“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?

The End of Creationism?

Pope Francis has declared that God isn't "a magician with a magic wand who can do everything"  On the contrary God is FAR superior to a 'magician'!  His power FAR superior to a 'magic wand'!

I'm so saddened to hear though that he, the pope, has effectively declared the garden of Eden only a story and evolution 'real'.  Some are declaring that this is the end of Creationism and Intelligent Design...  Yet his opinion hasn't swayed me, I still believe the Bible!

Perhaps we don't understand creation fully,we are told very little, in just a few chapters... And God's methods are certainly mysterious, His word says so. Perhaps science and faith haven't been able to agree on what happened at the beginning, and science SEEMS to have some compelling 'evidence'. But the question is, "Do you take God at His Word (Faith in God), or do you try to explain His Word away in ways that we, in our finite understanding, can imagine them being possible?"  (Faith in man's wisdom)

I'll stick with God.  I believe with God ALL THINGS ARE still POSSIBLE!

Letter to the Church (10 Years at Abundant Life Tabernacle)

Pastor’s often wonder if they are really making a difference.  Week after week we preach, teach, counsel, console, guide, guard, hold accountable, seek God, study, pray... and so on, and each week we wonder if we are being fruitful. Sometimes months, then years, go by without much visible progress and frankly it is often disheartening.

I know it’s the same for you too sometimes, pastor or not.  If we truly are in pursuit of God, we all desire good fruit that is visible to others and we all want to see progress in our own walk with the Lord.  We don’t necessarily desire it be visible for prides sake, but for ‘measurable progress’s sake’.

My family and I have been at Abundant Life for ten years, this month.  If I look at where I thought we would be by now, I will be discouraged.  If I look at where I wish we were as a church, I might be discouraged.  If I look at where I feel God wants to take us together, and we are still not there by the way, I might be discouraged. I actually have battled discouragement numerous times.  However, I have to look at how far we’ve come and if we are still progressing.

So, how far have we come in ten years?  I think we’ve come a long way.  (Please understand as I share this, that I am bragging on God, not me or even us.) Ten years ago this church was hurting.  There had been a church split previously that had left lots of wounded people, many people not attending anywhere.  There were only a handful of people who were still faithful members at ALT.  From the stories and the attendance sheets of those days, probably only about 25 to 35 people were regularly in attendance, down from 400 or 500 at one point.  There was a mortgage for this ‘multi-million dollar facility’, that was extremely reasonable but still a huge burden on the few still here.  There was very little reserve in the account to support a pastor and his family. There was a small worship team and no musicians, so worship was done by soundtracks. The church had been without a pastor for around 15 months. And honestly, the name of the church seemed synonymous with the trouble of the past.

There was a great core group of people here though, and a real desire to endure even in hardship.  There was a greenhorn pastor, and family, who was willing to risk everything to step out on faith even though, we knew if God didn't meet us, we were in very big trouble. There had been great words spoken over the church about greatness still to come. Words like: “This house will be a ‘hospital’ for the hurting, where people will come and be healed and will go back out to minister” or “This place will be a place of great fruit and will be an example to the whole region” or “Worship will lead the way (into the move of God).”

Ten years after God called us here, things are still progressing.  We still have a long way to go, as a church, to reach our full potential, but those words are coming to pass. Consistently people are coming here, being healed and returning to ministry, albeit, often elsewhere.  Light Our City among other outreaches that began in this church, have impacted and united churches in our region, and are continuing to be the example to the body of Christ here and even overseas. Our worship, while constantly in spiritual warfare, has expanded to become a potential powerhouse, or perhaps a ‘powder keg’, just on the verge of a major spiritual breakthrough which has the potential to lead us far deeper into His presence.  It consists of passionate and talented worshipers and musicians who do all they do for His glory!

Many of those wounded people from years past have been, and still are being, healed. Our congregation has grown back up to about 200 members, with an average Sunday attendance of about 150. Most of that core group is still here, but the majority of the congregation are those who God has brought here within the last ten years.

Several years ago, we paid off that mortgage too and have done many updates to the facility including a new roof, repaired the parking lot, several newly replaced A/C units, and now we are upgrading our sound board and updating our look in several areas. We are sending the gospel of Jesus around the world on podcasts and in mission efforts.

Here though, is where it’s clear how much God has moved…  Instead of having a name that was once seemingly synonymous with ‘trouble’, we have become known as a church who loves, and forgives, and reaches after the heart of God and the souls of men.

On a personal note, don’t look at where you wish you were, but where you are now allowing God to take you. It’s a journey. Hang in there… be faithful! We are making a difference as a church, there is fruit for our labor, and you will see the same on a personal level, if you don’t give up. (See Gal. 6:9)  

Love Hurts, But Love Anyway

My youngest daughter Lauren came home really down yesterday. One of her best friends from school, and the soccer team, told her that she didn't want to be friends anymore. At about the same age, 14, Lindsey went through a similar thing too.  (Oh the joys of raising emotional teenage girls! Haha!)  Things later worked out well for Lindsey and her friend, and they are great friends still today.  I expect they will work out for Lauren and her friend too, but time will tell.

We've probably all been there. This scenario is not specific to only teenage girls.  Sometimes people leave. Sometimes people hurt us. Sometimes in their pain, people cause us pain. It's usually not intentional, but that doesn't make the sense of rejection feel any better.

