Hold Unswervingly: A Communion Meditation

I was listening to the “all Christmas music” station just before Christmas, and the radio announcer came on and said, “In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, remember the reason for the season: family and friends!” “Family and friends?!” We know the truth is that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. But we wouldn't celebrate the birth of Jesus if he was just a baby in a manger. In fact, we wouldn't celebrate his birth if it were just for Good Friday. Lots of people have died for us over the years. We celebrate them on Memorial Day, and now on Hero Day, September 11th. In reality, the “reason for the Christmas season” is Easter. It is because of his resurrection we celebrated His birth. And it is because of Jesus' resurrection that we now celebrate His death. The gift of God the Father became perfect on the day Jesus the Son laid down the gift of His life, conquered death, and paid for sin.

Hebrews 10 says that “the [Old Testament] law [was] only a shadow of the good things that [were to come] ... It [could] never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who [drew] near to worship. ...But those sacrifices [served as] an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, … He [set] aside the first to establish the second. And [so], we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

Brothers and sisters, the work of Christ was to sanctify us, to set us apart as holy, so that we would be acceptable to enter into the heavenlies, to spend personal time with the Father and with Jesus Christ, who is too holy to allow sin near Him.

Paul continues in Hebrews 10, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

The promise is that if we hold on to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we have the assurance of that holiness that He requires. But, in this time of self-examination, I call you to hear the words that follow that triumphant declaration: “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”

My friends, we have become a passive generation of Christians. As you hold these emblems today, I urge you to consider your attitude toward your salvation. Have you taken this sacrifice for granted, and trampled it under foot, or are you holding unswervingly to the hope that you profess?

In conclusion, Paul writes, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay.'”

That's My King!

Sunday, I was introduced to the anthem of S. M. Lockridge's sermon titled, "That's My King," and I could no more sit for that than for the "Star Spangled Banner!" If you have never heard this sermon, allow me to introduce you to it. Prepare to be stirred by a man's account of the indescribable King of kings that was God's gracious gift to mankind. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)

If the video does not appear, click here.

Whitewashed Tombs

A Communion Meditation

At Communion time, we often hear the familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 11:28, “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces seven “woes” to the congregation before him. In the crowd were some who were eagerly seeking Jesus, the hungry, the sick, the empty, and the lonely, those looking for the Way to a better life. There were also in the crowd, hypocrites, those whose religion was only surface deep. Jesus cried out, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” When we truly look on the inside of ourselves, do we see darkness and decay, or is it truly the home...of the Light of Life?

That familiar passage in 1 Corinthians 11 continues, “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.” Just because we realize that we have some cleaning up to do, does not mean we are not welcome at the Lord's table. In fact 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. The good news of the gospel is, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God cleans us up!

Zacchaeus knew that he was a wee, little man and would not be able to come to Jesus on his short legs. When Jesus saw that he was eager enough to find him, that he, a grown man, climbed a tree just to get a glimpse, Jesus had compassion and was faithful to come into his home and life.

When we, in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds the Lord our God has made... When we see the clouds and hear the rolling thunder, and see His power throughout the universe displayed... We should consider just how small we are compared to a Great and Awesome God as that. We should consider the rottenness underneath the whitewashed facade, and seek Him out, whatever it takes, so that He can come into our homes and lives.

The miracle of the Lord's Supper is that the Most High has furnished a way for wee little men to commune with the Great and Powerful Master of the Universe. By taking this bread of life, we restore flesh to the decaying bones inside us. This cup of the blood of the Lamb washes us clean, from the inside, out.

Allow me to read a few verses from Psalm 51. I pray you will apply these to your hearts.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

The Pyramid of Purpose: Why the Church Exists

The purpose of the church, while sermonized and complicated by many, can be summed up in three basic pillars: worship, fellowship, and discipleship. When the three are combined, the result is a healthy church. As each pillar grows, so will the church.

Worship

God created each of us with an empty hole of longing for Him. Saint Augustine wrote in Confessions, “Man is one of your creatures, Lord, and his instinct is to praise you. He bears about him the mark of death…But still, since he is a part of your creation, he wishes to praise you. The thought of you stirs him so deeply that he cannot be content unless he praises you, because you made us for yourself and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you.” (Augustine, Confessions, Translated by R. S. Pine-Coffin (London: Penguin, 1961), 21.)

When we finally find God and apply His salvation to our lives, the emotional result is joy, peace, and love, all the heavy-hitters of the “fruit of the Spirit” list in Galations 5. Our physical response to God, our praise, our sacrifice, our devotion, our righteous living, and even our service when motivated by our love for Him are defined as worship, and are referred to in the Bible repeatedly as the manner in which we, “glorify God.” As a father glows with pride when his son performs well, demonstrates honor, or offers compliments, so our Heavenly Father’s glory is intensified when we speak praise or demonstrate honor by our behavior.

