Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. (Acts 16:1-5)
Timothy's dad. The Bible doesn't say too much about him. But the information we do have is short and succinct: "They all knew that his father was a Greek."
But in spite of this paternal legacy of (presumably) being outside of the fold of God, Timothy had another legacy. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, lets the accolades fly: I know your grandmother and your mother by name. They were shining examples of faith under pressure. And, Timothy, I see their faith in you. Stay filled with faith. Develop your spiritual gift of supernatural faith.
Do you have a family tree that hints at subverted legacy? Don't dismay. God's work in you, and in the godly relatives who preceded you, will surely be recognized. Focus on the use of your gift for the sake of the kingdom of God around the world.
"Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium."
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
A Gift For You!
During this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Richie asked an important question.
Is our gifting given to the Lord, or to the world?
Some might argue that we are, in a sense, called by Christ to be salt and light in the world. That is true. But we are also called to be godly influences upon each other. Paul says in Ephesians 4:10-12,
“He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ.” (italics mine)
Where do we exert our best energies? What can we offer to the body of Christ, which is our beloved family?
It is helpful to remember that Paul’s letters to Timothy, though addressed to an individual, became part of the canon and have been read by countless Christians throughout the centuries. God wants us to learn some things, and He has permitted us to eavesdrop on this profound student-teacher, son-father relationship that these two men modeled. What have we learned?
*Spiritual gifts can be imparted by legacy and by leadership.
*Spiritual gifts should be developed by those who receive them.
*Spiritual gifts must be exercised in the atmosphere God intended: not in fear, but in power, love, and self-discipline.
I encourage you to exercise your spiritual gift: in a spirit of humility, under submission to godly leadership, with the goal of building up the body of Christ. God be with you as you become equipped for the work of ministry.
Is our gifting given to the Lord, or to the world?
Some might argue that we are, in a sense, called by Christ to be salt and light in the world. That is true. But we are also called to be godly influences upon each other. Paul says in Ephesians 4:10-12,
“He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ.” (italics mine)
Where do we exert our best energies? What can we offer to the body of Christ, which is our beloved family?
It is helpful to remember that Paul’s letters to Timothy, though addressed to an individual, became part of the canon and have been read by countless Christians throughout the centuries. God wants us to learn some things, and He has permitted us to eavesdrop on this profound student-teacher, son-father relationship that these two men modeled. What have we learned?
*Spiritual gifts can be imparted by legacy and by leadership.
*Spiritual gifts should be developed by those who receive them.
*Spiritual gifts must be exercised in the atmosphere God intended: not in fear, but in power, love, and self-discipline.
I encourage you to exercise your spiritual gift: in a spirit of humility, under submission to godly leadership, with the goal of building up the body of Christ. God be with you as you become equipped for the work of ministry.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Fan-Tastic.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (Second Timothy 1:6)
In Hebrews 6:1-2, we see that the laying on of hands is another of the "elementary things" in worship. Our brothers and sisters in liturgical churches have linked the laying on of hands with the tradition of Confirmation services at Pentecost. Non-liturgical churches often engage the laying on of hands not for receiving the Holy Spirit, but for prayers (particularly prayers for physical healing or deliverance).
In Paul's time, the laying on of hands was a normal part of the spiritual life of Jews and early Christians. The Old Testament scriptures, which Paul was intimately familiar with, show examples of the laying on of hands as a means of imparting blessing and demonstrating succession of leaders. It's not a surprise that Paul would impart a spiritual gift to Timothy through this process.
What is interesting, though, is that Paul indicates the need for Timothy to do more. "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...". In other words, Timothy, I have prayed for you. I have laid hands on you and there was evidence that you received a God-ordained gift. But you, Timothy, are the one that must cultivate the gift. Neither I nor God will do that for you. You must make that little spark become a raging fire.
Are you, reader, carrying a gift of God that has become weak or atrophied from lack of development? May I encourage you to develop your gift, for the glory of God?
Don't let the sparks die out.
In Hebrews 6:1-2, we see that the laying on of hands is another of the "elementary things" in worship. Our brothers and sisters in liturgical churches have linked the laying on of hands with the tradition of Confirmation services at Pentecost. Non-liturgical churches often engage the laying on of hands not for receiving the Holy Spirit, but for prayers (particularly prayers for physical healing or deliverance).
In Paul's time, the laying on of hands was a normal part of the spiritual life of Jews and early Christians. The Old Testament scriptures, which Paul was intimately familiar with, show examples of the laying on of hands as a means of imparting blessing and demonstrating succession of leaders. It's not a surprise that Paul would impart a spiritual gift to Timothy through this process.
What is interesting, though, is that Paul indicates the need for Timothy to do more. "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...". In other words, Timothy, I have prayed for you. I have laid hands on you and there was evidence that you received a God-ordained gift. But you, Timothy, are the one that must cultivate the gift. Neither I nor God will do that for you. You must make that little spark become a raging fire.
Are you, reader, carrying a gift of God that has become weak or atrophied from lack of development? May I encourage you to develop your gift, for the glory of God?
Don't let the sparks die out.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Paul-mark Card.
I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. (Second Timothy 1:3)
Though the opening sentences of Second Timothy focus primarily on Timothy's heritage, there is also a moment where we see the heritage of Paul. In verse three, quoted above, the short sentence is full of evidences of Paul's own legacy.
I thank God...
There is no better way to begin. Thanksgiving is the hallmark of a grateful heart. Paul says, in effect, What I have is not of my own doing; it has been given to me by the Lord of Glory. My ministry, my life, my health, everything points back to the Lord who made it all possible.
...whom I serve...
Paul makes a powerful statement here. The implication is that there are some people in the world who, though they are thankful, are not fully on board with the aspect of service. To serve is to acknowledge that we have a Master. There is One who we obey. In other words, it is not enough to be thankful. The thankfulness is expressed through our obedience to the commands of God.
...as my ancestors did...
Ah, there it is- the godly heritage. It was not just a factor in the life of Timothy, but was also a factor in the life of Paul. Paul could look back and say that the generations before him were also people of thankfulness and service to God, and Paul has chosen to follow their example.
...with a clear conscience...
Paul's inclusion of this little phrase raises the specter of counterfeit worship. It is possible that someone can be fully engaged in service, but fraudulently so. It is akin to a scenario Pastor Sam mentions from time to time, in which a man constantly calls his wife and sends her gifts, while he is secretly bound in adultery with someone else. Paul makes it clear that his own worship and service to the Lord is authentic.
...as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Paul, himself a minister of the gospel, made a conscious choice to support Timothy's ministry through intercessory prayer. It's not every seasoned minister who is able and willing to devote time and energy to the support of a younger minister. Paul's action is an encouragement to those of us who are older: it is acceptable, and perhaps imperative, that we intercede on behalf of the next generation of spiritual leaders.
*Do you thank God?
*Do you serve God?
*Does your family reflect a heritage of thankful service?
*Is your own thankfulness and service authentic?
*Are you engaged in intercessory prayer for the next generation of ministers?
Lord, we are happy and grateful to serve You and Your ministers. Help us to have a testimony of thankfulness and faithfulness, and to leave a legacy that is relevant and inspiring to those who follow behind us. May Paul's legacy be our legacy. In Jesus's name we ask this. Amen.
Though the opening sentences of Second Timothy focus primarily on Timothy's heritage, there is also a moment where we see the heritage of Paul. In verse three, quoted above, the short sentence is full of evidences of Paul's own legacy.
I thank God...
There is no better way to begin. Thanksgiving is the hallmark of a grateful heart. Paul says, in effect, What I have is not of my own doing; it has been given to me by the Lord of Glory. My ministry, my life, my health, everything points back to the Lord who made it all possible.
...whom I serve...
Paul makes a powerful statement here. The implication is that there are some people in the world who, though they are thankful, are not fully on board with the aspect of service. To serve is to acknowledge that we have a Master. There is One who we obey. In other words, it is not enough to be thankful. The thankfulness is expressed through our obedience to the commands of God.
...as my ancestors did...
Ah, there it is- the godly heritage. It was not just a factor in the life of Timothy, but was also a factor in the life of Paul. Paul could look back and say that the generations before him were also people of thankfulness and service to God, and Paul has chosen to follow their example.
...with a clear conscience...
Paul's inclusion of this little phrase raises the specter of counterfeit worship. It is possible that someone can be fully engaged in service, but fraudulently so. It is akin to a scenario Pastor Sam mentions from time to time, in which a man constantly calls his wife and sends her gifts, while he is secretly bound in adultery with someone else. Paul makes it clear that his own worship and service to the Lord is authentic.
...as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Paul, himself a minister of the gospel, made a conscious choice to support Timothy's ministry through intercessory prayer. It's not every seasoned minister who is able and willing to devote time and energy to the support of a younger minister. Paul's action is an encouragement to those of us who are older: it is acceptable, and perhaps imperative, that we intercede on behalf of the next generation of spiritual leaders.
*Do you thank God?
