"Five Hundred Fifty Words-Or Less" Pastor's Blog

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Draft Day (May 10, 2023)

Dear Easter People,

I follow my favorite sports teams closely. My favorite football team struggled somewhat last year. They had many good skill players – those making the flashy plays, scoring the points, getting the headlines. But the team struggled because they lacked equally good “behind-the-scenes” players to help the skill players excel at what they were drafted to do. So, in the draft of new players, they selected some behind-the-scenes players to help the skills players perform better. Hopefully success will follow next season!

Long before anyone ever even dreamed of a thing called the NFL, the early church’s first “skill players” had a problem. The Apostles were God’s skill players, chosen by Jesus as His representatives in the world. Jesus called them to “make the flashy plays” by preaching and teaching everyone about Him to “score points” by bringing more to faith through the Holy Spirit. They had a problem though; they were also responsible for taking care of all the behind-the-scenes work needed to care for those who already believed (Acts 6:1-2). To address the problem, they held a “draft” to select a team to take care of the work of the church within the church. This allowed them to focus on proclaiming God’s word outside the church. The draft was successful as “the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly.” (Acts 6:7)

God is still increasing His word, growing the number of His disciples. He does this through His church – the gathering of all who believe in His word and promise that Jesus suffered, died, rose from the dead, and will return one day to gather these believers into the kingdom of God. Until that day, God has drafted us to use the gifts He’s given us – some to be proclaimers of His word, others to work behind the scenes. But all of us are drafted to do something. Therefore, prayerfully consider how you might use your gifts to serve God and His people in some way to increase His word and grow more disciples.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

                                                                    Pastor Jim

Abundance in Sowing & Harvesting (May 3, 2023)

IMAGE CREDIT: freeimageslive.co.uk

Dear Easter People,

Fruits and veggies are major parts of a good diet. We’re thankful for farmers who grow them for us. But where do farmers get their seeds? Some farmers actually produce their own seeds. They’ll sow extra seeds to ensure they have enough to grow new produce to sell – while having enough to produce new seeds for next year’s crop.

Paul uses this fact to illustrate the use of our gifts of time, talent, and treasure. He says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2nd Corinthians 9:6)

In 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul addresses the Corinthian church in one of the church’s first stewardship drives. Paul’s been appealing to churches around the Mediterranean to help fellow Christians living in poverty and oppression in Jerusalem. Some of these churches are very wealthy. Others are quite poor. Whether wealthy or poor, Paul reminds them their gifts are to be used “according to their means,” not only on themselves, but also “for the ministry of this service … supplying the needs of (fellow Christians) … overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2nd Corinthians 9:3,12) Of course our gifts help people with physical needs. But they’re also signs of faithful worship of God. They’re a sign of thanks for God’s past and present provision, as well as trust in His future provision.

God continues faithfully providing for our needs. He’s the source of all we have, not because we deserve it, but because He loves and cares for us. We can trust His continued provision – whether through our hands or the hands of others. But God also provides so we can, in proportion to what He provides, give to others. Some receive more, some less – but all receive something. And God calls us to follow Him in faith by sacrificing a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He’s given us toward His mission to provide for and redeem all mankind. And one day, through us, God’s harvest will be abundant … it will be overflowing!

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

                                                                   Pastor Jim

A Generous Father (April 24, 2023)

Dear Easter People,

Ever try explaining a church topic, like baptism, to someone unfamiliar with God’s word? We know the waters of baptism cleanse us from sin and restore us to life in God’s family. But explaining that to someone outside the church isn’t easy. However, using an example they understand to illustrate the concept can help. For example, someone interested in Star Wars might better understand it if you say, “It’s like the Mandalorian. He enters the Living Waters of Mandalore which cleanses him from his transgressions and restores him back into ‘the Way’.” Or you could visualize baptism showing how water cleans a dirty white shirt.

Jesus often uses parables, stories based on common experiences, to explain Himself. The Parable of the Generous Father (Luke 15:11-32) shows God’s generosity and mercy through a generous, merciful father and his two sons. The youngest son represents those who misuse the gifts God has given them and fall into sin – tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1). The eldest son represents those who think their good behavior warrants extra favor from God – Pharisees and scribes (Luke 15:2). The father, whose young son returns to him and repents of his sin, welcomes him into a banquet – representing the kingdom of God – with no strings attached! He also longs for his older son to repent of his sins of self-righteousness and unforgiveness toward his brother so he can join the banquet. 

God speaks to us in this parable. He gives us our gifts – time, talent, and treasure – not to waste on satisfying our own desires (like the younger son), nor trying to earn God’s favor (like the eldest son). Like the two sons, we often misuse God’s gifts to us. When we do, He longs for us to recognize our failings and return to Him. Because of Jesus, His Son, God forgives us and welcomes us back into His family, no strings attached! Then He calls us to use our gifts in the family business, growing the kingdom of God, showing His love to others through our gifts.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

Pastor Jim

One Coin, Two Sides (April 17, 2023)

1909 US Penny - coin, public domain photograph - PICRYL - Public Domain  Media Search Engine Public Domain Search

CREDIT: pcgs.com via Picryl.com

Dear Easter People,

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

There’s a saying, “Every coin has two sides.” In the stories of the Rich Ruler and Zacchaeus the wealthy Tax Collector, we see two sides of the coin of wealth and entering the kingdom of God. We learn how to use the wealth God has given us as we live in His kingdom.

Along His way to Jerusalem, Jesus meets two rich men. 