Worship begins alone. It is the connection between a human soul and an infinite God. As worship grows, it includes more people. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Congregational or “corporate” worship serves both to set the tone for our private worship, and to exponentially multiply the glory to God. John speaks of the glory of God being a bright light which emanates from the Lord. (Revelation 21:11, 23) As the worshipping body of Christ grows, either in number or in sincerity and depth of relationship with Him, so His glory glows brighter. As the church, the bride of Christ, assembles and offers praise to God, it collectively calls to the halo of God’s presence, “Let there be light!”

Fellowship

Along with our natural draw toward the divine, God has put into each of us a desire for community. We long to associate with others with whom we share something in common. For Christians, the most defining characteristic is our Christianity. We need each other. When He realized the only flaw in His incomplete creation, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’” (Genesis 2:18) Our grouping together for the good of one another is called “fellowship.” Fellowship serves to glorify God as we encourage and support one another.

Christ charged us to don a new identifying characteristic. He commanded us to be known for the way we sacrificially love each other. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) We are made to function together to compliment and supplement each other. As Paul repeatedly said, “in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5; see also 1 Corinthians 12:24; Ephesians 3:6, 4:25, 5:30; and Colossians 3:15)

As we spend time together, we learn to love, and are given more opportunity to demonstrate it practically. Regardless of how we choose to display it, as we “greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Peter 5:14) we share with one another a sense of belonging. Sharing with one another our time and service builds this sense of community, and strengthens relationships. When the inevitable trials come, the communal nature of our fellowship gives us each a means of sharing the burden. “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Discipleship

God wants us to share with one another as though we were one, but not just as an exclusive club or social organization. He equips us with the love, faith, and peace of knowing Him, and surrounds us with community of the fellowship of the saints, so that we can be prepared to follow his marching orders, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) The body of Christ has been assembled to increase itself. Width, one dimension of the church’s growth called for in this order, is called “evangelism.” Congregations that do not engage themselves about the purpose of evangelism tend to end up being identified by words like “clique-ish” and “friendly but exclusive.” When a church congregation finds contentment in this state, it suffers at least two problems: 1) their population ages, and is only replaced by whatever descendants they propagate; and, 2) they refuse to grow in spiritual depth, and become the milk-drinkers described by Paul in Hebrews 5:12-14. Deeper understanding of Spiritual truths will not allow a true disciple to ignore the call for service and outreach.

Evangelism is only part of discipleship. Jesus did not ask us to play Christian tag, recruiting new Christians, and then leaving them to fend for themselves. Once inside the congregational fold, members of the flock are also called to shepherd one another. We are to pass on what we have learned, “teaching them to obey everything I (Jesus) have commanded you.” This is another part of discipleship, to hone our skills as Christians on one another. Perfecting the ministries of love, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, etc. requires practice. Who better to practice on than those around us trying to do the same thing? “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) We wield the sword of the Spirit with care as we spar with our partners, gently admonishing and instructing one another in the Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

The final part of discipleship finds itself in the ministerial purpose of all mankind. It amazes me that secular service organizations do more for their communities than most Christian churches. This should not be! Mankind wanders this world seeking the answer to the oldest question, “Why am I here?” The answer can be found without climbing an icy mountain to some obscure guru. It is spelled out clearly in the Bible. God’s purpose for His people is to serve one another. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) We exist on this planet, which is really just a series of training tools, confidence courses, and testing grounds, to demonstrate our love for God in the way we serve others, and in so doing glorify God. This is the ultimate purpose of man, of Christians, of our local congregations, and of the worldwide Body of Christ.

Worship, our relationship with God; Fellowship, our relationship with others; and Discipleship, our responsibility to build others up into a relationship with God, are the three pillars of a healthy, complete church congregation. It is only as we recognize our purpose individually and in our local congregations that we can serve it as a part of the global Church.

God is In the Storm!

Nahum 1

As I sit at my post, between the web updates, television, and radio, trying to keep my colleagues informed and equipped for the latest tropical storm, I cannot help but think about the power of the natural forces God put into motion. One member of my agency pointed out that the rush of flood waters can reach twenty-two miles per hour, and compared that to the Nantahala River, famous for its white water rafting, which races at an average of nine miles per hour. Rain and winds are blowing past my door, which is open so I can keep lookout against tornadoes. As I think about the fierceness of the storm, I am reminded that this is not even a sneeze compared with the power of God. I was looking up storm references in the concordance and I was reminded of Nahum’s prophecy.

(Nahum 1:3-4)
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.