*Do you serve God?
*Does your family reflect a heritage of thankful service?
*Is your own thankfulness and service authentic?
*Are you engaged in intercessory prayer for the next generation of ministers?
Lord, we are happy and grateful to serve You and Your ministers. Help us to have a testimony of thankfulness and faithfulness, and to leave a legacy that is relevant and inspiring to those who follow behind us. May Paul's legacy be our legacy. In Jesus's name we ask this. Amen.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Feel This Fire.
Given our Wesleyan/Methodist heritage, we should be okay with the concept of being baptized by fire- that is, being conscious of having had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. Fire baptism changes us permanently: we become aware of the depth of God's love for us, and as a response we increase in our love for God and our fellow men. The Spirit of God gives us the strength and the desire to love the unlovely who cross our path.
Pastor Richie spoke of the heritage of faith as a type of spiritual gift bestowed upon us by the Spirit of God. Many of us have memorized Second Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Our pastor shared a deep insight regarding this verse. The gifts are given to us, and the gifts are given for us. We are to demonstrate these gifts in our personal lives, and we are to use these gifts for the benefit of others who need to experience a profound encounter with God through us.
And, though I've used the term "profound encounter" in each of these paragraphs, let's keep in mind that this baptism of the Spirit is a basic component of the Christian life. The writer to the Hebrews lists baptisms as part of the "elementary things" of our faith (see Hebrews 6:1-2). The exercise of power, love, and self-discipline can and should be apparent in the life of every believer, no matter how young or old he may be.
The question from Acts 19:2 is a question for us today: "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" If so, then we are urged to be living examples, demonstrating the power, love and discipline of the Spirit to a world that desperately needs to see Him at work in us and through us. If not, then today is is your day to join the ranks of those who are engaged in relevant works for the kingdom of God. Embrace the baptism of the Spirit, which is a basic thing. And in doing so, experience the profound encounter that will change your life permanently.
Pastor Richie spoke of the heritage of faith as a type of spiritual gift bestowed upon us by the Spirit of God. Many of us have memorized Second Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Our pastor shared a deep insight regarding this verse. The gifts are given to us, and the gifts are given for us. We are to demonstrate these gifts in our personal lives, and we are to use these gifts for the benefit of others who need to experience a profound encounter with God through us.
And, though I've used the term "profound encounter" in each of these paragraphs, let's keep in mind that this baptism of the Spirit is a basic component of the Christian life. The writer to the Hebrews lists baptisms as part of the "elementary things" of our faith (see Hebrews 6:1-2). The exercise of power, love, and self-discipline can and should be apparent in the life of every believer, no matter how young or old he may be.
The question from Acts 19:2 is a question for us today: "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" If so, then we are urged to be living examples, demonstrating the power, love and discipline of the Spirit to a world that desperately needs to see Him at work in us and through us. If not, then today is is your day to join the ranks of those who are engaged in relevant works for the kingdom of God. Embrace the baptism of the Spirit, which is a basic thing. And in doing so, experience the profound encounter that will change your life permanently.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Yes, I See: Legacy.
Yesterday was Stewardship Sunday, and it was most appropriate that our youth pastor brought the message for the weekend’s English language services. After all, our new building’s primary purpose is to be a vehicle through which we can reach children and youth in the Bronx. Pastor Richie has demonstrated himself to be fully invested in the task of reaching the next generation for the sake of the kingdom of God: his cluster of skills in preaching, administration, and advocacy are a great blessing to Bronx Bethany and to the world. The greatest blessing, though, is that he loves God.
As we mentioned in last week’s blogs, our love for God is evidenced by our obedience to God. The sermon text, Second Timothy 1:1-7, reminds us that Timothy was a leader who benefitted from having a legacy of a godly mother and grandmother. These women were credited with being positive influences upon Timothy; in his adulthood, he mirrored their faith. “I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.” (Second Timothy 1:5)
As Pastor Richie shared with us yesterday, Paul’s assurance of Timothy’s legacy was based on what Paul saw. There was something about the way in which Timothy conducted his life and ministry that made Paul write, “I am sure. I can see that the legacy continues through you.”
What about you and me? Let’s reflect on our own heritage. What things are there in our legacy that strengthen the family of God? And, is there tangible evidence of that legacy?
As we mentioned in last week’s blogs, our love for God is evidenced by our obedience to God. The sermon text, Second Timothy 1:1-7, reminds us that Timothy was a leader who benefitted from having a legacy of a godly mother and grandmother. These women were credited with being positive influences upon Timothy; in his adulthood, he mirrored their faith. “I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.” (Second Timothy 1:5)
As Pastor Richie shared with us yesterday, Paul’s assurance of Timothy’s legacy was based on what Paul saw. There was something about the way in which Timothy conducted his life and ministry that made Paul write, “I am sure. I can see that the legacy continues through you.”
What about you and me? Let’s reflect on our own heritage. What things are there in our legacy that strengthen the family of God? And, is there tangible evidence of that legacy?
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Unpreached Sermon.
In service back on June 10th, several verses of Isaiah 43 were read. Included were verses 22 and 23. And though they were not expounded upon in the sermon that day, they are important verses to reflect upon.
“But you did not call for me, O Jacob; you did not long for me, O Israel. You did not bring me lambs for your burnt offerings; you did not honor me with your sacrifices. I did not burden you with offerings; I did not make you weary by demanding incense.”
Tithes and offerings to the Lord are a basic component of the Christian life. It is how we support ministers and ministries: even in the most corrupt ministries recorded in Scripture, there is never an instance of the Lord calling people to cease support of His workers. God has an interest in keeping the doors of His house open, and part of the means of doing that is through our giving.
When we consider all that God has done for us, the covenant of tithing is an incredible gift. Dr. Derek Grier recently described it using the analogy of a business partnership, and I will elaborate upon his analogy here. The senior partner (God) always gets 10% and the junior partner (say, Genise) always gets 90%. The senior partner provides total coverage and benefits, and the junior partner does the work that the senior partner has asked her to do. In light of this partnership agreement, how does the junior partner justify taking the senior partner’s portion for herself?
In Isaiah 43, God makes an indictment: He has not burdened us to give Him an excess of offerings, but our excessive sins have burdened Him. He is serving us continually with His life, but we are not serving Him with the most basic elements of the faith. That’s not what a partnership is supposed to be. We are called to do our share.
My prayer is that, in light of the countless benefits God has given us, we will in turn walk in obedience to God’s command to give to Him. As Pastor Sam shares from time to time, give your finest. Give your firstfruits. Give freely. And don’t give fraudulently.
Lord, thank You for the privilege of giving to You.
“But you did not call for me, O Jacob; you did not long for me, O Israel. You did not bring me lambs for your burnt offerings; you did not honor me with your sacrifices. I did not burden you with offerings; I did not make you weary by demanding incense.”
Tithes and offerings to the Lord are a basic component of the Christian life. It is how we support ministers and ministries: even in the most corrupt ministries recorded in Scripture, there is never an instance of the Lord calling people to cease support of His workers. God has an interest in keeping the doors of His house open, and part of the means of doing that is through our giving.
When we consider all that God has done for us, the covenant of tithing is an incredible gift. Dr. Derek Grier recently described it using the analogy of a business partnership, and I will elaborate upon his analogy here. The senior partner (God) always gets 10% and the junior partner (say, Genise) always gets 90%. The senior partner provides total coverage and benefits, and the junior partner does the work that the senior partner has asked her to do. In light of this partnership agreement, how does the junior partner justify taking the senior partner’s portion for herself?
In Isaiah 43, God makes an indictment: He has not burdened us to give Him an excess of offerings, but our excessive sins have burdened Him. He is serving us continually with His life, but we are not serving Him with the most basic elements of the faith. That’s not what a partnership is supposed to be. We are called to do our share.
My prayer is that, in light of the countless benefits God has given us, we will in turn walk in obedience to God’s command to give to Him. As Pastor Sam shares from time to time, give your finest. Give your firstfruits. Give freely. And don’t give fraudulently.
Lord, thank You for the privilege of giving to You.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Midnight Refrigerator Raid.
Some things to remember from this past Sunday's sermon:
*The way we live affects the generations that follow.
*God's wrath extends to the third and fourth generation, but God's love extends to thousands of generations.
*God has two categories concerning Himself: we are free to love Him and express that love through obedience, or we are free to hate Him and express that hatred through disobedience.
*God took the first step and offered us exhaustive love. He expects our exhaustive love in return.
*God has zero tolerance for idolatry.
*One generation's compromised love can subvert the next generation's destiny.
*One generation's commitment love can appropriate grace on their children's destiny.
Blessings and Peace, and a safe weekend to all.
*The way we live affects the generations that follow.
*God's wrath extends to the third and fourth generation, but God's love extends to thousands of generations.
*God has two categories concerning Himself: we are free to love Him and express that love through obedience, or we are free to hate Him and express that hatred through disobedience.
*God took the first step and offered us exhaustive love. He expects our exhaustive love in return.
