APOSTLE PAUL AND SAMUEL LAMB

The Apostle Paul speaks candidly about his life experiences in II Corinthians 11.  He speaks with a measure of mockery that he claims to have learned from the three-ring preachers.  He clearly can’t understand why the Corinthians have so much admiration for these rip-off artists.  Consequently, he goes on to compare himself to them.

• Do they brag about being Hebrews, Israelites, the pure race of Abraham? I’m their match.
• Are they servants of Christ? I can go one better. [Paul feels some awkwardness taking this approach.]
• I’ve worked much harder
• Been jailed more often
• Beaten up more times than I can count
• I’ve been flogged five times with the Jew’s thirty-nine lashes
• Beaten by Roman rods three times
• Pummeled with rocks once
• I’ve been shipwrecked three times
• Immersed in the open sea for a night and a day
• In hard travelling year in and year out
• I’ve had to ford rivers
• Fend off robbers
• Struggle with friends
• Struggle with foes
• I’ve been at risk in the city
• At risk in the country
• Endangered by desert sun
• Endangered by sea storm
• Betrayed by those I thought were my brothers
• I’ve known drudgery and hard labor
• Many a long and lonely night without sleep
• Many a missed meal
• Blasted by the cold
• Naked to the weather
• And that’s not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.

He continues:  If I have to “brag” about myself, I’ll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus.

Then, Paul shares one final memory:  Remember the time I was in Damascus and the governor of King Aretus posted guards at the city gates to arrest me?  I crawled through a window in the wall, was let down in a basket, and had to run for my life. 

I read all this and can only imagine the stories this guy could tell!  What a phenomenal life!

___________________________________________ 

I was privileged to meet such a man during one of our annual conferences while we were in China.  Our meeting was held in Guanzhou which is in extreme southern China.  This is the city where Samuel Lamb’s church met.  Our leaders had arranged a time for us to meet Pastor Lamb.  His church was on a back street and didn’t look at all like a church.  It was a large, common-looking, multi-story building.  I remember going up many passages of narrow steps to a small conference room where we sat at a large table with Pastor Lamb and a few of his leaders and caretakers. 

To bring you up-to-speed, here is an outtake about Samuel from Wikipedia:

Samuel Lamb or Lin Xiangao  (October 4, 1924 – August 3, 2013) was a Protestant pastor in Guangzhou, China. He was a leader in the Chinese house church movement and known for his resistance against the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM)

Lamb was born in a mountainous area overlooking Macau. His father, Paul Lamb, was the pastor of a small Baptist congregation. In the 1940's, Lamb worked with pastor Wang Mingdao.

Lamb was imprisoned for more than 20 years (1955–57; 1958–78) for his refusal to join the TSPM. In spite of "honey-bucket" duty at labor farms or backbreaking work in coal mines at labor camps, Lamb continued to teach.

In 1978, Lamb was released from prison and, in 1979, he restarted the church in 35 Da Ma Zhan, Guangzhou. Because the attendance grew quickly, he then moved the meetings to 15 Rong Gui Li, De Zheng Bei Road. The house church is now known as Rongguili Church, under the name Damazhan Evangelical Church. The house church continued to hold four main services each week, with an estimated attendance of four to five thousand, but was closed on October 14, 2018, and a second time on December 15, 2018.

Starting in 1979, Lamb published a series of booklets called "Voice of the Spirit"; now there are more than 200 booklets.

He died in Guangzhou in 2013, aged 88. For reasons of security and site elements, the date of the farewell ceremony was changed from August 17, 2013 to August 16, 2013, in Baiyun Hall, Yinhe park, Yinhe cemetery, Guangzhou. There were nearly 30,000 mourners in attendance.

He spoke to us in English.  He was a handsome man and very charming – even at his advanced age.  His people were clearly devoted to him and very protective.  He challenged us strongly and allowed us to ask questions.  He sent us away with bags of books and other materials.  We felt very privileged as we toured the church and saw the extremely limited conditions.

People filled the building several times every Sunday, with only a few able to be in the actual room where Pastor Lamb spoke.  His message and the worship was extended to many other rooms via a speaker system.  The pews were just benches tightly packed with very little space between. 

I will never forget this meeting!  He was indeed a modern-day Apostle whose life had impacted tens of thousands – largely because of his willingness to suffer for the Gospel! 

Raise up more like this, Lord!  We need men and women ready to suffer for the extension of Your vital message!

Here are some of the gifts he gave us:

EVERY SINGLE WORD IS INSPIRED!

