Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet

Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

12-1-1994 Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 02 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons

Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 70 Number 02" (1994). Preacher's Magazine. 623. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/623

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. DECEMBER / JANUARY / FEBRUARY 1994-95

MAGAZINE

EVERY PASTOR’S NIGHTMARE

PREACHER, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE TIMES?

OVERCOMING INSECURITY IN O J W E MINISTRY

•* & M * 1 i? Preacher's MAGAZINE

Volume 70 December/January/February 1994-^5 Number 2

Cover Photo by Sheila Lee

EDITORIAL ______Wash One Another’s Feet Randal E. Denny

Editor Randal E. Denny CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS______Assistant Editor Every Pastor’s Nightmare 3 Cindy Osso Laurie Lecblitner Consulting Editors An Inn for Christmas 4 Bill M. Sullivan Director of J. Grant Swank, Jr. Church Growth Division The Magi—How Did They Know? Church of the Nazarene 6 Gary L. Durham Wilbur W. Brannon Director of Pastoral Ministries Church of the Nazarene PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Norman G. Wilson Overcoming Insecurity in the Ministry General Editor The Wesleyan Church Richard S. Taylor

Contributing Editors General Superintendents PREACHING Church of the Nazarene Jerald D. Johnson The Sacred Word o f God Preached 10 John A. Knight William J. Prince Neil Hightower Donald D. Owens Preacher, Do You Understand the Times? 12 James H. Diehl Paul G. Cunningham Morris Chalfant General Superintendents The Wesleyan Church Earle L. Wilson PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED______Lee Haines Draw Strength from Your Call to Preach H. C. Wilson 13 C. Neil Strait Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church Stanley Perisho Maurice Roberts PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH _ John R Williams, Jr. Joseph A. Gerick Here Is My List, Lord 14 General Superintendent Arthur E. Parry Churches of Christ Are You the Perfect Preacher? 17 in Christian Union Dan Tipton Debra Fulghum Bruce General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church R. Donald Shafer CHRISTIAN MINISTRY____ Chancy and a Little Bit Lonely 19 Charles Dickson

PASTORAL CA R E______Healing Scars of Childhood Abuse 20 AI Miles A Good Death 24 Darlene Polachic Personal Funeral Profiles 27 Kenn Filkins All unidentified Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLINESS Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®). Copyright © 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by per­ The Sanctifying Work o f the Spirit 30 mission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. James W Tharp Quotations from the following versions are used by permission: The Amplified Old Testament (Amp.), copyright © bENNER LIBRARY 1962, 1964 by Zondervan Publishing House. The Ampli­ THEOLOGY fied New Testament, © 1958 by the Lockman Founda­ The Value o f Infant Baptism Olivet Nazarene University tion. KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS American Standard Version (ASV). John W. Dally Contemporary English Version (CEV). Copyright © by American Bible Society 1991,1992. The Jerusalem Bible (JB), copyright © 1966 by Darton, CHAPLAINCY Longman 8c Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday & Co., Inc. The Bible: A New Translation (Moffatt), copyright 1954 Chaplains in the Storm 37 by James A. R. Moffatt. By permission of Harper and Row, Publishers, Inc. Victor M. Parachin The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Share Your Message by Listening 38 Lockm an Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Wayne M. Warner The Modern Language Bible, the New Berkeley Ver­ sion in M odern English (NBV), copyright © 1945, 1959, m IS,4V 1969 by Zondervan Publishing House. The Holy Bible, New Century Version (NCV), copyright © MINISTER’S MATE 1987, 1988,1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas. Texas 75039 For Ministers’ Wives: Why You Do What You Do 39 The New English Bible (NEB), © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and The Syndics of the C am ­ Kristy Roberts Dykes bridge University Press, 1961, 1970. 40 The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), copyright Begonia Lesson 1989 by the Disivision of Christian Education of the Na­ Robert E. Norton tional Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Testament in M odern English (Phillips), Re­ vised Edition © J. B. Phillips, 1958, 1960, 1972. By permis­ NEW FEATURE sion of the Macmillan Publsihing Company. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), The Minister’s Resource Library 41 copyrighted 1946,1952,© 1971, 1973. David Grosse The G ood News Bible, Today's English Version (TEV)— Old Testament © American Bible Society, 1976; New Testament © American Bible Society, 1966,1971,1976. The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971 by Tyndale House Pub­ ATTENTION NAZARENE PASTORS lishers, Wheaton, III. The Message (TM). Copyright © 1993. Used by permis­ Los Angeles Earthquake Video and Update 43 sion of NavPress Publishing Group. The Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech (Weymouth), copyright 1929 by Harper and Brothers, CHURCH GROWTH New York. King James Version (KJV). Eight Principles That Stimulate Small Churches to Grow 44 The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ Kim L. Richardson con Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Editorial offices a t 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. Address all correspondence concerning subscriptions to your denominational pub­ CHURCH ADMINISTRATION lishing house. Copyright 1994 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Canadian GST No. R129017471. Building Your Church Leadership Team 48 Bill O’Connor

SOCIAL CONCERNS I Was Raped! Why? 50 Wanted: June M. Temple Checks to Antinomianism John Fletcher Holiness Classics— ARK ROCKER abridged by Wiseman Evangelical Spin 52 Beacon Hill Press Does anyone know the source for WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS 53 “The Modern Pilgrim’s Progress,” Leslie Krober a parody on Bunyan’s P ilg rim ’s Progress?

Contact: William H. Benson 17275 S.W. 256th St. Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher’s Mag­ Homestead, FL 33031 azine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes should accompany all manuscripts.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1 ------hd------EDITORIAL Wash One Another's Feet