*God has zero tolerance for idolatry.
*One generation's compromised love can subvert the next generation's destiny.
*One generation's commitment love can appropriate grace on their children's destiny.
Blessings and Peace, and a safe weekend to all.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Every Day, People.
The Shema.
For devout Jews, the Shema is a daily reminder of God's love for His people. Their recitation of "Sh'ma Yisrael" ("Hear, O Israel") is a personal testimony: they speak in agreement with the commandments of God found in Deuteronomy chapters 6 and 11, and Numbers chapter 15.
I invite us to meditate on the Shema today.
Blessings and peace to you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord]. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 11:13-21
And if you will diligently heed My commandments which I command you this day— to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being— I will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle, that you may eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, lest your [minds and] hearts be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, And the Lord’s anger be kindled against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the land will not yield its fruit, and you perish quickly off the good land which the Lord gives you. Therefore you shall lay up these My words in your [minds and] hearts and in your [entire] being, and bind them for a sign upon your hands and as forehead bands between your eyes. And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates, That your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.
Numbers 15:37-41
And the Lord said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and bid them make fringes or tassels on the corners in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put upon the fringe of the borders or upon the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. And it shall be to you a fringe or tassel that you may look upon and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, that you may not spy out and follow after [the desires of] your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to follow and play the harlot [spiritually, if not physically], That you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.
(The Scripture passages are from the Amplified Bible.)
For devout Jews, the Shema is a daily reminder of God's love for His people. Their recitation of "Sh'ma Yisrael" ("Hear, O Israel") is a personal testimony: they speak in agreement with the commandments of God found in Deuteronomy chapters 6 and 11, and Numbers chapter 15.
I invite us to meditate on the Shema today.
Blessings and peace to you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord]. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 11:13-21
And if you will diligently heed My commandments which I command you this day— to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being— I will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle, that you may eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, lest your [minds and] hearts be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, And the Lord’s anger be kindled against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the land will not yield its fruit, and you perish quickly off the good land which the Lord gives you. Therefore you shall lay up these My words in your [minds and] hearts and in your [entire] being, and bind them for a sign upon your hands and as forehead bands between your eyes. And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates, That your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.
Numbers 15:37-41
And the Lord said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and bid them make fringes or tassels on the corners in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put upon the fringe of the borders or upon the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. And it shall be to you a fringe or tassel that you may look upon and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, that you may not spy out and follow after [the desires of] your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to follow and play the harlot [spiritually, if not physically], That you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.
(The Scripture passages are from the Amplified Bible.)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
He's In A Staff Meeting.
Waiting is hard.
We sometimes feel like it's taking God such a long time to step in on behalf of His people. And it is in these times where we can be tempted to make a decision (or a series of decisions) that run counter to the plan of God.
The people of ancient Israel had a few incidents where they were very impatient with God and decided to do their own thing. In one of those instances, they "told" Aaron to make them an idol. (Sort of makes me wonder what else had they been telling Aaron to do over the years, because it seems Aaron didn't put up much of a defense.)
(Just an aside here: if you see a congregant telling a leader to do something against the counsel of God, and the leader follows the congregant instead of following the counsel of God, pray earnestly for that leader. And that congregant.)
We see this in Exodus 32:
Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. (Exodus 32:1-6)
The Almighty Lord, God of all creation, protected His people from dying as slaves in Egypt. He protected them from the plagues and diseases that were sent upon the Egyptians. He caused the sea to part, and they walked through in safety. Every act of God was an expression of His love for His people.
Their response didn't seem loving at all. They traded God for a golden calf, and traded His servant Moses for "their" servant Aaron. An embrace of disobedience for the sake of expedience.
But, how long are we supposed to wait?
I don't know how long. But I notice that, in Scripture, impatience and idolatry work in tandem. Like King Saul, we offer unauthorized sacrifices because we can't wait another hour for the prophet Samuel.
There is another king, King David, whose psalms frequently tout the value of waiting. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (Psalm 62:5) "Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed" (Psalm 25:3). "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." (Psalm 27:14)
Yes, waiting is hard sometimes. Wait anyway.
It's better to wait than to lose out on God's promise.
We sometimes feel like it's taking God such a long time to step in on behalf of His people. And it is in these times where we can be tempted to make a decision (or a series of decisions) that run counter to the plan of God.
The people of ancient Israel had a few incidents where they were very impatient with God and decided to do their own thing. In one of those instances, they "told" Aaron to make them an idol. (Sort of makes me wonder what else had they been telling Aaron to do over the years, because it seems Aaron didn't put up much of a defense.)
(Just an aside here: if you see a congregant telling a leader to do something against the counsel of God, and the leader follows the congregant instead of following the counsel of God, pray earnestly for that leader. And that congregant.)
We see this in Exodus 32:
Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. (Exodus 32:1-6)
The Almighty Lord, God of all creation, protected His people from dying as slaves in Egypt. He protected them from the plagues and diseases that were sent upon the Egyptians. He caused the sea to part, and they walked through in safety. Every act of God was an expression of His love for His people.
Their response didn't seem loving at all. They traded God for a golden calf, and traded His servant Moses for "their" servant Aaron. An embrace of disobedience for the sake of expedience.
But, how long are we supposed to wait?
I don't know how long. But I notice that, in Scripture, impatience and idolatry work in tandem. Like King Saul, we offer unauthorized sacrifices because we can't wait another hour for the prophet Samuel.
There is another king, King David, whose psalms frequently tout the value of waiting. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (Psalm 62:5) "Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed" (Psalm 25:3). "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." (Psalm 27:14)
Yes, waiting is hard sometimes. Wait anyway.
It's better to wait than to lose out on God's promise.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Omnes Generationes.
Today, I encourage everyone to follow Pastor Sam’s advice from Sunday:
Think about your family history. What are the medical issues that are common in your family? What psychological traits are common? What spiritual giftings (or challenges) do you see recurring from generation to generation?
Do you see any traits that have been passed from generation to generation that are harmful? Are there any recurring traits that undermine the work of the Lord in you and in those you love?
Today is a good day to ask the Lord to intervene.
Thank You, Lord, that by Your power generational curses are broken. Thank You for using me to transform my family tree. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who saves and delivers. Amen.
Think about your family history. What are the medical issues that are common in your family? What psychological traits are common? What spiritual giftings (or challenges) do you see recurring from generation to generation?
Do you see any traits that have been passed from generation to generation that are harmful? Are there any recurring traits that undermine the work of the Lord in you and in those you love?
Today is a good day to ask the Lord to intervene.
Thank You, Lord, that by Your power generational curses are broken. Thank You for using me to transform my family tree. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who saves and delivers. Amen.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Jesus And?
During this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam described our relationship with God as “all or nothing.” God’s love is extreme and super-abundant, and our love for Him should be the same.
Sadly, our "love" tends to vary based upon the thing God is asking us to consider. So we love God when He heals our sicknesses. We love Him when we have a place to live, money in the bank, bills paid, and a bright future ahead of us.
But what happens to that "love" when there’s no job? Or when the home has foreclosed? What if, like Job, we lose all of our children to death in one day? Or what if God asks us to get rid of something we really like?
Pastor Sam referred to the account of the rich young ruler (see Luke 18:18-30), a man who was interested in what God had to offer. “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He was a man who, according to the law, had done all the right things. But Jesus pointed out one area where the young man fell short. “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
In essence, Sunday's message implored us to not just be cognizant of love, and not just to be willing to love, but to take the next step and divest ourselves of the things that give us self-definition and self-worth, in order that our love for God might be proved exclusive.
It’s a powerful thing to know that nothing on this earth has a chokehold on your heart. And we humans are good at fooling ourselves, thinking that we’re free when we’re actually bound. We need the Spirit of God to show us where we really stand. Do we love Jesus with passion and abandon? Do we love Him so much that we’ll even walk away from the gifts He’s bestowed on us? Is Jesus worth more than the job, that talent, those incentives?
The rich young ruler gives us a clue. He refers to Jesus as “Good Teacher”. But he did not revere Jesus as Lord. Jesus, I love listening to Your stories. Jesus, Your parables are so awesome. Tell me another! But don’t tell me to divest. I love my earthly riches more than Your heavenly reward.
Today, Jesus speaks to us by His Spirit: What is this thing you love more than Me? Sell it off. Let it go. And come, follow Me. Exclusively.
Sadly, our "love" tends to vary based upon the thing God is asking us to consider. So we love God when He heals our sicknesses. We love Him when we have a place to live, money in the bank, bills paid, and a bright future ahead of us.
But what happens to that "love" when there’s no job? Or when the home has foreclosed? What if, like Job, we lose all of our children to death in one day? Or what if God asks us to get rid of something we really like?
Pastor Sam referred to the account of the rich young ruler (see Luke 18:18-30), a man who was interested in what God had to offer. “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He was a man who, according to the law, had done all the right things. But Jesus pointed out one area where the young man fell short. “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
In essence, Sunday's message implored us to not just be cognizant of love, and not just to be willing to love, but to take the next step and divest ourselves of the things that give us self-definition and self-worth, in order that our love for God might be proved exclusive.
