I’m a face to face kind of person. I enjoy talking and listening to people much more when I can see their face. Emails are convenient and quick, and I use email consistently throughout the day, but it can never take the place of face to face time.
How often do you have face to face time? How often do you have face to face time that is not forced by work? How often do you have the chance to sit across from another person, look them in the eye, and have meaningful conversation?
The Sauers need more time face to face, especially Alisa and me. We have plenty of face to face time with John, but he is consistently challenged when he’s in the room and Alisa and I are talking face to face. He wants our full attention. “Stop talking.” “Whatcha’ talking about?” He wants our face to be focused on him.
Facing the tv at the same time does not count for face to face time. Driving in a car can be very meaningful face to face time, but often it is just quiet time, time focused on watching the road or listening to music or taking a nap.
Face to face time can be hard, too, can’t it? When there is something between you, it is hard to sit face to face. Looking each other in the eye makes it hard not to address whatever conflict or struggle that exists between you. That is why it is imperative that we take time together face to face.
When couples struggle, they often stop any face to face time. When a son or daughter struggles with a parent, face to face time ends. When there is conflict in a relationship with a friend, we are often tempted to ignore it and avoid any time with them, especially face to face.
Who do you need to spend some face to face time with? Who are you avoiding spending this time with? One of the greatest ways we have the opportunity to really express love to people is to commit to time with them face to face. Make people priority in your life.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Followership - Willard
Too often words lose their meaning and become something they’re not. We might be there with discipleship.
We are called to become more and more like Jesus – to be formed, honed, chipped, molded, etc. so that as we walk through this life, the sculpture looks less and less like us and more and more like Jesus.
Here are a few challenging excerpts from Dallas Willard’s book, The Great Omission, which help us understand how we look more like Jesus.
We like to quote verses like, “Without me you can do nothing,” which is absolutely true. But we forget that if you do nothing, it will be without Me. And this, while not a scripture verse, is absolutely true and borne out by scripture teaching as a whole.
What we must understand is that spiritual formation is a process that involves the transformation of the whole person, and that the whole person must be active with Christ in the work of spiritual formation. Spiritual transformation into Christ-likeness is not going to happen unless we act.
(57)
If you are on the throne of your life, you won’t want to think about God because He is, after all, God, and there will not be room for both Him and anybody else on the throne of your life. And when human beings put God out of their knowledge, as Paul said, He then gives them up to themselves – a dreadful fate.
God is not pushy – for now, in any case. He is not going to overwhelm you if you don’t want Him. He gives you the power to put Him out of your mind. And even if you want Him, you have to seek Him. Now, I realize that there is a sense in which He is already seeking you, and I am not trying to dispose that, but we misunderstand what is our part and what is God’s part. God is ready to act. He is acting. We are not waiting on Him; and if it doesn’t hurt your theology too badly, He is waiting on us to respond. And you know we have a problem here. . . we are not only saved by grace, we are paralyzed by it. We will preach to you for an hour that you can do nothing to be saved, then sing to you for forty-five minutes trying to get you to do something to be saved. That is confusing, to say the least. We really have a problem with the activity and passivity in our theology.
You cannot be a pew potato and simultaneously engage in spiritual formation in Christ’s likeness. You have to take your whole life into discipleship to Jesus Christ . . .
Much of our problem is not, as is often said, that we have failed to get what is in our head down in our heart. Much of what hinders us is that we have had a lot of mistaken theology in our head and it has gotten down into our heart. And it is controlling our inner dynamics so that the head and heart cannot, even with the aid of the Word and the Spirit, pull one another straight.
May I just give you this word? Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone. Many people don’t know this, and that is one major result of the cutting down of the gospel to a theory of justification, which has happened in our time.
(61-62)
If there is anything we should know by now, it is that a gospel of justification alone does not generate disciples. Discipleship is a life of learning from Jesus Christ how to live in the Kingdom of God now, as he himself did. If you want to be a person of grace, then, live a holy life of discipleship because the only way you can do that is on a steady diet of grace. Works of the Kingdom live from grace.
(62-63)
We are called to become more and more like Jesus – to be formed, honed, chipped, molded, etc. so that as we walk through this life, the sculpture looks less and less like us and more and more like Jesus.
Here are a few challenging excerpts from Dallas Willard’s book, The Great Omission, which help us understand how we look more like Jesus.
We like to quote verses like, “Without me you can do nothing,” which is absolutely true. But we forget that if you do nothing, it will be without Me. And this, while not a scripture verse, is absolutely true and borne out by scripture teaching as a whole.
What we must understand is that spiritual formation is a process that involves the transformation of the whole person, and that the whole person must be active with Christ in the work of spiritual formation. Spiritual transformation into Christ-likeness is not going to happen unless we act.
(57)
If you are on the throne of your life, you won’t want to think about God because He is, after all, God, and there will not be room for both Him and anybody else on the throne of your life. And when human beings put God out of their knowledge, as Paul said, He then gives them up to themselves – a dreadful fate.
