The Word On The Street.

Yesterday during the second service, I took a walk outside with a small trash bag in hand. There was a significant amount of trash on the block around our church: empty potato chip bags, bottles, and the like. As I walked on the avenue and put trash into the bag, a man passed me. He then paused. Not because of what I was doing, but because he was able to hear the sermon that was in progress.

Someone had opened the emergency exit at the front of the sanctuary. So, anyone walking in the vicinity of 227th Street and Paulding Avenue would have been able to clearly hear Pastor Martha preaching (along with our sister Sonia, who was providing simultaneous translation).

The man stood on the corner of 227th and Paulding for a few minutes, listening, then continued on his way. And I walked back into the building a few minutes after that with a half-filled trash bag, dirty hands, and a thankful heart. Thankful that someone had opened the emergency exit. Thankful that the sound system was working. Thankful that the garbage on the street made me uncomfortable and drew me outside. Thankful that God could encourage me through this stranger, a man "outside the gate" who for a moment turned his attention to the powerful word of God.

Dear Stranger, the Lord bless you for delaying your travel in order to hear His Word. I pray it will take root in you, grow hardily, and bear fruit to the glory of God.

Service "Interruption": Business As Unusual.

A few years ago I heard a message from Harvey Carey, pastor of Citadel of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, Michigan. One of the things he said at that time was that, from week to week, no one knew what church service would look like. He and his congregation remained open to doing whatever God called them to do on that particular day.

That is an unusual way of doing church in the twenty-first century. We tend to be creatures of habit, and we love knowing things in advance. So we have planning meetings. We set agendas. Even here at Bronx Bethany, we spend a lot of time and energy on planning meetings and printing bulletins. (I wonder how high would the stack of papers be if we piled 48 years of bulletins one on top of another.)

Don't get me wrong. I am not denying the value of being well-prepared as we present our service of worship to God and for the people of God. And bulletins are a great thing to have. But when we become over-invested in "sticking to the script", we lose out on the chance to receive counsel and blessing from God Himself.

Just as God equipped us for ministry, He also reserves the right to put our ministry work on pause. He can say, "I know you were scheduled to preach but I want My people to pray." "I know you've worked on this ministry event for five months, but you never asked Me if that's what I want. Cancel it." "I am not giving you a reason: I just want you to trust Me and step down from ministry indefinitely."

And when He, the Lord of Glory, says such things, what is our response? Do we pretend that we don't recognize His voice? Do we justify our plans and move forward without His blessing? Do we love our ministry more than we love our Lord?

It's dangerous to be an expert. We know this church routine inside-out. It is the sin of the Pharisee, who does all the right things in the right way but never gains God's commendation.

God is good to us. Last week Sunday we set aside all we know about doing church in order to embrace God's foolishness, which is always wiser than man's wisdom. And He rewarded us. I pray that we will always be willing to set aside our expertise when God "interrupts".

Service "Interruption": Elijah's Cameo Appearance.

I love reading about the prophet Elijah. He shows up, seemingly out of nowhere. He does a bunch of amazing things as the oracle of God. He then leaves the earth in an awesome God-fire-chariot.

God did some radical things with, to, and through that man. As Pastor Martha shared months ago, and we keep referring back to it, Elijah was a regular person. But his prophetic ministry, and his prayers, were extraordinary. Miracles happened when he was around.

Pastor Sam referenced Elijah this past Sunday as he explained why we were taking a second offering, even though it was not the first Sunday of the month. And Elijah is a good man to think about concerning giving. He was a regular person charged by God to do irregular things, like asking a widow to use her last flour and oil to cook a cake for him (see I Kings 17).

So, we were asked to give even though it wasn't part of the regular routine. For some of us, that giving was our last flour and oil. And I am confident that God will multiply it as only He can, so that a little church in Jamaica can be blessed beyond measure. How exciting it will be to hear the victory report!

Lord, thank You for the example of Elijah. We are happy to be on board with Your unusual project in Your church and in Your world. Thank You for using ordinary people to do Your extraordinary work.

Blog "Interruption": Pen Pal.

Today's post is written by a special guest: Reverend Ronald Benjamin, my very dear friend and brother in the Lord. These are his reflections written in response to "Service 'Interruption': Children's Crusade".