He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.

While we in Northeast Florida are praying for Him to dry up a few of the flooded streets and highways, it is comforting to know that He, who makes the rivers run dry, is just the One to get it done. Other thoughts about who God is came to me as I meditated on the phrase, “His way is in the whirlwind and the storm.”

1. The Whirlwind and the Storm are Organized
Floridians know that when a storm system becomes “organized” it’s time to bring in the lawn furniture and batten down the storm shutters. The more defined a tropical system is, the more devastating its effect. Even now, as Tropical Storm Fay loses organization, we are already breathing, to a certain extent, a sigh of relief. God is not one to act without a plan. He has always ordained and condoned structure. From the day He formed the oceans and bound them by divine instruction, “This far you will come and no farther,” (Job 38:11) to the organizational structure for which John was told to write commendations and rebukes regarding the churches, on the Isle of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9-11) In whatever He does, we can rest assured that He has chosen a systematic approach. As Paul pointed out, “God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

2. The Storm’s Destructive Power is Undeniable
The windblown news reporter stands just outside some safe structure as close to the beach as humanly possible, apparently bent on getting his microphone wet to show you how brave he is and how devastating the winds of the current storm are. “I’m Gayle Force, coming to you from ground zero, where the beaches and anything around them are being pounded by this storm!” The scene, with flying debris in the background, is ridiculously predictable, and painfully obvious. Invariably, however, when the storm comes, someone feels the need to demonstrate to you, by the flapping of his rain-suit and the wetness of his hair, that the storm has a power that should not be experienced by mere mortal humans. God’s power is so much more powerful than that sandblasted tele-journalist could describe! Nahum continues:

Nahum 1:5-6
The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.

Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.

3. The Whirlwind and the Storm Refresh the Surface
There is a strange cleanness that is evident after a storm. In the air the freshness is palatable with every breath. Anything weak, dead, or dying is cleared away. Brown palm fronds litter streets and yards, leaving nothing but healthy green on the trees. Only the strongest branches and best rooted trees remain. Rough surfaces are smoothed over by erosion. Beaches are redefined. After the changing of a few tides and the arrival of the waste removal teams, the area is left with a sparkle of aesthetic gleam that would rival any household cleaner commercial. Likewise when God moves, the breath of His Spirit erodes away all our rough surfaces, breaks away any weakness, clears out all that hinders, and makes room for a fresh, new growth.

Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.


When God revealed Himself to Moses, He covered him with His hand in a rocky crag until the devastation of His presence had passed by. Then He allowed Moses to look at His back as He moved away. I thank God for His goodness that accompanies His power. Even though He has the power to make the universe tremble and melt, He gently picks me up and cradles me with His loving care, polishes me clean, and finds there something worth dying for. That is why I love Him.

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.

Warning: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing!

ATTENTION ALL SHEEP! THERE IS A DANGEROUS LIAR ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM SHE MAY DEVOUR.

A friend of mine recently showed me this video. I am not among Oprah Winfrey's viewing audience, so I was shocked to hear of the vile, deceptive teachings she is spewing at millions of people. They are the ancient lies of Satan, the mystic practice of self-worship, and all under a "New Age" label.

Be warned! There is a deceiver in your television set, and she has a loyal following that probably includes someone you know.

"One of the mistakes human beings make is believing that there is only one way... There are many paths to what you call 'God', and her path might be something else, and when she gets there, she might call it 'the light.' ...There couldn't possibly be just one way!" Oprah said to her objecting audience.

• Isaiah 59:8, "The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace."
• John 14:6, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
• Romans 5:17, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ."

Her spiritual guide, Eckhart Tolle, when asked what happens when we die, answered, "I don't give it any thought." That's a great answer for a child of Satan! None on the losing side likes to think about what is going to happen to them in the end.

Oprah says her own objection to religion began when she heard a preacher say that God was a jealous god. She could not rationalize that with what she felt God should be. She could not believe that God is a jealous God. Let me help make this clear by posting some more Scripture:

• Exodus 20:5, "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me"
• Exodus 34:14, "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
• Joshua 24:19, "...He is a holy God; he is a jealous God."
• The list goes on: Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9, 6:15, 32:21; Joshua 24:19; Nahum 1:2
• The Apostle Paul even said, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy." (2 Corinthians 11:2)

My hope is that in hearing this, you are able to reach out to someone you know and show them how dangerous this kind of teaching can be. Men, be sure your wives are grounded in the truth and are not following this wolf in sheep's clothing! Women be wise. Don't allow this garbage in your mind or your homes. Job 28:28, "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."

Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Terminal Distraction

I was so excited! I had won an all-expense paid trip to an island paradise and it was finally time to leave.

