Bound 4 Glory

The Bible and future judgments

2011-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

I recently brought up the topic of giving an account of our lives to God in the context of James 3:1, where James said, those who teach will be “judged more strictly.”

The chapter deals with taming the tongue and two kinds of wisdom, but 3:1 provides opportunity to focus, for a moment, on what the Bible says about future judgment.

There are two judgments of human beings included in the end times narrative. We read about the first, “great white throne judgment” in Rev 20:11-12, where John wrote:

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Rev. 20:11-12

This judgment is for the multitude of mankind, who lived from the time of Adam until the last day, who rejected the free gift of salvation through faith in what Jesus did on the cross.

In Rev 20:12 we see this judgment is based on “...what they had done...”

In other words, mankind is given the option of one day standing before God and being judged on the basis of our own worthiness, or as the Bible says, on the basis of our own righteousness.

We also have the option of being judged on the basis of Christ’s righteousness, which is “imputed,” credited or given to us when we believe the gospel.

With this imputed righteousness of Christ comes the promise found in Psalm 103:12, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

A reader of the Bible understands that peace with God and an adoption into the family of God results when we come to understand the folly and unfruitfulness of planning to stand before God on the basis of our own righteousness.

In Romans 8:1 the Apostle Paul says there is “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”

There is, though, a second judgment, the “judgment seat of Christ,” which we read about in 2Cor. 5:10:

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

The “judgment seat of Christ” does not address the guilt and consequences of sin. It is a future occasion for followers of Jesus to review, in the presence of God, how we lived our Christian lives. This will include: how we use the things the Lord has blessed us with to bless others and how we use our lives to serve Him.

In Romans 14:10, Paul combines the rebuke of Christians who were judging one another, with a reminder that one day “we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

The personal penalty of all sin is removed when a person places their faith in Christ’s death on the cross. The power of sin is “removed” as a follower of Jesus submits himself to the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Cor 3:10-15, Paul uses the illustration of raw materials as a metaphor for how we “build our lives.” The contrast between gold, silver, costly stones and wood, hay or straw, is easy to understand.

The goal of both the white throne judgment and the judgment seat of Christ is the same, the glory of God. Our great God will be glorified as unbelievers at the white throne judgment finally come to understand the powerlessness of self righteousness and the indescribable power of the righteousness of Christ. On the other hand, our great God will be glorified as believers review their Christian lives at the Judgment seat of Christ.

There are rewards or “crowns” connected with the Judgment seat of Christ. I like to use the illustration of a graduation to explain the purpose and rewards connected to the Judgment seat of Christ. Those in a graduating class have been approved by the Dean of Student affairs. There are some in the graduating class who graduate with honors, as their educational careers are reviewed, but all graduate.

This illustration breaks down when we consider the purpose of the rewards. On the human plane, the graduate with honors receives the glory and applause. On the spiritual plane, the Lord Jesus Christ receives the glory and “applause” as the rewards or crowns are laid at His feet.

I trust these verses and the judgments connected to these verses provide the motivation to share the good news with those who still believe in their ability to stand before God and give an account based on their own righteousness.

I trust these verses and the judgments connected to these verses provide the motivation for Christians to walk with anxious expectation of the day we can see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and review all we have accomplished for Him by His power!

Will the world really end on May 21st at 6:00 PM?

2011-05-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

There has been much talk in recent days about the end of the world. Some mock and others reflect, but no one is indifferent, when it comes to the end of the world as we know it. Many years ago King Solomon said, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Eccl. 3:11

What follows is the background to the current hype and, I believe, a reasonable response from the Scriptures. Thanks for reading!

1- Who is behind this date setting for the end of the world?

Harold Camping is the President of Family Radio. He is a self taught Bible teacher who has a history, and a bad track record, of predicting the end of the world. Previously, Mr. Camping predicted the world would end on September 4 1994.

Contrary to the clear and consistent teaching of the Bible, Mr. Camping has developed what he calls, “a foolproof mathematical system of prophetic interpretation.”

Through an elaborate and random series of calculations, Mr. Camping, and his followers are predicting the world, as we know it, will end on May 21st with a massive earthquake that will shake the world apart. Mr. Camping and the people from Family Radio say that those who

believe in Jesus will be carried into heaven, while the rest of humanity will endure 153 days of ‘death and horror’ before the world ends on October 21.

