Posted by David on December 21, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
Now for many is the time for renewed hope. We are accustomed to life in a world of failed expectation. We need “someone” who “can do something about it.” No matter what the age we examine, war continues; poverty is a part of existence; injustice flourishes; sickness rages; and death is inescapable.
We have grown so accustomed to these realities that we no longer expect an end to war, poverty, injustice, sickness, or death. When a war ends, we “know” another will arise (does anyone remember WWI?). When one case of poverty ends, several more replace it (around 600 people came Saturday to the Hope Chest). When one form of injustice ends, others appear (the “cigar-filled room” that often controlled a political process is replaced with technological injustices). When a sickness is “conquered,” others arise (remember a world without AIDS?). Physical death is the ultimate reality for all physically born (contrast a 1996 church directory with the 2006 church directory). If hope is based on any of these ceasing in physical existence, all that occurs is disappointment.
Hope always comes at a price. The hope we place in the infant Jesus ended in physical death in a Roman execution. Hope did not die. Jesus died. Hope continued in his resurrection. The baby became a man who physically died. That was hope’s price.
Do not expect a physical existence of no war, no poverty, no injustice, no sickness, or no death. The hope of his birth was the hope of his cross. The hope of his cross was the hope of his resurrection. The hope of his resurrection was our hope of life in God’s presence. In that “place” there is no war, no poverty, no injustice, no sickness, and no death.
God’s hope is not the hope of wishing. It is the hope of expectation. Anticipation must be a factor in Christian hope! Because we are “good”? NO! Because the good God gave us hope in all He did in Jesus’ death and resurrection!
Often this week I heard Joyce say: “Why should I want to live my life over? I am closer to heaven now than I was in my past. Why should I want to go back?”
Because of Jesus, you can live with God. You cannot go back. Do what is possible!
Posted by David on December 14, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
“Can you believe he/she did that? If anyone deserved the struggles he/she endures daily, he/she is that person! Whatever he/she endures, he/she brought it on himself/herself!”
After the mockery of the trials, after a sham “conviction” that sought perjured testimony, after the beating, after the crown of thorns, after the ridicule, after the humiliation of attempting to carry the cross, after the pain of being nailed to the cross, after the agony of being suspended by means of the cross, after experiencing the screaming pain of execution, Jesus made this statement (recorded in Luke 23:34):
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
I wonder how many times when I do something really stupid and thoughtless, that Jesus as my mediator before God, makes the same request for me. I wonder how often when in “good intentioned” ignorance, I am an obstacle rather than a help to God’s purposes, and Jesus asks for my forgiveness.
It has been said that the purpose of a good education is to reveal to us the realities of our ignorance. May I suggest that one of life’s purposes is to reveal to us our incredible ignorance? It is only when we see our ignorance that we know we need a Savior.
Wisdom is not the result of how much we know, but the result of being honest with self and others about how much we do not know. No one is as much the victim of ignorance as the person who is convinced he/she knows everything about anything.
The objective of Christianity is NOT to make us dogmatic, but compassionate. No one was ever in a situation to justly allow people to bear the consequences of their own ignorance as was Jesus in his crucifixion. Yet, in full knowledge of what God was doing, Jesus asked for forgiveness of those who rejected him in the bravado of their genuine ignorance.
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to this earth. Thank you for showing us compassion when we deserved (and continue to deserve) justice. Though we continue causing you pain, you show us love. May you never stop being our example of compassion’s meaning!
Posted by David on December 7, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
This morning was interesting. It began by my reading an obituary of a friend, a doctor, killed in a car accident at 53 years of age. I knew him first as a single student in some of my Bible classes at a student center. The young lady who became his wife was in those classes. It is very difficult to believe that a friend 13 years younger than me is no longer a part of earthly life. To me, that is quite sobering!
Shortly after that, I read Joe Pistole’s message about the death of Andrew Brady. He was a young, unmarried coach in a Christian school with deep roots in this Christian community. An aneurysm unexpectedly took his life and devastated his parents!
My point is to challenge us to be sober and appreciative. I do not seek to be morbid!
Among those who believe Jesus Christ is God’s son who provides the world with salvation, this time of the year is hope-filled. God’s promise to do something unique provided past hope. The Son’s coming made that hope a reality. His hope of resurrection makes life meaningful now. That hope gives the future its greatest meaning.
