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Passion Week: Resurrection Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 01:10:00 +0000

It is Sunday. She is grieving. Not only had He died, but now it appeared His body had been stolen.

Jesus had delivered her from seven demons. She had invested her life in following Him. And now He and His body were gone. Her tears blinded her to the reality of angels and the nearness of her Savior.

Until He said her name, "Mary."

(John 20:11-16)

It is Sunday. Hearts still grieve. Tears still flow. He still lives.

Listen for your name.

Passion Week: Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:37:00 +0000

It is Saturday. It is Sabbath. It is a day of rest from labors and focus on God.

The Roman soldiers go about their business, retelling the stories of yesterday.

The Pharisees and Chief Priests conduct their Sabbath rituals with blood stained hands supposing they are done with this man named Jesus.

Those touched by His healing hand, comforted by His tender compassion and instructed by His Kingdom teaching wonder about what was…what could have been…what will they do now.

The remaining eleven of the inner circle seclude themselves in fear. Could they be next?

He had told them that He must die, but would live again. Yet they seemed not to hear or at least not to understand.

How difficult it is to see hope in the darkness of doubt and fear. Second guessing shortens our vision and our memories.

Though death had taken Him away from their sight, a million things were still happening they could not see. And the morrow would prove it.

When clouds of doubt and dismay obscure your vision of His face, trust and know that He is yet there, working, smiling, loving and readying the dawn.

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Passion Week: Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:01:00 +0000

It is Friday. Before the dawn a kiss betrays the Master. Mortals armed with lanterns, torches and weapons presume to arrest the eternal Son of God, yet cannot remain on their own feet.

It is Friday. Jesus willingly surrenders to men who could not take Him and to be bound with fetters that could not hold Him.

It is Friday. Jesus is condemned, mocked and beaten by His own.

It is Friday. Jesus is forsaken. The rooster crows. Peter weeps.

It is Friday. Pilate washes his hands. The Roman soldiers "crown" the King. The crowd cries, "Away with him! Crucify him!"

It is Friday. Jesus bears His cross. Jesus is nailed to His cross. Jesus is suspended between heaven and earth.

It is Friday. Darkness falls. Sin is judged.

It is Friday. It is finished.

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

O Mighty Cross

O Christ so pure
Love held Him there

Such shame endured
His Sacrifice on Calvary

Has made the mighty cross
A tree of life to me

(from "O Mighty Cross" by David Baroni, John Chisum)

It is Friday. But Sunday is coming.

Passion Week: Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:41:00 +0000

It is Thursday. Preparations are underway for the Passover. The instructions to the disciples sent ahead are mysterious:

"Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us."

And yet when the disciples came to the city, "they found it just as he had told them…"

Isn't that the way it always is? Obedience requires faith in what Jesus is telling us. And when we believe and do as He asks, it is always as He said it would be.

By Sunday they will know that everything is exactly as He told them it would be.

…he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

and to take him at his word;

just to rest upon his promise,

and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917)

(Scripture quotes are from Mark 14:13-15, 16 and Mark 9:31 ESV)

Passion Week: Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:35:00 +0000

It is Wednesday. The Scriptures are silent on the events of the day.

Can you imagine a day with just God, you and the people you love? No phone, no internet, no television, no facebook, no twitter. Just a day of quiet reflection on the grace, love and closeness of God.

The strength for the trial ahead is found in the quiet moments with God.

Passion Week: Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"

Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 22:34-40

It is Tuesday. It is a contentious morning as Jesus is challenged and questioned by the religious establishment.

In the midst of these exchanges, Jesus distills all the Law and the Prophets to two commandments: love God and love your neighbor.

Jesus taught it. Jesus lived it. Friday will prove it.

How shall we love God and others today?

Passion Week: Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:15:00 +0000

Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."

Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.

John 12:20-30

It is Monday and Friday is looming ever larger. And Jesus knows it. "My soul is troubled," He says. The death He shall die on Friday is more than physical. On the cross He will suffer the wrath of God for our sake.

