The Necessity of Resurrection

“Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 

(rf. I Cor. 15:12-19 ESV) 

 

The Apostle Paul lived in a time when belief in the resurrection from the dead was not something generally accepted by the population. For many, such a concept would surely have been a nice hope and a very outside possibility, but one not likely personally experienced. It would have been viewed as more of a “pipe dream”, nice but not apt to happen. Whereas those in Paul’s day would have at least affirmed the belief in a deity or deities who had the power to raise people from the dead if they chose to do so but such would be out of their purview only because the gods were largely silent, indifferent or non-caring about the experiences of human life. 

Our society takes a more natural, rather than supernatural tact. Resurrection by a validly dead individual, especially after a three-day interval, would be a thoroughgoing impossibility. If someone does come back to life after being declared dead, it is because there were still vestiges of life within their organs, enabling outside forces to restore them successfully. In an all-natural, all scientific belief system, such miracles are not even on the radar. 

As Paul shared with the Corinthian Church, the entirety of our Christian faith rests upon the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth from the dead. The fact that He was crucified (a most painful and excruciating form of execution) and that He was in the grave for days following (being raised to life “on the third day”) just provides a more supernatural and awe-inspiring backdrop to this amazing event. The raising of Christ from the dead was designed to glorify the Father by declaring the Son completely innocent of the charges brought against Him by His accusers as well as to fully accept His life, ministry and death on the cross as payment and substitute on behalf of God’s chosen people.

If any of these Scriptural truths were a sham, then all believers, but especially those who lead, teach and evangelize, would in Paul’s words be “most to be pitied” (vs. 19). However, we are confident in the veracity of God’s Word to us as well as the testimony of history, that Jesus was victorious over the grave and was seen personally by many others, not just His disciples. We are likewise encouraged because the very same resurrection power as shown by Jesus is experienced and exhibited every time a person is called “out of darkness into His light” (rf. I Pet. 2:9), gaining the wondrous gift of salvation and becoming one of God’s children.

So, as Christians, we have great reason to celebrate the season of Easter. He has given us new life in Him, abundant and free, as a result of His blessed resurrection. Let us make sure that all of our family, friends, coworkers, etc. know about the good news, the Gospel, of the Son of God in conquering death itself that we might have His life in this life. 

The Reality of Suffering

 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry…Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”(rf. Mt. 4:1–2, 11 NJKV)

 

 

            Having entered into Lent, it is helpful to be reminded of what this particular season of the Church year means to us as believers in Jesus. Indeed, the observance of Lent assists us in preparing our hearts to return again to the cross and empty tomb of Christ and to do so with a better perspective of worship and gratitude for what exactly was accomplished in those locations.

            First of all, as the old saying goes, “It is always darkest before the dawn”, so in this season as in the temptation of Jesus by Satan, we are confronted with the uncomfortable reality that in service to Him we are not called to lives of luxury and ease. As Jesus was “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness”, we will likewise be led by God’s Spirit to places that are barren with little evidence of life. It is here we will face the harsh winds of adversity, change and pain. It is here we will quickly discover that we are not as self-sufficient as we thought or hoped to be. It is on this Hill of Difficulty, afterwards passing through the Valley of Humiliation (both important places of spiritual growth in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim Progress) that we find out just how hungry we are for God’s Word and Presence in our lives. Indeed, we will see that only He can provide all that we need to successfully navigate this dark time in our lives.

            Notice also that the purpose of Jesus being in the “wilderness” was “to be tempted by the devil” (vs. 1). There was a testing of Jesus that must take place in the will of the Father before Jesus could proceed with His foretold ministry. The Apostle Matthew relates how Jesus valiantly parried every thrust of Satan, countering all of the Enemy’s moves with an accurate rendering of God’s Word and meaning. When Satan saw that he was clearly beaten in this effort, He withdrew from the field of battle. Only then did Jesus get His needs met along with the encouragement He required (vs. 11). 