It’s a powerful thing to know that nothing on this earth has a chokehold on your heart. And we humans are good at fooling ourselves, thinking that we’re free when we’re actually bound. We need the Spirit of God to show us where we really stand. Do we love Jesus with passion and abandon? Do we love Him so much that we’ll even walk away from the gifts He’s bestowed on us? Is Jesus worth more than the job, that talent, those incentives?
The rich young ruler gives us a clue. He refers to Jesus as “Good Teacher”. But he did not revere Jesus as Lord. Jesus, I love listening to Your stories. Jesus, Your parables are so awesome. Tell me another! But don’t tell me to divest. I love my earthly riches more than Your heavenly reward.
Today, Jesus speaks to us by His Spirit: What is this thing you love more than Me? Sell it off. Let it go. And come, follow Me. Exclusively.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Master Class.
You must not make for yourself an image of anything in heaven above, on earth below, or in the waters beneath. You must not worship or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. I punish the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons for the sin of the fathers who reject me, but I show covenant faithfulness to the thousands who choose me and keep my commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:8-10)
In a normal week I write the Monday blog on Sunday evening, then schedule it to post at midnight. But I couldn’t do that this time around. Pastor Sam’s sermon— no. God’s sermon through Pastor Sam was heavy. There is a term, chabod, that speaks of the presence and glory of God as a weight. When chabod shows up, you can’t just keep going on as if things are “business as usual”. Chabod requires every minister of God to stop the routine and listen for His speech.
So, today I need to step out of routine a bit, but we’ll still reflect in light of the sermon.
A few years ago, two men prayed at a presidential inauguration. When I went to my part-time job the day after, two of my co-workers (both gay males) made the following assessment:
They did not like Rick Warren’s prayer. But, they did like Gene Robinson’s prayer.
At the time, I merely assumed that my co-workers made that assessment because Pastor Rick is straight and Bishop Gene is gay. But this morning the Lord impressed upon my heart to go back and re-read those inaugural prayers: to consider not just the sexual orientation of the ministers, but the content of their prayers. And not just the content of their prayers, but the content of their prayers in light of yesterday’s sermon.
So I will close today’s blog with the full texts of their prayers as evidence of the difference between authentic worship and idolatry. As we learned in our sermon, authentic worship is characterized by our worship of God as He has revealed Himself to us. Idolatry is characterized by a fashioning of God into what we want Him to be and do for us, a "golden calf" that supports our personal desires.
And, just to lay all my cards on the table, I believe that Rick prayed as an authentic worshipper of God and Gene prayed as an idolater. But please read and reflect for yourself. Here is what they said when they got to the mike:
Prayer #1 (Gene)
Welcome to Washington! The fun is about to begin, but first, please join me in pausing for a moment, to ask God’s blessing upon our nation and our next president.
O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will:
Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.
Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic answers we’ve preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.
Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be “fixed” anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.
Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.
Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.
Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion’s God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.
And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.
Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy’s ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King’s dream of a nation for ALL the people.
Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.
Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.
Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.
Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.
Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters’ childhoods.
And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking far too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace. Amen.
Prayer #2 (Rick)
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American President of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.
When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.
And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the One who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesús, Jesus—who taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
In a normal week I write the Monday blog on Sunday evening, then schedule it to post at midnight. But I couldn’t do that this time around. Pastor Sam’s sermon— no. God’s sermon through Pastor Sam was heavy. There is a term, chabod, that speaks of the presence and glory of God as a weight. When chabod shows up, you can’t just keep going on as if things are “business as usual”. Chabod requires every minister of God to stop the routine and listen for His speech.
So, today I need to step out of routine a bit, but we’ll still reflect in light of the sermon.
A few years ago, two men prayed at a presidential inauguration. When I went to my part-time job the day after, two of my co-workers (both gay males) made the following assessment:
They did not like Rick Warren’s prayer. But, they did like Gene Robinson’s prayer.
At the time, I merely assumed that my co-workers made that assessment because Pastor Rick is straight and Bishop Gene is gay. But this morning the Lord impressed upon my heart to go back and re-read those inaugural prayers: to consider not just the sexual orientation of the ministers, but the content of their prayers. And not just the content of their prayers, but the content of their prayers in light of yesterday’s sermon.
So I will close today’s blog with the full texts of their prayers as evidence of the difference between authentic worship and idolatry. As we learned in our sermon, authentic worship is characterized by our worship of God as He has revealed Himself to us. Idolatry is characterized by a fashioning of God into what we want Him to be and do for us, a "golden calf" that supports our personal desires.
And, just to lay all my cards on the table, I believe that Rick prayed as an authentic worshipper of God and Gene prayed as an idolater. But please read and reflect for yourself. Here is what they said when they got to the mike:
Prayer #1 (Gene)
Welcome to Washington! The fun is about to begin, but first, please join me in pausing for a moment, to ask God’s blessing upon our nation and our next president.
O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will:
Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.
Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic answers we’ve preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.
Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be “fixed” anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.
Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.
Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.
Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion’s God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.
And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.
Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy’s ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King’s dream of a nation for ALL the people.
Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.
Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.
Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.
Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.
Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters’ childhoods.
And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking far too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace. Amen.
Prayer #2 (Rick)
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American President of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.
When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.
And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the One who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesús, Jesus—who taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Celebrating Fathers.
Happy Father's Day to my male blog readers (especially to my dear husband!).Whether you are fathers through biology, adoption, or mentorship, you are making lasting impressions upon those you minister to. Thank you for remaining faithful to God in the face of challenges, opposition, lack of recognition, and ungratefulness.
Remember that your prayers and giftings are a memorial offering to God: your efforts never escape His notice. May you always merit God's commendation.
God loves you, my brothers in the faith, and I love you too. Enjoy your special day!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Recruiter, Asking for a Barnabas.
At the beginning of his sermon, our guest speaker joked about having lots of room at Metro West Church of the Nazarene. He made a light-hearted appeal for ministry support, in case some Bronx Bethany members wanted to relocate to central Florida.
Of course, we laughed.
But it’s not really a joke.
There is a pattern established in Scripture that we must attend to. The pattern, in Old and New Testament history, is that God does not send out His servants alone. Our God is a God of partnership.
*God Himself is a partnership. His name, Elohim, is expressed as a plural word. We know Him as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
*God created marriage as a partnership between a man and a woman, called to leave their households of origin and establish a covenant relationship with each other.
*God made covenant agreements between Himself and men of His choosing: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
*God’s agenda was accomplished through ministry apprenticeships between His leaders and their assistants: Moses and Joshua; Elijah and Elisha; Jesus and His disciples.
*God gave us a template for team ministry. John’s disciples traveled as a team; Jesus’s disciples were often sent out two by two; Paul did his missions trips with Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and others.
Ronald Benjamin is in need of a ministry assistant. Not a musician, but a minister of the gospel who will help to bear the responsibility of watching over souls. When Ronald was called, Pastor Sam referenced Acts 13:2 in announcing the move to the congregation: “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said ‘Separate Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to do.’ ” It was not just a convenient Scripture verse, but was a prophetic confirmation of God’s pattern of partnerships.
Ronald, as a type of Saul, left. But the other person, called to be a type of Barnabas, is missing in action.
Now, I don’t know who that other person is. And we have seen that kairos moments are time-sensitive. So, it might be that the window of opportunity has closed for the one who did not respond to God’s call last year. Or, it might be that the person called wasn’t spiritually ready for the task at that time, or needed more training, or whatever. But the need for help remains.
It’s a difficult call to accept: relocation, the learning of a new local culture, the loss of geographical proximity to dear friends and loved ones. However, the God we serve is more than able to equip us for the work He’s called us to do.
Please pray with me that the Lord will find in Bronx Bethany a community of people ready to obey Him, even when He calls us to leave the familiar.
God is doing a new thing in central Florida.
Has he called you to join in His work there?
Of course, we laughed.
But it’s not really a joke.
There is a pattern established in Scripture that we must attend to. The pattern, in Old and New Testament history, is that God does not send out His servants alone. Our God is a God of partnership.
*God Himself is a partnership. His name, Elohim, is expressed as a plural word. We know Him as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
*God created marriage as a partnership between a man and a woman, called to leave their households of origin and establish a covenant relationship with each other.
*God made covenant agreements between Himself and men of His choosing: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
*God’s agenda was accomplished through ministry apprenticeships between His leaders and their assistants: Moses and Joshua; Elijah and Elisha; Jesus and His disciples.
*God gave us a template for team ministry. John’s disciples traveled as a team; Jesus’s disciples were often sent out two by two; Paul did his missions trips with Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and others.