uring the American Revolu­ fresh him. Paul wrote of those who tionary War, a rider on came to help: “They refreshed my horseback came across sol­ spirit and yours also” (1 Cor. 16:18). D diers trying to remove a fallen Are you washing the feet of others tree straddling the road. The tree and refreshing them, or do you pile wouldn’t budge. A corporal stood more mud and dirt on their feet? aside, shouting commands to the Rather than make a ceremony of straining men. taking off our shoes and stockings to The quiet man on the horse asked wash one another’s feet, I would the corporal, “Why don’t you help rather that we find useful, needed them?” by Randal E. Denny ministry—even if lowly—and do it for “Me? Why, I am a corporal!” Spokane, Wash. Jesus. Jesus found a needed function Dismounting, the stranger took his to perform, and He was willing to place with the soldiers. Together they stoop to do it. Seek a useful function heaved the large tree out of the road. and perform it well in the name of As the stranger mounted, the cor­ ble heart. Servants usually washed our Lord. That’s better than an unnec­ poral asked, “What is your name, sir?” travelers’ feet. So we are to serve. Our essary ceremony. “Washington. George Washington.” world asks, “How high up the ladder We added a new wing to our (General of the American Revolution­ of success did you climb? What is church building. The first event in ary Army and future first president of your exalted position?” our new fellowship hall celebrated a the United States) However, Jesus asks, “Have you famous Christian law officer as speak­ In a similar scene, Jesus’ 12 apostles knelt to wash others’ feet? Are you er. A huge crowd was served coffee sullied the sacred celebration by re­ low enough yet to minister?” and snacks, and they went away with fusing to do the menial, lowly task of “Not me! I’m nobody’s doormat!” good memories of inspiration and fel­ washing the guests’ feet. Their heated Today preachers puff up, trying to lowship. discussion strangled over who would be the greatest, have the greatest When I came back into the fellow­ be the greatest in Jesus’ coming king­ church, and conduct the greatest pro­ ship hall, I saw Bonita down on her dom. With a deep sense of superiori­ gram. Yet Jesus calls us to unselfish hands and knees, scrubbing a coffee ty, none would stoop to serve. If service. He explains, “No servant is spill stain on our brand-new carpet. those apostles loved one another, it greater than his master” (John 13:16). She was working hard to restore its had not bubbled to the surface yet. We have an expression of a beauty. This fine lady is a pastor’s Jesus cut through the ceremony holy life. “Jesus knowing that the Fa­ wife. Her husband had left his former and the euphoria of good feelings: ther had given all things into his church under pressure after serving “Wash one another’s feet. I have set hands” (v. 3, KJV). What happens there seven years. I watched Bonita you an example that you should do as next? “He . . . took a tow el” (v. 4, for a moment. She had every reason I have done for you” (John 13:14-15). KJV)- If you had everything in your to be bitter against any church. She The Early Church took note of Je­ hands, would you take a towel? When had suffered a tough, long year while sus’ humility. An early Christian hymn we realize God has given us all things, they had no employment. Her spirit sang of Jesus, who “made himself we don’t have to pretend greatness had remained bright and forward- nothing, taking the very nature of a any longer. We don’t have to impress looking. From the start, Bonita en­ servant, being made in human like­ people with how big and important tered into our congregation’s fellow­ ness. And being found in appearance we are! Why? Because we have every­ ship, helping wherever asked to as a man, he humbled himself” (Phil. thing. Paul says, “All things are yours” serve. Now, there she stooped—wife 2:7-8). Our Lord did not tell us to do (1 Cor. 3:21). We no longer need to of a former senior pastor, down on what He did. That would make foot struggle for our rights or insist on our her knees, scrubbing someone’s care­ washing a ritual. Jesus told us to do prestige. less spill. Bonita perfectly demonstrat­ as He did. Kneeling at the feet of oth­ We have an experience of a ed Jesus’ command: “Wash one anoth­ ers, He gave us an example. happy servant. To wash another’s er’s feet.” That’s love in action. We have an example of a hum- feet is to bless him. It means to re­ After all, we are family! *

2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Christian Holidays m ■ i______■ — Every Pastor’s Nightmare

rad Kimball serves as pastor of don’t need an organist. Eldon’s wife a large, sprawling church situ­ does mighty well on the keyboard; ated in suburbia. He is young yes, she does. Well, Parson, I expect B you won’t have to do nothin’ round with a charismatic style that draws people from far and wide. As a matter here but supervise. Merry Christmas!” of fact, the congregation doubled in As Brad and his pretty, blonde wife size under his leadership, and he was were boarding the plane for Tahiti, a bit overwhelmed. she squeezed his arm affectionately as One winter evening in the month she remarked, “Isn’t it comforting to of December, Brad had what he know that Eldon’s got everything un­ thought was a small breakdown. by Laurie Lechlitner der control?” However, the angel of the Lord was Freelance writer, The words echoed through Brad’s hovering over him, so actually it was Elkhart, Ind. head: “Eldon’s got everything under a large breakthrough—a vision that control . . . under control . . . under cleared his perception for a lifetime. to go to Tahiti? Well, we got you two control. . . under control!” Pastor Brad put his troubled head tickets.” Brad put both hands to his ears, down on his desk. He not only felt “Mrs. O’Malley, you don’t seem to shouting, “No, those are my people! anxiety and panic over the eighth understand,” said the young minister, I’m the shepherd of this flock!” meeting that week, but he had a bad gaining his composure. “I have re­ Just then he felt a gentle nudge out­ head cold that left the poor man with sponsibilities here. I can’t leave.” side of himself. Mrs. O’Malley woke aching body as well as perplexed spir­ “Oh, but that’s not all, Parson,” the him from a rather heavy sleep. it. He had his agenda ready for the old saint beamed. “This here’s Eldon “Parson,” the motherly voice con­ church board meeting just 30 minutes Brooks. You see, he’s on sabbatical soled in a firm but calm tone. “I be­ away—yet, oh, how he wanted to this year, and we brought him on lieve you’re havin’ a nightmare. If you sleep. board to help you.” don’t hurry, the board’s liable to meet “You mean you hired an associate?” without you.” * * * Brad was flabbergasted. “Not without me, Mrs. O’Malley,” Brad made his way down the hall­ “No, no, you don’t understand, Par­ the pastor asserted. way and burst in the door to the son. Eldon here’s a full-fledged senior “You look a little tired. Are you feel­ shock and amazement of his board. pastor just like you. He’s coming to ing all right?” the wise, angelic soul His usual even temperament gave pick up all the loose ends. Now you commented with the familiar twinkle way as he exploded, “I’m tired! I can take time off for those refresher in her eyes. come to dozens of meetings. I am re­ courses at the seminary you’ve been “Me, tired? No, Mrs. O ’Malley. I sponsible for hundreds of people. I talkin’ about.” never felt better in my life,” Brad com­ marry and bury on the same day and “But, Mrs. O ’Malley, I’ve got to mented. Actually, he spoke the truth, am expected to laugh and cry in the preach the sermon this week and much to his own surprise. He felt same breath! I have had it! I can’t chauffeur the senior citizens’ bus trip much better than when he first laid take it anymore!” to the mall.” his head on his desk—miraculously The church board secretary rose “Parson, Eldon’s got all that taken better. He had a spring to his step, with a twinkle in her Irish eyes. She care of. Don’t you worry none about and his head felt clear as he inhaled was an elderly woman, slim, with your visitations neither. Eldon even deeply the scent of Christmas pine. slightly graying hair. Although she got the Sleepy Valley Rest Home to­ Mrs. O’Malley followed her beloved lacked formal education, she had a day. And you know the carpeting the pastor out the door of his study. How­ wisdom to match her years. “Parson, women have been bickering about? ever, if Brad would have cast a mo­ we went and got you a Christmas Well, they settled it in 15 minutes mentary glance behind, he’d have present,” Mrs. O ’Malley said in her with Eldon this afternoon. Oh, by the seen that merry woman cock her simple, unschooled way. “You know way, Eldon’s brother will take care of head to the side and wink in the di­ how you and the missus have wanted the plans for the new gym—and we rection of the heavenlies. i

