“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12)
“Closure” is one of the buzz words of our time. It seems that anytime someone has a difficult experience of life that they need some sort of “conclusion” or event to mark the end of their particular adversity so they can get on with their life. That is a very important issue, and often helps a person deal with the difficulty. But in many cases, there really is no true closure. Yes, life must go on, but the loss of a loved one cannot be forgotten. Even if the adversity is not a death in the family, some troubles remain with us for the rest of our lives. We can get a good measure of relief from many sources, but sometimes we “limp” for the rest of our lives like Jacob did in Genesis chapter 32 when he wrestled with the angel of the Lord too long.
Well, here we are at the end of a calendar year (and for those of you who like to get technical, at the end of a decade). Now is when we start looking back at what has happened in the last year, and thinking about the new things we are going to try to accomplish in 2011. We are looking for “closure” on 2010, and in some cases, not a moment too soon. For many people, this has been a difficult year. Some have dealt with medical issues, others have had challenges in their family, and most of us have felt at least some of the effects of the bad economy. Even for those who have had a decent 2010, we are all looking forward to a new slate and a new year.
One of these days very soon, God will give “closure” to the course of this world. I know we have been talking about that for a long time, but it only means we are getting closer. Skeptics scoff at the imminent rapture of the church and return of the Lord Jesus Christ, but Peter already told us about them: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (II Peter 3:3-4) The fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible sets our book apart from every other book in print. The overwhelming legion of fulfilled prophecies guarantees the fulfillment of those which are yet future. God has never missed. His batting average is 1.000, his quarterback rating is a perfect 158.3, he shoots an 18 every time he plays a round of golf, and he has swished every three-pointer he has ever shot.
Jesus promised: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3) Closure to our pilgrimage on this earth is certain. If it were not so, he would have told us. Whether it happens in our lifetime or in a generation to come, if your faith is in the risen Son of God, you can be sure of a glorious end. All tears will be wiped away. All wrongs will be made right. All questions will be answered.
Paul tells us that since these things are certain, we should conduct our lives in the light and not in the darkness. Jesus said that lost men love darkness rather than the light because their deeds are evil. So as believers, we need to, “…walk in the light, as he is in the light.” (I John 1:7) When we were young (around 10-12), our parents would leave us at home by ourselves at times. Just as any normal kids, we could get into things we shouldn’t have pretty easily. Then when we heard the wheels of the car across the gravel of the driveway, a perfect panic would ensue. We knew we had no more than 29.3 seconds to hide the evidence. Our Heavenly Father is coming soon to take us home. Let us not be scrambling to hide the evidence of a life lived in the darkness. We will have full closure on our service for him in this life. May he find us in full faith, without reproach and blameless before him as we walk in his light.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It’s the Most Wonderful #$%&* Time of the Year!!!
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7)
Got your Christmas shopping done yet?
For many of us, now is about the time that we start planning the list. I know we always say that next year we are going to shop earlier, but it just never happens. It seems like there is some sort of invisible force field governed by an unknown Federal law that requires 95% of humanity to cram the major bulk of our annual binge shopping into the shortest time possible. It is sort of like a game – a national pastime that has been woven into the fabric of our culture. I always marvel at the few who somehow manage to finish their list in October. Maybe you know someone like this. They make most of their presents by hand from only recycled materials and prepare their Holiday banquet from only organically grown items. They always look “GQ”. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team, she was the lead cheerleader. They have exactly 2.3 children who never have a hair out of place. Truth is, they really are not from this planet.
For those who work retail, the holidays are a royal pain in the backside. Dealing with a stressed out grumpy public is often a fate worse than death. Then there are the lines and the traffic for the shoppers. Everyone is on edge. You drive through the mall parking lot and all the spots are full. So you find someone coming out of the store and follow them to get their parking spot. Then someone comes in from the other direction and jumps the protocol and steals the spot. The guy in front of you in line always has some oddball issue that shuts down the register. You can find four million items in every size except the one you need. I could go on complaining until Jesus comes, but I think you get the idea.
This is supposed to be a happy time of the year, and it can be if we keep our hearts anchored to the right things. The joy of Christmas is giving, not getting. Sure, it takes a lot of effort to fight the crowds and find those special things for the ones we love, but it is worth it when we watch the eyes of our kids and grandkids light up with that special gift. Paul said we should, “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) This time of the year gives us an opportunity to live those words. When we get a special gift, we get the joy of receiving. There is nothing wrong with that. Jesus said it is more blessed to give, but he also said it was blessed to receive. But the Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. When we give out of a pure heart of love, we also receive the blessing of giving.