According to the Family Radio web site, there are two ‘proofs’ that May 21, 2011 is the judgment day. Mr. Camping believes he has figured out the exact date of Noah’s great flood. He also believes he has discovered the exact date of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Somehow, Mr. Camping has taken these two, alleged dates, and he has declared May 21, 2011 as the day of judgment.

I believe Mr. Camping’s conclusions are wrong. I believe he will wake up on May 22, with no regrets, embarrassment or shame, to begin working on his next end of world scenario!

2- What does the Bible say about the end of the world?

The Bible says at least two things about the end of the world. First, the Bible very clearly says the world, as we know it, will one day end. In 2 Peter 3, the Apostle Peter said, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2Pet. 3:10

Second, the Bible very clearly says the day is unknown to man. In Mark 13, Jesus spoke in detail about the end of the age. But when asked for dates and times, he said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32

Later on Ascension Thursday, the disciples once again asked about future things. Jesus, once again, said “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Acts 1:7

So, we should be wary of false teachers who use elaborate number schemes or set a date to prove anything about the day or time of the end of the world.

3- How shall we respond to the talk about the end of the world on May 21st?

If anything good has come from the false teaching and sensational hype generated by Mr. Camping and the people from Family Radio, it is that people are talking and even planning how they will prepare for next Saturday, May 21st.

Some folks have said, “if the world is going to end, I am going to have a wild last week.” Others, have taken a more reserved approach saying, “just in case, I am going to reflect on my life and relationships.”

Tim Mc Graw was not the first to encourage people to live every day like it is our last. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were not the first to encourage a “Bucket List.” In Mark 13:33 Jesus said, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Jesus went on to say in Mark 13:37, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

We would all do well to ask the question, “Am I ready for the end of the world?” The message of the Bible does not include a hidden code, it includes an incredible love story and a plan for our lives. The love story involved the Father, Jesus and each of us. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s plan for us begins today. He promises us inner peace and freedom from guilt. He promises to free us from the penalty and power of sin. He promises to receive us into heaven when our end comes.

God’s plan includes a relationship with Him and a relationship with other members of God’s family in a local church that teaches what God has said about both time and eternity.

Why church membership?

2011-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

I recently received a great email with a question about church membership:

It read, in part:

“...I've always wondered about this. I understand the need for involvement and even commitment to the local church. But I have never really understood the basis for membership on paper as related to anything from scripture. I can do all of the things you ascribe to membership without being a member on paper. Is there a verse that indicates there is a need for that type of membership?

In reply, I wrote:

Please forgive a quick reply to a question with significant implications. Your inference is correct. I am not familiar with a bible verse that indicates “a need” for membership “on paper.” There is a place that indicates a need for membership “on paper,” our Grace Chapel Constitution.

This document limits voting on amending the constitution, approving the annual budget, affirming the selection of Elders and Deacons and the calling and dismissal of the Senior Pastor to members “on paper.” [In our case, “on paper” means approval by the Elders documented on the official minutes of the Board.]

Grace Chapel is an independent church. As such, the members own the property and have the ability to dissolve the organization. The members determine the direction of the church as decisions are made and the Constitution is updated as needed.

So, for the above reasons, a person committed to a local assembly of believers, logically should be a member “on paper.”

While there is not a Bible verse which indicates the need for membership, in the way we use the term, I believe the principle and practice of becoming a member of a local church helps draw us closer to the experience of God’s people in the Scriptures and throughout the history of the church.

In the Old Testament, there was very clearly an “on paper” aspect of becoming part of the covenant people of God. In the New Testament it does not appear there was membership “on paper,” but there was no doubt about expectations and responsibilities of leaders and “lay” people within the local assemblies.

I find it fascinating that in the history of the church, mighty works of God always had an “on paper” aspect or, at least feel.

When God laid hold of Wesley, the Methodist movement had a definite “on paper” aspect as the people covenanted to live a disciplined life. Revivals, missionary movements and prevailing local churches all have an “on paper” feel as people unite for a common purpose or vision.

