Born Broken

As many of you probably know our oldest daughter Lindsey recently graduated college, accepted a position in a local school district, and has begun to teach.  She has a double major, but took a job as an Intervention Specialist working with kids in the K-3 age range.  She has her first week of working with these kids behind her but a whole career ahead of her.

In relation to education, Intervention Specialist is a relatively new term for most of us who aren't involved in the educational system. The position operates within the field of special education, with a focus on children who generally have more severe physical, cognitive, behavioral or communication delays than the majority of other kids. This can be caused by a host of reasons, so each child has an individualized education program (IEP) and at first, their goals are usually more developmental than academic.

As a new teacher, and especially as a person with a very soft and loving heart, Lindsey is struggling greatly with the fact that so many of these kids seem to be so broken at such a young age. Not only are they difficult to reach, but her heart breaks for them because of their circumstances.  This could be seen in her tears earlier this week.

Many of these students are in their current quandary due to poor parental choices, apathy, or unconcern. Others have dealt with, or are dealing with, neglect or abuse from someone in the home. Some it seems, were not given a fair chance to succeed even from birth because they have not experienced proper love from a parent. Some of them have developmental disabilities or other struggles that have put them behind the majority of the students. Perhaps their struggle is even because of a genetic trait that pushes them toward a disability. Whatever the reason, because so many things are stacked against them, they falter. It's almost as though some of these kids need someone to save them from themselves.

Lindsey's job is to help them get on track, help them develop properly and even catch up if possible, or in other words, to give them a fighting chance.  Her main task is perhaps to let each child know that someone believes in them, someone is fighting for them, someone is with them. Although this assignment is very heavy and extremely difficult, I believe that given time she will absolutely excel in her task.

Thinking about the difficulty of her job in the first full week of school, and the struggles that the kids are dealing with today, I recently shared with her that I feel that she has been placed with these hurting children by design.  I think the Lord has called her to this. She's made for it!  And, if that is the case, then He has also equipped her to succeed.

Thinking of the struggles and brokenness that so many of these kids seem to deal with caused me to realize that, honestly, we are all born broken. Sin has broken our relationship with God. Sickness, depravity and addictions are real inherited conditions. Racism, hatred, elitism, divides us from one another and causes us to act in a character unlike God. We find ourselves in spiritual disability, needing someone to save us from ourselves. We need to know what love really is. We need someone to believe in us and show us there is hope. We need someone to come alongside us and fight for us, someone who believes in us.

Thank God for Jesus! Thank God that we have access to all that and more, in Him!! Also, thank God for godly men and women of character who will come alongside us to teach us, or mentor us, in the ways of Christ and help give us a fighting chance! Thank the Lord for people in the Kingdom of God, who like an intervention specialist in the education system, will take the time and effort to fight for us and with us, to see that we succeed. We were ALL born broken, but thank God, we are born again through Christ and with His help and the help of others we will develop into His likeness!

The Missing Link in Modern Christianity...

I have been in a time of extreme pursuit, for clarity of God’s plan for our church, Abundant Life Tabernacle, Mansfield, Ohio. I have prayed, searched the Word and looked deep within my heart to see what God was saying and what I was missing, or even resisting. I feel like I have heard some things.  Some of them are hard to accept and some are pleasant.  I am about to share many of these things during the next few Sundays (from the time of this writing), but you may or may not have heard the crux of them by the time of this printing so I want to share a few things here.  What I am sharing today deals with Discipleship.

One of the missing elements of the modern church, Christianity’s missing link if you will, is a real focus on discipleship.  It's been lost as a focus it seems, for more than 100 years. Remnants remained until about 40 to 50 years ago, but those have mostly been lost now as well.  Sure, we do some discipleship naturally because of relationships that form within the Body, and that’s great!  Discipleship should happen naturally. But in large, it seems to me that it has been missing from the majority of the Body of Christ for a very long time. 

Biblical Discipleship has been so ignored in the modern Church that few even know what it is now.  I recently saw a study that was done by the Barna Group and published by the Navigators.  In the study, a host of things were explored but the question was also asked, “What is discipleship?” The researchers found that it was unclear, to much of the church, what a good definition of Discipleship is.  Many disagreed upon the particulars, as we Christians so often do.  It was found that most in the church didn’t particularly like the term either, preferring “Becoming Christ-like” or “Spiritual Growth” to the term “Discipleship.”  And that’s okay, these are valuable terms, and the Bible doesn’t particularly use the term “Disipleship”. Still these terms fall somewhat short of the biblical idea of a disciple. Furthermore, the ‘principle of Discipleship’ is clearly biblical whether the exact term is found or not.  Jesus called followers to himself and then told them that if they were not willing to forsake everything, they were unfit to be disciples. Certainly, He’s still looking for people who will put Him above all else! So, what is discipleship?

I’ve done my own inquiry into the subject and I’ve found that ‘it seems’ that Abundant Life has a little better understanding on the subject than most, but then again the Barna Study said that pastors often think that (lol).  Our experience in understanding Discipleship, in general, has been that most people have understood it from the perspective of a weekly Bible Class, or a short term class on Christianity; the art of being Christian, if you will.  Another very good thing, yet it falls short. Some will say that discipleship relates to progress in their own spiritual growth.  Progress in spiritual growth is always a wonderful thing for a Christian, but it’s about half of what is Biblical Discipleship. Many people feel that discipleship is the same as evangelism; preaching and winning the lost to Christ.  It can certainly be argued that it falls within the same category, but I don’t think they are the same.  Discipleship is for already-believers of the Good News, while evangelism is to reach not-yet-believers with the Good News.

