Visuables

Passover

2012-01-17T17:17:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday I was blessed by God at the Gateway Church hearing one of my favorite preachers bring two powerful lessons from the Word. John W. Smith compelled us to truly grasp our primary purpose in life, namely, knowing God and living a life worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you would like to listen to these messages go to http://www.gatewaycofc.org/633496.ihtml.

I led the communion devotional that day. Below is a narrative I composed and read for the occasion.

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Rachel was ten and she was furious. She was lying in bed (as commanded) but she was not going to sleep! How could she? The whole day was terrible. Everything was all wrong.

The day started beautifully. Mornings in the Land of Goshen could be breathtaking. After dressing and eating breakfast she hurried to see her lamb. Father had given this lamb to raise as her own. He was a one-year-old and he was perfect. The only sheep or goat they owned without a defect. For the past four days Father had been taking extra special care to make sure the lamb was all right. That’s why Rachel was shocked that when Father returned from his special meeting, he sat her down and told her that her lamb had to be slaughtered.

“No, Abba!” she cried. “Not my lamb! Use another!” but Father replied, “Rachel, Moses has told us that we must do this to protect our homes. The lamb chosen must be without any blemish. I’m sorry. You will understand later.” Well, she didn’t understand any of it. When twilight approached and Father took the lamb into the courtyard to slaughter it, Rachel ran into Mother’s arms and buried her weeping face as she heard the worst sound of her young life.

Numb from the loss, Rachel knew that something very bizarre was happening because Father was taking some of her lamb’s blood and spreading it on the sides and top of the door frame. After roasting her lamb, Father made the family come to the table dressed as if they were leaving soon. Father has his cloak tucked in his belt, his sandals on and staff in hand. “What is wrong with everybody? We never eat like this.” Rachel whispered to herself.

At the table there were only two choices. Bread without leaven and roasted lamb... her lamb. All she was going to eat was bread, period! Not only did Father insist that she eat some of the meat but Mother had to eventually threaten her to comply. It wasn’t fair. They take her pet, kill it and then force her to eat some of it. On top of that it tasted horrible! It was terribly tart because of the bitter herbs mother used when she cooked it. Her brother and sisters hated it too but were too scared to say anything because Father kept repeating to the family that the prophet of God had made clear commands about this meal.

As usual, Mother put the children in their beds. And as always Father came in to pray with them. He told them he loved them and that God was preparing to do something great so Pharaoh would release Israel and that is why the family was still dressed in their traveling clothes. When he got to Rachel’s side he found her weeping. “Why, Abba? Why? I miss my lamb. I’m in bed but I’m not going to sleep!” she said defiantly. “Little One” Father said, “The angel of the Lord is going to come to Egypt and take the life of the firstborn of every home that doesn’t have what we have on our door frame. Your lamb is going to save us.

Eventually, she fell asleep only to be wakened later by her mother telling her to get up. Father had been gathering a few essentials and called all of them to hurry because it was time to leave. As they walked out of Goshen no one could speak for the air was burdened with the cries of the Egyptians. A chilling echo Rachel could never forget.

Father, in heaven, thank You for the Passover story. Thank You for Jesus being our lamb whose blood will ensure that one day Your destroying angel will pass over us. Lord, it is good that we partake of Your supper. The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine still serve to remind us that it took the Lamb’s life to save ours. It is only by Christ’s blood can we be saved. May we be faithful to all Your commands and be at the ready to leave this world when You call us heavenward. In the name of Him who was slain. Amen.

Blessings,

<>< John

Strikeout

2012-01-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

I walked up to the plate wearing used cleats and holding a second-hand bat. Our church’s softball team was well ahead in runs but I still felt pressure to perform. Why? John W. Smith, one of my friends and preaching heroes was standing behind the backstop. He had just completed a powerful seminar at the Church I was serving and was staying over until the Pepperdine University Bible Lectures. I had invited him earlier that day to watch the game since I knew he loves sports.

Before John arrived, I had already hit a nice grounder for a single but this time at bat I wasn’t as loosened up and I knew it. So did my teammates for I heard them encourage me, "Hey John...relax." So, I decided to let the first pitch pass no matter how good it looked. It seemed like a good idea at the moment. But, that became a big mistake. In that league, you go to the plate with one ball and one strike counted against you in order to keep the pace moving. The pitcher sent me a beautiful gift right into my power zone and I let it pass. “Strike two!” the umpire cried out. But it was actually I who was crying inside because I realized I had set myself up for too much pressure and in danger of being struck out. The next pitch was dreadfully short of the base but I swung nevertheless and swoosh - - I was out.

