Be a Barnabas

I have been known from time to time to push it with the gas gauge.  Many of you have probably done the same thing before.  The gas light goes on and you figure you’ve got at least 30 more miles.  Sometimes I will go a couple of days with the gas light on and one time it cost me.  I ended up stranded within sight of the gas station on a rare but cold and blistery day in California.  Even though I could see the gas station it was a mile away.  I was out of gas, cold and miserable. 

            Cars need gas to run and so do we.  Our life can feel like mine did that day as my car ran out of gas.  We need to get fueled up!  There are people in my life that energize me and one of them is my nephew, Kenny.  Kenny loves the Lord and is positive that I always feel energized being around him.  He is a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Ewing Sacrcoma at the ripe old age of 14.  Even in the bleakness of that day, Kenny energized me.  I called him and he came and rescued me from the coldness of that day and it soon became a great story.  We all need Kenny’s in our life.  People who encourage us and make the challenges look exciting and fun rather than massive and unattainable.  When doctors told Kenny he wouldn’t walk again, he remained positive and he walks.  When doctors told Kenny he’d need a cane Kenny remained positive and needs no cane today.  He’s 23 now, he loves God more than ever and he is a light for Him in way he cannot even fathom.

            In Acts there was a Kenny too.  His name was Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”, and he certainly lived up to his name.  Barnabas was a pivotal character in the New Testament but could go unnoticed because he doesn’t get a lot of ink.  Barnabas is the first giver we see in Acts.  He sees a need and he responds without so much as a word.  But what I love most about Barnabas is that he stands in the gap for Paul.  All of the Christians were afraid of Paul and with good reason, he had spent every waking breath trying to stop them until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.  Barnabas sees the way God has gifted Paul and he stands with him when others are too afraid…

Acts 9:26-27 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

            Barnabas is an encourager.  He sees the possibilities in others when we see the flaws.  He is the brother in Paul’s life who gives him the opportunity to serve and disciples him.  When it comes time for the Gospel to go the Gentiles and Barnabas is to pick his team, Paul is his choice.  Paul becomes the voice to the gentiles but it is because he has a Barnabas who believes in him and encourages him.

            People, just like cars, need fuel.  We need to have people that energize us help us to keep going despite the obstacles.  Where do you go to get fueled up?  Do you fuel people up or do you siphon from them?  As we continue this week in our series “No One Stands Alone”, perhaps we need to ask ourselves, “How can I be a Barnabas?”  How can I encourage someone?  How can I help them see light in the darkness?  My hope and prayer for you this week, as we look at Barnabas “Son of Encouragement”, is that you are encouraged.

Have a Great Week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

Creation Cries Out for It's Creator Too

Life can be hard, there is no doubt about that.  There are days when we have to ask ourselves, “When will you return God?  When will the suffering end?”  As I looked at the devastation caused by the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and Joplin I am reminded that it is not only us that cry out for our Savior.  Even creation cries out for  redemption…

Romans 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Over the past several years there has been a lot of speculation as to the cause of global warming and what to do about it.  There has been conversation about the effects and perhaps we are seeing some of that.  

            The other day I was having a conversation with Mom, who lives in California.  Seeing the effects of a tornado, Mom said, “I’ll take an earthquake any day!”  No matter where we live creation cries out.  Some have tornadoes, some have earthquakes, others have volcanoes or tsunamis.  No matter where we go creation is crying out just as we are.  

            So what does it mean for us?  How do we respond?  God calls us, as the Church, to be an extension of his love and grace.  Too often we get stuck trying to explain the unexplainable.  I cannot explain to you why natural disasters occur other than what I just explained earlier, creation is crying out for a Savior.  It is the fallenness of creation.  But I do know how God calls us to respond….

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Ephesians 6:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We can respond, first of all, in empathy and pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering through loss during these times.   Perhaps God has asked you to give or even go and help during these times.  We should always be listening for what God is asking us to do. 

