The Pastor's Study

GONE FISHING?

2009-11-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

OK, SO MANY MIGHT THINK I HAVE BEEN "GONE FISHING" sine I have not posted here for quite awhile, but the truth is a man has to have his priorities! Right? Of course, right!

Though I have not been "gone-fishing" this week's sermon text from the Gospel of John deals with the issue of fishing, and seeing that this sermon should be the last in my sermon series, "Changing Our World for Good," I thought it good to open the Pastor's Study back up.

Our text for this week is John 21:1-25 where we find the risen Lord Jesus fixing breakfast on the shore of Galilee while the disciples struggle to bring in another miraculous catch of fish. (Luke 5:4-8) Another time where a second lesson is needed to teach the disciples the deeper truth.

Early in Jesus' ministry He called to Himself this group of men and told them He would make them "fishers of men." (Luke 5:10-11) And yet, how quickly after the glorious resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, did these same men return to the lesser work of fishing for fish, which by the way, was not proving too profitable for them. I believe there is a lesson to be learned that once Jesus gets a hold of our lives the old ways of life will no longer profit us as we thought they did in the past.

There are lots of lessons in this passage, but the one that grabs me is the strong call from Jesus to Peter, "Then He said to him, 'Follow Me.'" (John 21:19) The reality is, the resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It changes our work, our home, our relationships, our past, our present, and most definitely, our future. To respondto God's grance and love poured out to us in and through the Person of Jesus Christ, and then return to "life as normal," is just wrong. We are not given the place to hang out a sign that says, "Gone Fishing," unless we are out fishing for souls with Jesus in the boat.

It is this fishing the Lord desires to find us doing as we follow Him awaiting His return. (Matthew 24:46)

TRUTH and CONSEQUENCES

2009-10-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES WAS A GAME WE USED TO PLAY AS KIDS. And of course it also was a television show during the "golden days" of TV. But as I read this coming week's sermon text (John 18:1-40) and contemplated the words of Pontius Pilate, "What is truth?" (John 18:38), I was reminded that it is not truth or consequences, but rather truth and consequences.

Pilate's question was of course a good question, one that has been asked in one form or another since God inquired about the truth of who ate the fruit from the tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Parents and philosophers, pastors and potentates have been seeking the answer to the question for millennia, and it's answer seems always elusive. It's answer seems determined by season or circumstance, or at least by the need of the moment. And so we continue to ask, "What is truth?"

Even as theologians we try to answer that eternal question. We try to nail it down into some propositional form. And just when we think we have an answer for the ages, somebody changes the question ever so slightly, or some new "revelation" comes to light. (Just take the flat earth "truth" for example.) So what are we to do? Can we ever find the truth?

I believe we can.

The problem in discovering the truth comes from the fact that we see it as a propositional statement, a reality that can be measured. But the truth is the truth is not a thing, but a Person. And until we come to know that Person all other truth will leave us questioning. When Pilate was searching for the answer to his question, what he failed to realize was that the truth was standing right in front of him. Truth was on trial, and without Pilate's realization of the Truth that stood before him all his decisions, no matter how truthful, would fall short.

Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). This is the Truth we need. To know this Truth is to know the Truth that will set you free. (John 8:32) To not know this One who is the Truth is to place yourself in the face of dire consequences! This is the Truth the world needs to know. A truth that goes beyond determining the human genome, or finding the "god-particle." It is a truth that brings us true life, a forgiven, reconciled life.

The one Truth that will set us free!

ARE WE THERE, YET?

2009-09-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

HOW MANY TIMES did I drive my dad crazy by asking him, "Hey Dad, are we there yet?" I can remember he usually answered in one of four ways. First, "No, we still have five-hundred miles to go!" Which to me meant nothing because I had no concept of mileage/time. His second answer was usually was, "We'll be there when we when get there!" Again, big help! Even I knew that! Then there was the eternal lie, "We'll be there real soon." Yeah, right! And then there was the silence, usually followed by the stare in the rear-view mirror. At which point I would slink down to the floor of the back-seat. (No seat-belts in those days.)

In our passage for this week's sermon we will be looking at John 16:16-33. As I have read it over and over again I could picture the disciples asking Jesus what He was talking about, but never quite getting the answer for which they were looking (hoping). They kept asking, "What does He mean in a little while we will see Him no more, and then we will see Him?" (John 16:17-18) Much like a 6 year-old in the back-seat they were getting anxious that they might never get to where they were promised.

Into their anxious thoughts Jesus spoke this truth, It might seem like we are never going to get where I promised you, but take heart soon you will see me again (John 16:22-24), and when you do it will be so amazing that all your grief will be turned to joy. Little did they realize that though it looked like their journey was going to end in death of their rabbi, friend, and Lord (and even in their own deaths), in reality the journey would be one to the resurrection and beyond!

Jesus told them, yes the journey is indeed long and rough and filled with trouble. Yes you may feel trapped in the back-seat, but Jesus reminded them than in Him they would find true peace, because he had overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Jesus knew that the journey he had called His disciples on would be tough, but He also wanted them to know that the destination would be one of great joy and of everlasting peace, and would be completely worth the trip.

It's the truth He wants us to know as well. Are we there yet? Soon, maybe very soon!

Not Without Reason

2009-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

I remember this acquaintance I once had, (I really wouldn't call him a friend) every so often he would come up and whack my in the arm. When I asked him "why?" he would respond, "no reason," and just walk away. I always thought that if you're going to punch me in the arm, you should at least have a reason. But I guess some people will do mean things for no reason at all.

In this week's sermon passage (John 15:18-25) Jesus states that there are those who have "hated me without reason." (John 15:25) Jesus' words at this point are a quote from the Old Testament, from Psalm 69:4,

Those who hate me without reason
outnumber the hairs on my head,
many are my enemies without cause
those who seek to destroy me
I am forced to restore
what I did not steal.

