Decide Today

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ~ Joshua 24:15

It seems altogether fitting to revisit this familiar verse as we close a tumultuous year and enter a new one that holds unknown tests and promises. Like Joshua and the people of God long ago, we are about to cross into new territory where frightening inhabitants and faith-rewarding miracles await. Before we embark, we must decide to devote our lives to God and turn our backs on the folly of the flesh. 

I remember when I first made that choice in earnest. I had fallen into frivolous and foolish habits that pleased the people I worked with. I quickly learned that it was pointless and fraught with the potential to slip into permanent consequences. By the grace of God, I was untethered to others in such a way that I could not swiftly end my dalliance with worldliness. When I married and starting raising children I felt a deep compulsion to return to my Father’s house and I saw Him running toward me as I went. I put myself through every kind of rigor so that I could be a strong witness to my family and I learned that self-care and self-discipline would make me a better husband and father, and servant to the LORD. It was not a short, easy journey. In fact, it has taken years. But, I have seen the fruit many times over as I co-labored with the Spirit.

In those early days of crossing over from the wilderness into the promised land, I did some things that helped my family and me remember who we are and where we are going. Like Joshua and the people of God, I raised my Ebenezer stones of remembrance. One day, I printed the words to the verse above on paper and then taped them to the window of my front door. I looked at it every day when I came home from work and entered my home. It served as notice to everyone who came to my threshold that we had made our choice and they ought to know it before they enter. 

As I was a professional salesman at the time, I subscribed to the motto that “It ain’t real if it ain’t in writing” so I wrote down what I was leaving behind and what I was working toward. I Wrote down past hurts, burdens of bitterness, and words of self-hatred that lingered in my mind. On one auspicious, but private occasion I took those written words to a place of prayer and worship and consigned them to flames as I asked the LORD to take the heartache away with the smoke, In time, I realized that God was faithful and those bitter herbs no longer held their flavor. 

Beloved of God, trust me when I say that my efforts would have been in vain without the Holy Spirit and a precious companion, my bride, who supported and encouraged me. I’ve found that God is more than faithful to those who will trust in His promises and leave behind their old lives. I have learned to be patient and to think of life in eternal terms. As a born-again Christian Believer, I have the entirety of timelessness to work out my salvation. Nevertheless, I know that life in this time and space is far richer and more meaningful when it is devoted to God and redeemed by Christ. My senses and my sensibilities are radically enhanced by the Spirit so that serving the LORD today is more rewarding than words can say. I pray that you will know the same and more as you begin this new year. 

Think About These Things

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Revelation 7:9-10

At this point in my service as a pastor of churches, I can no longer recall the number of funeral services I have been privileged to officiate - that’s a funny word for it, don’t you think? It sounds like I was the referee or something. Anyway, as I said, I don’t know how many anymore. I can say that they all included these traditional words near the beginning of the ceremony: 

Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restored our life. Christ will come again in glory. As in baptism Name put on Christ, so in Christ may Name be clothed with glory. Here and now, dear friends, we are God's children. What we shall be has not yet been revealed; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Those who have this hope purify themselves as Christ is pure.

It says that, when we die in Christ, we will shed the covering that Christ put upon us through His sacrifice so that our sin is hidden from God’s glory, just as God clothed Adam and Eve by the sacrifice of animals for their skins so that their nakedness was covered. Having shed our sin-covering at death we receive another covering that marks us as children of God by adoption through Christ. 

It is interesting to think about that day and imagine a new garment that we cannot wear until we shed the excessive weight born out of pain, suffering, sorrow, poison, and pride. Our eternal being carried the gravity of flesh and all the junk it collected through the years. When we arrive at Heaven’s threshold we will be directed to a cloakroom where we will be presented with a white robe we feel sure we cannot fit into. We will stand naked before a mirror that reflects who we really are. It will be the person God created us to be. It will be a reflection that we have never seen before because it will be the person God sees. 

It will take some time to learn to accept who we really are. It will be a continuation of our spiritual journey on earth, but without the heavy loads that our flesh absorbed and chose to carry. Stripped of these burdens, we will be ready for heavenly fitness. The spiritual journey will be accelerated and comprehensive in its outcomes. The world will fade from memory as we witness the reality of Christ’s Kingdom, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling more clearly than we can imagine now. 

What’s more exciting than this? It is the coming of the King so that He can make Heaven and Earth one and the same. When the Lord’s great Day is complete the earth itself will be stripped of ugliness, scars, and contamination caused by sin. The creation will be made new and we will dwell in Eden again.

When temptation comes and we fret and worry about the world and the needs of our flesh, let us think about these things. When we look in the bathroom mirror and the voice of evil condemns the flesh, think about these things. When we look at others and think we know the true nature and worth, think about these things. When it seems like hell is loose on earth, think about these things. Then, pray and praise in Christ’s beautiful Name.