So what is discipleship? The study I’ve mentioned has said that from the results, “it’s unclear”.  However, I think Jesus made it very clear. He exampled it boldly with His life and then He told His followers to go make other disciples (Matt. 28:19a), “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you”(Matthew 28:20a).  Jesus took twelve believers into a relationship with Him. He spent time with them.  He ate with them.  They did life together!  He lived His life pointing consistently toward the Father.  He corrected them, when they were wrong.  He applauded them when they did well.  He held them accountable and He taught them everything He could possibly teach them in the time they had together.  He doubtless felt sorrow when Peter denied Him and I’m sure felt sadness when Judas betrayed Him, but He didn’t reject the remaining disciples.  He kept on loving.  He kept on pouring into them and He believed that they would accomplish even greater things than He had accomplished in ministry (John 14:11-13).  Jesus lived it, He taught it, and that’s what discipleship looks like.

So, discipleship is not just about my OWN spiritual growth or just about ME becoming Christ-like. It’s ALSO about helping others do the same.  There is a ‘revival’ of discipleship beginning to happen in the world. I am excited to see it!  I believe that God is taking His church back to basics in many areas and again I’m glad to see it!  There is also a new movement of discipleship about to happen here at ALT, and I’m thrilled.  I am fully in favor of the disappearance of the 'missing link in modern Christianity', or I could say I'm excited for the return of biblical discipleship.  Why am I so excited?  Discipleship properly links members of the Body to one another, it links our past to our future, and it's a return of biblical doctrine to the modern church.  I think we are going there!  (Stay tuned…)

Stand Up Christian!!

In just a few days America will elect a new president.  We’ve heard all the rhetoric.  We’ve watched the mudslinging.  We’ve identified many lies and we have seen great flaws in both major party candidates.  We’ve heard apologies, and we’ve seen cover-ups.  We’ve considered options, and by now most of us have made our final decision on our part in this election.  Hopefully, as Christians we’ve weighed each option with prayer, as it relates to God’s values revealed in His word and not just by our hopes, aspirations, prejudices or party affiliations.  It’s sad that we have no better option, yet we have to make a choice and we still need to let our voices be heard.

As US citizens we have the great honor of participating in the election of our leaders.  We live in a Republic, a system of government which allows the people to elect representatives to exercise power for them. We choose, as a nation, persons who best represent our ideology of what moving onward looks like.  We choose a president according to the majority’s values.  That president in turn chooses Supreme Court Justices according to his or her values, who will then each serve for perhaps a whole generation.  We watch, we listen, we learn and then make our decisions as best possible, based on what we perceive is the best course for our country.  Every American citizen has that right and it’s a heavy responsibility, but again it’s a great honor.

Is it an obligation for a Christian to vote though? No, it isn’t an obligation but it’s your right as well as anyone’s. Please understand though that the Christian MUST NOT be silent right now.  I urge you to vote.  Too much is at stake.  If you are quiet, you allow people with lower values to choose our national direction. Our nation needs your voice, your wisdom, your godly values, perhaps more now than ever before in its history.  We are salt and light in our society!  Sure, the ungodly desire that we be quiet, that we keep our voices contained within the four walls of the churches.  Just as the disciples were instructed in Acts 5 not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus, so we are challenged to keep separate ‘church and state’.  Just as the disciples of that day rose up and spoke boldly anyway, so must we!

The truth is, that for the Christian there is no separation of anything from our relationship with Christ, including politics or policy.  He is at the center of all we are… He defines who we are!  We cannot separate our Christian faith from our vote, that would be hypocritical.  Neither do they which cry out for us to be silent, separate their ‘religion’ of secular humanism from their voice! 

So we must stand up in defiance of the ungodliness that tries to take our nation toward the wrong ideologies!  Stand up church!  Stand against the spirit of division in this nation, standing up for our brothers or sisters in Christ whoever they are!  Rise up as people of God!  As Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”  Stand AGAINST the ungodliness of abortion!  Stand FOR the sanctity of marriage as God ordained it!  Stand AGANIST the stripping of our rights as Christians to free speech and the freedom of religion which we have inherited from our forefathers.  Stand for our right to preaching THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD unrestrained. Stand for God’s values!  Stand for truth!  Reject the pressure of the world to cave, and keep quiet!  Stand now, or else we’ll soon be standing illegally to preach truth.

The law might hinder me as a pastor from giving you a candidate’s name to vote for, I don’t desire to do that anyway, but it cannot keep me from pointing to the Word of God as our ultimate voter’s guide.  Stand up and be counted Child of God!  Be the salt and light you are called to be!  Vote!  Vote for those who have promised to uphold the principles of God.  Vote according to the Word of God! Let your voice be heard in the Earth and in our nation.  

P.s.  Is there something more important than my vote as an American Christian at this time in history? As important as your vote is in this election, yes!  I believe the prayer of God’s people is even more important.  Again, don’t be silent here either!  Let your voice not only be heard in the Earth, but also in heaven and before the throne of God.  Now is no time to be cowardly and quiet… Ask God for great things and put actions to your faith!  

