Family-Community Relations

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Martha shared with us about the ministry of Noah to his family and community.

Have we considered the importance of consistent, long-term ministry to those who are closest to us?

Family relationships. Our pastor referred to the passage from Deuteronomy 6: "Hear, O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Community relationships. Noah, in obedience to God, built an ark and warned his community of the flood to come. By his actions and his words he was a living testimony of God's love for the world. As we live our lives in the areas where God has caused us to live (see Acts 17:26), let us also be consistent in our testimony of His love and provision of safety. Though the people of Noah's day refused to heed him, he never stopped speaking to them.

Pastor Martha said that though some of us are called to international ministry efforts, none of us are exempted from local ministry efforts. Where does it begin? In our own home, and on the streets where we live and work and shop.

Do your family and community know where your faith stands?

Relationship Management.

In this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Althea preached from John 5:1-18. In this account of the lame man who was healed at Bethesda, we see an interesting statement from Jesus to the man: "Look, you have become well. Don't sin any more, lest anything worse happen to you." (John 5:14b, NET)

Because Jesus said it, we can conclude that there was sin resident in the life of the lame man. What sort of sin was the man committing? We don't need to know. Jesus shows us what where our concern should be.

Jesus, in His statement, indicated that there is a correlation between sin and sickness. "Don't sin any more, lest anything worse happen to you." If we have experienced the healing power of God, but then use our healed bodies to engage in the continuance of sin, then we can be assured that something will enter our lives that is worse than our sickness was.

Pastor Althea shared with us a loving warning: Have you been healed? Then walk in your healing, and don't return to the sin that once bound you. It is a warning to those of us who are 'on the inside': we who have encountered the Lord, we who have a personal knowledge of what He has done, we who have a testimony of His grace extended towards us. My prayer is that if you really know Him, then you will fully obey Him.

Do you belong to Christ? Then always rejoice in your Healer.
Do you belong to Christ? Then never return to your sinning.

Gone Caving.

In February of 2013 I did a brief review of a play I saw at Crossroads Tabernacle. Pastor Joe, who wrote the play, also happens to be a gifted musician and songwriter.

What does this have to do with Bronx Bethany's Lenten Meditations on the Love of God? Nothing... and everything. 

There is this curious thing that happens during Lent: God calls us to give up the things that are the norm. Some people stop eating certain foods. Some people give up watching television. From yesterday afternoon through this morning, I struggled with the idea of stopping my normal sermon post in order to share my thoughts on one of Pastor Joe's songs.

The struggle is over.

I'm assuming that not too many people get to share concrete thoughts about the mental, spiritual, and musical hoops they jump through when listening to music. It's much easier to just say "I love/hate that song" without delving into details. But every now and then, it's good to engage process. So, here are my musings on The Cave of Adullam. It is one of the songs from the album The Psalter Remixed, Vol. 1, an MP3 album released last November by Joseph Henry Cortese (downloads available for purchase via iTunes or Amazon).

The first time I heard the song, I felt like someone had reached into me and tapped some primordial nerve. I said to myself, "That's it. That hits me where I live." The second time? Same thing. And the third time too. And every time afterward. I felt an overwhelming gratitude and joy in knowing I'd encountered a song that understands me and that speaks to my core every time I hear it. This song, without words, says what I could never say out loud. What a wonderful thing to experience.

The Cave of Adullam brings to my mind images from the narrative in First Samuel 22, beyond just David in the cave. There is David getting help from Ahimelek in chapter 21; David securing a safe haven for his parents; David realizing that dozens of priests were killed because of Saul's zeal in hunting him down; David knowing he was anointed king, but destined to wait in the wings for decades; David looking into the faces of men who had devoted their very lives to his cause. And beyond King David, the song speaks to me of the modern-day Davids: my friends who are dealing with crazy stuff; issues of fanatics, haters, and stalkers; delays in realizing the ministry call; seeking protection and care for parents; seeing other people suffer pain from raging, modern-day Sauls. The Cave of Adullam makes me cry in sadness for the sick life of the Sauls, and it makes me cry in gratitude for the One who continues to shield the Davids.