            Harold Camping may have got the date wrong of the Lord’s return but it is still eminent.  Until he returns we will see all of creation crying out, that includes the destructive forces of nature.  I don’t know if I prefer an earthquake to a tornado, frankly they both seem terrifying.  Seeing these natural forces makes me realize how powerful God is and how powerless I am.   So where is the hope in all of this?  The hope is in what is yet to be seen.  Creation cries out, we cry out and God answered.  He answered by sending Jesus and redeeming us, and one day all of this will be redeemed as well and we will see the new heaven and the new earth.  That is where our hope lies, in Jesus Christ.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

A Piece of Polly's Story

A little over ten years ago Polly has two bad car accidents within three months of each other.   The first she was hot almost directly head on by a car trying to pass on a two lane road.  Her car flipped over and she ended up in a ditch but crawled to safety and escaped relatively unscathed.  Three months later, still shaken by the first accident she was rear-ended by a Suburban and pushed into the opposite lane of a two-lane road where she was struck by a Cement truck.  She walked away from that relatively unscathed as well.  I told Polly, after these two accidents, that she is a super-hero.  To walk away from both of those accidents was nothing short of miraculous and we are forever grateful to God for that.

The lasting memory of those accidents was some back, neck and hip problems.  Most of the time she was oaky but every so often it would flare up.  That happened like never before a couple of weeks ago and no amount of Chiropractic adjustment helped.  This eventually led her to the ER and it was discovered she had an acute herniated disc in her neck.  

We all have pain that we live with.  Whether it is the direct physical pain or the pain of loss or brokenness that is the result of living in a fallen world.  This is why we need a Savior.  The Apostle Paul spoke of his own pain in this way…

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹ 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.

            My wife has dealt with pain unbelievably well.  I can tell when she is in pain but she rarely lets on about it.  She keeps going.  She has incredible faith and believes, as Paul did, that God’s grace is sufficient for her in all ways.

            Having said that tomorrow Polly goes in for surgery to repair a herniated disc in  her neck.  She is hopeful of the prospect of relief from pain.  She is at peace knowing that God is always with her and she is incredibly strong.  My wife is my hero! 

            We believe healing will come and we appreciate the prayers of all of you.  We believe in prayer.  Prayer is powerful and effective! 

James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

When we are weak….when we are in need….when we are hurting, God is there.  He never leaves….He never forsakes.  He is awesome!  Thank you for standing in the gap and interceding and praying for Polly, we look forward to seeing you soon.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

The Pain of Transformation

Why is it that transformation seems so painful?  In that great and spiritual movie “X-Men”, anytime Wolverine transforms into his combative self it looks so painful.  How about when a mother gives birth and new life comes into this world.  It is painful, at least that’s what I hear and it sure looked that way when I saw my daughters being born.  How about those nagging physical problems that need a physical transformation called surgery to rectify?  It is painful in the short term but long term we are thankful for the transformation.

            In the book of Romans Paul talks about the transformation that happens as we choose to walk with Christ.  This too can be a painful transformation as Christ surgically removes spiritual ailments in our life and directs us back to a path that produces life.  Listen to what Paul says….

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

            Transformation comes as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.  That sounds painful, doesn’t it?  Anytime we hear that word “sacrifice”, we know it may not be easy.  So Paul says in light of God’s great mercy shown to us, we offer our lives back to Him.  I no longer live for me but for God.  This is how I worship God.  That can be painful because up until the moment I realize this truth I have always lived for me.  Everything I did was with me in mind.  Once I decide to follow Christ all of that changes.  Now I sacrifice my own life and live for God.  All of the things that are so important and give me significance, according to the standards of this world, take a back seat now.  What matters now?  Everything that is important to God is now important to me. 

            Transformation is painful at times but it is worth it.  We can spend so much time wondering what God’s will is but we can never know until we surrender our will to His.  Transformation happens as we refuse to follow the patterns of the world and instead follow God’s standards.  When the world tells us to pursue riches, God says. “Be generous”.  When the world tells us to pursue pleasure God says, “Pursue righteousness”.  When the world says that it can offer peace God reminds us that the only lasting and eternal peace comes form Him. 

