, in spite of their spiritual power, will not spend eternity with Christ.
Some Christians try to write off Judas as if he were not a true apostle. But the Scripture indicates that he was indeed one of the twelve, chosen by Christ, and empowered by Christ to work miracles and engage in deliverance ministry. This is underlined at the beginning of the book of Acts, when Peter shares the criteria for replacing Judas.
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." -Acts 1:15-17
Peter, what's that you said? Judas was one of us.
Seems that our Judas could get up with everyone else and preach, cast out demons, heal the sick, and all that... while at the same time being a self-serving thief.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. -John 12:4-6
The sad thing is that Judas is just one of "the many". Generations have come and gone, and the warning still stands: apostolic powerhouses, prayer warriors, great teachers, eloquent preachers, et cetera, are not guaranteed a place in the kingdom of God based on their skill sets.
What is the criteria?
"He who does the will of My Father who is in heaven". (see Matthew 7:21)
How do we know what the will of the Father is? Well, one way we can tell is by seeing what things the Lord identifies as commendable. As we move through the rest of this week, we'll look at some of the "commendable things" espoused in the Beatitudes. If you'd like a head-start, please take time to again read Matthew 5:1-16. See you online tomorrow my friends.
As we continue our reflection on the introduction to Pastor Sam's sermon, let's stay parked at this crisis of "the many" who, in spite of their spiritual power, will not spend eternity with Christ.
Some Christians try to write off Judas as if he were not a true apostle. But the Scripture indicates that he was indeed one of the twelve, chosen by Christ, and empowered by Christ to work miracles and engage in deliverance ministry. This is underlined at the beginning of the book of Acts, when Peter shares the criteria for replacing Judas.
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." -Acts 1:15-17
Peter, what's that you said? Judas was one of us.
Seems that our Judas could get up with everyone else and preach, cast out demons, heal the sick, and all that... while at the same time being a self-serving thief.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray Him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. -John 12:4-6
The sad thing is that Judas is just one of "the many". Generations have come and gone, and the warning still stands: apostolic powerhouses, prayer warriors, great teachers, eloquent preachers, et cetera, are not guaranteed a place in the kingdom of God based on their skill sets.
What is the criteria?
"He who does the will of My Father who is in heaven". (see Matthew 7:21)
How do we know what the will of the Father is? Well, one way we can tell is by seeing what things the Lord identifies as commendable. As we move through the rest of this week, we'll look at some of the "commendable things" espoused in the Beatitudes. If you'd like a head-start, please take time to again read Matthew 5:1-16. See you online tomorrow my friends.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Doctor Is In.
Friends,
Our senior pastor is back! Pastor Sam spoke this past Sunday, and this week we'll do some reflecting on his sermon which was based in Matthew 5.
For starters, though, let's consider another passage he referred to during the introduction to his sermon: Matthew 7:21-23. I've heard it described as one of the scariest passages in Scripture, and I concur with that.
It's scary because the defense offered by the condemned seems perfectly plausible on the surface. They say, in essence, "Lord, we've done great and mighty things in Your name! People were delivered and healed! The gospel was preached! Look at all this fruit brought forth for Your kingdom!"
Apparently, our labors, and the fruit of our labors, are not enough.
What is the verdict? "Depart from Me: I never knew you."
Knowing Christ is the key! Oh, the danger of doing works in the name of Jesus without ever getting to know Him. God help us all.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at this in light of Judas, the classic example of what it means to be an apostate apostle. (To paraphrase Pastor Sam: even though it's something we've looked at before, we need to be reminded.)
So, to close out today, here's the text of Matthew 7:21-23. I pray that we all will check ourselves and take heed. See you online tomorrow.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
Our senior pastor is back! Pastor Sam spoke this past Sunday, and this week we'll do some reflecting on his sermon which was based in Matthew 5.
For starters, though, let's consider another passage he referred to during the introduction to his sermon: Matthew 7:21-23. I've heard it described as one of the scariest passages in Scripture, and I concur with that.
It's scary because the defense offered by the condemned seems perfectly plausible on the surface. They say, in essence, "Lord, we've done great and mighty things in Your name! People were delivered and healed! The gospel was preached! Look at all this fruit brought forth for Your kingdom!"
Apparently, our labors, and the fruit of our labors, are not enough.
What is the verdict? "Depart from Me: I never knew you."
Knowing Christ is the key! Oh, the danger of doing works in the name of Jesus without ever getting to know Him. God help us all.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at this in light of Judas, the classic example of what it means to be an apostate apostle. (To paraphrase Pastor Sam: even though it's something we've looked at before, we need to be reminded.)
So, to close out today, here's the text of Matthew 7:21-23. I pray that we all will check ourselves and take heed. See you online tomorrow.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
Saturday, February 6, 2010
'Noch-'Noch...
Today, let's consider one of the men Pastor Richie spoke of during his sermon.