In the song I hear echoes of Mersey Beat, slowed to the pulse of a mid-life adult: no longer frenetic, but no less passionate than the music that introduced me to the beat in my infancy. (Perhaps that is part of the primordial connection.) I hear artistic infighting and questions of where the line is between rock, fusion, and jazz, and I hear the "something else" that refuses to be labeled and put in a box. I hear the background vocals and am drawn back to haunting Jewish-Messianic harmonies, where suffering and hope are both expressed in a minor key. And I hear the emptiness, the silenced voices that underline the stark reality: the true king lives in a cave while the deposed king wields the crown. We cannot protest, because we have no words. We can only groan as we watch the story unfold.

The Cave of Adullam is my redemptive rock anthem, and it is my prophetic signpost. What is the prophecy? Stay quiet. Stay hidden. Nevermind King Saul. Saul's rantings will soon be a distant memory. You will soon move from the cave of Adullam to the palace in Jerusalem. 

If you have an affinity for pop, rock, and jazz, you'll have no challenges listening to this song. If you hate guitars and drums but have an openness to step away from what you normally listen to, I encourage you to take a listen. After all, this is Lent. It's a great time to give up what you'd prefer, and I trust that you will be blessed for having stepped out of your comfort zone.

You can click here to hear the song on SoundCloud. As you listen, think of King David in the cave. Think of yourself and your own life challenges. Think of God, who is as present with us in our season of hiding as He is in our season of elevation. And as you think of these things, may the realization of God's goodness shift you from thinking to thanksgiving.

Blessings and peace to you.

-Genise

Are You Hedging On Healing?

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. (John 5:5, NIV)

The account of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-18) is a story that demonstrates the love of God through the ministry of Christ. In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Althea noted that God's love is a love that moves His people out of the "status quo."

In John 5:5 we learn that the lame man had been at the pool for thirty-eight years. Pastor Althea shared with us that this man had grown accustomed to, and perhaps even comfortable with, life lived in a sick community. Jesus asked him a pertinent question: "Do you want to be well?" (John 5:6b)

Our pastor explained to us the danger of status quo: we sometimes plant ourselves in situations that are not optimal, then grow accustomed to living life in that condition.  We then spend the remainder of our years making excuses as to why we remain bound to something that we know is not God's choice for us. We see this in the John 5 account. The man responded to Jesus's question with a lengthy excuse as to why, over a period of thirty-eight years, he remained a sick man in a sick community.

Fast-forward to 2014.

Is there something in your character that has, figuratively speaking, crippled you? Is there some sickness that has become an integral part of who you are, yet you know in your heart that the Lord has presented you the option for healing? Be it pornography, gossip, hatred, idolatry, or some other agent that has gripped your soul and hijacked your true identity, the Lord Christ is here to set you free.

Jesus knows the things that have beset us for years, or even for decades. Today He asks each of us the same question asked of the lame man at the pool: Do you want to be well?

My reply? "Yes, Lord. I desire to be healed by You."

What is your reply?

Tell Me The Story Again...

In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Althea Taylor continued with our Lenten series on the love of God. We will be reflecting on some of the sermon points as we go through this week. For today, though, let's take the time to review the account of the lame man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda. Beneath the reading are a few questions I'd like us to consider today.

John 5:1-18 (New International Version)

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Questions for personal reflection:

• Where am I in the narrative? Am I more like the lame man, the Lord Jesus, or the Jewish leaders?
• Is there anyone in my life who has been sick for so long that I have ceased to pray for their healing? If so, why?
• When the Lord asks me questions concerning what I want, do I tell Him what I want? Or, do I instead focus on my current condition?

The Source Of Love.

Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the surrounding countryside. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by all.

Now Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue  on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:14-19, NET)

During this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Shane shared a few points concerning the role of the Holy Spirit in our experience of the love of God:

• When the Spirit of God is present, His love moves us to love ourselves and to know ourselves.
• When the Spirit of God is present, His love opens our ears to hear and obey the voice of the Lord.