God is not pushy – for now, in any case. He is not going to overwhelm you if you don’t want Him. He gives you the power to put Him out of your mind. And even if you want Him, you have to seek Him. Now, I realize that there is a sense in which He is already seeking you, and I am not trying to dispose that, but we misunderstand what is our part and what is God’s part. God is ready to act. He is acting. We are not waiting on Him; and if it doesn’t hurt your theology too badly, He is waiting on us to respond. And you know we have a problem here. . . we are not only saved by grace, we are paralyzed by it. We will preach to you for an hour that you can do nothing to be saved, then sing to you for forty-five minutes trying to get you to do something to be saved. That is confusing, to say the least. We really have a problem with the activity and passivity in our theology.
You cannot be a pew potato and simultaneously engage in spiritual formation in Christ’s likeness. You have to take your whole life into discipleship to Jesus Christ . . .
Much of our problem is not, as is often said, that we have failed to get what is in our head down in our heart. Much of what hinders us is that we have had a lot of mistaken theology in our head and it has gotten down into our heart. And it is controlling our inner dynamics so that the head and heart cannot, even with the aid of the Word and the Spirit, pull one another straight.
May I just give you this word? Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone. Many people don’t know this, and that is one major result of the cutting down of the gospel to a theory of justification, which has happened in our time.
(61-62)
If there is anything we should know by now, it is that a gospel of justification alone does not generate disciples. Discipleship is a life of learning from Jesus Christ how to live in the Kingdom of God now, as he himself did. If you want to be a person of grace, then, live a holy life of discipleship because the only way you can do that is on a steady diet of grace. Works of the Kingdom live from grace.
(62-63)
God's Vision for Community Reformed
Strategic planning recently had a conversation about how we are (personally) doing in living out the vision God has called us to. It was a convicting and honest conversation about the joys and challenges of following through on the direction that God has given. Here is that vision with a few additional thoughts and questions to consider personally.
A. To love and serve those outside the church as much as those within.
At times, this piece is thought to be an either/or proposition - that if we love those outside the church, we won’t love each other. But the truth is, to love and serve each other is to encourage one another to be intentional about caring and serving those outside the church. Our tendencies often are influenced by what is most comfortable and convenient. It is “easier” to love and serve those whom we know and who are like us. But “easier” is not a value that Scripture promotes. And clearly, the Great Commission has something to say about our ultimate purpose in all relationships.
A few questions to ponder:
Who is God calling you to love and serve both within the church and outside?
How are you doing in responding to this call?
What is holding you back?Are you in conversation with God about His vision for your life in reaching those outside of faith?
B. To hold ourselves and each other accountable to following Jesus in all of life.
Accountability is definitely a word that causes concern and avoidance. Few choose to pursue accountability in their lives especially in regards to faith. If we are serious about following Jesus, accountability is not an option. We need help - not a judgmental, guilt-laced relationship, but instead a loving partnership where following Jesus is more important than our comfort level or pride. And what can happen in this type of relationship is the experience of love. To truly love someone is to point them to Jesus and encourage them to follow Him. And this isn’t a one-time conversation; this is an ongoing prayer and conversation.
A few questions to ponder:
How have you done following Jesus on your own?
How are you being held accountable in following Jesus?
Who are people that come to mind who could possibly be someone to partner with?
What is really keeping you from this type of relationship?
C. To meet the needs of the least of these.
There is definitely not a lack of need. There is a lack of awareness. And probably for many of us, the challenge lies in distractions and not knowing what to do. We tend not to lack for things to do and things to focus our attention upon. Many of them are good things and very appropriate for our attention to be upon. But are there some things/activities that really are distracting us from our first love and first calling? “Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me. . .” I believe God has a plan for your life and mine in terms of caring for the least of these in our lives, but we have to be diligent in seeking God’s direction in the answers to the questions often raised in this conversation.
A few questions to ponder:
Who are the least of these?
Are there some you know by name?
Where do you sense God’s nudging to care for those in need?
Who comes to mind?
What do you have to lose by caring for the least of these?
D. To be a house of prayer.
So many excuses. So many good intentions. So many admissions of our need to pray. Yet, this area of our lives is probably the most important. For in prayer, God speaks. In prayer, we acknowledge/admit our dependence. In prayer we find humility. In prayer, we gain wisdom and courage. In prayer, we believe God will act. In prayer, we show God we believe He is God and we are not. God is not in the business of guilt distribution. He is in the business of love and growth and helping us experience LIFE. We find this WITH Him not apart from Him. The greatest gift we have is a relationship with God. This can’t be a back burner part of our lives. We must pray. We must overcome the weakness of our wills and pray. We cannot allow the enemy to reign in this foundational aspect of our life with Christ. Please pray. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray with your spouse and kids. Do whatever it takes to make time to pray.
A few questions to ponder:
Are you praying? If not, what is keeping you from praying?
Would you initiate a conversation with your spouse/family about praying together? Start now. Ask God to help you be reminded to pray. Pray.
E. To partner with the Church as we seek to build God’s kingdom together.
As we embrace the truth that we’re in this together here at CRC, we recognize God’s desire that His Church would be one. We may not look the same in practice, but our mission is the same. It is easy to get caught up in the “better than” temptation. But the “better than” temptation reflects that we are off track of God’s mission for his church. If we truly long for everyone in the this community to see and experience the gift of Jesus Christ, we need every church and every follower of Jesus to do their part. The purpose is not so our church will grow and people will think highly of us. The purpose is that more and more people would find life in Christ, and whether they attend our church or another is not important. We long for them to be in a community of believers. We long for the community of believers to grow. We, as churches, need each other. And the phrase that we are using in the CMA prayer time is the fact that there is One Church in Charlevoix. Let’s allow God to build His One Church – what a gift it is for us to be a part of His Church and His Mission.