Jesus understands His purpose in this moment. He knows why He has come to this hour. And knowing, His prayer is not one of self preservation, but Father glorification. He came to die. Die He must. Die He will.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

John 12:32

Reflections on Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:35:00 +0000

Reflections on Grace:

Mephibosheth and Me

By Brent D. Summerhill

January 28, 2010 – For Communion at Faith (January 31, 2010)

Based on 2 Samuel 4:4 and 2 Samuel 9

Broken was I,

Broken was he;

Outcasts were we both,

Mephibosheth and me.

He – the grandson of a disgraced king,

Broken in a hasty escape;

He was left without remedy,

In this world he had no place.

Me – a child of Adam's race,

Broken was I by sin;

I too was left without remedy,

No peace, no hope within.

Living in exile,

Were Mephibosheth and me;

Crippled and helpless,

No future could we see.

Until the day the message came,

A message from the King;

"Come! Come to my house!" he called,

"Come and dine with me."

We shook with fear

And trembled in awe;

"Why such regard,

"For two dead dogs?"

For him it was for Jonathan's sake,

A friend knit to David's soul;

For me it was for Christ alone,

The friend to sinners here below.

And so, amazed that we were called,

To the King we came;

We fell in worship at his feet,

We, the broken and the lame.

Then lifted up in arms of grace,

All our fears were made to flee;

As we were carried to the table,

Mephibosheth and me.

Praying for Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:05:00 +0000

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:1-4)

There is no reason it couldn't or shouldn't be us. All of us – Americans, Haitians, Africans, Europeans and every tribe and tongue on the earth – share a common plight and common need. Sinners are we all in need of a Savior.

And so when we see the images of devastation from Haiti, we are moved not to some self righteous pity, but to a sympathy of commonality. And out of that commonality we pray.

We pray for the physical needs of the homeless and hurting and for the grieving. And our prayers motivate us to help. There are numerous credible relief organizations mobilizing even now. Among them is Samaritan's Purse, a ministry of evangelist Franklin Graham. You can follow their relief work in Haiti and donate at their website.

But we pray also for their spiritual needs. As Christian relief organizations mobilize we pray that the inhabitants of Haiti may see the glory and goodness of Christ in their efforts. May ever cup of water, ever meal served and ever shelter erected declare the compassion of the Savior and may many believe in Him.

We will keep the church up to date on any opportunities that may arise for our involvement.

Keep the Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:38:00 +0000

The Keep the Faith Foundation for Kids (KTF) exists to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ with families who have children suffering with cancer and to provide assistance for the financial burdens resulting from the family's care of their child. I had the privilege of spending a few minutes with the KTF Board of Directors as they began a new year of ministry and welcomed two new board members.

I spoke to the Board concerning a theological foundation for this ministry that deals with the struggles of kids with cancer and too often the grief of their deaths. I share these comments with you for two reasons: (1) that they may be of some help to you in your particular life struggle and (2) to ask you to pray for the children, their families and those who minister to them.

Romans 8:18-30 teaches us:

The creation was subject to futility and is in bondage to corruption because of sin in the fall of Adam so that everything, including our bodies, is suffering sickness and death as we await the redemption of our bodies.

Our COMPASSION for KTF families is born of the commonality of our corruption. There is no reason that it should not be or will not be us, our children, our grandchildren, our nieces, our nephews. We weep with them because we are them.

Glory will overcome suffering and creation will be set free from its bondage to corruption through Christ Jesus.

This is our HOPE and the HOPE we share. The dismay of disease must eventually give way to glory for Christ's tomb is empty. We minister Christ to the suffering so that their despair may be turned into heavenly delight.

As you minister to these families, God will help you pray when you cannot find the words.