As the car arrived to take me to the terminal, the trim sparkled, the tires glistened, and the glass was like crystal. I was welcomed into the car by the suppleness of the leather and the smoothness of everything I touched. The powerful engine quickly propelled me to the terminal.

At the terminal, I was pampered with luxury. Attendants carried my bags and I was left to tarry there in the terminal. I wandered the great hall and found there a means to meet my every desire. I found a cushioned place in which to rest, and escaped in various stories I found in the vast bookstore. I indulged in the decadence of an endless supply of cinnamon pastries and soft pretzels, until the thought of my destination seemed a distant memory. I made up my mind to live in that terminal and be quite content.

Then, as I reclined somewhere between the shoeshine stand and the pizza vendor, a stranger approached me, dressed in an apron. He seemed to know exactly who I was, and addressed me by my name. He handed me a tropical cocktail with all the vibrant colors and succulent delicacies of the islands. When I sat up to pay the strange servant, he simply said, “I have paid the price. Remember me!”

I leaned forward and took a sip. As the fragrant concoction washed over my tongue, I could almost see the coconut trees! I took a bit of pineapple off the rim of my cup and put it into my mouth. The beaches! The warm breeze! I could taste it! I could feel it. I could remember it. All at once, in the tasting of the stuff of that token cup, what I was missing became apparent to me.

How could I have been so blinded by the distractions of the port that I forgot my destination? How could I have fallen in love with the props and glamor of the terminal that I had betrayed the prospect of paradise?

This life and everything in it are mere distractions. Fear, pride, greed, lust, fanaticism, ambition, these are the idolatries that seek to divide us from our devotion to the goal.

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul describes the purpose of the bread and wine of our communion sacrament, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” “Do this, whenever you drink it,” Christ instructed, “in remembrance of me.”

Remember Him! Do not be distracted by the illusions of this world and all its cares.

Remember Him! Proclaim His death until He comes. Claim it for yourself.

Remember Him! Apply the Bread of His flesh to your dry bones.

Remember Him! Wash white your filthy existence in the blood of the Lamb.

Remember Him! Consider the lashes He bore for your sin, the price He paid for your redemption.

Remember Him! Take now this token meal, and look forward to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb!

'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' These are the true words of God. (Rev.19:9)

Remember Him!



Note to reader(s): I haven't posted in a while, because I would rather be silent than write when I have nothing to say. When the Spirit moves me to write, I write. When I have nothing to say, I read or pray. It was time for another communion meditation, so I forced myself to write. What do you know? When you schedule an appointment with the Spirit, God never fails!

Wisdom from a Retiring Journalist

Karen Brune Mathis, in a farewell article in the Florida Times Union, outlined ten of the life lessons a career in journalism has taught her. What follows are her main points with scripture to back up each one. (Please read her entire article.)

1. Courtesy is currency.

Galations 6:9 , Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Ephesians 4:2 , Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Galatians 5:14 , The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

2. Some people are jerks.

Matthew 10:14 , If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

3. There's power in speaking up.

1 Timothy 4:15-16 , Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

4. You must stand your ground.

Luke 21:19 , By standing firm you will gain life.

1 Corinthians 15:58 , Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

5. Lying backfires.

Psalm 5:6 , You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

1 Peter 3:10 (Psalm 34:12-13 ),Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

6. Watch your words.

Matthew 12:35-37 , The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

Micah 7:5 , Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words.

7. Cliches and curses are annoying.

Proverbs 8:13 , To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

James 3:2 , We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

8. Expand your comfort zone.

Joshua 10:25 , Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."

1 Chronicles 4:10 , Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

Matthew 28:19-20 , Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

9. Compassion is good in large measure.

Ephesians 4:32 , Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 Peter 3:8 , Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

10. So is skepticism.

Mark 4:24 , "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued.

2 Corinthians 13:1 (Deuteronomy 19:15 ), Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra is one of my favorite musical groups. I didn’t know anyone else knew who they were...until today. As I was reading over my blog subscriptions, I found a post by Derry Prenkert about the 12-piece Christian Big-Band being featured on FOX’s Next Great American Band. Kudos to them and YAY for me! (I'll be able to get more DMHO CDs in the future.)

Visit: http://nextgreatband.msn.com/ngb/bands/denver, then buy their CDs at http://www.denvermho.com/.

Oh, yeah! This is a blog dedicated to the discourse of Scripture! Umm.... How about this:

2 Chronicles 5:13-14,

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.