Lastly, I have observed the huge difference in a person who says, I “go to” or “I attend” Grace Chapel” and a person who says Grace Chapel is “my church.” Membership helps accommodate and accelerate this emotional and spiritual shift in perspective.

I don’t have time to wonder how much American individualism plays in our hesitation to become a member of a local church...

Many of our Christian disciplines and daily practices do not have a bible verse which directly speak to the issue. I remember as a young follower of Jesus looking for a verse about closing my eyes or taking my hat off when I pray... I remember looking for a verse commanding me to have daily devotions or say grace before meals... Or go to Sunday School or Mid week services...

Anyway... I hope this helps as you consider the place and importance of membership in a local church.

SO... Why Church Membership?

We exist to exalt Christ and impact our worlds. The church is the God given means to accomplish that goal.

The Universal Church (i.e., all believers, everywhere) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in the world (2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

The Local Church (i.e., a particular group of believers in a particular locale) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in our world. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Those of us who trust in and follow Jesus are caught up in something much bigger than ourselves. We have graciously been invited to “Walk with Jesus.”

In the past we have said “walking with Jesus” involves:

- a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

- a commitment to corporate worship and a small group activity.

- a commitment to “Love in Action.”

I believe a commitment to corporate worship and a small group activity assumes church membership.

The opportunity, privilege and responsibility to join a local church body is much more than a commitment to consistent attendance or active involvement in community. The church is the gathering of the redeemed, the household of God (Ephesians 2:19), the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 9), and the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

Membership at Grace Chapel is participation in a family, a snapshot of the universal household of God. All members are united to Christ and thus to each other. Unity within the church is expressed in love for God and a love for others.

The Pastors, Elders and Deacons are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and the individual members. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Membership in a local church is a reasonable step in our spiritual growth.

-Membership at Grace Chapel gives us access to an environment where we “do life” with others who purpose to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter in matters of faith and life.

-Membership at Grace Chapel makes us part of a community of followers of Jesus who are committed to regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship and “Love in Action.”

-Membership at Grace Chapel provides a platform to attend weekly services, engage in biblical community and serve one another.

-Membership at Grace Chapel gives us a place to invest the resources God has given us, including time, talents, spiritual gifts and finances.

-Membership at Grace Chapel communicates a willingness and commitment to both submit to the leaders of the church and be part of crafting the next chapter in the story of our church.

If you are a regular attender at Grace Chapel or any local church, I encourage you to take part in the next scheduled membership class.

"Thats what dogs do..."

2010-12-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

One of my greatest joys these days is my dog, Brandy. She is a 16 month-old Irish Setter. The fact that I have an Irish Setter is not a reflection of my background or my experience as a church planting missionary in Cork, Ireland. I grew up with “Casey,” an Irish Setter. After a long, and often tragic, run of Labs and Spaniels I had the opportunity to go back to my roots and get another Setter.

You may have noticed the first person singular pronouns, “I” and “my.” This is because three years ago my wife, Karen, said, “no more dogs.” She loves dogs, but was unwilling to deal with another dog with cancer or dog hit by a car... So Brandy is my dog!

On more than one occasion in the past year I found myself defending Brandy by saying, “that’s what dogs do.” I said this after the dog chewed the carpet, the leg of a chair and Karen’s eyeglasses. This seemed like a reasonable response until the dog ate one of my favorite baseball caps. Karen interrupted my rant by reminding me, “that’s what dogs do!”

The same principle has helped me cope with some of the extreme responses to Christmas. Our sermons this autumn have focused on “the Real Jesus.” By “Real” I mean the Jesus of the Gospels and Epistles as compared to the world’s understanding or approach to Jesus.

For some people, Jesus is 8.6oz baby Jesus. For others, He is the consummate best friend. For some people, He is a defender of the weak. For some church folk, He is the bloody and suffering Savior on the cross. For still others, He is nearly angelic, soft and beloved by children. For Johnny Cash, Jesus is “the greatest cowboy of them all.”

On the other hand, the Jesus of the Bible is the exalted King of Kings. He is God. He is Creator. He is light. He is life. He is Redeemer. He was not recognized by the world.

So, the next time you are witness to an extreme or hostile view of Christmas, in your spirit say, “that is what the world does.” The world does not recognize Jesus.