What do we ask God for on their behalf? Grace, faith, healing, provision? Yes. And yet at times we are so heartbroken and so angry with cancer and sin and decay and death that we cannot find words to ask for anything. Do not despair. He knows. And His Spirit intercedes beyond our words. And in Him is our COMFORT.

God oversees our suffering and uses it for good.

Though we struggle to see beyond the storm, our CONFIDENCE is that He is there and that He is working His glory to our good. William Cowper out of his dark days of depression penned these words:

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs

And works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the lord by feeble sense,

But trust him for his grace;

behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

His purpose will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

the bud may have bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan his work in vain:

God is his own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

God's purpose for us will not be thwarted from sinners to saints to glory.

In Him is our FAITH. Ever trusting that He is sovereign over all and that nothing, no sickness, no evil, no scheme of man or Satan, will thwart His glorious and eternal plan for us. This is the FAITH we keep. This is the FAITH we share.

Battling Temptation

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:04:00 +0000

Psalm 119:11

I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you. (ESV)

In Matthew 4, Jesus responds to temptation by answering the devil:

4:4 – "It is written…" from Deuteronomy 8:3.

4:7 – "Again it is written…" from Deuteronomy 6:16.

4:10 – "For it is written…" from Deuteronomy 6:13.

The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit with which we parry the temptatious advances of the devil. (Ephesians 6:17) A heart void of God's Word is a swordless sheath.

The LORD Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:36:00 +0000

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!"

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:6-8 ESV

In troubled times everyone around you is crying out for better times – jobs, money, health, family… "O Lord!"

Yet there you sit. Contentment in your eyes. A smile sneaking across your face. Happier than a farmer with a bumper crop.

And as night falls and others toss and turn and pace the floors, you sleep. You sleep soundly. You sleep until the day dawns and joy fills your heart anew.

"How?" you are asked.

"The Lord alone," you reply.

Your security is not in jobs, money, health, family…

Your security is in the Lord alone. The Lord who hung the stars and carved out the ocean depths. The Lord who owns the cattle of a thousand hills and is keeper of all the birds winging across the sky. The Lord who breathed life into dust and holds the hearts of kings.

He and He alone puts you to bed at night. He and He alone wakes you in the morn. He and He alone is the joy that fills your every waking moment.

I pray that indeed He is for you.

15 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:29:00 +0000

I needed 15 more minutes this morning. We got to the Gospel appeal, but we didn't get to rejoice in the Gospel result, namely that being set free by the Truth, Jesus, means that we no longer have to live in bondage to sin. Consider Romans 6:6-14:

…knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. (NKJV; emphasis mine)

When Christ died for our sins we died to sin in Christ. When Christ rose victorious over sin and death we were raised to new life in Christ. In His death and resurrection we were freed from the power of sin both theologically and practically.

Theologically this Gospel is our salvation. We are raised from death to eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Practically, this Gospel is our present liberation from the dominion of sin. Now that in Christ we have died to sin and been raised to life, we are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. By His resurrection power we are no longer to let sin reign in our bodies.

This is great and glorious news! We longer have to be subject to sin's demands and experience sin's sorrowful consequences. In Christ there is power to deliver us from hatred and addictions and lusts and passions and pride and any other rebellious attitude or action. We are free indeed!

Yet while our salvation and eternal life are certain and secure in Christ, we must daily appropriate this liberty to live the sanctified life. Notice the commands:

Do not let sin reign in your mortal body…

Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin…

Do present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead…

The key to living in this liberty is found in our private devotional life with Christ. It is found in abiding in His Word, communing with Him in prayer, daily walking closely with Him; it is being His disciple, a learner of the Master.

The devoted disciple will still struggle with sin's temptations in his flesh, but will pursue Christ-likeness through repentance and striving toward holiness. On the other hand, the nominal Christian, if there is truly such a person, will all too often struggle and falter and become frustrated with himself and God and life. Though professing Christ as Savior, he will not be familiar with the present liberating power of Christ.