            We are constantly transforming but the question we need to ask is “What are we transforming into?”  We transform from kids into adults and from young to old.  As people relate with us we are transformed, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. 

What is the nicest act someone has ever done for you?  How did it change you?  Has anyone ever sacrificed it all for you?  That is what Christ did.  He died so that you could live.  Through this act of mercy we are changed.  Is this a painful process?  Sometimes it is.  But never as painful as what He endured for us.  In light of this I offer myself to Him.  We say to God, “Your sacrifice meant something.  I am grateful.”  Have you ever allowed yourself to really ponder this?  Christ gave himself up for you.  The more we understand this, the more it will change us. Our heart will beat with His.  We will be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.  We will become more and more like Him until the day we see Him face to face.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

Theology of Parties

Is it just me or was this week was a week filled with festivities?  Graduation is here and it seems like there is a different party every day.  And why not, graduation from High School is a significant and defining transition from being a kids to growing up and moving on towards independence. 

That’s not the only significant event that is going on this week though.  There was also Cinco de Mayo this week as well as Star Wars Day (May 4^th).  Then it is all highlighted on Sunday by Mother’s Day.  We love to celebrate don’t we?  Any excuse to get together we want to do it.  This is something that God put within us too.  We designed us for community, which is why we enjoy getting together.  In fact, if we look at Jesus life he spent a lot of time at parties and in people’s homes.  His first miracle was at a wedding turning water into wine.  And who called him out?  It was Mom. 

John 2:3-5 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” ⁴ “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Don’t you love this?  Mom gets Jesus to begin his public ministry by calling out in a crisis.  What is the crisis?  We’re out of wine for our guests!  This is a big deal!  To run out of wine at a wedding would have disgraced the host of the party.  This, apparently, was enough to bring Jesus into the public eye by doing something extraordinary.  The guests not only enjoyed the wine but they marveled that it was the best.  What a way to honor the host!

            Jesus spent a lot of time going to these gatherings or parties.  He did a lot of extraordinary things at these parties.  He honored people with his presence and always gave them even more than what was expected.  This is what we will call Jesus “Theology of Parties”.

            This “Theology of Parties” is Jesus way of teaching us how God loves us. First of all, the fact that Jesus spent so much time at parties shows us how he loved being with people and valued relationship.  He never turned down an invitation, whether it was from a tax collector or a Pharisee, Jesus always honored his guest by showing up.  

By showing up to all of these parties Jesus also demonstrated being a friend to those who need friends.  Even though the Jews knew how to party there was no hospitality shown among the religious leaders and the rest of the people.  There were those who expected places of honor and considered themselves more esteemed and worthy than others.  So Jesus, by befriending these who have been left behind, is demonstrating a value to lives that been devalued. 

Jesus brought such life to a party!  And it was literal life, not just manufactured.  Whether he was healing, raising people from the dead, teaching, reconciling brokenness or turning water into wine Jesus showed us to never underestimate the generosity of God.  

Yes it has been a week of festivities and it is not over yet.  Today is a day where we celebrate Mom and Grads.  How about taking Jesus “Theology of Parties” with you.  Honor others above yourself, be a friend to those who need a friend and show a generosity that exceeds expectation.  May we celebrate life, accomplishment and people the way that Jesus did.

Have a great week! 

Pastor Stan and Polly

Has Your Faith Cost You?

Last year, as is the case every year, the New York Times put out an article that informed us that raising a child for the average middle-income family in the United States costs $222,360 from birth to eighteen.  I don’t know about you but when I see this it can be a little disheartening, especially if you have four kids.  This figure is before they go off to college too.  Then they make the statement at the bottom of the article “Is it worth it?”  Absolutely it is.   Most of us would say any cost incurred in raising our kids is well worth it.  What about our faith though? 

            It seems like there is a prevailing belief that faith is free.  Our faith isn’t free though.  It costs us daily and so the question beckons, “How much has your faith cost you?”  Just last week we heard about what Jesus did for us.  Jesus made several statements throughout scripture, which remind us that our faith is not free.