Save your energy, compose yourself and share with the people in your world the difference Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us, has made in your life.

It is hard to handle a dog eating your favorite hat. But “that’s what dogs do.” It is even harder to handle people taking a stand against a sacred holiday, but “that’s what the world does.”

Go into your world being available, prepared and expecting to be God’s agent. You will not be disappointed!

"Don't Waste your Unemployment"

2009-02-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

A quick look at the prayer requests that run across my desk has alerted me that the economic downturn is beginning to reach into our church family.
This morning my thoughts and prayers are directed toward those who find themselves without a job and without a sense of what’s next.
To you, I humbly say, do not waste your unemployment! The Bible is filled with examples of adversity and setbacks becoming the seeds of life change.
I would like to encourage you to consider the following ideas:

1-Use this “interruption” to grow in your knowledge of God and yourself!
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26
The range of emotions that come with unemployment is extreme. The emotional gamut runs from anger to abandonment. Refocus as quickly as possible. Develop a habit of reading the Bible and devotional books. If you “don’t read,” use this interruption to get rid of that destructive notion! Read, reflect and grow in your knowledge of the God who uses adversity to sharpen His followers.

2-Keep your routine!
“It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.” 3John 3
One of the invisible benefits of a job is the forced structure a workweek provides. Even if you had a lousy schedule, you had a schedule! The relief of not having to get up and get going is short lived. There is a fine line between this “relief” [of not having to get up] and the early stages of depression.
So… As much as possible, maintain your schedule, or at least an eight-hour daily routine. Remember, your job is to get a job! As you plan your daily and weekly schedule make sure you spend at least an hour a day updating your resume, looking for a job or trying to set up interviews.

3-Get physical!
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:18
Speaking of establishing a routine, use the space between jobs to improve your physical condition and health. Despondency sucks energy and depression causes us to become sedentary. This will not happen unless you plan to spend an increasing amount of time doing more squeezing the remote on your video game or TV. Purpose to loose weight, gain strength and build stamina. Spend at least an hour a day walking, running, or exercising at home or in the gym. Your improved physical condition will add confidence during your interview process.

4- Develop a new set of skills!
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 20
The application of this principle varies, but the goal is to become more marketable! Some people are well acquainted with the next set of skills required for career advancement; others will have to be creative! Take a regular block of time and use it to develop a new set of skills that will impress when the time comes to drag your disciplined mind and buff body into the interview room!

5-Volunteer!
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Col. 1:10
Time is a commodity the unemployed are blessed with. If you prayerfully own the first four ideas you will still have time to volunteer at a non-profit organization. You can use your [expanding] skill set to provide help many organizations could not afford. You can also decompress by volunteering to do whatever is needed. You may cultivate a job lead, but you will certainly bless and be blessed. You will feel good about yourself and your spiritual and mental health will spike!

If I was in Human Resources I would be very interested in how prospective employees filled the time between jobs. As a Pastor I am very interested in seeing members of our church family use the challenge of unemployment to become a vehicle for life change.
Please be confident of my prayers on your behalf.

Living with a 1st generation faith experience

2008-06-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like 1st Love… Most of us remember our first “crush.” As special as these early memories are, there is nothing like the early days of the Christian life.

With this in mind, there is nothing more important than handing off the faith to our children. Unfortunately, the narratives in the Old Testament tell tragic stories of men who failed to hand off the faith to their children.

Do you remember, perhaps, the saddest day in Samuel’s life when “…the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” 1Samuel 8:4-5

Samuel’s mentor, Eli, is not remembered by most for years of faithful service to Israel and his impact on Samuel's life. In 1Samuel 2:12 we read, “Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.” I do not think I am the only one who visualizes Eli as a “big guy” who lost control of his sons.

I don’t know where you are spiritually, but in Galatians 3:26 Paul reminds us, “You are all sons of God through faith.” The Bible uses the term “adoption” to describe the faith transaction which causes us to become part of God’s family.

It is sad when a married couple begins to take each other for granted. It is tragic when Christ followers begin to take God and the things of God for granted.

Please prayerfully check out the symptoms of loosing the sense of the 1st generation experience.