I attended two seminaries.  First, Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  This was the eastern school of choice for Free Methodist students during my time.  We lived in this community for three years and I acquired sixty credit hours (of ninety) toward a Master of Divinity degree.  This was sufficient credit (at that time) for me to be fully ordained in the Free Methodist Church. 

Within three years, I realized my error in judgment and was accepted at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where I would complete my degree – although they required 106 credit hours and granted me thirty from ATS.  It was a liberal, Presbyterian school where the theology department was dominated by feminist theology, process theology, liberation theology and Calvinistic theology. 

I learned much at both schools and found certain professors who made an indelible imprint on my life.  One from ATS was Dr. Robert Traina.  He believed in the divine inspiration of the Bible!  He believed and emphasized that if it was divinely inspired, then every word was inspired by the Holy Spirit through the human recipients!!!!

This perspective emphasized the importance of pastors to be trained in the original languages:  Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  How else can one fully grasp the meaning of the original writings.  I remember studying my flash cards while sitting in traffic on Greentree Hill four days a week!  That traffic enabled me to get A’s in Hebrew and Aramiac!  J

I frequently think about Dr. Traina’s contention! 

Like today.  I was reading the latter verses of Mark 15  [NASB}.  I came across the following and stopped in absolute wonder!

v. 37   And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.

v. 38  And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Why was this included in the text?
Why in this exact location?
Why did the Holy Spirit want us to have this information?
Was this the result of an earthquake?
Or was something more powerful happening?
Did SOMEONE rip the veil?
If so, WHO?
WHY?
What did this mean?
Why did the Holy Spirit want us to know that it was a thorough tearing – torn in two from top to bottom?

When I was at my first full-time church, the ministerial association broke up the passage for each of us to handle a section at the Good Friday service.  One of our group was a very liberal Lutheran pastor who had irritated me at times with his ideas and attitude.  So, I played the devil’s advocate [pardon me in my youth and zeal, please], and approached him about my passage.

I showed him verse 38, indicating that it was part of my section.  I asked, “I’m in my first appointment and fresh out of seminary.  Could I ask what you make of this verse?”  His response was terse and without passion:  “I don’t make anything of it!  I don’t think it has any meaning for us at all?” 

Dr. Traina and I would differ! 

In the Jewish temple, the veil served as the barrier to the Holy of Holies.  The Holy of Holies was said to be where God’s presence rested and it housed the Ark of the Covenant.  Only the high priest could enter this area, and then only one time per year, to make atonement for the sins of Israel [Exodus 30:10].

I Kings 6:2 records that Solomon’s temple was 45 feet tall.  The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, records that Herod extended the temple’s height to about 60 feet tall.  He also records that the veil was four inches thick.

Notice the details:

• Jesus died.
• The enormous 45 to 60-foot high, four inch thick curtain was torn in half.
• The tear was from top to bottom clearly indicating the destruction was not man-made, but came from God.

This connection between the death of Jesus and the torn veil is not just about God’s power, but is demonstrative of who Jesus is, what the cross accomplished, and the access we have to God through Christ. 

Hebrews 8:1-2 [NASB] notes, “Now the main point in what has been said is this:  we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." 

Jesus Himself now serves as our high priest!  There is no longer a need for a Jewish high priest to stand before the Lord and make atonement for our sins.  Jesus has provided for our atonement through His death on the cross!      [Some copied from compellingtruth.org]

This Jesus is always available to you!  Thick clouds can’t interfere with your connection to Him!  He never sleeps!  He has no difficulty hearing even your faintest whisper.  He, Himself, hears your very words and thoughts and responds with compassion and forgiveness!  24/7/365!  From anywhere in His universe! 

That’s what these fourteen words imply! 

Mark 15:38  [NASB]  And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND - Alice Mae [Rockenauser] Beaver

Alice first crossed my path at the Tri-State Campground here in East Liverpool located on Andersen Boulevard during the annual July Camp Meeting.  Her family stayed in the cabin next to ours.  She was five years older than me and I thought she was about the prettiest girl on the campground – but too old for me.  

She was outgoing and friendly to everyone.  She wasn’t stuck-up or aloof;  rather, she was extremely fun to be around.  Her sister, Janet, was closer to my age and I considered her my friend too.  

Some years later, to everyone’s surprise, I went to college and seminary then returned to the Pittsburgh Conference as a pastor.  In June, 1982, my name was read off as the newly appointed pastor of the Oakland Free Methodist Church on the East End.  I was thirty. 