Luke 9:23-25 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

These are hardly the words of something that is free.  And what about the Apostle Paul said?  He makes several references to the fact that we were purchased through the blood of Christ.  Even the word redemption means “bought back”.  We once belonged to God but went our own way.   Through Jesus Christ and his work on the cross and through the resurrection, we were bought back.  So again I ask, “What has our faith cost us?”

            In the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews the author talks about faith.

             

Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.

Because of their faith, they responded in belief and it often cost them; Noah was ridiculed by his neighbors for building an ark when there was no rain, Abraham lived with uncertainty as he went out in faith not knowing where he was going, and this is not to mention the physical pain and imprisonment that the Apostle Paul and so many others endured.

            It’s easy to get comfortable in our lives, even in our faith, and forget what it cost.  It is especially easy and comfortable to do this in our country and forget that faith still costs.  There are many of our brothers and sisters around the world who know first hand what their faith costs them.  They are in prison or have beaten or threatened with their very lives.  What about you?  What has your faith cost you?

            When we realize what it cost Jesus to redeem our life, it causes within us a response.  We pay him back, although it will never be enough, with our own life.  We give of ourselves so that others may have a chance to know this God who paid so much for us because he loved us that much.  The Apostle Paul said it this way….

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

            How much does our faith cost us?  Everything.  The more we come to realize God’s immense love for us, the more it calls us out in faith.  The more we walk in faith, the more it costs us. Can we put a price tag on it?  No.  Is it worth it in the end?  Absolutely.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan & Polly

Has Your Faith Cost You?

Last year, as is the case every year, the New York Times put out an article that informed us that raising a child for the average middle-income family in the United States costs $222,360 from birth to eighteen.  I don’t know about you but when I see this it can be a little disheartening, especially if you have four kids.  This figure is before they go off to college too.  Then they make the statement at the bottom of the article “Is it worth it?”  Absolutely it is.   Most of us would say any cost incurred in raising our kids is well worth it.  What about our faith though? 

            It seems like there is a prevailing belief that faith is free.  Our faith isn’t free though.  It costs us daily and so the question beckons, “How much has your faith cost you?”  Just last week we heard about what Jesus did for us.  Jesus made several statements throughout scripture, which remind us that our faith is not free.

Luke 9:23-25 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

These are hardly the words of something that is free.  And what about the Apostle Paul said?  He makes several references to the fact that we were purchased through the blood of Christ.  Even the word redemption means “bought back”.  We once belonged to God but went our own way.   Through Jesus Christ and his work on the cross and through the resurrection, we were bought back.  So again I ask, “What has our faith cost us?”

            In the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews the author talks about faith.

             

Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.

Because of their faith, they responded in belief and it often cost them; Noah was ridiculed by his neighbors for building an ark when there was no rain, Abraham lived with uncertainty as he went out in faith not knowing where he was going, and this is not to mention the physical pain and imprisonment that the Apostle Paul and so many others endured.

            It’s easy to get comfortable in our lives, even in our faith, and forget what it cost.  It is especially easy and comfortable to do this in our country and forget that faith still costs.  There are many of our brothers and sisters around the world who know first hand what their faith costs them.  They are in prison or have beaten or threatened with their very lives.  What about you?  What has your faith cost you?

            When we realize what it cost Jesus to redeem our life, it causes within us a response.  We pay him back, although it will never be enough, with our own life.  We give of ourselves so that others may have a chance to know this God who paid so much for us because he loved us that much.  The Apostle Paul said it this way….

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

            How much does our faith cost us?  Everything.  The more we come to realize God’s immense love for us, the more it calls us out in faith.  The more we walk in faith, the more it costs us. Can we put a price tag on it?  No.  Is it worth it in the end?  Absolutely.  Have a great week!

Pastor Stan & Polly

What Makes "Good Friday" Good?

So what makes “Good Friday” so good?  Isn’t it the day that Jesus was arrested and given a mock trial and subsequently put to death?  Yes, that is true, and if that is where the events would have stopped then there really would be nothing good about “Good Friday”. 