A few questions to ponder:
Is there anything in your life or understanding that keeps you from embracing this vision?
How do you see yourself as a missionary for His Church in our community?
Would you pray for the other churches that God would bring glory to Himself through them?
A. To love and serve those outside the church as much as those within.
At times, this piece is thought to be an either/or proposition - that if we love those outside the church, we won’t love each other. But the truth is, to love and serve each other is to encourage one another to be intentional about caring and serving those outside the church. Our tendencies often are influenced by what is most comfortable and convenient. It is “easier” to love and serve those whom we know and who are like us. But “easier” is not a value that Scripture promotes. And clearly, the Great Commission has something to say about our ultimate purpose in all relationships.
A few questions to ponder:
Who is God calling you to love and serve both within the church and outside?
How are you doing in responding to this call?
What is holding you back?Are you in conversation with God about His vision for your life in reaching those outside of faith?
B. To hold ourselves and each other accountable to following Jesus in all of life.
Accountability is definitely a word that causes concern and avoidance. Few choose to pursue accountability in their lives especially in regards to faith. If we are serious about following Jesus, accountability is not an option. We need help - not a judgmental, guilt-laced relationship, but instead a loving partnership where following Jesus is more important than our comfort level or pride. And what can happen in this type of relationship is the experience of love. To truly love someone is to point them to Jesus and encourage them to follow Him. And this isn’t a one-time conversation; this is an ongoing prayer and conversation.
A few questions to ponder:
How have you done following Jesus on your own?
How are you being held accountable in following Jesus?
Who are people that come to mind who could possibly be someone to partner with?
What is really keeping you from this type of relationship?
C. To meet the needs of the least of these.
There is definitely not a lack of need. There is a lack of awareness. And probably for many of us, the challenge lies in distractions and not knowing what to do. We tend not to lack for things to do and things to focus our attention upon. Many of them are good things and very appropriate for our attention to be upon. But are there some things/activities that really are distracting us from our first love and first calling? “Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me. . .” I believe God has a plan for your life and mine in terms of caring for the least of these in our lives, but we have to be diligent in seeking God’s direction in the answers to the questions often raised in this conversation.
A few questions to ponder:
Who are the least of these?
Are there some you know by name?
Where do you sense God’s nudging to care for those in need?
Who comes to mind?
What do you have to lose by caring for the least of these?
D. To be a house of prayer.
So many excuses. So many good intentions. So many admissions of our need to pray. Yet, this area of our lives is probably the most important. For in prayer, God speaks. In prayer, we acknowledge/admit our dependence. In prayer we find humility. In prayer, we gain wisdom and courage. In prayer, we believe God will act. In prayer, we show God we believe He is God and we are not. God is not in the business of guilt distribution. He is in the business of love and growth and helping us experience LIFE. We find this WITH Him not apart from Him. The greatest gift we have is a relationship with God. This can’t be a back burner part of our lives. We must pray. We must overcome the weakness of our wills and pray. We cannot allow the enemy to reign in this foundational aspect of our life with Christ. Please pray. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray with your spouse and kids. Do whatever it takes to make time to pray.
A few questions to ponder:
Are you praying? If not, what is keeping you from praying?
Would you initiate a conversation with your spouse/family about praying together? Start now. Ask God to help you be reminded to pray. Pray.
E. To partner with the Church as we seek to build God’s kingdom together.
As we embrace the truth that we’re in this together here at CRC, we recognize God’s desire that His Church would be one. We may not look the same in practice, but our mission is the same. It is easy to get caught up in the “better than” temptation. But the “better than” temptation reflects that we are off track of God’s mission for his church. If we truly long for everyone in the this community to see and experience the gift of Jesus Christ, we need every church and every follower of Jesus to do their part. The purpose is not so our church will grow and people will think highly of us. The purpose is that more and more people would find life in Christ, and whether they attend our church or another is not important. We long for them to be in a community of believers. We long for the community of believers to grow. We, as churches, need each other. And the phrase that we are using in the CMA prayer time is the fact that there is One Church in Charlevoix. Let’s allow God to build His One Church – what a gift it is for us to be a part of His Church and His Mission.
A few questions to ponder:
Is there anything in your life or understanding that keeps you from embracing this vision?
How do you see yourself as a missionary for His Church in our community?
Would you pray for the other churches that God would bring glory to Himself through them?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Favorite Scripture Verse?
Choosing a “favorite” Scripture verse is difficult. I’m not sure if I can say I have a “favorite.” Scripture has spoken to me at different times in different ways when I’ve needed a word of encouragement or needed to be confronted with my sin, but most importantly Scripture consistently reveals to me who God is, what He has done, and what that means for my life.