Community. What does that word mean? This is a word that has been used to describe gatherings, groups, neighborhoods, locations, and places where we live. (My list is not exhaustive.) The sociologists have crafted their own definition of the term. Definitions are what we create about something. I'd rather have a description any day over a definition. One of the realities we must face in urban America (Corporate America has its own realities) is that it is an alien community.

Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene has been trying to create community within this alienated urban Bronx culture through the ministry of Care Groups. Those persons who have embraced the concept continue to experience community. The individuals who have not (and some may think they have justifiable causes) are the ones who continue to have major challenges when the needs arise for assistance.

Community is not selective or discriminatory. It is all embracing. I have seen the spirit of community demonstrated in Bronx Bethany oven and over. How many times individuals have helped others who were moving; gave rides to children going to school or college; took others to hospital or medical appointments and much more. Community is not experienced outside of relationships.

When individuals are prepared to enter the world of others, then others will be prepared to enter their world.

Service "Interruption": From Theory To Praxis.

During the 7:45 service, when it became clear that God had changed the order of service, our pastor followed the leading of our Lord. End result? No sermon.

Well, let me rephrase that: the sermon that had been planned was not presented.

After Faith's presentation, and after Pastor Sam's prayer, we listened to John 17. And as I listened to Pastor Sam reading, the thought came to me that we had just experienced John 14:31 through John 17 in our service. In that passage, the disciples had been enjoying the Passover service in the upper room, and Jesus said "Come on, let's go." And in a similar fashion, we had been enjoying another Sunday at Bronx Bethany, and the Spirit of Christ said "Come take a walk with Me. This is not what you usually do, but I want to take you somewhere. Let's go."

It is so good to be at a church where the pastor is unafraid to drop protocol for the sake of the kingdom of God. I have been in churches where such a move would be followed by intense criticism from various individuals or boards. Some years ago, for example, I once had a staff member share with me her concern about service ending at a certain time. I replied to her that God is not bound to time, and that I wished her watch would explode. (Since then, God has been teaching me to respond with less attitude and more grace!)

But such is the challenge when God jumps off the pages of the Bible and actually shows up in service. It would be more convenient to keep Him sealed up in His own book. But God is living, He speaks, He acts. He invites us, as a minister once said, to "walk with Him into the garden." And if, like the John 14 through 17 example, that garden is Gethsemane, there's no guarantee that we'll be comfortable in the experience. But we'll be in the right place.

My prayer is that we love our Lord deeply, beyond theory, and are willing to follow Him wherever He leads. Even if it isn't printed in the order of service.

Service "Interruption": Children's Crusade.

This past Sunday, several young children participated in service. And I believe that God was sending us a message through them.

We often refer to persons younger than us as "the next generation", "our future", and the like. The implication is that they are still in training, and at some point they'll be able to take our places in ministry.

But as I watched the children on Sunday, the thought came to me that they are in ministry now. Yes, there is plenty of room for growth and development. But they are on the battlefield along with us, now, doing their part to win souls for Christ.

As I reflect on this in light of autism awareness, I think that God has given us a great opportunity for soul-winning. I share Faith's vision of someday having a space in one of our church buildings where special-needs children and youth can be cared for. I also see in my mind a church where a special space will no longer be necessary, because every congregant will lovingly support all the children in every room at church. What a soul-winning opportunity for the kingdom of God, if parents could bring their children to our church without concern for social backlash.

In my mother's generation, babies and children were in worship service along with the adults. No one seemed to mind back then. Things have changed now. Children are in a different space for "age-appropriate" instruction. Babies are relegated to the nursery, where they will not incur glares from adults who have forgotten the joy we can experience in a child's cry. And special-needs children are often left at home.

I really am not advocating any particular children's ministry structure, though it may seem like I am. I'm just wondering if we, when we shuttle children to locations outside of the sanctuary, are missing an opportunity for adults to experience God's salvation through the ministry of a child.

Speak, Lord, Your servants are listening.

Service "Interruption": Word of Faith.

This past Sunday, our sister Faith shared a PowerPoint presentation on the subject of autism. And through this presentation, Bronx Bethany was able to see God's interest in the subject.

The clear word from God was that we are not merely to be knowledgeable, but that we must ask God what He wants us to do. Often at Bronx Bethany we speak of gaining information for the purpose of transformation. But is responding "practically and compassionately" just a nice tag line in our church bulletin? Can we really be practical and compassionate in this postmodern age?