Alice’s parents, Clinton and Audrey were members and regular attenders at that time.  I was in their home many times over the thirteen years I served the church.  Upon my appointment, most of the church leaders were from my parent’s generation.  Their memories of me were of that ‘bad Haire kid from camp.’  Consequently, I had a hard time winning any confidence.

Clinton and Audrey Rockenhauser were wonderful people and always supported me as I worked to grow the kingdom of God in this place!  Most of us knew Clinton as ‘Rocky’.  He was an amazing story-teller, World War II Veteran and had a delightful sense of humor.  He worked hard and steady but had a difficult time on many fronts.  I often thought of him as a modern-day Job!  But he always persevered and kept his trust in the Lord!  And Audrey stood firmly beside him.

Alice and John had married and lived here in the East End.  I was in their home frequently.  ‘Johnny’ was a young boy at that time and I clearly remember when his brother, Freddy, was born.  Unfortunately, I also clearly remember the day that Freddy was killed by a truck in front of their humble home.  I stood with them that day.  I wept with them.  Along with the church, we offered them our love and support!  It was a hard time.  

The support I had received from Alice’s parents was replicated in her life and home.  We became trusted friends and stayed in contact all through the years.  Like her father, Alice faced lots of tragedy and troubles;  but she had inherited the ‘survival gene’ from her father.  She also inherited his humor!  She kept on going and we regularly swapped jokes and funny stories. 

My final visit with Alice (and Janet) was last summer when they visited the campground one warm afternoon.  I got to introduce her to our son, Troy, and his wife, Missy.  Our older son, Travis, - who died in 2015 – had been in school and a friend to Johnny.  As we talked that day, we stumbled over one another pulling up old stories of escapades during Camp Meeting.  It was delightful!

You may sense what I’m trying to say here:  Alice (Rockenhauser) Beaver was more than an acquaintance;  more than a parishioner;  Alice had entered my circle of friendship!  There was a treasure in her heart!  You had to be patient to see it emerge;  not everyone is patient enough.  But if you were patient and watched for the cracks to flash around her eyes, that treasure would emerge and you would be glad! 

So, with a sense of hope and confidence and with gratitude for a legacy of making the best of hard circumstances, I am grateful today that she was my friend!  The thought that she is reunited with her parents and husband and son brings me nothing but joy!

Johnny – sorry, that’s how I’ll always think of you – I’ve been praying for you and will continue to do so.  Live to make your Mom proud.  Live to make your Grandma and Grandpa proud!  Live to make Jesus proud! 

Your friend,

 Pastor Hal

ANOTHER CHURCH VISIT!

Last Sunday I learned that a younger friend was speaking at his church, so we decided to attend to support him.  I had mentored this young man for nine years and am aware of his great passion for God! 

I enjoy visiting churches and writing about my experiences.  This particular visit was almost completely positive!  I have no official credentials for posting these evaluations, except over forty years of leading growing churches.  ;-)

The church was easy to find;  however they formerly had signage on the main route and I didn’t notice any last week.  Consequently, we went down the wrong road and had to turn around.

The building has a pleasing appearance with more than adequate parking space.  Doors enter from every side, making access and egress easy.  The sanctuary was obvious and bright!  Such a pleasant change from the cave-like atmosphere so many churches seem to strive for!  We were greeted nicely as we entered the near-empty sanctuary.  We were also handed a bulletin;  but to be honest, I never opened it until several days later.  It was nicely done. 

We chose to sit on the left side about halfway back.  Unintentionally, we landed in a seating area populated by a large family connection that formerly attended New Middletown Free Methodist Church when I pastored there.  We were obviously warmly received! 

Before long, our friend appeared at the front and noticed us.  Hugs and greetings were exchanged.

A countdown was begun on the screen and when it expired, worship began immediately.  This congregation uses digital music for its worship sessions and it works wonderfully for them.  The people rise immediately and enter in with enthusiasm!  The music is played loudly through excellent speakers and is clearly understood.  The PowerPoint was done quite well;  I’d give them an A-minus!  [THIS IS SUCH A CRUCIAL MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH TODAY!]

The two lead pastors were away.  The third staff pastor led the service and our friend brought the message.  The pastor opened the service with an extended talk about it being Mother’s Day.  He acknowledged that it was a joyful day for some and a painful day for others.  [If you read my blog last Sunday, you’ll know that I am not in favor of over-celebrating this day;  however, he did handle it gracefully and sensitively.]  He also had a special time of prayer for mothers and many stepped forward to be part of this blessing.

