Faith | Discipleship at Messiah

The Abundant Life

Posted on 4/18/12 by On the road with Jesus.

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. -John 10:10

The bumper sticker said: “If you don’t think money can bring happiness, you don’t know where to shop.” I read about the Lutheran church near San Francisco that recently advertised a “money-back guarantee”? “Donate to the church for 90 days, and, if you aren’t blessed, you can have your money returned.”

As these two anecdotes illustrate, we live in a consumer oriented society. Someone has said, we chose “churches not so much to meet God and surrender to his revealed ways as to satisfy some personal need.”

It is hard for a culture—materialistic, affluent, and self-indulgent like ours–to hear a Biblical text like the one this morning without distorting its meaning. “I am come that they might have life…abundantly.”

On the other hand, in southern Mexico where believers are being persecuted, how does it apply to the widow and children of Presbyterian. lay preacher, Malecio Gomez, 32, killed in a hail of gunfire and whose body was hacked with a machete? In a world where a child dies of hunger every 5-6 seconds, 18000 a day, what does it mean?

It certainly does not mean security from illness, pain, death, or provision for everything we want. With almost monotonous repetition, John keeps telling us, not new things but confronting us with the choice to trust Jesus.

For those who have trouble experiencing the reality of the abundant life or who confuse it with worldly goods and comfort Jesus offers himself. It is about our relation to Him. We belong to Him and He is that life, the abundant life.

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Hope, The Journey | Comments Off on The Abundant Life

God Has a Plan

Posted on 3/29/12 by On the road with Jesus.

You intended… harm…, but God intended…good. Genesis 50:20
In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My daughter, Heather shared this story with us:

Her sons, Carter (5) and Kanu (2) were playing with Legos, and she heard Carter say very calmly, “Don’t get mad Kanu. You know what?”
“What?” Asks Kanu.
Carter continued, “God always has a plan. Even if things seem bad, he always has a plan.”

How are things going for you right now?

Not too good. God has a plan.
Things are going wrong at work. God has a plan.
I lost my job. God has a plan.
My son/daughter is struggling with growing up. God has a plan.
My husband/wife wants a divorce. God has a plan.
We’re losing our house. God has a plan.
The doctor’s news was bad. God has a plan.
I’m overwhelmed with my children, my job, life. God has a plan.

In the Genesis story, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery but God had a plan.

God always has a plan. Even if things seem bad, he always has a plan. What a powerful truth. You may not know or understand what it is, but it is for your good in spite of how it seems right now. Trust God and God will work out the plan for your good.

Filed under: Faith, Grace, Hope, Obstacles, The Journey | Comments Off on God Has a Plan

A Mouse and An Elephant

Posted on 9/1/11 by On the road with Jesus.

With God all things are possible.(Matt. 19:26)

Hudson Taylor is one of the great names in missionary history. He said, “Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus attempt very little, and they always fail. All spiritual giants have been weak people who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and His presence to be with them.”

Taylor’s operating principle was, “Attempt great things for God.” E. Stanley Jones said, “I’m always trying something I know I can’t do in my own strength.”

The problem for most Christians and most churches is not that we try things that are too hard for us but just the opposite—we rarely try things we know we can’t do. So, we seldom see the wonderful things God wants to do in our lives and ministries.

John Maxwell tells the story of the mouse who crossed a bridge over a deep ravine with an elephant. As the elephant and the mouse crossed the bridge, the bridge shook. When they reached the other side, the mouse said to the elephant, “Boy, we really shook that bridge, didn’t we?” Of course a mouse can’t shake a bridge, but when it teams up with an elephant, yes it can.

What “bridges” do we need to shake? Of course we can’t shake a bridge, but when we team up with God, yes we can. Let’s shake some “bridges” for the Kingdom.

Filed under: Faith, Life style, The Journey | Comments Off on A Mouse and An Elephant

Thomas Missed Jesus

Posted on 7/19/11 by On the road with Jesus.

But Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came. John 20:24

            It had been an emotionally exhausting and spiritually draining week. That evening, to get up and gather was like going to the funeral of a best friend after going through a tortuous process that led to death.
            Normally
                        energetic,
                                    strong,
                                                self-sufficient men
are more like wet noodles around a table. They are hardly able to think, much less, speak.  And they are filled with what is akin to terror that they will be next.
            It has been said it would be impossible to find a “more dispirited and unhappy people.”  Because, and this was the thing that really ate at their insides, they had failed Jesus.   On top of their fear and disappointment, their conscience was guilty. They had lost their self-respect.
            And, I suspect, there was a nagging feeling that Jesus had failed them and his promises were just empty words.  The dream he had given them “mocked them.”
            But they had learned one important lesson from Jesus–they needed each other–there was special strength, meaning in their being together. So they came–except Thomas.
            There they are, now minus Judas and Thomas (what happened to Thomas?) and most importantly, Jesus. How can they possibly make any sense of things?
            And then, JESUS WAS THERE. Have any words ever carried such impact?–“Peace be with you.” Leaving them no room for doubt, he showed them his hands and his side, repeated those first words, and added–“As the Father has sent me so send I you.”
            Suddenly everything had changed. He was saying to them:

I want you to know that whatever you have done and whatever you have been, I still trust you, and still believe in you; want you to take it in that God’s love is big enough to cover your case, your need, your sin; and God’s power strong enough to lift you up above all that. (Interpreter’s Bible).
Don’t let your past get you down. I have chosen you…receive the HS

            With that came power to do what they could not do… ability to know what is wrong and right, when repentance is real or false. Spiritual discernment given to the body of believers and the authority to declare it.
            Then John gives a dramatic illustration of how important the fellowship is in the story of Thomas.
            Some has called Thomas the courageous pessimist. William Barclay says, “The Cross was only what he expected.”
            He made a serious mistake. He withdrew from Christian fellowship and went to lick his wounds in private.
            It is a natural tendency when sorrow, or hurt, especially that connected to the fellowship which reminds us, to pull away. And as a result, he missed Jesus. Things happen in the fellowship which don’t happen alone (Barclay).  The shared experience of Jesus creates a fellowship which can not be understood by those who have not experienced it.
            Thomas’ unbelief was really a lack of trust. The word of the body should have been enough for him. The final effect of not being “with them” is the erosion of trust.
            How important trust is in the church. That doesn’t mean lack of accountability. But he should have believed until he saw otherwise. Adam Clarke said he was unreasonable, obstinate, and presumptuous.
            However, he had a saving virtue.  He would find out the truth, and when he knew it he would totally surrender. So next Sunday he was there and he met the risen Christ. But in Jesus’ mild reproof of Thomas, we are forever reminded that belief without sight—on word of those of the community is a higher spiritual plane than sight.
            And John closes this gospel on that note: “these are written that you might believe” Christ the Son of God and have life.

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, The Journey | Comments Off on Thomas Missed Jesus

The Over-the-hill Gang of the Christmas Story

Posted on 12/21/10 by On the road with Jesus.

A priest named Zechariah, … his wife Elizabeth, a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, [and] a prophetess, Anna. -Luke 1 & 2:

One of the fascinating aspects of the Christmas story is the people who are part of it. We all know about the Wise Men, The Shepherds, Herod, and of course Mary and Joseph, even the Inn keeper. But there are four others, which sort of like background scenery are there but seldom noticed. It is strange how little attention we have given to them in light of the fact that with Mary and Joseph they are the only ones named who are “in on” the meaning of Jesus birth. They are Zechariah, his wife Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna. You can read their stories in Luke chapts. 1 and 2.
            Zechariah, a priest and Elizabeth were childless. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, perhaps a cousin. One day an angel visits Zechariah in the temple and promises them a son. That son was John the Baptist.
            Simeon was “righteous and devout.” He was waiting for God to fulfill a promise to him. The promise was an assurance that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. At God’s direction Simeon was sent to the temple where he met Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
            Anna was an 84 year old widow. She was close to God and never left the temple. There with Simeon she met the holy family. Along with Simeon she carried a special message about Jesus.
            These four shared two traits. The were all faithful people who lived close to God. But beyond that perhaps the most obvious thing they share was their age. They were old. We might call them “The Over-the-hill-gang” of the Christmas story.
            Because of that they provide an important reminder to our youth-worshiping culture—THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MATURE SAINTHOOD!
            The younger are often busy—having a good time and making a living, occasionally touching bases at church.
            These old-timers—last of the Old Testament Saints (Godly People), held on hoping, trusting. And as a result they were visited by God. They are representatives of those faithful through all the years who did not live to see the day! I wonder: how much did they have to do with it being “the fullness of time”?
            Isn’t it strange how “golden agers” think the gospel, church, etc. are for younger (and vice versa). Too many have “folded up their tents” spiritually speaking—retired, stopped looking, hoping, anticipating. Instead they are often living in past.
            In my first pastorate after seminary, I was serving a Friends (Quaker) congregation. As part of my pastoral responsibility I was systematically calling on the members to “inquire about their spiritual health.” I was to ask one of the basic Small Group questions—“how are you doing?” with an added word—spiritually?
           Luella Jones was an old-time Quaker, approaching 90. She had served with The American Friends Service Committee, a ministry known around the world for their work for peace and justice. When I asked her that question, she looked at me and said matter-of-factly, “He talked to me today.”
            Now it’s good to say, “I talked to God today,” but to be able to say, “He talked to me today,” models a relationship with God to be pursued. One of Lulella’s common expressions spoke volumes about her. When relating some ministry, event or positive development to her this old woman would invariably respond, “Goodie!” Patience, vision (world-wide), enthusiasm! –near 90 years old.
            Age should not be a liability in God’s family. Of course we need the young, but where there are mature saints, there is a depth, a power that we cannot do without.
            You do not become an aged saint by deciding at 65 you want to be one. You do it by living faithful lives all the years. One of the wonders of the Good News is how it fits every age and how important each age is to the full picture.
            Thank God for the “Over-the-hill-gang” of the Christmas story. I want to be one of them. Don’t you?