Your Vote Really Matters Christian, But Pray First!

We’re still several months away from the national election here in the US, yet things are getting very heated on the political arena.  As I write this, the Democratic National Convention is well under way in Philadelphia, and the Republican National Convention just finished last week in Cleveland. By the time you read this, who knows what craziness will have happened in what so many people are calling a political “circus.”

There are a few things I’d like to go on record as having said now, that way no one has any questions of where I stand.  I don’t believe either political party has the answers.  I think they both offer very few answers actually. I don’t agree with either candidate fully.  I actually fully disagree with both candidates on a number of things.  I don’t like certain things that have been said, even by the candidate that I intend to vote for.  (Yes, I do have a personal choice for the presidency… and as a pastor I cannot endorse a candidate, but as an individual I can tell you who I am voting for if you ask.)  I believe both parties have adopted slogans that are somewhat deceptive.  No one can ‘make America great again’ but God, and the nation will certainly NOT be ‘stronger together’ going in an ungodly direction. Until we first realize that we are ‘one nation under God’, and submit ourselves to His Lordship, we are in great trouble.

However, I also want to state that I’m not looking for a savior.  I already have one.  I don’t expect either candidate to save me, or save America.  I am just looking for the candidate that best represents my Christian values.  I don’t expect either of them to have a perfect biblical platform.  Men and women are flawed.  If Jesus were on the ballot, I’d vote for Him.  But He’s not.  His is a Heavenly Kingdom, yet I feel that I must do my part to stop the moral decay of society and my vote will be based in that.    

As far as the current political issues, that are ‘specifically affecting Christians’, I would say the following issues that are most important to me in this election include:

The Sanctity Of Human Life (Including but not limited to the unborn.)  You might not realize it, but we are winning ground in the area of the value of human life, but that can lapse overnight with the appointment of Supreme Court Justices who do not fear God.  Considering the ages of current justices serving, the next president will possibly appoint as many as six!  They serve for life.  This may be our most important issue to consider!  

Freedom of Religion/Freedom of Speech (Which believe it or not, are ‘very seriously at stake’ because the current LGBT agenda is stripping away the rights of Christians as it gains momentum – both agendas cannot fully have their liberties when they are so diametrically opposed.)  While I do not hate homosexuals, transgenders, or others, I believe the agenda they are promoting will finally strip Christianity of its voice in America if left unchecked.  We may soon not be allowed to speak against sin, or the need for a savior because our views seem offensive to this group.  So, maybe this issue is most important.

Other issues that may not be directly connected to my faith in Christ, but are still very important to me are:  Immigration/Refugees (We are a sovereign nation, we need borders along with strict rules on refugees who might intentionally seek bring danger into our country.)  Health Care (I, not my government, should choose what doctor I can see.)  Finally, Gun Control/Gun Rights, (According to the US Constitution it’s my right to own a gun to protect my family.  I don’t want to lose this freedom.  I love my family enough to protect them with my own life.  If this is stipped from us, the old adage is true that “Only criminals will have guns.”  But perhaps that means many Christians would become the criminals, because I’m uncertain we’d all give them up.  

A few other issues very important to me are: Racism (I hate HATE!!), funding of Planned Parenthood, Same-Sex Marriage, Electoral Issues (Showing ID to vote)…  The list goes on.

Consider your choice very carefully.  A vote for the wrong person - the wrong agenda, or even not casting your vote for a person who can make a difference on these important issues… might relegate the America we all love, into the pages of history.  Please pray for our nation (2 Chron. 7:14).  Also pray for wisdom before you choose a candidate.  And if you are a Christian (Own up to your obligation!) vote for a candidate that is the strongest on Biblical Principals and that also has a chance at winning. Don’t look to these people as saviors, but certainly look at them as a means to an end.  Don’t waste your vote.  We need to get this right.  We are likely at the point that we will have no second chance in America.

Powerful and Precious

The promises of God are powerful and precious.
They speak generally, to ALL of us at once.
They speak directly to each of us.
They have deep personal meaning.
They give us hope of eternal life!
They reassure us in doubt, worry, and frustration.
They comfort us in times of trouble.
The remind us of God's feelings toward us; His love, His compassion, His tender mercies.
They empower us to win in spiritual battle!
They correct us when we are off track.
They help us to become better than we are without them.
They thrill us with the awe of God's greatness.
They remind us of our frailty and our need for Him.
They make us anxious for home.
They give us hope to face each day, no matter what may come our way.
They sustain us in drought.
The revive us when faint, like fresh cool water.
They tell us His will for our lives, our health, our future.
They reassure us of life abundantly in Christ.
They tell us good news, in a world of that desperately needs good news!
They give us something to reach for.
They give us joy for our journey.
They give substance to our faith.
The promises of God are powerful and precious.

"God Isn't Fixing This..." - NY Daily News

The article from the New York Daily News claiming that "God isn't fixing this", is an affront attack on Christianity.  It's an atheistic statement attacking Judaeo-Christian values and the practice of prayer. Sure, it's clearly meant to be a shocking statement of propaganda used to urge the public toward gun control, but it's also a jab at Christians.  There is another element too, the mocking of republican candidates. The mocking however, is focused on their practice of prayer. 

