Contemplating the New Birth.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Martha spoke on the meaning of Christmas: it is a new birth. She said (paraphrased here):

I have nothing against "Father Christmas", but Jesus was not born in a shopping mall... What is the meaning of Christmas? It does not mean shopping. It does not mean to eat until you have indigestion. It does not mean to drink until you're drunk. It means a new birth.

It is a new birth that brings us hope, peace, and joy. It is a new birth that ushers in the kingdom of God, with Jesus eternally present as its reigning King. It is a new birth that calls God's people to live lives of righteousness, holiness, and joyful service to our King of Kings and Lord of lords.

Pastor Martha read Romans 6:1-14. Let us read it today as a reminder of the life we are privileged to live as beneficiaries of this new birth. The text can be found by clicking here.

Christ was born! Are you a beneficiary of this new birth? 

Trading Frustration For Hope.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

During this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam shared (paraphrased here) that frustration is even more intense when we look for something that does not materialize; but our hope in God never makes us ashamed. Perhaps we might adopt this statement as a proverb of encouragement.

Where is our focus today? Is it directed towards the pain of searching for what we do not yet see, or is it fixed on the hope we have in God?

Our pastor noted that Simeon, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, went into the temple courts on the day that Mary and Joseph arrived to offer the sacrifice required for a first-born son (see Luke 2:27-28). Because the Spirit of God had to tell Simeon to go into the temple courts, it seems that Simeon was not spending every day wandering through the temple courts looking for the Messiah. Rather, it seems that Simeon, a man filled with the Spirit of God, was content to live his life waiting on God.

I wonder if we who call ourselves Spirit-filled Christians are content to simply wait on God in hope, or if we instead have become consumed with an anxious looking for God's promise to materialize:

-God, You told me such-and such, so long ago, but I don't see the thing yet.
-God, You promised me peace but I feel like I'm drowning in chaos.
-God, they have rejected You for so many years; they're so far gone: is it too late for them?

How do we trade our frustrations for hope? Luke 2 gives us a clue in the life of Simeon: "It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah." (Luke 2:26)

Simeon did not worship the promise; he worshiped the Lord. The canon does not record Simeon as a man who nagged God about issues of time or space or place. Because the Holy Spirit was on Simeon (see Luke 2:25), Simeon was empowered to wait.

In the Old Testament we have record of a famous couple who seemed to err on the side of worshiping the promise. Abram and Sarai, in their longing to see God's promise fulfilled, made the assumption that God was not able to handle the issues of time, space, or place. Abram did not understand God's ability to save, so he twisted the truth about his marriage covenant with Sarai, twice, in attempts to "save" his own life. Sarai did not understand God's ability to perform creative miracles, and canon gives testimony of two of her errors: stepping out of God's covenant promise by giving Abraham her slave Hagar to bear a child, and laughing in disbelief when she heard God's messengers reiterate His promise that she would bear a child in her old age. (See Genesis chapters 12, 16, 17, 18, and 20)

Do you know that anxiety can affect us just as profoundly as it did Abram and Sarai? Have you ever wanted to make your own way? Have you ever wanted to take matters into your own hands? Resist the temptation. God doesn't have a problem with time. And God doesn't have a problem with space or place. Knock on the door of the Advent narrative. Ask for a young lady named Mary. Ask for a man named Simeon. They will tell you that the hope of God will not put you to shame. They will tell you that the promise of God is worth the wait and the pain and the suffering.

We have an opportunity to embrace this hope. Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene will soon be starting an extended season of fasting and prayer. We are scheduled to begin the new year with a forty-day fast, and then in the period of Lent we will have another forty-day period (excluding the Sundays) to turn our plates down and seek the Lord. As we wait on the Lord and hear the gentle promptings of His Spirit in us, we can expect to be encouraged in hope and empowered by His love.

The Holy Spirit has invited you to His trading post. Are you ready to trade your frustrations for His hope?