Filed under: Christmas, Discipleship, Faith, Grace, Life style | Comments Off on The Over-the-hill Gang of the Christmas Story

Americans connect to Jesus

Posted on 7/6/10 by On the road with Jesus.

We hear much about how Americans are turning away from the church and organized religion. But there is another side to this story. A recent study by the Barna group shows that Americans relate to Jesus in significant numbers and perhaps surprising ways.

Read about it.

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, How to start, Jesus' invitation, The Journey | Comments Off on Americans connect to Jesus

Small Groups: Problems

Posted on 6/17/10 by On the road with Jesus.

Here is a thoughtful article by Randal Neighbor, someone who has devoted his life to Small Group Ministry.

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Growth, Life style, Obstacles, The Journey | Comments Off on Small Groups: Problems

Jesus Is Surprised

Posted on 5/11/10 by On the road with Jesus.

Jesus left there and went to his hometown,…And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:1a, 6a

I once was pastor of a church in Wall Lake, Iowa. Now Wall Lake is just a little place, as was the church, but they were proud of the fact that Wall Lake is the hometown of singer Andy Williams.

Towns make big deals of famous people who were born or lived there or had any connection. As a boy growing up in North Carolina, I knew of a town in Pennsylvania, where I’ve never been. But instantly, Donora, Pa. came to mind just now. The reason for that—it was the home of baseball legend, Stan Musial. Some towns even become famous—Plains, Georgia—home of President Jimmy Carter.

So when Jesus came home to Nazareth (pop.=500-2000), one could easily imagine that the local headlines would herald: “Local Boy Makes Good–Comes Home For A Visit” And what a home coming it should have been.

It follows some great success, remarkable demonstrations of Jesus’ power—the healing of the man of Gadera (demons), the woman cured of bleeding, the raising of Jairus daughter. He comes accompanied by his “disciples.” He has followers, an entourage. He is in fact recognized as a rabbi, an honored teacher.

He made his big début in the local synagogue and he “wows” the people. Many who heard him were amazed/astonished at his teaching and the wonders. They have heard about him. And then the surprise—Jesus is not welcome here—they took offense at him. The literal word is “scandal.” No ticker-tape parade for him.

There are, no doubt, lots of explanations for it but what it all “boils down to” is a lack of faith. And Jesus is surprised—amazed, astonished. In Jesus’ eyes unbelief is amazing. We should not be surprised at faith but the lack of it. God signs are everywhere—creation, works of grace, the life of Jesus and perhaps unexpectedly in His people—a community, the church.

We may be surprised at unbelief but it should not deter us. Jesus’ response was “to get on with it.” His work did not depend on acceptance, praise, recognition. Neither should we.

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Obstacles, The Journey | Comments Off on Jesus Is Surprised

Some Old Bones + A Breeze=An Army

Posted on 5/4/10 by On the road with Jesus.

a valley;…full of bones…. and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet–a vast army. -Ezekiel 37

“Some Old Bones + A Breeze=An Army”

In an article about a reunion of old time aviators, the lead read: “Two veteran aviators met here yesterday for the first time in 40 years and discovered that of all the things that fly, time is the fastest.” (RD,2/89,p.114)

A human being has dreams, hopes, aspirations. It is the soul and substance of life’s meaning. It is, in fact, part of the definition of human. This is best seen in the young before the corrosive effects of time take’s its toll. Lorraine Frontain, a kindergarten teacher, told about a little girl named Gina, whom she had warned several times, to pay attention. It was to no avail. Finally in desperation, she asked, “Gina, why are you so excited?” “I can’t help it,” she replied. “My daddy said I could have a horse when I’m 35.”¹

The anticipation of the young. Dreams, hopes, plans are laid for life. But as surely as we have dreams, we also have failure of dreams and hopes, set-backs and reverses. Dreams and hopes can be lost, abandoned and not replaced. It may be hard for youth to identify with that. For them, hope is easier. But few escape defeat which can lead to lowered expectations and hopelessness (loss of dreams). Sometime ago an article on social workers quoted one as saying, “I wanted to make a difference for the kids. Now I realize it was a totally unrealistic expectation.” Lost dreams, cynicism.