            It is obvious that Jesus as the Son of God, God Incarnate, was more than Satan’s equal. We look on at the foolishness of the Enemy to even think he could offer to Christ more than God Himself to get Jesus to switch allegiances. However, we also realize that we too are often confronted with offers to change sides by the Enemy and his cohorts. These invitations usually come at our lowest times, when we are struggling physically, emotionally, psychologically and, especially, spiritually. If we are to win the field as Jesus did, we must learn to wield the same weapon, God’s Holy Word, using it wisely and defensively. When we are successful in appropriating God’s Word rightly, we will find that our time in the “wilderness” will soon be past as will be the “temptation” that came with it.

            So, as we celebrate Lent, let us draw close to the Lord and His Word. Let us keep the suffering and successes of Christ before us as we view Him as our example of how to overcome our difficulties and trials. Let us look forward to His ultimate sacrifice and the victory He gained over death and the grave, forever taking away our sins, and ushering us into the family of God through faith and trust in Him alone, enabling us to receive the salvation that He came to accomplish. The Lenten season for us will then be a most beneficial and spiritually constructive time in our lives.

A Few Words about True Love

 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.” (rf. I Cor. 13:4-8a ESV)

 

 

            Our culture wants to describe the word “love” in purely emotional or romantic terms. Phrases like “I fell in love with you” and those exhibiting the same overwhelming drive of passion seem only to solidify that view, especially when portrayed in books and films. Yet, unfortunately, that portrait of “love” shows it to be fleeting, solely based on how one feels at the time, fully dependent on the heightened sense of amour at that moment.

            True “love”, at least in the Biblical use of the term, is not in any way connected with the fluctuations of human emotions and feelings. It is rather a conscious, willful decision to “love” the another person in a relational, self-sacrificing fashion. Scriptural “love” always operates contrary to normal human behavior (though we like to think otherwise about ourselves). 

            Notice the Apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthian Christians shares the following qualities about true “love”. These attributes of “love” are not things that we readily nor easily exhibit but are actions that are supernaturally energized and originated.

 

1.     Love exhibits itself in being “patient” and shows itself in kindness.

2.     Love allows no place for pride, self-centeredness, selfishness or ambition; it discloses itself in humility (i.e. “does not envy or boast…is not arrogant or rude…does not insist on its own way”).

3.     Love always treats others with respect and generosity (i.e. “it is not irritable or resentful”).

4.     Love does not vaunt itself over the misdoings or mistakes of those around, building up itself at the expense of others, but instead upholds, supports and “rejoices with the truth”.

5.     Love purposefully chooses to remain secured despite the circumstances in which it is placed, holding on long after whatever it faces (i.e. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…”).

 

If we are to “love” as the Bible teaches, then we must tap into the very Source of “love”, God Himself (rf. I Jn. 4:16). He alone provides us the wherewithal to be able to “love” as He loves. True “love” is beyond both our own comprehension and natural ability to accomplish.

            Thus, if we have a relationship with God (Who is love) through Jesus Christ, His Son, then we are capable of engaging in Biblical “love” with others. If that relationship with God is not in place, there is no possible way we can “love” others as the term is meant to be used. Our best efforts will always fall short of His high standard.

A Hope and a Future

 

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

(rf. Ps. 149:1–4 NASB)

 

 

 

            Of all years that we have probably experienced, 2020 has to rank as one of the most challenging on record. We have endured an historic number of hurricanes, wildfires, the COVID pandemic and an election cycle that has seemed to endure long after the votes have been counted. To say that we are looking forward to a New Year is a great understatement. We long for a fresh start and the dawn in hopes of a new and less stressful day (or year, for that matter).

            This change of years does remind us of the importance of hope and newness, no doubt. The opening of a new calendar gives an opportunity to make plans, to put down reminders of special occasions that still arrive, and the possibility to do something much different from that which we are normally accustomed. We can start again with a “fresh slate” and begin to carve out a novel path for the future, making needed changes and updates so that we do not repeat unnecessary actions or attitudes.

            That which is beneficial for us as individuals is also a blessing for church fellowships. New years provide that much-needed respite to do an authentic overview of the past year or years and determine what things, actions, programs and such require a facelift. Because we are His ambassadors in Christ (rf. II Cor. 5), we should always be on the lookout for ways to make our approach to ministry and worship more engaging, God-centered and Biblical. 

