Set Free in 2009 and Beyond!

I have been wrestling with what it means to be set free by Jesus Christ. I have recently preached from Isaiah 61:1-3. The Servant of the Lord who is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 4:16-21) has come with a message of salvation and, a very important aspect of that message is that He has come “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” Bottom line: He has come to set His people free from their enslavement to sin (from our inability to overcome sin, from our inability to fight the temptation to sin, to release us from the control of sin, and to cancel our debt that we owe God). Because the Perfect God-Man Jesus willingly and voluntarily died on the cross for our sins, was resurrected, ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father and is our High Priest who intercedes for us, we are no longer enslaved to our sins, held captive to them—tied up by them or restrained and controlled by them. If you are a Christian then the Spirit of Christ lives in you and gives you the ability to fight our sinful urges, to overcome our sinful desires and to positively live out the grace and righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is our reality.

However, as I reflect on my life, boy, I sometimes don’t see this reality being played out. Evening time especially around dinner and then bedtime I feel tired and powerless to fight the temptation to become sinfully angry or sinfully lazy and disconnected with my family. I lie to myself that I am justified in my sinful actions—playing my Yahtzee game to escape dealing with conflict or quick to yell in my discipline. I worked all day don’t I deserve some peace and quiet! I am certain you hear the lie as well. But the fact remains that no matter how tired or powerless I feel I have no excuse because He has set me free. He has set you free as well! Thankfully Our Holy God loves us by faithfully and patiently pursuing, renewing, and reminding us of this reality. He does not give up on us and continues to enthusiastically and gladly work within us so that we can fight and overcome our sin and no longer be tied up or restrained and controlled by them.

Yesterday, as I preached this reality to a local church I encouraged the congregation that parents and their children can really have relationships where parents can discipline in love, have mutual respect and honesty and show their kids Jesus and where children can really obey their parents willingly and joyfully and enjoy spending time with their parents. I shared that because Jesus has set us free we can really forgive people who hurt and sin against us; we can really fight the temptation to be sinfully angry with our kids when they don’t do what we want them to do; we can overcome our resentment and bitterness that we have with God because life seems unfair or too painful; and we can really take responsibility for our sins and not blame our spouse or some else when we fail. The power of the cross and resurrection enables us to wisely move towards others who have hurt us or caused us harm; enables us to speak gracefully and yet boldly to our children who need correction; enables us to be bold and risky in sharing our faith; and enables us to involve ourselves in helping others in need. Friends, we have been set from the love of money and material things and enabled to joyfully give of our resources. He has set us free from our pride and the desire to control and manipulate God and others to get what we want. He has set us free from our unbelief that Jesus truly satisfies every aspect of our lives. The person and work of Jesus has set us free completely and thoroughly. He delights to make this reality more evident in your life!

I will end with a story of freedom and one I shared in my most recent message:

In her book Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet Jacobs wrote these words about her years of slavery: "Only by experience can any one realize how deep, and dark, and foul is that pit of abominations."

Harriet was born in 1813 in North Carolina. For the first six years of her life, she lived in a comfortable home with her parents and brother, not realizing she was a slave. But when her mother died, Harriet learned she wasn't free.

At age 15, her new master, Dr. James Norcom, pursued and harassed Harriet, while Norcom's wife oppressed her. Seeking to protect herself, Harriet turned to a white, unmarried lawyer and bore him two children.

Norcom retaliated by sending Harriet to a plantation to work as a field hand. Not wanting her children to become plantation slaves, she ran away before they could join her there. With the help of sympathetic neighbors, both black and white, she made her way to her grandmother's home. For the next seven years Harriet lived in a tiny cubbyhole under the front porch roof. The confined space was nine feet by seven feet, with a sloping ceiling only three feet high at one end. She shared her hiding place with rats and mice. However, she read her Bible to encourage and motivate her.