We're loosing the sense of that 1st generation faith experience when...
1-We take our faith and relationship with God for granted.
Our Christian faith is not like our political affiliation or alma mater. It's not a box we check in a survey or on an application. God became man and died in our place and adopted us into His family as we trust him!

We're loosing the sense of that 1st generation faith experience when...
2-Our behavior leads to a change in our beliefs.
Nobody dabbles with drinking, drugging, immorality or other activities after doing an exhaustive study of the Bible about the issues. Nobody fails to give, read, attend church after doing an exhaustive study of the Bible about the issues. We slowly change our behavior and then change of belief system to accommodate our new behavior. We struggle, for awhile, with the inconsistency and "deal with it" by changing our position on the issue.

We're loosing the sense of that 1st generation faith experience when...
3-We define ourselves in ways other than as a Christian.
Notice how we are identified or how we define ourselves. Most of the time we are defined or noticed by our appearance, career choices, spouse, marital status, zip code or hobby.
Sometimes we are defined by our personalities or skill sets. When we loose that 1st love feeling we cease to think and talk like a follower of Jesus Christ. Imagine what it would look like if being a follower of Jesus Christ defined everything about us!

We're loosing the sense of that 1st generation faith experience when...
4-Our Christian disciplines are rituals or rote behaviors.
I define the Christian Disciplines as reading, praying, church attendance, giving. In Hosea 6:6 god said, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. If we are going through the motions we are in trouble!

On the other hand…
We keep a 1st generation experience to the extent we live for him. We live for Him and personify the 1st generation experience when we:

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
1-Maintain a close connection with the Word of God.
This means read, reflect and use the Bible as a guide and a source of wisdom, comfort and direction for all areas of our lives.

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
2-Live a life consistent with our calling.
Paul said “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1. Ponder what it means to live a life “worthy of our calling!”

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
3- Constantly prune, evaluate and ask why and why not…
Again Paul said…“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 The older I get, the more I stay away from the mirror! This may work in some areas of life, but it does not work in the spiritual realm. In the spiritual realm the mirror is a combination of God's Word and godly people willing to speak into our lives.

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
4-Fill our life with decisions that demands God be God.
These decisions often are small but significant decisions…
You will never loose the 1st generation mindset is you fill your life with decisions that demands God be God. This includes decisions to do and be... as well as decisions to refrain from doing, saying and thinking. It is supernatural!

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
5-Live a life that allows you to claim God’s promises.
In Acts 20:22-24 Paul spoke to members of Ephesian church saying:
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Paul never chose the easy road. He knew God. He knew God's Word. He believed what God said about Himself and what He said to us. With this mindset there is no uncertainty or insecurity.

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
6-Tell somebody about Jesus…
And tell your wife, husband, kids, or small group about it.
Disclaimer… This is a command, a trick and a tool.
In 2Cor. 5:19-20 Paul says: God “…has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” He says “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” That's the command part. The trick and tool part is built into obeying the command. As we commit ourselves to "the message of reconciliation," [Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved"] our lifestyle and Christian disciplines will be sharpened.

We'll keep that 1st generation faith experience as we...
7-Surround yourself with new believers.
There is nothing more exciting… it is often messy but it will change your life! TRUST me!

Blessings your way...

Who Cares? By General William Booth

2008-05-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

On one of my recent journeys, as I gazed from the coach window, I was led into a train of thought concerning the conditions of the multitudes around me. They were living carelessly in the most open and shameless rebellion against God, without a thought for their eternal welfare. As I looked out the window, I seemed to see them all - millions of people all around me - given up to their drink and their pleasure, their dancing and their music, their business and their anxieties, their politics and their troubles. Ignorant - willfully ignorant in many cases - and in other instances knowing all about the truth and not caring at all. But all of them, the whole mass of them, sweeping on and up in their blasphemies and devilries to the throne of God. While my mind was thus engaged, I had a vision.

I saw a dark and stormy ocean. Over it the black clouds hung heavily; through them every now and then vivid lightning flashed and loud thunder rolled, while the winds moaned, and the waves rose and foamed, towered and broke, only to rise and foam, tower and break again.