I did not want to go back to where my mentor and teammates were gathered. I wanted to just walk away and get a grip on the emotions racing through me. You see, for a competitive 40-something, out of shape man who can still remember when he was great at the game, sports can be brutally frustrating. Expectations followed by failure can lead to humiliation. Dragging my countenance off the field, I braced for the comments. The really bad thing about being someone who dishes out a razzing to others is that you must take it when it’s your turn to be razzed.

When I stepped off the field John did give me a hard time but quickly gauged my reaction and then did the unexpected. He hugged me. I had struck out in front of my son Matthew, my teammates, their wives in the bleachers, the opposing team and most painfully – my role model. Now we stood there hugging. It’s amazing how embracement removes embarrassment. When someone wraps their arms around you and applies pressure it’s as if they squeeze the negative emotions out of you. I've always felt better after a hug.

Father God, hug me. Hold me close and squeeze out of my soul the remorse I feel from striking out in front of Your eyes. I need affirmation not condemnation, intimacy not criticism. I need grace. Remind me that its not always about performance and perfection but about kinship and closeness. Thank You for inspiring me to get back onto Your field. I’m proud to be uniformed with Christ and will play the game of life the best I can. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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THIS SUNDAY (1/1512) John W. Smith (click here) will be preaching for the Gateway Church of Christ

His first message will be at 9:30 AM followed with a sermon during our 10:30 worship gathering

go to: www.gatewaycofc.org for directions

Blessings,

John <><

Thankful and Joyful

2011-11-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

There is an old European story about a traveler who came upon an empty barn where the devil had stored seeds which he planned to plant in the hearts of people. Various bags were marked, "Hatred," "Fear," "Doubt," "Division," "Despair," "Unforgiveness," "False-pride" and "Lust.”

The devil appeared and struck up a conversation with the traveler. He proudly told the traveler how easily the seeds he sowed sprouted in the hearts of men and women. "Are there any hearts in which these seeds will not germinate?" asked the traveler. A melancholy look appeared on Satan’s face, "These seeds will not sprout in the heart of a thankful and joyful person."

Still enjoying the effects of the Thanksgiving weekend, this Sunday morning at the Gateway Church www.gatewaycofc.org we will "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good" (1 Chr 16) and ready ourselves to move into the "joyful season." It’s beautiful how being thankful smoothly leads to being joyful. In fact, we can’t have one without the other. Let God’s great kindnesses saturate your thinking in the days ahead and these memories will bring such peace no amount of upcoming stress will be long lasting.

Shalom,

<>< John

Inheriting Middle Earth

2011-11-15T16:47:00.001-07:00

When asked, "Hey John, what is you favorite all-time movie?" Without difficulty I reply, “Lord of the Rings.” The power of story, depth of acting and immersive cinematography here is simply unmatched in my estimation. The Trilogy combines to over ten hours and all of that without a sex scene or any profanity. Amen! My kudos to Director Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema for their allegiance to adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation to cinema without folding in modern and popular offensive elements.

What conditions in Tolkien’s life shaped his worldview? The world wars he witnessed? Being raised by a priest to be a devout Catholic surely influenced his writing and its emphasis on good versus evil. I’m convinced Tolkien wanted his readers to realize how good triumphs. I believe he wanted us to grasp one exceptional trait. This one personality trait is elusive to find today. In fact, the name of this characteristic is completely missing in modern print and never heard in dialogue. Therefore, it rules over words like: courage, bravery, loyalty, friendship and hope.

This rarest of attributes is meekness. When was the last time you read or you heard the word “meek” used? Not even preachers give the word much attention (which speaks volumes). The biblical definition of meekness is beautifully uncomplicated. The Greek word “praus” simply means a gentle and humble attitude that expresses itself in submissiveness. It is power divinely controlled. It is the opposite of pride and the absence of malice. In 2 Corinthians 10:1-4 the Apostle lays out the potency of this trait, “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away. . . For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

In the Lord of the Rings it is diminutive Hobbits who destroy the strongholds. All full size characters in the story cannot wear the ring without swiftly succumbing to its evil influence. It is Frodo Baggins who bears the burden of carrying the ring to its fate. This “halfling” and his loyal servant, Samwise Gamgee, possess one quality the other admirable characters do not. The one quality which insulates them from the ring’s demonic influence? They are meek. Jesus made clear the greatest heroes in His kingdom posses humility.