The greatest example of this principle is embodied in the one who we celebrate at this time of the year. The next time we complain about the long lines at the mall, think of the long trek he made up the hill to Calvary. When we encounter the grumpy customer or sales clerk, remember the beating he took from those whom he created. When we get frustrated by the shopping mob, think of the angry mob who cried, “Away with him! Crucify him!” When we see an item we want and then see the “sticker shock” of the price tag, think of the price he paid to redeem us from our sins. He did all of that cheerfully. He did it because he loved you more than anyone ever could. He gave his life – not just a gift card – when he did not have to do it, and when he could have easily gotten out of it. When you received him as your Saviour, he received the greatest joy anyone could ever imagine; a new soul for his kingdom. He gave first, knowing he would receive later. As someone said, God did not wrap his present and place it under a tree, he unwrapped it and nailed it on a tree. Keep your heart directed to that gift every day.
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)
Got your Christmas shopping done yet?
For many of us, now is about the time that we start planning the list. I know we always say that next year we are going to shop earlier, but it just never happens. It seems like there is some sort of invisible force field governed by an unknown Federal law that requires 95% of humanity to cram the major bulk of our annual binge shopping into the shortest time possible. It is sort of like a game – a national pastime that has been woven into the fabric of our culture. I always marvel at the few who somehow manage to finish their list in October. Maybe you know someone like this. They make most of their presents by hand from only recycled materials and prepare their Holiday banquet from only organically grown items. They always look “GQ”. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team, she was the lead cheerleader. They have exactly 2.3 children who never have a hair out of place. Truth is, they really are not from this planet.
For those who work retail, the holidays are a royal pain in the backside. Dealing with a stressed out grumpy public is often a fate worse than death. Then there are the lines and the traffic for the shoppers. Everyone is on edge. You drive through the mall parking lot and all the spots are full. So you find someone coming out of the store and follow them to get their parking spot. Then someone comes in from the other direction and jumps the protocol and steals the spot. The guy in front of you in line always has some oddball issue that shuts down the register. You can find four million items in every size except the one you need. I could go on complaining until Jesus comes, but I think you get the idea.
This is supposed to be a happy time of the year, and it can be if we keep our hearts anchored to the right things. The joy of Christmas is giving, not getting. Sure, it takes a lot of effort to fight the crowds and find those special things for the ones we love, but it is worth it when we watch the eyes of our kids and grandkids light up with that special gift. Paul said we should, “…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) This time of the year gives us an opportunity to live those words. When we get a special gift, we get the joy of receiving. There is nothing wrong with that. Jesus said it is more blessed to give, but he also said it was blessed to receive. But the Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. When we give out of a pure heart of love, we also receive the blessing of giving.
The greatest example of this principle is embodied in the one who we celebrate at this time of the year. The next time we complain about the long lines at the mall, think of the long trek he made up the hill to Calvary. When we encounter the grumpy customer or sales clerk, remember the beating he took from those whom he created. When we get frustrated by the shopping mob, think of the angry mob who cried, “Away with him! Crucify him!” When we see an item we want and then see the “sticker shock” of the price tag, think of the price he paid to redeem us from our sins. He did all of that cheerfully. He did it because he loved you more than anyone ever could. He gave his life – not just a gift card – when he did not have to do it, and when he could have easily gotten out of it. When you received him as your Saviour, he received the greatest joy anyone could ever imagine; a new soul for his kingdom. He gave first, knowing he would receive later. As someone said, God did not wrap his present and place it under a tree, he unwrapped it and nailed it on a tree. Keep your heart directed to that gift every day.
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Mission Accomplished
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8)
Crest Bible Church is actively involved in the support of missionaries who take the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to other lands and cultures. We take an annual trip to Belize every year, and we have 21 missionaries who receive regular financial support from our church. This missions emphasis was established by our founding pastor Dwight Johnson, and has continued unbroken since he started the church in 1950. In fact, some of the missionaries sent out and supported by Crest Bible Church in the 1950’s are still “on the payroll” even today. It is testimony and legacy, and an aspect of our ministry that we feel is vital to the health of any local assembly.
One of our missionaries is returning from the field. Most of the time, this happens for the wrong reasons (doctrinal problems, character issues, cultural or ministry ineffectiveness, etc.), but there are times when a missionary has successfully done what God asked of them and it is time to move on. Such is the case with Greg and Sue Kedrovsky. Fifteen years ago, God moved in their hearts to take the gospel to the people of Latin America. After a couple of years in Columbia learning the language, culture, and Latino ministry, God moved them to Costa Rica. Greg and Sue planted a church “from scratch” on the East side of the capital city of San Jose. Implementing Biblical discipleship and leadership training, they were able to raise a generation of spiritual leaders to take charge of the church, and now they are “coming home”. I put that in quotes, because I am sure that Greg and Sue consider Costa Rica their home by now. Their three children were born on the mission field, and know nothing of the United States other than where Grandma lives. The next phase of their ministry and lives is before them, and they are trusting God for direction and blessings just as they did fifteen years ago when they left home on this adventure. Coming back to the US will be just as difficult as moving to Latin America was, and in some cases even more so. Teenage children will have to adjust to a life and culture they have never known. The cost of living is far greater. Snow shovels and winter coats will have to be welcomed as new members of the family. The list is longer than we would imagine. Pray for the Kedrovskys that this new phase of their lives would bear fruit as the last one has.