Embracing God's Will

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ~ Luke 2:1

There have been numerous times throughout history when ordinary people lived under oppressive regimes. In fact, a survey of human history reveals it is more often the case. Oppression is the ultimate expression of evil that comes directly from Satan. When one views God as less than the primary creator, ruler, and object of his affection and devotion, it is called sin. Sin is about how one views himself in relation to God. Once a person has relegated God to subjugation there is a rapid descent toward the subjugation of fellow humans, especially those who don’t seem to support his ambitions. The resulting oppression turns into systematic sin. 

Joseph and his bride, Mary were days away from the birth of their firstborn child who was the Son of God. After Joseph dutifully accepted his commission as a stepfather, protector, and provider for his little family, he must have worked very fast and hard to prepare a place for his bride to live with him. His neighbors and friends had likely changed toward him as they whispered amongst themselves about his pregnant fiance and their hurried marriage. Despite the scandalous circumstances, Joseph probably imagined that things would settle down and somehow his personal problems would cease to be front-page news. Then, when their home was ready, He brought Mary there to live, though there would be no consummation until after the birth of God’s Son. Then, the great oppressor prompted one of his human servants to issue a decree that all persons would return to their ancestral home to be counted, just a few days before the baby was due to arrive. 

    The story is familiar to most of us so we will jump ahead to the days following the child’s birth and to the arrival of the Majai. After presenting their gifts and creating quite a stir in the region, they were prompted by the Spirit to return to their homeland via a more secret route. Similarly, Joseph was prompted to escape with his wife and child to a foreign land for an undetermined amount of time. Once again, the great oppressor inspired his earthly servants to force Joseph further from stability and peace. And, once again, he dutifully trusted the LORD and gave up the illusion of control over his life. 

The bible informs us that the little family eventually returned home and even resumed a “normal” life. A life of provision, protection, and preparation. The family worked, worshiped, and waited until God would reveal what was next for God’s Son. The last time the bible speaks of Joseph is when his plans are disrupted again as God’s Son, Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem after attending a religious festival. Joseph and Mary returned to the City to find their charge and realize that this time it is not the work of Satan. This time, Jesus has come into his own and placed his Heavenly Father above all else. 

Poor Joseph. A simple, predictable life was not to be his lot in life. It is believed that he died before Jesus reached adulthood because he is no longer mentioned in the bible. One can only imagine what it must have been like for him at the moment when he knew he was dying. “Now this?” he must have thought. “How will my family survive?” “How can this be part of your plan, LORD?” Then, there is Mary, thinking similarly and knowing she will live to see the pain in her children’s faces. She will see her eldest son take on the role of head in their household while very young.  

While we struggle with the seemingly endless disruptions to our plans, we will be blessed if we are mindful of how typical that really is in the life of Christ’s family. The enemy will constantly use his human minions to oppress the family of God and there will be times when the LORD will upset our plans for His divine purposes. What then, shall we do? Let us resolve to be like Joseph. We must dutifully love and serve the LORD without complaining. We must embrace the LORD’s eternal nature, perfect timing, and mysterious plans. With clear hindsight, we can see that Joseph and Mary were crucial to God’s plan and their faithfulness should be lauded. One can only imagine the things that Christ will do in and through us if we will keep the faith without complaining.   

Focus and Hope

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. ~ Habakkuk 2:3

I am currently reading “A Higher Call” by Adam Makos. It’s the story of extraordinary heroism and gallantry in the skies over Europe during the height of World War Two. I was drawn to it because of my life-long interest in history. I’ve been especially interested in the first half of the 20th Century since so much of my character is shaped by the generations of that era. It is impossible to succinctly summarize what I’ve learned about the cultural impact of The Great War (WWI) and the sequel, World War II. Suffice it to say, Western society started changing about a hundred years ago in ways that are very evident today. Our human minds tend to measure time according to generations, while historically significant events have a much longer lifespan. It is rightly said that “those who will not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 

It has been my honor to have known and learned from the elders of those generations. I have gleaned much about everything from trench warfare, the Spanish Flu, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, naval, airborne, and ground combat, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and more from the people who lived through it whether as civilians or servicemen and women. I am sharing this so that I can justify in some way the perspective I have on our current circumstances. In addition to the influences named above, I have been a life-long learner with a special emphasis on the Bible and Christianity. With all this and more in mind, I strive to encourage you during this incredible year. 

During times of “unprecedented” uncertainty, people live with daily trauma, which is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Combat veterans frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder that results from surviving long periods of high stress and anxiety that forced them to focus on a moment-by-moment basis while chaos reigned around them. There is no sense of normality and no way to know what tomorrow will bring. In effect, PTSD is preceded by MID-traumatic stress disorder (disorder = chaos). If this condition seems familiar, it is because we are living with similar stressors.

 How do people survive and thrive during very difficult times? Most will tell you that the intense focus upon the immediate issues takes away the burden of overthinking things that can not be predicted, such as whether one will live or die. The main thing is to deal with the matters at hand. During random downtimes, one can afford to think about the future, but only as an abstract hope without a definite arrival time. It is a mindset of focus and hope. 