To borrow a phrase from this morning, living in the liberty granted us in Jesus means moving into the house. Emancipated from the bondage of sin, quit dwelling in the fields of sin and move into the house where the Son lives.

If you are free, live free.

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

2010 Bible Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:47:00 +0000

Congratulations to all those who made it all the way through the Word of God in 2009! And congratulations to all those who tried. To have worked at reading some is better than having read none.

One of the problems a lot of us have is keeping up with our daily reading schedule. And when we get behind we get discouraged and it seems impossible to catch up. My advice is to just keep reading. Don't worry about the schedule. It is more important to get the Word in our hearts than to stay on a time table.

The reading plan I am using in 2010 is designed to help with this common frustration. It is the Discipleship Journal's One-Year Plan. I found it at the website of Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN. It is based on 25 days of reading each month, allowing five days for catch up. Information on the plan and bookmarks to be used with the plan can be found at Bethlehem's Website.

I plan to do my 2010 reading in an ESV (English Standard Version) translation. It is a very good "word-for-word" translation that remains true to the original languages while being easy to read. Whether you use the KJV, NKJV, ESV or another translation, choose a Bible with large exterior margins for note taking and don't be afraid to make notes, highlight verses and think about what you are reading. Detailed notation is one thing I plan on doing differently in 2010.

However you plan to read the Bible in 2010, above all READ THE BIBLE IN 2010!

With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes!

Psalm 119:12-12 (ESV)

Christmas Eve Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:17:00 +0000

"Christmas Eve Gift!" she answered. Mother beat me to the punch. Growing up it was always Mamaw calling and exclaiming "Christmas Eve Gift!"

I never knew what it meant until this year. Evidently, there was a tradition among families where the one to give the "Christmas Eve Gift!" greeting was due a gift on Christmas Eve. I don't know that Mamaw ever got a Christmas Eve Gift from us and I know my mother hasn't from me. But it is a tradition we keep alive reminding me every year of the gift my Mamaw was in my life.

Mamaw's gift in my life was to teach me about THE GIFT. She taught me in what she said and in how she lived. She knew Jesus and not merely in some academic fashion. Jesus was more real to her than her family. He was with her through the tragic loss of her husband, multiple cancer diagnoses and congestive heart failure. He was with her as she read Christmas cards in her easy chair. He was with her as the last card dropped to her lap and her eyes closed in death.

There is not a Christmas that goes by that I don't think about Mamaw, "Christmas Eve Gift!" and most importantly, THE GIFT – Jesus. And I know that as surely as He was with her in life, she is now with Him in death.

So "Christmas Eve Gift!" to you! But above all may you receive and cherish THE GIFT of God this Christmas.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

On behalf of all of us who labor together on your behalf at Faith – Merry Christmas!

Brent D. Summerhill

Business Meeting Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:11:00 +0000

As I reflect on our church meeting last Sunday evening I am caused to rejoice in humility.

I rejoice at the great number of mission and mercy ministries embraced by this church. From Romania to Pennsylvania to the South Pacific this church is seeking to fulfill the Great Commission not only by sending checks, but by praying and going and loving and encouraging. Two trips are scheduled for 2010: a spring construction trip (see Jerry Chandler) and an autumn medical/dental trip (see Sandy Bennett). Both will need volunteers and funding.

God is also reaching out through the church's ministries of mercy, including Faith Support Ministry and Keep the Faith Foundation. Both these ministries minister to the physical needs of adults and children with cancer. But even more importantly they reach out to the spiritual needs of those families, sharing Christ and the hope of His Gospel. How we all were moved Sunday evening by the reports and video.

Any or all of these mercy missions would be worthy of our Todah (the special offering of thanks we have been encouraged to give before Christmas).

