The Marvel of the Incarnation

One of my all-time favorite friends volunteered in his retirement at a homeless shelter cooking meals, serving men and women whom life had wounded, heading home only after the kitchen was thoroughly cleaned and ready for tomorrow. I often wondered what he might say when someone asked, “What did you do before you were a dishwasher?” He never would have offered that he was a Senior Vice-President at a multi-billion-dollar aerospace and technologies company, or that he had a Ph.D. in physics.  Both were true, but he shunned adulation.

In most public and professional gatherings, it is a social convention to ask others about their lives, their families, their work accomplishments. If they are polite, they will reciprocate, and we will relay (only) the best things about our life story. Where do you work? What is your title? Have you ever published? Do you have children? Where do they go to daycare; preschool; high school; college? What neighborhood do you live in? What do you drive? Where was your latest and greatest vacation? Pastors are not exempt. I have never been to a conference that someone has not asked how big is your church? Or how much is your annual budget? Naturally, we are happy to talk about ourselves in the most favorable light as we put our best foot forward.

This is what makes Christmas so remarkable at the deepest level. He who possessed every perfection and unlimited power condescended to the unfathomable depths of being human. From all eternity Jesus Christ was face to face with God the Father and the Spirit. He was in very form—God. He performed the works only God can do; creating the world and all things in it; holding the universe in perfect order; performing miracles throughout Old Testament history. And then, late in time behold Him come – offspring of the virgin’s womb. The incarnation of Jesus is the most marvelous surrender of privilege and status that the world has ever witnessed.

He who was and is and is to come – the all-glorious, omnipotent, and self-sufficient God – gestated in Mary’s womb for nine months. Once born He was laid in a feeding trough, nursed and daily cared for by his mother, taught to walk and work by his father. Although He was a son, he learned obedience through what He suffered. And suffer He did, all the way to the cross. He did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself by taking on the form of a servant. He did not flaunt His rank; He laid it down to bring us to God.

This is the spirit of Christmas: humility, generosity, and love. May God help us give glory to the new-born King as we exemplify these virtues by His grace. The marvel of the incarnation compels us to incarnational ministry to the world. Let us be humble as we make room in our hearts for Jesus to lead us.  Let us be big-hearted and open-handed in our giving to ministries like Calvary and projects that impact the world.  Let us be loving enough to see and meet the needs of those still searching for hope and grace in Jesus.  

With love and appreciation for you and your vital role in the ministry of Calvary, Lucy and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Tom
Senior Pastor

 

Thy Kingdom Come

It’s over. Another election cycle in American history is in the books. Whew. The pendulum moved right but the sharp divide in our country remains cavernous. After months of contentious campaigning there is now talk of healing the nation. We can hope. But normally, political junkies place inordinate optimism in election outcomes. We know that our hope is not in government, but in the One who rules the nations. A reminder of some distinctly Christian perspectives on politics could help us think and pray on a day like today.

Paul reminds us that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1.

Sure enough, good Christians on both sides of the aisle often wonder after an election whether the outcome is a blessed answer to prayer, or a judgment from God on a country that has shut Him out of their lives. John Calvin famously said, “When God wants to judge a nation He gives them wicked leaders.” We should pray that all who were elected to public office this week will humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, earnestly seek His wisdom, and recognize that ultimately, they are God’s ministers to govern a nation for the good of all people. We recall what Daniel said in His day:

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Daniel 2:20-22.

Secondly, we should recommit to our duty, not only to vote, but more, to pray for those who govern us. Paul wrote;

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1, 2.

There is not much about this election season that was quiet or godly or dignified. But the church can exhibit these amid all the political clamor in that way. And we must. The church possesses an over-the-horizon kind of vision that sees beyond the frailties and failures of human leaders to the sovereign King who is enthroned in heaven. We know that one day all the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah! Until then, we pray Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Paul gives the rationale for such fervent praying.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

God is pleased when His people pray for their leaders. He hears our prayers for our nation. Just possibly it may create a climate in which gospel proclamation can flourish, and people can be saved through the knowledge of the truth about Jesus. Could the frustrations of another political cycle or a change in political leadership give way to a greater openness to the gospel? Government can’t save us, but the gospel of Christ can. We pray for our leaders, we pray for a peaceful society, and we pray for opportunities of gospel sharing.