Before I share what verses jump to mind, I want to acknowledge some concern in this area. There is the danger of making a “favorite” verse say something to us that God does not want it to say. For example, some Christians get caught up in the “health and wealth” gospel, believing that God has blessed them with prosperity and health because of their good behavior. They may find Scripture verses that seem to them to support this approach, but that is not the Gospel. So we need be careful to look critically at our interpretations to make sure they line up with all of Scripture. The most important way to evaluate our interpretations is through the lens of Scripture. Is my interpretation of a single verse supported and affirmed throughout all of Scripture?
Here’s a few of the verses that stand out to me. Romans 8:28 was my Dad’s favorite verse and therefore has meant a lot to me.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
That no matter what life brings our way, we can be assured that God is working through the challenges to fulfill His plan for us. He doesn’t promise it will be easy or that we will be safe from harm, He promises to work in and through us “for good” to fulfill his purpose.
Another verse which consistently challenges me is Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I often need to be reminded that this life is not about me - that in essence what Paul is saying is that my old, sinful self needs to placed upon the cross and destroyed - that my life is lived not for me but for the one who “loved me and gave Himself for me.”
I am also challenged by I Thessalonians 2:8, as Paul describes his relationship to the people of the church in Thessalonica.
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
What does it mean to share myself? I don’t think it means to share who I want to be, but instead to share who I truly am - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I also believe this in an example of “therefore, go and make disciples . . .”. A crucial way to share faith with others is to let them into my life as I show interest and care for them. That’s what relational ministry is all about. I have to “earn the right to be heard” through my relationships with the people in my life. And to really share myself with people means I will share what is most important to me - Jesus Christ.
One note of caution - II Timothy 3:16 says,
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
And Joshua 1:8 says,
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night; so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.
The caution is to remember that all of Scripture is important. We cannot find a few verses we like and focus all of our attention on them. God speaks through ALL of His word. As we expand our knowledge of God, we get to know Him, as we, through the work of the Holy Spirit, immerse ourselves into all that God has revealed to us in His word. Can you think of any legitimate excuse for not being in Scripture? If we truly believe that the Bible reveals God and His plan for us, how can we live apart from it? And remember, it is not God who misses out because you are not in Scripture, you do. God really knows what is best for you, and His word reveals His plan and reveals Him. Let God show you who He is. In doing so, you will better understand who you are. If you are not taking time to be in God’s word, stop making excuses. Imagine all that God desires to reveal to you. And if you need help, encouragement or direction, don’t hesitate to ask for it. We all need help in this area, don’t we?
Before I share what verses jump to mind, I want to acknowledge some concern in this area. There is the danger of making a “favorite” verse say something to us that God does not want it to say. For example, some Christians get caught up in the “health and wealth” gospel, believing that God has blessed them with prosperity and health because of their good behavior. They may find Scripture verses that seem to them to support this approach, but that is not the Gospel. So we need be careful to look critically at our interpretations to make sure they line up with all of Scripture. The most important way to evaluate our interpretations is through the lens of Scripture. Is my interpretation of a single verse supported and affirmed throughout all of Scripture?
Here’s a few of the verses that stand out to me. Romans 8:28 was my Dad’s favorite verse and therefore has meant a lot to me.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
That no matter what life brings our way, we can be assured that God is working through the challenges to fulfill His plan for us. He doesn’t promise it will be easy or that we will be safe from harm, He promises to work in and through us “for good” to fulfill his purpose.
Another verse which consistently challenges me is Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I often need to be reminded that this life is not about me - that in essence what Paul is saying is that my old, sinful self needs to placed upon the cross and destroyed - that my life is lived not for me but for the one who “loved me and gave Himself for me.”
I am also challenged by I Thessalonians 2:8, as Paul describes his relationship to the people of the church in Thessalonica.
So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
What does it mean to share myself? I don’t think it means to share who I want to be, but instead to share who I truly am - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I also believe this in an example of “therefore, go and make disciples . . .”. A crucial way to share faith with others is to let them into my life as I show interest and care for them. That’s what relational ministry is all about. I have to “earn the right to be heard” through my relationships with the people in my life. And to really share myself with people means I will share what is most important to me - Jesus Christ.
One note of caution - II Timothy 3:16 says,
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
And Joshua 1:8 says,
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night; so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.
The caution is to remember that all of Scripture is important. We cannot find a few verses we like and focus all of our attention on them. God speaks through ALL of His word. As we expand our knowledge of God, we get to know Him, as we, through the work of the Holy Spirit, immerse ourselves into all that God has revealed to us in His word. Can you think of any legitimate excuse for not being in Scripture? If we truly believe that the Bible reveals God and His plan for us, how can we live apart from it? And remember, it is not God who misses out because you are not in Scripture, you do. God really knows what is best for you, and His word reveals His plan and reveals Him. Let God show you who He is. In doing so, you will better understand who you are. If you are not taking time to be in God’s word, stop making excuses. Imagine all that God desires to reveal to you. And if you need help, encouragement or direction, don’t hesitate to ask for it. We all need help in this area, don’t we?
Looking Back
The older I get, the more interested in history I become. I hear myself saying things like, “Remember when . . .” and “Back in my day . . .” or the infamous “I wish we could go back to when . . .” Some of you can relate; some cannot. Some of you think I am too young to be writing these words, but it’s true.
