In need of reformation

I was there in Wittenberg.  It was 2011 and Life in Christ church allowed me to take time for a three-month renewal.  Sherri and I spent one of those months traveling throughout Europe, attending arts and music festivals.  But along the way we were able to spend almost three days in Martin Luther's town.

We found our way to the Castle Church.  "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" was painted around the large spire, seen no matter where you stood in the city.  Finally, there it was  - the door, the door where Luther nailed the 95 Theses and, without intending to do so, launched the reformation of the church.

While admiring the church and the door, I was struck with a thought, one that came by surprise - "I am in need of reformation too."

Like Paul (see Romans 1:16) I am a "chief sinner."  Since Psalm 139 tells me that God knows me through and through, I might as well admit my condition - I am a poor, miserable sinner.  It's unbelievable how often my thoughts, words and deeds are totally out of alignment with God's will for my life.

How about you? Can you relate? If you had to stand before God and offer your best to Him, what could you give.  The Scriptures teach that our good works are like filthy rags before our Holy Lord (see Isaiah 64:6).

Luther might have started the Reformation; there is nothing either you or I can do to bring reformation to our own lives.

So, God did the reforming for us.

His reformation plan centered around the redemption that Jesus brought about.  Jesus bought us back, paid for us not with the Discover Card but with His own blood.  His shed blood covered our sins.  His resurrection spelled death for death and the devil.  On the third day Jesus rose from the dead.  On the Last Day we, too, with all who believed that Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life,"(John 14:6)  will rise from the dead as well.

All those who have placed their faith in Jesus are "a new creation."  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  God no longer sees the "old, pre-Christ person," as one Bible commentator puts it. God no longer sees us as a sinner.  We are a new creation, we have new life in Christ, and we have the Holy Spirit doing His sanctifying work in us through the wonderful means of grace - Word, Baptism, Supper.

One can't visit Wittenberg and then leave without a sense of awe.  The sacrifices Luther made to call out a church that had totally lost the Gospel nearly cost the reformer his life.  But maybe more important is Luther's bold proclamation that a person is saved by grace along, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

It's all about Jesus, isn't it? Celebrate His redeeming and reforming work in you today!

Feeling appreciated, a priceless gift!

Life in Christ congregation is a generous group of people.  Each year when Pastor Appreciation Month rolls around, Sherri and I are blessed with numerous calls, cards and gifts.  Movie tickets and restaurant gift cards are so nice.  But it's the greeting cards and notes that come with the gifts.  The kind and uplifting words of appreciation from those you serve mean more than a person will ever know.

This past Sunday, included in the Attendance Cards, was a yellow offering envelope; we put these in the chair backs and if a person wants to give an offering they can grab the envelope, insert their gift and place it in the offering plate.

This particular yellow envelope didn't have a financial gift inside.  But it contained a priceless gift anyway.

Written on the outside of the card was the following:

Giv        To  Pastor

Thank you!

You are one of my best friend

 I don't know who wrote this note.  I don't need to know.  It was enough to know that one of the children of the church appreciates me and considers me their friend (one of their best!).

Do you need to hear someone call you a friend today? If so, turn to John, chapter 15 and read verses 9-17.  Jesus calls you His friend.  You are such a special friend to Jesus that He "laid down His life" for you.  Jesus laid down his life so that you can be certain that your sins are paid for and that you will live with Jesus forever in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus is a priceless friend.  He treats us right.  Jesus has withheld nothing from us.  He has made known to us everything He has learned from His Father.  And the Father and Son have sent us the Holy Spirit, the Teacher who will continue to teach us everything we need to know and believe so that we find joy in serving our Friend and Savior, Jesus.

In fact, if you have yet prayed this morning, why not start out like this: Thank You, Jesus! You are one of my best friends, the best friend I could ever have!

The six hardest words to say

Our focus today -  Philemon, verse six

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

            It has been said that the six hardest words to say are: “I was wrong.  Please forgive me.”