We will welcome Greg and Sue home with a celebration and party this Sunday from 11am-3pm at the Kansas City Baptist Temple, their sending and home church. While we congratulate them on a job well done, we also want to be reminded of certain lessons in this for all of us.
First, no one is indispensible in the mission of God. Sometimes we wonder why a founding senior pastor of a mission work like Eastside Baptist Church of San Jose Costa Rica would be directed by the Lord to leave that work. I am sure the emotions are difficult to deal with on both sides. We tend to think that this church and work would suffer hardship with the departure of its pastor. But we must remember that we need God. He doesn’t need us. We are laborers with him (I Cor 3:9), but it is his mission, and he is quite capable of carrying it on with or without us.
Secondly, all of us are “missionaries” in this life. As a believer, you are already on foreign soil because this world is not your home. Run your race looking unto Jesus (Heb 12:1-2). Some day he will call all of us home. The party and welcome for Greg and Sue Kedrovsky this Sunday will be awesome, but it will be nothing like the celebration around the throne of God on that day.
Crest Bible Church is actively involved in the support of missionaries who take the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to other lands and cultures. We take an annual trip to Belize every year, and we have 21 missionaries who receive regular financial support from our church. This missions emphasis was established by our founding pastor Dwight Johnson, and has continued unbroken since he started the church in 1950. In fact, some of the missionaries sent out and supported by Crest Bible Church in the 1950’s are still “on the payroll” even today. It is testimony and legacy, and an aspect of our ministry that we feel is vital to the health of any local assembly.
One of our missionaries is returning from the field. Most of the time, this happens for the wrong reasons (doctrinal problems, character issues, cultural or ministry ineffectiveness, etc.), but there are times when a missionary has successfully done what God asked of them and it is time to move on. Such is the case with Greg and Sue Kedrovsky. Fifteen years ago, God moved in their hearts to take the gospel to the people of Latin America. After a couple of years in Columbia learning the language, culture, and Latino ministry, God moved them to Costa Rica. Greg and Sue planted a church “from scratch” on the East side of the capital city of San Jose. Implementing Biblical discipleship and leadership training, they were able to raise a generation of spiritual leaders to take charge of the church, and now they are “coming home”. I put that in quotes, because I am sure that Greg and Sue consider Costa Rica their home by now. Their three children were born on the mission field, and know nothing of the United States other than where Grandma lives. The next phase of their ministry and lives is before them, and they are trusting God for direction and blessings just as they did fifteen years ago when they left home on this adventure. Coming back to the US will be just as difficult as moving to Latin America was, and in some cases even more so. Teenage children will have to adjust to a life and culture they have never known. The cost of living is far greater. Snow shovels and winter coats will have to be welcomed as new members of the family. The list is longer than we would imagine. Pray for the Kedrovskys that this new phase of their lives would bear fruit as the last one has.
We will welcome Greg and Sue home with a celebration and party this Sunday from 11am-3pm at the Kansas City Baptist Temple, their sending and home church. While we congratulate them on a job well done, we also want to be reminded of certain lessons in this for all of us.
First, no one is indispensible in the mission of God. Sometimes we wonder why a founding senior pastor of a mission work like Eastside Baptist Church of San Jose Costa Rica would be directed by the Lord to leave that work. I am sure the emotions are difficult to deal with on both sides. We tend to think that this church and work would suffer hardship with the departure of its pastor. But we must remember that we need God. He doesn’t need us. We are laborers with him (I Cor 3:9), but it is his mission, and he is quite capable of carrying it on with or without us.
Secondly, all of us are “missionaries” in this life. As a believer, you are already on foreign soil because this world is not your home. Run your race looking unto Jesus (Heb 12:1-2). Some day he will call all of us home. The party and welcome for Greg and Sue Kedrovsky this Sunday will be awesome, but it will be nothing like the celebration around the throne of God on that day.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Throw It Away!!!
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (I Corinthians 5:7-8)
Last week I mentioned the “pack rat” mentality I have concerning papers and notes, and how I am in the beginning of the process of trying to “weed out” the mountainous pile of things I have accumulated over the years. It is very painful for me, and a slow process. If you were to look in my office today as opposed to last week, you would see very little progress. But there is a little. Believe it or not, there are actually less papers in my office than there were a week ago. At the rate I am going, I will be down to a manageable level about 20 years into the Millennium. I need to pick up the pace!