Image via Wikipedia

Scholars have said the Psalm 69 is the most quoted by the New Testament writers. And for good reason. As you read through it it is quite evident that the words of the psalmist can be placed in the mouth of the Messiah, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.

As I studied this Psalm in light of John 15:18-25, I was specifically drawn to the final phrase where the psalmist (Messiah) declares that he is forced to restore what he did not steal. Is that not what Jesus did on the cross? He paid for the sin that was not His. By His death He brought back to us the possibility to live in a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that for Jesus did not need restoration. Yet, in the darkness of the Cross, He too knew the depth of separation from the Father which sin brings. (Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1)

The death of our Savior Jesus the Messiah, brought about by a hatred which was thrown at Him without reason, but His death was not without reason. In fact, it was something that God had reasoned from of old.

Come, let us reason together
says the LORD,
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be white like snow;
though they are as red as crimson,
they shall be like wool."

How good is our God! For He has not given us what was reasonable considering our state, but in His grace and mercy He has done the incomprehensible paid the price for our sin. As the hymn writer, Charles S. Gabriel (1905) wrote in the refrain to his hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence,"

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How Wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

Better than Facebook

2009-09-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

OK, so I confess, I enjoy spending time (wasting?) on Facebook. Sometimes I do think it borders on the voyeuristic, but truly it is a great way to find and keep up with friends. Though I must wonder how many of the 416 people listed as my friends really count as friends? In fact, there are those who I really count as friends who are not on Facebook.

In this week's sermon passage (John 15:1-17) Jesus, in speaking with His disciples, calls them friends (John 15:15). Now, we must say, that's even better than having thousands of friends on Facebook.

Friendship with Jesus is quite different than friendship with those on Facebook. His friendship is one that is marked by His sacrificial death for us (John 15:12-13), and maintained by an open relationship of communication (John 15:15).

Yet, unlike Facebook friendships, our friendship with Jesus carries with it some important requirements: obeying His commands (John 15:9-13), staying attached (John 15:4), and loving each other (John 15:17). Hardly burdensome when we consider the benefits friendship with Jesus brings: fruitfulness in life (John 15:6), open communication with God (John 15:7), His promise to remain in us (John 15:9-10), the gift of His joy (John 15:11), and the list could go on if we would take a survey of the rest of Scripture.

So, enjoy your time on Facebook, if nothing else it sure makes a good prayer list! But remember, there is a friend who sticks close than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). And if you're going to be adding a friend, Jesus is the best one to have on your friend list!

See ya on Facebook.

Combating Homelessness

2009-08-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

LAST WEEK ELEVEN from our church family (7 youth, 4 adults) traveled to southern California to serve at the Los Angeles Dream Center. It was a week that truly impacted each one of us. We started our week in a light-hearted fashion by spending a day at Disneyland, that place where dreams come true, and then spent the rest of the week experiencing the ministry of the Dream Center as they endevor to help those whose dreams have been shattered by homelessness, drugs, abuse, crime and the other destructive epidemics that ravaged the inner-city.

Our sermon passage this week is found in John 14:15-31. And in many ways relates to the realities that we experienced last week while we were serving on the streets of L.A. I believe one of the greatest fears I possess is that of being homeless, but as I was reminded last week, homelessness goes far beyond not having a roof over your head.

In reading through this portion of Scripture I was reminded that there is a marked difference between being home-less and being house-less. Being house-less is an issue of "location." Being home-less is an issue of the heart.

In speaking peace to His disciples, Jesus reminds them that they shall not be left as orphans, those without both house and home, but rather he was sending to them the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) and that He and the Father would also make there home within them. (John 14:23) In this passage we are reminded that homelessness is so much more than being without a place to live, and we are reminded of what is needed to insure that a person can be at home even if forced to live under a bridge.

To find our home with the Heavenly Father requires that with live in relationship with Him and this relationship involves keeping His commands (John 14:15), namely, to love the LORD with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:38) and to love your neighbor as Jesus has loved us. (John 13:34-35)

As we continue to live out the life of love in and through and by the Person of Jesus Christ, let us continue to do what we can to combat house-less-ness, but also let us combat the deeper need of bringing people home to the Savior, for this is the greatest need.

So Close...Yet So Far

2009-08-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

There are some passages of Holy Scripture that are more worrisome to me, than others. Take this coming week's sermon text from John 13:18-38. It this encounter around the table Jesus introduces to His followers that there is a betrayer in their midst. One who has journeyed with them for three years and one who had the responsibility of keeping the common purse of this band of Jesus followers. As the writer John records it becomes obvious by the end of the meal, that the betrayer is Judas.

What makes this disclosure even more striking is that even at the very time of Judas' turning he is sharing bread with Jesus, he is in close proximity and fellowship with the one whom he will turn over the authorities for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15) So close, yet so far away.

Whenever I read the accounts of Judas' betrayal (Matthew 26:14, Mark 14:10, Luke 22:3) I wonder does that capacity reside within me? I pray not! John makes an interesting comment in John 13:27, that it was after he took the bread from Jesus that Satan entered his heart. At one level it sounds like up to that point Judas still had the opportunity to do right. I certainly cannot say what the reasons where for Judas to betray the Lord, I am sure there was more than one, but the bottom line is, he did.

It's easy to cast Judas in a bad light, but the passage goes on to remind us that Judas was not the only "betrayer" in the group. Even Peter, the Rock, one of Jesus' closest disciples would turn his back on the Lord. He stood in the shadows of Jesus' trial and when questioned as to his commitment to Jesus of Nazareth, denied knowing Him, not once, not twice, but three times. (John 18:25-27) Peter even knew what was coming (John 13:36-38), he could have steeled himself for the coming trial, but alas, he too betrayed his Lord. He was so close, yet so far away.

What about me? So close...

Stay close!!!