Prior to Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, life and the world were pretty hopeless. Without the resurrected Jesus, they still are. No matter what we accumulate, what we have, or what we are worth, it is all temporary. As the present quickly becomes the past, the haunting question is, “Why? Why does it matter?”
May I paraphrase a statement in a lesson Jesus gave? In the context of those who chased security through theological correctness (Matthew 5:21-6:18), those who chased security through possessions (Matthew 6:19-24), and those who worried because of what they did not have (Matthew 6:25-33), Jesus challenged people to look at “today” differently.
All we can do with the past is learn from it. All we can do with the future is worry about what it will bring. If we spend today fretting about the past or being anxious about the future, all we achieve is a wasting of “now.” Be alive “now.” Do good “now.” Never neglect the problems and challenges of “now.”
The truth is this: All we have is “now.” “Now” learns from the past, refuses to waste itself worrying about the future, and takes care of “now’s” needs.
Do not waste today thinking about what you should have done. Do not waste it fretting about the future. Use “now” well because it is all you have.
Accept these facts. Security is not found in theological positions. Security is not found in possessions. Security is not found in anxiety. Security is found in the resurrection by those who are wise enough to use “now” as an investment in God.
Never stop being grateful for what you have. Never look at the temporary as permanent.
Posted by David on November 30, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
Why did I dread the holiday season? I dreaded it because I seemed powerless as an onslaught of depressed people surrounded me. For many, this is a depressing time of the year. The millions of dollars spent in advertising to elevate expectations create either a false hope or force people to deal with a painful reality. Either they expect something unexplainable to happen that will not happen, or they are painfully reminded of what they have lost. All I had to use to console the depressed was the message (a) that there are no ideal families, (b) there are no ideal friends, and (c) often personal desires are not fulfilled in our physical world.
For a family who has experienced a death, for a person living in inescapable poverty, for those victimized by troubled relationships, and for those who have always wanted what many they watch take for granted, this is not a time filled with joy. It is a time filled with reminders of what they do not have and are powerless to change.
To the depressed, overwhelming questions crash upon them like the tidal wave that precedes a coastal flood. “Why me?” “What is so undesirable about me?” “Why do I not have what everyone else has?” “Why can I not experience my desires?” “Why have I experienced so much trouble and so little joy?” “What did I do to deserve this?”
May I make some suggestions about making this a tolerable time of the year for most? First, be grateful. When you take your eyes off of what you do not have and place them on what you do have, it changes your priorities. Second, do not minimize the agony of the troubled. I understood long ago that if I changed places with the struggling, I most likely would be worse than they. Third, encourage those you know who struggle. It is amazing how awareness of the struggling, thoughtful statements, and kindness can change perspectives. Fourth, realize we exist in an unjust world. You cannot eliminate all injustice, but you can represent the God who cares and is the source of hope.
God’s good news is not about physical circumstances. It is about eternal realities.
Hebrews 2:17, 18 “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
Posted by David on November 16, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
There is no way Joyce and I could begin to thank you for the many, many kindnesses of last Sunday. The thoughts, written notes, and vocal expressions of love and appreciation touched us. We are delighted my mother was here to witness your love and kindness. Many times she said, “This is the best possible place you could be.” Thank you for the love that provided her so much joy and reassurance, and provided us so much gratitude.
When I think back a decade to the time we considered moving here, I recall critical blessings. I think of Duane and Marquetta Walker’s role in our coming. They opened the “possibility door.” I think of Jim and Deborah Wilson’s assurances. [These four were the only adults we knew in this area.] I think of the elders’ constant encouragements and their willingness to hire a 56 year-old man. I think of the Oxford visit made by the Matt Griffins and the Paul Shirleys. I think of all the potential for growth and development God placed here.
As I think of beginning our work together, I think of Helen Pratt’s assistance. I think of the countless ways Brad Pistole helped me. I think of Roy Dunavin’s encouragements. I think of the endless help of the secretaries. I think of your personal prayers and encouragements. I think of how quickly all of you made us feel “at home.”
Several asked if we were leaving. I asked, “Do you know something I do not know?” Joyce and I hope to be a part of you for a long time. As the last year and a half has proven to me, none of us know what lies ahead. At this time, we have no plans to leave West-Ark. I told several they could nickname me “velcro.” I have no doubt that my role will change, but we hope to continue to be part of you.
We feel blessed and humbled to be a part of you. We thank God that we have been and are blessed by all who have been part of our lives the last ten years! No congregation will ever be perfect, but opportunities always will increase if we are devoted to God’s purposes in Jesus Christ. Because we are, may God always be praised and honored!