In Hebrews 11:5, the writer tells us that Enoch was translated: that is, he did not die a physical death. He walked so closely with God, and was so pleasing to God, that God opted to skip natural law and allow Enoch to enter His glorious presence without having died.
How closely do you walk with God?
Earlier this week, I was reminded of the reality each Christian experiences: Christ, in us. The Lord of the universe chooses to make His dwelling place among us. (That is, if we let Him: He won't force Himself upon us.)
So, if the power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me (see Romans 8:5-11), then what sort of life do I live? How do I approach the crises and challenges that come my way? What is my response when God speaks?
Friends, we have nothing to be afraid of. God loves us, and when He asks us to receive His word by faith we can trust Him. It really is that simple. Have faith in God.
Give in a spirit of trusting faith.
Love in a spirit of trusting faith.
Yes, God, I can take You at Your word. It's not just a line from a song, it's the way I live my life in You.
See you online next week, my friends.
In Hebrews 11:5, the writer tells us that Enoch was translated: that is, he did not die a physical death. He walked so closely with God, and was so pleasing to God, that God opted to skip natural law and allow Enoch to enter His glorious presence without having died.
How closely do you walk with God?
Earlier this week, I was reminded of the reality each Christian experiences: Christ, in us. The Lord of the universe chooses to make His dwelling place among us. (That is, if we let Him: He won't force Himself upon us.)
So, if the power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in me (see Romans 8:5-11), then what sort of life do I live? How do I approach the crises and challenges that come my way? What is my response when God speaks?
Friends, we have nothing to be afraid of. God loves us, and when He asks us to receive His word by faith we can trust Him. It really is that simple. Have faith in God.
Give in a spirit of trusting faith.
Love in a spirit of trusting faith.
Yes, God, I can take You at Your word. It's not just a line from a song, it's the way I live my life in You.
See you online next week, my friends.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Get "IF" Out Of Me!
Today, let's step back and take a "big-picture" look at the chapter Pastor Richie preached from this past Sunday.
Hebrews 11, which we sometimes refer to as 'the faith chapter', is filled with examples of men and women who demonstrated their faith. That is, they heard what God said and they believed Him. If I can take this a little further, they believed Him in the face of no tangible evidence available to corroborate what God had said. And, if I might even step out a bit farther with this, some lived and died believing Him, even though they never saw the answer with their own eyes. How does the writer say it? "These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise..." (Hebrews 11:39).
One of the dangers we face is that we sometimes equate faith with rescue, or conquest, or deliverance; something like "If I have faith I will get what I want, I won't get hurt, I will experience ease and peace." But the Hebrews passage is built on the promise of God, not our personal gain. God speaks and we agree with what He has said. So, for example, Noah and his household went into the ark. My guess is that it was not easy to build, and that it was not easy to endure the months of waiting for the waters to recede. But Noah didn't give God a clause or a rider. Noah just said yes to the command of God.
How many times have we said "if" to God?
'God, if you would just fill my husband with Your Spirit.' 'God, if you could just wait until my daughter finishes high school, then I'll do what You asked.' 'God, if You could preserve my reputation: I don't want to be ridiculed.'
And then we come into service and sing "Yes, Lord, completely yes...". Do we really mean yes? Is it a complete yes, or a conditional yes?
Friends, let's not play games. Time is too short. If you are one of those who's only embraced Christianity for what you can get out of it, may I implore you to consider instead what God can get out of you? Your love? Your loyalty? Your obedience? Your willingness to suffer for the sake of His name?
Lord, forgive us for those times our lips have sung 'yes', but our hearts did not speak 'yes'. We repent, and from now on we promise to speak the truth with our lips and in our hearts. Please help us, by Your Spirit, to agree with You by faith. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Hebrews 11, which we sometimes refer to as 'the faith chapter', is filled with examples of men and women who demonstrated their faith. That is, they heard what God said and they believed Him. If I can take this a little further, they believed Him in the face of no tangible evidence available to corroborate what God had said. And, if I might even step out a bit farther with this, some lived and died believing Him, even though they never saw the answer with their own eyes. How does the writer say it? "These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise..." (Hebrews 11:39).
One of the dangers we face is that we sometimes equate faith with rescue, or conquest, or deliverance; something like "If I have faith I will get what I want, I won't get hurt, I will experience ease and peace." But the Hebrews passage is built on the promise of God, not our personal gain. God speaks and we agree with what He has said. So, for example, Noah and his household went into the ark. My guess is that it was not easy to build, and that it was not easy to endure the months of waiting for the waters to recede. But Noah didn't give God a clause or a rider. Noah just said yes to the command of God.
How many times have we said "if" to God?
'God, if you would just fill my husband with Your Spirit.' 'God, if you could just wait until my daughter finishes high school, then I'll do what You asked.' 'God, if You could preserve my reputation: I don't want to be ridiculed.'
And then we come into service and sing "Yes, Lord, completely yes...". Do we really mean yes? Is it a complete yes, or a conditional yes?