Pastor Sam, in his pastoral prayer, gave expression to our challenges. We cannot ever pretend that we understand the day-to-day experiences of parents with autistic children. And we might even be uncomfortable in trying to "help", because we don't know what to do. But it seems that God is asking us to do. Not just pray, but do.

Faith spoke of the reality of inconvenience in serving. And perhaps that is the crux of the matter. Perhaps God is moving our hearts to be okay with inconvenience, to be okay with losing money and time in serving others. Pastor Sam underlined this theme by reminding us of the story of the Good Samaritan, who abandoned his own agenda in order to serve a Jewish man. (A man who, in a normal circumstance, would not even have greeted the Samaritan on the road.) The Samaritan lost money and time, and he embraced the inconvenience without looking for anything in return.

Lord, help us to open our hearts to those who You've asked us to serve. Not for the sake of a response from them, but merely because it's what You want us to do. Give us Your grace to embrace inconvenience.

Service "Interruption": Samuel Exiled.

On Sunday morning we had the profound experience of having God interrupt our service.

It's always a surreal experience. Here we are, with our planned protocol, our worship agenda which we intend to present to the Lord as a fragrant offering, and God rejects the agenda.

What is He saying? "Listen. I have something to tell you. And I will do whatever is necessary to get your attention so that you hear what I'm saying."

So it was a different service from start to finish. And this week, we'll reflect on the unusual move of God and what it means for us personally and corporately.

Let's start with Pastor Sam.

Traditionally, he sits in the front row. But for yesterday's first service, he stood at the back for the beginning of the worship service. Not the back of the sanctuary, but actually outside of the sanctuary in the back foyer.

And I've been reflecting on this unusual sight. But though it was unusual for him, it is normal for hundreds if not thousands of contemporary Christians. We are indeed in the building, but somehow we are not included in the corporate worship. We've been exiled from the body of believers. Or, we have exiled ourselves.

And we say that we have been in church, but in reality we've only stood outside the "gate". We stood in the hallway. We drank tea in the kitchen. We chatted with our friends in the parking lot. But we never entered into corporate worship.

May I encourage all of us to seek to worship the living God in our exile? Sing His praises in the parking lot. Pray for the households of those who are working in the kitchen. Speak words of encouragement to those who are hanging out in the hallway.

When Pastor Sam was in the foyer, his worship of God never stopped. And those who saw him, rather than trying to engage him in idle conversation, joined with him in the worship of our great God.

Has your tradition of worship been interrupted? Are you in exile? Worship God anyway. Perhaps you will become an agent of transformation for all who see you.

Yes, I'm Excited About Jesus: A Commentary On Passion.

During the week, my husband and I spent time reflecting on the sermon. At one point in our conversation he said, of Pastor Richie, "He preached with passion."

This year, so far, has indeed been a season where leaders and congregants alike have been experiencing a profound presence of God. And as our love for Him deepens, it is being expressed through impassioned conversation. Impassioned worship. Impassioned service.

Why are we excited? Because we know the story! We have the Scriptures, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, which assures us of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Yes, shout it from the rooftops. Yes, preach with passion. Yes, sing exuberantly. Yes, serve selfLESSly. Let's give it all we've got.

Serve like you're serving the King. Because you are.
Worship like it's only between you and the Lord of glory. Because it is.
Converse like it's your last chance to share Christ with a dying world. Because it might be.

Love? Not.

In both services this past Sunday, Pastor Richie shared a criticism he heard from a friend. His friend said something to the effect of, "You think too many people are Christians. There aren't that many people who want to spend time with Jesus. They want something from Him, but they don't want Him."

What an indictment. And it might be true. Why are our churches full every week, for decades, but their surrounding communities remain untransformed? Perhaps it's because time spent in church is not equivalent to time spent with Christ.

How is love towards God expressed?

Jesus says that if we love Him, that love will be expressed through obeying His commandments. "If you obey My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commandments and remain in His love." (John 15:10)

And what is His command? "My commandment is this- to love one another just as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

Wow. And how was the love of God expressed through Christ? Philippians 2:5-11 shows us that Jesus put aside His glory and came to earth in humility, choosing to experience servanthood, suffering, and death so that the world might be saved.

What about you? Do you want Jesus, realizing the cost of discipleship? Or do you just want to get things from Him?

Rich In Love.

This past Sunday, we were encouraged to reflect on times past when we experienced God in a deep, profound way. Pastor Richie gave the example of moments when one might be walking or driving, then suddenly one is overwhelmed with the loving presence of God.