In that ocean I thought I saw myriads of poor human beings plunging and floating, shouting and shrieking, cursing and struggling and drowning; and as they cursed and screamed, they rose and shrieked again, and then some sank to rise no more.

And I saw out of this dark, angry ocean, a mighty rock that rose up with its summit towering high above the black clouds that overhung the stormy sea. And all around the base of this rock I saw a vast platform. Onto this platform, I saw with delight a number of the poor struggling, drowning wretches continually climbing out of the angry ocean. And I saw that a few of those, who were already safe on the platform, were helping the poor creatures still in the angry waters to reach the place of safety.

On looking more closely, I found a number of those who had been rescued, industriously working and scheming by ladders, ropes, boats, and other means more effective, to deliver the poor strugglers out of this sea. Here and there were some who actually jumped into the water, regardless of all the consequences, in their passion to "rescue the perishing." And I hardly know which gladdened me most - the sight of the poor drowning people climbing onto the rocks, reaching the place of safety, or the devotion and self-sacrifice of those whose whole beings were wrapped up in the effort for their deliverance.

As I looked on, I saw that the occupants of that platform were quite a mixed company. That is, they were divided into different "sets" or classes, and they occupied themselves with different pleasures and employments. But only a very few of them seemed to make it their business to get the people out of the sea.

But what puzzled me most was the fact that though all of them had been rescued at one time or another from the ocean, nearly everyone seemed to have for gotten all about it. Anyway, it seemed the memory of its darkness and danger no longer troubled them at all. And what seemed equally strange and perplexing to me was that these people did not even seem to have any care - that is, any agonizing care - about the poor perishing ones who were struggling and drowning right before their very eyes... many of whom were their own husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and even their own children.

Now this astonishing unconcern could not have been the result of ignorance or lack of knowledge, because they lived right there in full sight of it all and even talked about it sometimes. Many even went regularly to hear lectures and sermons in which the awful state of these poor drowning creatures was described.

I have already said that the occupants of this platform were engaged in different pursuits and pastimes. Some of them were absorbed night and day in trading and business in order to make gain, storing up their savings in boxes, safes, and the like.

Many spent their time in amusing themselves with growing flowers on the side of the rock, others in painting pieces of cloth, or in playing music, or in dressing themselves up in different styles and walking about to be admired. Some occupied themselves chiefly in eating and drinking, others were taken up with arguing about the poor drowning creatures that had already been rescued.

But the thing to me that seemed the most amazing was that those on the platform to whom He called, who heard His voice and felt they ought to obey it - at least they said they did - those who confessed to love Him much and were in full sympathy with Him in the task He had undertaken - who worshipped Him or who professed to do so - were so taken up with their trades and professions, their money saving and pleasures, their families and circles, their religions and arguments about it, and their preparation for going to the mainland, that they did not listen to the cry that came to them from this Wonderful Being who had Himself gone down into the sea. Anyway, if they heard it, they did not heed it. They did not care. And so the multitude went on right before them struggling and shrieking and drowning in the darkness.

And then I saw something that seemed to me even more strange than anything that had gone on before in this strange vision. I saw that some of these people on the platform whom this Wonderful Being had called to, wanting them to come and help Him in His difficult task of saving these perishing creatures, were always praying and crying out to Him to come to them!

Some wanted Him to come and stay with them, and spend His time and strength in making them happier. Others wanted Him to come and take away various doubts and misgivings they had concerning the truth of some letters which He had written them. Some wanted Him to come and make them feel more secure on the rock - so secure that they would be quite sure that they should never slip off again into the ocean. Numbers of others wanted Him to make them feel quite certain that they would really get off the rock and onto the mainland someday; because as a matter of fact, it was well known that some had walked so carelessly as to lose their footing and had fallen back again into the stormy waters.

So these people used to meet and get up as high on the rock as they could, and looking toward the mainland (where they thought the Great Being was) they would cry out, "Come to us! Come, help us!" And all the while He was down (by His Spirit) among the poor struggling, drowning creatures in the angry deep, with His arms around them trying to drag them out, and looking up oh! so longingly, but all in vain to those on the rock, crying to them with His voice all hoarse from calling, "Come to Me! Come and help Me!"