Advent Hope

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam noted that Advent Hope is generated by a personal, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Simeon was a man who Scripture describes as "righteous" and "devout", and the text even goes as far as saying Simeon was a man who was waiting for the Savior to come. However, his righteous lifestyle was not sufficient to bring revelation. Simeon gained prophetic insight not because he was a nice guy, but because he heard a specific word from the Holy Spirit of God.

Our pastor mentioned two outcomes that grew from Simeon's personal relationship with the Holy Spirit:

• Personal Promise: God has a record of promising good things to individuals who are in a love relationship with Him.
• Personal Direction: God has a record of communicating with His faithful children. He tells them where He wants them to be.

Our pastor said, "The Holy Spirit moved Simeon to be in the right place at the right time." We who live today can also experience this grace of God, that fills our hearts with authentic hope and guides us with Spirit-led directives. What a blessing to know that the promise and direction of God were not just for Simeon! You and I can experience the same Advent Hope in our own lives.

The Spirit-filled heart knows what God has said.
The Spirit-led heart goes where God directs.
Live by the Spirit, in Advent Hope.

Wrapped In Hope...

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34-35)


Over the past four Sundays, we at Bronx Bethany have been reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit in the Advent narrative. The first two Sundays were reflections on the solemnity of Advent, represented in the themes of preparation (in the life of John the Baptist) and yearning (in the life of Zechariah). On the third Sunday we focused on joy, and in particular we considered the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth.

Yesterday, Pastor Sam's Advent focus was on hope. The Holy Spirit spoke to a man named Simeon and gave him an amazing promise: "It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ." (Luke 2:26)

Because the Spirit had spoken an amazing word to Simeon, Simeon was able to speak amazing words as well. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit Simeon said, "Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)

Simeon did not have to see Jesus grow into adulthood. Regrettably, there are times when God gives His people a word and they refuse to receive it until they see "the end of the story." For Simeon, just one encounter with the infant Jesus was enough to assure him that God would do all He had promised to do-- for His beloved kingdom of Israel, and also for the Gentile nations of the world.

Simeon did not need to confer with Jesus's earthly parents. Had Simeon asked them, Mary and Joseph would have been able to share their own stories of having encountered God in profound ways. But Simeon did not need their stories; he had his own. As Pastor Sam shared, if we are hearing from God for ourselves, then there is no need for second-guessing ourselves nor questioning others.

Simeon did not hesitate to engage prophetic utterance. Through the influence of the Holy Spirit, Simeon was able to impart a specific prophetic word to Mary and Joseph concerning the life of their son. As part of their preparation for life as Jesus's earthly parents, Simeon gave a word of blessing to the couple and a word of warning to Mary (see Luke 2:34-35, located at the top of this post).

Our hope as believers is to see the manifestation of the kingdom of God in the earth. When we are submitted to the Holy Spirit, He then speaks to us concerning what is now and what is to come. He speaks specific words that impart to us what Pastor Sam called "Advent Hope": not a hope born of wishful thinking, but a hope undergirded by assurance and certainty.

Lord God, I have heard Your Spirit speak. I will wait, in hope, to see Your word fulfilled.

Lyricist.

And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is His name." (Luke 1:46-49)

What is our response when we realize that God has been mindful of our humble state?

Pastor Sam shared with us that Mary composed the most elevated prose as the expression of her joy. Her joyful words, too, were not just a celebration of what God had done in her personal life; she also praised God for His mercy to her people. "He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and His descendants forever, even as He said to our fathers." (Luke 1:54-55)

According to the Luke 1 passage, this joy-fest is reserved for the people of God who meet certain criteria:

*They live in a humble state (verses 48 and 52);

*They fear God across their generations (verse 50);

*They hunger for God's supply of goodness and grace (verse 53).

We are warned that if our hearts are filled with pride and self-sufficiency, then we will not be recipients of the joy that comes from God (see Luke 1:51-53).

What is in our hearts today? Is there the sense that we can take care of ourselves independently, or is there the knowledge that it is only God who can supply our needs and fill us with joy?

Let us pray that we will be found as one of those who humbly, reverently, and wholeheartedly seek after God.