Today’s verse is from one of the prophets of the Babylonian exile period of first covenant history. Habakkuk experienced his people’s trauma as they saw their Temple destroyed, the holy city in ruins, and their people dispersed across the continent. It was for them an “unprecedented” time of uncertainty and chaos. Yet, Habakkuk received and shared messages of focus and hope. He plainly stated that, while some would not see redemption in their lifetime, there would be a day to look forward to. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. 

If we, the short-lived and generationally-minded, have trouble comprehending history’s multi-generational events and consequences, then it must be so much harder to grasp the LORD’s millennial movement that is directed from outside of space-time as we know it. The truth is, it takes faith. “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) In other words, focus and hope. Faith is found in one’s heart and is only truly known to him or her, and the LORD. It will not remove trauma, or make one cheerfully endure it, but it is the real sense that the circumstances are a brief moment of discomfort in an eternal life that culminates in the LORD’s fulfilled plan and the consummation of the LORD’s relationship with the LORD’s creation. 

Whatever you confront, whether mildly disconcerting or downright traumatic, deal with it and then focus on the revelation [that] awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. There is a time coming when things will not be as they presently are.

Genuine Thanksgiving

 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17  

     It is hard not to reiterate what everyone with an audience will say on the eve of America’s Thanksgiving Day; that it is a time for giving thanks and for humble gratitude offered to God. It will be tempting to think too much about food, family, and football, but we should take time to count our blessings, etc., etc., etc. These annual cliches are absolutely true and yet, as with anything that is too often repeated, it can become another form of background noise. So how can we find a greater depth of meaning amid the noise this year? 

     Let’s start with the quote above from Paul’s letter to the Church in Colosse. It reminds us to do all things in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. It will be helpful to go back to the letter’s introduction to grasp the significance of giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ. 

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, ~ Colossians 1:3-6

     First, Paul gives thanks to God for opening the way to His presence through Christ, then Paul gives thanks for the way Christ exhibits himself in the saints through the Word. In other words, he sees the two-way connection in the Body of Christ and it gives him joy. Now, let’s look at what Paul says about Christ in the next few verses.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. ~ Colossians 1:15-23

     The preeminence that Paul speaks of is Christ’s headship. He means it literally when he says that Christ Jesus is the head of the Body, the Church. So, as with any living creature, if you cut off the head the rest of the body dies. Or, put another way, when the signals are lost between extremities and the head, the hands, feet, fingers, toes, etc. become useless, atrophy, and die. When Paul says that we were once cut off, he means that we were dead and useless to the head, Christ Jesus, who has been our head since before creation. We were created to be His Body. Since severed the connections so that the Body was like that of a quadriplegic. What God has done through Christ is to repair the severed spinal cord and restore the Body. 

     So, when we give thanks in whatever we do, in word or deed, we do so in the name of the Lord Jesus, and thus to God the Father through him. Paul summed it up succinctly when he said in Acts 17:28, “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” Paul is not only saying that we are Christ’s Body again, but that being so, we are nothing less than sons and daughters of God the Father. 

     This is something that you can give thanks for that has nothing to do with the size of your feast, the number of persons around you, or whether your team wins or not. It doesn’t matter if you are sick, unemployed, in broken relationships, or grieving. It doesn’t matter if your candidate won the election, anarchy or political systems frighten you, or pandemics shattered your dreams. You are more than those things. You are a child of God, destined for eternal life and perfect oneness with God through Christ. Now, there’s something to be thankful for.

The Unknown God

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Acts 17:16-34

Introduction

Imagine driving down a major thoroughfare in an urban area. As you endure traffic congestion and plod along from stoplight to stoplight, you see home improvement centers, clothing stores, supermarkets, pet shops, outdoor supply stores, restaurants, beauty shops, car dealerships. There are shopping malls, big-box stores, bars, liquor stores, farm supply stores, and then, right in the middle of it all stands a nondescript little building with an A-framed roof and a tiny white cross at its peak. There is a small sign in front, but its words blur amid the moving vehicles and noise. It seems so out of place amid the urban - dare I say, “houses of worship” that you feel compelled to go back to read the little sign. You finally pull into the narrow old driveway and park before the sign after great effort and frustration. Black and white sheet metal letter cards form the words, “Dedicated to An Unknown God.” 

The Unknown God

 Athens had many altars to unknown gods. Hoping to stave off a terrible epidemic six centuries earlier, the Athenians had taken a flock of sheep to the Areopagus. Wherever a wandering sheep laid down, it was sacrificed on the nearest altar to appease that god. If no altar was nearby, the people built an altar to an unknown god and sacrificed the sheep on it. Athenians brought their dis-eases to the most suitable god and offer it prayers and sacrifices. Paul’s words flew in the face of the Epicureans in particular because they believed that the knowledge of God was unattainable. It certainly would have surprised them to hear that Paul claimed to know God personally. The Epicureans devoted themselves to things of the flesh because they didn’t believe God was paying attention. Imagine their response when Paul declared that,“‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” This meant that the very core of one’s being resides within the heart of the creator; that one’s being is grafted from his side.  

