OUR PART IS ESSENTIAL!

 Let's look at this logically - straight from God's Word:

II Corinthians 4:4

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light  of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

That's Satan!  He lays a thick veil over their minds so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of Christ.

Only God the Creator can open eyes the devil has blinded.  

II Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Here, then, are two so-called gods locked in a life-and-death struggle - on the one hand, "the god of this age" (v.4) and on the other, "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:3).  

The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers, but God shines into darkened hearts (v.6).

Do we have anything to contribute?  

If the devil blinds and God shines, would it not be prudent for us to withdraw from the field of battle and leave them to fight it out?  This seems to be the posture that most 21st century Christians are taking.  

But in between the two verses quoted above, we find:  (v.5)

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

SO:

• the devil blinds (v.4)
• God shines (v.6), and
• we preach Jesus Christ as Lord (v.5)

Our role is indispensable!  Allowing His light to shine through our words, actions, and priorities WILL IMPACT THOSE WHO COME INTO CONTACT WITH US!  

Don't drop the ball!  Your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, even the people you incidentally criss-cross with throughout any given day - can be impacted for ALL ETERNITY by YOU!  You can rip Satan's hands from blinding their minds through your witness and your prayers!  

The failure of the church that I’ve documented so clearly in recent blog articles is largely a result of individual believers failing to live up to their biblical responsibility!  The church is responsible to equip the saints for the work of ministry!

Let those thoughts reframe your day!  

PASTOR APPRECIATION

Debbie and I both happened to be awake early this morning and so we wound up spending some time praying.  Among many people and situations, we prayed for our pastor and all pastors who were preparing for this Lord's Day worship.

I recalled how excited I used to be on Sunday mornings.  Sometimes I could hardly wait for the worship team to sit down so that I could share what God had helped me put together for that Sunday!  There were Sundays that I literally trembled with anticipation!

We currently attend the Bethel Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Enon Valley.  Our pastor is Jerry Dodds.  He is a humble, mild-mannered man - except when he's preaching!!!!!  When he begins to deliver the message he takes on a boldness, confidence and authority that drives the message into the hearts of those who are listening.

His messages (and prayers) are biblical, theologically accurate, and instructive.  He holds strongly to the traditions of the church and passionately presents Jesus foremost!  I don't believe I've ever heard him reference an Old Testament passage (or story) without connecting it in some way to Jesus.  I think most of the adults even listen carefully to his children's messages which embody the same characteristics on a simpler level.

I suppose I could be considered a responsive listener.  I have a tendency to respond to the message with quiet amens, laughter (at appropriate places), holy giggles, and other signs of agreement.  These were probably learned in my growing-up environment when Free Methodists were a good bit more verbal in their responses.  I honestly don't want to disturb others, but I can't seem to help giving assent in some (hopefully) quiet way!

Pastor Jerry's current series is on the five solae of the Reformation.  Today's message was on "Sola Gratia' or "by grace alone".  It was grounded in the stunning revelation of Ephesians 2:4-7,

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

He began the message with a wonderful picture of grace!   Richard Nixon had stepped down from his presidency in humiliation after the Watergate investigation revealed his guilt.  He lived in isolation.  However, upon the death of Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Nixon attended the funeral   He stood alone.  No one spoke to him or greeted him - until President Jimmy Carter entered the room.  President Carter quickly assessed the situation and almost spontaneously moved toward Mr. Nixon.  He put out his hand in greeting as he spoke loudly saying, "Welcome home, Mr. President!"

What an extension of grace!

I wonder many Sundays if the people in the congregation are actually listening?  I can hardly keep quiet!  Honestly, if you show up on Sundays and listen carefully, you will consistently be educated in the truth of God's Word, the traditions of the church and the way to live pleasing to God!  Thank you, Pastor Jerry!  We appreciate the work you do to prepare for our worship times!

I've been blessed by so many pastors over the years!

• When I was young, (on the way home form church) I told my parents that Pastor W. P. Jones had five different benedictions that he used to close the service.  They were astonished!  Even more so when I then quoted all five of them word-for-word!
• While attending Roberts Wesleyan College I was mesmerized by the preaching of Elwin Cutler and V. J. Mannoia!
• While attending Asbury Theological Seminary, I was inspired by Paul Rees, Bishop Earl Hunt and Dr. Donald Demaray!  I tried to emulate them in my early years!
• During my six years in Akron, Ohio, I often slipped in to hear Brenda Young's messages again during the second and even third services!  :-)

I took preaching seriously during my years of leading the church!  I worked hard on messages with the belief that God could use them to grow, inspire and correct His people!  Those messages always convicted me long before anyone else had a chance to hear them!  I miss that part of my role now that I'm retired.  