Consider one last word from Paul about the distinctively Christian way the church can live in our society while we embark on another transition of American leadership. 

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:1, 2.

Political wrangling will go on. The church on the other hand is called to stay above that quarreling, gently and courteously being engaged in every good work as exemplary citizens. The world is watching. The world is asking. Let’s do our part to demonstrate how righteousness exalts a nation.

With you on the journey,
Tom

Exalting in the Lord

Last week Lucy and I traveled to Utah to tour a couple national parks. At Arches National Park, we got on the trail early and ascended to the Delicate Arch, pictured below.  It was a glorious morning, taking in the sunrise and spectacular morning sky. The unique rock formation stands 60 feet tall and more than 30 feet wide, a precarious balancing act on the side of a rock cliff.  It is an exceptional display of God’s glorious creation.

Hundreds of people each day hike down to the edge of the cliff to have their pictures taken under the arch, looking like ants under a picnic table. Invariably, they raise their arms in triumph before the giant structure, perhaps in hope of feeling larger than they are before such enormity. They pose with both arms held high as if to say, “I’m great too!” What is it about the human heart that moves us to posture our largeness while in the presence of something so magnificent?
 
Perhaps it is just the euphoria of the experience that led each person to offer the universal sign of triumph.  We do it after touchdowns, or any big win.  We raise our arms high in exaltation as an expression of joy and celebration.  It just seemed a little ironic to me watching something so puny exalt beneath something so grand.
 
In the best-case scenario, every hiker was reveling in the glory of creation then giving God thanks for His eternal power and divine nature. God anticipates such a response as humans enjoy the world He made for us. Seeing His handiwork leads us to worship; worship begins with humility. Self-exaltation makes worship impossible.
 
 Our study in 1 Corinthians has already offered several warnings not to boast in anything except the greatness of God and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s be reminded that God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. So, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that in due time He will exalt you. Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord!
 
With you on the journey,
 
Tom

Sowing to the Spirit

This summer when Lucy began her annual vegetable garden, she planted two poblano pepper plants in between the tomatoes. As the grand harvest approached the peppers looked considerably smaller than poblanos. In fact, they strongly resembled jalapenos, which was quickly confirmed by the first slice and then the taste. How do jalapenos come from a poblano plant?  It was a miracle in our own back yard that reversed the inviolable axiom “you reap what you sow.” 

Nah. The young starter poblano plant was obviously mislabeled. We do – always – reap what we sow, even if we’re confused about what we’re sowing. This remains an unbreakable principle in farming, and in life. The Bible speaks of it often with the warning not to be tricked into thinking it could be any other way. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”  God made the world this way. Only fools would think that you could cultivate a life of sin, sensuality, and self and then experience spiritual vitality and eternal life. Don’t be deceived! 

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8 

What is meant by the phrase “the one who sows to the Spirit?” It suggests that we can cultivate our life with God by keeping in step with His Holy Spirit. Throughout the New Testament there are many references to activities that we may do to plant seeds of faith, as it were, preparing for a harvest of blessing in the Spirit, which culminate in eternal life.

  • We can be led by the Spirit, a confirming sign that we are children of God. Romans 8:14
  • We can walk in the Spirit and thereby resist the desires of our sinful flesh. Galatians 5:16
  • We can worship God in the Spirit. Philippians 3:3
  • By the Spirit we can put to death the deeds of the body with all its sinful impulses. Romans 8:13
  • We can be taught by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, so we live with godly wisdom. 2 John 2:20, 27
  • We can pray at all times in the Spirit which produces stronger faith and lasting endurance. Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20, 21

Don’t let your life be mislabeled. What are you planting? What do you hope to harvest? Since we reap what we sow, let us sow a life of dependence upon the Holy Spirit. And let the fruit of our lives be His fruit:  Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23). Sowing to the Spirit is good for us and turns out to be good for those around us as well. The warning not to be deceived is followed by a promise to believe.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9, 10

With you on the journey,

Tom

Remembering God’s Blessings

Have you ever walked into a room, in your own house, and after staring around asked yourself, “What did I come in here for?” Or been in a conversation and said out loud, “I had one more thing I wanted to say but I can’t recall it at the moment.” Ok, maybe you haven’t, but I have. I don’t recall exactly when it happened, but I’m pretty sure it has.