Holy Pedicure

2009-08-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

OK, I'll be honest, this week's study passage is one of those that can make me feel uncomfortable. It's the washing of the disciple's feet by the Lord Jesus. (John 13:1-17) It's not uncomfortable because Jesus is bending down, wrapped in a towel, taking the form of a servant to wash the dirty feet of His followers. No, it's uncomfortable to me for two other reasons:

First, is it where Jesus tells His followers, that as He, their Lord and teacher, have washed their feet they should do likewise. (John 13:14)

Second, is that we have taken the above directive and developed it into some sanctified ritual. By that I mean, in some faith traditions there is a regular foot-washing ceremony, like the regular Communion services we celebrate. Or, if we have not created a "special event" we have spiritualized Jesus' actions and words saying that this means we are to have a "servant's heart" in regards to our dealing with each other and the world-at-large.

I believe that both of these miss the boat.

To make the act nothing more than ceremony we rip it from the reality of life. (Sometimes I believe we have done the same with Communion, but that's for another blog.) When the foot-washing is done within the walls of the sanctuary it becomes sanitized and weak, not really accomplishing the task for which it was designed, that is the actual removal of dirt from a persons feet so that they would not be offensive to others reclining at the table.

When we spiritualize the act it becomes too easy to think we are humbling ourselves to the menial task of a servant, when in reality we seldom bend far enough to truly take the servant's posture. If that sounds judgmental it is only because I am looking into the mirror of self-evaluation as I type this blog!

It seems to me that if Jesus was only referring to the actual washing of another person's feet, then those who are professional pedicurist must be some of the most spiritual, Jesus-modeling people around. Like most things within the church today, we run the risk of "professionalizing ministry" and thus loosing the deeper truth our Lord and Savior was seeking to impart to us.

So, what is Jesus teaching? Well, lest I give away all my thoughts for this week's coming Sunday message, allow me just a few thoughts to wet-your-whistle, and maybe get other ideas following. Some lessons for me from the Master.

Keep your eyes open to the practical needs of those around you.
Seek to offer down-to-earth practical help.
The Jesus-life is sometimes nothing more than dirty work.
Jesus is not only my Master, but my Model for how to live.
Humility comes easier when you know Who you belong to, and where you're going.
Being a servant means stripping off that which hinders.

Well, that's enough to keep me busy. How about you?

Reasons

2009-07-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been awhile since I posted to "The Pastor's Study." Reason: I was on vacation, but now that is over and I am getting ready to enter back into the "Pulpit," even though we don't officially have a pulpit anymore.

Just because I was away does not mean that things were not happening or that God was at work, in fact, while I was away two young men made that greatest of all decisions, the decision was to respond positively to the grace of God offered through the Person of Jesus Christ. These two men made that choice to say I want to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Of all the news I heard while on my vacation that was some of the best! We give God praise and glory!

There are lots of reasons that people finally respond to God's gift of grace, and sadly there are many reasons why people do not, or if they do, seem to hide it away from public view.

Our sermon text for this week is John 12:37-50, where we see Jesus coming to the end of His earthly public ministry. Things are at once both winding down and winding up. The public miracles and preaching will be finished and the public attacks, ridicule and His very public crucifixion are beginning to come to the fore. In the midst of this Jesus once again makes it clear that some will choose to reject Him and some will choose to receive Him, and the reasons why are as varied as the people who seek Him out.

What is evident is that the choice of how we respond to Jesus is highly personal. A crowd can witness a miracle, or hear His stories, and within that crowd some will believe and some will not. Some will stand boldly to declare their new faith in Jesus, the Messiah, and others may hide in the shadows afraid of what people might say and do.

It is important to note that Jesus reminded His listeners that their choice not only affected their relationship with Him, but also with God the Father. To reject one is to reject the other. To receive one, is to receive the other. The choice we make is truly a BIG one.

I am so glad that those two young men made that BIG choice, and made it correctly. For that we can all truly rejoice!

GLORY in the SKY!

2009-07-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

HAMBURGERS WITH SLICES OF GRILLED PINEAPPLE, the family gathered around the patio table savoring the flavors of summer while making plans to attend the local gathering in Scotts Valley to experience the evening sky filled with the glorious colors of exploding fireworks and the reverberating concussive thud to be felt in our chests. Ah, this is the joy of celebrating our American Independence Day.

We are willing to walk a mile carrying the needed provisions for the evening. We deem it fun to cuddle up and wrap blankets around us to keep off the evening dew-filled chill. We even graciously tolerate the traffic-filled ride to find our way back home. It's what the holiday is all about. It is even better enjoying it together as a family. (Especially since this may be the last one for awhile for my two eldest kids, Trinity is headed to Rome, and Krista, back to Africa.) Of course, the fireworks, with their attendant oohs and ahs, are truly the much-needed icing on the cake.

The Bible tells us that there is coming a Day, another day in which we shall look to the sky in the celebration of our freedom. But this freedom is not from the tyranny of some earthly empire, but from the tyranny of sin and death! A Day is coming in which we shall look toward the heavens as our souls will be filled with the reverberating sounds of a trumpet call and we shall see the Glory of the coming King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) I surmise it shall be even better than all the BBQ's and fireworks we could every imagine, and it is shall be the greatest gathering of family ever! A Day to declare our independence from this world and our complete dependence upon Jesus, God's Son, the Messiah, our Savior!

As we celebrate our national independence let us not forget to celebrate our spiritual dependence upon Jesus. As the evening of the Fourth of July draws to a close and we pick up our blankets and make our way slowly back home, as we lay are weary, but thankful heads upon our pillows, let us not forget to set our alarms to awaken us to celebrate the fifth of July by gathering with God's people in worship as we draw together to celebrate the reality of our Lord's promised return and His sacrifice upon the cross which made our true freedom possible!