It's okay. I'm not offended. As a matter of fact, I'm unmoved by it in the least.  My ideas on my 'rights' as an American to bear arms are unscathed.  My 'trust in God' is unshaken. Political affiliation is irrelevant to this issue in my opinion, but prayer is still powerful. I'm still praying for the victims. This senseless tragedy is less a sign of a need for a change in gun laws though, than it is a sign of the need for changed hearts... which only happens with prayer.

It might surprise some, but I will agree with the statement, "God isn't fixing this!"  

God isn't fixing this because our nation has turned it's back on Him.  We have removed nearly every vestige of Him from American leadership. We have used our forefathers' idea of 'separation of church and state' to dispel God from anything governmental or political, when the original thought was clearly not that God should be removed but that everyone should have the right to worship Him as they see fit, free of government oppression.  Why would God step in on a national problem that we have banned Him from? He won't force Himself on us.  Biblical history shows us that His character is to abundantly pardon and forgive, IF we turn to Him... Not turn away from Him (See Isa. 55:7). The nation that forgets God though, will be allowed to continue on its chosen path and be turned into hell (Psa. 9:17). 

God isn't fixing this because we, the church, have not yet humbled ourselves and repented from our own wickedness as is prescribed in 2 Cor. 7:14.  Until the church itself is serious enough about the state of affairs that we find ourselves in, we will continue in our complacent unconcern and our nation will continue to be overrun by the godless. If, and when, we ever get concerned enough corporately to humble ourselves, repent, and ask God for revival and the restoration of our land, we are promised national healing. We don't see a 'fix' because church doesn't pursue it by pursuing God in prayer for it.  We don't pursue it because we don't believe it...  And we don't believe it because we are believing the propaganda, rather than the scriptures.

Do you want God to 'fix this'?  Then it's time to repent and seek Him for our nation. Attention New York Daily News, Attention Christians: There is no hope for America, other than God! Pray is exactly what we need to do, but the 'fix' begins with prayers of repentance.


Breitbart's link to coverage of this story...

Easy Isn’t The Goal.

Easy isn’t the goal.

We are all human and often we look for the easy way out in situations.  Why not? If there is an easy solution, why not take advantage of it? Right?

Well, serving the Lord isn’t always easy.  As a matter of fact, sometimes it’s downright hard. The modern gospel doesn’t usually present it in that way, but it’s still true.

Jesus said that the world would hate us, because it hated Him first.  The Bible makes it clear that those who live Godly, in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Persecution is an ugly, hard word. I don’t even like the implications! My carnal man wants things to be nice and comfortable, and 'easy' plays right into that. So, easy is what I want!

Some things are easy, and I’m thankful that God designed them that way.  It’s easy for us to have relationship with God, because Christ Jesus already did the hard stuff at Calvary when He died as a substitutionary sacrifice for my sin, and yours .  He has even given each of us a measure of faith, to allow us to believe. Our faith in Him for salvation and relationship, is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  It’s easy for us to know Him, if we will just allow that faith to come alive.

Sometimes, though, doing or saying the right things isn’t so easy. Sometimes operating in our calling isn’t easy.  Sometimes living holy in the midst of temptation isn’t easy. Neither is getting out of our recliner to go out into the world to witness of Him. These things aren’t easy because our flesh is too dominate and it causes our spirit man to have a difficult time following the ways of God.

It’s hard to say "no" to peer pressure. It’s difficult to give people a biblical answer that goes against what they wants to hear.  It’s uncomfortable to stand for Christ in a culture that celebrates sin. Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to do the right thing.

It’s never easy to tell someone that according to the Word of God, they have to forgive that person who hurt them terribly… and it’s even harder to live it yourself. It isn’t easy for us to hold our tongue and let God vindicate us when someone is speaking falsehood against us. It’s not a simple thing to overlook offense, or to control our anger, or to bridle our tongue, or to repent if we’ve done wrong… but these things please God.

There are lots of things that are difficult when trying to serve the Lord in a God pleasing manner…But after all, easy isn’t the goal: Christ-likeness is.

Christianity is a Love Affair!

Christianity is a love affair with God.  Being led by the Spirit is about romance with a Savior.  This might sound odd, but Christianity is about God’s love for us, and our love responding to Him.

About 24 years ago, I met a young lady who completely changed my world.  Her name was Tracy. She was beautiful, intelligent, witty, loving, and had a sweet disposition.  Yet she was passionate and fiery and feisty, and was not to be crossed.  When I first noticed her, I was instantly attracted to her but with an introduction and time, that relationship developed. In a while, I realized that she was pursuing me even more so than I had been pursuing her. Once I got to know her, I just couldn’t see my life without her.  I loved everything about her, from her tenderness to her fiery personality.  Finally, I made her my wife.  And all these years later, I’m more in love with her now than I was even back then. Her love has captured me and because of it, I want to be with her as much as possible. 

About 44 years ago I met someone else who completely changed my life. His name was Jesus. He was beautiful, intelligent, witty, loving, with a sweet disposition.  Yet He was passionate and fiery and not to be crossed.  When I first became aware of Him, I was instantly attracted to Him but with an introduction and time that relationship developed. In a while, I realized that He was pursuing me even more so than I had been pursuing Him. Once I got to know Him, I just couldn’t see my life without Him.  I loved everything about Him, from His tenderness to His passion.  Finally, I made Him my Lord.  And all these years later, I’m more in love with Him now than I was even back then. His love has captured me and because of it, I want to be with him as much as possible.