I throw a two-fold challenge out there:

First, to pastors:  Plan ahead and prepare with passion!  Your people need it and deserve your best efforts!  Preaching inspires, teaches, comforts, strengthens and encourages believers and calls the lost to a better way of living that offers hope and eternal life!  Invest and reap!

Then, to parishoners:  Listen actively and expectantly!  Pray specifically for your pastor as s/he prepares messages!  Make it your goal to take something home every week to focus on:

• a new truth,
• an action point,
• a thought to meditate on.

And for those of you who struggle with what to say to your pastor when you greet them while leaving the service - just shake their hand, look them in the eye and say "Thank you, pastor!"  

DEEPLY STIRRED

Being a retired person gave me the privilege of sitting and watching President George H. W. Bush's funeral from beginning to end.  The impact of doing so was immense and I'll be sorting out that impact for at least a few days!  But let me try to capture some of it for the benefit of others who may not have had the same privilege.

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!
I felt a unique sense of pride in being an American as a result of watching the funeral.  A lot of it came from the pomp and circumstance that embodied the event from beginning to end.

• the precision of the military
• the majesty of the U.S. Capital
• the respect for the Bush family
• the unity of opposing parties in honoring a great president
• the massive response of the general public
• seeing our five living presidents (and their wives) seated together
• seeing six living vice presidents sitting together
• seeing Senator Bob Dole helped to his feet in the capital to offer a salute to his friend

Hearing the universal praise for a former president was encouraging.  As these days have unfolded, I have sensed a return of patriotism in my spirit.  It never left completely, but it has waned as a result of bitter feuds, unkind exchanges and partisan manipulations.  

In my fourth year of life, my father taught me respect for our nation by instructing me to take my hat off when I saw the U.S. flag passing by.  He always modeled patriotism with excellence for me.  One of the few days of the year that we would spend completely together was Memorial Day.  We would begin by going to three cemeteries to decorate family graves.  Then, we would attend the New Brighton Memorial Day parade and the service following at the city park on Third Avenue.  Then, and only then, we would return home for a picnic.  

It feels good to experience that noble pride that comes from living in one of the greatest nations to ever exist on the face of this earth!

THE POWER OF WORDS

I'm a preacher, so I value words.  For over forty years I spent my week praying and mulling over the things I would say in my message on Sunday.  It was an honor to have that privilege and I always took it seriously.  I believed then, and believe now, that words can and do impact us.  

The four who paid verbal tribute to President Bush today were:

• Jon Meacham, the presidential historian
• Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Former Senator Alan Simpson, [R-Wyo]
• Former President George W. Bush

Their words were carefully chosen and crafted in a manner that allowed them to communicate with grace, skill, power and effectiveness.  Each created moments for humor and laughter in remembering a great leader.  Tears were evoked repeatedly.  We were reminded that President Bush was an imperfect man, whose story nearly ended when he crashed into the ocean on September 2, 1944.  

They sprinkled their comments with quotes worth remembering:

• George W. Bush said of his father:  "He was born with just two settings: full throttle, then sleep".  He also said, "He could tease and needle but never out of malice.”
• Senator Simpson said, “He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C. are not bothered by heavy traffic."
• Mr. Meacham quipped, “President Bush once remarked, 'Fluency in English is something that I’m often not accused of.’ Then, Meacham added: “His tongue may have run amok at times, but his heart was steadfast.”
• Mr. Mulroney stated:  "...when world leaders dealt with Bush, they knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one that was distinguished, resolute and brave.”

The Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, delivered the homily, drawing tears from some in the crowd.

He said, “My hunch is heaven just got a bit kinder and gentler. … Welcome to your eternal home, where ceiling and visibility are unlimited, and life goes on forever.”

As I listened to and responded to these words, I felt something happening inside.  There was a strengthening taking place.  A resolve was growing to be a better man, a better father, a better husband, and a better member of my community.  I found myself reflecting on Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."  