            I know that we will have changes coming in the makeup of our Church Council. We have moved our worship service to the format that more closely reflects that of the Evangelical and Reformed Church order of worship that was the standard of St. John’s at its inception. We are in the process of enhancing our video capabilities to film the regular services for the benefit of our shut-ins and for those who are following our ministry here in the US and around the world. As we are able to make more grant applications this year, we will be able to complete the outstanding projects as part of our overall Capital Improvement initiative. And, so far, we are able to do all of this within the restrictions and guidelines put into place because of the ongoing nature of the pandemic.

            We have much to be thankful to God for as 2020 goes rightfully into the history books and 2021 presents us “a breath of fresh air”, the joy of beginning things anew. May we use this gift of a New Year to make even more progress in our own spiritual journeys with the Lord even as we seek to do the same as a church. May the Lord continue to richly bless us and all His people in the unfolding of His plan going forward.

The Giving of Our Thanks to God

 

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Then say, ‘Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.’ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people said, ‘Amen,’ and praised the Lord”

(rf. I Chron. 16:34-36 NASB).

 

            One would think that having an attitude of thanksgiving would be an automatic response to all of God’s goodness, especially for those who are called God’s people. We of all folks should easily recognize the loving hand of Almighty God in our everyday lives and, specifically, in those difficult times when He makes His Presence known to us in prayer.

            Yet, with all of the evidence of God’s goodness towards us as His children, how many of us actually take the time to give Him the thanks that He rightfully deserves. It is far easier to take His good actions toward us for granted, believing that He will always provide such things to us. It is a more difficult thing for us to “stop and smell the roses”, putting the busyness of our lives aside for a few concentrated moments to heartfully thank our Heavenly Father for loving us so much and for always providing for us in all situations.

            This is the spirit of the passage above. We have the strong encouragement to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good”. His “lovingkindness” towards us never runs dry! We are to remember the blessings of the past He has sent our way, the many times He has delivered us from dire situations and to give Him the glory He alone deserves. The Scripture encourages us to do so. Our response should be the same as the Israelites in this text—we should say, “Yes, this is all true for us” (“Amen”). This realization on our part should result in our full and unstinted praises to the Lord God above.

            So, as we plan to set aside family time for the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, let us remember that we have even more reason to be thankful than the unbelieving world around us. We have a God who cared enough for us to send His Son on our behalf to take away the sin that separated us from Him so that He could engage in a personal relationship with everyone who makes up His body, His Church. Let us then show forth a thankful attitude, not just at this appointed time during the year, but every day that we are given to live, serve and love the Lord our God.

Comfort in the Sovereignty of God

“And Moses said, ‘When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.’” (rf. Exod. 16:8 ESV)

 

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (rf. Php. 2:14-15 ESV)

            As a theologically Reformed minister and pastor of a Reformed church, I unashamedly and wholeheartedly believe and affirm the Biblical doctrine of predestination. I am fully persuaded that God set forth before the beginning of time His plan and will for all that has transpired from Creation to the end of time as we find in the book of Revelation. He either directs or allows all things to occur, including all perceived good and bad things, like the weaving of a beautiful tapestry which often has a dark background to better illumine the lighter threads. He is not the author of evil, but uses our enemy, Satan, his minions and the evil they perpetuate to accomplish His holy ends. He is providentially in control of all things at all times, including us as part of His Creation. There is nothing that touches our lives that He does not allow nor do these difficult circumstances slip through His protective defenses of His people. Though some view it otherwise and often take it out of context, I personally find the sovereignty of Almighty God and His predestining actions a great source of comfort and peace because I know the goal of His movements and allowances are in my best interests along with all of His children. As Romans 8:28-29 states clearly, 

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren…”

 

With these truths in place and our faith placed in His wisdom, where then is there any room for complaining and “bellyaching” in the heart and life of the Christian? As Moses clearly says in Exod. 16:8 (as quoted above), when we complain, “…Your (our) grumbling is…against the Lord”. We easily overlook the many blessings that we presently possess in favor of looking with longing at the blessings of others with great envy (another sin, mind you), filling our hearts with ingratitude and making ourselves (and those around us) miserable. What we are not seeing is our own dishonor of Almighty God and His purposes being played out in our lives.