We see the Holy Spirit’s work exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. Pastor Shane referred to Luke 4:14-19, in which we see Jesus begin ministry with a clear announcement of His role and purpose. This ministry, as we see in the Luke passage, was launched in the power of the Spirit.

In addition, we are reminded that dependence upon the Spirit of God is necessary for our own success in ministry. Jesus informed His disciples of this reality: “While He was with them He declared, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what My Father promised, which you heard about from Me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” (Acts 1:4-5, NET)

It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to demonstrate God's love for the world in ways that are pleasing to God, and in ways that are beneficial for the kingdom of God.

Is your ministry filled with authentic Love?

Is the Spirit of God at work in you?

What A Great Gift!

“In a world of billions, God knows us as individuals.” –Pastor Shane Burt-Miller

For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NET)

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Shane noted that God’s demonstration of love is personal: God’s sending of Christ was a personal act on His part, done for us personally.

The love of God is not casual. It is intense. God loves you. God loves me. Our God loves us individually. Pastor Shane reminded us that, according to John 3:16, God’s intense love for individuals is found in Christ. And, as individuals, each one of us has the opportunity to accept Christ as God’s personal expression of love.

The God who made each of us unique has given us His one-of-a-kind, unique Son.

The God who loves each of us has called us to love His Son.

The ever-present God has given you a present: His Son.

Have you accepted the Gift?

The Environment Of Love.

But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God. (John 3:21, NET)

Yet Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16, NET)

In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Shane shared with us from the gospels of John and Luke. Continuing our Lenten theme of meditations on the love of God, our pastor took time to speak on the discipline of solitude as a means of growing in love.

Solitude serves as a catalyst for the expression of authentic love. Pastor Shane noted that solitude does two things. Solitude allows us time alone with God so that 1) we might learn of Him, and that 2) we might learn His perspective concerning people we meet. As we learn to see in the way God sees, we are more able to love in the way God loves.

I take encouragement from the stories told of Susanna Wesley, the mother of several children including Methodism founders John and Charles Wesley. An oft-repeated detail of her life tells that she would sit in her kitchen and cover her head with her apron, Bible in hand, and engage in prayer and solitude. Her children, when they saw her head covered, knew not to disturb her.

Perhaps we do not have the privilege of being able to leave town for a retreat, or even to take a short walk in the park. But my prayer is that God will help each of us to engage this discipline of solitude. We develop intimacy by getting away from the crowds and spending time with the one we have grown to love. God loves you and wants you to develop intimacy with Him.

Will you get away from the crowds today?

Lord God my Father, as I spend time alone with You, please show me Your perspective; please develop in me Your compassion; please teach me of Your love.

Receiving Line.

During this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam quoted some verses from John chapter one:

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:10-12, NIV)

As we continue our meditations on the love of God, we are reminded that our best response to God's love is to receive His love. And, our receipt of this love is marked by our belief in Jesus, the One who God sent.

Pastor Sam shared a story about a tightrope walker who received accolades from the people watching the show, but who got no volunteers when he asked for one of the spectators to join him on the high-wire for part of the tightrope-walking act. Perhaps that is where some of us stand. We say we understand that God loves us, and we say that we believe He can do amazing things, yet we have not taken hold of His hand. We have not become active participants in His work. We have not placed our full trust in Him. In other words, our lack of response is an indicator of our lack of love.

Our pastor shared Dr. Gary Chapman's research in this area: in love relationships, we reciprocate love in terms of what the lover understands. God's love is shown through His giving of Himself to us through Jesus, completely, at incredible cost. How do we reciprocate? By giving our lives to God through our faith in Jesus, completely, no matter what the cost. Pastor Sam referenced Romans 12:1-2-- verses that are not typically read in a discussion of love, but verses that make perfect sense in a discussion of the God-kind of love.

"Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice-- alive, holy, and pleasing to God-- which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God-- what is good and well-pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2, NET)

To give our lives over to the One who gave His life for us: this is love.

In Private Practice.

At the beginning of this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam noted that the season of Lent (forty days, not counting the Sundays) is one in which we engage particular practices as a means of deepening our devotion to God. Today, let’s be reminded of a few Lenten practices:

Fasting and prayer. During Lent we choose to remove from our everyday lives something that we consider to be natural, normal, and necessary. For some people, the fast is from particular types of foods. For others, the fast may involve ceasing certain activities (such as watching television). And, as Pastor Sam has said in previous sermons, the fasting opens up space and time for more prayer. For example, if we don’t take an hour to have a meal, we then can spend that hour in prayer to God.

Scripture reading. There are many options available for those of us who use Lent as a time to be intentional in our reading plans. Lent is an optimal time to re-familiarize ourselves with the life and ministry of Jesus as shared in the Gospels, or to consider the significance of “forty” in Scripture beyond the Lenten season.

Disciplines. While most Christians give verbal assent to the importance of spiritual disciplines, the modern life has made some disciplines appear archaic or even impossible to engage in this twenty-first century. Lent is a season in which we can choose to add to our lives disciplines beyond the more common exercises of prayer and fasting. We can engage solitude, silence, watching/tarrying, journaling, or other disciplines that modern-day churchgoers tend not to do on a regular basis.

Though we are already seven days into Lent, it is not too late to begin engagement of these practices that are designed to draw Christians closer to the Lord. We engage these practices as part of our response to the love God has shown towards us. We don’t do these things in order to get something; we do these things because we are grateful.

Let your love grow by drawing nearer to the One who loves you.

The Real 'Endless Love'.

"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life." (John 3:16)

As we continue our reflections on this past Sunday's sermon, let us allow ourselves to be captured, confronted, and challenged again by the love of God.

Pastor Sam reminded us that this love of God is marked by amazing sacrifice. God gave His greatest gift: The Father tore Himself apart and sent His Son to the earth. There was no other gift so valuable, so precious, and so dear to the heart of God than Jesus. And, God's gift is an indication of how deeply God loves the world.

Who would offer a costly, one-of-a-kind gift to all people? Only God! This is what God does: He gives His best. He pours His love. He reveals His truth and opens the door to eternal life, so that the people all over the earth can realize the greatness of His love.

Sadly, though, and I speak primarily of the church, there is the disturbing possibility of hanging out in the presence of the Giver without ever opting to receive the gift He has offered. As Pastor Sam noted, this is not an issue of giving mental assent to the presence of the Giver and the value of the gift. Our hearts have to be involved. Our lives have to be involved. Saying 'yes' to God's offer of life in Jesus is not merely a word from our mouths: the authentic 'yes' is an experiential yes. It is found in our behavior, our lifestyle choices, our spiritual disciplines, and our inner character.

Clearly, we are loved.
But, are we in love?

Lord God, thank You for loving me. I love You too: not just with my words, but with every area of my life.

Lenten Meditations On The Love Of God.

Yesterday Pastor Sam began a new sermon series, Lenten Meditations on the Love of God, that will continue for the next several weeks. As we hear this series we are not called to merely listen, but to reflect on 1) our personal relationship with God and 2) the ways in which our love of God is demonstrated to Him and to the world.

Our pastor referenced some of the work of Dr. Gary Chapman, best known for a series of books based on what he terms "love languages". Dr. Chapman's theory is that relationships are best served when the parties involved make efforts to express love in the way it will be most appreciated. For example, some prefer love to be expressed through physical touch, while others best understand love if it is expressed through words of affirmation or acts of service.

What is God's love language to us, and what love language does God want us to express towards Him? As we go through this week, we will take another look at some of the Scriptures mentioned during yesterday's sermon. My prayer is that we will take interest in deepening our love relationship with God, and that this Lenten season will be one in which our lives are transformed anew by the love of God.

A Prevailing Win.