THE RICHNESS OF OUR FAITH

Being a man of faith and a leader in the church, I was deeply moved by the expressions of faith I witnessed at the funeral.

• the majesty of the Washington National Cathedral
• the wonderful music of symphony and choir
• the prayers of the priests and responses of the people
• the power of the hymns
• hearing Michael W. Smith sing:  "...a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
• the frequent references to reunions in Heaven
• hearing the Word of God read publicly
• hearing the congregation read the Apostle's Creed

I observed a Houston pastor who has been thrust into the limelight because of one of his parishoners give a challenging and inspiring message!  He referred to the 'Rose Window' in the Cathedral and reflected on President Bush's admiration for it.  

He reminded us that the window's beauty is only fully realized when the sun shines through it and lights its colors gloriously.  He reminded us that the gloom of the crucifixion was only removed with the dawn of the resurrection!  Finally, he challenged us to let the light of Christ shine through our lives!  Once again, the power of words!

Again, I felt something moving within.  Life is short.  Eternity is long!  We are leaving footsteps in the sand.  People matter!  My life has purpose!  Heaven is real!  

Two days ago, I wrote a letter to Troy and Tracie.  In it, I wrote:

I look back over my life and wish I’d spent even more time with you 

and taught you even more.    

Careers can be so distracting!  

I just told your Mom one of my favorite memories.  

We were all walking down Main Street in East Liverpool.  

You two were quite young.  

I had you each by the hand as we walked together.  I treasure that memory!  

Make the memories while you can!  If you haven't been storing up treasure in Heaven - it's time to start!  God bless you!

HEY PREACHER

My first pastoral appointment was to the Tunnel Hill FMC near the village of English in the center of the Hoosier Mountains of southern Indiana.  I was a student at Asbury Theological Seminary at the time.  Most of the older folks at that small congregation called me 'preacher'.  

I thought it was characteristic of the area until I returned to my home conference in Pennsylvania.  The truth is there has always been a small contingent in every church I've served who have simply referred to me by that title.  

It's never bothered me;  I'd heard it used as I was growing up.  One term I did resist was 'Reverend' - somehow, it just never seemed to fit for me.  I did, however, learn from a seminary professor (Gilbert James) that even this title was useful at times.  ;-)

My preferred title has always been 'pastor' because that's what I considered myself to be.  The adjective 'pastoral' relates to the keeping or grazing of sheep, except when used in regard to Christian ministry where it infers giving spiritual guidance.  

It's easy to understand how the term  'preacher' came into common use.  After all, when most people see us is on Sunday when we fulfill one of the more public parts of our role:  preaching.  Therefore, the one who does the preaching is the 'preacher'.  

Preaching has always been important to me.  I knew it was a big part of my public role.  I recognized it as a great privilege and an awesome responsibility.  I worked hard through the years to always be well prepared on Sunday mornings in particular.  Right up until 1997, I also had to be prepared to speak on Sunday evenings.  Add to this the responsibility for Wednesday evenings and I felt like I was in constant preparation mode.  Again, added ammunition for being referred to as 'preacher'.  

I suppose we all (pastors) have our unique ways of preparing.  I know during the crush of responsibility while being a husband, father, full-time-pastor and also advancing educational pursuits, I was guilty of reworking a fair share of Chuck Swindoll's books into Sunday night messages.  (blush)...  But for most of my ministry, the better part of one day per week was used for sermon preparation.  

My style emerged to be one of preaching series messages.  I felt this had a better chance of making a lasting impact on people's lives.  It also laid things out for six (or more) weeks which gave me plenty of time to develop my thoughts.  I kept an active file on each message and added clippings and ideas to it until the writing day arrived.  I preferred to sit down and write from beginning to end - whenever possible.  

NOTE:  I entered the ministry in 1974, and didn't write my messages on a computer until Chip and Ken Poole bought me one at Spencerville, Maryland in 1996.

The writing day was usually Thursday.  I would re-read and tweak the message each day after that until Sunday.  Many Sunday mornings, I would stand in my pulpit long before anyone else arrived and preach the message out loud.  I tend to have an apologetic style of writing and would not catch those phrases until I heard myself voicing them out loud;  so I preached to that empty sanctuary with a pen in hand.  

I almost always approached my Sunday morning responsibility with a great sense of anticipation!  I was genuinely excited to share what I had worked on and prayed over.  