            Many find it difficult to say these four words in return: “Yes, I forgive you.”

            One of the lessons the little letter of Philemon can teach us is the importance of practicing forgiveness.

            I call it “practicing” because a forgiving nature doesn’t come naturally.

            We can be hurt by the wrongs committed against us.  We might suffer loss.  We might feel pain.  We can be abandoned.  Our reputation might take an unjust hit.

            The person inflecting such damage may finally come to their senses.  With sincerity of heart they approach you to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.  They speak to you the six hardest words to say.  How do you respond?

            Perhaps you very quickly review “every good thing (you) have in Christ.  You remember the humiliation of Christ: His immaculate conception and humble birth; His unjust suffering and His cruel death and burial.  You think of the price your Savior God paid so that you might receive forgiveness for the wrongs you’ve committed against the Holy God.  You remember the grace of God in your own life.  Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you extend that grace to the person who seeks forgiveness from you.

            Reconciliation takes place between you and a friend, just as it did between Philemon and Onesimus.

            It doesn't take too long to read Paul's letter to Philemon.  Check out how the Apostle Paul teaches the practice of forgiveness to a dear friend.  Perhaps you need a lesson as well?  Read and let the forgiving love of your Savior heal your hurts and give you strength to extend God’s grace to others.

Narrative Apologetics by Alister E. McGrath

Narrative Apologetics is a gem.

Alister E. McGrath's new book will get you to start thinking about apologetics in an entirely different way.

Apologetics is understood as the art of defending the Christian faith.  One does this usually by knowing the doctrines of the faith and being able to defend those doctrines and teachings when under attack.

McGrath believes there is another way to respond to those who challenge the faith or who struggle with how to make the Christian faith work in their lives.

Using stories from the Scriptures can break down defenses and show the questioning how they can see themselves inside the story.  These stories make the faith relevant and help the basic questions every person has: "Who am I?  Why am I here? Do I matter? Can I make a difference?"

McGrath offers a number of examples of how narrative apologetics can be put to use.  He quotes quite liberally CS Lewis, one of many who understood how stories can be most helpful for people to understand and see how the faith can apply to their own lives.  This is a book every pastor should have on their bookshelf.

Book for review offered by Baker Books

"Jesus Skeptic" by John Dickerson

The sub-title reads, "A Journalist Explores the Credibility and Impact of Christianity.  I wondered if this were a warmed over version of "The Case for Christ."

I was pleasantly surprised.  John Dickerson's book seems to go one step beyond Lee Strobel's best seller.

In "Jesus Skeptic," Dickerson offers what he learned about Jesus, His person, His life, and His mission.  But Dickerson, in doing his investigation, became convinced that Jesus truly lived, truly was the Son of God, and was the answer to questions like "Who am I? Am I worth anything? Where do I find meaning and purpose for my life?"

Dickerson supplies evidence of the impact of the life of Jesus on such institutions like the university and the health care system.  He shows how scientists like Newton, Kepler and Pascal all were devout believers and it was their faith that informed their work.  And the final section was my favorite because it is all about Jesus.  Although believers will be encouraged by this book, it would best be put in the hands of those for whom it was intended - the searching but skeptical person who wants to know that their lives count for something.

Perhaps they'll find what they are looking for in "Jesus Skeptic."

Do you need to visit the Ocean of Forgetfulness?

I've been spending too much time this week on something that is doing me no good.  I been reflecting on several situations from the past where my words and actions helped to ruin some relationships and friendships.  Now I find myself fill with regret.  I'm frustrated with myself and have used myself as a punching bag.  It's a terrible way to live.

That's why I want to share these words with you from Bo Giertz' devotional, "To Live With Christ."  Here are words of hope that have lifted my spirits.  Maybe they'll do something for yours too.