As a pastor, I've felt it over and over. As a matter of fact, it seems that nearly each time someone leaves the church where God has placed me to shepherd, I feel that sense of rejection. In some cases it's severe, in other cases it may be milder, but that's directly related to how close that person and I had become over the years. I know that it isn't always personal, usually it's not, but it still feels that way.  Sure there are exceptions, such as, if God has called someone into a new ministry and they are leaving to step in to that calling.  There's joy in that! There is a sense of purpose and accomplishment and we bless their commitment to ministry and to God!  Yet in most cases, people leave because they are looking for something different than what they are receiving, they are offended, they are seeking a position that isn't available, or a host of other reasons.

Here's the thing, I really value relationships. I really value each person. If you know me, I hope that's evident.  I also really take my calling in God seriously. The Word says that church leaders, (pastors, elders) 'keep watch over your souls'  (Hebrews 13:17).  That is extremely serious to me.  So, for two very substantial reasons it hurts me when people pull away.

Over the course of my ten years as pastor I've seen hundreds come, and hundreds go.  If you don't choose to release those feelings associated with that though, it will begin to feel personal. Honestly, if you focus too much on people's actions it will put you in a downward spiral. It will cause bitterness. It will make you harden.

So, it's not only teenage girls that feel hurt by friendships. I know it's not only pastors either. I'm sure you have experienced similar things.

Here's my point. Love hurts, but love anyway. People will leave you, some will hurt you unintentionally, some will betray you and bring pain just for spite... But choose to love anyway. Don't let the actions of others make you hard.  Forgive, and although you might not literally forget it, stop holding it against them.  It isn't always easy, but love is always worth it. When we love, in spite of how it is returned, that's when we are most Christlike. Sure, love hurts... but love anyway.

Your Eternal Significance

If your life is to really ever count for anything, eternally speaking, you must live it for Christ.  There are no other options.  Matt. 25:31-44 reveals the importance of every action here on Earth, in relation to its eternal significance.  It tells us of the day of judgment, as the Lord reminds those whom He judges what they did, or didn’t, do for Him. Things as seemingly insignificant as giving water to one in thirst, are mentioned (Please read it.).

I'm reminded of a quote from a poem by C.T. Studd... "Only one life, it will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last." The Apostle Paul said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain.” One minister put it this way, “If for me to live is money – then to die is loss. If for me to live is self – then to die is loss. If for me to live is ambition – then to die is loss. If for me to live is sin – then to die is loss…But if for me to live is Christ, then to die is GAIN!”

Great men and women of God in the Bible, and all down through history, have known this truth and lived it.  So often today, we know that our actions have eternal significance but don’t live like it.  There is great opportunity for you this summer.  Light Our City is not just a one day event this year, but a two month endeavor.  It gives you lots of chances to get out of ‘self’, and serve the Lord by serving others.  If you aren’t already, will you please consider where YOU might plug in to serve someone else? 

God is aware of our actions, and they reflect our souls condition.  He’s taking notes and He is pleased when we deny ourselves and follow Him.  Salvation is free, praise God, but discipleship will cost you!  

What are you doing this summer that has eternal significance?

- Pastor Jerry

Here is an excerpt from that poem written by C.T.Sudd:

...Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

- C.T Studd

Passionless Complacent Christianity

Have you ever been disillusioned? I'm sure you have. We have all had hopes that of been crushed, or even expectations that didn't come to pass. The Word of God says, hope deferred makes the heart sick. Many, if not all of us, have been 'heart sick' with disillusionment. 

Disillusionment brings with it lots of other things with it too. One of those things is a discouragement. Discouragement sometimes then develops into a loss of passion, and before long that loss of passion slips into complacency.

That's where most Christians seem to live, in passionless complacency.  It’s easy to get there for sure, but not so easy to pull out of.  I, for one, am sick of the status quo. I long for more!  I can't seem to be satisfied with a life of no passion, and it seems that’s all I see around me.  If we do have passion, it’s often for things other than God or His kingdom. Where is the church’s passion for Christ?  Where is our passion for lost souls?  Why are we settling for passionless lives and hearts sick with disillusionment?

The other day at a soccer game I heard a group of parents talking passionately about sports at their children’s schools.  One woman became so enraged that she couldn’t concentrate on the current game that was taking place, because she was focused on a scenario that had played out for someone else’s child at a different school. 

Isn’t that like us?  Sitting on the sidelines, no interest in the current game, certainly not personally involved in the game, and passionately complaining about something that doesn’t really even concern us?  I think it is. I also think that, in the Christian life, it’s a trick of the enemy to draw us away from what’s important right now.

So how can we shake this complacent nature we’ve allowed into our lives and into our church?  How can we once again regain the passion that drives us to accomplish God’s purpose and God’s vision for us?  How can we shake the disappointments in people, ourselves, or even in unanswered prayers?

Disillusionment most often comes when we feel let down by someone else or even by our own abilities. It’s a sure sign we are looking to the wrong things or to the wrong person for fulfillment.  I believe the cure for disillusionment, brings with it the cure for loss of passion. So then, we need to find the cure for disillusionment.

It happens that we will lose our complacency, and regain our passion, when our focus is shifted off of everything else but God. All of our failures, all of our crushed dreams, all of the people that have let us down, cannot continue to be our focus.  God must be our focus, our life!  He never fails!  He never lets us down.

The cure for passionless complacent Christianity happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to ‘revive’ us, and animate us for His purpose, and stop pursuing our own purposes.  It happens when we stop sitting on the sidelines complaining about what someone else is doing, and get in the game ourselves. 

I for one am tired of passionless Christianity. I’m tired of disillusionment. I’m tired of complacent Christians.  And... I’m certainly tired of all of those things in me. 

In this “Year of Pursuit.”  If you’ve let up on seeking God and started looking to other things for any kind of fulfillment, change that focus back to Him because we need a revival of passion in the church.