He gracefully weaved some announcements in before stepping down.  [In my opinion, announcement time is a lot like a commercial on TV – most people zone out.  Yet, we are convinced it’s essential.  J  I believe the one way to salvage this element of community life is to turn it over to those who have a respectable sense of humor!]

A season of worship began with at least three successive songs.  During this time there seemed to be an acknowledgment that the altar was open for prayer.  Many came as individuals or families.  Others responded by kneeling with them and praying with them.  It was very touching and reminded me of similar scenes from our time at New Middletown FMC.  This sign of freedom and caring for one another speaks to the very essence of Christian community!  I was deeply moved and wound up going forward twice to pray with people I knew and cared for! 

Also, during this worship season, the pastor made his way around the congregation greeting people seated by the aisles.  He is a warm, affectionate person.  He recognized me from a previous encounter and greeted me with a hug and words of appreciation for the influence I’d had on my younger friend!  I felt that his actions were wonderfully received and affirming.  It made me wish that I had practiced something like this – at least from time-to-time.  J

By the way, the sanctuary wasn’t packed, but it was relatively full!  The animated worship and zeal was evidence of a free environment and a passion for God and one another! 

The message was practical and relevant.  He distributed a worksheet with fifteen points and managed to get through five or six. 

The music throughout had been carefully selected with high attention to the words and theology. 

I'm assuming that the service must have gone a little longer than usual because I did observe several people slipping out before the service had ended.

At the conclusion of the service, there was a warm time of greeting one another while leaving the sanctuary.  I had written a check for the offering, but none was received, so I am mailing it today.  This is probably designed to be ‘user-friendly’, but I firmly believe that giving is an important element in the worship of our God and would never deprive people of the opportunity! 

This is a church that is doing a WHOLE LOT RIGHT!  I could enthusiastically look forward to worshiping in this community every Sunday. 

A PAINFUL DAY FOR MANY

Mother's Day was a BIG DEAL back in the days when I was growing up!  Every mother [and often every woman] received a potted plant.  Awards were given to:

• the oldest mother
• the youngest mother
• the mother with the most children (Deb's Mom almost always got that one)
• The newest mother, and so on...

Sometimes tributes were given to special moms who had served the church.  It was a festive day that was purposed to put the spotlight on women who had raised - or were raising - families.  In those days, Mother's Day was often one of the highest attendances of the year!  

When I became a pastor - around 1978 - these traditions were deeply entrenched and often took place with little or no involvement on my part.  

However, as the years passed and I began to mature in ministry, I noticed that certain regular attenders were consistently absent on this special day!  About this same time, my personal interests and giftings gradually led me to the ministry of counseling which opened a door of insight that I had never suspected or thought of.  

Mother's Day is not a joyful day for some people!   Many of them chose to stay home that day rather than have hurt feelings surface and disturb their lives for days or even weeks.  

You might wonder what could possibly cause this reaction.  However, just a little thought will make it clear.

1. Not everyone had a good mother!  Painful as it is to admit, some women are not well-equipped for this crucial role.  Perhaps it's a generational issue.  Or the pressure of having children too early or in quick succession.  Mothering young children can be overwhelming!  Some women deal with depression from the outset and struggle to know how to manage it.  It's complicated!  Those who struggle with these kinds of issues don't always know where to turn for help.
2. Mother/daughter issues are remarkably common.  Tensions arise that remain undealt with and distance separates two who love one another but who also harbor resentments or anger that has never been processed properly to usher in healing.  
3. Some lost their moms through death or divorce and don't care to be reminded of this painful reality.
4. Some women have experienced the painful loss of a child through miscarriage or the inability - for whatever reason - to bear children.  
5. Still others may have lost a child to death somewhere along the way.
6. Others may have made decisions to abort a child.
7. Then, of course, there are women who never marry and have no expectation of bearing children and raising a family.  

Fairly early on, I became increasingly aware of these many manifestations.  Gradually but certainly, I worked to diminish these grand celebrations set for May.  Besides, there were plenty of scriptures and even seasons [such as Christmas] that gave me ample opportunities to address issues related to the topics of mothering, women in leadership, and marital roles.  

Now, all of that being said, if you had a mother that you love and appreciate - HONOR HER TODAY, or your memory of her.  If you have a daughter who is doing a great job as a mother [as I do!], honor her!  If your wife has dedicated herself sacrificially to raising children and launching them into the world - be glad and heap praises on her today and often!  

However, at the same time, lift a prayer for those who may struggle today for some of the reasons listed above - or others I've overlooked.