            But the story doesn’t end there.  Jesus does not stay on the cross.  He is not contained to the tomb.  He rises from the dead on the third day.  Death is defeated!   On Friday Jesus followers were despondent, they were scattered.  They did not know what to do, they left Jesus all alone.  But it was all part of God’s grand plan to redeem us all.  Friday is dark....it is the day that Jesus pays the price for our sin, all of mankind’s sin.  If we take a moment to think about the darkest of sin we realize why Jesus suffering was so great.  He bore that sin upon himself. 

            So why is Friday good?  Because it is where our redemption starts to unfold.  Jesus takes our sin upon himself and pays the penalty for us.  We are no longer judged because of our sin.  But Friday is good only because Sunday happened.  On Sunday Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death once and for all time.  Now, rather than being held under the judgement of our sin, we are forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus.  Now, rather than being held by death, we are raised to a new life.  So even though Friday may appear to be dark and somber, don’t worry because Sunday’s on the way.  We awaken Sunday to an empty tomb.  Jesus is no longer on the cross, it is finished.  Jesus is no longer in the grave, He has risen.  For these reasons we celebrate.  I hope your worship experience on “Good Friday” is a meaningful one and I look forward to seeing you on “Resurrection Sunday”!

Pastor Stan & Polly

The Fleetness of Fame

As we enter into the Passion Week this Sunday, it never ceases to amaze me.  We have been looking over the past several weeks at the controversial life of Jesus and nothing sums it up more than the Passion Week.  Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey at the height of his popularity.  Jesus is a full-fledged celebrity!  Everybody is crowding the streets to get a glimpse of Jesus.  They are shouting accolades of praise “Save us!  Save us”!

Matthew 21:8-11 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” ¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” ¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

This was an unbelievable scene!  The people are literally worshipping Jesus.  They are recognizing him as the Savior.  The religious leaders are mortified and at one point ask Jesus to rebuke his disciples.  They are encouraging this kind of behavior, which they considered to be blasphemous. 

Luke 19:39-40 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” ⁴⁰ “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Don’t you just love this response?  I could stop them….but if they stop, then the rocks will cry out.  Are you ready for that?  This is driving the religious leaders nuts because there is no way for them to contain the disruption that Jesus brings.  You either have to believe he is who he says he is or you have to turn against him.  They decided on the latter.

This all took place on the first day of the week, a Sunday.  These same crowds, by Friday, are shouting, “Crucify him!  Crucify Him”!  The religious leader had effectively turned the crowds against Jesus.  They took full advantage of what Jesus controversial nature caused.  The people really did believe Jesus was their hope and salvation but he was acting in a way that made them very uncomfortable.  It even caused confusion and doubt for some.  Jesus did things that seemed contrary to what they expected. 

Perhaps they expected a Warrior King who would start a revolution.  Jesus had the passion of a Warrior King but instead was more interested in cleaning his Father’s house by kicking out the merchants and turning tables.  Perhaps they were expecting a resistance from Jesus and instead the saw humility and what seemed like passivity.  They didn’t understand what was happening because they expected it to look different.  They thought their salvation was in a glorious Israel that would return to it’s former glory under King David.  Instead Jesus was restoring a glorious kingdom that is eternal and extends far beyond Israel.

There are many things that Jesus did that may be hard for us to understand.  He was a very controversial figure.  I’m glad we are still talking about him 2,000 years later.  And why are we still talking?  Because the mission that Jesus set out on 2,000 years ago is not complete.  During his time on earth….he redeemed us….he purchased us with his blood.  He redeemed religion….it is no longer about our ability to keep the law perfectly.  He knows we fall short and that is why he went to the cross.  Sometimes I marvel at how quickly the crowds turned.  Were the religious leaders that convincing?  No….it had to happen, all part of the plan to redeem mankind.  That is what we celebrate in the coming week.  Thank God for this week to celebrate what he did for us. 

Coup, Courage or Foolishness

Jesus life was unmistakably controversial.  Jesus, in His brief time here on earth, touched many lives and arguably had more of an impact than anyone in the history of our world.  It’s been over 2,000 years since his time here and we are still talking about Him.  And not only are we talking about Him but we are doing it passionately, much the way it was discussed in His day.  Because of His controversial was of being, the conspiracies that surrounded Him, His defiance against religious leaders and their way of being, Jesus made many enemies.  Many of Jesus enemies were in positions of power and authority as well.  Because of this reality, Jesus was betrayed by his people and sentenced to death.