The Death of a Friend: Permission to Weep

The Gospel of John is one of my favorite books. I like John. Perhaps it is because John was the close friend of Jesus. When Jesus excluded Himself from the crowd, He always took with him Peter, James, and John. The witnesses to the Transfiguration were Peter, James, and John. John was the one reclining against Jesus at the Last Supper, and it was John to whom Jesus entrusted the care of his aging mother as he hung upon the cross. John even referred to himself as “the apostle whom Jesus loved.” The Gospel of John is riddled with symbolism and mysterious language that screams out to one who looks for it. It is the Gospel of Jesus according to one of His closest friends.

The eleventh chapter of John is one of my favorite passages. All the stories of Jesus, even those told prophetically in the Old Testament, help us to know who He is, but it is in this chapter that the humanness of Jesus becomes real to me. It is this chapter in which we find the story of Lazarus, who was also described as Jesus’ friend. Lazarus, a resident of Bethany, with whom Jesus would often stay when He was traveling, was the brother of Mary and Martha, the two about whom we read in Luke 10. Mary was the woman who would later anoint Jesus’ feet with perfume six days before His final Passover while He reclined with Lazarus in their home (John 12). (Mary is often confused with another woman who came into the house of the Pharisee to weep on Jesus’ feet and anoint them with perfume. See Luke 7.) The point is that Jesus would go to Lazarus’ house and just hang out… He could be found there, “just chillin’,” as the kids in our youth group would say. As humanizing as that sounds, this is still not what makes Jesus real to me. Although I must admit an image of Christ patting His belly after a big meal and putting his feet up does lend itself to a little better familiarity!

In the eleventh chapter of John, we read about the death of Jesus’ close friend. Some of us remember this chapter as home to the shortest memory verse in the Bible, John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” I remember this chapter because of the biggest verse in the Bible with regard to His relating to my feelings. It is the same verse, “Jesus wept.”

We all know the story. Lazarus became ill, and his sisters summoned Jesus, saying, “The one you love is sick.” Jesus waited at the Jordan a couple days and then told His disciples to pack up for a trip back to Judea, where folks just tried to kill Him. Lazarus’ sister, Martha, ran to Jesus, overcome with grief, even though she was filled with the Holy Spirit enough to recognize and announce (v. 27) that He was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus, confronted by the mourners, welcomed by friends, in the company of the weeping crowd, demonstrates the humanity of Christ as it really begins to blend and conflict with his son-ship of God: “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” (v. 33) As they led Him to the place where Lazarus had been entombed for four days, “Jesus wept.”

The magic of Scripture is its living attributes. One passage holds numerous truths. One could devote years to the study of this one chapter. Not the least of these prismatic truths is the allegorical relation of Lazarus to mankind, and Christ’s delayed response to call us from our spiritual sickness which leads to death. There is His willingness to enter a hostile territory to be among those in need of His ministry. The call of Christ to, “come forth,” from out of the grave seems to foreshadow the mysterious death Christ Himself will endure very soon. But the thing about this passage I carry in my heart is that Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, in all His power and might, with all the command of the angelic realms, and the foreknowledge of what was about to happen, wept for His friend. Lazarus was about to be called forth from his grave. Jesus knew that! He had announced that intent to his disciples two days prior. When I was a kid, I wondered why Jesus would cry at that moment, since He knew He was about to wake Lazarus up anyway. That’s the way someone thinks who has never experienced the separation of death. Jesus didn’t seem troubled about the task at hand when He was reclining on the banks of the Jordan River. He knew what the plan was…but He didn’t know the pain yet. He didn’t begin to feel that way until verse 33, when he became deeply moved and troubled.

Have you ever endured something really tragic, and felt you had done a good job holding it together emotionally, just to break down completely the first time you tell the story to another person? That happens to me a lot. I can be strong and hold it all together, but then when I call my wife to let her know what has been going on, I end up crying on the phone. I believe this is the type of weeping that is common to all humanity, and unless our Savior had experienced it, we might be tempted to say, “You, who are God, wouldn’t know what I’m feeling right now.” But, Jesus wept. Thank God for weeping! Because of this experience, He can really understand what I feel right now.

My friend is absent from the body and present with the Father. I am happy for him. But I am sad for me. My desire to want him with me makes me weep, although I know it is in his best interest to be with God. It is the pain I witness on the faces of those around me that makes me hurt, because I know they only feel the same way I feel: I miss him while he’s gone. There is no sting in death, and no victory in the grave, but the anguish of the bereaved is real and understandable. What would Jesus do? Even if Jesus knew he was going to raise our dearly departed from the grave, He would still weep. Brothers and sisters, allow me permission to weep, and give yourselves permission to do the same.