Conclusion

  If the Apostle Paul appeared before us today, would he say, “I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, [and now] I found also an altar. . . ‘To the unknown god’” again. If the truth is told, it could be said that many church-goers worship like the Athenians. They turn to the gods of the flesh to relieve their discomfort and keep the “unknown god” in reserve for times when all else fails. This is far from living as children of the Lord’s flesh. 

The reality of Christ’s redeeming act is that it returns us to the Father’s family. In the same way that God drew Adam’s bride from his side, Christ, the new Adam, emptied himself so that His bride emerged from His side. As redeemed, born-again believers, it truly is within Him that we have our being. We are more than children of God, were are flesh of His Flesh, bone of His bone. The born-again Christian is like a caterpillar who enters the cocoon is deconstructed and remade into a butterfly. It is a metamorphosis. 

In the Genesis story of creation, we read that God took the woman from within the Man on the eighth day, or after the creation was complete. Therefore, the love and passion of the woman came from within the man. In the same way, our new life in Christ comes from within the Lord, and therefore, our passion and love for Him and for His other offspring. It is a trustworthy sign of Christ’s life in you when you love like Him. Now, consider your life as a Christian believer. What would it be like if it was in Him that you live and move and have your being? How would your other objects of worship change? How would your love and passion for others change?     

Feeling God's Pleasure

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

I started my workday with three sources of grief weighing me down. The biggest one came late in the day before and troubled my sleep; the second came as I sleepily stepped upon the bathroom scale, and the third came when I read an email message that disappointed me. Grief is an emotion that is typically associated with death. It’s a natural response to a loss that seems irreversible. With that being said, grief is then far more common in daily life than we may realize. In this year of fluid change, it is almost impossible to hold on to anything with certainty. The upside is that most people are adapting and learning about what is most important to them. The downside is that even those things can be changed or taken away. Therefore, a sort of grief-refinement process has occurred. Things that used to be important are easier to let go of, but things that are defined as significant are much harder to release. 
My griefs this morning arose from my passion for keeping the Church family connected and in love with God and one another; my desire to stay healthy so I can serve those whom I love, and my need for personal, deep spiritual mentoring from outside my local service. This morning, COVID-19 and its various consequences are re-emerging as a threat to my passionate pastoral sense of purpose. This morning I am struggling with decisions and striving to be a light of hope, even when I am discouraged. This morning, I am reminded that my mind often lies to me about stress, but my body is always direct and refuses to be ignored. Thus, weight gain, muscle and joint pain, and general weariness serve as my signals and signs. This morning I am aware that a rich experience with someone I look up to came and went and there will not likely be any more meaningful interaction. 
My sense of duty and responsibility, combined with a deep love that can only come from the Spirit of the LORD, compelled me to open the word processor and write this weekly devotional. The same instincts will drive me to finalize sermon study notes, a written sermon brief, and to provide leadership and encouragement for coworkers, lay leaders, and others. It will drive me when I am leading Bible study tonight, and in any other ways that I am called to serve the LORD. When I am doing these things it will be hard for most participants to know how I feel deep inside. Not because I am putting on a brave face or being insincere, but because I am filled with life and vigor when I am serving my Master. I receive joy when I am poured out for Him. 
Beloved, I do not write these things in order to attain your sympathy - far from it! I am opening myself for the LORD’s sake so that you can hear His heart and mind. My hope is that my vulnerability might serve Christ as a means of grace to you. Please hear Him more than me. Is the Spirit reminding you that grief is a natural part of daily life in a fallen world? Are you reminded that duty and purpose are natural instincts that come from God? Have you considered the probability that your life in Christ is best understood in what causes you grief? If you can relate to my story, then think about what you can do that brings the joy of the LORD. 
Last week I wrote about my German Shepherd, Bella. We play in the backyard together almost every day. I call her favorite game, “buzzing the tower.” She takes off running at full speed across the yard and then makes a wide arch and returns to zoom within inches of my legs. Watching her run gives me such pleasure! It reminds me of what Eric Liddell, the early 20th Century Olympic runner, and Christian missionary said, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Watching Bella’s beautiful gate and remarkable speed is so pleasing, especially when she flies effortlessly over sticks and stepping stones, momentarily airborne like a wingless eagle.
What if, when we rise through our despair, motivated by duty, honor, loyalty, and love, it gives our Master the same kind of pleasure? What if, rising from bed, going to to the work that feeds and meets needs; going to the work that contributes to a plethora of interrelated agencies that meet the needs of countless persons and fuel economies . . . what if, that pleases God? Again, it depends upon what causes you grief. If you are compelled by Christ’s command to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself, then you can feel God’s pleasure when you run the race set before you.  