First – the Rich Ruler – blessed with power, wealth, and possessions. To him, it’s proof he’s one of God’s people. Seeking validation, he asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18) Jesus tells him to follow God’s commandments (Luke 18:20). He’s relieved, “I’ve done all this!” Then Jesus says, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) The Ruler left sad because he didn’t trust God enough to let loose the security blanket of his wealth. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:25)

The coin’s flip side is the wealthy Zacchaeus. Jesus calls Zacchaeus and invites Himself to dinner.  Zacchaeus, honored by Jesus, immediately repents of his wickedness saying, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” (Luke 19:8) Jesus let’s everyone know Zacchaeus, responding to God’s love by generously giving away a portion of his fortune, has passed through the needle’s eye into God’s kingdom.

As we think about the wealth God has given us, are we more like the Rich Ruler – holding tight to what we have for fear we won’t have enough? Or Zacchaeus – recognizing all God has done for us and trusting He’ll continue to do more and then joyfully giving in proportion to how He’s already blessed us? I pray we can all be more like Zacchaeus.

                                                                                                     HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

                                                                                                     Pastor Jim

Easter Surprise (April 12, 2023)

                                

                                                   CREDIT: WallpaperFlare.com

Dear Easter People,

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Life is filled with surprises. One of the best surprises happens when someone you don’t expect to show up, shows up! I remember a time while we were at the Seminary in St. Louis. My daughter told me she we coming to town with friends for a mission trip. I said, “Keep it a secret! We’ll surprise your mom.” And we did surprise her. You should’ve seen the look on her face when our daughter walked out of the crowd gathered at the door to greet her!

One morning about 2000 years ago on a hillside graveyard outside Jerusalem a man named Peter, his friend, and a woman named Mary Magdalene got the surprise of their lives. Their leader Jesus was crucified and buried three days earlier. Mary returned to finish the burial procedures. When she got to the tomb – Surprise! No body! Peter and his friend heard of Mary’s surprise and came to investigate. In the tomb, the burial garments were neatly arranged, but there was, indeed, no body! 

The men returned home. Mary stayed behind weeping. She saw a man, maybe the gardener. Perhaps he knows what happened. She said, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” (John 20:15)  “The Gardner” called her name, “Mary.” Surprise! And what a surprise indeed! Mary instantly recognized Him! It was Jesus! He’s alive! Jesus told her to tell the others, so she ran off with her surprising news, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18)

Many are surprised to hear what Mary’s surprise means for them. Rising from the dead, Jesus defeated the power sin and death. It’s surprising indeed. But it’s true. He is risen! And because He is risen, we and all who believe are forgiven, released from sin and death’s power to hold us down. Let’s join Mary to share this surprising news for us and all mankind with all we meet.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Jim

One Seed ... (April 5, 2023)

Soybean Seed in the Ground | If used, credit must be given t… | Flickr

CREDIT: Curt Dennison, Osborn & Barr Communications

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As Spring gets going many of us love the color and life that comes with it. The flowers seem to wake up from their winter’s nap and bring all kinds of beauty to God’s creation. Some of them even last through Summer and into Fall. But eventually, this life fades. But that’s part of the cycle of life God has instituted in His creation.

The great thing about a cycle is this … it comes back again. The purpose of a flower is to make seeds. When the flower dies, the seeds drop into the soil. Then, when the warmer days and rains of Spring come, the many seeds from the one flower begin growing to create new flowers. 

This fact of God’s creation is the basis for Jesus’ short parable in John 8. Shortly after Jesus enters Jerusalem to the joyous “Hosannas” of the crowds, He says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 8:24) 

Jesus uses this familiar example to teach the reality of what awaits Him later in the week. He knows He will be “lifted up” - that is crucified. He is one perfect, sinless man. He will die. He will be buried in the earth. But the result of His death and burial will be “much fruit” for His Father’s kingdom in heaven.

As a result of His suffering and death, Jesus will enable all mankind - separated from His Father by their sin - to be cleansed of that sin. Then, through His resurrection from the dead, all who believe in Him will also receive eternal life with Him. By His lonely death on the cross. By His lonely burial in the earth. By His resurrection, all mankind … billions and billions of people from across the ages of history and from all nations, tribes, and languages live again. Without it, God’s kingdom would be an empty place indeed.

                                                                        In the Peace of God,

                                                                        Pastor Jim

Death, Taxes, and Eternity (March 29, 2023)

Ted Williams 1954 Bowman. Public domain image of 1950s Japan. - PICRYL -  Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search

Dear Children of God,

I went to baseball game in Bisbee, Arizona many years ago. It was “Ted Williams Night”. Each ticket holder received a t-shirt and a popsicle. Why? Because Ted Williams’ family had him cryogenically frozen so that when a cure for what killed him was found, he could be resurrected. The popsicle was a macabre way to commemorate the current state of the “greatest hitter ever.”  But even the greatest – hitter, scientist, singer, actor, or human being – can’t live forever. Like the saying goes, “The only certainties in life are death and taxes.” Yet many still search fruitlessly for ways to extend, or even avoid, this inevitability.

It's probably a fear of the unknown that cause most of us to try forestalling death’s impact. That and the simple fact that God did not create us to die. He created us to live. Dying, the natural result of sin, is not what we’re made to experience. So, when death rears its ugly and inevitable head – fear can begin to set in.

But Jesus reminds us of another inevitability … an eternal inevitability that wipes away that fear for all who believe in Him. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

Jesus never promises there will be no adversity in our earthly walk of faith. However, He does promise that when this walk is finished, there is still more for all who believe in Him. We shall all live forever with Him and all who believe in Him. Martha trusted Jesus to help her in her grief. You and I can also trust Him in our trials. He is with us always – in His Word when we read and hear it, when we call on Him in prayer, and in our time of worship. Go to Him. Trust Him. He will bring you through your fears – fears of the unknowns in this life and in eternity, even death.

                                                                        In Christ’s Love,

                                                                        Pastor Jim

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