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 3 An Inn for Christmas

will bring you another blan­ own thermostat. It heats up just this ket.” room off the sanctuary.” I pointed out With that, I left the church all the conveniences of being sent out and went to my parsonage nearby. in the cold at Christmas. One more blanket would do it. “Of course, the sanctuary is a good “Greg, when you leave in the morn­ place for you to go in quiet, getting ing, make sure that you turn out the your thoughts together,” I suggested. lights. I have been finding them on Greg was a student of the Word. when I have come over here in the Since becoming a believer, he could morning. I’m trying to save on elec­ not get enough of Scripture. tricity. The church folk are not rich, by J. Grant Swank, Jr. “There are some of my study books you know.” Pastor, Church of the Nazarene, in the shelves around the corner. Greg smiled, understanding that he Windham, Maine Take your pick. Enjoy!” I tried to be did have a habit of forgetting to turn cheery, though it was not all that out the lights in his one-room shelter. Where else could he go? There easy— talking to a young man who He also had a habit of leaving dirty were no relatives nearby. It was the was bunking out in a side room in the dishes in the sink downstairs in the church. That was where he would church. Yes, it was the house of God. church kitchen. Furthermore, he for­ have to end up. And so there he was But on cold, wintry nights it was also got to turn down the thermostat when on my front doorstep with his suit­ a lonely place to walk into all by one­ going off to work each morning. case pressed against his side. self. Creaks sounded in the night. Ra­ “I guess it is part of being in your “You can use the rest rooms— diators croaked some at odd hours. early 20s,” I mused as I left this fellow. shave, bathe. You can use the church “Just don’t get caught in the rest How could parents put their child kitchen to make your meals. Some­ room taking a sponge bath when out at Christmas? That was one ques­ times we will invite you over for sup­ someone with a key decides to case tion that was eating away at my heart per. How’s that? And there is your the place,” I said, chuckling. ever since he had knocked on my par­ sonage door. The next day I twisted my master key into the lock, opened the door in­ to his room, and found that he had done just as I had asked—lights off, heat turned down. But those crusty dishes were still in the sink. “I had better clean up this mess be­ fore the women of the church come in here to complain.” Then I scolded myself for putting that on to the women. They knew his plight. I knew down deep inside that there would be no complaining. They too had sons. “How is it that they told you to leave?” I had asked him when he wan­ dered into my living room that des­ perately cold night. “They said that they had had it with me being a Christian. At first I thought they were taking to this new life o f mine. But then, flip. It all turned over the other way.” He looked down at the carpet, hardly able to take in that his own mother and father had sent him packing.

4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE He was game. What else was left? May this be a blessed Christmas after Greg nodded. At the other side of He had finished college and come all.” the room were all the gifts given by back home to make some money to The young man—not all that tall— the church folk. They were now un­ pay off some bills. And now this. rose to extra height with gladness as wrapped and neatly stacked in one “How can parents put their own he sauntered over to the gifts with his corner. son out like that?” he asked me one name on them. One by one he lifted “My parents are not very happy especially empty evening. them, poking his ear up to their sides, people. I feel sorry for them. I am be­ “It is hard to answer that one,” I feeling their shapes, looking at each ginning to understand that they really shrugged, not wanting to appear too of us in wonder and thanksgiving. do need a lot of help.” serious. I figured that if we moved on “How can I say what is in my I did not know what to say. to another subject, the pain just heart?” he asked, hardly able to say “Their not giving me anything was might go away. much more. really getting to me tonight. I turned On Sunday the congregation was “You don’t have to say anything. up the radio so that I could drown told gently of Greg’s plight. Just your being with us this Christmas out some of the hurt inside. I figured After the worship, people needed has made this season very special for that no one would be here on Christ­ no prodding to get heads and hearts our church family,” I said. mas night this late. So I thought it together. In short order, whisperings Christmas Day came and went. would not harm anything—the loud on behalf of goodwill toward the music and all that.” young man were filling the halls. “No problem, Greg. No one would It was coming up to the Sunday have stopped by. I just wanted to see just before the Big Day. We were go­ how you were, and that is why I de­ ing to enjoy our fellowship meal after cided to walk over to check things the morning service. How the church out,” I said. “Have you got the box decorated?” “Yet, Pastor, through this whole someone asked. I assured her that became a mess, I have realized one precious Marie had everything in place—most­ gift that stands out more than any­ ly hidden from Greg’s view. sanctuary and a thing else.” “Where do we put the presents?” “What is that?” “Over there, behind the table. I’ll homeless lad “It is that I do have a family. They get them later and put them in the are more than I have ever had in my box so that everything will be put to­ found the real whole life. They are all those people gether.” who come into this church. They What fun it was to poke about, do­ meaning of love me. They gave me those gifts ing things in secret when it all added over there.” up to warm a heart. Christmas. I left him and walked back home. “Good morning, Greg,” I called out “How’s he doing?” my wife asked as to him as he left his one-room abode I walked through the door. to join the rest of us for Bible class. “Not too well. But not too badly ei­ “Good morning to you, Pastor,” he ther. I mean, I think that this Christ­ replied, cheerily. “Greg.” I knocked on his door late mas is one o f the most precious Greg had been invited to his par­ Christmas night. Loud music was blar­ Christmases that Greg will ever know. ents’ for Christmas Day. Would he go? ing out from inside his room. What if For some very important reasons, this He had said that he would go. Why? someone from the church had come season will no doubt stand out in his “To show them that I love them in into the building to hear that mash memory as one of the most meaning­ spite of what they have done to me.” called “music”? I thought. ful times in his life.” Fine. Then go. And what would they “Greg.” I knocked again. Presently Time has passed. Greg has grown have wrapped up under the tree for he came to the door. older with the rest of us. their son-put-out-of-their-home-be- “What are you listening to?” I asked He left the church room for a sec­ cause-of-his-faith? whimsically, as if not caring all that ond shelter and then a third as he The meal was eaten with relish. much, just making conversation. moved from one situation to anoth­ Such delicious tastes. Greg turned down the volume, er. “Now?” Sally asked as she tugged at then sat on the sofa made into a bed. Yet with the passing of the seasons, my coat. “I guess that I was just trying to I have looked back to realize that not “Now,” I whispered back. drown out something inside with that only for Greg, but for the entire con­ The huge box was brought out into noise,” Greg said haltingly. gregation, that will be one Christmas- the center of the fellowship hall. “That bad, was it?” I ventured. tide that will highlight all the others. “Greg.” “That bad.” The reason? It was not easy to get Greg’s atten­ “And what did your parents get you It was that year all of us came to tion when he was eating! for Christmas?” I asked. understand what it means to have “Greg, we have something special “Nothing.” been put out of an inn, only to be for you today. Here are some presents “Nothing? Nothing at all? Nothing? sheltered by the hearts of those who we have wrapped up just for you. Just plain nothing?” care enough to love. 1

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 The Magi— How Did They Know?

