Happy Christmas

I usually say, "Merry Christmas." That is the way most of us in the US express our holiday greeting. The other day I was changing the marquee in front of our church. The display says, "A Merry Christmas starts with Christ." Someone mentioned to me that "merry" refers to drinking and parties and that the proper expression is "Happy Christmas." Of course that is primarily a British form of the holiday greeting. I suppose my friend may have a point. Nonetheless, I still say it the regular way.

But, the point of our church marquee is the same (rambling) point of this post. There will be no meaningful Christmas - happy, merry or otherwise - without Christ as the center of it all.

I hope you have a wonderful, Christ-centered, happy Christmas!

Clearly Articulating the Gospel

Recently I was asked to write out the gospel. While this seems fairly straight forward, I'm not sure I did a very good job. Its not that I don't know the gospel. It just seems that I battle against the use of canned phrases that are filled with so much "Christianese." I think I included all the main points about God and man and Jesus. Yet, even after a few edits, I was not completely happy with my final product.

Then, while reading A. W. Tozer's Man the Dwelling Place of God, I read the following paragraph. It seems to be a very concise explanation of the way of salvation. Take a look:

"Salvation comes not by 'accepting the finished work' or 'deciding for Christ.' It comes by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the whole, living, victorious Lord who, as God and man, fought our fight and won it, accepted our debts as His own and paid it, took our sins and died under them and rose again to set us free. This is the true Christ, and nothing less will do."

That is a pretty clear articulation of the Good News.

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Reformation Day

In honor of Reformation Day, the day (Oct. 31, 1517) on which Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church, I encourage you to read this ancient document. Luther went on to take a firm stand against the church and its practices that had strayed from the clear teaching of Scripture.

Several years later, at the Diet of Worms (April 1521), Luther stood before a tribunal and was commanded to recant of his writings against the church. He boldly refused.

During his response to the charges against him Luther made a great statement about his conviction, and more importantly, the basis for it. He asserted, "I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God."

Would to God, that Christians around the world today would affirm such a bold conviction.

Sola Scriptura!

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Desire for God's House

A few weeks back the Lord brought an interesting visitor to our church, someone who simply has an interest in gathering with God's people. You see, this individual does not speak English. But, she is a follower of Jesus Christ. So, she continues to come and worship with us.

She smiles, shakes hands with nearly everyone, even hugs a few of the ladies. All the while not understanding much of what is said or able to be understood. I can only assume that she simply has a deep desire to be in a place where she can be among others who are like-minded. She is far from home and her family. But for an hour or so each week she is among 'brothers and sisters.' During the sermon I see her with her eyes closed. She has no idea what the American preacher is saying. But the message comes from the Book, the one that contains the powerful truth of God's grace and love found in the person of Jesus Christ. An amazing message that is so much greater than our human understanding.

In spite of the language barrier, this woman comes to worship. It seems that she simply has a desire for God's house. At the same time there are many professing Christians who allow the least little thing to hinder them from joining with other believers in corporate worship. I am encouraged by this woman's zeal to gather with those who share her faith. A day is coming when there will be a great gathering of people from every tribe and nation. On that day there will be only one language. The language of praise! To the glory of God and the Lamb.

Fellowship

Most Christians would define "fellowship" as something having to do with food, or at least coffee and donuts. A sad commentary, given the biblical perspective of this aspect of our life as Christians. Fellowship actually has to do with a personal, abiding communion among those who share the commonality of Christ. While this may involve the 'breaking of bread' during a meal or the Lord's Table, fellowship may occur in a variety of settings.

During a recent visit with some friends I enjoyed a wonderful sense of fellowship. A smile, a big bear hug, I was among brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout the day our hearts were focused on the Lord Jesus as we worshiped, sang, laughed, prayed and ate (yep, there was food). Although I can laugh, talk and eat with my friends who are not followers of Christ, it is simply not the same. The bond, present because of the Holy Spirit, is absent in the relationships of unbelievers.

God has fixed it so that we can enjoy this unique relationship among the Body of Christ. It is sweet when experienced and deeply desired when we are separated from this sort of setting. Thus we must foster a culture of fellowship in our churches and seek many opportunities with our friends in Christ. We are designed for fellowship.

Anniversary of 9.11

Just as many others in our country, today I am remembering the terrorist attacks that took place 8 years ago. Since that day our lives are different. The devastation and loss of life in NYC, Washington DC and Shanksville, PA has changed the way we view the world.

On that morning in 2001 I was driving to a sales call. Initially there was much confusion about what had actually happened. Upon arriving at my destination I watched the earliest news coverage. When the second plane hit the tower there was little doubt this was an orchestrated attack. I was sick at my stomach. The rest of the day was a waste because I couldn't focus on anything else.

That night my wife and I cried together. We prayed for the families who had lost loved ones on that day. We talked about how unimaginable all of this was, yet we had watched the whole thing unfold on TV. It was hard to sleep that night.

I wasn't born when JFK was killed. I was in Jr. High when Reagan was shot and that was certainly unnerving for a teenager. But it was mostly forgotten in a matter of weeks. However, the events of 9.11 are permanently etched in my mind. It is a day that changed the world and shocked most of us into a very strange reality. It revealed the fragility of life, the darkness of human depravity and our complete inability to control either of these things ourselves. Contrary to the theology of many, God was in control on 9.11 and He is still ruling and reigning today. The shocking truth is that 9.11 was terrible but it could have been worse. We rest in God's Sovereign mercy and abundant grace. When sin and evil leave us dumbfounded, He is our only solace.

Seminary Doesn't Cover Everything

I've only been a pastor for a short time (nearly 4 years). Our church is rather small in comparison with most churches. However, you don't need to serve in a large context to gain valuable experiences in ministry. Seminary is a wonderful place to learn and grow. My theological training provided a solid foundation for ministry and I am so thankful for the opportunity. But, seminary doesn't cover everything.

The thing is, ministry brings you into the lives of the congregation. And life, as you know, entails a lot of stuff. Some of that stuff is very challenging and often messy. I'm talking about the pain and heartache that each of us will face eventually. The sorrow brought about by sickness, death and sin. The size of your church or your seminary GPA has no bearing on these things.

I did take a seminary class that mentioned hospital visits. The professor recommended that you go early and don't stay too long (good advice, as far as it goes). One of my best classes covered all the crisis situations we might encounter in ministry. It provided an excellent look at potential tragedies and turmoil, but all on paper. You see, that doesn't do much good when you are looking at a parent who is about to bury their child. Life comes at you in high definition when you are holding someones hand as they are being wheeled into emergency surgery. During those times nobody cares about Church history, Philosophy or your view on the ending of Mark's gospel.

I am thankful that the Lord has not left us to shepherd the flock alone. He is with us and guiding us in a real and personal way. And it brings me great joy to know that I can enter before His throne of grace and find help during those difficult and trying times. His grace is sufficient when I am weak, which seems to be quite often. Our God is good!