The Mighty Lord has done great things for me: I am glad!

The Real "Ordinary People".

In Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam shared with us that the Holy Spirit is interested in ordinary people.

In Luke's Advent narrative we see that "In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee" (Luke 1:26). Our pastor noted that Nazareth is not Times Square: Nazareth and Judea were ordinary nondescript towns, but God saw and knew the people there.

Sometimes we assume that if we are in a remote area, God is unaware of our station and character. But God sees and knows all people. His messenger Gabriel made it clear that Mary's character was known: "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'" (Luke 1:28) Elizabeth and Zechariah were also known by God: "Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." (Luke 1:6)

God is aware. In Psalm 139 we see this reality reinforced in the song of David. A few verses from the psalm are below. I pray that we will reflect on these words today, with gratitude and joy, recognizing that we are never hidden from the sight of Almighty God.

You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
You know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in behind and before;
You have laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
Too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, You are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
And the light become night around me,"
Even the darkness will not be dark to You;
The night will shine like the day,
For darkness is as light to You.

(Psalm 139:3-12) (Click here to read Psalm 139 in its entirety)

News Flash.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke 1:41-43)

For this year's Advent season, Pastor Sam has shared with us concerning the role of the Holy Spirit in Luke's account of the Advent narrative. This past Sunday we had time to reflect on Elizabeth.

• By the Spirit, Elizabeth was able to see what was invisible to others. It was the Spirit who gave Elizabeth the knowledge of Mary's pregnancy, even though Mary was not visibly pregnant at the time.
• By the Spirit, Elizabeth was able to have a prophetic perspective on natural events. It was the Spirit who caused Elizabeth to understand that her baby in her own womb was not moving randomly, but "leaped for joy".
• The Holy Spirit discloses the works of God. It was the Spirit who revealed to Elizabeth that Mary's pregnancy was not from a sexual encounter, but was a miraculous act of the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit reveals for us what other people are not saying. It was the Spirit who caused Elizabeth to know that Mary's baby was not merely another child to be born, but was also the Lord of glory.  

Our pastor noted that "God, through the Holy Spirit, can cause you to understand things." Things that seem to be ordinary might in fact be extraordinary, but we will not know what God is doing unless we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and under His inspiration she saw and spoke.

Who inspires your sight and speech?

Open Invitation

"The Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit alone, is able to make the impossible possible." -Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

In this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam shared: "He who is able to do the impossible is now the main ingredient of our lives." The Holy Spirit, who is available to us, is able to do now what He did in past history: He makes the impossible possible.

We have been given opportunity to have a role in this process: our part in the project is to say yes to God. Our pastor asked us, "Have you opened your heart to the Holy Spirit?" In Luke chapter 1, we see that Mary did just that. She responded to the angel's message by opening her heart to the Lord: "I am the Lord's servant", Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

God is able to do things that we cannot imagine (see Ephesians 3:20-21). His power is not bound by the challenges and personal situations we face. Some of us have experienced this in certain areas of our own lives. But, do we believe that the Holy Spirit has the power to move in every area of our lives? Will we choose to say yes to the power of the Spirit, even when He invites our participation in seemingly impossible projects? Have we invited the Holy Spirit to have unrestricted access to us?

Lord God, there is no part of my life that is off-limits to You. I long to be part of Your work in the earth. I give You my mind, my heart, my body, my talents. In the midst of my challenges, and even in the midst of knowing that Your work in me might bring more challenges my way, I give myself to You. Lord, let it be unto me according to Your word.

Luke 1:26-45

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

(Luke 1:26-45, New International Version)

Oh, That I Might Rejoice In You!

I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. (Psalm 31:7-8)

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" (Psalm 118:15-16)

Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God." (First Samuel 2:1-2)

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant." (Luke 1:46-48)

Have you ever lost your joy? I have. It's an awful feeling.

My prayer for you today is that regardless of life's hardships, you might be able to take a moment today to tell God that you are rejoicing in Him-- even if you don't "feel" joyful. And I pray that as you press in to the rejoicing by faith, the Lord will perform a restoring work in you and bring you fullness of joy (see Psalm 16:11).

