Change is Inevitable...And is a Matter of Obedience

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

(rf. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 MEV)

 

            When we initially read this text, we tend to view it in terms of a “reality check”, that things we don’t like (such as death, destruction, sadness, losing, hatred and war) are as much a part of the fabric of life as the good things, like the birth of a child, joy, dancing and love. This is very true and a reminder we all need from time to time. However, as with much of Scripture, there is more here in this text than meets the eye.

            There is an equally valid reality that we often need to recall and, yet, when we do, it makes us feel quite uncomfortable, especially for those temperaments that greatly enjoy the status quo. This reality as expressed by Solomon is the endless actuality of change. We know that change will undoubtedly come in our earthy experience. How we welcome it and adjust ourselves to it is at the heart of what Solomon is trying to convey. He is sharing with us that not only is change a part of life, it is also to be expected and, when it comes, whether it represents blessing or pain, it should viewed as God’s hand at work within us to bring about His will in our lives.

            For historical churches, such as St. John’s, this can be a very difficult pill for us to swallow. Parishioners in historical churches tend to relish and live in the past, make decisions as based on past experiences, and desire to chart a path that leads the church “back to the good ole days”. Churches that do this are failing to recognize that Christ’s Church was never designed to live in the glory of experiences of old. Rather, we as His people are to hold on to the truths of the past that are timeless while moving forward, always seeking the Lord as to His direction. 

In reference to this, all we have to do is review how the Israelites responded to the Lord as Moses lead them through the Wilderness into the Promised Land. For more times than we would care to count, the Israelites wanted to return to bondage in Egypt whenever they were faced with difficulty or change. Not wanting to remember that God was leading them on to a place of freedom in their own land, they chose over and over again a return to the past, believing it would be better “back there” instead of gaining God’s best for them. Moses even lost his privilege to enter into the Promised Land himself because he was so angry with this backward-looking crowd (rf. Num. 20:1-13). This desire for the past in the face of God’s moving us toward the future has been around for a very long time. If we choose wrongly, we face serious consequences for disobeying the Lord.

Because of the recent pandemic, His Church has been forced to reckon with a new, exciting, and, yet, challenging future. Things that were taken for granted are now relics of the past and, in fact, should stay there. God has placed His people in the unique position of being able to repackage the timeless message of His Word and His Gospel, using technology as a viable means in much better and more efficient ways that we have before. He wants to use His Church to reach generations who are now living in a purely secular, humanistic world with the eternal truths of His Holy Word. He wants His people to create a new future on the foundations of our history and to go upward and onward in our quest to build His Church so that “all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (rf. Matt. 16:18 NLT).

In order to fulfill God’s will for His Church, we, especially as fellowships with a long and appreciated history, must move our perspective from the past to the future if we are to continue and be fruitful for the Lord. We need to view our facilities as means to reach others while making sure the sanctity of God’s house remains. We must view technology as a friend to accomplish these efforts and not with fear because it can be so easily abused. We must desist from viewing ourselves as a long-standing social club where few are allowed into the group. Rather, we must be welcoming to all who are in our immediate community and to those who enter our doors, sharing with them the same love of Christ that we ourselves have experienced. We must be proactive and creative in our formation of new and exciting ministries to reach these very people who need desperately to hear Christ’s promise of salvation. We need to see others through eyes of Jesus whose own heart is “moved with compassion for them, because they…(are) scattered, like sheep without a shepherd” (rf. Matt. 9:36 MEV). He desires for His people to be “(His) laborers (sent to gather)…His harvest” (rf. Matt. 9:38 MEV).

The choice then for us as historical churches will be one of the following: (1) Will we live in the past and hold to our treasured perspectives and actions that seemingly worked to build our church then, but will only result in an assured death now? (2) Or will we view our past as a secure foundation and look to other avenues in which to build bridges of understanding and communication with present generations so that they can know Jesus and His Word, thus ensuring that our church will continue for many years to come? As Solomon stated, there is a “time to break down and a time to build up” (3:3). God wants His people to grow, build and prosper, leading us to new lands and opportunities. Will we choose to follow Him or to remain as we are presently, longing for our past? 

Who Truly is in Control?

“Look among the nations, and watch—wonder and be amazed! For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe, though it were told you.” (rf. Hab. 1:5 MEV)

 

“This is what the Lord has done; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (rf. Ps. 118:23-24 MEV)

 

 

            It is hard to fathom that we have now endured for over a year a worldwide pandemic. For many that reality has still yet to sink in fully. There are those who from the start denied the existence, extent and devastation caused by the Covid-19 virus. A great number joined with various leaders of different persuasions to deny the evidence and led others into conspiracy-laden scenarios. 

            I am not here to argue or debate the nature or extent of this pandemic. I honestly believe that part of our unwillingness to accept this new reality is because it has challenged us on very deep, personal levels by revealing a long-known truth—that we are not in control of anything and that our lives and destinies lie in someone else’s hands. This is shocking to many. However, I dare say that those who have died or have been seriously affected by this new and ever-adapting disease would readily declare that this virus changes all whom it touches. It has also made us all adapt in ways that we never dreamed possible.

            Though, I admit, that the two Scripture passages above in each of their individual contexts have to do primarily with things not connected with Covid, the truths expressed, however, are very valid for our consideration. 

            If we look at our present reality through spiritual glasses, we will see an all-powerful, merciful yet just God, operating behind the scenes of this pandemic. We will see that He has purpose in the pain this virus is causing. He has allowed this contagion to wreak havoc on our lives, economies, future plans, normalcy, etc. We also realize that He has a very good reason for making it so. He is truly doing a “new thing”, especially within His Church, bringing us closer to Him than we may have been before.

            As a result, He wants us to “wonder and be amazed”, to declare His work as “marvelous in our eyes”. He asks us to trust Him completely, knowing that He will accomplish truly astounding things if we will only keep our eyes focused on Him, watching Him work.

            We do not know how this pandemic will eventually play out. We do know, however, that He is very much in control of the whole situation and simply desires for His people to follow, love and obey Him. When the pandemic is in our past and far behind us, we will join with the prophet and psalmist in declaring the wonders of His work and His will. 

 

  

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.