Please Tell Us More

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Acts 13:36-52

Introduction

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

We’ve returned to Antioch this week, and we find Saul of Tarsus, also known as the Apostle Paul, preaching to Jews and Gentiles and witnessing phenomenal results. The messenger is a devout Jew, a Greek-speaking “Hellenist,” and a Roman citizen. His message is revolutionary to the Jews, overflowing with grace for the Hellenists, and irrelevant to the Romans. His audience includes “scoffers” and shrewd political operators whose plan is threatened by the message and its effects.

A Demographic for the Ages

An old saying declares that there are none so blind as those who will not see. It describes what is meant by supposing that the Romans represent indifferent people. Paul must have seen many such persons in his audiences when he preached. He likely had them in mind when he said that some would never receive the grace of God. (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5) His teaching about predestination stirs the human sense of justice and is therefore worthy of its own discussion. For now, let us understand that some people “will not see.”

The Hellenist, or commoners who spoke Greek represent the unchurched or irreligious. They are usually busy tending to life’s day-to-day needs. They are mothers caring for children, feeding their family, attending elders, and helping neighbors. They are fathers striving to provide for their wives and children, finding purpose in their labors, caring for elders, and protecting the community. They are young people who desire a better quality of life, rich relationships, and justice. They are older people who hope for comfort and courage in their declining years. They are civic leaders with conflicting convictions, political pressures, and social concerns. Antioch’s Hellenists are the people of the middle who are wary of false promises, get-rich-quick schemes, and the religion’s moral superiority. 

The Jews represent the religious church-attending who consider themselves “good” as long as their religious peers say so. They have self-identified according to cultural traditions and religious affinity. There are very devout persons within the community. Still, the vast majority practice the religious customs out of a sense of duty more than as an irresistible expression of faith and devotion. They often claim a unique and superior religion but are, in fact, syncretic “cultural jews.” In Antioch, there are also Jewish Christians who have become syncretic too. 

Finally, the scoffers are those whose agenda is threatened by anything that upsets the status quo, especially if their identity, perceived authority, and personal comfort seem to be at stake. Their religion is idolatrous devotion to the flesh. They care little about others and mainly seek personal gain, wealth, and power. They are the persons who eventually drove Barnabas and Paul out of Antioch. 

Conclusion

Each of the representatives above needs a radical paradigm shift. A paradigm shift is a change in perspective. As you’ve heard, some simply will not see from another perspective, and then some are too frightened to change their point of view. But, among the syncretized religious and Hellenist middle class are those who hunger for more. They earnestly desire more meaning. They are the ones who “begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.” They experienced a paradigm shift. 

The change resulted from the Holy Spirit’s work through the Church in Jerusalem, the Church in Antioch, and the Spirit-filled evangelists. The Church in Jerusalem strategically chose Barnabas, a Cypriot Hellenist, to nurture the movement in Antioch. He strategically chose to partner with Saul of Tarsus, a radically devout Jew who gave his life to Christ. Each of them brought relatability to the people in Antioch. Their credibility combined with Spirit-filled teaching and preaching to broaden the perspective of their hearers. 

Have you ever experienced a paradigm shift? Did you change as a result? Is that happening right now? As Spirit-filled servants of Christ, we must also think strategically and pray that His will be done in and through us. We too, can identify with some people better than others, so why not trust that it is within the Spirit’s design that we should bear witness to them? 

He Knows My Name

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:27‬

         I adopted a two and a half-year-old German Shepard in August after she was rescued from neglect and abuse. She had become accustomed to a life of endless days tied to a tree. Now she lives with nearly constant companionship, regular meals, and compassionate leadership. She is very intelligent and intuitive. She has established her sense of family order and cast me as her master. Each day the dog and I work together to develop her new paradigm. Our mutual faith and understanding grow with time and I am amazed by her sensitivity to my habits, intonations, and moods. At first, my charge was often afraid and unruly but now she watches me for signs of leadership and listens for the sound of my voice. It’s amazing to note that she knows my voice so well that, even in situations where numerous distractions are present, my beautiful German Shepard hears her master’s voice - she even searches for it amid the din. It seems to please her to do my will. She seems to get joy from my leadership, especially when I lead toward her natural instincts. She’s a shepherd so I guide her toward being the best shepherd she can be and it makes her happy. 
         
         As you may have guessed, I see many similarities between my relationship with my German Shepherd and my relationship with Christ. Before being born again in Christ, I was tied to the world, tramping about in dust and mud, and in my own filth. My food and water were carelessly provided by a master who was tolerant of me at best. I barked at everything I feared or could not understand. I was frustrated and angry much of the time. Then, my new Master took me in. His companionship is constant, He provides good food and compassionate leadership. He has worked with me to develop my natural abilities and a new paradigm. Over time, I have grown in faith and sensitivity so that I have become familiar with my Master’s voice and better understand His timing and rhythms. I have gone from being an unruly disciple to receiving joy from being attuned to His voice. I love serving my Master as He brings out the best in me. I have learned to hear Him amid distractions and to take comfort from the sound of His voice. 