God has fixed a principle in our world, a law of life that is immutable – humility is non-optional if you want His blessings. Jesus said of Himself, “I am gentle and humble in heart.” An infant born in a cattle stall reveals the meekness of Jesus. Quietly submitting to His Father’s will as they try, beat and murder Him reveals the meekness of Jesus. From beginning to end Christ demonstrated the power this beatitude holds over evil.

Father, thank You for reminding us that our weakness is not having meekness. May we brave the obstacles ahead knowing that we have been offered the most potent weapons in spiritual warfare – a humble spirit and a courageous faith. Help us humbly carry upon our necks the Master’s yoke, which is easy and light. And one day if You count us faithful in the tasks You’ve assigned, give us rest for our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings,

John <><

Genesis of a Vision

2011-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

In teaching his college class how to succeed in the mission field, a professor was emphasizing the importance of getting to know the culture there. He decided a field test was in order. He assigned his students to take the MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) Light Rail into downtown Portland, OR. While walking about they were to ask people, “If you were to start a church, what would it look like?” or “If you were looking for a church what are some things you hope you would find?”

The responses surprised the students as well as the professor and they noticed the answers fit into a rather short list of areas. People stated that the right church for them would be accepting of differing cultures and world views, that they would feel comfortable exploring their faith without pressure and that these churches would be engaged in improving the world. The students and instructor were also dismayed when the class came to the realization that the folks they questioned would not feel comfortable in the churches they attended. It would be highly unlikely these city denizens would come to faith in the student’s home congregation.

With that epiphany, the professor asked, “What needs to happen to remedy this problem?” The conclusion eventually came: new churches must be started in those kinds of neighborhoods. Thus was the birth of a dream, the genesis of a vision that eventually started a church planting movement. That professor was Dr. Stanley Granberg. The movement? Kairos Church Planting http://kairoschurchplanting.org. Several of those students in Dr. Granberg’s class became church planters in the Portland area. God always uses visionary leaders to get His things going.

We are about to be blessed this weekend at Gateway Church. Stan and Gena Granberg are coming to share the vision God has called them to follow. They are going to tell us the amazing things God has done to birth this movement of new churches of Christ. Stan will be revealing how God gives special favor to Christians and churches as they partner with the Lord in His mission to redeem His lost children. The Granbergs missionary experience in Kenya coupled with the wisdom from helping new churches launch and impact their communities is a dynamic mixture to be around. So I invite you to be around for the following events this weekend:

Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 9:00 AM to Noon in the “Caf” (Chaparral Elementary cafeteria)
A seminar where Stan will show us ways God is causing His kingdom to grow today and how He transforms the lives of Christians helping Him. Secrets to sustained growth beyond 200 will be revealed. There will be a number of interactive exercises and discussions. A light continental breakfast will be provided.

For directions: http://www.gatewaycofc.org/638608.ihtml

Sunday, Nov. 5
9:30 AM - Combined adult and teen classes in “The Caf” where Dr. Granberg will share the Kairos vision and how young churches can impact their neighborhoods and cities.
10:30AM - Stan will be preaching a sermon out of 2 Kings 5 called, “Living in the Land of Unbelief”

Stanley E. Granberg holds a Ph.D. from Oxford's Centre for Mission Studies. He served as a missionary in Meru, Kenya from 1983-1993 witnessing exponential growth. He taught as missionary-in-residence at Lubbock Christian University and was an Associate Professor of Bible and Missions at Cascade College, Portland, Oregon. He and his wife, Gena, are dedicated full-time to church planting around the world. The Granbergs live in Vancouver, Washington.

The name “Kairos” comes from a Greek word meaning God’s appointed time and it would seem for such a time as this Gateway and friends will be powered-up through His servants Stan and Gena Granberg.

Blessings,

<>< John

Paternal Power

2011-06-14T17:25:00.002-07:00

When I was in high school, I used to be terrified of my girlfriend's father, who I believe suspected me of wanting to do things with his daughter that he definitely didn’t want done. When Lori asked me to come over to her place, I would fret on the way about whether her dad was going to be home or not. When I rounded the corner of her street and saw his truck missing from the driveway there was cause for much rejoicing. But, if he was home, I'd dread having to go to the door and ring the bell because he would always answer it. Why couldn’t Lori open the door and greet me with one of her great hugs? Why did it always have to be her father waiting to jerk the door open and extend his vise-grip of a hand? Which brings up a painful memory in itself. I used to hate it when I failed to get my hand firmly planted for the shake for fear of appearing to him like a wimp and the pain of having my fingers crushed which would make my face grimace and therefore make me look even more like a sissy.