Ronald Benjamin is in need of a ministry assistant. Not a musician, but a minister of the gospel who will help to bear the responsibility of watching over souls. When Ronald was called, Pastor Sam referenced Acts 13:2 in announcing the move to the congregation: “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said ‘Separate Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to do.’ ” It was not just a convenient Scripture verse, but was a prophetic confirmation of God’s pattern of partnerships.
Ronald, as a type of Saul, left. But the other person, called to be a type of Barnabas, is missing in action.
Now, I don’t know who that other person is. And we have seen that kairos moments are time-sensitive. So, it might be that the window of opportunity has closed for the one who did not respond to God’s call last year. Or, it might be that the person called wasn’t spiritually ready for the task at that time, or needed more training, or whatever. But the need for help remains.
It’s a difficult call to accept: relocation, the learning of a new local culture, the loss of geographical proximity to dear friends and loved ones. However, the God we serve is more than able to equip us for the work He’s called us to do.
Please pray with me that the Lord will find in Bronx Bethany a community of people ready to obey Him, even when He calls us to leave the familiar.
God is doing a new thing in central Florida.
Has he called you to join in His work there?
Friday, June 15, 2012
I Have Nothing. Let's Celebrate!
“Shout for joy, O barren one who has not given birth! Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one are more numerous than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. Make your tent larger, stretch your tent curtains farther out! Spare no effort, lengthen your ropes, and pound your stakes deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your children will conquer nations and will resettle desolate cities.” (Isaiah 54:1-3)
Reverend Ronald shared with us that, in this passage, the barren woman is called to rejoice while still in her state of barrenness.
How strange. The command flies in the face of our post-modern, post-Christian culture here in the Bronx. Here, we are taught to celebrate after we have gained some tangible thing. We see the report card, or we see the raise in our paycheck, or we walk out of the hospital feeling better. It’s easy to rejoice when we’ve gotten what we want.
But God calls us to rejoice when the cupboards are empty and we have no tangible success. We are called to rejoice simply on the basis of His word. He has promised fruitfulness to us, and Scripture informs us that His promises are “Yes” and “Amen” (See Second Corinthians 1:20).
This is the core of our faith. God speaks, and we believe what He says. God sends His prophetic word, and we believe the prophets who He has sent to us. We have this intangible, yet solid, evidence.
Perhaps the challenge we face is that we like having faith for the things we want, but our faith wavers in the face of things we don’t want. So if we don’t want to work hard, if we don’t want to see people of all races and creeds coming into our church, if we don’t want to touch homeless people or gang members, then we trade our faith for a string of negative comments. What a sad place to be, especially in light of the fact that God has told us (for years!) that He has called Bronx Bethany to be a place for everyone.
How do we enlarge our tents in preparation for the spiritual children God is sending? We change our perspective. For many, that will mean approaching ministry with intentionality. A first and critical step is a rejection of nationalism as a tandem of salvation. Just as Paul exhorted his contemporaries to bring new believers to Christ and not to Judaism, our ministry must bring people to Christ and not to Jamaican culture (and, as Reverend Ronald pointed out, not even to Nazarene culture.)
I hope that you, dear reader, are on board with God’s agenda for Bronx Bethany.
Embrace God’s glorious future for His church. Make room. Have faith. Rejoice!
Reverend Ronald shared with us that, in this passage, the barren woman is called to rejoice while still in her state of barrenness.
How strange. The command flies in the face of our post-modern, post-Christian culture here in the Bronx. Here, we are taught to celebrate after we have gained some tangible thing. We see the report card, or we see the raise in our paycheck, or we walk out of the hospital feeling better. It’s easy to rejoice when we’ve gotten what we want.
But God calls us to rejoice when the cupboards are empty and we have no tangible success. We are called to rejoice simply on the basis of His word. He has promised fruitfulness to us, and Scripture informs us that His promises are “Yes” and “Amen” (See Second Corinthians 1:20).
This is the core of our faith. God speaks, and we believe what He says. God sends His prophetic word, and we believe the prophets who He has sent to us. We have this intangible, yet solid, evidence.
Perhaps the challenge we face is that we like having faith for the things we want, but our faith wavers in the face of things we don’t want. So if we don’t want to work hard, if we don’t want to see people of all races and creeds coming into our church, if we don’t want to touch homeless people or gang members, then we trade our faith for a string of negative comments. What a sad place to be, especially in light of the fact that God has told us (for years!) that He has called Bronx Bethany to be a place for everyone.
How do we enlarge our tents in preparation for the spiritual children God is sending? We change our perspective. For many, that will mean approaching ministry with intentionality. A first and critical step is a rejection of nationalism as a tandem of salvation. Just as Paul exhorted his contemporaries to bring new believers to Christ and not to Judaism, our ministry must bring people to Christ and not to Jamaican culture (and, as Reverend Ronald pointed out, not even to Nazarene culture.)
I hope that you, dear reader, are on board with God’s agenda for Bronx Bethany.
Embrace God’s glorious future for His church. Make room. Have faith. Rejoice!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Vulture Culture.
“I am the Lord, your Holy One, the one who created Israel, your king.” (Isaiah 43:15)
“You say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ For this reason I am sending you prophets and wise men and experts in the law, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town…” (Matthew 23:30,34)
The Lord knows our hearts. Jesus openly condemned the Pharisees and scribes of His day for their heritage of killing the prophets of God. They were on a merry-go-round of sorts:
The Lord would send His unalterable word to a prophet.
The prophet would convey the word of the Lord to the people.
The leaders of the people would plot to threaten, jail, or kill the prophet.
The Lord would send His unalterable word to another prophet.
That prophet would convey the word of the Lord to the people.
The leaders of the people would plot to threaten, jail, or kill the prophet.
And so on.
Enter Bronx Bethany.
We, like the apostle Paul, are sometimes surrounded with those who are opposed to the work of God moving forward:
Demons. Unseen spiritual forces of evil which seek to undermine the word of God and make it of no effect. This is attempted through distraction, or through competing interests that take one’s focus away from doing the thing that God has said.
Vultures. Reverend Ronald gave us a powerful analogy of vultures as those who are not direct participants in the failure of a project, but who remain in the church and eagerly await its demise so that they can rejoice in its failure.
Isaiah 43:15 reminds us that it is the Lord who sets the agenda for His people. It is He who defeated the armies of ancient Egypt. It is He who promised fruitfulness for the barren; streams for the desert; roadways in the wilderness. It is the Lord who has instructed us to forget the good things of the past, so that we will have the capacity to receive the better things He has planned for our future.
The demon will say that other things hold more interest and deserve more attention than God’s agenda.
The vulture will say that not even God can supersede the past glory of our church.
The prophet will say, Increase your borders. Let down your nets for a great catch. Prepare for harvest.
What will you say?
“You say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ For this reason I am sending you prophets and wise men and experts in the law, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town…” (Matthew 23:30,34)
The Lord knows our hearts. Jesus openly condemned the Pharisees and scribes of His day for their heritage of killing the prophets of God. They were on a merry-go-round of sorts:
The Lord would send His unalterable word to a prophet.
The prophet would convey the word of the Lord to the people.
The leaders of the people would plot to threaten, jail, or kill the prophet.
The Lord would send His unalterable word to another prophet.
That prophet would convey the word of the Lord to the people.
The leaders of the people would plot to threaten, jail, or kill the prophet.
And so on.
Enter Bronx Bethany.
We, like the apostle Paul, are sometimes surrounded with those who are opposed to the work of God moving forward:
Demons. Unseen spiritual forces of evil which seek to undermine the word of God and make it of no effect. This is attempted through distraction, or through competing interests that take one’s focus away from doing the thing that God has said.
Vultures. Reverend Ronald gave us a powerful analogy of vultures as those who are not direct participants in the failure of a project, but who remain in the church and eagerly await its demise so that they can rejoice in its failure.
Isaiah 43:15 reminds us that it is the Lord who sets the agenda for His people. It is He who defeated the armies of ancient Egypt. It is He who promised fruitfulness for the barren; streams for the desert; roadways in the wilderness. It is the Lord who has instructed us to forget the good things of the past, so that we will have the capacity to receive the better things He has planned for our future.
The demon will say that other things hold more interest and deserve more attention than God’s agenda.
The vulture will say that not even God can supersede the past glory of our church.
The prophet will say, Increase your borders. Let down your nets for a great catch. Prepare for harvest.
What will you say?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
WNDITWB.
What keeps us from embracing the new?
There’s a favorite saying of people who are stuck in old ways of doing and being: “We’ve never done it that way before.” This is a particularly dangerous saying when quoted in the face of God, who has called us to embrace the new thing He is doing.
Simon Peter had a moment where he was reluctant to engage in a new thing. We find the account recorded in Luke 5:1-11.
Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. (Luke 5: 4-6)
On the surface, Jesus’s request to Peter seemed almost ludicrous.
The fishermen were tired. They had been out all night doing their job, and had just finished washing all their nets. Their workday had ended.
The fish were gone. In the heat of the day, the fish would have retreated to a deeper section of the lake. It made no sense for a fisherman to go fishing in the middle of the day.