And then I understood it all. It was plain enough. That sea was the ocean of life - the sea of real, actual human existence. That lightning was the gleaming of piercing truth coming from Jehovah's throne. That thunder was the distant echoing of the wrath of God. Those multitudes of people shrieking, struggling, and agonizing in the stormy sea were the thousands and thousands of poor harlots and harlot-makers, of drunkards and drunkard-makers, of thieves, liars, blasphemers, and ungodly people of every kindred, tongue, and nation.

Oh, what a black sea it was! And oh, what multitudes of rich and poor, ignorant and educated were there. They were all so unalike in their outward circumstances and conditions, yet all alike in one thing - all sinners before God - all held by, and holding onto, some iniquity, fascinated by some idol, the slaves of some devilish lust, and ruled by the foul fiend from the bottomless pit!

"All alike in one thing?" No, all alike in two things. Not only the same in their wickedness, but unless rescued, the same in their sinning, sinking... down, down, down... to the same terrible doom. That great sheltering rock represented Calvary, the place where Jesus had died for them. And the people on it were those who had been rescued. The way they used their energies, gifts, and time represented the occupations and amusements of those who professed to be saved from sin and hell - followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The handful of fierce, determined ones, who were risking their own lives in saving the perishing, were true soldiers of the cross of Jesus. That Mighty Being who was calling to them from the midst of the angry waters was the Son of God, "the same yesterday, today, and forever," who is still struggling and interceding to save the dying multitudes about us from this terrible doom of damnation, and whose voice can be heard above the music, machinery, and noise of life, calling on the rescued to come and help Him save the world.

My friends in Christ, you are rescued from the waters. You are on the rock. He is in the dark sea calling on you to come to Him and help Him. Will you go? Look for yourselves. The surging sea of life crowded with perishing multitudes rolls up to the very spot on which you stand. Leaving the vision, I now come to speak of the fact - a fact that is as real as the Bible, as real as the Christ who hung upon the cross, as real as the judgment day will be, and as real as the heaven and hell that will follow it.

Look! Don't be deceived by appearances - men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea! Look at them from the standpoint of the great white throne, and what a sight you have! Jesus Christ, the Son of God is, through His Spirit, in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. And He is calling on you to jump into the sea - to go right away to His side and help Him in the holy strife. Will you jump? That is, will you go to His feet and place yourself absolutely at His disposal?

A young Christian once came to me and told me that for some time she had been giving the Lord her profession and prayers and money, but now she wanted to give Him her life. She wanted to go right into the fight. In other words, she wanted to go to His assistance in the sea. As when a man from the shore, seeing another struggling in the water, takes off those outer garments that would hinder his efforts and leaps to the rescue, so will you who still linger on the bank, thinking and singing and praying about the poor perishing souls, lay aside your shame, your pride, your cares about other people's opinions, your love of ease, and all the selfish loves that have kept you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of this multitude of dying men and women?

Does the surging sea look dark and dangerous? Unquestionably it is so. There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death. He who beckons you from the sea, however, knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still calls to you and bids you come.

You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises - very much of heaven on earth.

Now then, go to God and tell Him you are prepared as much as necessary to turn your back upon it all, and that you are willing to spend the rest of your days struggling in the midst of these perishing multitudes, whatever it may cost you.

You must do it. With the light that has now broken in upon your mind, and the call that is now sounding in your ears, and the beckoning hands that are now before your eyes, you have no alternative. To go down among the perishing crowds is your duty. Your happiness from now on will consist in sharing their misery, your ease in sharing their pain, your crown in helping them to bear their cross, and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them.

Now, what will you do?

Taking nothing for granted…

2008-03-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

This week a process that began almost two years ago reached a conclusion. We are moving into the new offices across the street from the Church at 2337 Darby Rd.

We are in moving mode, so you have to have a vivid imagination or be able to look beyond boxes and clutter. In spite of the mess, the staff’s excitement is obvious to anyone who takes a few minutes to visit.

God gave me a timely scripture this week. I was reading the narrative in Deuteronomy 8 about the days leading up to Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The reminder not to “forget the Lord” caught my eye and penetrated my spirit as I sat in my new office earlier this week.