Remembering is more difficult than it used to be. For most people, life is moving faster, schedules are more crowded, and cognitive stimulation by content overload has become overwhelming. The vital is being smothered by the trivial; the essential is being swallowed up by the ubiquitous. How do you stay on top of the right things and remember what’s most important? 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits… so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 
Psalm 103.
King David the song writer beckons us to a better memory—and a better life—by the conscious effort to forget none of God’s blessings. His short list includes forgiveness, healing, redemption, grace, love, mercy and goodness. David then declares – somewhat audaciously – that recounting God’s benefits over and over again will reinvigorate our interior life to resemble a soaring young eagle!  This is poetry for sure, but he is offering a way to experience greater wind in your sails as you travel through this crowded, hurried world. Remember all that God has done for you and bless Him for it all.

While we commemorate 135 years of God’s faithfulness to Calvary Bible Church this August, what are the blessings God has given you and your family during your days at our church? Stir your memory. Make a list. Offer it to God as praise. Pass it on to your pastors to put wind in their sails to keep us all going for as many more years as God will give us as a church.

Here’s my top-ten list of blessings for which I thank God about Calvary:

  1. A congregation receptive to the authority of the Bible.
  2. Pastors and leaders who adhere to and proclaim the Word of God.
  3. Elders who pray for our congregation and lead in humble unity.
  4. Members who serve faithfully to advance Calvary’s ministry to kids, students, and adults, some on a platform but many behind the scenes.
  5. Members and attenders who give regularly and generously to support our annual budget and beyond.
  6. The historic commitment of the membership to pray for what God wants to happen at Calvary and to give Him all the glory for anything that has been accomplished.
  7. Buildings, properties, and resources to do ministry effectively in three unique communities.
  8. A diverse and talented staff team committed to unity, alignment, and effective. ministry across three campuses that serve three cities in three different counties
  9. Six generations of expanding impact without fracture or split!         
  10. That by His grace, our best days are still ahead.

Soli Deo gloria.
With you on the journey,
 
Tom

Live Freely this Independence Day

On July 4th, people across the U.S. will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating events in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies to be free from British rule and marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The second sentence of the Declaration is most compelling and most well-known:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The fight for independence required a complete and uncompromising commitment, as its final sentence affirms:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Two hundred and forty-eight years later, I wonder what the signers would say about the nation we have become. Technically we are still a free nation, but it is impossible to say we are a nation with a “firm reliance on the protection of divine providence.” Some still insist that all are created equal, but now the government legislates programs to compel diversity, equity, and inclusion, implying that we are not. The nation clearly began with some sense of dependence on the Creator, but the pursuit of happiness today is often an overt expression of independence from God and His moral law.

July 4th would be a great day for us to pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for our communities. Beseech God for repentance and revival. While Independence Day celebrates the freedom from governmental tyranny, we should remember that independence from the Creator always leads to bondage. When a nation refuses to acknowledge God and give Him thanks it becomes a foolish nation, a laughingstock, given over to its own unholy impulses and debased thinking. Its people suffer in anxiety and isolation under the weight of violence, corruption, greed, immorality, deceit, and hubris.

There is only one remedy until Jesus comes: the hope of the gospel for every person – one person at a time. Christ is the true liberator. Jesus said to those who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31, 32.

Paul told believers in the first century, “You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:13, 14.

How shall we live freely this Independence Day? Be very dependent upon Christ. Yield to His rule in your life. Pray His truth will set the captives free – all who are held by the snares of the enemy. Love your neighbor. Share the gospel. Be FORMED into the likeness of the One who set you free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore!

With you on the journey.

Tom