Our relationship with God isn’t about legalistically following a set of rules, it’s about love. Just as faithfulness to my wife, isn’t only about the vows I made to her, it’s about the love I have for her… So it is with my relationship with Christ Jesus. I follow Him in holiness, not just because I’m required to by the Law of God, but because I am passionately in love with Him.  Love causes the Law to be fulfilled in my life. 

I have this little thing that I often say to my wife when she asks me to do something that I may not really want to do. I say, “You know I’d do anything for you babe.” And I mean it! I may not want to do it but if it makes her happy, or makes her life easier and she has asked me for it, I can hardly ever say no. That’s not because it’s required, or because I’m weak, it’s because I’m in love and it gives me pleasure to make her life better.   

The same is true for my Jesus. I will do anything He asks because I’m madly in love with Him. I may not necessarily want to do it, but because he asked me to, I will. I love to make Him happy. I live for Jesus simply because I love Him. I do what I do because He desires it. When His Spirit draws me toward something, or away from something, I joyfully conform because “I’ll do anything for Him.” 

If our love is as strong as it should be, we will willingly comply… not because of the rules, but because of the love. Christianity is a love affair with God.  Being led by the Spirit is about romance with a Savior.  I’ll follow you anywhere Jesus! “Anything for you Lord.”

I am a Christian. أنا مسيحي.

I am a Christian. This is who I am… 

I'm not ashamed to be called by the name of Christ. I’m not ashamed to pray before eating a meal in public. I am not ashamed to admit that I really do believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word. I’m not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the good news of salvation. I'm not ashamed to be numbered among those who are ridiculed for holding on to the promise of the return of Jesus. I’m not ashamed to tell others that Jesus is the only way to God. He made that claim, and I believe Him. I am not ashamed to say I believe. I am sometimes am ashamed of how complacent and slothful, I and other Christians are in our obedience to Christ.  I’m also sometimes ashamed when legalistic Christians act ‘holier than thou’, and when lawless Christians live loose lives, because neither of these things represent Christ well or bring Him any glory.

I’m not intimidated by the atheist who dislikes my faith, or any faith, and thinks that I’m foolish for believing in God.  I’m not intimidated by the multitudes worldwide who follow after other gods, false gods like Allah, Buddha, or Mammon.  I’m not intimidated by the difficulties we sometimes face as Christians, because Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. I’m not intimidated by the number agendas being perpetrated against the church of Jesus Christ, it’s strong enough to withstand these, with His help. I’m not intimidated by the fact that my grandparents, and then my parents, expected Jesus to return decades ago.  I’m not even intimidated by the fact that two thousand years have passed since Jesus ascended into heaven. I’m not intimidated by my own occasional uncertainties. I am sometimes intimidated by the immensity of the job we have inherited, the job of taking this gospel to the whole world with so few Christians now participating in spreading the Word… Some say only 2%.

I’m not afraid of the fight this spiritual warfare we face. I’m not afraid of the Devil, who I still believe is a real entity, because I believe he is already defeated by Christ Jesus. I’m not afraid of rolling up my sleeves and doing my part in the Lord’s service.  I'm not afraid to take up my cross and deny myself. I am honored to be a part of the ministry started by Jesus. I’m not afraid of rejection when sharing the good news with others. They aren't rejecting me anyway, they’re rejecting Christ. I’m not afraid of death, Jesus already conquered it. I’m not looking to die today, but if I do I know where I’m going. I’m not afraid of judgment day, my sins are under His blood. I am sometimes afraid that I won’t finish my assignment here, as it seems each day is a battle and any real achievements are often very difficult to come by. 

I’m not beset by the difficulties we face. Hardly anything worthwhile has ever been easy, besides the Lord is on our side! I’m not beset by the state of the world, or this nation which is away from God, or the lukewarm church. If I am beset, overwhelmed or troubled, it’s usually from trusting in my own abilities or focusing my attention on the wrong things… I need not do that.

I’m not willing to be silent, and I suspect that it’s clear from the words previously written, that I’m not trying to be politically correct. I’m not willing to be silent in the face of false doctrines trying to infiltrate the church, false converts trying to lead the church, or false ideas of who Jesus was or what He stood for. All of that was clearly laid out in scripture and I’ll side with what scripture says. I’m not willing to be silent to satisfy a humanistic society, that celebrates perverted acts as natural, and condones murder of unborn humans if they simply become inconvenient. I am not willing to be silent about my faith, whether it remains our right in this country, or not. I was commissioned by Christ, so I must tell the world about Him. I’m not willing to be silent, nor renounce my faith in my Lord Jesus, in order to save my own life.  I understand that my life is not my own, I was bought with a price. With His help, and by His grace, I will hold tightly to this faith in Jesus Christ, until the day when I finally see Him face to face.  I will be silent when I am finally in His eternal presence, if only for about a half an hour, as the Book of Revelation foretells.  Then, with all of heaven, I will break forth in praise, to this marvelous Savior that I serve, and adore... because He is so amazing that I cannot be silent.

This is who I am…  I am a Christian.

What is God doing??