All of this fills my heart with joy and also humbles me. While I am happy to serve Christ as pastor of this church, it is the church that is doing the ministry. It is the church that is keeping the lawn, praying over missionaries, taking medical care to the hurting, wrapping cancer patients in blankets, sharing the Gospel, being the body of Christ. It is only by God's mercy that I am privileged to serve as pastor in such a church.

The church meeting was long. But I needed it. I needed the reminder of all the good God is doing through His children at Faith. I humbly rejoice and give all the glory to Christ our Savior Who is the Head of this His church.

-Brent

Be Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

"…and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

As children of God we are the called and elect, the holy and beloved of God. We are called from different pasts and different cultures; we are all called out of sin. We are called to oneness in Christ. We are called to a new attitude within the church, an attitude of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Above all else, we are called to love so that the peace of Christ will rule in our hearts and in the church. (Colossians 3:12-15)

And we are called to be thankful – be coming to be thankful.

Be coming to be something we naturally are not. Naturally we are forgetters of past grace and complainers of present circumstances.

Be constantly coming to be thankful. Every day in every way mindful of the rich mercies of God in our lives.

Be coming to be thankful, mindful of God's grace and correspondingly gracious to others.

But how? How can we change? The Apostle tells us:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

Filled with the word of Christ, immersed in the fellowship of the faith within the church, we are enveloped in the recognition of God's grace and live in word and deed in Jesus' name. All while giving thanks to God through Jesus. How could we not?

Happy Thanksgiving. Every day.

Peace if Possible

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:29:00 +0000

The weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas are oft purported to be the most joyous of the year. But for many who find their families at odds with themselves, the holidays magnify the anxiety and anger that has been largely suppressed in preceding days. As Christians we are now, as at all times of the year, taught by the Apostle Paul:

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)

But what if it is not possible? What if you have reached out, sought and given forgiveness only to be rejected, scorned and vilified? What then?

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

First, do not take matters into your own hands. The temptation is to do something to or say something about the other person to make you appear right and them appear wrong. Do not avenge yourself. Instead, focus your energies on words and deeds that will glorify Christ and benefit others.

Second, give God space to work. Wrath and vengeance are God's business. If someone has it coming (including you), God will give it to them in due time to His glory. So get out of God's way.

Third, if you learn your enemy has a need, fill it. Remember that Jesus died to benefit the very ones who crucified Him – you and me. The love of Christ is expressed most clearly through us when we act compassionately toward those who do not deserve it.

Fourth, do not let the evil another thinks or does overcome you. Don't become paralyzed by fear and bitterness. Rather overcome evil with good, pouring yourself into the glad and joyful service of Christ and others.

If this holiday season you find yourself helplessly estranged from family and/or friend, do not spend your days in useless despair. Give the person and the problem to God. Give yourself to acts of kindness and charity that will glorify God. For everyone one person that is a problem in your life, there are scores more to whom you can be a blessing this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Be that blessing and watch as God blesses you.

The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:55:00 +0000

In arguing for the removal of the "Mojave cross" from public land, ACLU attorney Peter Eliasberg argued before the Supreme Court that "It (the cross) signifies that Jesus is the son of God and died to redeem mankind for our sins." On the other hand, Justice Scalia seemed to defend the cross by arguing that it is just a secular symbol of death erected as a memorial for all fallen soldiers. (Story from the LA Times http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-court-cross8-2009oct08,0,2065193.story)

As far as what the cross is, the ACLU lawyer is right and Justice Scalia is wrong. This leads me to two thoughts.

First, the problem with many is not that they don't "get it." The opponents of Christ have always understood what He was saying. They just haven't liked what He was saying. They consider the cross and what it means foolishness and embrace instead the wisdom of men.

Second, the problem with others is that they seek to preserve the traditions of Christianity rather than promote true Christianity. The traditions include symbols, holidays, etc. True Christianity is about Jesus dying on the cross as the sole means of salvation for lost and sinful mankind. The traditions could gain you enemies. The truth could get you killed.