Did I mention that he was a sheriff’s deputy with the County of Sacramento? Now listen, I may be really old someday suffering with Alzheimers, but I promise that even then I will never forget meeting that man for the first time. A deputy’s uniform, 38 revolver holstered to his hip and that huge six-point brass star prominently displayed on his chest. Being a father I now think he deliberately planned on our introduction right before he left for his shift so he could be in full regalia. But the coup de grâce, was the look. I don’t know if you have even seen “the look” but if you have you, too, will never forget it the rest of your life. Let me see if I can hang a moniker on his expression worthy of its intensity: “You-better-believe-I-will-destroy-your-life-if-you-touch-my-little-girl” pretty much captures it. While peering into his eyes I imagined myself in juvenile hall on trumped up charges, with guards who are this deputy’s buddies making sure I was in the worse condition possible.

Truth be known – it worked. Lori was an attractive sixteen-year-old. The cutest thing I dated until I met my beautiful wife, Becky. Lori just happened to be extremely affectionate and she really, really liked me. At fifteen, I too was smitten not only by her beauty but even more so by the fact that she loved being with me so much. I found her irresistible and, in the language of the early 70's, “a big turn on.” Well, as our romance grew things definitely turned on. In fact, it was Lori who kept wanting things to go further and she couldn’t quite understand why I was so hesitant. I didn’t have the courage to tell her I was scared to death of her dad and what he would do if he found out I had crossed his boundaries. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to – I did – it was that I was afraid to. In time, her frustration caused her to leave me for an older guy. I was so deeply wounded I didn’t date for over a year.

Father God you have made dads the great barrier. With Your divine endorsement they wield paternal power. They protect their kids from threatening forces even when they well up from within. Father in heaven, we dads learned that from You. We understand that purity is precious and holiness must be protected at any cost. So, Lord, if intimidation is what works then so be it. Keep us vigil and ever alert. Protect our children from others who would harm them and protect them from themselves. In Your Son's name. Amen.

Blessings,

John <><

VISUABLES - Snapshot of Heaven

2011-05-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

What do you think heaven will be like? I know the Book of Revelation uses lots of cryptic language to portray it being a place of joy and beauty. But, “What we will do in heaven?” is the question I guess I am really thinking about. Too many people think heaven is going to be like a never-ending church service. Even the most devout member could find that uninviting. Surveys say the average American relates attending church with the word “boredom.” So, if heaven is going to be eternally attending church, no thanks! Imagine eternal boredom. This is definitely not my vision of heaven!

Heaven is going to be exciting! We will be in God’s presence and be perfected by having been released from this flesh. Not only will we not be sinful anymore but we will live among the millions who are freed from sin. Romans 6:10 refers to Christ and tells us, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” The Scripture says we will be like Him, namely perfect! Yes, even our preachers! (Good news, I know.)

That reminds me of a story about a member of a congregation who had undergone a serious operation and was still under the influence of the anaesthesia when the preacher arrived, so the minister said a brief prayer and left. The next day the preacher returned and asked the patient if he had been aware of his visit. "I vaguely remember your visit yesterday. I remember opening my eyes and thinking 'I can't be in Heaven. . .there's the preacher." Ouch!

Heaven is going to the ultimate exhilaration! We will be surrounded by angels, the great saints from the Bible, our loved ones that were washed in the blood of the Lamb and await us there in His presence. It will be the ultimate reunion! The ultimate celebration! The party that never ends! Biggest joy will be living in the presence of our loving God.

Once a year there is an event in Southern California that gives us a snapshot of what heaven will be like. That event is called the Pepperdine Bible Lectures. It is a special week of celebration of our Lord and His people. Thousands gather for warm, spirited praise and fellowship. A great place to see old friends in the faith and meet new brothers and sisters. Thousands praising God in inspirational worship and spending time joyously visiting with each other. Wow. Sounds like heaven. . .

Having just returned from this year’s Lectureship all I can say is that whatever barriers prevent you from attending I ask that you petition the Lord to overcome and make it possible to go next year. Many Christians told me, “I cannot go John because ...” and then list expenses or schedules. I get that. I’ll cut this short and simply state that the amount of spiritual impact & empowerment granted for going to the Pepperdine Lectures convinces me that you cannot afford not to go.