heir brief appearance on the Daniel was a very powerful and in­ stage of history is nothing fluential Magus. The Magi that appear T short of sensational. There is during the birth of Christ are most both mystery and astonishment sur­ likely members of a sect of Magi that rounding their identity, their knowl­ followed the teachings, the prophe­ edge, and their discernment. One cies, and the God of this most famous must first ask, “Who were they and of the ancient Magi, Daniel. from where did they come?" Here we get our first clue into the The caste of the Magi may be incredible understanding of these traced back in Scriptures to Babylon men concerning the timing of the ap­ during and after the Exile. In Baby­ by Gary L. Durham pearance of the Messiah and the pur­ lon, they were first known as the Pastor, l/Vesf Valley Church of the Nazarene, pose of His coming. These men were wise men. This included “magicians, Yakima, Wash. light-years ahead of even the best the­ enchanters, sorcerers and as­ ologians at Jerusalem, who seem to trologers” (Dan. 2:2). It is clear from ture o f varied religions and disci­ have been totally ignorant concerning verses 12-13 that Daniel and his plines. the signs of the times—something for friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and When the Persian Empire con­ which Jesus would reprimand them Abednego) were considered a part of quered the Medes, there was a priest­ in the days of His ministry (see Matt. this caste of men known as the wise ly caste among the Medes known as 16:1-4). They were equally confused men of Babylon, who were advisers the Magi. When the Medo-Persians concerning the nature of Jesus’ mis­ to the king on a great breadth of sub­ conquered Babylon, as recorded in sion—something the Magi seemed to jects, including religion, science, phi­ Daniel 5 as well as secular history, marvelously understand. losophy, and politics. They had a mix- they brought this Magi caste with Many point to Balaam’s fourth ora­ them. It is clear that cle, as recorded in Num. 24:15-19, es­ Daniel was one of pecially that part o f verse 17 that those from among says, “A star will come out of Jacob; a the wise men of scepter will rise out of Israel" as the Babylon that were point of revelatory insight for these absorbed into this Magi. While they were aware of this class. From this prophecy, by itself, even with the ap­ class of men came pearance of the star, it was hardly many of the satraps enough to cause them to set out on that Darius appoint­ such a long and dangerous expedi­ ed to help rule this tion. There had been other great stars diverse kingdom. and heavenly wonders. This star be­ Daniel was chosen came significant to the Magi because as one of three ad­ of a prophetic timetable given by the ministrators to angel Gabriel to Daniel, which they which the 120 most certainly understood and gave satraps, selected by much attention to. this Medo-Persian In Dan. 9:20-27, Daniel is told that king, were account­ God has determined to set the rest of able. It was Darius’ time from that day forward into a plan, as expressed timetable of 70 “sevens” or “weeks” in verse 3, to put (our word “week” means “a seven”). Daniel over the These six important things on God’s whole kingdom— agenda for all mankind will be ful­ which seems to filled in this time frame: “[1] to finish have been done af­ transgression, [2] to put an end to ter the “den of li­ sin, [3] to atone for wickedness, [4] ons” event (see to bring in everlasting righteousness, Daniel 6). [5] to seal up [fulfill and make no

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE longer needed] vision and prophecy time. This made it possible for them Daniel, the servant of the most high and [6] to anoint the most holy [One, to calculate the general time of the ar­ God. which is Messiah] ” (v. 24). rival of the Anointed One. Daniel had They further demonstrated their Daniel was further informed that been told that 62 “sevens,” or 434 great learning and knowledge of Mes­ there would be definite divisions to years after the 7 “sevens,” this Messi­ siah and His mission by the gifts they these 70 “weeks” ( “sevens”). First, it ah would be cut off (suddenly put to brought. Gifts were always brought to would all begin from the issuing of a death). a king or an important official. They decree to restore and rebuild the de­ were chosen to demonstrate the stroyed Jerusalem, which is the con­ knowledge and estimation o f the text of Daniel’s interaction with God givers concerning their host. Since in this chapter. From the issuing of ★ ★ ★ the Magi spent nearly two years find­ this decree, there would be “seven Who were they ing the young King, you can be sure ‘sevens’” until the city is completed. that such devotion indicated they had From that point onward there would and from where thought carefully about the meaning be “sixty-two ‘sevens’” until Messi­ of the gifts they were to bring to this ah ( “the Anointed One”) will be “cut did they come? High King of the ages. off [put to death] and will have noth­ Gold was a common gift for a king. ing [fathering no fleshly descen­ By this, they declared their under­ dants].” Then, Daniel is told, there standing of His royal lineage, both will be another destruction of the city ★ ★ ★ earthly and heavenly. Incense was of­ of Jerusalem and its sanctuary, fol­ fered only to a god (pagan kings, de­ lowed by a time of war and desola­ Realizing the Messiah must reach claring themselves gods, often de­ tions. This time of war and desolation full manhood (30 years of age in He­ manded incense from their subjects). will continue until a ruler arises who brew and most ancient cultures) and By this act they declared their under­ is “of” the people that destroyed Jeru­ carry out His ministry before this standing that He was Immanuel, salem and its sanctuary the second time of death, the Magi in 4 B.C., the which means “God with us.” By bring­ time. He will start the clock ticking time of Jesus’ birth, knew when they ing myrrh, the bitter herb of death again to complete the last “seven,” saw the star that there was only a lit­ and burial, they revealed their under­ the seventieth “seven,” by “con- tle over 33 years left until His sacri­ standing of Daniel’s prophecy that firmfing] a covenant [treaty] with fice had to take place. They knew the “Anointed One” would be cut off many [many people or nations].” that Messiah had to come soon, be­ (put to death). They knew He was From history the Magi knew that cause the Scriptures could not be the Sacrifice for the sins o f the clock on the Seventy Weeks given wrong! mankind—King, God, and Sacrifice to Daniel had started ticking in 453 It is important to note that these all in One! B.C. when Cyrus, king of Persia, or­ were men of Scripture reading the These men stand out as a sharp re­ dered that the Temple and the city be face of the “prophetic sky,” not as­ buke to the ignorance of their day. All rebuilt, as recorded in Ezra 1:2-4 and trologers reading some hidden occult- could have known and responded as 6:1-12. They also knew that the city ic wisdom. Yes, they were of the an­ they. But the rest were not watching and its walls were not completed un­ cient priestly caste called the Magi, the signs of the “prophetic skies.” til 404 B .C ., 49 years later. This was which included wise men from al­ When He comes again, will there the first division of the Seventy most every known religion of the day. be any “wise men”? 1 Weeks, which was to be 7 x 7. So it But these men were obviously follow­ was clear that each “day” in these ers of the greatest and most powerful Reprint from The Counselor magazine, December prophetic “weeks” was a year of real Magus of both Babylon and Persia— 1990, Dr. Gary Durham. Pontius' Puddle CHRISTMAS ISS0CV\ FALSE FLATTERV. WERE, PONT10S.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 Pastor's Professional Growth I Overcoming Insecurity in the Ministry