Come! Let us worship the Lord with the anticipation of His glory in the sky!

(Note: heading out on vacation for a few weeks...Pastor's Study will be vacationing, too. See you on my return.)

We Can't Escape It

2009-06-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson "went the way of all flesh." And with their passing we are again brought to the stark reality that death is something that none of us can escape. Whether life is lived long, or cut drastically short, death is the specter awaiting each of us.

To be honest Farrah's and Michael's deaths upset me, but not for the reasons which most are upset. I am upset because the deaths of these two celebrities will cause us to forget the ongoing tragic deaths around the world in places like Darfur and Congo. I know some of you are thinking, "come on Randy, lighten-up, quite being so cynical and harsh."

Well, that's just the place I am.

I am sadden by many who are suffering that I personally know...good people...humble people...people who have lived quiet lives of serving God and man, and now find themselves being chased by death. For these and for many others, my heart hurts.

These thoughts of death and dying do bring us to this week's sermon passage from John 12:12-36. It is here we now see Jesus moving straight forward to His death. Not sherking from it, not hiding, but resolved to accomplish that for which He was sent. (John 12:27)

Jesus came for the purpose of dying, so that through His death we might have life. (John 10:10; John 20:21; 1 John 5:12) I cannot say that for anyone else. And as they say, "the proof is in the pudding," or is Jesus' case, in His resurrection!!!

How good it is to know that we can be part of the wonderful harvest that has been brought forth because of Jesus' sacrificial death. (John 12:23-26) And that we, as the fruit of that harvest, have the responsibility to also die to self so that the planting and harvest will continue, and all for the glory of God.

Death does await all of us and the day of our death is known only to Him who is the Giver of life, so let us therefore live in the Light, as children of the Light; working while it is still day so that death shall not be an horrendous end, but a glorious beginning.

Flouresent Monkeys

2009-06-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if they really glow-in-the-dark, but it seems scientists have created a transgenic monkey. Apart from the usual ethical questions it is rather amazing what is being done these days. The unwrapping of the human genome is constantly changing how we see ourselves, and this has very powerful ramifications, some good and some not-so-good.

In his recent book, "So Beautiful," Leonard Sweet seeks to unwrap the DNA of the church. Sweet's thoughts are worth considering, and in many ways resonant with my own. For a number of years now I have wrestled with the question of who are we as the church, and what is our life to be like as those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives?

One thing has become clear, just as in "making" transgenic glow-in-the-dark monkeys can yield positive results for the human race farther down the road, it can also open a Pandora's Box of unintended results. What is definitely called for is great and humble wisdom.

What the world sees as good and right is not always the case. And what can be said about the world can also be said about the church. In my sermon passage for this coming Sunday (John 12:1-11) we encounter Mary (the sister of Lazarus) pouring expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Some in the gathered group, namely Judas, see it as nothing but a waste of time and money. But, Jesus says that Mary has chosen the right thing to do. Mary has responded rightly to her Creator and has lived out that for which she was created, the total worship of the Lord.

This Sunday I am to not only preach about this encounter, but I am to share with the church the direction in which we believe the Lord is leading us as a local congregation. These are truly exciting days and we see God doing some amazing things in our midst and around the world (even more amazing than glow-in-the-dark primates), and yet we need to keep our eyes and heart focused, as did Mary, upon the primary mission which is the glory of God.

What is the DNA of the church? How are we to live out the lives we were created to live? As Leonard Sweet points out, the church, as God created it, is so beautiful. I encourage you to delve deep into the revealed mysteries of God and stand amazed at the beautiful work God has wrought. May we, as His Body, live forth as He designed for His glory.

Life or Death, Which Will It Be?

2009-05-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

The older I get (just had a birthday last week) allows me to get closer to death. My friends and the flock get older too, and thus are closer to death. Lately, I have witnessed an increase in those affected by cancers, heart conditions, and various other illnesses that carry the specter of death around them. But death is not a respecter of age, for even this morning one of our senior church members lost an adult child to an accidental death, much to the tragic shock of all of us. Personally, my soul is wearied by those called to such suffering, my heart aches for them in their pain, suffering, and loss.

My prayer for them is that they will know deeply the presence of the Lord during their period of suffering and/or grief. I pray for His abiding peace to truly guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. (Philippians 4:6-7)

With all this in mind, this week's Biblical sermon text is even more striking and powerful. In our sermon series, "Changing Our World for Good," we look over the shoulder of Jesus as He encounters death face-to-face in the death of his dear friend Lazarus. (John 11:1-44)

There are, of course, many things to discuss and ponder in this encounter, but here is what grabs me today, and a question that has arisen in me numerous times over the years, it is, "why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, was is not better for him to remain in heaven?" Now, I realize that Jesus did state that by His act of compassion in raising Lazarus people would come to believe in Him (John 11:15) and that God would receive glory (John 11:40).

But, is there more?

I believe there is.

In addition to God's power being displayed. In addition to a validation of who Jesus is. In addition to the restorative comforting His act provided to Mary and Martha. I believe Jesus also reminds us of the importance of life.

Life was God's creation, not death. We were created for life, not for death. I don't think we were even created for heaven, we were created for life with the Living God. We were created for living communion with the One God, who has eternally existed as a Tri-Unity. It is in the bringing of Lazarus back to life that Jesus is declaring that life is a good thing, it is that thing for which we were created.

Too often, my focus (our focus) is either on the tragic aspects of death which surround us, or upon the reality of life after death (which I admit is a great truth). But when are focus is solely upon those aspects we miss the truth that we have been given life, and life to be lived right here, right now. Jesus declared in John 10:10, that He came to give life and that life in abundance. In other words, is the raising of Lazarus we see that this is not such a bad place to be, this place called life on Earth, even with all its pain and suffering. In fact, it is the life we have now in Jesus that brings us the grace, compassion, steadfastness and hope to live this life.