I recently started reading Wendell Berry, an author whose works include numerous stories of life in Port William, Kentucky. They are fictional accounts of the people who lived in this place from 1880 to about 1960. I’ve really enjoyed reading his books because they bring with them a sense of nostalgia about days before I was even born. They were simpler times with more commitment to family, hard work, and relationships in the community. It’s made me want to go into farming and live off the land and be a part of a small community.
They’ve brought my attention around to the past. There is something important about looking back, about reflecting on the events and relationships of our past. We are not called to live in the past even though some try. Some can’t get past their past or they won’t accept how life is different today, so they live wishing the past would return. It’s not wrong to long for some of the experiences and values of the past, but God has called us to live in today.
But living in today means learning from our past and hopefully appreciating how God has used our past relationships and the past events of our lives to help mold us into who we are today.
It is right and appropriate for Community Reformed Church to celebrate its past, to take time and devote energy into remembering who we were and how we came into existence. Most importantly, it’s important for us to celebrate in God’s faithfulness and willingness to help Community Reformed Church become what it is today through the events and the people of the past.
The Bible is a good example. Think about the history contained in this book. Think about how the past events and people of this book help us to see ourselves and most importantly help us to see God. For God has revealed Himself to us through the events of the past. We better see who He is because of His work in the past. It’s not that God isn’t at work today, because He is and we can see Him moving in our lives when we take the time to look. But to truly grow in our knowledge of God, we have to look back and see how He has revealed Himself to us.
But God does not want us to look back and live there. He wants us to look back to move forward. He wants us to see Him and our need for Him, and to realize that to live in today, we have to trust and depend on Him. God is faithful. God is trustworthy. God is good. God has shown us this and much more through the past, but He offers Himself to us today. He offers us a future with hope and that hope is dependent not upon us, but upon our willingness to live with Him and in His plan for us. We’ve seen in the past how this is the only plan worth pursuing. God calls us then to live in today based on this truth. I wonder what God has in store for Community Reformed Church tomorrow. Let’s trust Him.
I recently started reading Wendell Berry, an author whose works include numerous stories of life in Port William, Kentucky. They are fictional accounts of the people who lived in this place from 1880 to about 1960. I’ve really enjoyed reading his books because they bring with them a sense of nostalgia about days before I was even born. They were simpler times with more commitment to family, hard work, and relationships in the community. It’s made me want to go into farming and live off the land and be a part of a small community.
They’ve brought my attention around to the past. There is something important about looking back, about reflecting on the events and relationships of our past. We are not called to live in the past even though some try. Some can’t get past their past or they won’t accept how life is different today, so they live wishing the past would return. It’s not wrong to long for some of the experiences and values of the past, but God has called us to live in today.
But living in today means learning from our past and hopefully appreciating how God has used our past relationships and the past events of our lives to help mold us into who we are today.
It is right and appropriate for Community Reformed Church to celebrate its past, to take time and devote energy into remembering who we were and how we came into existence. Most importantly, it’s important for us to celebrate in God’s faithfulness and willingness to help Community Reformed Church become what it is today through the events and the people of the past.
The Bible is a good example. Think about the history contained in this book. Think about how the past events and people of this book help us to see ourselves and most importantly help us to see God. For God has revealed Himself to us through the events of the past. We better see who He is because of His work in the past. It’s not that God isn’t at work today, because He is and we can see Him moving in our lives when we take the time to look. But to truly grow in our knowledge of God, we have to look back and see how He has revealed Himself to us.
But God does not want us to look back and live there. He wants us to look back to move forward. He wants us to see Him and our need for Him, and to realize that to live in today, we have to trust and depend on Him. God is faithful. God is trustworthy. God is good. God has shown us this and much more through the past, but He offers Himself to us today. He offers us a future with hope and that hope is dependent not upon us, but upon our willingness to live with Him and in His plan for us. We’ve seen in the past how this is the only plan worth pursuing. God calls us then to live in today based on this truth. I wonder what God has in store for Community Reformed Church tomorrow. Let’s trust Him.
Drawing Near
God calls us to draw near to Him. Hear are a few excerpts from Disciplines for the Inner Life, an excellent devotional by Bob Benson, Sr. & Michael W. Benson.
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, you have been the hope and joy of many generations, and who in all ages has given men the power to seek you and in seeking to find you, grant me, I pray you, a clearer vision of your truth, a greater faith in your power, and a more confident assurance of your love. Amen.
John Baillie in A Diary of Private Prayer
Read Psalm 46
Hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known;
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart . . .
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
D.W. Whittle
He is the one who can tell us the reason for our existence, our place in the scheme of things, our real identity. It is an identity we can’t discover for ourselves, that others can’t discover in us – the mystery of who we really are. How we have chased around the world for answers to that riddle, looked in the eyes of others for some hint, some clue, hunted in the multiple worlds of pleasure and experience and self-fulfillment for some glimpse, some revelation, some wisdom, some authority to tell us our right name and our true destination.
But there was, and is, only One who can tell us this: the Lord himself. And he wants to tell us, he has made us to know our reason for being and to be led by it. But it is a secret he will entrust to us only when we ask, and then in his own way and his own time. He will whisper it to us not in the made rush and fever of our striving and our fierce determination to be someone, but rather when we are content to rest in him, to put ourselves into his keeping, into his hands. Most delightfully of all, it is a secret he will tell us slowly and sweetly, when we are willing to spend time with him: time with him who is beyond all time.