he underlying nemesis of many simply not learned how to under­ pastors is insecurity. This ex­ stand people. As a result, he takes T plains much of their fumbling their every mood too seriously or and floundering. Actions and words, completely misreads it. He broods which to others may seem like ego or over their offhand remarks, reading carnality or even stupidity, may be into them meanings of which they prompted by the simple fact that the probably never dreamed. pastor is unsure of himself. It was a great day for this writer Insecurity in one’s first pastorate when as a young and very green pas­ can be expected. Some persons, how­ tor, he learned that one setback did ever, never seem to outgrow the mal­ by Richard S. Taylor not spell finis, that the loss of one ady. They are still struggling with its Retired elder, former editor member to another church was not symptoms and its uncomfortable un­ o f The Preacher’s Magazine, and professor the end of the world, and that up­ ease even in their 40s and 50s. at Nazarene Theological Seminary, heavals in the church would pass if a If insecurity drives pastors to their Edmonds, Wash. quiet, confident hand stayed at the knees and prods them to depend helm. It was a tremendous release to more completely on the Lord, and if it feel awkward in the pulpit. The discover that churches have an inher­ induces them to be alert and guarded, painful awareness of this weakness ent toughness. They are not easily and if it stimulates them to work may feed on itself, thus compounding killed. When this insight finally seeps harder on their weaknesses, then we the problem. Or, he may have had lit­ into the cranium of the panicky must say, “Hurray for insecurity!” tle or no experience in conducting preacher, he will more quickly learn Many persons with a deep inferiority church board meetings or conducting to roll with the punches. complex and profound professional weddings and funerals. All of these At base, o f course, insecurity is fears have struggled through these are threatening situations that may tie simply a lack of self-confidence. conflicts to eminent usefulness. Even a pastor’s nerves in knots. While an exaggerated self-assurance is nervousness in a speaking situation In many cases, a pastor has obnoxious and foreruns a fall, an ex­ often has the effect of intensifying aggerated self-depre­ one’s powers and augmenting the dy­ cation results in namism of an electrified personality. apologetic cringing. But too much insecurity can play Such persons are un­ havoc. It can paralyze one’s brains duly hesitant and and chloroform native good sense. In­ timid. God wants a secure pastors tend to lose their poise leader to be aware of under pressure, tend to do method­ his dependence on ological flipflops, and react foolishly Him, yet at the same to opposition and criticism. When a time believe in his pastor is chronically on the defensive, own powers to do the he is pathetically off balance. He be­ job He has called him comes touchy, supersensitive, even to do. Self-confidence paranoid. In such cases, the insecuri­ and humility are not ty is an enemy, not a friend. antithetical. Jesus is the per­ What are the feeders of insecurity? fect example. He One is the uncertainty of inex­ was meek and lowly perience. Everything is new—the in heart—utterly self­ ministry itself for the beginner, and less, constantly depen­ this local church to the arriving pastor. dent on the Father, to­ Inexperience creates problems in tally without pride of different areas. A young pastor may person or position or

8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE selfish ambition. Yet He moved make snap judgments, trying to prove self in the pastoral role. among men with poise and authority. they are on top of everything. They 5. If your insecurity arises be­ He had no identity problems. He hide their insecurity by bravura. They cause of ineptness in some facet knew who and what He was and con­ pretend a knowledgeability that they of the ministry, such as preaching, ducted himself with that sureness of do not have. In the pulpit there is apt then systematically go about the touch that makes for power. to be excessive dogmatism. There business of rectifying the weak­ Of course, we cannot be expected may be a tendency to throw down ness. Learn to preach! to match our Lord’s poise. Even as a the gauntlet over leadership issues. Learn to conduct church board man, His ability to think, His instant Or, their basic insecurity may mani­ meetings! Understand that skill as a discernment of people, His skill in the fest itself in exactly opposite ways: chairman requires sensitivity to the exact words for the occasion, all reflect excessive timidity, slowness to lead, moods and needs and opinions of a level of wisdom we can never equal. chronic indecisiveness. your church board, with full respect To say nothing of an instant under­ shown to everyone and an absolute Is there a remedy for insecurity? standing of the Father’s mind that can refusal to ramrod your ideas through never—at least in this life—be ours. Yes! Perhaps the following sugges­ —ever. Then, as they respond to this Yet we can be filled with His Spirit and tions may help. kind of leadership, things will begin be sure of sharing His motives, so that 1. Come to see that your accep­ to smooth out, and your own self-con- our service for Him can be courageous tance with the people and your fidence will grow accordingly. and constructive. We may never match ultimate success does not depend 6. If you find yourself in a job His perfection, but we can bear a rea­ on being a superman. So stop try­ that really is beyond you at this sonable likeness and, as such, be an ef­ ing to be one. Stop trying to impress stage of your development, have fective instrument of His power. people that you are. the courage to back out. Because of Also, insecurity can be the prod­ J. Glenn Gould’s great promise as a I------1 uct of finding oneself in a job for young man, the district superinten­ which one knows in his heart he Insecurity can j dent engineered a call to a prominent is not ready. The so-called Peter Prin­ church. At the end of the first year, ciple is that pastors tend to be promot­ paralyze one's j young Gould went to his district su­ ed to the level of their incompetency. perintendent and said, “I am not That is, they do well at a lower rung of brains and ready for this yet. Give me the small­ the ladder, but their very success at est and toughest church you have. Let that level thrusts them upward, until chloroform me learn there.” That’s what he got. suddenly they find themselves in over That’s where he could grow in sync their heads. So they flounder. The job good sense, with the load, ultimately becoming a calls for a higher level of knowledge, i______i great preacher and an influential judgment, experience, and skills than leader as a college pastor. they have. They run scared. Their anx­ 2. Let your hair down. This does 7. Give your people the benefit iety multiplies their errors. not mean to publicly parade your of the doubt. They are not out to get If they have really been pushed in­ weaknesses, but it means to relax, you. Occasionally this may be the to the job by the Lord, and not by laugh at yourself, play with others, and case, but not nearly as often as the their own conniving, they can cast be human. Don’t take your gaffes too unsure pastor imagines. Express con­ themselves on Him for supernatural seriously. If you have offended some­ fidence in them. Act at ease around wisdom and guidance. In such cases, one, try to rectify it. But don’t lose too them. Get especially close to the per­ the Lord sees natural endowments ex­ much sleep if you don’t succeed. sons who may represent the power actly suitable that the person himself 3. Understand that people don’t structure of the church. Don’t allow or herself is unaware of, but which hold your mistakes against you fear and suspicion to create a social the new responsibilities will bring half as much as you hold them distance between you and them. Play out. But until one gets his bearings in against yourself—provided you ad­ golf with them, fish with them, eat such a strait, his sense of insecurity mit them! Stubborn rigidity and being with them, pray with them—what­ will be acutely painful. opinionated are symptoms o f the ever is necessary to come to know Sometimes insecurity is magni­ problem you are trying to overcome. them intimately and create a bond of fied by the presence of persons 4. If your insecurity springs out unity and understanding. Their obviously beyond one in maturi­ of youthfulness and inexperience, strength then will be your strength. ty, ability, education, and experi­ then be willing to accept those 8. Finally remember that the ence. Feeling like a pygmy among gi­ twin facts, and operate within that bottom line is the empowering of ants is understandable in such context. Seek the guidance of the the Holy Spirit. You can never learn situations. Escaping a feeling of intim­ most mature and reliable saints in the to do the job in your own strength idation is hard to manage. church. Be humble enough to be and by your own efforts alone. After taught by your own people. Listen to all, it is God’s work, not yours. Cast How do pastors act when afflicted them. If you hang on, you will, by and yourself on God, live close to Him in with the malady of insecurity? by, shed your youthfulness. Your inex­ prayer, and rest in Him. He will teach Often, foolishly. They burn rubber, perience will become experience. you and enlarge you and use you. And as if they were in a drag race. They Then you will feel more sure of your­ beyond His use of you, who cares? *