For me to live is Christ!

So, shall we live?

Walking Blind

2009-04-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I shared about my early morning God-lesson as I watched two planets reflecting the light of the unseen sun. (sermon here) One of the lesson was that of the need for the darkness in order for the dirt-encrusted planets to shine forth. For us that darkness often refers to things like suffering and doubt. Elements that we do not desire nor enjoy, and yet are the very things that allow Christ's reflective light to shine forth.

This week's sermon passage, John 9:1-41, also deals with darkness and light in the form of blindness and sight. There is much to discuss in this powerful encounter between Jesus, the blindman and the religious leaders, but I would like to focus just on one short section that coincides with my God-lesson mentioned above.

In John 9:6-12 Jesus begins the healing process with spit and mud (pretty earthy, the basis of our very creation...hearkens back to Genesis 2:7). Then Jesus tells the man to walk blind to the pool of Siloam. I don't know how far the man had to walk, but Jesus could have healed him without making him walk one more step in the darkness that had overshadowed him from birth, and yet Jesus sent the man off with spit and mud in his eyes and in darkness to wash in the pool.

The spiritual lesson for me was strong. Jesus may bring healing into various areas of my life, while at the same time calling me to continue to walk in darkness. To walk obediently in the dark while His healing of my life is still in the process of arriving. I don't know why at one time the healing is immediate and at others it is still arriving, all I know is that sometimes the darkness is still present, and as with the planets allows the Light of the world to shine unto God's glory...which is the goal in all things. (John 9:3)

So, Prove Me Wrong!

2009-04-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

IN EVANGELICAL ECCLESIASTICAL PASTORAL CIRCLES, this coming Sunday (the Sunday after Easter) is lovingly referred to as "Slump Sunday." It's the day when churches suffer below normal church attendance, which often looks even more striking against the previous week's, above normal church attendance. The reason for this below normal gathering is often attached to the fact that so many in the church did more than usual the week before because of all the increase of religious activities during Holy Week, and now they believe they earned a Sunday off.

After over 30 years of pastoral work I have found the above phenomenon to be true. To be honest it's a little disheartening to us pastors. Sure, we can understand it, and it may even make some limited sense, but it still is troubling. It's not just having the CE attendees (Christmas/Easter) fail to return, but it's having the regular church family disappear as well.

When I was younger this whole event bothered me on a strictly statistical and numerical basis; numbers were down, giving was down, and this was not good. But now, it bothers me at a deeper level (though I miss the numbers as well). It troubles me that we can think that not gathering with the Community of Christ on a regular basis is somehow an option for us. Now, don't get your toga in a knot, for I know we all go other places and even pastor's take a week off from time to time. I know that, and I am OK with that, this issue is much more systemic than that.

Often, there is a sense that this "missing church" will some how not matter in the great scope of things. The danger is that this attitude can develop into a destructive practice. The truth is we were created for Community. As Christians are born anew into Christ's Body, the Church, and the church is not about doing, it is about being. Sadly, I know people who cannot miss a day without stopping at Starbucks. In fact, if they miss that opportunity they will make it the topic of conversation and complaint until they are able to return to their "temple" of choice, but these same people can miss a month of Sundays without the slightest affect upon their being.

Believe it or not, this brings us to our passage for this coming week, John 8:48-59.

In this encounter Jesus is once again defending who He is before the religious leaders. In John 8:58 He declares, "Before Abraham was, I AM." In that statement He made it definitively clear to His detractors that He was God, the "I AM." (Exodus 3:14) Yet, it should be noted that being the I AM did not mean He stood alone, but rather the greater reality was that He has dwelt for eternity in a Divine Community. What He did, what He said, was what He saw and heard from the Father. Jesus' very nature, that of being in community with God, had bearing upon all that He was and did. That community is imparted to us, His followers. It is what the Body of Christ is all about.

Jesus told His followers that apart from Him we could do nothing. (John 15:5) We, too often, personalize that statement. We make it all about Christ in me, but in reality it is much more. It is about community, and it is for the community, the Body of Christ. Apart from the Community of Christ, His Body, we can do nothing. Not just because the individual members of the local church hold some collective power that is transmitted to us, but because Christ lives in, and through, His Body. Remember the Word of God tells us we are not like a body, we are the Body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

There is much to unpack in this passage this week, but let's not miss the truth about who Jesus is, how Jesus is, for we are called to be conformed to His image. (Romans 8:29) The community, gathering with it, is of vital importance to our journey in following Christ and in being made like Him by the Holy Spirit's work in us.

Will the Community of Christ gather this week with the numbers and enthusiasm, as it did the week previous? I doubt it! But to that I would love to say,

"Prove me wrong!"

HE IS RISEN!

2009-04-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

HE IS RISEN!

That might be a scary prospect for a horror film. Something about some guy rising from the dead, sulking around the countryside looking for hapless victims to bring to his netherworld lair. Yep, I am sure Hollywood could make that title into a real hit for the Halloween movie season.

But, when I use those words, my thoughts fall not to images of death, but rather of life! It is a declaration of life-bringing truth. He is risen! This "He" is of course the man Jesus, who, as the Apostle's Creed reminds us, "was crucified, dead, and buried, descended into Hell, The third day He rose again from the dead."

This week we remember the Passion of our Lord. That passion was for us; to pay the full and complete price for our sin (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 3:18). Because of this Passion He willingly journeyed to the Cross. (Hebrews 12:2) but His Passion not ony included His death, but His resurrection as well.

Jesus' resurrection was for the purpose of bringing life, not death. It was to move us from a place of fear to the place of faith. It was not a horror story, but the event that establishes hope. The shout of the Church, "He is risen!" Was not a shout of dismay but of joy. It was the constant reminder that all the Jesus said, did and promised was true! Sins forgiven! A place in heaven guaranteed! The relationship with our Heavenly Father restored! Purpose, peace, mercy, love renewed, continually!