Ephesians 4:30 “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Posted by David on November 9, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
When Paul wrote those encouragements to the Christians at Thessalonica, the situation in that Christian community was not wonderful with a rosy physical outlook. Though Paul, as he often did, opened his letter with words of encouragement and appreciation, it is obvious in chapter 2 that some in the Christian community attacked Paul’s original motives for planting the church there. In chapter 3 Paul even explained why he sent Timothy back to them when his company had to leave hastily (Acts 17:1-10). In chapter 4 Paul warned them against sexual immorality and challenged them to continue growth in love. He also urged them not to grieve as godless people grieved. There actually were some Christians who thought death prevented a Christian from receiving God’s blessings in Christ. In chapter 5 there was serious confusion about the end of time, about proper attitudes toward leaders, and about treatment of Christians who made mistakes.
2 Thessalonians revealed the situation continued to be bad. There was suffering (1:5) with the encouragement to leave retribution in God’s hands. There was continuing confusion about Jesus’ return (2:1-5), Christians deliberately living ungodly lives (3:6-9), Christians refusing to provide for themselves (3:10-15), and gossips among them (the same reference).
To these Christians in these circumstances, Paul encouraged rejoicing. To me, that suggests two insights into Christian rejoicing. (1) Our rejoicing results from being in Christ, (2) not from wonderful physical things happening in our lives.
Three weeks ago a couple asked me why I was so happy. My first internal reaction was that I was not aware of being happy-I was just being me. After time to reflect, I wondered, “Why shouldn’t I be happy?” I have a wonderful wife who loves me. I have children who care about me. I have an extended family who is supportive. I have more caring friends than I deserve. I am part of a congregation that tirelessly encourages me. I have a spiritual leadership who provides me opportunity. I have an understanding God who forgives me. I have a Savior who strengthens me. I likely know as much about my future as anyone knows. Would I be happier if I did not have and enjoy that?
Would that every Christian (man; woman; teen) would say seriously, “My desire is for you to be a better person because you know me.” Husbands would be better husbands; wives would be better wives; children would be better children; friends would be better friends; neighbors would be better neighbors; communities would be better communities; Christians would be better Christians; congregations would be better congregations.
The results? God would be glorified. Christ would be served. We would grow.
Be happy in Christ! May people be encouraged because they know you!
Posted by David on October 26, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
I once visited two countries that regarded personal opinions as dangerous. In one, people were reserved in public. In the other, people were publicly mute-even people in large cities walked silently as if they had no friends (they were privately warm and gracious). Many could cause harm, but no one could help you. Thus, publicly, it was best to say nothing.
I once observed voting where all candidates were pre-selected and pre-approved. The vote only said a citizen agreed with the choice. Though many could not vote, over 95% of the population agreed with the selections. In the absence of voter registration, voters were marked with water soluble ink easily washed off outside a polling site.
A good friend, a citizen, explained the situation in this way: “We are not ready for two-party Democracy, so we just have one party. No one wants to vote twice-why would he or she do so?” When I asked what happened if you disagreed, the friend said you might disappear. Thus the only choices were agree or keep silent.
Imagine living in such places! If we did, situations would change quickly and radically! We think too little about our freedoms and their contribution to our daily lives. When was the last time you were literally afraid to voice an opinion? More people live in the three situations I described than in our situation! Yet, we seem to endorse apathy.
West-Ark is far from perfect, but it is often unique as we seek to grow towards God’s priorities and concepts. One such uniqueness is having a leadership who values our input. Their task is enormous! Often important factors in a decision are not evident. Perfect men? No! Caring men? Yes! Men who carefully consider what you say? Yes!
In a lifetime of preaching, the most constant complaint I heard regarding leaders was this: “They never want input! They never listen to the congregation!” At least four times yearly your leaders provide opportunity for public input. They want and seek it as they listen! The purposes of the Family Meetings are two fold: (1) to inform you; and (2) to solicit your input. Is it at times less than stimulating? Yes, but so is leading. Rarely will it be “Hurrah” material. Often it is direction material. Always, your input is wanted.
Please do not respond with apathy and silence. Come not only this Sunday night, but to all Family Meetings. Say, “Thanks,” with your voice and your presence! Ignorance is the same whether uninformed, apathetic, or unlearned. Ignorance is ignorance, regardless of its cause. Your leaders say you matter. What do you say?