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 9 Preaching The Sacred Word of God Preached

n many ways, the general public fer modern myths about morality and in our generation has become spirituality. They have embraced a I like Paul’s description: collection of teachers who feed them For the time will come when a vitaminless diet of secularism. They men will not put up with sound will not accept sound doctrine from doctrine. Instead, to suit their own the church. desires, they will gather around Surely, this reflects the worldliness them a great number of teachers to that has entered the hearts of 20th- say what their itching ears want to century sophisticates. Does it also re­ hear. They will turn their ears away flect something about the quality of from the truth and turn aside to by Neil Hightower our teaching and preaching? For many myths (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Editor, Grow Magazine, persons “sound doctrine” has come to The percentage of the population Calgary, Alta. mean splitting theological hairs rather who want the pure Word of God de­ than penetrating spiritual definitions clared has declined significantly in much time in ecclesiastical concerns about current moral and social issues. Canada over the last 45 years. From and not enough time devoted to atten­ Ought not the evangelical church to 66% of Canadians who claimed to at­ tion upon everyday needs of families recapture its voice on the moral and tend church on a weekly basis in 1946, and individuals. Vital, meaningful com­ social issues with which families and the figure had dropped to 33% in 1986. munication of the Word has little to do persons grapple on a daily basis? Certainly, this reflects the widespread with the ability to quote Scripture and Where the Word of God intersects decline of spiritual foundations and the to use “sacred language.” It has much these issues, surely a sound word of embracing of secular values in North to do with application of biblical prin­ spiritual principles can be formulated America. Probably it also reflects the ciples to everyday issues. and clearly set forth. They can be set church’s abdication of vital communi­ Many people today have “itching forth in a style that is dialogical, even cation of the Word. We spend too ears,” which have caused them to pre­ though spoken by one person. This style typically suggests questions that are left unanswered by the speaker, yet cause an inward debate in the minds of the hearers, a wrestling with truth. When this style is touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, con­ viction grips the hearers. Reading and expounding the Word of God in this way will result in ex­ ploding mental circuits coursing through the hearts of listeners. The ability to preach dialogically requires a regular, strong exposure to the Holy Scripture. Counsel from Carlo Carret- to, a Catholic monk, underscores this and offers good advice: “Do not begin the day by reading the newspaper; that will make you slaves of public opinion, even though involuntarily. Rather, begin your daily labors wait­ ing for the dawn in prayer, as the psalm suggests to you: ‘Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!’ (108:1-2, RSV).”

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE A habit of saturation in the Word the essence of why persons gather in within the church practice the cus­ and in God’s holy presence would put church on a Sunday morning or tom whereby the preacher prefaces the breath of freshness and relevancy evening. I wonder: do we gather a his sermon with the words, “In the upon our word to the congregation. It congregation so that the people may name of.the Father, and the Son, and would make us slaves of God’s revela­ be entertained musically or intellectu­ the Holy Spirit. Amen.” While I do not tion rather than slaves of men’s opin­ ally, or do we bid them to experience contend for such a practice among ions. We would gain an authority not the proclamation of the pure Word of us, in my opinion, both we and our conferred by human permission or God? I love music and can’t think of people would have a different view of legislation, and thereby we would an interesting world or church ser­ preaching if we gave it a sacramental gain a hearing. If we would couple vice without it. But the choir presen­ “environment.” That stops short of with that saturation a healing compas­ tation or the special music is not the calling it a sacramental act. sion for people like our Master, it high point of the service. Music may Albert Einstein once wrote, “I want would be said that “the whole town contribute to the effectiveness of the to know God’s thoughts . . . the rest gathered at the door” (Mark 1:33). high point when it is viewed by the are details.” Though I cannot recall The meaning embodied in a lovely singers as an offering given to the source of that quotation, its im­ prayer, whose author is unknown, Almighty God, not a performance for pact is valid. Einstein was speaking would then be seen in the ministry of the people. about scientific research and study, our churches: and the fact that discovering scientif­ Our Father, we have listened to ic axioms is discovering the mind of Thy Word and loved it; we have God. His words also have application found comfort and inspiration in The Holy Spirit to the church. It ought to be the aim song and psalter; we have enjoyed of every preacher to know God’s the companionship of those who, will not be tied thoughts. If we truly gain that per­ with kindred minds and hearts, spective, and were sure of it every have praised and worshiped Thee. to our time we came to the pulpit, there Now help us understand that, as would never be a dull sermon. The we leave this sacred house of God, perceptions. fact that we have heard a few dull ser­ we shall become Thy Church in the mons and ourselves have been the au­ street. thors of some proves that we aren’t Our hearts say, “Amen,” to that 100 percent successful in this re­ spect. When we do, the “magic” of prayer. There may be some question The high point of every Protestant congregational rapport takes place as to whether our people leave our service is the preached Word. That is because the unseen Holy Spirit sanctuaries sensing and affirming that the moment when the pastor or breathes upon the Word and upon they are indeed a microcosm of the preacher proclaims the Word in such the people. Body of Christ. Where they do view a way that, as Paul Rowntree Clifford There is another side that we ought themselves in that manner, a spiritual says, “The Lord Himself confronts the not to ignore: there are times when and moral revolution is taking place believing congregation in saving and we have judged our pulpit ministry in their communities. We need that. sanctifying grace, calling for adora­ on a given occasion as being dull and The most powerful sermons have al­ tion, thanksgiving, repentance and uninspiring when, unbeknown to us, ways been those walking around our self-oblation.”1 In that personal en­ someone has received new and communities, in the forms of devout counter with Jesus the Living Word, deeply moving insight. We can be and committed Christians. Those men and women, youth and children grateful when they tell us, but often powerful sermons are, however, fu­ see themselves as they are in truth. they never do. That too is a part of eled first by sermons preached by Only in that personal perception of the mystery of proclamation. It un­ godly leaders in pulpits that are free “seeing” is there hope for spiritual derscores the fact that we cannot from intimidation and who “correct, clarification and change. control the Holy Spirit. He is sover­ rebuke and encourage—with great Clifford is right when he reminds eign and will not be tied to our per­ patience and careful instruction” (2 us that the understanding of preach­ ceptions. Paul underscores this Chris­ Tim. 4:2). ing in Luther’s mind was something tian reality where he speaks of the Many years ago, I was walking entirely different from human speech. several gifts of the Spirit: “All these down a street in a Canadian city be­ “Preaching in the Reformed tradition are the work of one and the same fore being picked up for a Sunday is not the delivery of an address on a Spirit, and he gives them to each one, morning preaching experience. I religious topic; it is a sacramental act just as he determines” (1 Cor. 12:11, came across a very striking notice whereby God visits and redeems His italics added). people.”2 That, I believe, was the pre­ posted upon a church door: “The Nevertheless, the very essence of Word of God will be preached in this vailing understanding in the Early church ministry is to discover the place at 12:15 sharp.” I have forgotten Church. It is the reason why, in my thoughts o f God and to let them what city and the name of the judgment, the Christian priest of the shape our communication. i church, but I have never forgotten second century kissed the page of the message and its impact. It is Scripture from which he had read be­ 1. Paul Rowntree Clifford, The Pastoral Calling somewhat audacious viewed through fore preaching the sermon. It is also (N ew York: Channel Press, 1961), 50. the eyes of the world. But it speaks to the reason why some denominations 2. Ibid.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 11 Preacher, Do You Understand the Times?