During this time Harriet wrote to Norcom, asking him to sell her the children. He refused. However, the children's father did buy the boy and girl, allowing them to stay with Harriet's grandmother. Hiding even from her children, Harriet would squint through a peephole, hoping to catch a glimpse of them playing outside.

In 1842, Harriet escaped to the North, and two years later her children joined her. Still, she was in danger of being returned to slavery by Dr. Norcom and the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Complete liberation did not come until Harriet was forty years old, when her employer bought her freedom for $300.

Harriet Jacobs heard many messages loud and clear in her life. They way she was treated was ok, that slavery was ok, that being beaten was ok, and that her life belonged to others and that was ok. She experienced the pain of a family torn apart, the indignity of being sold as property, and the uncertainty of living at the whim of someone else. She experienced many barriers in pursuing freedom.

However, Harriet concluded her book with these hopeful words:

"Reader, my story ends with freedom."

Harriet Jacobs passionately wrote, "God . . . gave me a soul that burned for freedom and a heart nerved with determination to suffer even unto death in pursuit of liberty."

One has also encouraged:
“Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts as a slave is willing to leave his galley, or a prisoner his dungeon, or a thief his bolts, or a beggar his rags.”

Friends, you have been set free from your sins and God has given you a soul that now burns for freedom and a new heart nerved with determination to suffer even unto death in pursuit of this freedom. No matter how hard it gets in our lives and the barriers we need to break through, may we encourage one another with this reality—our story ends with freedom!


Warmly,

Pastor Jeff

My Musings on The Shack

Some in my church have asked me my opinion on the very popular book, The Shack. People who know me well understand that I am often leery of books from a "Christian" perspective that sell extremely well. I am no fan of Christian self-help books. Of course, The Shack is not a self-help book so I decided to read it. So here are my musings:

The other day I had lunch with a good friend and we talked about our thoughts on the book. It was helpful to flesh out my thoughts and concerns with him. Just as beneficial was to hear his thoughts and comments. I am glad that I have a friend I can share my life and junk with and still be accepted and loved. Pretty cool!

Back to my musings:

First, the book is well-written and establishes a good story line with some unexpected surprises. The author is creative and definitely writes with a noble purpose and goal. However, I did find it slow at times especially towards the middle of the book and weighed down in details that made my head hurt.

Second, I like stories with a redemption theme and this definitely has it. It deals with one man struggle with pain and brokenness in very honest and real ways. He shows the reality of how an awful event significantly and negatively impacted Mack's, the main character, relationships with God and those he loved.

Third, I appreciate his attempts to communicate the perfect unity and community of the Trinity. However, his attempts to show the Trinity is what most troubled me. I feel we are on dangerous grounds when we try to explain the mystery of the Trinity away and put Him in humans terms not found in Scripture. I understand the author's desire to help people see and experience God but we need to be very careful how we do this. At times he did this well and at other times he comes very close to heresy. On occasions I got lost in his explanations about who God is and how He works and left me with more questions then answers. At one point I felt he communicated everybody will get to Heaven because God loves everybody. He didn't outright say this but one could reach that conclusion in a couple of interactions with the main character and God.

With any book like this, Christians need to be discerning. I know that the author has touched many people because of the honest and intimate interactions between Mack and God and the description of God the Father as "Papa". But I found in many occasions his interactions among the Trinity too "mushy" even for me who is a very sensitive and "mushy" guy.

Final words: If you want a good read, then enjoy a good piece of literature. But I would not recommend it for young believers unless they are willing to discuss it with someone more mature in their walk with Jesus. Of course, you have the freedom to do what you want but we are called to help one another grow in our relationship with Him and reflect His beauty and grace.

Bottom line, you do NOT need a book like this to experience the awesome love and grace of God. The Bible is full of real life stories of pain and suffering that communicate our Father's tender yet bold love for His people. We are his Bride and Jesus, our Groom, is actively winning us to Himself. Sorry I am preaching now.

These are my musings.