           My German Shepherd and I have similar instincts, and that’s probably why I have enjoyed serving my Master as a shepherd of His flocks for so many years. Like my German Shepherd, I still have a wild side that comes out from time to time. Like her, I feel guilty and look to my Master for reassurance when I’m afraid I have disappointed Him. Like her, I am never let down. The love is always there and the joy it gives is returned in an awkward but authentic way, like a dog trying to communicate with a man. Licks, nuzzles, paws, and yips feel like love and praise to the dog’s master and the same is surely true of our Master, Christ-Jesus. 

The First Christians

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Acts 11:19-26

Introduction

          The Church in Antioch appears to have been divided into two subgroups much like the Church in Jerusalem. However, in Antioch, the Hellenist believers who spoke Greek were often Gentiles. It’s important to note that up to this point in Church history Jesus’ followers were considered a Jewish sect. Jewish believers in Antioch perpetuated this belief by only associating with Hebrew-speaking persons. The rationale could have been about comfort or about cultural identity - It is not clear. Nevertheless, when Greek-speaking believers began sharing the good news and establishing cells in Antioch, the home Church in Jerusalem took notice. The elders sent Barnabas to affirm and assist the Greek-speaking Church in Antioch. It was at this point that the Church took on an identity apart from Judaism and Jerusalem.

Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. Its population was very diverse and included a variety of religious beliefs and traditions. Essential commerce and socialization among the people groups produced friendships, partnerships, and marriages that helped to blend religions and traditions. It as a process known as syncretism. Jews were found across the Roman world, which helps to explain why the Jewish believers who fled Jerusalem and Judea years earlier found comfort among people of their native culture. With that being said, why did the Greek-speaking Church obtain a unique nickname?             

 

Combating Syncretism

Now that the Church has spread from Jerusalem to Judea, and courageous believers have broken through their “Samarian” barriers, the good news has begun to reach out into the world. The Church leaders in Jerusalem appear to have recognized this as they intentionally nurtured the movement away from Jerusalem and Judaism. The Greek-speaking Church was the first to be called “Christians.” It appears they had set themselves apart from the Jewish believers and other religious communities. How were they different? Was it intentional?

Reading the text between the lines and doing a little research reveals that Jewish believers did not wander far from their comfort zones. It is also likely that they had become syncretistic with established Jewish neighborhoods that had been syncretistic with adjacent neighbors so that their initial zeal had waned. This was a constant threat to both Judaism and Christianity. Blending the teaching of Jesus with the Rabbinic traditions would not have been a major stretch for Antiochian Jews. Consequently, it could have backfired on the incoming Jewish believers if they were not careful. 

Barnabas assessed the situation and then determined to find Saul of Tarsus, also known as Paul. He must have believed that Paul could connect the two branches of Christianity in Antioch and equip them for ministry. The last verses of Acts 11 state that the Church of Antioch became the hub of the worldwide mission. They started by sending Barnabas and Saul on what is known as the first missionary journey, to Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor. 

Conclusion

Today, we are gathered as an indirect result of those early efforts to tell the world about Jesus. One wonders what the Christians of Antioch would think of us. Are we another form of Christianity that emerged from blended religions and traditions? What do we think it means to be a “Christian” and how does that shape our religion? If the religious doctrines, traditions, and dogma are stripped away, then what do we have?  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) “your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.” (1 John 2:12) How shall we go about generating a new identity as Christian Believers when the name “Christian” has become so watered down?

Don't be Afraid

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ~ Matthew 10:28

You may have wondered, “What else can go wrong this year?” And, now that the presidential election (and many others) are being settled, we will likely know the answer to that question. So, how shall we Christian Believers do respond? Jesus’ admonition above may seem fatalistic at first, but it’s actually a great encouragement. When we realize the promise of salvation through Christ our lives become eternal. When we put our souls in the hands of the only One who can preserve them, we are no longer so afraid of discomfort, pain, and death. 

We don’t enjoy suffering and more often our fears about human affairs have more to do with the plight of the most vulnerable among us, especially our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and elders. Jesus’ words are a reminder to guard our attitudes and to make informed decisions. If our souls are secure in Christ, then we can approach temporal affairs of the flesh with a peace that passes all understanding. We can focus our energies upon our Master’s will. 

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[g] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. ~ Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV)

Living day-by-day, even moment by moment can be very liberating. It doesn’t mean that we are not working towards goals but that we understand that we may not reach them today, tomorrow, or in this lifetime. Everyone’s life needs a purpose, but if our sense of purpose hangs upon uncontrollable natural events and the whim of persons with authority, then we can lose hope. Therefore, when we place our lives in the Master’s care, we have His purpose to fulfill and all eternity to do so. 