omeone told G. Campbell Mor­ Man must feel in his conscience a gan that the preacher must deep sense of lostness if he is to en­ S catch the spirit of the age. Im­ joy a deep experience of repentance. mediately this great preacher an­ No skin-deep experience will suffice! swered, “God forgive the preacher Sin must be pictured as black and who does that. The preacher’s busi­ hopeless. Then the better way de­ ness is to correct the spirit of the scribed by Paul as the highest way of age.” We may add that a witness for all must come to the fore to captivate Christ must endeavor thoroughly to the individual. understand the spirit of the age— God paid an awful price that His without conforming to it—in order to by Morris Chalfant message of judgment and love might know what to correct. Evangelist, be proclaimed to the whole world. It is recorded of the sons of Issachar Bourbonnais, III. His innocent Son went to the Cross to that they were “sound judges of the die for the ungodly. This all hurt Him times when Israel should take action, fectively to the times, we must know deeply! He will not brook sin, will and the way to do it” (1 Chron. 12:32, what time it is. not act softly toward it. His righteous­ JB). “Men who had understanding of The judgment that John the Baptist ness stands forever against sin in any the times” is the way the Revised was severe, stern, and harsh is far­ form. Standard Version puts it. The Living thest from the truth. John the Baptist The lost must know, however, that Bible paraphrases it, “Men who under­ understood the temper of his time. closely behind the rumble and roar of stood the temper of the times.” He was a tenderhearted, loving, sym­ God’s judgment may be heard the Faris D. Whitesell said, “A preacher pathetic man, with too much love to whisper of Christ’s forgiving love. should be able to feel the pulse and let the churchmen of his day go quiet­ The blood flecks of the Son of God sense the mood of the age in which ly to hell unwarned and unrebuked. compound the true ingredients of to­ he lives. To do this, he must be in He recognized that the greatest tal redemption. That is what I will touch with the currents of life and calamity that could befall the human preach! thought. Such understanding will help soul was to be lost forever in hell, and In a recent issue of a periodical him slant his preaching to today’s that strenuous, earnest, persistent la­ dedicated to the insurance business, world rather than to yesterday’s.” bor to prevent so dire a calamity was an article appeared titled “Will They But there is danger here. It is possi­ the highest expression of courageous Blame You?” The author went on to ble for the preacher to become so love—preeminently a labor of love! say that it is the duty of the agent to submerged in the thought forms and Mr. Gladstone was seated by an An­ see that his clients are always covered ideas of his day and so impressed by glican clergyman at a state dinner. He according to prevailing replacement the latest happenings that he be­ said to him, “I have a thing against costs. The spiritual and eternal signifi­ comes a mere reflector of the times the clergy. I think they are not severe cance of this insurance article is read­ rather than a prophet to the times. enough with their congregations. ily apparent. We are not called to preach the times. They do not sufficiently lay upon the Preacher! Will lost souls blame you? We are called to preach to the times. souls and consciences of their hearers Will they charge you for not sounding If we keep this in mind, it will save their moral obligations, and probe forth the truth? In your ambition to our preaching from being a pedestri­ their hearts and bring their whole please, are you withholding the solemn an running commentary on current lives and actions to the bar of con­ message of impending doom and judg­ events sprinkled with a few Bible science. The clergy are afraid of deal­ ment? Because of your fear of offend­ texts and quotations. ing faithfully with their hearers.” ing, are you ignoring the prophetical Our ability to preach to the times D. L. Moody said that you have to command to “cry aloud, spare not, lift does not necessarily depend on get a man lost before you can get him up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew knowing every detail of current histo­ saved. He was simply saying that “all my people their transgression, and the ry—for example, how many wars are have sinned, and come short of the house of Jacob their sins” Osa. 58:1, going on at the present time, how glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, KJV). But KJV)? Our message must be as perti­ many earthquakes occurred last year, man must hear the message of his lost nent and pointed as Noah’s when he the percentage increase in major condition. He must hear it in no un­ cried, “Repent or perish.” Preacher! crimes during the past decade, or any certain terms and tones if he is to be­ You dare not, in jot or tittle, withhold, other such data. In order to preach ef- lieve it. “Thus saith the Lord.” I

12 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Pastor: Be Encouraged

Draw Strength from Your Call to Preach

f anything can happen, it can hap­ Third, do not doubt your call to pen to a pastor.” That is what a preach in the midst o f your deepest pastor said after a hectic week. crisis, when the emotions are being I assaulted, and all the arrows are Who could argue with his conclu­ sion? The pastor is at the center of pointing downward. Such moments life’s agony and action. If there is a are not the best for clear thinking and crisis, a death, an accident—to name decision making. In those moments, only a few possibilities—the pastor rest on your call and let its strength gets involved. All such activities, bring healing for recovery and renew­ added to the regular agenda of the al. pastorate, adds stress, time pressures, by C. Neil Strait Fourth, even when one has the as­ frustration, and physical weariness. District Superintendent, surance o f a call to preach, that is Pastor, be encouraged. The God Church o f the Nazarene, not enough. One must stay spiritually Grand Rapids, Mich. who called you to ministry is with fit. The call must be nurtured and giv­ you in the traumatic times, walking en a heart in which it can grow and the tight moments with you. Draw perhaps more than we do. Ever and accomplish its purpose. Prayer and strength from His presence and from again we need to return to our call study of the Word must be priorities the confirmation and assurance of and be encouraged by its reality. Dr. for the person with a call to preach. your call to preach. While the “call to Holland Lewis, pastor of First Church, One may have all the gifts available preach” has been debated and kicked Detroit, spoke at our Pastors’ Revival and the advantages of education, but around a little, it has not lost its validi­ one year. He encouraged our pastors without channeling these in a heart ty. Make sure of your call to preach to live again the reality and assurance warmed at the altar of God, they will before stepping into the pastorate. of their call to preach. As one gathers fail. Usually, one’s spiritual life will de­ More than one pastor will tell you strength from his or her call to termine how well one survives the that it was his call to preach that kept preach, motivation, inspiration, and rough terrain of pastoral ministry. him going, surviving the hard times. even strength comes for ministry. Fifth, one’s call to preach must be One’s call to preach is a sacred and Second, plant your crises, your dis­ fulfilled in a body that is fit and a inspiring trust. With the assurance of a couragements, your frustrations in mind that is equipped. Physical fit­ call ringing in the heart and soul, a your call to preach. Let your call be ness is important in pastoral ministry. pastor can survive about any crisis and the reference point to which you re­ Exercise should be priority. Much endure the deepest disappointment. I turn, ever and again, to gain perspec­ stress builds simply because the phys­ heard a pastor say, some years ago, tive for all that is happening. The ical has not been attended. Also, the that the “call to preach” wasn’t nearly temptation is, in the low times, to see mind must be exercised. If one is fo­ as important as it once was. That’s other options and pursue other jobs. cused only on problems, crises, build­ news to me. In fact, while I don’t Do not let the hard times force you to ings, finances, etc., the romance of think it ever becomes more or less im­ regretful decision making. Pastor, be ministry soon fades. A deterrent to portant in one era as opposed to an­ encouraged—the deepest crisis will such possibilities is to study, read, and other, I do believe that for these times, pass. fill the mind with thoughts that lift and for these pressures, a pastor had I would not want to be interpreted one above the battles. A good organi­ better make sure of his or her calling. as saying one should never leave pas­ zational system will also help relieve May I share some thoughts about toral ministry. There are times when one from the haunting thought of the call to preach that I hope will be God releases a pastor to pursue other “what am I forgetting?” Attention to meaningful and helpful to you? occupations or other forms of min­ these items will help one fulfill his or First, when God calls, He forms a istry. What I am stressing is that the her calling in a better way. partnership with that individual to pastor should keep the perspective of Pastor, be encouraged. The God strengthen, equip, and guide. It is a his or her call when the pressures are who called you wants to be Partner truth from which we need to draw, on and the going is rough. with you in ministry. *