Perhaps knowing God’s people, in fact, did “forget the Lord” caused me to stop, pray and commit to give God the glory for His gracious provision.

The new office is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the sacrifice of God’s people who call or called Grace Chapel their “home.”

The pull of human nature will make my commitment to remember the Lord’s provision hard work. The keys to success on this front are found in the verses surrounding the warning about forgetting the Lord. Deuteronomy 8 is filled with simple words of warning and encouragement. God’s people are called to “be careful” in 8:1. They are called to “remember” in 8:2. The next paragraph begins with the call to “observe the commands of the Lord… walking in his ways.”

The next paragraph contains the warning against forgetting the Lord and an inspired glimpse into the ways of man.
Forgetting the Lord leads to a heart [which becomes] proud as we grow satisfied and settle down. [8:12]

The principles that consumed me this week in the new offices will also be relevant as we progress in the renovation and the New Century Campaign. God has been gracious to us. Let us be careful… remember… observe and walk in his ways.

Blessings…
PB

Kenya follow up

2008-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Two months after Kenya and I am still recovering. Our team of 12 returned to the States on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The physical recovery took longer than I imagined. Sleep was hard to come by but I blamed it on a mind that was spinning faster than the little beach ball on my laptop when it is having trouble processing too much information.

I tried to slip back into my routine while anticipating my daughter, Ashling’s wedding, and planning for the Christmas ministry season. But I viewed everything in the final days of 2007 with a Kenyan lens.

It’s 2008 and the impact of the trip is getting stronger and stronger. I assume the media coverage of the chaos in Kenya following the presidential election helps keep the trip in my mind’s eye. But I think it is more than that.

Kenya today reminds me of the fragility of life in real time. In my travels from Nairobi to Karundas to Kisumu my senses were overloaded but the evidence of the difference the Church has made in Kenya warmed my heart.

It is obvious that when everybody else gets tired, bored, discouraged or distracted the Church and God’s servants remain.

I spent “Black Friday,” with the Pastors of a church planted by Africa Inland Mission missionaries in 1904. A huge church, even by American standards, with a school, an orphanage, a thriving youth ministry and community development projects all run by nationals. Risper’s parents and her extended family hosted us. They had waited anxiously for my arrival. They greeted me with song, prayer and much celebration. They peppered me with probing questions covered with deep pride about the prospect of Barak Obama becoming the next president of the United States.

While the ladies prepared the first of two incredible meals I toggled between talking to the Pastors and meeting the Kenyan believers.

The Pastors had an endless list of questions about shepherding God’s flock. The question that brought the biggest smile to my face was their problem of introducing contemporary music into their worship services. They explained the problem of the senior members of the church rejecting anything but the great hymns of the faith, imagining I could never understand such a conflict!

They tried to sit at my feet but in reality, I was the student, I was the novice in the faith life. The daily and weekly discipline of the members of the church in Kisumu is the stuff of the hero’s of the faith. The prayer, the fasting, the knowledge of Scripture, the sacrificial giving and the broad ownership of the call of God to provide light and salt to their world caused me to be humbled as I said goodbye and returned to meet the team in Nairobi.

Today Kenya, the most stable country in central Africa, is reeling. Someday soon the politicians will figure out a way to save face and work to restore the confidence of the people, the rest of Africa and the world.

The local churches scattered across Kenya will not wait for the politicians and governmental authorities to restore order. They have already begun the process of preparing for the next chapter of God’s work in this part of Africa. I trust we can be part of that story!

A new forum

2007-11-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

Very often life is a process of adjusting our dreams and musings with reality. When I was a new follower of Christ, in my college years, I had a cool idea of getting a jeep and having "Bound4Glory " emblazed on the cover of the spare tire mounted on the back of the vehicle. I never got a jeep and never got to use this cool phrase. Until now! I had to name my web journal so why not dust off an old dream!

"Bound4Glory " was the name of a folk song sung by Woody Guthrie. As a wild teen I loved the phrase. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is a testimony of of God's faithfulness and my future. A future guaranteed not by my merit or self worth; but a future guaranteed by my faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God —not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

So... I look forward to sharing my experiences, my current musings and stuff that does not make it into messages. Thanks for reading and your interest in what God is doing at Grace Chapel.