Encourage One Another Daily

Why does it seem so difficult to follow Paul’s simple instruction to, “Encourage one another daily”? (Hebrews 3:13, “…Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today.”) I have never received encouragement that I didn’t appreciate. I don’t know anyone who has. Oh, sure, there are times when it makes us uncomfortable. When caught off guard, a compliment can certainly make us blush. But even the simplest expression of warmth is always welcome. Why, then, do we make a habit of clamming up when we ought to be bubbling with statements of stimulation and mouthfuls of motivation?

I can think of a few reasons off the top of my head:

1) We think we are too busy. Satan’s number one mission is to distract us from our primary purpose. What is our purpose in life? Satan’s job is so much easier if you don’t know! It is to do good to and for others. (Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”) When we are “too busy” to fulfill our purpose, we are deluded, and Satan has succeeded in distracting us from our mission as ambassadors for Christ. It is time we reevaluated our priorities and realigned them with the Word of God.

2) We, either intentionally or subconsciously, are withholding encouragement from someone who has disappointed us. This one is tricky. Only the truly honest will confess to having done this. Have you ever noticed that your wife got a nice new pair of shoes, or a haircut or whatever, but refused to pay her a compliment because you were stewing over what she may have spent? Have you held back a cheerful, “I’m proud of you,” when your teenager finally gets something right, because you’re still choking on the bitterness of all her past failures? Ladies, do you intentionally rob your husbands of the loving caress and soft words you know he needs after a hard day, just because he growled at your dog on his way in the door? This practice of harboring bitterness and reflecting it in quiet neglect is known as “passive aggression,” and such behavior should have no place in the Christian life. (Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”) This passive aggression is a form of idolatry, the idolatry of selfishness. When we put our own expectations ahead of our commission to serve one another, we displace God in our priorities. (Galatians 5:13b-14, “…Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."”)

3) We can’t think of anything appropriate to say. The last excuse is the lousiest, and it too is a lie. What we mean when we use this excuse is that we can’t think of anything new, fresh, or exciting. We feel like any means of encouragement must be an original thought. If we repeat something someone else has used, we will sound corny. Or maybe we feel that our words of affirmation will be inappropriately received or will not be appreciated as meaningful enough. Again, we have placed too much emphasis on what we feel and not enough on our mission to do good for others. (Hebrews 10:25, “…but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”)

The Lord has spent Himself to bring us His love letter, the Word of God. He has done this to teach and encourage us along our way. (Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”) Let us follow the model of God, and spend our time sharing the encouragement of the message of God: that is, of love, grace, forgiveness and peace with anyone with whom we have contact.

Who can you encourage today?

Reach, Throw, and Go

Derry Prenkert, fellow Christian blogger and Youth Minister at Nappanee Missionary Church, has been posting a lot of news of the aftermath of last week's tornado that tore through Nappanee, Indiana. As I read his blog, I am reminded of the many opportunities all around us for the kind of "works of service" to which we are called and about which I wrote in yesterday's post. There are things we can all do, and the formula reminds me of the easy-to-remember chant for water rescue: Reach, Throw, Go.

First of all, reach out to those affected in prayer. This is the simplest response, but often the most overlooked. If this step is omitted, all other plans fail. Even a rescue vessel can run over a drowning victim if no one reaches out. One glance at NMC's website, and you will see that is a church congregation on the verge of big things. No wonder they are under attack! It is the Body of Christ's job to be covering them in prayer while they go through this time of trial. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)

Second, (throw) send what you can: encouragement, money, materials. Sometimes, a sinking swimmer could use a lifeline. Toss something to them that will help them to help themselves. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galations 6:10) Encouragement fuels the weary soul. Share it when you can. Money makes the world a little smaller and recovery a little faster. We all know folks need it, and few will ask for it. Throw some when you can. In disasters such as these, I know from experience that materials are necessary, but often sent without forethought. Meaning well is admirable, but doing well is helpful. Find out what is needed before you dump all your unwanted items into Indiana. Most recovery projects require a certain type of lumber or a certain uniformity of whatever product is being used. Cash is almost always better. Besides, it costs less to transport your check than a truckload of the wrong size lumber.

Third, go if you are able. This is the point at which you realize you have done all you can without getting wet, and it's still not working. It's time to dive in. The Christian attitude of rescue should be one that does as much to save another as it would to save itself. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. " (Philipians 2:4) This requires preparation and insight. When Hurricane Katrina sent evacuees our way, I had to tell a lot of volunteers they were not needed because they just showed up without a plan. Contact somebody while you are reaching and throwing, and ask if going is appropriate. In some cases it is. I don't know if this is one of those cases. If you are able, find out. This step also has the greatest risk attached. That is why it is used as a last resort in water rescue. When we reach out by extending our prayers we risk nothing. When we dive in, we present ourselves as a sacrifice to the ministry we undertake. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

This is the formula for all ministry: REACH, THROW, GO. See how you can apply it to Nappanee Missionary Church, then in your neighborhood, then in your world.