What is the Lord doing? It seem to me that we often wonder what the Lord is up to. Something negative happens in our lives and we think, 'where is God?'  A blessing comes our way and we usually thank Him, but then go on about our business. In our everyday lives though, we are often content to just meet with Him on Sunday morning in the worship, to then hear the Word and that holds us until next Sunday.  Sometimes we spend a little time in the Bible reading or some time in prayer during the week.  Maybe we even go to a Wednesday Night Bible Study if we can, but we are still often left with the question of what the Lord is doing in our lives.  Perhaps we could say it this way, "What's the plan Lord?"  "What's the big picture?"

For the most part, I am right there with you. As a pastor, I have to be at Wednesday night study, and I have to spend quite a few hours in study each week to be able to minister the Word in several services. Yet I too find myself often leaving a service, or time of prayer, and going right back into life without knowing what God is really up to in my day to day life.  I always want to hear his direction, but I sometimes can't seem to hear clearly. 

I certainly don't believe He wants us to know everything, but I do think He wants us to know far more than we do.  So what is God doing?  Why am I at this place in my life now?  What's next?  How do I get there?

I think all, or most of those answers are available to us in prayer and the Word of God. Proverbs 3:6 tells us, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Verse 5, just before this, tells us not to lean to our own understanding.  I believe we lean to our own understanding far too much.  If we aren't hearing clearly from God though, what else are we supposed to do?

It's clear then, that we need to hear more clearly from God. What hinders that?  I'm sure there are lots of things.  If we are regarding iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (Psalm 66:18)... So, it's not likely that He will keep speaking to us either if there is sin in our lives. If we are too busy with other things, we too won't hear because of distractions.  If we want to hear Him, we have to make meeting with God a real priority.  We also might fail to hear Him because we are simply not diligent in trying to hear, or maybe we don't really want to hear because we are afraid of what he might say (Zech.7:13). (I've been there!) 

I do believe that God wants to speak to all of us.  I think His Word is chocked full of instruction (Proverbs 4:1).  I think as the sons and daughters of God, He desires for us to be led by His spirit (Romans 8:14). Granted though, it seems very difficult to hear Him sometimes even though it shouldn't be.  

This morning in prayer I really met with God.  His presence was overwhelming!  As I write this we are in day 12 of our Corporate Fast, so as you can expect I have spent extra time in pursuit.  I was alone in the church and so I felt no inhibitions of crying out to Him. As He came so near I felt sorrow for our distance from Him, I felt hunger for more of Him, I felt His desire for more of us.  And in that time something occurred to me that I already knew, He wants to guide us but we aren't often close enough to be lead. Peter walked afar off (Luke 22:54), and so do we. The simple, yet not easy, answer to the whole conundrum that we seem to face in this area is: repentance, continual pursuit, then communion (or fellowship) with Him.  It is really that simple... and it's really hard for us to get everything out of His way so that he might be near.  Yet, it's worth it!

John 5:19 says, "Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.'"  We desperately need to get to that place in our relationship to our Heavenly Father.  We can only follow His lead, if we can see/hear what He is doing.

I urge you GO AFTER GOD!  We need Him! Be determined this year to walk close to Him, so you can hear and react to what He is saying. He wants you to hear Him (John 10:27).  He wants to lead you (Isa. 40:11). 

In the Love of our Most Holy God,

Pastor Jerry

How Should the Local Church Respond to Ferguson?

If anything, the many recent tragedies of Ferguson and subsequent protests and riots across the country, have shown us how divided this nation still is on the issue of race.  Yet my hope and I believe God's hope, for the Church at least, is that we realize we are not of this world. We are not black, we are not white, we are not Hispanic, we are not Asian, we are not Middle Eastern. We are not Jewish, we are not Gentiles... We are the Body of Christ, one new man, the redeemed, a Holy Nation, the hope of the Earth -through Jesus.  We are, together, members of His body, diverse in appearance and function yet one in essence.  We are all necessary to complete the diverse-unity that is in Christ.

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:26-29) 

Sure, we all have different heritages and that is not objectionable.  On the contrary it's wonderful!  Individually, we should consider our heritage as very important to us.  It's what makes us who we are.  We are the sum of all of our parts!  You are unique and special to God just as you are!  

I believe that we should all personally celebrate our heritage. It's not wrong for African Americans to celebrate their identity, such as is the case with 'Black History Month'. But neither should it be considered socially unacceptable for those of white European descent to celebrate who they are.  The same should be acceptable for the person of Asian descent, or Native American, or any other. I have a friend who nearly every day, reminds me with pride that he is Italian. I think that his pride in his heritage is admirable. Yet our personal celebrations of our national or racial heritage should never be at the expense of someone else, by tearing others down, or by exalting our racial group over any other.  I should be open to celebrating your heritage with you too, while relishing the fact that we are different and yet the same.

My family and I don't talk too much about our ancestry.  We are not ashamed of it, yet it isn't something we feel the need to be boastful of either. I am of German/Irish/Cherokee decent. My wife is a descendant of people who were English/Melungeon.  (Melungeon is a racial mixture of European, African, and Native American.)  We are very much the product of the American Melting Pot. So, does our ancestry even matter? Yes, but it only matters to me, my wife, and our children.  It doesn't matter in the church because, in the Church, our identity comes from Christ. We have 'put on Christ', therefore it's Him we should look and act like.