 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. ~ Colossians 2:6-7

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4

The Apostle Paul states that God’s eternal purpose through Christ is that the Church (the Body of Christ) would be the diverse witness of God’s wisdom. (Ephesians 3:9-10)

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3: 14-19

Therefore, do not trouble yourselves with the oppression streaming from your news-rendering devices. Rather, follow Paul’s advice: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8

Chosen for Service

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Acts 6:1-7

Introduction

             The alignment of last week’s message about the fellowship of the believers and this week’s recognition of the first conflict recorded in the Acts of the Apostles is intentional. The contrast is striking and instructional. The fellowship inspired awe as its behavior to the Lord and each other was radically different from the norm. Yet, conflict arose, even in the young Jerusalem Church. It proves that every movement is destined to beget an organization and every organization is destined to beget corruption, even the apostle-led Church of Jesus Christ. Even so, there is hope and the promise of Christ’s return. In the meantime, we strive for His glory while we correct our course, adapt, and carry on as often as needed. 

The Conflict

Acts 6:1-7 informs us that the Jerusalem Church included Jews who were native to the city, those who were recently returned to the homeland of their faith, and converts to the faith. The native people spoke Hebrew and Aramaic. The returning “Zionists” spoke Greek, which was the universal language of the day. The converts, or “proselytes” probably spoke Greek too. Greek-speaking Jews were referred to as Hellenists. While all were affected by the apostle’s teaching and the power of the Holy Spirit, there were still old prejudices that surfaced. Distrust of outsiders and habits of special deference to locals apparently resulted in insufficient care for the Greek-speaking widows. Greek-speaking widows were as disadvantaged as any in those times and they were outsiders with little or no familial support. Therefore, the Hellenist Christians had a legitimate complaint. 

The Resolution

The Hellenists appealed to the apostles. They were heard with compassion and prayerful consideration. It is interesting to note that the apostles called together the entire body and then offered a solution but did not fix the problem. The apostles pointed out that the Lord was better served by their focus on teaching and prayer. They urged the people to appoint godly lay servants from among the body. The body selected men whose names hint that they were Hellenists too, though it can’t be known for sure. Nevertheless, awe-inspiring, Spirit-led preaching, teaching, and service continued to cause growth in their numbers – even priests left the Temple to join the Christians!

Lessons for Today

Many, many religious traditions have claimed their origins in this story. And, it is a good model to observe. Yet, it is one that illustrates the eventuality of conflict. There is no perfect earthly reflection of the Christian community. There are seasons of Spirit-filled, inspiring worship, and service that generate growth in numbers. Such growth inevitably results in structure and organization. In time, the apostles moved on or died. They left behind Christian communities that broke down due to conflict and subjective leadership – Reading the remainder of the New Testament will bear witness to it. 

When viewed thematically, Acts 6:1-7 demonstrates that organization is inescapable; that vision-driven leadership is essential, and that Spirit-filled cooperative collaboration inspires awe that causes conversions from citizenship in the world of the flesh to citizenship in the Kingdom of Christ. It also reminds us that old prejudices and comfort-driven habits can impede the work of the Spirit.

Conclusion

When we recall the long history of the Church, we can quickly cite countless examples of corruption, cruelty, and evil in the name of Christ. When thinking about this local Christian community, do you recall such occurrences? What lessons have we learned? How have we adapted and re-focused upon our vision? When will awe-inspiring worship and service lead to growth here? Why? How will we strive to manage the inevitable organizational conflict when it arises? 

In Him We Have Our Being

for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ ~ Acts 17:28

 

In Him we live, in Him we move

In Him all things are new

The mystery of life in Christ

Is Christ can live in you

I hear the silence, it's clamoring

There is only Christ, He is everything

~ “Live This Mystery” Michael Card, Present Reality

 

I awakened with these lyrics in my blurry mind this morning. They are from a song that is found in an old record album that I listened to repeatedly in the mid-1980s. I experienced a great deal of emotional turmoil in those days. Always a late bloomer, I had reached a season of reckoning as I struggled with the consequences of playing at being an adult while still being very youthful in my spirit. I was fortunate to have avoided major vices and permanent consequences, but there were still wounded relationships and weighty grief to process as my life seemed to be rebooting itself after a critical malfunction - like the infamous “blue screen of death” that was common to computer users in the 1990s. 

I had become more Hellenist than Christian Believer in those days, but as I said, not too far from home. Instinct drew me back to the Word and, thankfully, it was readily available in formats that suited my lifestyle and tastes. My job had me traveling around the region in a pickup truck over countless miles and for long hours. I filled the windshield time with local Christian radio stations and a portable cassette tape player that rested on the long vinyl bench seat next to me. There too was a battered paperback one-year bible in the New Living Translation - It was battered because one day as I drove my Yamaha 650 to church it slipped from under its bungee cord and skidded across the road and was run over by three cars before I could retrieve it. Well, that’s what they call “provenance.”

Where did that instinct come from? Why was I so blessed when many young men’s journey to adulthood was far more costly? It occurs to me that the Lord had been with me at every crossroads moment of my life when the longing of my flesh and the desire to remain faithful to Him was at the height of tension. Two powerful forces pulled against each other in a tug-o-war. The struggle always ended with wounds to my flesh and to those with whom I indulged it - more precisely, frail human emotions, though my literal flesh bears dozens of scars from other forms of risky endeavors. 