The SIX Ministry Gifts

Ephesians 4:11-16

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

How often have we heard of the "five-fold ministry gifts": apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers? I was just reading this to prepare for a Bible study when I realized that there are six ministry gifts, not five. The one that always gets omitted is "God's people" prepared for works of service. It is only with this sixth ministerial appointment that the Church can grow and build itself up in love. It is only as that part does its work that the Church has any meaning at all!

Apostles were (or are, depending on how loosely you apply that title) designated by God to lay the foundations of God's global Church. Prophets, likewise, are those empowered by God to bring the Word of God to the Church. Evangelists are tasked with spreading the Gospel. Pastors shepherd (lead, guide, direct and oversee) the local flocks of the Church. Teachers are those entrusted to instruct the Church in the ways and will of God. If ministry to and for the Church were all there was, the Body of Christ would still be entombed, cut off from the people He came to serve. Jesus demonstrated that His love was for the whole world, and He instructed us all, as witnesses of that love, to share it in "works of service."

• "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)


• "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galations 6:9)


• "…Serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself ."" (Galations 5:13-14)

I will always consider the greatest tragedy of Jesus Christ's global Church is that it divides itself on the basis of the gifts of God. One says, "Because I am not a minister as you define it, I am not a part of your group," another says, "Because I refuse to believe that your ministry gift exists today, I cannot include you in my group." The voice that seems most prevalent of all is the Christian who has been muted by idleness. It is the voice that says, "Because I am not an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, I am just an attendee." There is not one member of Jesus Christ's global Church who is not called to the ministry of others. What is the point of building a foundation, speaking the Word of God, recruiting members, organizing the group, and teaching them, just to watch the Body of Christ sit on its hands? It is the group defined as "God's People" who will do the lion's share of ministry. It is the job of the previous five to equip them and then jump in and participate in the efforts of the Church…"until we reach unity!"

The work is not done until it passes inspection. "Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (v. 13) our work is not done. The foundations have been laid, and the ministries are active, but the Body has not yet grown into the Head. The work is not yet complete. We have not reached unity. Oh, that God's will for His Church would be fulfilled! "From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (v. 16)

Prepare for the Flood

I suppose every child of a human mother grows up to have at least one critical point in their lives, a place that changes the course of their life. It is times like these when what a man does, the path he chooses, and the way he takes is entirely dependent upon the things he has come to learn. Before truth can be applied, its foundation must be laid in the heart. As Christians, we have an obligation to share the truth with people who may not seem interested, so that they are equipped for the day when they will be desperate for it.

My Heavenly Father prepared me when I was young for the day when I would cry out to Him when I was old. He placed me in a loving home with parents who prayed for me and with me. He sat me down on the floor with my family and spoke to me while Mother read Bible stories and Daddy prayed and helped us apply truth to our lives. He gave me Sunday School teachers with enough patience to scratch a little groove of knowledge into my distracted mind, no matter how many times I rearranged the felt-board characters into war scenes. Abba orchestrated the lives of several ministers and youth sponsors who would sow countless seeds of scriptural knowledge in my youthful mind, and who modeled practical Christianity before my inquiring eyes. Why? Because the day of trial comes like floods on a shaky house, testing the foundation on which we have built. If the seeds of truth are planted deep inside, that watery flood serves only to stir them up, and under the warmth of the Holy Spirit, they are drawn upon to bloom into obedience, spreading their fragrance of faith, hope and kindness to the everlasting glory of God the perfect Vinedresser.

When I was a boy, I heard a story of a prophet. He teased the prophets of Baal and glorified the God of Israel. He soaked an offering, an altar, and the soil around it in gallons of precious water during a drought-induced famine just to prove God's power. When the test of life came to me, I remembered Elijah's example . When the earth began to quake under my feet, the enemy swarmed around my camp, and all I loved was taken from me, I was able to pick myself out of the dust, tilt up the brim of my soiled hat, sneer at the enemy and say, "It's just another jar of water! You better stand back, 'cause Daddy's taking the stone with Him when He strikes His blow." How could I have taken any stand at all without the example of Elijah, and how could I have known of that victory unless somebody told me?

Again, I heard of a man with a tendency to speak his mind, sometimes before his mind had a chance to stop him. Peter was eager to please, and eager to be with the Lord. When all else were scared, and content to be comforted by the Lord's voice calling out to them from across the water, Peter dared to push the limit. "Have me come to you." What an expression of trust! Peter learned that the wind, though invisible, can steal your focus away. Peter learned that waves licking at your ankles can drop your gaze. Peter learned that the flood of trial can draw you, body and soul, straight down. In my early adulthood, the wind got rough and the waves licked at my own ankles. Because someone took the time to sow the seeds of knowledge about Peter into my life, I was better able to say to the water, "You are a mere annoyance! You are at my feet where you belong, and I will not look at you, because my focus is securely set on my Savior. Although I know the wind is on my cheek, I am entranced with His smile, and I will not take my eyes off Him."