            Without understanding God’s own conspiracy to redeem us, you might look at this and say it is craziness.  Our redemption is not the only thing I believe God is after though.  If you remember, God ends the Old Testament with 400 years of silence.  God was frustrated with his people.  Much of His frustration is what we looked at in Jesus defiance of the way of being that the religious leaders had.

Malachi 2:7-9 “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction—because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. ⁸ But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. ⁹ “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

After these words from God at the end of the Old Testament, there are 400 years of silence from God.  When we hear him again in the New Testament, here is what we hear coming from John the Baptist.

Matthew 3:7-9 “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

It’s as if God has picked up right where he left off.  He is frustrated with what Israel had made of the religious pursuit of Him.  The religious leaders had somehow come to believe that they had merited favor with God and all who followed them had this same favor. 

            What was God up to in all of this?  What else was Jesus doing?  Was he attempting a coup with the people of power in Israel?  Was He showing courage in questioning their motives?  Or was He just being foolish and making many enemies along the way because of their unquestioned authority in Israel?

            It is apparent that with the arrival of Jesus everything was changing.  It is also apparent that we have a hard time with change.  The religious leaders were not unique in this.  Any time we are in a pace of comfort, it is hard to move.  Jesus came with a “subversive intention” but not in the way we would expect.  He wasn’t coming to overthrow governments and topple kings.  He was coming to reconnect us with God.  He did through His death, burial and resurrection and He did it by helping us see and understand the heart of God.

            It’s easy to get lost in our religion.  We like structure and systems and they aren’t all bad.  Where they become bad is when they become bigger than the God we proclaim to worship and they forget the very ones He is after.  That is what happened in Israel.  They forgot their mission and became an elitist society among the religious leaders.  We are always at risk of doing the same.  That is why we must always remember and put Jesus first in everything we do and love the ones he is after.

  

Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

Defiance and Betrayal

When I mention the word defiance, who is the first person that comes to your mind?  Maybe it’s today’s teenager, perhaps it’s a protester either of today or times past.  Maybe it’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandella, Ghandi, or even Muhamad Ali.  I’m fairly confident to say that Jesus is not someone that came to your mind.  Yet as we look at the controversial life of Jesus, there was a defiance that we see.  Certainly that is the way the religious leaders of the day saw it.  Certainly Jesus said things and did things in such a way that it was defying the religious practices of the day. 

            Can we even mention the word defiance in the same sentence as Jesus though?  Defiance has such a negative connotation and certainly is thought of in terms of rebellion and disobedience.  Yet defiance is also a word used when we take a stand against something that needs to change.  Nelson Mandella took a defiant stand against Apartheid.  Martin Luther King, Jr. took a defiant stand against racial inequality and for civil rights in our own country.  What about Jesus?  Was he defiant against the religious practices of the day?  Can we think of him in these terms?  What had happened to the religious makeup of Israel?  They had completely lost their heart for God in their pursuit of religious practices.  When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, rather than be amazed at what had happened, anger burned in them at the violation of a Sabbath law.  They considered healing work.  They were indignant when the disciples did not go through the ceremonial washing of hands before they ate.  Jesus, at that time had strong words for them…

Matthew 15:7-9 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ⁸“ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. ⁹They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’”

Jesus intentionally healed on the Sabbath, it happened on several occasions.  In this instance, he was aware of what his disciples were doing and with intention allowed them to do it.  These are acts of defiance against the religious practices of the day.  Jesus also, with intentionality, turned the tables and drove out all of those who had turned the temple into a market place.  All of these were acts of defiance against religion that had become nothing more than hypocrisy. 