Still, we're struggling to reach the goal.  We have to forget what lies behind us, all our failures, all the things we shamefully admit in our confessions.  We have to throw it off and leave it by the wayside.  We don't have to drag it with us.  We can forget it because God Himself forgets it and lowers it into the ocean of forgetfulness where everything is swallowed up by His inexhaustible forgiveness.  (page 617)

A man worth imitating

Today's Run the Race Scripture reading was Nehemiah 1:3-11 (although I can't remember why I left off the first two verses ???).  Many years ago Chuck Swindoll wrote a fine book about the life of Nehemiah.  He is a man worth imitating.

In chapter one, Nehemiah has heard news that caused his heart to break.  Jews who escaped the exile in 587 BC are back in Jerusalem trying to rebuild the city.  There is one issue that could thwart their plans.  The wall  around the city is broken down.

In that condition, the exiles living there are vulnerable to enemies who might wish to control the city. Being taken into slavery is the worst thing that could happen to them.  Unless they receive help to rebuild the wall their lives are at risk.

Interesting, after receiving the news, Nehemiah "wept and mourned for days and (Nehemiah) continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."  Continual and repetitive prayer demonstrates a heart that knows that hope resides with the Lord and no one else.

He prays for forgiveness for his people.  It was their disobedience and unbelief that caused God to allow the people to be taken into exile in the first place.  He prays, "We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, the statutes and the rules that you commanded Your servant, Moses.  And Nehemiah is sure to also pray for his own forgiveness as well.

Nehemiah also reminds God of His promise that if the people return to Him in faith and keep His commandments, then He would gather the people whom He has redeemed and return them to the holy city.

Finally, Nehemiah confides that he knows of one person who could enable him to go to Jerusalem and find a solution to the building of the wall.  That's his boss, King Artaxerxes.

Nehemiah doesn't simply rush in and make demands of the King.  He prays for days before he makes his request for the Lord's help.  Nehemiah is not only the King's humble servant but he is the humble servant of the King of the Universe, Almighty God.

Have you been too quick to take matters in your own hands when you see a problem that needs solving? Did you think that the issue you were dealing with was something you could handle without the help of the Lord?

It's easy to do, for sure.  But how often do we simply make matters worse when we act on our own instead of giving God room to do His work and in His time? Nehemiah's example reminds us to slow down, to really pray over the issue or problem that we are concerned about and trust that the God who loves His children will answer that prayer.

Yes, Nehemiah is a man worth intimating.

Walking to Bethlehem

There are days when I leave church with an extra bounce in my step and an extra measure of joy in my heart.

Yesterday was one of those days.

We started the final phase of our year-long ministry effort, "Run the Race."  Interestingly, the focus is not on running but walking.  In our case, Life in Christ church is walking to Bethlehem.

As worshippers learned yesterday, the Walk focuses on physical fitness and spiritual fitness.  A person earns "miles" for the amount of exercise they get each week.  Additional miles are earned through spending time with the Lord in worship, Bible study, individual and family devotions and prayer.

My hope is that the Walk will encourage every participant to be more intentional about being active and also being in the Word of God.  As I type this I'm thinking of how I might add more exercise to my day (Jake, our dog, and I have already had a 30 minute walk).  And I have my Run the Race devotional sheet which lists today's Scripture reading and a prayer starter.  Can't miss that!

Why did I leave church yesterday feeling blessed and grateful?

Over 230 worshippers sign up to participate.  We made 300 packets total.  So, yesterday's response was exciting and encouraging.  With that kind of support we'll might make Bethlehem before Christmas Eve.  I wonder what side trips we can take so keep us moving while waiting to arrive at just the right time?

And I wonder what kind of good habits might be made for those who participate in the Walk? Will folks become more intentional about establishing a regular routine for exercise and taking care of their bodies? Will people make a regular appointment with God to hear Him speak to them in His Word and for them to speak back to Him in prayer?

May God bless our walkers and our effort until that daywalking , with eyes of faith, we look into the manger and see the Babe that changes lives forever.  Then it will be clear that our Walk to Bethlehem was worth it.

Trust in God and do the right!