It's a love that one is compelled to stop and acknowledge.

Friend, when is the last time you've had that feeling? Is your relationship with God still a love-fest, or has it become mere routine?

I pray that today, as you reflect on the goodness of God, you will have a testimony: a witness within you that recognizes and honors the power of God in your life. And beyond the testimony, I pray that you love God deeply.

Blessings and Peace to you.

Not Asking, Just Basking.

In the first service on this past Sunday, Haughton gave a prophetic word during congregational worship. He encouraged us to bask in the presence of God. Haughton's word was reinforced by Pastor Richie, as during the sermon we were reminded of the importance of spending time in the presence of the Lord: not to ask for anything, but just to enjoy being in His company.

When we speak of spiritual warfare, images come to mind: fasting, anointing with oil, casting out devils, and the like. But Pastor Richie emphasized the importance of, and I quote him here, "being in His presence just to know Him".

Jesus, can I spend some time with You?

As I have mentioned before, it's a good thing to get to know Jesus before a crisis comes. And this is what we see in Mark 9. While we define spiritual warfare as what occurred in Mark 9:14-29, the spiritual warfare perhaps got its start in Mark 9:2, or maybe even in Mark 6:46. Jesus, basking in the presence of His Father, was subsequently empowered to move in the miraculous. What did Jesus do after His prayer time? In Mark 6, we see Him walking on water. In Mark 9, we see Him conversing with Moses and Elijah, followed shortly thereafter with the profound healing of the boy with a deaf and mute spirit.

Yes, we have a war plan. Bask. Then tackle the task.

No. You Shut Up.

At Bronx Bethany we try to have "duplicate" services on Sunday mornings; that is, whatever is done in the 7:45 service is repeated at 11:15. That is true in some respects. But, as you can guess, no two services are ever exactly alike.

This past Sunday, Pastor Richie shared a particular point during the first service sermon that was not repeated during the second service. I believe it's worthwhile to reflect on this point today.

In the Mark 9 passage, there is a moment where Jesus identifies a spirit by name. "You deaf and mute spirit..." (Mark 9:25). The point made by our pastor was that, in some cases, we are called to make an open identification of the spirit that is keeping persons sick or bound or deceived. Calling the spirit by name bursts open the doorway to deliverance.

In the Mark passage, we see that the spirit prevented both hearing and speech. I believe we live in a time where this is still relevant. There is a spirit afoot in the world today whose task is to rob men of hearing and speech. And this is particularly relevant to those of us in the body of Christ. Why? Because our salvation, though rooted in our faith in Christ, is activated by what we hear and say. "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (see Hebrews 4:7)... "With the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (see Romans 10:10).

Where does the deaf and mute spirit keep its headquarters today? Perhaps there is more than one answer to the question. Television and other media lull us into a complacency where we hear many voices, but not the voice of the Lord. Political circles warn us that if we speak in support of the finished work of Christ, we will be labeled as intolerant or ignorant or insensitive.

In this postmodern age, it seems that Christianity in the so-called free world is the poster child for "shut up". But everyone else, from agnostics to Wiccans, can voice their truths. What shall we Christians do?

So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18,19)

Amen.

Blue Band Nation.

This week, we'll reflect on the sermon given by Pastor Richie. While we are remaining on the subject of prayer, we've transitioned from a review of The Lord's Prayer to a discussion of prayer as a means of spiritual warfare.

For today, though, let's meditate on the Scripture that gives us a hint of Jesus's approach to spiritual warfare.

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?" Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not." He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me."

Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you to come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:14-29)

Post-Passion Depression.

Friends,

Have you ever felt really low after a high-powered event? Sometimes that is what pastors experience, particularly after Easter.

It's a challenge. Hundreds of people show up who have never been to church before. They sing, pray, and might even come to the altar during the appeal for salvation. Some are bold enough to fill out a visitor card.

And then they're gone.

And pastors wonder. I wonder too. What will become of these visitors, these dear ones so young in the faith, who have not yet learned the value of staying connected to the body of Christ? Of course we pray for them. But we agonize over their spiritual state. We wonder if we did enough on Sunday... if we said something that will sustain them, even if they choose not to come back to church.

Lord God, what can we do but appeal to You? Keeper of our souls, please preserve the lives of these who are young in the faith. I pray Your Spirit will direct them to a church of Your choosing so that they can grow in the knowledge of Christ. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen.