God is not interested in this kind of religion.  He desires a sincere religion that flows from a heart that genuinely loves God.  When these same teachers of the law asked Jesus what was the most important command, he responded with this statement…

Matthew 22:35-39 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Jesus defied the acts of men who had defined religion as a set of rules and had forgotten what God cared about most which were the people.  He did these acts as an opportunity for the religious leaders to see and respond.  Instead they became enemies.  Jesus was betrayed and handed over to be crucified by his own people, not by the Romans.  Jesus own people did not recognize him.  That’s kind of scary, don’t you think?  They were so consumed with their own understanding of what mattered to God that they lost sight of what really mattered.  The Messiah was in their midst.  God had redeemed his people!  Their forefathers looked forward to this day and they missed it.  I hope we never get so lost in our religious practices that we miss what matters most to God; the redemption of His people. 

           

Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

The Controversial Life of Jesus

     Webster defines “controversial” as someone or something that is marked by strong opposing views.  These “controversial” figures evoke passionate responses when brought into a discussion.  Controversial figures are typically either loved or hated, but rarely evoke a neutral response.  Jesus, I would have to say, is one of the most controversial figures in the history of our world.

     What are the controversies that surround Jesus life?  First there are His claims.  Many may look at Jesus and think that He was a good man and a fine teacher, but by today’s standards that would not be the case.  Jesus was controversial in His teachings.  He opposed many of the common teachings of the day.  In fact in His first public teaching in Luke 4, Jesus was very controversial, teaching as one with authority and making claims that no one dared to make.

Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” ²⁰ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down…“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 

     This was a prophecy directly attributed to the coming of the Messiah.  He was saying to them that the Messiah has come and even one step further I am He.  Not exactly the words of a guy merely claiming to be a good teacher.  Jesus also challenged many of the common teachings of the day and the teachers of the day  He easily is the most controversial person of His era.  He is controversial from the moment He steps on to the scene and even after His death. 

     After His death, controversy arises that quickly turns into conspiracy.  The Roman soldiers lost the body?  Or had He risen from the grave like He claimed?  Some have claimed to see Jesus alive.  Has He risen from the dead?  For those who are in power, it doesn’t get much more controversial than this.  If this is true, then they are really seen in a bad light.  It means that they were wrong…very wrong.  Out of this controversy arose the conspiracy…cover up the resurrection.  Pay off the guards.

Matthew 28:11-13 …some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. ¹² When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³ telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 

     Several years ago there was a list produced of the 10 most controversial films of all time.  Interestingly enough it came out right after a very controversial film, "The DiVinci Code", had just been released in theatres.  Of these top 10, which "The DaVinci Code" was not on, two of them were about Jesus with The Passion of the Christ being the most controversial of all time.  Jesus evokes this kind of response from people.  It’s hard to not have an opinion about Him.  He usually elicits a passionate response, even 2,000 years after His death. 

     Jesus welcomed the controversy.  Controversy gets us to think about the issues at hand.  In Jesus case the issue at hand was this:  Is this man who He claims to be?  Is He the promised Messiah that will reconcile mankind back to God?  If He is, then we should follow Him.  If He isn’t then we should forget about Him.  Over the next few weeks as we approach Easter, we will look at the controversial life of Jesus ending with the most amazing event of all time, the resurrection of Jesus.  I hope you enjoy our time together.

 Have a Great Week!                                                                                                             

Pastor Stan and Polly

Legacy of Living

 If we only had a week to live or a month to live, what would our final days and hours look like?  I’m sure most of us have had this question posed to us in one form or another.  Several years ago a movie came out entitled “The Bucket List”.  In this movie there are two gentleman who are nearing their end who have complied a list of things they must do before they die.  What about us though?  What would we do with our remaining time?  King David, as he was reaching his end demonstrated his own love for God and love for people, something that all of us are called to do by God.

The first thing David does is let go of what has been a lifelong dream. 

1 Chronicles 28:2-3 “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. ³ But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’

Despite all of David’s accomplishments, his biggest dream was to build a temple, a place of worship for God.  Imaging that?  What is the one thing you really desire to accomplish before you leave this earth?  Imagine letting go of that.  But David recognized that he had accomplished what God had called him to do.  All of us are called by God to contribute to this generation.  Sometimes the dreams we have, no matter how great, are not ours to carry out.  David had done, even in this dream, what God had called him to.  More importantly David had accomplished all that God had for him and now it was time to pass this dream on.  He made the plans, brought the vision before the people and even had the resources but God had called Solomon to carry out the task. 