While looking over the stuff at Tim Challies' blog this morning, I came across a post about a hymn for pastors.  When it comes to service planning, most pastors are looking for music that captures the theme of the day and will be meaningful for the congregation to sing.  I don't think very many of us look for hymns that are specifically for us.  But here's one that encourages pastors and clergy to keep focused on the right thing.

1.      Courage, brother, do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely; strong or weary,

o    Refrain:
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God and do the right.

2.      Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no party, sect, or faction;
Trust no leaders in the fight;
Put in every word or action,

3.      Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man, and look above thee:
Trust in God and do the right.
Simple rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward might,
Star upon our path abiding,

        Trust in God, trust in God,
  Trust in God and do the right.   

Come, Lord Jesus

Of all the prayers we teach our children and grandchildren, this one (next to the Lord's Prayer) may be the most beloved:

Come, Lord Jesus

be our guest.

And let these gifts

to us be blessed.

Amen.

Not only does this little prayer invite Jesus to be our unseen guest as we give thanks and partake of the gifts He gives for our nourishment, "Come, Lord Jesus" also reminds us that:

     Jesus will come again on the Last Day with great power and glory

     Jesus will come to judge, as we say in the Creed, "the living and the dead"

     Jesus will come at a time when we least expect Him

     Jesus will come and we, His people, will be filled with overflowing hope and joy

When we became adults, sometimes we set aside the prayers we prayed as a child.  Not so with this one.  Its words express the longing of every believing heart.  And so we pray, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

He is worthy of your trust

God doesn't ask me for blind trust.  Instead, he reminds me how worthy of my trust he is.  Again and again He has shown His love in my salvation.  As Paul once put it, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).  God loves me so much that He sent His Son to bear my punishment and die my death.  Such a God I can trust to lead me to heaven even if some days I don't understand His ways.

Richard Lauersdorf, "Together With Jesus," devotion for October 17

God's Joyous Exchange

Many years ago, I attended an Evangelism seminar where a pastor demonstrated one way to share the Gospel of Jesus.  His presentation was built around 2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  His Law/Gospel way of telling the good news of Jesus' salvation by grace through faith was so clear and compelling that I made the presentation my own and have shared it many times.

Last night I finished reading "Martin Luther - Preacher of the Cross," by Professor John T. Pless.  I was excited to read a passage Pless shared which showed how Luther connected this joyous exchange to baptism. 

Luther preached: Is not this a beautiful, glorious exchange, by which Christ, who is wholly innocent and holy, not only takes upon Himself another's sin, that is my sin and guilt, but also clothes and adorns me, who am nothing but sin, with His own innocence and purity? And then besides died the shameful death of the Cross for the sake of my sins, through which I have deserved death and condemnation, and grants me His righteousness, in order that I may live with Him eternally in glorious and unspeakable joy.  Through this blessed exchange, in which Christ changes places us with (something the heart can only grasp in faith) and through nothing else, are we freed from sin and death and given His righteousness and life as our own.  (page 126)

What glorious Gospel! In our baptism we receive the blessings of the Cross of Christ Jesus! "Christ changes places with us."  He takes our place at the cross and we are spared.  Instead, our blessed Lord "clothes and adorns us" with His righteousness so that we might "live with Him eternally in glorious and unspeakable joy."

Live today in this baptismal grace.  Remember your baptism when you are beset by guilt or overwhelmed by sorrow.  Although you sin, you are forgiven in Christ.  Although you have not earned it, Christ has made you holy, covering you in His righteousness and purity.  Although you do not deserve it, Jesus, in His ascension, has readied a place for you in the kingdom of heaven.  All because of His joyous exchange which began in your baptism!

Faith For Exiles

Hello again!
I've been away on a week long vacation.  While in California we dodged a black out, stayed north of a fire and survived driving on California roads and freeways.  As always, it is so good to be home again!

David Kinnaman and Barna Research have done much writing on how the church seems to be failing to reach young people who want to know that their lives count for something.  In this new book, "Faith for Exiles," some clear ideas are offered for those who are serious in reaching younger generations.