I encourage you this week, as we remember the Passion of our Lord, to seek to renew your passion for Him. To call upon the Holy Spirit, that dwells in the life of every believer, to empower you anew. Cry out for the Resurrection Passion to fill your life.

Choose this week to live out the the life-changing declaration of truth, that "HE IS RISEN!" not just with your mouth, but with the everyday decisions of your life for "He is risen, indeed!"

He Ain't No Superstar!

2009-03-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hosanna Heysanna Sanna Sanna Ho

Sanna Hey Sanna Ho Sanna
Hey J C, J C you're alright by me
Sanna Ho Sanna Hey Superstar

So goes the chorus of the crowd as the character of Jesus Christ Superstar enters the city of Jerusalem on the day we now call Palm Sunday. The only problem with superstars is that they too often fall from the heights and coming crashing into some dark hole of anti-stardom. Of the real Jesus Christ this of course is not true.

Jesus was no superstar, as our Bible text from last week's sermon (The Exclusivity of Jesus) pointed out, Jesus is the "light of the world." (John 8:12) He is not some superstar placed in the heavens by the decision of the populace, but in fact He is the One who is Light Himself.

The Apostle John would also write in his letters, "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) Our Lord is not someone who shines brightly for awhile only to be overshadowed by some other light, no He is the One who was light from the beginning, and it is His light that is the very life of all people. (John 1:4-5)

Like the people of Jerusalem 2000 years ago, we are desirous of lifting people to superstar status. There seems built into us the need to have someone who shines brightly, a star that lifts us out of our own personal places of darkness and gloom. Jesus does that, but so much more.

In this coming Sunday's passage (John 8: 31-47) Jesus calls His would be followers to a place of commitment and action. He tells those gathered that to have a relationship with the heavenly Father demands that they have a relationship of trust and obedience with the One that the Father as sent, namely Jesus, the Christ.

The "hard teaching" of Jesus related in this passage again comes to the issue of light. To believe and trust in Him puts you in relationship with God the Father, the God who is Light, but to reject that relationship gives you another father, Satan, the father of lies, and to carry with our theme, the god of the dark.

As the events of that Passover week unfolded the people who were calling out for a superstar soon changed the words of their song,

We need him crucified
It's all you have to do
We need him crucified

It's all you have to do

How quickly the light of a superstar fades in our eyes. How desperately we need a light that bears no shadows, a light that fully encompasses the whole of our lives. This is the Light that is Jesus. This is the Light who is the one and only Son of God (John 3:16). This is the Light of the world, if whom we follow, then we shall never walk in darkness, but have the Light that is Life. (John 1:4-5)

This Passion Week, let us all seek to dwell in the Light. Let us choose to know the Father who sent His Son to be the Savior of the world, and let us follow Him. (1 John 4:14)

Now That's Dark

2009-03-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

I THOUGHT I KNEW WHAT DARK WAS, until I took a tour of the Oregon Caves located in the mountains above Grants Pass, Oregon. As part of the ½ mile, 90 minute tour you are taken into one of the pathways between chambers at which point the Park Ranger/tour guide turns out the lights. To say you can’t see your hand in front of your eyes is an understatement. And there is no “letting your eyes adjust” either. It is just dark as dark can be. Truthfully, a pretty unnerving feeling. I more than welcomed the opportunity to bask again in the soft incandescent glow of the light strung overhead.

The Holy Scriptures tell us that without Jesus, who is the Light of the world, we are all walking in darkness. I am going to make the assumption that the darkness is not some sort of twilight time of dusky shadows but more like the intense blackout that I experienced in the cave. It is a darkness that over time leaves one with the inability to determine which way to go, and maybe even more not knowing that there is a way to go. It is a darkness that paralyzes.

The good news is that we do not have to remain in the darkness. Like the Park Ranger in the cave, our Lord is more than willing to illumine the path that leads to the fullness of light if we but call out to Him. It is the desire of our gracious Lord to not only shine His light upon the path of our life, but to lead us out into the day in which we can be completely encompassed in Him who is the Light of the world.

In the book of the Revelation, the Apostle John describes the fullness of the Lord’s light. He records, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.” (Revelation 21:24-25) It is in this Light that we are called to walk.

So, let us walk.

Limitations

2009-03-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

As I was reading through the text for this coming Sunday's sermon, John 8:12-30, my heart was grabbed by John 8:15, "You judge by human standards...." The context of this statement is Jesus' response to the religious leaders who were questioning His authority to be His own witness.

Jesus' statement truly stuck me, for there is the deep realization of just how inadequate I am to truly understand God and His workings. As the LORD stated is Isaiah 55:8, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither our your ways My ways." I have often thought of those words in relation to the reality that God's ways are different than mine, but there is a deeper truth. The truth is that I cannot fathom, understand, categorize or judge the ways of the LORD. It is beyond my ability to understand.

Now, I could feel very defeated by this, or I could cloister myself away in a closet believing that since I cannot know, why try. But my inability to judge at God's level does not mean I should not try, rather it means I need to keep things in proper perspective. It means that I can rest in the knowledge that there are some things I will not, and cannot, understand. It brings me once again to the place of trust and faith in the God who IS and who is bigger than I in all aspects. Security comes from learning to trust in a Father who loves me, completely, and who is more than able to see me through to the Day. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Jude 1:24-25)

As the Apostle Paul wrote, "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

AMEN to limitations!

Solving the Economic Crisis and the World's Oldest Profession

2009-03-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT PROSTITUTION is the world's oldest profession. Even yesterday I heard a discussion centered around our present economic crisis where one of the commentators said, even for all the woes which prostitution brings we need to remember that it is a player in our market economy. What?!?