In Quietness And Confidence.

Friends,

I pray that today you will have time to stop and reflect on the greatness of our God who gave His one and only, His Unique Son Jesus to live, die, be buried, be raised from the dead, and to reign as King Eternal.

Have a blessed and glorious Resurrection Day.

Passion And Pastoral Persuasions.

Good Friday.

Many know the story. And the temptation is to cast blame at the feet of a seemingly fickle crowd, who shouted praises on Palm Sunday and called for Jesus's crucifixion on Good Friday. (For those of you who may not know the story, see Matthew chapters 26 through 28.) But perhaps this Passion Week we should avoid casting a negative light on the crowd.

What does Scripture say?

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. (Matthew 27:20)

Chief priests and elders. The men loved and trusted and respected by their community. Conducting services, baby dedications, funerals, praying, pronouncing blessings, while wearing vestments that represented their connection to God... even as they kissed the face of the Roman Empire.

Three years ago (yes, I mean 2009) Pastor Sam, in his Palm Sunday sermon What Went Wrong Between Sunday and Friday, said "Don't let anyone do your spiritual thinking for you." It is as relevant a warning now as it was then.

Perhaps it is more relevant now. Earlier this week, in preparation for Holy Week services, I read through parts of the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer. Guess what it says?

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. (BCP, page 422) It's still in there. Perhaps page 422 was missing from the New Hampshire version of the BCP.

Really, though, this goes beyond New Hampshire. Our brothers and sisters in various little branches of Christianity have been, in effect, offered Barabbas by their chief priests and elders. Trusted leaders. Strong leaders. Masters of persuasion. Successful. Accepted. Tolerated. Persuading the people that God's word is irrelevant, yet fastidiously maintaining the rituals of the faith.

Perhaps these leaders are more prisoner than Barabbas ever was. (see Matthew 27:16)

But Jesus is here! Jesus, the One who came to set the captives free, the One that religious leaders had no power to destroy. Let us pray that every leader held captive by the deception of sin will be set free by the mighty power of the Spirit of the Living God, for the sake of His glory.

Passion.

Well, here we are in the midst of another Passion Week.

As part of our observance of the Passion of our Lord, several churches in the Bronx are once again meeting together for a series of ecumenical services. On Sunday evening, Pastor Sam spoke at St. Luke's Episcopal. On Monday evening, Canon McIntyre spoke at Bronx Bethany.

We have two more services planned. Tonight's service is at Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, and Wednesday evening closes the series at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church. If you're in (or near) the northeast Bronx, please make an effort to attend. The services begin at 7:30 p.m.

One of the great blessings of the Sunday and Monday evening services was the prayer time after the sermon. How encouraging to see men and women, young and old, walk up to the altar for prayer. We are on our way to becoming a praying community.

Lord God, You have made us and You know us. You have met our deep need for communion and community. Thank You for this privilege of worshipping with other believers. Thank You that, in this country, we can still do so freely. Please help us to always be thankful and mindful of the grace You've poured out to us. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Fasting For Revelation

(Our Sunday blogs during Lent will focus on the subject of fasting.)

I turned my attention to the Lord God to implore him by prayer and requests, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three whole weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine came to my lips, nor did I anoint myself with oil until the end of those three weeks. (Daniel 10:2-3)


Immediate access. In both of the examples above, Daniel's petitions were immediately heard by God. The angel Gabriel said, "At the beginning of your requests a message went out, and I have come to convey it to you, for you are of great value in God's sight." (9:23) Later on in chapter ten, an awesome angel pays a visit to Daniel. "Daniel, you are of great value... from the first day you applied your mind to understand and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard. I have come in response to your words." (10:11-12)

In-depth information. The angels give Daniel prophetic insight filled with details: specific days, specific countries, information about who would stand and who would fall.

Incomplete understanding. Though Daniel was valued by God, it did not mean that he was privy to all the details of the world's future. "Go, Daniel. For these matters are closed and sealed until the time of the end." (12:9).

Daniel's experience shows us that, even in our engagement of a partial fast, God hears the questions of our hearts. And, praise God, He answers! The LORD informs us of what we need to know, and He withholds information that, in His sight, is not our concern.

Lord, we are so blessed to have the privilege of fasting as a means of hearing clearly from You. Please help us to be intentional and faithful in our efforts to humble ourselves before You with fasting. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.