Wednesday night was the closing night of the revival series at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. Our guest speaker, Reverend Dimas Salaberrios, shared with us about the battles and victories we experience in our Christian walk. Here are a few points for us to reflect on today:

We encounter challenges. Our Christian faith is distasteful to anti-Christian forces-- so much so that we may find ourselves initially afraid to do what the Lord has called us to do for His kingdom, for fear of reprisal. However, challenges are a component of the Christian faith-walk that we must expect to experience. Pastor Dimas referenced Jeremiah 1, in which God instructed Jeremiah to move forward into ministry without regard to the opposition he would face.

We employ strategies. We were encouraged to be bold in our prayer life, and to engage (or re-engage) spiritual disciplines as a means of drawing near to God. When we do so, we are creating an environment in which His Spirit is welcomed. It is through spiritual disciplines that we are empowered to stand strong in our faith. Our guest pastor spoke with particular emphasis on memorizing the word of God, prayer and fasting, and tarrying (waiting on the Lord).

We experience victories. As we demonstrate faithfulness in spiritual disciplines, our God brings spiritual victories for the sake of His name. An important caveat here is that the victory may not look the way we expected it to. Victory may not exempt us from personal injury, mistreatment, or ridicule. Faith can cost us much, up to and including our lives, and the Christian battle over the millennia has seen many casualties on the road to victory.  However, the Lord will use our experiences to glorify Himself. Over the revival series Pastor Dimas shared stories of threats and persecutions he experienced in ministry projects. Some of the examples were intense, but at the end of each story was a testimony of victory.

God, through Pastor Dimas, has shared with us the call given to Jeremiah in days of old. It is time for us to speak, boldly, His interests and His agenda. Let us be obedient in stepping onto life's battlefield, confident that God will use us to bring His life and love to people all over the world.

"Therefore prepare yourself and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, lest I dismay you before them. For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land-- against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you," says the LORD, "to deliver you." (Jeremiah 1:17-19, NKJV)

Attitude, Controlled.

“I want to talk to you about a word that is extremely important, a word that is critical... the one thing that can single-handedly determine the job that you have, the friends that you have, the place that you may land in life… is a word called attitude.” –Rev. Dimas Salaberrios

In Tuesday evening’s revival service Pastor Dimas shared with us about the importance of having an appropriate attitude towards God, and maintaining an appropriate attitude as we live out God's agenda.

Our speaker shared excerpts from the parable of the talents (found in Matthew 25:14-30-- click here to read the passage). He noted that if we believe God for “big and tremendous things”, do our part in working diligently, and avoid an attitude of laziness and finger-pointing, then God will honor our faith-filled acts.

Pastor Dimas also noted that our Lord increases our responsibilities as we demonstrate:

v  Faithfulness in obeying God;

v  Fearlessness in doing what God has called us to do;

v  Execution of God’s work without waiting for “the perfect conditions” to start doing what He has said;

v  Willingness to be countercultural, not attempting nor craving the acceptance of the world.

v  Openness to always seeking the will of God in every situation we face;

v  Rejection of evil alliances and attachments.

Pastor Dimas said that as we ask Jesus to show us His good ideas, and as we engage in His work with an attitude of enthusiasm, we will be positioned to labor faithfully for Kingdom business. We serve a God who is interested in us doing our best, and who longs for us to put forth our best efforts in order to accomplish His will in the world.

What do we believe about the LORD?

What do we believe about ourselves?

How do our beliefs influence our work ethic?

Trial Date...

Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name. For it is time for judgment to begin, starting with the house of God. And if it starts with us, what will be the fate of those who are disobedient to the gospel of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners? So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.

(First Peter 4:12-19, NET Bible)

In Monday evening’s revival service, Pastor Dimas Salaberrios shared frankly with us about the war we are in as Christians. We are in this war because, in a world filled with hatred for the gospel message, we have chosen to take our stand with Jesus. Our speaker said, “We must begin to prepare ourselves… The times ahead are not going to be easier. You are not going to be accepted. You are not always going to be well received. You have got to brace yourself and come to this reality.”