While salvation may begin with the waters of baptism (1 Peter 3:21-22), the baptism that continues to save is not merely the stale water in a cold baptistery (Mark 10:38-39). The many baptisms we must endure, the rains of tribulation, the floods of uncertainty, will all serve to prove what we believe. " See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong. Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind, like a driving rain and a flooding downpour, he will throw it forcefully to the ground." (Isaiah 28:2) By grace through faith a man is saved. By obedience through understanding he will prove it. "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,'" (Matthew 7:22) Many will be abandoned because on the day of their testing they failed to believe and abandoned the Lord. (Matthew 10:32-33) This is the difference between believing in the Lord, which even the demons do (James 2:19), and believing on the Lord (John 6:40) and looking on Him when all else attempts to distract.

Daily, we meet souls without a firm foundation. Sometimes they are closer than we think. Even inside our church congregations tidy little homes with pretty facades and ornate trim keep us from seeing the creaky sub-floors and the sandy foundations. It is our job, as Christ's ambassadors to the world, to share what we know to build others up (Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11) so that when the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, our neighbor can say, "So, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."" (Isaiah 28:16)

Who will you share your victory with today?

Warm Up the Welcome

Jennifer Taylor, Contributing Editor of The Christian Standard (and one of my favorite bloggers), recently wrote this article about making visitors feel more welcome. She really seems to have done her homework on this subject and has some good advice for church leadership and welcome ministries with regard to warming up the welcome at the front door and throughout the church building.

While this topic has little to do with Scripture study, I believe it was worth sharing as it addresses our responsibility to welcome the stranger. Mark 9:37, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Click: http://www.christianstandard.com/articledisplay.asp?id=729

Anger Begins with "I"

A psychologist buddy of mine is fond of saying that anger is a disguise for other feelings: hurt, fear and helplessness. Furthermore, he lectures, each of these feelings that lead to expressions of anger are based in our primal self-centered nature.

"Hurt" refers to the physical, emotional or spiritual pain one might experience. Hurt is summed up by the phrase, "I am in pain." The fear that leads to expressions of anger is the fear of losing what one has or not getting what one wants. It is the primary fear we learned in the crib, and it was usually reinforced when Mother brought us that thing for which we screamed. Helplessness is the feeling of our inability to affect change, and can be summed up in the phrase, "I am powerless."

These three emotions are almost always based on either shame or guilt, two different but similar psychological concepts. Shame relates to self-worth, and is characterized by the sentiment, "I don't measure up." Guilt, on the other hand, has to do with the application of the standards of right and wrong to one's behavior. It is the self-assessment of, "I have done wrong."

As I listened to my friend's lecture on this subject, I couldn't help but test his theories by examining on my own tendencies toward expressions of anger. Not only did I find these concepts to be true, I was immediately stricken by the observation that every one of these emotions is unnecessary in the life of one who has been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ!

Shame, the feeling of worthlessness, should be completely annulled by the kinship we have with the Creator. Because Jesus redeemed us and paid the debt our sin required, we are his relative. As purchased children of the Most High, we have no reason to find ourselves in any way worthless. Guilt, likewise, has been atoned for by the grace of Jesus' sacrifice. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ." (Romans 8:1 ) Hurt, fear and helplessness, the three emotional responses to shame and guilt, have no place in the life of a Christian because at the root of each of them is the idolatry of selfishness. "I am in pain," "I want," and "I am powerless," all have one thing in common: they have self on the throne where Christ should be.

Disappointment only comes when expectations are not realized. When we build up false expectations with ourselves at the center, we are bound to be disappointed. But when the Lord is seated on the throne of our lives, and self is routinely kept in its place, everlasting joy is possible. Jesus said, " If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." ( Luke 9:23)

Consider God's response to Job when he dared to presume he did not deserve affliction. God's response in Job chapters 38-41 was basically, "Who do you think you are?" (paraphrase mine) When we find ourselves in pain, we should, as Paul put it in Romans 5, "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us… " When we feel afraid, we should remember the words of Jesus, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell ." (Matthew 10:28 ) When we feel helpless, we are called to follow the example of Paul, and delight in our weakness. " 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) In order to defeat anger and the bitterness that can result from it, we must break the habit of self-absorption. When we can truly put self on the cross, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices ( Romans 12:1-3), we free our spirits to walk in real joy with the Way, the Truth and the Life.