Almighty Lord, I rejoice in Your love.
Almighty Lord, I rejoice in Your saving power.
Lord God, I choose to rejoice in You. Thank You for being with me even in my lowest moments... and thank You for walking with me through the storm. 

Fear Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

"Fear is the flip side of idolatry. When you believe that there is something bigger than God, when you believe that something is going to be more dangerous than God's safety, it grips you and it terrorizes you. No wonder the Bible talks about 'fear not'." -Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (Second Timothy 1:7, King James Version)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam reminded us of the danger of living in fear.  Zechariah said of God, "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us" (Luke 1:69a). God, by His power, brings to light the promises given to His people. Our pastor shared that God has broken into history in order to free us, and part of that freedom includes deliverance from fear.

Pastor Sam also mentioned a point that I'd like us to reflect on today. In much of our Christmas imagery we focus on Jesus as an infant. Infancy connotes a sense of helplessness and complete dependence. But we must always keep in mind that Jesus, though He chose to enter humanity in this way, is still the King in the kingdom of God. He holds all power and authority. There is none greater than He. As we rest in His greatness, we lose all fear.

There is a Negro spiritual that reminds us of our need to recognize Jesus in His greatness and power, even as we are surrounded by icons depicting His humanity. A poignant line in the song says, "Sweet little Holy Child, we didn' know who You was." When we live in fear, our conduct indicates that we really don't know the greatness of the One we call Lord and Savior. The enemy of our souls uses fear: a) to keep us from entering into the promises of God; and/or b) to make us think that Jesus is still a baby incapable of rescuing His people. But we are called to reject all fear and instead embrace faith in our Lord and Christ, who saves us.

Are you freed from fear?

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us... to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all of our days." (see Luke 1:67-75)

Song Leader.

"His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:" (Luke 1:67)

In Bibles with headings, Luke 1:67-80 is usually headed "Zechariah's Song". But, as Pastor Sam shared with us on Sunday, the prophetic words that came from Zechariah's mouth in verses 67 through 75 were preceded by Divine action: Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Spirit of God who conducted the song.

Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah gave voice to the deep longing and yearning felt by the people of God. Our pastor summarized this yearning in three points:

*Freedom from enemy oppression;
*Freedom from fear;
*Freedom to pursue a lifestyle of holiness and righteousness.

Can we, in 2013, still appreciate this narrative? Do we believe that now, as then, God can speak prophetically through His faithful servants?

Is He free to speak through you?

Upheaval! Upheaval!

When I was very young (back in the late '60's/early '70's) it was normal to see street preachers on the sidewalks of New York. Though they were from different denominational backgrounds and different ethnic groups, their messages were essentially in the same vein: Jesus Loves You; Repent; The End Is Near.

My first foray into evangelism occurred when I was attending church services at The Salvation Army. I and my pastor, Brigadier Mary Niesiewicz, walked into a local bar. We handed out free copies of The War Cry magazine to the patrons and encouraged them to turn to Jesus. (For those unfamiliar with my 1970's church life, back then it was normal to involve younger children in the same ministry efforts that the adults were engaged in.) Having heard street preachers for several years by then, I knew what to say.  But, I had a big problem. Although I knew the script and its attendant scriptures, I did not understand the importance of applying this information to my personal life.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam spoke of the importance of being free to embrace a lifestyle of holiness and righteousness. And today I find myself wondering if we in Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene are embracing that lifestyle, or if we are just parroting the script.

Jesus loves you. For those of us who signed up for this Christian faith-walk, this is one of the first things we learn. The love of Christ is incredible. As we consider Advent, we acknowledge that Jesus has come. He demonstrated His love for us by giving up His life, in order to give us access to eternal life with Him.

Repent. Because Jesus has extended this life-offer to us, we are encouraged to turn to Him. Turning to Him means that we walk away from lifestyles and belief systems that run counter to His word. Our pastor shared that Advent reminds us that Christ, the King in the kingdom of God, is come. In the here-and-now, every day, He calls for us to love and serve Him exclusively.