Friends, let's not play games. Time is too short. If you are one of those who's only embraced Christianity for what you can get out of it, may I implore you to consider instead what God can get out of you? Your love? Your loyalty? Your obedience? Your willingness to suffer for the sake of His name?
Lord, forgive us for those times our lips have sung 'yes', but our hearts did not speak 'yes'. We repent, and from now on we promise to speak the truth with our lips and in our hearts. Please help us, by Your Spirit, to agree with You by faith. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Able Abel.
Let's continue our reflections on this past Sunday's sermon.
Pastor Richie's phrase, "Abel was able...", is something we can think about for ourselves.
Abel was able to offer the best, the first, the most excellent. Of course some of you might be recalling that Pastor Sam mentioned a similar thing back in January. So, if the Spirit of God is speaking to you about your offerings to Him, take note: He is speaking again, and the core of His message has not changed.
God wants your firstfruits, not your leftovers.
God wants an offering that requires sacrifice.
God wants you to consider His mandates as more important than your personal preferences.
God wants you to obey Him.
Friends, what shall we do? Shall we say yes to God at the cost of our own reputation and agenda and comfort, or shall we continue to do our own thing and ask God to bless our weak imitation of His program?
Give Him everything. When you do, He will surprise you with His generosity. We're not talking about money, and we're not talking about "if-I-give-Him-offerings-He'll-give-me-material-stuff". We are speaking of the fulness of the Spirit, the very presence of God, being in You and equipping you to do great works for Him. That is the generosity of God, to pour Himself into us and use us for His glory. That is the great, undeserved, amazing gift we have been given by Him. But, in order to accept that gift, we have to give ourselves fully to Him. Will you do that?
Lord, I know that in myself I have nothing to offer. But, with Your Spirit working in me, You can give me the capacity to do amazing things for You and for the glory of Your name. Please help me to be willing to let go of the things that cannot save me and cannot help me. Please help me to embrace You, Christ, to take up my cross and follow You. You have spoken; I am listening; I will obey You no matter what. I love You. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
Pastor Richie's phrase, "Abel was able...", is something we can think about for ourselves.
Abel was able to offer the best, the first, the most excellent. Of course some of you might be recalling that Pastor Sam mentioned a similar thing back in January. So, if the Spirit of God is speaking to you about your offerings to Him, take note: He is speaking again, and the core of His message has not changed.
God wants your firstfruits, not your leftovers.
God wants an offering that requires sacrifice.
God wants you to consider His mandates as more important than your personal preferences.
God wants you to obey Him.
Friends, what shall we do? Shall we say yes to God at the cost of our own reputation and agenda and comfort, or shall we continue to do our own thing and ask God to bless our weak imitation of His program?
Give Him everything. When you do, He will surprise you with His generosity. We're not talking about money, and we're not talking about "if-I-give-Him-offerings-He'll-give-me-material-stuff". We are speaking of the fulness of the Spirit, the very presence of God, being in You and equipping you to do great works for Him. That is the generosity of God, to pour Himself into us and use us for His glory. That is the great, undeserved, amazing gift we have been given by Him. But, in order to accept that gift, we have to give ourselves fully to Him. Will you do that?
Lord, I know that in myself I have nothing to offer. But, with Your Spirit working in me, You can give me the capacity to do amazing things for You and for the glory of Your name. Please help me to be willing to let go of the things that cannot save me and cannot help me. Please help me to embrace You, Christ, to take up my cross and follow You. You have spoken; I am listening; I will obey You no matter what. I love You. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Mea Culpa.
This past Sunday, Pastor Richie spoke from the "faith hall of fame" text, Hebrews 11. In our reflections this week we'll consider the examples of Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham. For today, though, let's park at a statement shared by Pastor Richie during his introduction (and I paraphrase here): "The world has relegated faith to anticipation of only personal blessings."
Wow. We are guilty as charged. An evening of "Christian" television programming would certainly imply that it's all about what God can give us. Faith for a house, faith for a husband, faith for a healing. But that's not what the Hebrews 11 passage is pointing at: we instead should demonstrate a faith that indicates our belief in what God has said.
So, what has God said? What is God's agenda? What has God asked you to do?
"Abel, bring your best offering."
"Enoch, walk with Me."
"Noah, build an ark."
"Abraham, leave your homeland."
These men demonstrated their faith in God by obeying His commands.
What about you?
Wow. We are guilty as charged. An evening of "Christian" television programming would certainly imply that it's all about what God can give us. Faith for a house, faith for a husband, faith for a healing. But that's not what the Hebrews 11 passage is pointing at: we instead should demonstrate a faith that indicates our belief in what God has said.
So, what has God said? What is God's agenda? What has God asked you to do?
"Abel, bring your best offering."
"Enoch, walk with Me."
"Noah, build an ark."
"Abraham, leave your homeland."
These men demonstrated their faith in God by obeying His commands.
What about you?