Along with my fellow pastors, I suffered when well-known pastors fell to temptations.  It seemed that we all fell a bit with each of these exposes'.  I had my own role models throughout the years.  To name just a few:  Paul Rees, Don Demaray, John Hendricks, John Huffman, Alistair Begg (made his decision for Christ at a Yorkshire Billy Graham Crusade in 1975), Chuck Smith, Chuck Swindoll, and others.  

I've seen lots of transitions through the years, some of which were:

• transition away from making home visits  (especially unannounced)
• transition toward counseling
• transition to computers
• transition from pastors to ranchers
• transition from pastors to leaders (CEO's)

But still, some people continue to call me 'preacher'.  

We've lost one of the most significant of our group this week in the life and legacy of Billy Graham.  I heard an interview this morning with a highly recognized Christian leader.  He was asked why Billy Graham was able to transcend political parties in influencing presidents.  Debbie was sitting with me as we watched.  Before he could respond, I offered my own answer:  "Because he was a godly man!"  The Christian leader responded that it was because Billy was such a great communicator.  I shouted him down:  "No, no, no.  It was because he was a godly man who was worthy of their trust!"  

The day that Billy died, Karl Rove spoke of the grounding of all airplanes in the U.S. in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.  Then he noted that one (and only one) exception was made.  A commercial flight was approved to get Billy Graham to Washington, D.C. to be a part of comforting the nation.  

He stood above us all without arrogance.  He humbly and simply communicated God's love for all people everywhere and the necessity of having faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  I read that when he toured his own library in Charlotte, NC, he made the following comment at the conclusion of his walk-through:  "Too much Billy, not enough Jesus!"  

I heard it reported this week that in a private conversation with his father, Franklin  Graham asked Billy what he wanted on his tombstone.  His answer was significant and stated in one word:  PREACHER.  

He raised all preachers with that answer!  :-)

A SUNDAY MORNING DISASTER

We lived in the parsonage at 815 Hill Boulevard, East Liverpool.  I would get up early and go to the church.  Then I'd come home to help with the kids and get everyone to church on time. 

It was a fall rainy morning.  We came out and got the kids into their car-seats.  I set my Bible on the roof - with my sermon in it - while I buckled Troy-Boy in.

After a second trip to the car with paraphanalia, we got in and started for the East End. 

Less than a block down Hill Boulevard I saw sheets of paper flying in the air behind the car.  In panic I stopped and ran back to gather them up.  They were wet!  I had used a felt-tipped pen to write my message.  The sheets were a blur of blue lines running down my pages.

I think we ended up having a testimony time that morning...

Is the lesson I learned to not set your Bible on the roof while you buckle the kids in, or don't use a felt-tipped pen to write your message?  Either way, it hasn't happened again (although I did misplace it one Sunday morning). 

I STILL GET CALLED 'PREACHER'

One fellow has even shortened it to 'Preach'. 

It's one of the things I do as a pastor!  Every Thursday is sermon day!  I try to push everything else aside and focus on developing a message for Sunday. 

Three times a year (March, August, and December) I go to a retreat house for five days of prayer, study, and planning.  This is where I listen for God's direction for my preaching.  Developing a plan takes a lot of the stress out of the week-to-week task of preparation.  It allows God to work ahead in my thinking;  sometimes I'll carry ideas in my mind for weeks before I get them written down.

Most of the time, sermon writing is such a partnership with God.  However, occasionally I struggle.  There have been more than a few times when I've written three different sermons in a week - and still felt uncomfortable! 

Yesterday, I started on my topic:  LENTEN EMOTIONS - Weakness...Pontius Pilate.  When I started typing, my mind went a direction that I had not anticipated.  Five hours later I had a message that did not reflect my original intentions at all.  Those hours flew by.  I couldn't type fast enough!  And now, I can't wait for Sunday morning to preach it!

I have often felt that I can't accept credit for the end result.  So often, it just seems to flow from God through His Holy Spirit!  I am SO GRATEFUL for this - I can hardly express it!

Preaching is a big part of what I do.  It's the most public thing I do.  I hope that God is still using sermons to impact His people!

I Corinthians 1:21 (The VOICE)
[Paul writing] For in God's deep wisdom, He made it so that the world could not even begin to comprehend Him through its own style of wisdom;  in fact, God took immense pleasure in rescuing people of faith through the foolishness of the message we preach.