But Peter gave an incredible response to Jesus: “Because You say so.” Peter had such a deep respect for the Master that he took the boat out to the deep section of the lake. Peter willingly gave of his time and resources because Jesus asked him.
It didn’t matter that Jesus wasn’t a fisherman. All that mattered was that Jesus spoke.
Well, here we are. Jesus has spoken to Bronx Bethany. We have been asked to do something we’ve never done before. Some of us are tired. Some of us believe it’s not the time to go fishing. Some of us are content with our own soul’s salvation and we don’t feel obligated to help anyone else. But Jesus says, “Launch out into the deep water. Lower your nets for a catch.”
So when we open our mailboxes and see the appeal for Summer Serve/Fall Harvest, let’s remember that it’s not really a Bronx Bethany campaign. It’s a Jesus campaign. Take Jesus at His word.
Let’s go fishing. Say yes to the Master, and watch Him do the miraculous.
There’s a favorite saying of people who are stuck in old ways of doing and being: “We’ve never done it that way before.” This is a particularly dangerous saying when quoted in the face of God, who has called us to embrace the new thing He is doing.
Simon Peter had a moment where he was reluctant to engage in a new thing. We find the account recorded in Luke 5:1-11.
Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. (Luke 5: 4-6)
On the surface, Jesus’s request to Peter seemed almost ludicrous.
The fishermen were tired. They had been out all night doing their job, and had just finished washing all their nets. Their workday had ended.
The fish were gone. In the heat of the day, the fish would have retreated to a deeper section of the lake. It made no sense for a fisherman to go fishing in the middle of the day.
But Peter gave an incredible response to Jesus: “Because You say so.” Peter had such a deep respect for the Master that he took the boat out to the deep section of the lake. Peter willingly gave of his time and resources because Jesus asked him.
It didn’t matter that Jesus wasn’t a fisherman. All that mattered was that Jesus spoke.
Well, here we are. Jesus has spoken to Bronx Bethany. We have been asked to do something we’ve never done before. Some of us are tired. Some of us believe it’s not the time to go fishing. Some of us are content with our own soul’s salvation and we don’t feel obligated to help anyone else. But Jesus says, “Launch out into the deep water. Lower your nets for a catch.”
So when we open our mailboxes and see the appeal for Summer Serve/Fall Harvest, let’s remember that it’s not really a Bronx Bethany campaign. It’s a Jesus campaign. Take Jesus at His word.
Let’s go fishing. Say yes to the Master, and watch Him do the miraculous.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
…This Is New.
No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old garment. If he does, he will have torn the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. (Luke 5:36-37)
There’s an old saying: “That was then; this is now.” But I’d like to put a new spin on the phrase. “That was then; this is new.” The new is superior not just in terms of chronological time, but also in terms of strength.
Jesus shares the above parable after responding to criticisms concerning fasting and prayer (or, rather, His disciples’ lack of engagement in those disciplines). It’s a challenging parable. We tend not to have a problem with head knowledge about the folly of sewing a new piece of cloth onto an old garment. But when the principle is transferred to our heart motives for why we engage in spiritual endeavors, it’s much more of a challenge to embrace this word.
There’s a bottom line to this parable: the new and the old cannot be successfully merged. It’s precisely what had been prophesied hundreds of years earlier, when Isaiah spoke as the oracle of God:
This is what the Lord says, the one who made a road through the sea, a pathway through the surging waters, the one who led chariots and horses to destruction, together with a mighty army. They fell down, never to rise again; they were extinguished, put out like a burning wick: “Don’t remember these earlier events; don’t recall these former events.” (Isaiah 43:16-18)
During the sermon, Reverend Ronald reminded us that Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was a profound watershed event. It was something that was told to children and grandchildren throughout the ages, so that they might remember the mighty works of God. It’s amazing that God would tell His people to forget about their deliverance from bondage.
But the forgetting has a purpose. It’s necessary to abandon the old. That abandonment process is our means of making room for the new things that God will do. That is, God will do amazing things that you don’t yet have room to receive, so you need to make room.
How do we make room? Let go of the old, even the old things that were good, and prepare for the new.
Why are we so reluctant to let go of the old?
There’s an old saying: “That was then; this is now.” But I’d like to put a new spin on the phrase. “That was then; this is new.” The new is superior not just in terms of chronological time, but also in terms of strength.
Jesus shares the above parable after responding to criticisms concerning fasting and prayer (or, rather, His disciples’ lack of engagement in those disciplines). It’s a challenging parable. We tend not to have a problem with head knowledge about the folly of sewing a new piece of cloth onto an old garment. But when the principle is transferred to our heart motives for why we engage in spiritual endeavors, it’s much more of a challenge to embrace this word.
There’s a bottom line to this parable: the new and the old cannot be successfully merged. It’s precisely what had been prophesied hundreds of years earlier, when Isaiah spoke as the oracle of God:
This is what the Lord says, the one who made a road through the sea, a pathway through the surging waters, the one who led chariots and horses to destruction, together with a mighty army. They fell down, never to rise again; they were extinguished, put out like a burning wick: “Don’t remember these earlier events; don’t recall these former events.” (Isaiah 43:16-18)
During the sermon, Reverend Ronald reminded us that Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was a profound watershed event. It was something that was told to children and grandchildren throughout the ages, so that they might remember the mighty works of God. It’s amazing that God would tell His people to forget about their deliverance from bondage.
But the forgetting has a purpose. It’s necessary to abandon the old. That abandonment process is our means of making room for the new things that God will do. That is, God will do amazing things that you don’t yet have room to receive, so you need to make room.
How do we make room? Let go of the old, even the old things that were good, and prepare for the new.
Why are we so reluctant to let go of the old?
Monday, June 11, 2012
That Was Then...
Your Latter Years Are Greater Than Your Former Years.
Our guest speaker, Reverend Ronald Benjamin, shared a small part of a sermon series that he’d preached at Metro West Church of the Nazarene. But though it was originally prepared for a church community many miles away, that sermon spoke to the present need of Bronx Bethany.
What is the need?
We need to move forward.
God confirmed the message throughout the entire weekend. I once again had the privilege of attending all three English-language services, and was able to see how God modeled the idea of moving forward into the “new thing” He has prepared for us. Let’s look at a couple of examples, using Isaiah 43:19 as a template.
Look, I am about to do something new. Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a river in the desert and paths in the wilderness.
Saturday night service: Pastor Richie changed the order of service and did a new thing. Instead of opening the service with songs about God, we instead spent time in communion with God through prayer. Our prayer time was a river in the desert, satisfying our parched souls.
Sunday services: Our congregation had the joy of seeing several people do a new thing through a basic element of our faith: baptism. The baptismal candidates gave testimonies of God making a pathway in the wilderness: escaping the penalty of sin by salvation through Jesus Christ.
And, of course, the sermon did a new thing. We were given a familiar passage of Isaiah, but were given a new revelation: We are called to forget not just the bad things in our past, but also the good things. Reverend Ronald also referenced the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians: the accolades of our past are worthless in comparison to the future things God will grant us.
We’ll spend time this week unpacking different points from the sermon, but for today I’ll ask a question:
Are you willing to forget even the good things from your past?
Our guest speaker, Reverend Ronald Benjamin, shared a small part of a sermon series that he’d preached at Metro West Church of the Nazarene. But though it was originally prepared for a church community many miles away, that sermon spoke to the present need of Bronx Bethany.
What is the need?
We need to move forward.
God confirmed the message throughout the entire weekend. I once again had the privilege of attending all three English-language services, and was able to see how God modeled the idea of moving forward into the “new thing” He has prepared for us. Let’s look at a couple of examples, using Isaiah 43:19 as a template.
Look, I am about to do something new. Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a river in the desert and paths in the wilderness.
Saturday night service: Pastor Richie changed the order of service and did a new thing. Instead of opening the service with songs about God, we instead spent time in communion with God through prayer. Our prayer time was a river in the desert, satisfying our parched souls.
Sunday services: Our congregation had the joy of seeing several people do a new thing through a basic element of our faith: baptism. The baptismal candidates gave testimonies of God making a pathway in the wilderness: escaping the penalty of sin by salvation through Jesus Christ.
And, of course, the sermon did a new thing. We were given a familiar passage of Isaiah, but were given a new revelation: We are called to forget not just the bad things in our past, but also the good things. Reverend Ronald also referenced the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians: the accolades of our past are worthless in comparison to the future things God will grant us.
We’ll spend time this week unpacking different points from the sermon, but for today I’ll ask a question:
Are you willing to forget even the good things from your past?
Sunday, June 10, 2012
OrlandoRonald.
Our guest speaker, for this weekend's English language services, is Reverend Ronald Benjamin. The Lord encouraged us through the message given last night, and we look forward to hearing more today. We are thankful for the Benjamin family, who touched lives at Bronx Bethany for several years prior to their move to Florida.