May we get it, believe it and promote it. May the truth of the cross be our only boast.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

A Healthcare Guarantee

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:48:00 +0000

The Healthcare Reform debate intrigues me. Not the politics and economics of it, but the attitude concerning it. People are embracing the philosophy that they have a "right" to healthcare and that they have a "right" to be healthy. And if they are not, someone owes it to them to fix it.

So democrats and republicans banter about on Capitol Hill as if they are really going to guarantee the people's "right" to health and healthcare. And in posturing and finger pointing, they all seem willfully ignorant of one important fact: we are all going to die.

Whether we die sick or we die healthy, whether we die after a prolonged illness or die of a sudden heart attack, whether we see it coming or are blindsided, we are going to die. Not the government, not the health insurance industry, not the medical profession is going to stop it. We are going to die. Then what?

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment… (Hebrews 9:27)

Then the only universal healthcare guarantee is death. And we have a "right" to death because of our sins. (Romans 3:23) And we have a "right" to be condemned in judgment before a holy God for all eternity because of our sins.

But.

…so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)

Because Christ paid the penalty for our sins, bearing our judgment on His cross, everyone who believes in Him has a new healthcare guarantee: everlasting life.

Oh that Americans would be more concerned about their eternal souls than their present bodies.

Roots Grow Deep in Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:32:00 +0000

I heard an urban forester comment once that trees are best planted in January and February because "roots grow in winter." As I thought about this I realized that it is not only true of trees, but people as well. It is in the winters of our lives when little external evidence of life exists that roots are put down deep into God to keep us grounded.

It was the winter of 1997 when I first preached through the life of Joseph. The cold blast of winter was blowing through my family and I was seeking solace in God's Word. The story of Joseph's experiences from preferred son to hated brother to Potiphar's prisoner to Pharaoh's prime minister gave me comfort and sustained my hope. In the ensuing seasons of life I have often returned in my mind to the story of this man and his extraordinary God.

Through it all, "the LORD was with Joseph." (Genesis 39:2) Numbed by the harsh winds of the winter experience, it is sometimes hard to sense the nearness of the Lord. But looking back you realize He was there. And not just there, but He was actually orchestrating the events of your life for His high and holy purposes; purposes that bring us immeasurable pleasure as we rejoice in His glory and rest in His loving care.

There is a divine purpose for your winter. You will be better for enduring it. God will be glorified in you because of it. Join me as we walk the icy paths with Joseph and find out how.

"Roots Grow Deep in Winter" Begins Sunday October 18 at 6 P.M.

Faith Baptist Church in Context

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:11:00 +0000

As a church we exist in a historical context. That historical context goes beyond 1924 and the American Baptist Association. It goes beyond 1904 and the General Association. It goes beyond 1845 and the Southern Baptist Convention. It goes beyond the Reformation. It goes beyond the Dark Ages. It goes all the way back to the first century. It goes back to Jesus and disciples and a promise: "…on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

We do not exist because of or for an association or convention. We exist because of and for Jesus Christ. Associating with like minded churches provides numerous benefits. But the historical context of our existence always takes us back to Jesus.

As a church we exist in a Biblical context. In this context we learn that Jesus is our head and that His Word is our final word. He determines our doctrines and those doctrines inform our practice. So that when the world looks at us they ought to see Jesus.

And as a church we exist in a cultural context. Culture differs from continent to continent, country to country, region to region. Which is why if you cross cultures you will find different attire, different song styles, different methodologies, but in Jesus' churches you will always find the same Gospel.

Stay in one place long enough and the culture shifts where you are, as it has in American culture. We no longer live in a twentieth century American culture. The twenty-first century has brought with it a new culture of morality and religion. To be prophetically relevant to this culture, our preaching and ministries must be Biblically informed and culturally aware. We cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend we are still in the 1950's. We must encounter our culture where it is as it is with the unchanging and ever relevant Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the end we will answer to Jesus for how we existed in our historical, Biblical and cultural context. Did we love Jesus and glorify God through Him? Did we love one another and demonstrate Christianity in our mutual care? Did we love those who lived in our culture and graciously confront them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they might be saved?