His point was that where there is an exchange of "goods" and "money" it can be seen as helpful to the economy. Now, to be fair, it must be said that the speaker was not advocating prostitution, rather he was making the strong point about how deeply intertwined are culture, community and commerce.

And here we arrive at our sermon text for this coming Sunday, John 8:1-11, the encounter between Jesus, the religious leaders and the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. (Note: I realize that some feel that this section of Scripture should not be included in John's gospel account, for a concise dealing with this issue see Bob Deffinbaugh's commentary on this section. Click here.) What we do find in this passage, among others things is how to deal with immorality when it strikes us in the face, and this brings us back to the issue of solving the economic crisis.

I believe, as some others do, that our present economic crisis is a crisis of morality, birthed in greedy and ill-content hearts. It is ultimately not about poorly designed mortgages, or over-the-top interest rates, or even an over-inflated housing market. It arrives from our hearts that seek to acquire more and more in the hopes of finding fulfillment in our lives. We have searched, since our departure from the Garden, to fill that emptiness in our soul that only God can fill. And sadly, that search has often led us to all sorts of immoral activity.

Now, back to John 8:1-11. The activity of the woman was immoral. The activities of the religious leaders were immoral as well. But Jesus' response to both of them were not. His response was to point to the truth, "those without sin cast the first stone,"(John 8:7) and to the woman, "go and sin so more." (John 8:11) His response was not to rant and rave. It was not to cast stones of condemnation (though of all those gathered, he has the right), rather in quiet, patient resolve He called those present to remember the deeper truth to which we are called, and to live lives according to that truth.

I believe we can apply the way of our Lord to the present crisis in which we find ourselves, that is to not rant and rave, pointing fingers and casting blame, but rather to quietly gently, speak the truth of God, reminding ourselves that our present economy will never be changed until we see its cause for what it was, a moral failure on personal and national levels. Until we understand this truth, and change at the heart (sinning no more), there will be no solving this crisis. But, like the woman sent on her way by our Lord, there is an opportunity for a new beginning, that commences with forgiveness and grace.

How shall we then live?

The Drought

2009-03-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Last week, during the midst of a pretty decent rain storm, the Governor of our fair State declared a drought. As I was listening to the news report it was pouring down rain outside and I thought to myself has this guy even looked out the window?

Now, in a case for fairness, our State has been suffering from below average rainfall for a few years, and I am sure that the drought conditions do exist, but I was humored by the choice of timing for his press release. He at least could have waited until thing had stopped raining for the week. Oh well, I guess politics and weather are two things one never quite gets right no matter how hard you try.

So, what does this have to do with our sermon text for this week? It all comes down to water. Our text comes from John 7:25-44 where Jesus stands up on the great day of the Feast of the Tabernacles and cries out, "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scriptures has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:37-38) Of course, as we quickly discover, this water is the filling of the Holy Spirit that will come upon those who put their trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.

As I was studying this passage, I was also spending time in 2 Chronicles in preparation for our weekly prayer meeting and Bible study (we are walking through 2 Chronicles together). This week's passage contains the familiar passage of 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." What is interesting is that this passage is found in the context of God withholding rain, and thus the need for the people to call out to Him.

Too often I believe 2 Chronicles 7:14 is taken out of context, and applied to the predicaments of our own nation, but if we look at it in the whole of the context (that is who it was written to and why) we can see that the promise goes much deeper than just the setting of our country right and of fixing the political and social woes of our nation. I believe it truly speaks of the very withholding of the Holy Spirit, or at least the plugging up of the flow of His power.

In Israel one of the greatest indicators of God's blessing was the giving of the fall and winter rains which would go to ensure a future harvest of blessing. So too, with those called by His name today, the Church, the greatest blessing that God gives to us in the here and now, is the gift of the Holy Spirit, His reign in us that is a guarantee a future blessing. (2 Corinthians 5:5)

So, is there a drought in California, well by looking at my rain gauge over the past couple of weeks, I would say "no." But then my backyard is only a very small part of the whole. Yes, there may very well be a drought in our State.

How about the Church, are we experiencing a drought of the reign of the Holy Spirit? To read some of the reports coming out from people like Cathy Lynn Grossman's article in USA Today, and a recent article by Michael Spencer in the Christian Science Monitor, both dealing with the seeming demise of evangelicalism. Now, I don't necessarily believe everything included in these reports, but they do give one cause to sit up and take notice. As I look around at the church of which I am blessed to be a part I can see that there is no drought here, but rather the gentle falling rain of God's blessing. The soil is soft, the grass in growing green, and there is a promise of future blessing. I can't say that there is not a drought in the land, but in some pockets the rain is falling and for this we are blessed.

A Lenten Dilemma

2009-02-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

GROWING UP IN MY HOME MEANT giving up something for Lent. I am not sure, but I think it was a holdover from my mom's Catholic schoolgirl days.

In my childhood days we were good Methodists, so I guess observing Lent still held some weight, and thus each year I was "encouraged" to give up something I enjoyed for the 40 days leading up to Easter Week. I never really knew the "why" other than it had to do with something about Jesus suffering for me, so I should suffer for Him.

I don't know if it was good theology or not, but truth be known it did make me think more about Jesus and His death on the Cross, and of course His resurrection which would free me not only from sin, but from the constraints of my Lenten "sacrifice."

Now, once again, the Lenten season is bearing down on me. As a good evangelical I could pass it off on my Mainline brothers and sisters, and say that I am free from those previous ecclesiastical constraints, but then I would hear my mother's voice in my ear. Yes, I know I probably have some other "issues" to deal with as well, but this Lenten thing still weighs upon me. I suppose the reality is that when I have practiced this discipline in the past I have actually been better for it. No real spiritual magic, just the reality of a disciplined life, and of course giving up say, 40 days of television does have its benefits.

But what about this year?