It's my prayer that all of our pastors, ministers who stand as oracles of God, will experience God's Presence and power as they faithfully labor for our King. May God speak. May we hear. May our Lord find us eager to obey His word.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of Your tone.
As You have sought, so let me seek Your erring children lost and lone.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things You do impart.
And wing my words that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.
O fill me with Your fullness, Lord, until my very heart o'erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word; Your love to tell, Your praise to show.
O use me, Lord, use even me, just as You will, and when, and where,
Until Your blessed face I see, Your rest, Your joy, Your glory share.
(hymn text: Frances R. Havergal)
It's my prayer that all of our pastors, ministers who stand as oracles of God, will experience God's Presence and power as they faithfully labor for our King. May God speak. May we hear. May our Lord find us eager to obey His word.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of Your tone.
As You have sought, so let me seek Your erring children lost and lone.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things You do impart.
And wing my words that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.
O fill me with Your fullness, Lord, until my very heart o'erflow
in kindling thought and glowing word; Your love to tell, Your praise to show.
O use me, Lord, use even me, just as You will, and when, and where,
Until Your blessed face I see, Your rest, Your joy, Your glory share.
(hymn text: Frances R. Havergal)
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Congregant, Ruminant.
As we wrap up this week, let's reflect on the questions Pastor Sam asked during this past Sunday's sermon.
What do we really believe about the love that God has for us? "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..."
What do we really believe about the limit of that love, and the losers whose belief falters (as shown in the account of the "believing haters" in John 2:23-24 and John 8:30-59)? "...so that whoever believes in Him will not perish..."
What do we really believe about the life offered to us? "...but will have eternal life."
Do you really believe?
What do we really believe about the love that God has for us? "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..."
What do we really believe about the limit of that love, and the losers whose belief falters (as shown in the account of the "believing haters" in John 2:23-24 and John 8:30-59)? "...so that whoever believes in Him will not perish..."
What do we really believe about the life offered to us? "...but will have eternal life."
Do you really believe?
Friday, June 8, 2012
Flash-Forward.
Everlasting life.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared the idea of everlasting life as not simply a quantitative measure, but a qualitative one. It is a life of peace, love, joy, rest, and blessed communion with our God.
The wonderful thing about this eternal life is that it begins not when we die physically, but when we choose to die to our own selfish desires and accept the new birth that is available in Jesus. In John chapter 3 we see the word of Christ to Nicodemus: “You must be born again.” It is this new birth that opens the door to a new life. And, here on earth, we can begin to experience the blessings of heaven.
To paraphrase our pastor, this eternal life is God's life shared with those who have given themselves completely to Him. We are encouraged in this in the book of Second Peter:
“So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others... Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (see Second Peter 1:5-11)
Pastor Sam sometimes prays for "flashes of the kingdom" to be seen and experienced by the people of God. The temptation is to confine this phrase to evidences such as healings and miracles. But we need "flashes of the kingdom" in terms of what Peter says are the complements of basic faith. What would church look like if the people of God were living demonstrations of character, wisdom, discipline, patience, wonder, friendliness, and love?
Lord, may Your Spirit open our hearts, so that we will joyfully embrace the basic things. May we experience these evidences of eternal life, here on earth, as it is in heaven.
In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared the idea of everlasting life as not simply a quantitative measure, but a qualitative one. It is a life of peace, love, joy, rest, and blessed communion with our God.
The wonderful thing about this eternal life is that it begins not when we die physically, but when we choose to die to our own selfish desires and accept the new birth that is available in Jesus. In John chapter 3 we see the word of Christ to Nicodemus: “You must be born again.” It is this new birth that opens the door to a new life. And, here on earth, we can begin to experience the blessings of heaven.
To paraphrase our pastor, this eternal life is God's life shared with those who have given themselves completely to Him. We are encouraged in this in the book of Second Peter:
“So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others... Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (see Second Peter 1:5-11)
Pastor Sam sometimes prays for "flashes of the kingdom" to be seen and experienced by the people of God. The temptation is to confine this phrase to evidences such as healings and miracles. But we need "flashes of the kingdom" in terms of what Peter says are the complements of basic faith. What would church look like if the people of God were living demonstrations of character, wisdom, discipline, patience, wonder, friendliness, and love?
Lord, may Your Spirit open our hearts, so that we will joyfully embrace the basic things. May we experience these evidences of eternal life, here on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Lovers' Lane.
Some years ago, a prophetic speaker visited Bronx Bethany. During her message, she said, "Stay in your lane!" That is, "Do what you were created to do!"
There are some things that we are called to do and keep doing, without deviating. As Christians, we are called to love. John 3:16 is a verse that shows us the love of God: love is what He is and love is what He does.
Pastor Sam summarized the Augustine image of the triune God as Lover, Beloved, and Love. An eternal bond of love. But for our sake, God chose to break up the love-fest that is the Godhead. He sent Jesus, the Unique, to be the atonement for our sins. Or, to quote our pastor, God "tore apart the Godhead" for us. Why? Because we are also the object of His love.
It is this Divine act of love that gives us a sense of what true love is. When one loves deeply, that passionate love is expressed in sacrifice. We give. "God so loved the world that He gave His one-of-a-kind, unique, none-other-like-Him Son." And we long to be a reflection of His love in the earth. The high cost of the gift cannot dissuade us; we love intensely, and therefore we give freely.
Pastor Sam used alliteration to describe this love. It is infinite (God), incredible (so loved), and inclusive (the world).
I pray that you have experienced this awesome love-fest that is available in God through our Lord and Christ. If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life, ask now. He loves you!
There are some things that we are called to do and keep doing, without deviating. As Christians, we are called to love. John 3:16 is a verse that shows us the love of God: love is what He is and love is what He does.
Pastor Sam summarized the Augustine image of the triune God as Lover, Beloved, and Love. An eternal bond of love. But for our sake, God chose to break up the love-fest that is the Godhead. He sent Jesus, the Unique, to be the atonement for our sins. Or, to quote our pastor, God "tore apart the Godhead" for us. Why? Because we are also the object of His love.
It is this Divine act of love that gives us a sense of what true love is. When one loves deeply, that passionate love is expressed in sacrifice. We give. "God so loved the world that He gave His one-of-a-kind, unique, none-other-like-Him Son." And we long to be a reflection of His love in the earth. The high cost of the gift cannot dissuade us; we love intensely, and therefore we give freely.
Pastor Sam used alliteration to describe this love. It is infinite (God), incredible (so loved), and inclusive (the world).
I pray that you have experienced this awesome love-fest that is available in God through our Lord and Christ. If you have not asked Jesus to be Lord of your life, ask now. He loves you!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Free Ride.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are really My disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32)
We see in John chapter 8 that the teaching ministry of Jesus was met with skepticism, self-righteous posturing, and even rage. That chapter ends with a mob of hating believers, stones in hand, seeking to pummel Jesus to death. The temptation is to say that haters aren’t believers. But they are: it's just that they don't believe enough. Pastor Sam gave us a wonderful lesson via the old joke about a tightrope walker looking for a volunteer to go across the tightrope with him.
To continue with the analogy, the skill of the tightrope walker was never up for debate. Everyone could see that he knew exactly what he was doing. He was expert, fearless, ultra-competent. They all believed that he could do anything on that tightrope, even push another person across the tightrope in a wheelbarrow. But when the call came for volunteers to join him, no one volunteered.
Pastor Sam made an incredible statement in Sunday’s second service, and I will paraphrase it here: What if Jesus, the resident expert on life, wants to put your life in a wheelbarrow and push you across a tightrope? What if He rocks the wheelbarrow from side to side while you’re in it? What if you and Jesus come off of the tightrope and are falling through the air together? Do you love Him enough to put your life in His hands?
This is it. One can be a believer and a hater, or one can be a believer and a lover. Haters know that God is sovereign. But, according to Scripture, belief combined with hate creates a recipe for separation from God (John 8:34-37; Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus wants us to be believers and lovers, walking in joyful obedience to His commands and allowing Him to be Master of our lives.
Believe. Love. And have a seat in the wheelbarrow.
We see in John chapter 8 that the teaching ministry of Jesus was met with skepticism, self-righteous posturing, and even rage. That chapter ends with a mob of hating believers, stones in hand, seeking to pummel Jesus to death. The temptation is to say that haters aren’t believers. But they are: it's just that they don't believe enough. Pastor Sam gave us a wonderful lesson via the old joke about a tightrope walker looking for a volunteer to go across the tightrope with him.
To continue with the analogy, the skill of the tightrope walker was never up for debate. Everyone could see that he knew exactly what he was doing. He was expert, fearless, ultra-competent. They all believed that he could do anything on that tightrope, even push another person across the tightrope in a wheelbarrow. But when the call came for volunteers to join him, no one volunteered.
Pastor Sam made an incredible statement in Sunday’s second service, and I will paraphrase it here: What if Jesus, the resident expert on life, wants to put your life in a wheelbarrow and push you across a tightrope? What if He rocks the wheelbarrow from side to side while you’re in it? What if you and Jesus come off of the tightrope and are falling through the air together? Do you love Him enough to put your life in His hands?