The end is near. Some people have adopted a mantra of "I'll accept Jesus later", because they are sure that "later" will come at the hour of their choosing. But Pastor Sam addressed this false belief with his reference to Matthew chapter 24. No one is guaranteed a "later". Particularly at Bronx Bethany, we have done so many so-called "untimely death" funerals; we should know better than to assume that we can postpone a decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The Advent narrative asserts that Jesus will come: we are exhorted to be prepared to meet Him.

In his sermon, Pastor Sam used what I believe is one of the scariest words in the English language: upheaval. It brings to mind images of uncontrollable destructive forces, the sort of which come and go in moments, leaving behind massive devastation. Tsunamis. EF-5 tornadoes. Floods. We have seen the Matthew 24 signs already: the destruction of the Temple, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecutions, betrayals, deceit, and wickedness. As our pastor said (paraphrased here), If Jesus should come back tomorrow, we can't say that we didn't know. Why? Because we have already seen upheaval... and if we live longer, we will see more.

So, in light of this, we look inward and reflect on the current state of our faith-walk. Do we obey the commands of this Jesus, our Lover who we claim to love so much? Are we eager to repent, turning away from sin and completely devoting ourselves to Christ? Are we living each day in the pursuit of holiness and righteousness, knowing that Jesus has told us to be ready to meet Him?

Know the script. Know the scriptures. Live the lifestyle. Understand upheaval.

Listen; get this. If you knew that some man was going to break into your house tonight, would you go to bed? No, you would keep watch and be ready to confront him. You would not be surprised at all when he showed up. In the same way, you need to be ready and stay ready: Jesus is coming back at a time when you don't expect Him to. So, live your whole faith-life "expecting". Do you work for Him? Then work. Don't slack off just because you think He's delaying His return. Make sure the King of kings can always find you at your post, doing the works He lovingly created you to do, and doing those works without hypocrisy, so that you don't lose what God promised to you. (my paraphrase of Matthew 24:43-51)

My Gravitas.

[note: "gravitas" is Latin for heaviness or seriousness]

And a voice from heaven said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

"Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other,  'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" (Matthew 21:33-40)

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down...he is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring-- those who obey God's commands and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (see Revelation 12:10-17)

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared with us that we are unwilling participants in a vicious battle that we did not start. It is not about our personal attempts at wellness and wholeness. It is not about who we love or where we work. It is not about our children or our landlords or our professors. Our pastor noted that the fight we are engaged in is not really about us, nor "them": it is about the intense anger and hatred that Satan, the evil one, harbors against God. Scripture asserts that Satan has already been defeated: the accuser has been hurled down (Revelation 12:10). The evil one cannot hurt God; but, he is very effective in bringing defeat and destruction into human lives. As Pastor Sam noted, the devil and his minions attempt to hurt God by hurting the people of God.

The hurt and the pain is real. I have felt it. Perhaps you have experienced this pain too. What is a Christian to do?

We have hope! Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11) We are reminded again, as some of our pastors have said: The Triune God broke up the Godhead for our sake. Jesus, the Christ, was sent to this earth. He lived, loved, died, and is risen. Because of His completed work, we are able to stand.

On Sunday Pastor Sam referenced the first section of Zechariah's song (Luke 1:67-75). Zechariah yearned to see a Deliver arrive who would free the people of God from the oppression they were suffering. What happened? The Deliverer showed up, but the oppression continued. Rather than an external wiping out of the enemy, Jesus came to teach His people how to experience His peace even in the face of opposition and domination. Jesus teaches us to be victorious on the inside.

After Sunday night's The Key service I had the privilege of chatting with Pastor Sam for a few minutes about the persecution experiences of Paul, Silas, and Stephen. (I am still wrestling with the implications of our discourse.)

-Stephen, how it is that you could pray such a loving prayer while that crowd pelted you with rocks and called you a blasphemer, just because you had a profound encounter with God?
-Paul and Silas, how were you able to sing in the face of being whipped and thrown into a dank, dark, unsanitary prison cell, your ankles and wrists bound into stocks, just because you healed someone?