From Clinging – The Experience of Prayer by Emilie Griffin
. . . we live in tents, not houses, for spiritually we are always on the move. We are on a journey through the inward space of the heart, a journey not measured by the hours of our watch or the days of the calendar, for it is a journey out of time into eternity.
. . . Christianity is more than a theory about the universe, more than teachings written down on paper; it is a path along which we journey – in the deepest and richest sense, the way of life.
From The Orthodox by Kallistos Ware
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, you have been the hope and joy of many generations, and who in all ages has given men the power to seek you and in seeking to find you, grant me, I pray you, a clearer vision of your truth, a greater faith in your power, and a more confident assurance of your love. Amen.
John Baillie in A Diary of Private Prayer
Read Psalm 46
Hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known;
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart . . .
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
D.W. Whittle
He is the one who can tell us the reason for our existence, our place in the scheme of things, our real identity. It is an identity we can’t discover for ourselves, that others can’t discover in us – the mystery of who we really are. How we have chased around the world for answers to that riddle, looked in the eyes of others for some hint, some clue, hunted in the multiple worlds of pleasure and experience and self-fulfillment for some glimpse, some revelation, some wisdom, some authority to tell us our right name and our true destination.
But there was, and is, only One who can tell us this: the Lord himself. And he wants to tell us, he has made us to know our reason for being and to be led by it. But it is a secret he will entrust to us only when we ask, and then in his own way and his own time. He will whisper it to us not in the made rush and fever of our striving and our fierce determination to be someone, but rather when we are content to rest in him, to put ourselves into his keeping, into his hands. Most delightfully of all, it is a secret he will tell us slowly and sweetly, when we are willing to spend time with him: time with him who is beyond all time.
From Clinging – The Experience of Prayer by Emilie Griffin
. . . we live in tents, not houses, for spiritually we are always on the move. We are on a journey through the inward space of the heart, a journey not measured by the hours of our watch or the days of the calendar, for it is a journey out of time into eternity.
. . . Christianity is more than a theory about the universe, more than teachings written down on paper; it is a path along which we journey – in the deepest and richest sense, the way of life.
From The Orthodox by Kallistos Ware
Dare to Be Disciplined
You can do it! You should do it! Pursue discipline.
Top Ten Reasons Why Discipline is Critical
10. It is required to follow Jesus. I Peter 1:13, 5:8
9. The benefits (fruit) far outweigh the consequences (effort).
8. You become more like Christ. Hebrews 12:1-6
7. You feel better – you know better – you look better – you live better.
6. You gain power over sin by not letting your wants/desires control you.
5. You see God work – both in you and through you.
4. You realign your life to meet your true needs – when needs are met, we experience peace. Hebrews 12:11
3. You gain confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7
2. You grow in wisdom and humility.
1. Everyone around you benefits because you are more like Christ. Philippians 2:1-11
Top Ten Reasons Why We Avoid Discipline
10. Laziness
9. Selfishness
8. Apathy
7. Complacency
6. Pride
5. Comfort
4. Unbelief
3. Idolatry
2. Greed
1. Hypocrisy
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”I Peter 1:13-16
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 5:6-11
Top Ten Reasons Why Discipline is Critical
10. It is required to follow Jesus. I Peter 1:13, 5:8
9. The benefits (fruit) far outweigh the consequences (effort).
8. You become more like Christ. Hebrews 12:1-6
7. You feel better – you know better – you look better – you live better.
6. You gain power over sin by not letting your wants/desires control you.
5. You see God work – both in you and through you.
4. You realign your life to meet your true needs – when needs are met, we experience peace. Hebrews 12:11
3. You gain confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7
2. You grow in wisdom and humility.
1. Everyone around you benefits because you are more like Christ. Philippians 2:1-11
Top Ten Reasons Why We Avoid Discipline
10. Laziness
9. Selfishness
8. Apathy
7. Complacency
6. Pride
5. Comfort
4. Unbelief
3. Idolatry
2. Greed
1. Hypocrisy
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”I Peter 1:13-16
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
I Peter 5:6-11
Wisdom in Proverbs
Here are a few that caught my attention. Or maybe a better way to say that is, here is where I felt convicted.
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but the one who rebukes boldly makes peace. (10:10)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble. (11:2)
Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent. (11:12)
Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense. (12:11)
Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12:18)
The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing, while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied. (13:4)
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. (15:16)
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it. (15:17)
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (16:18)
Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. (17:1)
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. (17:9)
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly. (17:12)
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion. (18:2)
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full. (19:17)
The righteous walk in integrity – happy are the children who follow them! (20:7)
Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterward the mouth will be full of gravel. (20:17)
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but the one who rebukes boldly makes peace. (10:10)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble. (11:2)
Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent. (11:12)
Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense. (12:11)
Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12:18)
The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing, while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied. (13:4)
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. (15:16)
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it. (15:17)
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (16:18)
Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. (17:1)
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. (17:9)
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly. (17:12)
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion. (18:2)
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full. (19:17)
The righteous walk in integrity – happy are the children who follow them! (20:7)
Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterward the mouth will be full of gravel. (20:17)
Passover
The following are excerpts from two different books.