Now with the wisdom of my age, knowledge, and experiences, I realize that my early baptism and the prayers of some saints were crucial elements in the shaping of my Christian character. I was baptized as an infant in accordance with my parent’s religious tradition. While I am aware that many Christians believe that such baptisms are inappropriate, I will only say that a formal request that our Lord begin working in and through the being of a new person does have an impact. In my case, it was certainly true. By the time I reached the age of accountability and confirmed my baptism, the Spirit was rooted in me. That, and the prayers of persons like my great aunt Tillie who once told me that she lit a candle for me every time she went to church to pray, need to be acknowledged when I recall the dangerous intersections I’ve encountered. 

The truth of the verse and lyric above is in their affirmation that the baptism of the Holy Spirit marks the birth of a new eternal life in Christ. Henceforth, it is in Him that we live and move and have our being. Take a moment to consider the last bit, “have our being.” There’s the critical change that identifies the new reality of the birth of a new eternal life in Christ. Our being, or soul, that is, the part of you that seems to see, hear and speak to you as if you are two persons. Your subconscious mind that talks to your flesh when you look in the mirror or that judges your thoughts and words. It is that part of you that is given over to Christ when you are born again. That part of you is in Him so that when your flesh its world strives for control it is Him who pulls against it. It is Christ who moves your life away from spiritual danger. 

Beloved of God, have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If so, you are a new creation and it is true in you too - “there but for the grace of God go I.” Sometimes, people ask me, as their pastor, “How do I know I’ve been saved and born again?” This is a question formally known as “assurance.” My response to the question is that you consider your whole life. Think about the time when you realized that you wanted an authentic relationship with God and then consider all the ways that your flesh and the temptations of the world were overcome by the Spirit within you. Remember, the struggle, the hurt feelings, and the scars. Can you see those seasons of reckoning when your faith-life matured and your flesh lost some prominence? 

Now, if you have realized that you’ve never really hungered for God so that you cried out for God’s mercy; If you’ve realized that your flesh and the world have won more battles than you’d care to admit, then it’s not too late to be born again. Cry out to God now! Confess to God that you have rejected His authority over you. Repent of it and then feel God’s grace as it washes over you. Hear the clear, gentle voice of your Savior, Jesus Christ as He says, “I have come that [you] may have life and have it to the full.” The fullness Christ offers is found as you begin to live and move and have your being in Him from this day forward.  

 

 

 

Masks

 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception,     his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. ~ Proverbs 26:24-28

Masked visitors are filing past my desk this morning as I write this. Their average height is about 3’ and they all carry bags or buckets for their loot. I too am masked for their protection and as each one greets me with “trick or treats” I delight in their colorful array of costumes. It is an annual tradition here at Shiloh that I really look forward to. The director and teachers of our excellent preschool, who are dressed as different colored M&M’s, bring the children to our offices so we can treat them and enjoy their company for a few minutes. 

Face masks are ubiquitous these days as we all strive to stem the spread of COVID-19. In fact, it’s astonishing to think that it would ever be OK, even encouraged to wear a mask in the bank! Yet, here we are in the lap of the strangest year anyone living can remember. Masks limit the spread of viruses, germs, and other biological hazards seem like a good idea, and the inconvenience and discomfort seem like a compassionate act of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. So, we do our best to cooperate with each other for a common good. 

Face masks, however, do little to filter deceit, condescension, and hatred. They may hide one’s mouth, but they do not stop it from speaking evil. Some masks are invisible but not silent. Carefully crafted words are often meant to mask one’s true intentions but an open mind can usually see through the disguise. The best defense against the virus of duplicity is critical thinking. 

Face masks are not meant to be worn over one’s ears! They will not filter out the things you don’t want to hear. Critical thinkers listen to words and observe deeds. They compare and contrast information and seek balance. Truth is more desirable than support for one’s opinion. Facts carry more weight than feelings. Hatred is a feeling that manifests evil. History is replete with examples of horrific, diabolical deeds that were preceded by feelings and words of hatred. The author of such hatred and the subsequent chaos is Satan, God’s sworn enemy. 

Face masks make no difference when it comes to hatred. When one’s feelings of hatred stir up anger and violent speech and deeds, it makes no difference what side one is on. Violence, whether verbal or physical, always harms someone. It is not the way of God’s children, the citizens of Christ’s Kingdom! For Christian Believers there is only One whose wrath is just and whose vengeance is righteous. When a Christian Believer is forced to protect and defend, his words and deeds are not driven by hatred, but by love. Love and devotion to our Master are the most important; love for those things that matter most to Him follows.

Read the proverb above very carefully and pray that the LORD will help you to clearly know your feelings. Ask the LORD to open your mind to facts; about yourself, your environment, your influences, and traditions. Invite the LORD to soften your heart and enlighten your mind, so that there is a holiness of heart and mind. When you are tempted to think, say, and do, ask yourself if feelings are informing you and driving you more than facts. Before you post an opinion, stake out a sign, and vote, ask the LORD to help you live as His child and love as He loves. If you say or do anything because of hatred you are serving Satan.