What's clear from "Faith for Exiles." is that this is not a "quick fix" sort of book.  It will take planning, commitment and time for any church to implement the ideas proposed by Kinnaman and fellow author, Matt Matlock.  I appreciate the fact that the first step in reaching younger people is that it all starts with Jesus.  Many churches I know of focus heavily on providing activities, both social and service, as the place to start.  But without Jesus as the foundation of faith, all other plans and objectives will yield little to no fruit of faith and belief.

Kinnaman and Matlock are right on the money when they write, "Still, when older adults model deep ways of following Jesus, young people notice - and not only when these people are their parents.  Just as unmarried Christian adults need and extended family of faith, young disciples need attention and care from multiple adult gardeners in order to thrive in exile and to discover their identity.  (page 55).

If you've read books like "unchristian," then you need to add "Faith for Exiles" to your library.  Kinnaman and Matlock are offering a valuable resource to bringing exiles into God's family.

Book provided by Baker Books

An interesting take on baptism

Jesus sticks Himself in the water so that when we go into the water we come out with Him!

Matthew C. Harrison, "Joy:Fully Lutheran"  page 142

Take Courage - The Lord Is With You!

Acts 23:11(b) - "Take Courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

Paul had every reason to be afraid.  He had spent the day before the Jewish high court.  Paul's bold testimony about the risen Jesus has filled the members of the court with hatred and rage.  It was this group that orchestrated the death of Jesus.  They have the power to do the same to Paul.  His life hangs in the balance.

While chained and under guard in the barracks, the Lord suddenly appears to Paul.  The apostle hears the words that the Lord utters to those who are afraid: "Take courage!"  Paul receives reassurance that his mission is not going to end in Jerusalem.  The Lord has another place where Paul will proclaim the good news of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus - Rome, the seat of the world's power in that day.

The Lord's comforting words remind us of another time when the disciples were filled with fear.  Read Mark 6:45-52 sometime this week.  The disciples were out in a lake, caught in the middle of a violent storm.  It was all they could do to keep the boat afloat.  Exhausted from their struggle, the disciples were filled with fear as they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water.  Instead, it was the Lord that they saw.  "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid."  And as the Lord climbed into the boat, the winds died down.  They relaxed.  The Lord was with them.

The Lord is with you each day.  He is present always, until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).  The next time you are afraid, remember the words God spoke to Joshua.  These words apply to you too.  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Why is God's name so important?

Ever wonder why your baptism is so important? Here's one important reason:

Where God has placed His name, He has placed Himself.

From "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," page 31

Don't be shy! Say your prayers!

The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered simply because they go unasked.

Mark Batterson, as quoted in "Pray Big Things," page 31S

A Man Called Peter

In my opinion, Peter Marshall, the Scottish-born Presbyterian pastor, who in 1947 became chaplain of the US Senate, was one of the finest preachers of the 20th century.  See the book, "A Man Called Peter" for examples of his inspiring and thought-provoking style.  He also wrote many wonderful and heart-felt prayers.  The following is a prayer of confession that you might want to use in your devotions this week.

O Lord, I come to You out of my great need.  You have pledged in Your Word that whoever comes to You shall not be cast away.

Lord, I confess before you that I have had longings and nudgings from You which I did not translate into action.

I have made decisions without consulting You, then blamed You when things went wrong.

I have said that I trusted You, yet have not turned my affairs over to You.

I have often sought the easy way, have consistently drawn back from the road that is hard.

Forgive me for all the intentions that were born and somehow never lived.

These, Lord Jesus, are sins, grievous in Your sight, grievous even in mine.  And now I claim Your promise to change me.  Do for me what I cannot do for myself.  Lead me into a new tomorrow with a new spirit.  Cleanse my heart, create within me new attitudes and new ideas, as only You can create them.

For these good gifts, I thank You Lord.  Amen.