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)

Frogs in a Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:55:00 +0000

From President Obama's speech to the "Human Rights Campaign" on Saturday, October 10, 2009:

"My expectation is that when you look back on these years, you will see a time in which we put a stop to discrimination against gays and lesbians -- whether in the office or on the battlefield," President Obama said. "You will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women as just as real and admirable as relationships between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that's valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union -- a union in which gay Americans are an important part. I am committed to these goals. And my administration will continue fighting to achieve them."

"Despite the real gains that we've made, there's still laws to change and there's still hearts to open," he said. "There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors, even loved ones -- good and decent people -- who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes, who fail to see your families like their families, who would deny you the rights most Americans take for granted. And that's painful and it's heartbreaking. And yet you continue, leading by the force of the arguments you make, and by the power of the example that you set in your own lives -- as parents and friends, as PTA members and church members, as advocates and leaders in your communities. And you're making a difference."

Mere rhetoric? I think not. On the White House website, the President's position on civil rights includes the following:

"He supports full civil unions and federal rights for LGBT couples and opposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. He supports repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security, and also believes that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation." (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil_rights/)

So what about us Christ followers who believe the Bible? (e.g. 1 Timothy 1:8-11) Are we good and decent people holding fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes and thus bringing pain and heartbreak to the President? According to his own words, yes. And it is our hearts he desires to open.

We were warned. Preachers in decades past told us that we were frogs in a pot. Put a frog in boiling water and he will jump out, they would tell us. But place him in cool water and slowly bring up the heat and he will never know he is getting cooked.

I think the frog is almost done. Tonight (Tuesday, October 13) the Game Show Network revives "The Newlywed Game" with special celebrity guests including George Takei (Sulu of "Star Trek" fame) and his male spouse, Brad Altman.

What do we Christians do? Run screaming into the night? No, we have not been given a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) Launch a political attack? No, we wrestle not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12) Then what?

Pray. Preach. Evangelize. Live holy lives. It is time for a spiritual revival. It is time for the church to look and act like the church. It is time for professing Christ followers to look and act like Christ. It is time we believe and practice 1 Timothy 2:1-6. It is time that we answer the call of the ancient hymn:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

No Laughing Matter

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Chandler) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:34:00 +0000

"If we are now holding late night talk show hosts to the same moral accountability as we hold politicians and clergyman, I'm out. I'm gone." (Craig Ferguson, host of the "Late Late Show" on the controversy surrounding humorist David Letterman)

I fear that Mr. Ferguson's comment reveals a common but faulty perception of the standard of moral accountability, namely that there are varying standards. Such a perception becomes an easy excuse for one's own moral peccadilloes (or sins as the Bible calls them).

The fact is there is one standard of righteousness to which we all are held, whether we are late night talk show hosts, presidents or preachers. Or anyone else for that matter. The standard is the righteousness of God written in the law and lived out in Jesus. It is a standard of perfection. It is a standard to which none of us have attained. It is a standard that leaves us guilty and lacking the glory of God. (Romans 3)

Craig Ferguson's need is the same as David Letterman's need is the same as my need. We are all declared guilty before God by the law and we all fail to live up to the righteousness of Christ. We all need forgiveness for that guilt. We all need to be made right before God. And none of us are able to accomplish it ourselves. Thus, we need a Savior.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15, the Apostle Paul)

Ferguson's response to his shortcomings is deflection of guilt through humor. What I pray is that he would accept that Jesus came to save him from his sins. I pray that all men everywhere would accept that Jesus is the Savior from sins. I pray that you will accept Jesus as your personal Savior from your sins.

Sin is no laughing matter. Hell is not a humorous place. Heaven, however, rings with the laughter of souls redeemed.