Enns, Peter. (2000). Exodus: The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan
Wilson, Marvin R. (1989). Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith. Eerdmans.
Passover
Passover is an event of central importance to both Jews and Christians. For the Jew, the Exodus and the revelation at Mount Sinai are great historical focal points of redemption and covenant. The Last Supper in the Upper Room and the crucifixion at Calvary are of similar importance to the Christian recalling propitious historical occasions which also focus on the themes of redemption and covenant. (Wilson, 237)
Passover is the oldest of Jewish festivals; it originated over three thousand years ago. It appears originally to have combined two separate spring festivals. One rite involved unleavened bread, the other a sacrificial lamb. The Old Testament (Exod. 34:18, 25) distinguishes the festivals by using the terms “Feast of Unleavened Bread” and “Passover Feast.”
The New Testament (Matt. 26:17; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1) refers to both of these festivals as “the Passover,” . . . These festivals were held in immediate sequence. Passover was celebrated at the twilight of the 14th day of the month (Exod. 12:6) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days following, namely, the 15th to the 21st. (Wilson, 239)
The Passover reenacted annually the greatest miracle the Lord performed out of grace for his chosen; it was to hold central importance in the history of world Jewry. . . freedom after more than four hundred years of Egyptian bondage. (Wilson, 240)
A key point of instruction in Israelite tradition came when the son asked his father the ceremonial question, mah nishtannah ha-laylah ha-zeh mikkol ha-leylot? “Why is this night different from all other nights?” (Pesahim 10:4). The father responded by giving an historical synopsis of God’s redemptive dealings with Israel that led to deliverance from Egypt. (Wilson, 245)
The purpose of these celebrations is clearly for the benefit of those generations who did not participate in the Exodus itself, a trajectory already hinted at in Exodus 10:2 (referring to the children and grandchildren of the Exodus generation – a point repeated throughout chapters 12-13). (Enns, 247)
The Israelites from now on are to remember this night, impress it on their collective consciousness, and pass it on to their children (12:26-27). It is a reminder not just of what God has done but of what he continues to do. In fact, it is more than simply remembering: Passover is a night of “watching,” as we read later in 12:42. Israelites are forevermore to “keep vigil to honor the Lord,” even as he “kept vigil that night” to deliver them from slavery. By celebrating the Passover and the Feast (of Unleavened Bread), God’s people in some mysterious sense participate in the Exodus themselves, a point that is still remembered in Passover celebrations to this day: “In every generation a man must so regard himself as if he cam for himself out of Egypt.” (Enns, 249)
They (the Israelites) are always to remember who they are – or better, whose they are. Israel’s identity is a function of what God has done for them. (Enns, 252)
The Israelites rejoiced at Passover, because their Liberator had miraculously redeemed them, freeing them from the bondage of Egypt. But they also rejoiced in anticipation of God’s ultimate redemption (cf. Isa. 65:17-18; Mic. 4:1-5), when God’s people would be redeemed from all remaining pharaohs and from that evil which dominates and disgraces this present world. (Wilson, 252)
Say therefore to the Israelites, "I am the LORD, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has freed you from the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.' " Exodus 6:6-8
Passover & The Lord’s Supper
As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are celebrating our redemption through Christ and the glory that awaits us. But we should also remember that the Lord’s Supper is itself a fulfillment of that Israelite meal at an earlier stage of God’s redemptive work. By partaking in Communion, we are participating in the effects of God’s redemptive work that he began to execute in Israel’s day and that came to completion on Easter Sunday. It seems, then, that we, like the Israelites, in celebrating the Lord’s Supper, are not merely remembering what God has done. By partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we are, in some mysterious sense, participating in his death and resurrection.
Like successive generations of Jews called to think of themselves as participating in the Exodus, so, too, does the church participate in the work of Christ by virtue of her union with him. (Enns, 260)
. . . it is vital to a proper understanding of the Lord’s Supper to see it as a transformation of the Passover more than simply as a Christian reflection of Passover. Judaism and Christianity are, after all, two different religions despite their common heritage. Nothing is gained and everything is lost if we obliterate those aspects of the Lord’s Supper that make it distinctly Christian – that is, those things that it does not and cannot share with Judaism, namely, a celebration of redemption not only through the God who sent plagues to Egypt, but also through the God who raised Christ from the dead. Although the Lord’s Supper is not distinctly Christian in terms of its origins, it is quintessentially Christian in terms of its meaning.
Perhaps the greatest source of commonality between Passover and the Lord’s Supper lies in their future orientation: Neither meal is merely for the historical moment in which it was first instituted. These rituals are to be observed for successive generations. (Enns, 261)
Whatever chronology of the Last Supper one adopts, it seems clear that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper by associating it with the third cup of wine, which came after the Passover meal was eaten (cf. 1 Cor. 11:25). It was known as the “cup of redemption,” which in rabbinic tradition linked to the third of the fourfold promise of redemption in Exodus 6:6-7, “I will redeem you.” Jesus associated this cup of wine with his atoning death in saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20; cf. 1 Cor. 11:25). (Wilson, 246)
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal (Passover) lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Corinthians 5:7-8
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. I Peter 1:18-21
Enns, Peter. (2000). Exodus: The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan
Wilson, Marvin R. (1989). Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith. Eerdmans.