There is an interesting and mysterious story in the Bible which tells about a vision given to a strange man called Ezekiel. In the vision, Ezekiel sees a valley full of old dry bones. As he speaks God’s word to them, flesh and breath are restored and they come to life—a vast army.

It is a vision symbolic of a people discouraged, defeated, hopeless as bleached out bones in a desert. But God says he can and will bring life back to dead bones of shattered dreams and lives. When we lose, when we fail, when a dream goes up in smoke, when life throws us a wicked curve, what can we do?

We can pick up the pieces because what left is usable by God, even old bones. We can learn, we can adjust, we can “roll with the punches.”

In 1920, a young man by the name of Oswald Smith had a dream to be a missionary. He had prayed and dreamed for the opportunity and now stood before a board selecting missionaries. He was turned down. Did not meet qualifications, failed the test. Decided if he couldn’t be a missionary, he would build a church that could send missionaries. That church, People’s Church, Toronto, Canada became one of the greatest resources for missionaries in history, sending hundreds to share God’s good news about Jesus.

Nothing given to God is lost. A Christian, who gave money to build Baylor University, later lost everything he had. Someone asked him, “Don’t you wish you had the money back that you put into that school?” “Not at all. It is all that I have saved. If I had kept that money, I would have lost it too.”

We just need to let God breath life into what’s left. When you do, life is an adventure(not easy, comfortable, predictable) but adventure. We are too focused on winning or loosing, success or failure. We miss the pure joy of living. Gene Stallings tells of an incident when he was defensive backfield coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

Two All-Pro players, Charlie Waters and Cliff Harris, were sitting in front of their lockers after playing a tough game against the Washington Redskins. They were still in their uniforms, and their heads were bowed in exhaustion. Waters said to Harris, “By the way Cliff, what was the final score?”²

When you love and are immersed in the game, the score doesn’t matter all that much.

Walter Peyton was one of greatest running backs in National Football League history. During a telecast of Monday Night Football, one of the announcers remarked that he had gained over 9 miles rushing in his career. The other said, “Yeah, and that’s with somebody knocking him down every 4.6 yards!” That’s 3443 times!

Life will knock you down, wreck your dreams, but God is not foiled by that. Just remember WHEN YOU’RE DOWN, THE WAY OUT IS UP.

God’s word to Ezekiel was “Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

¹Reader’s Digest, Jan., ‘89, p.80
²Penney F. Nichols, Leadership

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Grace, Growth, The Journey | Tagged: Christian, Discipleship, Grace, Life, Spiritual progress, stability | Comments Off on Some Old Bones + A Breeze=An Army

A Burned-out Florescent Tube

Posted on 3/23/10 by On the road with Jesus.

          Theologian Myron Augsburger once told a story about a man who wanted to discard a burned-out florescent tube from his office. Past hours, he planned to dump it at a construction site on his way home. “He carried the seven-foot tube down the street, into the subway station, onto the train. But how do you sit down with a seven-foot tube in your hand? So he remained standing, holding the tube upright.
          When the train stopped at the next station, five people go on, and four of them grabbed hold of the tube. Now what? Pretty soon, it occurred to him that all he needed to do was to get off at his station and leave the pole.”¹That could be a parable of many of our contemporaries. We’re all looking for something to hold on to for some stability. However, sometimes what we grab, like that burned-out florescent tube, only has the illusion of support.
          Archimedes, a Greek mathematician and engineer, said, “Give me a place to stand and I will move the earth.” Blaise Pascal, considered to be one history’s greatest minds, left notes on a book intended to tell about a “center of stability” he had found.² Rick Warren, author of best selling book of all time (outside the Bible), The Purpose Driven Life, wrote, “You need an unshakable center.”
          Something to hold on to, a place to stand, what we can depend on—stability, certainty, trustworthiness are all necessities for meaningful life. In our chaotic world, the good news is that Jesus provides what we need for this life and eternity. Place your faith in Him and hold on for dear life.

¹Marguerite Shuster
² Elton Trueblood, A Place To Stand

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Growth, The Journey | Tagged: certainty, Christian, dependable, Discipleship, Faith, stability | Comments Off on A Burned-out Florescent Tube

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Discipleship at Messiah

Email Subscription

Seekers’ Class

Hurricane Relief

Helpful Sites