Post a comment. Lets talk about this. Go to http://www.pepperdine.edu/biblelectures for more. To order messages check out http://www.purelogicvideo.com/

Blessings,

<>< John

The God Confusion

2011-04-26T13:04:00.003-07:00

In today's secular society where talk of God is viewed with distrust or disinterest its no wonder most people don't know who God really is. Many theologians blame educators for this. They see an inept system teaching more obscurity than clarity. It’s frustrating that the primary attributes of the God of the Bible cannot be taught in public K - 12 schools. I am equally annoyed that when a student goes to secular college they are finally allowed to study Christianity but often taught only the negative side of our religion.

Part of the God confusion blame falls on the media. They are the product of our “finest schools” so naturally it comes as no surprise that most of America’s reporters, writers and their editors lack Biblical faith. When was the last time you said, “amen” to an article read or a program watched that dealt with the Christian faith? Serious Bible readers often cringe at these portrayals of God and His people.

In fairness, though, I see most of the blame for America’s misunderstanding of God falling square on the shoulders of the church. Our retreat from our culture combined with deafening silence allow the skeptic’s words to go unchallenged. The church’s fixation on morality and church growth crowd out times for teaching the basic tenets of the God we worship.

There is a tremendous difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Many of today’s worshipers know about God. They know He is a spirit who is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present. They know that God is holy and that there is nothing impossible for Him. They know that He sent His one and only Son to earth to show us the path to heaven.

Beyond that, let me ask you, what do you know of God? Do you understand Him? Do you know how He thinks or how He feels? One way of telling how close you are to the Lord is by looking at your life. When one is close to God they resemble God. They see things from His perspective and feel strongly about the same thing He does. Another way of gaging your comprehension is your obedience. Are you doing what God wills or are you merely doing what you want to do?

How important is it that we know God? If you don't, you will never know heaven, it's that simple (see 2 Thess. 1:7-9). How can you get to know God better? Pray to Him and give Him your attention. Worship Him in spirit and in truth at a God-teaching church. Oh yeah, another thing — Read the Book where He goes into great detail to reveal Himself.

Lord, everyone seems to have their own opinion of who You are. Truth trumps opinion. Guide us back to the Bible’s definition of Yourself. Correct in us any imperfect thoughts we have of You. No thing in our life will have greater bearing on how we live than our view of You.

Blessings,

John <><

P.S. This Sunday, I am beginning a new preaching series at the Gateway Church called “Connecting with God.” The opener: “Connecting with God by Knowing Him”
www.gatewaycofc.org

What Single Truth? (Easter 2011)

2011-04-26T12:26:00.001-07:00

In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave on which were placed huge slabs of granite and marble cemented together and fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet strangely, she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there were a resurrection, it could not reach her. On the marker were inscribed: "This burial place must never be opened."

In time, a seed, covered over by the stones, began to grow. Slowly it pushed its way through the soil and out from beneath. As the trunk enlarged, the great slabs were gradually shifted so that the steel clasps were wrenched from their sockets. A tiny seed had become a tree that had pushed aside the massive stones.

The dynamic life force contained in that little seed is a faint reflection of the tremendous power of God's re-creative word that someday will call to life the bodies of all who are in their graves. He will also bring back every person drowned at sea, cremated, or destroyed in some other way. This is no problem to the One who created everything out of nothing when He spoke the universe into existence. Unbelief cannot deter the resurrection. But faith in the risen Christ opens the door to blessings that His rising guarantees -- a glorious new spiritual body and a home in heaven. In new bodies we will be reunited with saved loved ones to live with Jesus throughout all eternity. I can’t wait!

What is it that gives a widower courage as he stands beside a fresh grave? What is the ultimate hope of the cripple, the amputee, the abused, the burn victim? How can the parents of brain-damaged or physically disabled children keep from living their entire lives totally and completely depressed? Why would anyone who is blind, deaf or paralyzed be encouraged when they think of the life beyond? How can we see past the martyrdom of some helpless hostage or devoted missionary? Where do the thoughts of a young couple go when they finally recover from the grief of losing their baby? What single truth becomes their whole focus?

God, we celebrate Easter by thanking You that Your Son didn’t stay dead. Since You vindicated Jesus, by raising Him from the tomb, then whatever He said must be true for we know You wouldn’t raise a liar. Lord, what is the final answer to pain, mourning, senility, insanity, terminal diseases, sudden calamities, and fatal accidents? Father, what one thing can give us hope when life has crushed us? The resurrection. Yes, the power of the resurrection! In Christ’s name. Amen!

Blessings,

<>< John