This is it. One can be a believer and a hater, or one can be a believer and a lover. Haters know that God is sovereign. But, according to Scripture, belief combined with hate creates a recipe for separation from God (John 8:34-37; Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus wants us to be believers and lovers, walking in joyful obedience to His commands and allowing Him to be Master of our lives.
Believe. Love. And have a seat in the wheelbarrow.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Perish: The Thought.
During the sermons of this past weekend, Pastor Sam had us recite John 3:16. In that verse, we have a profound clause: "...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish...".
Our pastor shared with us that, in today's context, it is unpopular to have an open discussion on the concept of perishing. Pastor Sam referenced the classic sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (if you have never read it, you can find it at several sites online including here: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/sermons.sinners.html). To summarize very briefly, the sermon echoes John 3:16: unbelievers perish. Not a popular topic, but a true one.
It's a sad thing to see, in the world and in the church, persons who cling to sin and either misunderstand or deny their precarious state. As the Jonathan Edwards sermon indicates, our own righteousness "would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock." We are a sinful people in desperate need of a sinless Savior.
For those of us who say we believe in Jesus, there is the expectation of evidence. Do our hearts hold a deep gratitude towards God? Do we seek a full dependence on His Spirit as we live from day to day? Or are we trying to negotiate life on our own terms?
Lord God, please help us to heed Your word so that we will not perish, but will instead have Your eternal Life dwelling in us.
Our pastor shared with us that, in today's context, it is unpopular to have an open discussion on the concept of perishing. Pastor Sam referenced the classic sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (if you have never read it, you can find it at several sites online including here: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/sermons.sinners.html). To summarize very briefly, the sermon echoes John 3:16: unbelievers perish. Not a popular topic, but a true one.
It's a sad thing to see, in the world and in the church, persons who cling to sin and either misunderstand or deny their precarious state. As the Jonathan Edwards sermon indicates, our own righteousness "would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock." We are a sinful people in desperate need of a sinless Savior.
For those of us who say we believe in Jesus, there is the expectation of evidence. Do our hearts hold a deep gratitude towards God? Do we seek a full dependence on His Spirit as we live from day to day? Or are we trying to negotiate life on our own terms?
Lord God, please help us to heed Your word so that we will not perish, but will instead have Your eternal Life dwelling in us.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Poetic, Noetic, Prophetic.
We've experienced an incredible weekend of services at Bronx Bethany as Pastor Sam shared with us concerning certain elements in the book of John. Sadly, we are not in an Acts 20:7 context, else we could have stayed in church until midnight or after. But I hope that this week's blogs will inspire you to open your Bibles and read (or, re-read) the book of John with a fresh perspective on the concept of belief and what it really means to believe in Jesus.
Pastor Sam brought out the point that the gospel of John is all about distinguishing the marks of a true believer. In John 3, we are introduced to Nicodemus, a man who says he and others believe that Jesus's works were carried out in the power of God. Let's break down John 3:2.
Rabbi- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is a spiritual leader.
We Know- Nicodemus acknowledges that there is a group consensus about Jesus.
You Are A Teacher- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is an expositor of God's law.
Come From God- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus was sent by God.
For No One Can Do These Signs- Nicodemus acknowledges that miracles are happening in the community.
That You Do- Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a worker of miracles.
Unless God Is With Him- Nicodemus acknowledges that God's presence endorsed Jesus's ministry.
His testimony sounded nice, right? But Jesus tagged Nicodemus as one who was not completely sold out to Him. Jesus says to him, “We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.” (John 3:11)
Nicodemus didn't pass the test.
How about you?
Pastor Sam brought out the point that the gospel of John is all about distinguishing the marks of a true believer. In John 3, we are introduced to Nicodemus, a man who says he and others believe that Jesus's works were carried out in the power of God. Let's break down John 3:2.
Rabbi- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is a spiritual leader.
We Know- Nicodemus acknowledges that there is a group consensus about Jesus.
You Are A Teacher- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is an expositor of God's law.
Come From God- Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus was sent by God.
For No One Can Do These Signs- Nicodemus acknowledges that miracles are happening in the community.
That You Do- Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a worker of miracles.
Unless God Is With Him- Nicodemus acknowledges that God's presence endorsed Jesus's ministry.
His testimony sounded nice, right? But Jesus tagged Nicodemus as one who was not completely sold out to Him. Jesus says to him, “We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.” (John 3:11)
Nicodemus didn't pass the test.
How about you?
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Oh, The Plans He Has For You!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
I pray that your service of worship to the LORD will not be routine nor perfunctory, but that it will be an authentic expression of adoration and supplication to our great God.
May you find Him today. And may you experience awesome joy as He reveals His plans to you.
I pray that your service of worship to the LORD will not be routine nor perfunctory, but that it will be an authentic expression of adoration and supplication to our great God.
May you find Him today. And may you experience awesome joy as He reveals His plans to you.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
"Easy Life" As Oxymoron.
"Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have." (Jeremiah 29:8, italics mine)
During Moses's leadership tenure, there was a point when the people of Israel decided to choose their own captain and attempt to return to Egypt (see Numbers 14). The message behind their action was this: Moses, if you don't do what we want, we'll just appoint someone else to lead us. They were intent on living life counter to God's plan, and as a result died in the wilderness. While they lived they still wore the label that said "people of God", but they lacked His presence and power.
Pastor Sam once shared that the church is made weak from the inside out. It is "our own" people who tire of God's discipline, tire of spiritual formation through wilderness experiences, and devise their own definition of success (which tends towards avoidance of pain and enjoyment of excess). They say they are Christian. But the word of Christ is not heeded. They fail to work the works of the Lord.
Pain hurts, and it helps. When the church suffers, it grows stronger. When the church welcomes compromised teaching as a pathway to ease, it falls away and loses its spiritual covering. The book of Acts, the Pauline epistles, and the book of Revelation bear this out.
There are churches that have completely rewritten their by-laws and doctrinal statements in an effort to increase membership, ordinands, and revenue. Guess what? They're correct. The pews will be full. Remember Moses sending out the twelve spies? Ten spies said the task of entering Canaan was too hard to accomplish, and they should instead return to the "comforts" of Egypt. Hundreds of thousands of Israelites bought into the lie.
So here we are. A hymn, a perfunctory prayer, a chorus, make announcements, take up the offering, hear a nice solo, give the preacher a few minutes to comment on The Economist, say hi to a few people, and we're done. Easy life.
And the giants in Canaan continue, unhindered. For decades.
I am asking that you pray concerning your own role in this life-play. Are you a Jeremiah? A Moses? A Caleb or Joshua? Or have you settled in with the masses, conspiring to hire and extol those who were not sent by God but have promised you an easy road?
"Nobody told me that the road would be easy;
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me." (Curtis Burrell)
During Moses's leadership tenure, there was a point when the people of Israel decided to choose their own captain and attempt to return to Egypt (see Numbers 14). The message behind their action was this: Moses, if you don't do what we want, we'll just appoint someone else to lead us. They were intent on living life counter to God's plan, and as a result died in the wilderness. While they lived they still wore the label that said "people of God", but they lacked His presence and power.
Pastor Sam once shared that the church is made weak from the inside out. It is "our own" people who tire of God's discipline, tire of spiritual formation through wilderness experiences, and devise their own definition of success (which tends towards avoidance of pain and enjoyment of excess). They say they are Christian. But the word of Christ is not heeded. They fail to work the works of the Lord.
Pain hurts, and it helps. When the church suffers, it grows stronger. When the church welcomes compromised teaching as a pathway to ease, it falls away and loses its spiritual covering. The book of Acts, the Pauline epistles, and the book of Revelation bear this out.
There are churches that have completely rewritten their by-laws and doctrinal statements in an effort to increase membership, ordinands, and revenue. Guess what? They're correct. The pews will be full. Remember Moses sending out the twelve spies? Ten spies said the task of entering Canaan was too hard to accomplish, and they should instead return to the "comforts" of Egypt. Hundreds of thousands of Israelites bought into the lie.
So here we are. A hymn, a perfunctory prayer, a chorus, make announcements, take up the offering, hear a nice solo, give the preacher a few minutes to comment on The Economist, say hi to a few people, and we're done. Easy life.
And the giants in Canaan continue, unhindered. For decades.
I am asking that you pray concerning your own role in this life-play. Are you a Jeremiah? A Moses? A Caleb or Joshua? Or have you settled in with the masses, conspiring to hire and extol those who were not sent by God but have promised you an easy road?
"Nobody told me that the road would be easy;
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me." (Curtis Burrell)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Ora Et Labora, Part Two.
While perusing articles on philanthropy I came across this message by John Wesley. I hope it will be an encouragement to you as you pray about your own role in giving to to work of the Lord.
http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/topic/excellence_in_philanthropy/gain_save_give
http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/topic/excellence_in_philanthropy/gain_save_give