Let's be real: some of us are desperate for external change. But I wonder if we love Jesus enough to bask in His peace, even though it's sometimes accompanied by incredibly painful external circumstances. Scripture asserts that it is possible: Stephen and Paul and Silas reached this level of faith and grace. How about us?

Let us stand, faithful, though the flames of consumerism devour our livelihoods.
Let us stand, faithful, though the subtle serpent wrecks relationships.
Let us stand, faithful, though our children are co-opted by the world.
Let us stand faithful: and, by the miracle of Christ's coming, let us rejoice and rest in Him.

The Persecution... And The Presence.

Yesterday afternoon I had an interesting conversation with a food-service worker.

I asked for a BLT. The woman behind the counter then asked me whether I wanted lettuce on the sandwich. Assuming she was perhaps new to her post, I explained to her that BLT stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, and that those were the three things that by definition had to be in the sandwich.

She replied, "Oh, but you can put anything you want in the sandwich."
I responded, "If I put anything I want in this sandwich, then it ceases to be a BLT."

In Sunday's English-language sermons, Pastor Sam reminded us of the plight of the early Christians. Their devotion to God was directly challenged by leaders who had given themselves over to the works of evil. There was intense social and political pressure to conform to the worship of idols. The Christians who made space for idolatry were spared from persecution; those who refused to compromise their faith were ostracized, tortured, and killed.

Some of us are personally familiar with the reality of persecution. And today I find myself wondering if we, having adopted the teachings of Jesus, have also added a myriad of philosophies and "self-help" mantras to try to avoid persecution, then falsely named our mixture "Christianity". But if we are truly Christians, then we are citizens of a kingdom where Jesus, the Anointed One, is our King and Lord. He needs no add-ons, and our "self-help" attempts cannot save our souls. Christ alone is the key and the door that leads to eternal life.

In Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam noted that if we have lost our home, but have not lost our relationship with Jesus Christ, then our soul remains in a position of rejoicing. When we grasp the value of our eternal love relationship with the King of Glory, then the temporal concerns of life cease to rule over us: the temptation to compromise is vanquished by the power of God's Presence in His people.

As our pastor has said from time to time over the years, There is no "Plan B". There is only this true and living God, our Lover and Defender, who patiently calls us to relinquish idolatry and cling to Him. My prayer is that we who call ourselves Christians will find true rest and true peace in Jesus, our Ruler and Lord.

Sweet Spirit of God, You knew our circumstances before we experienced them. You know where we stand in our faith-walk with You. You love us! Help us to love You, even when that love evokes persecution from those who hate You. Lord Jesus, You are our King. Rule in our hearts, today and forever. Amen.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." (Psalm 27, verses 1 and 3, New International Version)

Wanted: A Candle Of Peace.

On this second Sunday of Advent, many liturgical churches focus on the subject of Christ as our peace. One of the names of our Lord Jesus is Prince of Peace: "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Are you looking for endless peace? Peace is found in a Person: our eternal God. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) "LORD, You establish peace for us: all that we have accomplished You have done for us. O LORD, our God, other lords beside You have ruled over us, but Your name alone do we honor." (Isaiah 26:12-13)

Where do we find ourselves today? Have we submitted ourselves to the Prince of Peace? Or are we found bowing to idols who rule our thoughts and deeds while robbing us of the peace we so desperately desire? Or, are we caught in circumstances that move us to heave and weave, unsteady, unsure, and overcome in the chaos?

From time to time Pastor Sam shares a few words with me. These words, when I can remember them, help me to find peace in this stormy life. I share them here in the hope that they'll be helpful to you as well.

*Relax.
*It'll be all right.
*God is aware.
*Let's pray.

Today is a good day to light a candle of peace. Not a candle of revenge. Not a candle to start an angry firestorm. Not even a candle of self-preservation. Just a simple candle to remind ourselves that Jesus, the Light of the world, has come into the world to establish His peace.