Pastor Jeff

History, Samuel and the Bible

Just a quick comment on something special that recently happened. My son, Samuel, is homeschooled this year for 5th grade. We kind of skipped 4th grade to get him ready for 6th grade next Fall. Anyway, this mid-morning he took a history test and he didn't do very well. He became very frustrated in the midst of the test and discouraged at his grade. On his own accord he went directly to his room because he was very sad. Around noon Val and I were having lunch and we wanted him to come down and eat with us. When Val went up to his room, she found Samuel snuggled on his soccer pillow and reading his Bible. When Val came down to tell me that he was reading the Bible, my soul was greatly encouraged. What an example for us! Samuel modeled to me a very simple but at times hard truth that when things get tough or when discouraging things happen, turn to God and His Word. It is there where God met him and encouraged his soul. As God did that for Samuel, He delights to do that for us as well.

May the sufficient grace of Christ that met my son a few moments ago, meet you now.

I sensed that God wanted me to share this with you today!

Warmly,

Pastor Jeff

Music of Christmas

I love Christmas music. They are some of my all time favorite music.

I love Nat King Cole’s rendition of The Christmas Song. Seeing Bing Crosby and David Bowie sing The Little Drummer Boy on You-Tube is downright special. Hearing Karen Carpenter sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and I’ll Be Home for Christmas is soothing but also sad because she died at an early age from anorexia. Even though Michael W. Smith is not a great singer he has produced and orchestrated some the best new Christmas music (Christmas Time, Gloria, It’s A Wonderful Christmas, and Sing We Now of Christmas/O Come, O Come Emmanuel/Emmanuel melody are my favorites). My other favorites are Joy to the World, Silent Night, Go Tell It On the Mountain and O Holy Night, especially when Josh Groban sings it.

Sometimes the music helps me remember of Christmas past and my families Christmas traditions. Some of my favorite traditions were waiting on the stair steps as my Dad went downstairs to turn on the lights and get things ready on Christmas mourn; my parents Christmas Eve party with family and friends; and my grandparents coming to our home on Christmas morning. The music also encourages me to continue similar traditions. I do the same thing my father did plus we read the Christmas story before Samuel and Amanda can come down. Our family enjoys cutting down a Christmas tree near or on Val’s birthday and hosting now my parents, brother and sister, and their children for Christmas Eve lunch and gift exchange.

Mostly, Christmas music as I reflect on the lyrics stirs my heart with joy and hope. They also stir up some painful memories and disappointments. I long for my Savior Jesus and look forward to the day when my struggle with sin is over and find complete rest for my soul in Him. But for now, the Christmas music reminds me that God is with me (and at great cost to Himself) in the work and person of Jesus Christ and he will complete His gracious work in me and in you. Whatever you are going through this Christmas season, my prayer is that you may know this Jesus who is no longer a Babe in a manager but the Redeeming Lord of our restless souls. I leave you with some newer artists who are gifted songwriters and musicians.

"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thank you Music

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

Have a Merry Christmas season and let me know some of your favorite Christmas music and traditions.

Love, Pastor Jeff

Grateful for All Things Good

Giving thanks is not just for mealtimes. Gratitude is a whole way of life giving thanks to God for all good things.

I appreciate the following thoughts from G.K. Chesterton and John Stott that encourage us to giving thanks for all good things. Both are found in John Stott’s commentary on 1 Timothy and Titus, part of The Bible Speaks Today series (p. 115).

G.K. Chesterton beautifully writes:
You say grace before meals.
All right.
But I say grace before the play and the opera,
And grace before the concert and pantomime,
And grace before I open a book,
And grace before sketching, painting,
Swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing;
And grace before I dip the pen in the ink.

John Stott agrees and writes:
We should determine, then, to recognize and acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate, all the gifts of the Creator: the glory of the heavens and of the earth, of mountain, river and sea, of forest and flowers, of birds, beasts and butterflies, and of the intricate balance of the natural environment; the unique privileges of our humanness (rational, moral, social and spiritual), as we were created in God’s image and appointed his stewards; the joys of gender, marriage, sex, children, parenthood and family life, and of our extended family and friends; the rhythm of work and rest, of daily work as a means to cooperate with God and serve the common good, and of the Lord’s day when we exchange work for worship; the blessings of peace, freedom, justice, and good government, and of food and drink, clothing and shelter; and our human creativity expressed in music, literature, painting, sculpture and drama, and in the stills and strengths displayed in sport.