Today let’s reflect on a few questions generated from the message:

v  Will we “sell out Jesus” because of fear or greed?

v  Is our love for the Lord demonstrated by our actions?

v  If we knew that persecution was coming to our community, would we stay or leave?

Pastor Dimas also noted that Christian suffering is accompanied by joy. Although the persecution is real, we also have the reality of God’s Spirit being present with us. It is the Spirit’s presence that allows us to endure and overcome hardships. It is the Spirit’s presence that causes us, as First Peter 4 indicates, to rejoice in trials.

Hard times are upon us. Rejoice and be glad.

Spirit of Christ, as long as I have Your presence, I will gladly endure persecution.

"Needs Work"

"Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16b, NKJV)

In Matthew 19:16-30 we find the narrative of the rich young ruler. And, in some measure, we may also find our own story tucked between the lines.

When I was in elementary school, report cards had a column that was labeled "Needs Work." It meant that there were some concepts that had been mastered, but one or two key concepts had not been grasped by the student, and those concepts were vitally important in the process of progressing to the next academic level. An assessment that said "needs work" had to be addressed immediately.

Sometimes we want a teacher, a good teacher, to give us counsel. And that's fine. We in Christendom have a fantastic Teacher. Jesus, I've been doing such-and-such. Can You give me a report card? Am I on the right track?

In Sunday evening's sermon, Pastor Dimas Salaberrios noted that God piques our interest by shining light on areas of our lives that need work. We see this in Jesus's response to the rich young ruler. After Jesus asks the man about his obedience to some of the commandments, our Lord then taps into the one area that needed re-direction. Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Matthew 19:21)

What will our response be when we are asked to find our identity not in what we have, but in Who we belong to? Pastor Dimas shared with us (paraphrased here) that the rich young ruler was very comfortable in the realm of "commercial Christianity"-- on the surface there was obedience, but beneath the surface there was no passion for God. And our God, who loves us, has called us to love Him more than we love the accoutrements of the world.

At the close of Sunday evening's sermon, Pastor Dimas made reference to Revelation 2:2-7. Today, let's reflect on this love letter: it is our personal letter, and it is Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene's love letter, and it is also a cautionary letter. I pray that as God sees us living our lives, He is finding in our hearts a joy and passion for addressing the areas of our faith-walk that fall into the "needs work" column.

The rich young ruler decided that his earthly riches were too much a part of his identity to be given up. Rather than doing the work needed to move to the next level of faith, he left Jesus's presence.

What about you?

‘I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’ (Revelation 2:2-7, NET Bible)

Oh, To Live Again...

During our three English-language services on Sunday, our guest speaker was Reverend Dimas Salaberrios. Pastor Dimas, a prayer ministry leader who has a heart for serving God, will minister at Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene for our March revival series (click here for schedule).

In yesterday's morning services, Pastor Dimas spoke with us from Luke 4, Isaiah 61, and Leviticus 25. He encouraged us to take Jesus's ministry objectives and make them our own. According to Luke 4:16-21, Jesus came into ministry with a particular mandate:

Now Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and the regaining of sight to the blind,

to set free those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to tell them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read.” (Luke 4:16-21, NET Bible)

Though we might be tempted to say something like “Well, that was Jesus and He was perfect—I can’t do all that,” our Lord has also given us a particular mandate. We are called to be ministers of the gospel of grace, and God has given us His strategic plan. As we go through our day, let us check ourselves against the Luke 4 passage:

v  Are we filled with the Spirit of God?

v  Are we intentional about proclaiming the good news of Christ to the poor?

v  Do we work towards helping captive people gain release from bondage?

v  Do we actively pray and fast for the healing and deliverance of others?

v  Are we committed to making Jubilee (see Leviticus 25:35-42) a realized experience?

Lord God, thank You for giving us this privilege of participation in Your work. Give us Your grace and boldness, so that we might be effective ministers of Your gospel.