When it comes to the Church, as a corporate entity, we need to stop being 'black church' or 'white church' and start being "The Church".  We need to first be Christians.  We need to hold tightly to our spiritual heritage as sons and daughters of God, spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith.  We should NEVER allow our differences in heritage to divide us, and certainly our skin color should have no effect on us whatsoever.  The Church is one.

So how should the local church respond to Ferguson and other similar issues?  Certainly not with silence: I think our response should be completely non-racial, but rather wholly spiritual.  Remember, we're Christians first. Hatred, prejudice, rioting, bigoted talk, all stem from one root cause, that cause is sin (See Romans 13:13 & Eph. 5:1-4).  Through hatred, sin divides us... but WE have been washed.  We are new creatures in Christ, those old things are passed away and the new has come (See 2 Cor. 5:17).  

Racism in any form is a manifestation of prejudice, or 'pre-judging based on a generalization'. Prejudice is most often a form of hatred.  Sure, it manifests itself from white toward black, but just as commonly from black toward white, from Asian toward Hispanic, and so on.  But that is not who WE are... We are the Church!  We are one (worldwide) nation of believers who are begotten by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  We are one people, of one blood, with one Lord.

A natural response would come from the flesh, but spiritual response must come from our spirit man which has been clothed in Christ. Just as the root cause of prejudice is sin, our spiritual response must have a root cause too. In the Church, our cause is Love.  If I'm forgiven, I'm required to forgive.  If I have received God's forgiveness, I will love.  Through that love and forgiveness we are unified.

As the Church we should be manifesting the love of Christ in such a powerful way that the world around us sees no division.  That's what Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). That's who we are called to be. They will know we are His disciples because of the love we have for one another (See John 13:35).  If love is manifesting correctly, my African American brothers and I will be standing together for Christ, and together against hatred.  I urge you reach out to people of other races and show them you love them in Christ.  This could do more to heal than you can even imagine. That's how we, The Church, should respond in Ferguson, or to any other example of racism... with love.

“What difference does Jesus make?”

As I write this, we are in mid November and in an early deep freeze.  The temp last night was 7 degrees, and we have, maybe, 4 inches of snow on the ground. I hear we have broken several temperature records. Yet a few trees still have beautifully colored leaves. This is a picture from my front yard showing the unexpected beauty we are experiencing. In a little more than a week Thanksgiving will be here, and then Christmas is only weeks away.

I often think about how things are now, and what they could be like if just a few minor things had been different.  This is not my way of wishing for something more, but rather a process of giving thanks for the great blessings in my life. I feel tremendously blessed. We don’t have anything extravagant, but we are blessed with all we need and more.

I was thinking along those lines just the other day and my mind went to Jesus and his great sacrifice of Love, for the whole world, but I especially thought of his great love for me and my family. Then the thought came to my mind, “What difference does Jesus make?”.

What if Jesus hadn’t come to Earth? There would be no Christmas of course. Whether you like the way Christmas is celebrated, or not, is irrelevant.  There would have been no nativity and therefore no road from Bethlehem to Calvary, no savior.

Time would be recorded differently, as the Gregorian Calendar which we commonly use counts from the believed date of the nativity of Christ. Many of our laws would be different.  Most of the organizations of the world that do humanitarian aid wouldn’t exist, and the list goes on and on.

That’s not really my point though.  When I consider what difference Jesus makes, I am considering a much more personal scenario. What difference does Jesus make… in my life?

Well, firstly, if it were not for Jesus I would be in some other line of work.  I certainly wouldn’t be a pastor, because there would be no Christianity. 

If not for Jesus in my life, I’m not sure I’d still be at that Caterpillar dealership either.  There was an issue that happened one year that brought me before the Vice President of the company.  After reviewing the facts he determined that my work performance, more specifically my character, spoke for itself.  He dismissed any investigation that could have ended in my termination.  Had I not known Christ and lived Him publically, I very well could have been involved in things that would have cost me my job.  Had my record with the company not demonstrated integrity, I would have likely been dismissed that day.

Without my relationship with the Lord, I probably wouldn’t have met my wife, Tracy, or had my girls.  I first saw Tracy’s beautiful face in church and shortly after, began my pursuit of her.  Even if we had met, it’s likely that we would have separated long ago because without Christ I wouldn’t be half the man I am today, and I would likely have mad devastating choices leading to our demise as a couple.

If it hadn’t been for Jesus I would probably not even be alive today.  Perhaps several things would have already taken me out of this life, such as my teenage love for driving way too fast, but certainly the wasp sting that nearly killed me in 1995 would have done me in.  I believe with all my heart, God spared my life that day to do His work.

I can think of hundreds of other such scenarios, and none of them end well, but the greatest difference that really matters hasn’t been mentioned yet.

What difference does Jesus make?  He makes all the difference!  If not for Him coming to Earth, taking my place in the wrath of God and dying for my sins. I would be unquestionably destined for Hell. There would be no hope for me.  I was too imperfect.  My heart was too stained. My life was too sinful to ever have any hope…  And you were there in the same boat with me.

Thank God for the difference Jesus makes!