Note again what the Apostle Paul says in the passage above from Romans: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose…” Our present experience, whether good or bad, whether we are the victim of other’s actions or suffering from our own foolishness and pride, nothing of what we are going through is outside the parameters of His will for us. We are EXACTLY where He wants us to be right now. He has lessons, important lessons, He wants us to learn from these experiences. If we are submissive to His leadership and oversight, we will get through the hard times sooner. If we complain, become bitter, and rebel against His wisdom, the lessons will only be multiplied and our difficulties increase for us. If we are experiencing overwhelming blessing, He wants us to appreciate each moment and know that these “good gifts” come from Him alone (rf. Jas. 1:17) and not from our own making.

Out of our appreciation for His control and oversight of our lives we should then have attitudes that constantly, whether in good times or bad, reflect our thankfulness for His Presence in our lives. Complaining should be as far from the life of the believer in Christ as “the east is from the west” (rf. Ps 103:12 NASB). Grumbling, venting, bellyaching should not be pieces found in the repertoire. Rather, we should be thankful in all circumstances, appreciative to the Lord for life and for being with us “through thick and thin”. He has put us here on purpose, placed us in our present situation with goals for us in mind, and has promised “never to leave nor forsake us” (rf. Heb. 13:5 NKJV). Thus, we should trust Him and have positive attitudes while we await further disclosure as to His designs for us.  

Importance of Memorials

 

“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?,’then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

(rf. Josh. 4:6–7 NASB)

 

 

            As I am writing this article, there is an ongoing and growing movement within the United States (and around the world) to tear down or remove long-standing statues and monuments of great historical significance. Those in the sights of protestors are usually representations of men who were either slaveholders themselves or were somehow connected with the practice through their affiliation with the American Civil War. In other countries, the focus of attention has been on those historical figures who have in some respect been a part of the same efforts or actions within the confines of their own people or realm. 

            Indeed, such practices as slavery and the beliefs in the extremist views of white supremacy are totally antithetical to the Christian faith and are unworthy to be held by those who trust and follow Jesus. Even the Apostle Paul, when interceding on behalf of the runaway slave, Onesimus, encouraged his owner to treat Onesimus with compassion, love and forgiveness as one would treat a fellow brother in Christ (which Onesimus was because of Paul’s sharing of the Gospel with him) (rf. Philemon 10-25). 

            In thinking and acting with regard to the present conflicts and the pursuit to destroy such monuments, we must not enter into judging the past on the values of the present. Just as things changed from the past to the present, things which used to be at least tolerated if not accepted have become things to be abhorred and repudiated, so we must remember that the present will inevitably become the past as we move into the future. Generations to come will undoubtedly look upon some of the beliefs and actions taking place now and do so with revulsion and disregard. The present never continues into the present. Change for good or ill is always the case for individuals, no doubt, but also for nations and civilizations.

            Nor can we see the value of trying to eradicate the past by removing or destroying historical markers. They were designed as a memorial to an individual or group whose actions, attitudes or personal contributions changed the course of our people. Most of these acted within the bounds of their own historical context. We may not agree with all that they did or all that they believed, but their influence made a difference as noted by the existence of said monuments.

            Interestingly enough, God views the use of monuments or “memorials” with a great deal of approval and encouragement. In the passage quoted above, it must be seen that God knew His people would require a physical reminder of the great things He had accomplished on their behalf. Thus, for the generations to come, when asked about the reality of God and His actions for His people, they could point to “memorials” as a testimony of God’s direct intervention into their lives for the better. There was tremendous benefit in having historical edifices that brought back to memory the blessings and actions of the past.

            A people who allow their history to be removed and discarded are on a short path to total destruction from within. As stated by George Santayana, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it”, so will our nation continue to suffer if our history is destroyed before our eyes. Monuments and “memorials” must remain in place in order for us as a people to learn from our past as did God’s people in Joshua’s time. May the present effort come to naught before permanent damage to our nation is done.