Many believers accumulate things in their personal lives that are not always sinful and bad, but often don’t fit into the grand scheme of things. Especially here in the good ol’ US of A, we have learned how to gather the most incredible amount of non-essential junk of any people in the history of the world. Jesus said, “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). My, how we ignore that truth! But it is not only the physical stuff we hoard that is the subject of this blog post, but the accumulation of other interests that can entangle our lives and rob us of our spiritual vitality. The verses above tell us that Jesus was our passover sacrifice. He “uncluttered” his life to focus on giving it for our sins. He left the glories and provisions of the Father’s throne to dwell on this dirt ball because he knew we needed his sacrifice to gain a home in heaven. If you have trusted him as your Saviour, he now asks you to devote your life to his service and his kingdom. Some things can get in the way of that. I am not suggesting we live in a cardboard box and eat roots and berries. But too many entanglements will get in the way of our service. Paul said those who serve Christ should not be “entangled with the affairs of this life” (II Timothy 2:4). How many hundreds of times we hear, “I would like to get involved, but…” Activities, bills, relationships, and other interests get in the way. Sometimes we need to do a thorough “spring cleaning” of our lives to be the best we can be for our Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) A fruit tree bears the biggest and sweetest fruit when it is regularly cleaned out and purged of its dead branches. God expects us to do a little purging at times so we can be more fruitful for him. If we don’t, sometimes he does the purging for us. A few years ago, we had a fall snowstorm that dumped about 8 inches of wet, heavy snow on trees that had not yet lost their leaves. The weight of the snow snapped most of the weaker branches and stripped many of the trees pretty bare. Clean up was a difficult and painstaking time. But a couple of years later, the trees that had solid roots and a sure foundation blossomed even more beautiful than before the storm. The next time a “storm” appears in your life, stop to consider the possibility that God may be trying to prosper your life and make it even sweeter with him. In the meantime, look at the commitments and involvements we have and see if there are some things that just don’t fill the same need and purpose they once did. Clearly, God wants us to purge sin from our lives. But often, there are other things that are not sinful in and of themselves, but that could be laid aside for the greater good of your service to Jesus Christ. “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21) Are you the best you can be for your Lord?
Last week I mentioned the “pack rat” mentality I have concerning papers and notes, and how I am in the beginning of the process of trying to “weed out” the mountainous pile of things I have accumulated over the years. It is very painful for me, and a slow process. If you were to look in my office today as opposed to last week, you would see very little progress. But there is a little. Believe it or not, there are actually less papers in my office than there were a week ago. At the rate I am going, I will be down to a manageable level about 20 years into the Millennium. I need to pick up the pace!
Many believers accumulate things in their personal lives that are not always sinful and bad, but often don’t fit into the grand scheme of things. Especially here in the good ol’ US of A, we have learned how to gather the most incredible amount of non-essential junk of any people in the history of the world. Jesus said, “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). My, how we ignore that truth! But it is not only the physical stuff we hoard that is the subject of this blog post, but the accumulation of other interests that can entangle our lives and rob us of our spiritual vitality. The verses above tell us that Jesus was our passover sacrifice. He “uncluttered” his life to focus on giving it for our sins. He left the glories and provisions of the Father’s throne to dwell on this dirt ball because he knew we needed his sacrifice to gain a home in heaven. If you have trusted him as your Saviour, he now asks you to devote your life to his service and his kingdom. Some things can get in the way of that. I am not suggesting we live in a cardboard box and eat roots and berries. But too many entanglements will get in the way of our service. Paul said those who serve Christ should not be “entangled with the affairs of this life” (II Timothy 2:4). How many hundreds of times we hear, “I would like to get involved, but…” Activities, bills, relationships, and other interests get in the way. Sometimes we need to do a thorough “spring cleaning” of our lives to be the best we can be for our Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) A fruit tree bears the biggest and sweetest fruit when it is regularly cleaned out and purged of its dead branches. God expects us to do a little purging at times so we can be more fruitful for him. If we don’t, sometimes he does the purging for us. A few years ago, we had a fall snowstorm that dumped about 8 inches of wet, heavy snow on trees that had not yet lost their leaves. The weight of the snow snapped most of the weaker branches and stripped many of the trees pretty bare. Clean up was a difficult and painstaking time. But a couple of years later, the trees that had solid roots and a sure foundation blossomed even more beautiful than before the storm. The next time a “storm” appears in your life, stop to consider the possibility that God may be trying to prosper your life and make it even sweeter with him. In the meantime, look at the commitments and involvements we have and see if there are some things that just don’t fill the same need and purpose they once did. Clearly, God wants us to purge sin from our lives. But often, there are other things that are not sinful in and of themselves, but that could be laid aside for the greater good of your service to Jesus Christ. “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21) Are you the best you can be for your Lord?
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