Passover
Passover is an event of central importance to both Jews and Christians. For the Jew, the Exodus and the revelation at Mount Sinai are great historical focal points of redemption and covenant. The Last Supper in the Upper Room and the crucifixion at Calvary are of similar importance to the Christian recalling propitious historical occasions which also focus on the themes of redemption and covenant. (Wilson, 237)
Passover is the oldest of Jewish festivals; it originated over three thousand years ago. It appears originally to have combined two separate spring festivals. One rite involved unleavened bread, the other a sacrificial lamb. The Old Testament (Exod. 34:18, 25) distinguishes the festivals by using the terms “Feast of Unleavened Bread” and “Passover Feast.”
The New Testament (Matt. 26:17; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1) refers to both of these festivals as “the Passover,” . . . These festivals were held in immediate sequence. Passover was celebrated at the twilight of the 14th day of the month (Exod. 12:6) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days following, namely, the 15th to the 21st. (Wilson, 239)
The Passover reenacted annually the greatest miracle the Lord performed out of grace for his chosen; it was to hold central importance in the history of world Jewry. . . freedom after more than four hundred years of Egyptian bondage. (Wilson, 240)
A key point of instruction in Israelite tradition came when the son asked his father the ceremonial question, mah nishtannah ha-laylah ha-zeh mikkol ha-leylot? “Why is this night different from all other nights?” (Pesahim 10:4). The father responded by giving an historical synopsis of God’s redemptive dealings with Israel that led to deliverance from Egypt. (Wilson, 245)
The purpose of these celebrations is clearly for the benefit of those generations who did not participate in the Exodus itself, a trajectory already hinted at in Exodus 10:2 (referring to the children and grandchildren of the Exodus generation – a point repeated throughout chapters 12-13). (Enns, 247)
The Israelites from now on are to remember this night, impress it on their collective consciousness, and pass it on to their children (12:26-27). It is a reminder not just of what God has done but of what he continues to do. In fact, it is more than simply remembering: Passover is a night of “watching,” as we read later in 12:42. Israelites are forevermore to “keep vigil to honor the Lord,” even as he “kept vigil that night” to deliver them from slavery. By celebrating the Passover and the Feast (of Unleavened Bread), God’s people in some mysterious sense participate in the Exodus themselves, a point that is still remembered in Passover celebrations to this day: “In every generation a man must so regard himself as if he cam for himself out of Egypt.” (Enns, 249)
They (the Israelites) are always to remember who they are – or better, whose they are. Israel’s identity is a function of what God has done for them. (Enns, 252)
The Israelites rejoiced at Passover, because their Liberator had miraculously redeemed them, freeing them from the bondage of Egypt. But they also rejoiced in anticipation of God’s ultimate redemption (cf. Isa. 65:17-18; Mic. 4:1-5), when God’s people would be redeemed from all remaining pharaohs and from that evil which dominates and disgraces this present world. (Wilson, 252)
Say therefore to the Israelites, "I am the LORD, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has freed you from the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.' " Exodus 6:6-8
Passover & The Lord’s Supper
As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are celebrating our redemption through Christ and the glory that awaits us. But we should also remember that the Lord’s Supper is itself a fulfillment of that Israelite meal at an earlier stage of God’s redemptive work. By partaking in Communion, we are participating in the effects of God’s redemptive work that he began to execute in Israel’s day and that came to completion on Easter Sunday. It seems, then, that we, like the Israelites, in celebrating the Lord’s Supper, are not merely remembering what God has done. By partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we are, in some mysterious sense, participating in his death and resurrection.
Like successive generations of Jews called to think of themselves as participating in the Exodus, so, too, does the church participate in the work of Christ by virtue of her union with him. (Enns, 260)
. . . it is vital to a proper understanding of the Lord’s Supper to see it as a transformation of the Passover more than simply as a Christian reflection of Passover. Judaism and Christianity are, after all, two different religions despite their common heritage. Nothing is gained and everything is lost if we obliterate those aspects of the Lord’s Supper that make it distinctly Christian – that is, those things that it does not and cannot share with Judaism, namely, a celebration of redemption not only through the God who sent plagues to Egypt, but also through the God who raised Christ from the dead. Although the Lord’s Supper is not distinctly Christian in terms of its origins, it is quintessentially Christian in terms of its meaning.
Perhaps the greatest source of commonality between Passover and the Lord’s Supper lies in their future orientation: Neither meal is merely for the historical moment in which it was first instituted. These rituals are to be observed for successive generations. (Enns, 261)
Whatever chronology of the Last Supper one adopts, it seems clear that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper by associating it with the third cup of wine, which came after the Passover meal was eaten (cf. 1 Cor. 11:25). It was known as the “cup of redemption,” which in rabbinic tradition linked to the third of the fourfold promise of redemption in Exodus 6:6-7, “I will redeem you.” Jesus associated this cup of wine with his atoning death in saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20; cf. 1 Cor. 11:25). (Wilson, 246)
The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal (Passover) lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I Corinthians 5:7-8
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. I Peter 1:18-21
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