This year I have had a different thought tickle my theological fancy. It is the thought about rather than giving up something, to take something on. I realize that Jesus gave up everything for me; His prerogatives of being God (Philippians 2:5-11), His right to be served as God (Mark 10:45), and of course His very life as a sacrifice for us (Romans 3:25). But, He also took on so much for us, and in that process He gave to us. So, I am left with this idea of adding something to my life.

But what?

I do have a couple of ideas like creating a discipline of rising extra early and committing more time to prayer. There is also the idea of finding ways to practice compassion to those in need around me, like meeting the needs of the homeless under the bridge by the church. Maybe it would be writing letters of encouragement to 10 people everyday. There are lots of ways of adding something "Christ-like" to my life. Now, what will it be...?

Oh, the rule I learned from my mom is you are not supposed to go broadcasting it to everybody, so I guess I just pick one, or two...maybe three things, and go from there. Anybody care to join me.

Happy Lent!

He's Everything to Me

2009-02-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Back in my younger days, we used to sing a little chorus (probably old enough now even to be classified a hymn by some), it was entitled, "He's Everything to Me," and if memory serves me right it went something like,

In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?

I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?

Til I met Him face to face,
And I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more than just
a God who did not care,
Who lived a way up there,
And, now in lives inside me everyday
Watching o'er me while I pray,
Helping me to find that narrow way,
He's everything to me.

This coming week's sermon text, from John 5:16-47, deals with some of the important distinction of this One we call Jesus of Nazareth. The Scripture lays out for us just who this Jesus is, and with a careful reading it is clear that He is more than just a carpenter's son.

In fact, quite a key list is put forth including such aspects as His part as life-giver, creator, judge, forgiver of sins, not to mention One who shares in the glory of God. Something for which the Jewish leaders were not very excited.

But Jesus did not stand alone in this confession regarding who He is, for He said there were at least three other "confessors" as well: John the Baptist, His accomplished works (miracles, etc) and the Scriptures themselves (God's Word). (See: John 5:33-40)

As you take time to read through this passage, I would ask you to consider what you learn about Jesus, the Messiah. And with John the Baptist how would you testify to the truth about the Truth?

The Program of Jesus

2009-01-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Recently, there has been a mantra floating among our church leadership. It goes something like this: "People over programs." The gist of it being that we are seeking to make our decisions, especially financial ones of late, not based solely upon the needs of our church programs and facilities, but upon the true needs of the people who call Felton Bible Church home.

When you think about it, this was often Jesus' way of looking at ministry as well, much to the chagrin of the local religious leaders and even His own disciples. A case in point can be found in this coming week's sermon text found in John 5:1-15. In this passage Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda by the Sheep Gate leading into the city of Jerusalem.

Now there is nothing wrong with healing a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years, the problem came from doing it on the Sabbath. We see that the healing gave the man cause to carry his mat away from his 38 year sitting spot, and this little action is not allowed on the Sabbath. Doesn't matter that a great miracle took place. Doesn't matter that a man was set free from years of physical bondage. The only thing that matter is that this act of compassion broke the rules of the program. And we just can't have that can we?

Programs, for both leaders and followers, offer control and safety. We know what is going to happen next. Things are relegated, or dare we say "religious?" But, I believe the LORD always put people over programs, even though that meant things might seem out of control at times and might get a little messy.

Yes, order is important, and God has set forth guidelines, but too often we have taken these prescriptions and buried them in a foundation of concrete rather than resting them in the movement of the Spirit. We have become so tied to the way we think God should work that we miss Him when He does. In stead of rejoicing with the healing of this man, the religious leaders called him to give account for his Sabbath infraction. They were more concerned about the program than the person.

As a "religious leader" myself, this passage troubles me for I have to ask myself how I would have responded? I surely know what it is to plan and run a program, and the importance of keeping things running smoothly for the Kingdom, but how often do I miss the very presence of God because I am more concerned about the status quo than I am about the present touch of God in a person's life.

Today, as I was reading 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 I was humbled when I read about the presence of the LORD filling the temple to such an extent that the priests could not do their job. The program was suspended for the Presence! I was humbled by the thought of how many times I might have pushed on through with the program in spite of the Lord desiring to fill the place with His holy Presence.

People over program, yes, a good mantra.

Presence over program, even better!

Some Rising Thoughts

2009-01-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

My son and I have some things in common, one of those being our love of bread (the kind you eat). Even last night at dinner he would be willing to forgo a delicious meal made by his mom for just some more slices of bread. Bread can be for us a meal in itself not just an accompaniment. Some have said that hell smells of burning sulfur, I think heaven will smell like warm fresh-baked bread!

In the sermon text for this coming Sunday (John 4:27-42), we find the Disciples returning to find Jesus having a conversation with a Samaritan woman. They don't question Him about this encounter but they do raise some questions when they call Him to eat some lunch and He replies that He has bread of which they know not. Of course, we discover that Jesus is talking about not physical bread, but of the purpose of His life which is do do the will and work of His Father.

His conversation about bread got me thinking about the other references to bread in the Scriptures, and I began to wonder is there a connection between these references.

So, here I pose the question to you, the readers of this blog. A question for you to ponder, and I pray will draw you closer to the One who is the Bread of heaven. Ponder this with me, if you would:

What is the relationship, if any, between:

Jesus' bread as being the doing of the work and will of the Father.
Jesus being the bread of heaven (John 6:33-59)
Jesus' breaking of the bread at the Passover meal (22:1-38, and others)
Jesus' prayer asking for our daily bread (Matthew 6:9-13)
The consecrated bread of the Temple (Exodus 35:13)

and with this

If Jesus is the Bread of heaven and we are His Body, is there a relationship to us also being bread, and if so, what is that relationship and what would it mean for our daily lives as followers of Jesus, the Lord?

So, there are some thoughts to chew on? I don't know if I have many good answers right now but I hope that some truth will rise. I look forward to some of your musings as well.

Peace!