Have a peaceful day.

Prince of Peace, establish Your peace in us as we trust in You. Give us hearts to receive and reflect Your word of peace today. Amen.

All Dressed Up, But Not Ready To Go.

“It is a vital thing to prepare yourself for what God is going to do decisively. This kind of decisive coming of God is not something that He must make catch you unawares or unprepared.” –Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel

The unprepared. In this past Sunday’s sermon Pastor Sam spoke of the parable of the ten virgins. All ten were dressed and waiting for the bridegroom, but when the bridegroom finally arrived five of the virgins were unprepared to go out to meet him. Though they were in the right place and in the right attire, they lacked the supply of oil needed to light their way. (see Matthew 25:1-13) As we engage in Christian ministry and activity today, we are warned that not everyone who adopts Christian culture is ready to meet the Christ we claim to serve.

The unaware. The purpose of the life and ministry of John the Baptist was to serve as one who prepared people for the ministry of Jesus Christ (see Luke 1:5-17). Our pastor shared: “The Holy Spirit took care to fill John the Baptist from his mother’s womb.” In the same way, the Holy Spirit is present today to make us aware of our need to renounce idolatry and seek the presence and blessing of the Lord. John the Baptist exhorted the people of his day to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8a); we are encouraged to do the same.

v  Are we producing fruit that shows the world we have embraced repentance, or do our lives show a lack of joyful obedience to God’s word?

v  Are we prepared to meet our Lord Jesus at any time, or are we harboring known sin and self-serving works?

v  Are we aware of our need to give ourselves, completely, to the ministry of the Holy Spirit?

Come In, Please.

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared with us that the Advent of Christ is a phenomenon that transcends time.

Christ came. As we noted in Tuesday's post, we have historical record that Jesus was born into a particular time and place.

Christ comes. As Christians, we walk in a lived experience of Jesus being present in us. Every day we embrace a new opportunity to see the life and ministry of Jesus being represented in the way we treat ourselves and others.

Christ will come. At some future point in time, our Lord will return to bring the righteous into eternal life, and the wicked into eternal punishment (see Matthew 25).

How do we respond to this truth? We look back with gratitude; we live today with joy; we look forward with hopeful expectation.

Our pastor noted that Christ is the King in the kingdom of God: He is the already, and the not yet.

Believe this truth.
Live in accordance with this truth.
Proclaim this truth.
Veni, Emmanuel.

Know Your History.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) (Luke 2:1-2)

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-- when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. (Luke 3:1-2)

Luke was intentional in naming names and establishing context. He shares with us the names and titles of political and religious leaders: those who were in office at the time Jesus was born (Luke 2), and those who ruled at the time Jesus entered into His earthly ministry (Luke 3). We are privileged to know that the life of Jesus is not myth, but fact.

Our senior pastor shared a few words which I would us to reflect on for today:

"There is a historical celebration of Advent. When we come at this time of year, we as Christians can tell you, 'At the time when Quirinius was governor of Syria'. And we are not just in some kind of fable, you know, 'once upon a time there was a Jesus'. No. We are telling you what time. 'And when Augustus was Caesar.' There is a particular point in history when God, the One who is outside of history, stepped into history and came into the world. We celebrate a historical fact of the coming. Jesus Christ came." (Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel)

Jesus, the Christ, came into the world. Be encouraged.

Cycle "G".

Happy New Year!

Yesterday was the first day of the 2013-2014 liturgical year. For Christians, the first Sunday of Advent ushers in a new cycle of praise, worship, prayer, and reflection. Who is the subject and object of our attention? He is God: our Father, Savior, Lord, King, and Advocate.

In yesterday’s English-language sermons, Pastor Sam encouraged us to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s influence in the Advent themes. Over the next few weeks, we’ll consider the Spirit’s role in four areas: preparation, yearning, expectation, and hope.

For today, let’s read (or re-read) one of the Scripture passages our pastor referenced: Luke 3:1-18.

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.

(Luke 3:1-18, NIV)