After David surrenders this dream, he passes on to Solomon the crown and with it the wisdom that David has gained through his successes and failures as king. 

1 Chronicles 28:9, 20 And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind…Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.

Solomon, follow God and serve Him wholeheartedly.  Son, I know what happens when we do our own thing.  It may seem too much at times and even downright scary but God has called you to be the next king, do it well.  Follow God and trust Him wholeheartedly. 

After David does passes on these words to Solomon and makes him king, he chooses to spend his last bit of time praising God before the people and encouraging them as well to never forsake the Lord and turn away to other gods.  The temple was to be a reminder of God’s glory and faithfulness and blessing.  David desires for his son and his people to remember God and follow him. 

            All of us have been called to contribute to this generation even if we aren’t king.  We have been called as parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, mentors and many other ways.  What is the legacy we are leaving in that?  What will those who have known us see?  David was an incredibly flawed leader, yet, he was called a man after God’s heart by God.  I think we see why in his last days.  He loved God, he loved the people and he spent his last days praising God and encouraging the people to follow God.  I hope our legacy is the same, that we pass on to those in our lives a legacy of a passionate pursuit of God.

Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly

The Double Invitation

I was 15 years old, sitting alone in that cell at juvenile hall.  My choices had finally caught up with me.  There was no avoiding the inevitable.  I had no one to blame for my choices.  Those were dark, lonely hours and I’d like to tell you that everything turned out okay, but I’d be lying if I left out the consequences to my choices that followed me for years.  It’s never fun to look at the raw ugliness of our sin.  But we all have to, there’s no avoiding it. But it is in that place that we see the unmistakable invitation of God to enter into His grace.  The gospel, after all, is God’s invitation to come to Jesus Christ in the midst of our ugly, stupid and twisted sin.  

            The most dangerous aspect of sin is the trail of destruction it leaves as we are blinded to it’s damaging consequences.  David’s story is no different.  We can ask ourselves, “How does a heart that was so sensitive to the things of God, so open and alive become so calloused, hardened and dead?”  That’s what happened to David.  This same man that was conquering Giants and keeping his faith through his years as a fugitive and eventually celebrating with a wild dance before the Lord, disengages and seeks his shelter in the arms of another man’s wife.

            If this can happen to David, who sought with so much passion the heart of God, than it can certainly happen to us.  We lose our sense of purpose, we become inward focused and we disengage from God.  Once we do that we are an open target for sin and temptation. 

2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army…But David remained in Jerusalem.

            David had spent so much time as a warrior, fighting battles and running as a fugitive, he probably figured he deserved this break.  He disengaged.  Who could argue with that?  David had spent so much time in battle that he desired a time of peace and rest.  The problem is that he disengaged from God as well, not once in this chapter do you see David engaging God.  He is silent before God.  Apparently as he disengages his role as “Warrior King” he also disengages his role as “Priestly King”.  Without God, who has been his constant companion, David feels alone.  In that moment, he walks onto the balcony and what does he see?

2 Samuel 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful,

            David sees this beautiful woman and he wants this beautiful woman.  That is the temptation but the sin occurs when David takes the woman and then tries to hide his sin.  In the hiding of his sin, the circumstances quickly spiral out of control and David is nearly destroyed by his choices.  Where did it all begin?  It began as he disengaged from God and sought a replacement for the void left.

            In this story David faces what we all do at one point or another.  He faces a double invitation.  First, he has the invitation to come clean about his sin.  Let’s face it we all fall short so why not come clean with it before God.  Secondly, he has the invitation to come alive.  Bury your sin with Jesus Christ and be raised again to New Life.  That is good news!  David’s sin was bad, probably worse than most of us but God’s forgiveness is greater.  May his mercy, grace and forgiveness drive us into his arms.

           

Have a great week!

Pastor Stan and Polly