Posted by David on October 19, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
No more! Now ?casual’ is the appropriate attire on many occasions, and ?casual’ is defined by the one who wears-not the occasion. We used to show respect by what we wore. If most of us declare anything by our clothing now, wonder what it is?
When God looks on us, He sees us for what we are. Clothing does not hide sin or conceal faithlessness. God sees character flaws, not skin blemishes. He sees the negative emotions we try to hide. He sees lousy attitudes we conceal. He sees genuine heart motives. Every moment of every day in every situation, He sees the ?real me’.
The only being in the whole world that knows the total truth about us as individuals is God. Our wife or our husband knows us well, but not like God does. Our kids know many of our inconsistencies, but God knows all of them. Our best friend knows our imperfections, but not as accurately as God knows. He knows all we think. He knows the correct answer to every ?why’? He knows the actual motives in every situation-even when we manage to deceive ourselves. He even knows the controlled but unsaid.
Yet, the most amazing thing is this: He has all that accurate knowledge of us as individuals, and He still loves each of us as a person. He is able to forgive me when I cannot forgive myself. He can forget what I did when I cannot. He can ignore weaknesses that haunt me. When I fail, He will let me begin again as if I never made the mistake. When I absolutely hold myself in contempt, He still cares about me.
When I arrogantly claim I am not responsible for my faults, He can inform me of the worst thing I have done-yet, He still loves me. When I condemn others for their flaws, He shakes His head and, in love, hopes I repent (He sees the two-by-four in my eye while I look at specks in your eye). He sees my anxieties when I justify them, and, in love, hopes I heed Jesus’ call to come to him. He saves me in all my imperfections because He loves me. He asks of us but three core things: (a) let Him be our measuring stick; (b) trust what He did for us in Christ; and (c) love Him in return for His love for us. Being flawless is not a divine expectation. Human flawlessness is never an option.
All I can do is trust Him to love me as much as He says He does. My mistakes may be bigger than your ability to forgive me. However, my mistakes are never bigger than His forgiveness. He can actually love me when I refuse to love myself.
Perhaps this is the greatest expression of faith: to believe God loves me as much as He says He does. Only then will I forgive me because He first forgave me.
Posted by David on October 12, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
“Those were the good old days! Ah, what wonderful memories of past times! When only Jews and proselytes were Christians (Acts 2:10), there was not all the ‘baggage’ those gentile Christians who were former idol worshippers brought into the church. There were only us Jewish and proselyte Christians who knew who God was and understood His spiritual priorities! Now those were the days when you understood the need for suffering and solidarity with fellow believers (see Hebrews 10:32-34).
“But times change! Now the Jewish community wants to force us Jewish Christians completely out! Back in the ?good old days’ it was tough, but we could be both Jews and Christians! No more! Now we must make a choice-we must be one or the other, but not both! There surely is a lot to lose if we are ostracized from the Jewish community!
“We separated ourselves from the Christian community-we did not associate with Christians, go to Christian fellowships, or even worship where Christians were (Hebrews 10:25). Though we were sacrificial Christians, it reached the point it just was not worth it. We were so discouraged we seriously considered quitting the Christian community completely!”
There has never been an age or a culture/society in which it was simple and easy to commit to Jesus Christ! In all ages at all places there were moments of powerful discouragement-even in the early church!
Every Christian has two responsibilities to fill in commitment to Jesus Christ. The first: be a living example of what it means to place faith in Christ. Let your life be a model to those who do not believe, do not just tell them or say “Amen” when others tell them. The second: encourage those who are committed and those who struggle with their commitment. We struggle in an evil world that at times seems to have the advantage. We have enough to contend with without having to contend with each other. All of us need encouragement from each other, not discouragement.
Our Ministry Fair last Sunday was a powerful avenue of encouragement! What an obvious pooling of talent and gifts! It took no imagination to see the multitude blessed by all those efforts! Please use your gifts and talents to benefit others! Not only will those needing help be blessed, but those who are committed will be encouraged. And the cherry on top is this: God will never forget what you do!
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints (Hebrews 6:10).
Posted by David on October 5, 2006 under Bulletin Articles
Jesus said twice in the same sermon: “You have heard that it was said, ?You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48) “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) He said again in Matthew 22:39 that the second greatest command God has given is this: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Paul said to a congregation in Rome: “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ?You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ?You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8-10)
Peter said, “Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
John said, “Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:7-11)
Very high on God’s priority list is loving people made in His image and likeness. Where does loving people come on your priority list?