The City (An Allegory)

In the distance she glistens like a diamond, bright and gleaming.  With absolutely no imperfection visible, she's pure and wonderful. She's decorated with brilliance and abundance, unlike any other city Earth has ever seen.  From her streets, to her walls, to her gates, she fashioned in splendor like an ancient city yet her appearance is new and untarnished. No city in ancient Egypt, even in its most glorious days, could ever compare to her. Neither could the cities of ancient Athens, or ancient Rome, or the more modern cities like New York, or Paris or Venice. 

The City is dazzling to look upon and vibrantly alive, bustling with activity. Lighted day and night, the city never sleeps.  It seems as though the light from her illuminates the whole world around. Even viewing from this great distance, darkness is shattered because of her brightness.

Here outside the city, in the light gleaming from her, dark, evil things are readily seen; flaunted immorality, murder, slander, idolatry and black magic, are here.  Signs tell me that none of these things can enter the city limits, and I question whether I would be allowed to enter… But, as though it is calling to me, I hear voices saying come!  I must enter this City!  I must behold its beauties for myself!  I must see the King who sit’s upon its throne!  What manner of King must He be to rule in such beauty and in such power! 

The City still seems so distant to me though.  As I travel toward it, I seemingly gain no ground in my journey. Always just out of my reach, I gaze upon it but seem to never approach it. Nothing I can do seems to make a difference.  I cannot get there in my power, though I try intently.

Then suddenly, I see an inhabitant of the city.  His clothing is bright white and unblemished, completely unlike my garments that are dull, and stained and torn.  He’s moving through this Outerworld, among the thorns and the tares, and though they pull at him, his clothes remain unsullied.

He’s calling out, but I cannot yet make out what he’s saying.  As he nears me, I hear his Words.  His must be one of those voices I have been hearing.  His language is strange to, not foul as I am accustomed to hearing, yet I can understand it.  He is searching for someone.  He is calling out to someone with an invitation to a feast with the King inside The City. 

Oh what an honor someone is about to receive, to enter The City, and to feast with its King! What I would give to be invited, but I have nothing to wear and I am dirty, and unknown by all of its inhabitants.

With some apprehension, I decide to move toward him, to see if I might find who he is looking for.  Perhaps I can point him in the correct direction.  He sees me and comes closer.  At this point, I feel sick to my stomach with fear.  Why did I let him see me?  What if he means me harm?  But as he approaches I see compassion in his eyes and my fear subsides. Looking directly into my eyes he says to me, “We have been looking everywhere for you!  You have been invited to the feast inside The City.  Will you come?  Will you leave the dark things behind and come to The City with me?”

It’s impossible that they could be looking for me! How could they even know I exist?  How could they consider letting me in, in this condition?  Just look at me!  The signs have made it clear to me, I will not be allowed in.  Besides, I have tried to approach The City and cannot find my way there.

At once, I am certain that he has mistaken me for someone else, but I can’t bear to say it.  If I tell him that I am not who he thinks I am, he will doubtlessly pass me by!  I cannot seem to speak, so I keep my mouth shut. Perhaps I will at least get a glimpse of the inside of The City before they realize I am not one who is worthy.

About then, the seeker pulls a new garment from his bag and says, “We will get you cleaned up and we’ll get you to The City in time for the feast.”

As he takes me toward The City I notice that I am being washed clean in the light of the majesty shining in the midst of The City! The closer I get to it, the cleaner I become.  My dirty tattered clothes are now falling away… no wait, they have fallen away!  That new robe that was presented to me is now upon me.  I look different.  I feel different. I understand the language much more clearly than before.  The City is now close and its light is blinding!

We are at the gates now, and I look like a dignitary.  Dressed in his robe, I look every bit as marvelous as the seeker who found me.  My clothes are new.  My face is washed.  My hands are clean. I remember that I am unworthy to go in, but the gatekeeper cannot see it!  As we are about to enter the gates, the seeker says, “This is a son of the King!  He was lost in the Outerworld. We have found him and he has left all behind, and has come to the feast of the King!” 

Multitudes of people dressed like me, along with beings of light flying back and forth in The City, burst in to celebration!  The City echoes with shouts, “We have found Him, the one who was lost has been found!” I am being welcomed like a celebrity! Just as I am about to tell them that they are mistaken, that I am not who they believe me to be, The King calls to me… by name.

I turn in shock, horrified at what He will do when He sees me.  How does He know my name?  He extends both arms to welcome me!! “My son!”, He says as he holds me close! Certainly I do not deserve this! I have no merit!  Who am I?  I’m not from The City.  I’ve tried to attain entrance and couldn’t even get close! But somehow the King knows me, He calls me His son, and He welcomes me in! 

Then He points to the seeker, “Your older brother,” The King says, “was willing to leave all this splendor, to go into the Outerworld, to give his own life up, and become like you to find you and bring you here.  You were born in an evil place, but you are home now! The City is your home, come enjoy it!”

Forevermore I will be thankful! I still can’t understand how I, who was lost, became found, or how I who was unworthy became an heir. How can it be that I who was dirty, am now made clean?  How is it that I who was of the darkness, has become a child of light?  Or how can I, who was lost in the Outerworld, now be a resident of The City?  Thanks be to the King who had someone search for me!  Thanks be to the Seeker, who gave His life up to find me! 

Yet, there are others lost in the Outworld, other sons and other daughters.  Someone has to go after them! Will you go with me and the seeker, to search for them and bring them into The City?