To reject these things is to abandon the faith, since it insults the Creator. To receive them thankfully and celebrate them joyfully is to glorify God, ‘who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment’ (1 Tim. 6:17).

I would add: we give thanks for Jesus who has saved us from our sins and given us a new life in Him. We thank Him for the freedom, power, and grace to serve Him faithfully and others with mercy and compassion.

Friends, give thanks for all things good!

Warmly,

Pastor Jeff

The Church has an Image Problem

This Friday, November 21, we have an opportunity to discuss the image problem of the church. We have an opportunity to hear from those outside the church and actively listen to their concerns, insights, and valid gripes regarding Christianity. I look forward to this time as we reflect on these concerns and gain a clearer perspective on how we can live out of our Christian faith more graciously and powerfully. I encourage you to come and invite others to this important discussion.

Warmly,

Pastor Jeff

Come to Jesus Moment

This morning as I listened to my daily dose of NPR (National Public Radio), I was somewhat surprised by a statement from a quest on their program. This man described the current economic crisis and the potential GM bailout. In regards to the GM leadership, the economist, in a manner of fact way, stated that the GM executives need to have a “come to Jesus moment.” He was saying this: They need to come to grips that their product is radically broken and they need something to save them in order to make a new and improved product. This “savior” was not the government bailing them out, he emphasized, but a new way of thinking in the development of their autos. Now I heard this statement after a lengthy discussion with some folks yesterday at Starbucks. One man just recently lost his job and another man is struggling to make it directly due to the economic crisis. Once they found out that I was a pastor, the man who lost his job inquired, “I bet a lot people in light of this current economic downturn are coming back to the church much like 9-11?” Basically, he assumed many are having “a come to Jesus moment.”

As I think much about what is going on in our nation and the world as it relates to the economy, there are grave concerns among us (me included). How will we survive as a nation? How will we survive personally? Where are we going to make sense out these tough times? Is there someone who cares about these things? Is there someone to help me with my fears or anxiousness? Is my financial success all that brings meaning to my life? Is there something else that can give me lasting value or significance?

I hope in these hard times that both Christian and non-Christian consider Jesus and have “a come to Jesus moment” or more importantly “a come Jesus life-changing encounter.” For the Christian, my prayer is for us to see that there is more to life than pursuing the America dream but we are to pursue Jesus and his ways. God calls us to serve as Jesus served giving ourselves in sacrificial ways. When Jesus’ disciples were arguing over who is the best, he gently but firmly confronts them,

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45).

For the Christian, we must believe more deeply the great cost of our Savior to die for us in order for us to live for Him and others. I know that I am guilty at times of living a self-consumed life. The love of money can have a powerful impact on what we value (nice house, huge amounts in savings and retirement plans, expensive clothes, new cars, etc.) None of these are wrong in of themselves, but when hard times hit and we become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, we know that we have misplaced our devotion from God to money and what it brings.

However, Jesus has great love for us as He ultimately demonstrated by His death on the cross for all our sins. Because of this relationship Christians have with Jesus, He empowers us to live in a radical generous way. So when hard times come, we are not destroyed or bankrupted by fear or anxiety for our ultimate hope is not in financial success but in Jesus and the satisfying relationship He brings to those who are known by Him.

If you are one who is reading this and not a follower of Jesus, I would encourage you to consider Jesus and experience “ a come to Jesus moment.” Consider the above words of Jesus in Mark 10. Finally, consider these words of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew. I know that when I truly come to Jesus, he helps me with my fears and anxiety!

6:19-34
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

7:24-28
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes."


Warmly,


Pastor Jeff