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 13 Pastor's Personal Growth

Here Is My List, Lord

A Study of Psalms 31; 44; 74; 88; and 109

he Psalms The King James bring to records as fol­ T us the lows: prayers, the I was a re­ songs, the travail, proach among and the hope of all mine ene­ David and the mies, but espe­ other writers, cially among both for individual needs as well as my neighbours, and a fear to mine the needs of their people. Many times acquaintance: they that did see me we see evidence of the Psalmist talk­ without fled from me. I am forgot­ ing directly to God. Many other times ten as a dead man out of mind: I we see God’s response as recorded am like a broken vessel. For I have by the writer. heard the slander of many: fear was However, in the live psalms to be on every side: while they took discussed here, we have an unusual counsel together against me, they situation: in each one there is a list of devised to take away my life ( vv. concerns or problems that is given to U-13). God so that He will handle it. The ef­ by Arthur E. Parry While we begin to see the pressure fect on us is one of amazement and Free-lance writer and the heartaches, the list itself humility as we realize that one so Plano, Tex. might have been made sharper. Look­ long ago had such a close relationship ing at other modern translations, we with God that he could act in this Psalm 31, of David, describes the see similar approaches. But consider way. We see no evidence of sin here, tremendous conflict of the writer. It how much stronger the emphasis nor do we see pride or bitterness. begins with a prayer. Subsequently might be if written as follows: Rather, we begin to appreciate the the Psalmist catalogs his many I am dishonored with so many close walk each of the writers had griefs. enemies. I am a burden to all men. with his God. In such times of dis­ The list, beginning in verse 11, be­ I bring fear to my friends. I cause tress, he could talk directly, even ar­ comes extremely personal. It is as if people to flee from me. I am for­ gue, with God, knowing He listened, David were saying, “Lord, just listen gotten, a dead man. I am cast away, He understood, and He would re­ to this list of troubles I have. Help me a broken vessel. I always hear the spond. before I die.” lies. I know of their terror; I know

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE of their counsel. I know that they You, however, abandoned us. You have been King from times plot to destroy me. You caused us shame. You did not past, O God; You delivered us on The Psalmist was pouring out his escort our armies. You made us re­ the earth. You divided the sea by heart in listing all the troubles he has. treat from the oppressor. You let Your power. You did break the He freely gave the list to the Lord be­ those who hated us take spoils. heads of the enemy on the waters. cause, in his faith, he knew that God You have delivered us like sheep to You cast them up as food for the would respond. be eaten. You spread us among the desert creatures. You brought wa­ Psalm 44, by another Psalmist, also heathen. You sold us for next to ter out of the rock. You parted the records the very close, personal rela­ nothing. You did not require a high river. You own both day and night. tionship the writer has with the price for us. You made us a dis­ You made the moon, also the sun. Almighty God. After reciting the his­ grace to our neighbors. You made You set boundaries on the earth. tory of God’s wonders and His pro­ us a shame and a contempt to You established both summer and tection, the writer begins in verse 9 a those around us; You made us a winter. listing of things God did not do or ac­ proverb to the heathen. You Psalm 88 is a gloomy psalm, yet tions He “should not have taken.’’ Cer­ caused us to be an astonishment to one in which the writer is able to call tainly such a confrontation could only the peoples. to the “God of my salvation.” In call­ be a true worshiper with his God. ing, he wants to be miraculously Here, again, the King James: healed and to be able to praise God But thou hast cast off, and put us for the healing. But these cannot oc­ to shame; and goest not forth with cur if he should die. The Jewish ver­ our armies. Thou makest us to turn sion of Leeter renders verse 11 back from the enemy: and they "Lord, just listen through 13 as follows: which hate us spoil for themselves. Wilt thou display wonders to the Thou hast given us like sheep ap­ to this list of dead? Shall the departed arise and pointed for meat; and hast scat­ thank thee? Shall thy kindness be tered us among the heathen. Thou troubles I have. related in the grave? Thy faithful­ sellest thy people for nought, and ness in the place of corruption? dost not increase thy wealth by Help me before Shall thy wonders be acknowl­ their price. Thou makest us a re­ edged in the darkness? And thy proach to our neighbours, a scorn 1 die." righteousness in the land of forget­ and a derision to them that are fulness? round about us. Thou makest us a Once again, compare the above byword among the heathen, a shak­ with a straight parallel listing of the ing of the head among the people The next example is one of praise. questions: ( vv. 9-14). In Psalm 74, another Psalmist is re­ Will You perform miracles for Part of the list is easily seen as a set joicing by reminding God of the the dead? Will those, who are dead, of parallel expressions, both grammat­ many things He has done for His peo­ stand and give You thanks? Will ically and thought-wise, but not the ple. This praise list becomes more im­ Your mercy be proclaimed in the entire listing. Both the New Interna­ pressive when shown as a set of par­ grave? Will Your faithfulness be tional Version and the New Ameri­ allel expressions. Then the language named in the place of corruption? can Standard Bible have tried to cap­ would not obscure the sense. We Will Your power be known in the ture this listing in its entirety but do quote: darkness? Will Your goodness be not quite succeed. We quote: But you, O God, are my king spoken of in oblivion? Yet Thou hast rejected us and from of old; you bring salvation up­ As illustrated previously, the chang­ brought us to dishonor, and dost on the earth. It was you who split ing o f the language clarifies and not go out with our armies. Thou open the sea by your power; you heightens the meaning. dost cause us to turn back from the broke the heads of the monster in The final passage comes from adversary; and those who hate us the waters . . . and gave him as Psalm 109. In this psalm, we see the have taken spoil for themselves. food to the creatures of the desert. Psalmist calling for God to handle his Thou dost give us as sheep to be It was you who opened up springs enemy. Whereas we might refrain eaten, and hast scattered us among and streams; you dried up the ever from the asking of vengeance, we the nations. Thou dost sell Thy peo­ flowing rivers. The day is yours, should remember that the Psalmist is ple cheaply, and hast not profited and yours also the night; you estab­ giving the problem to God and then by their sale. Thou dost make us a lished the sun and moon. It was “forgetting” it. He will hold no future reproach to our neighbors, a scoff­ you who set all the boundaries of grudge as he knows that the problem ing and a derision to those around the earth; you made both summer has been given to the Lord. The New us. Thou dost make us a byword and winter (vv. 12-17). American Standard Bible renders among the nations, a laughingstock It is noted that whereas “You” be­ the passage as follows: among the peoples (vv. 9-14). gins most lines, there are several be­ Appoint a wicked man over him; Consider how much more effective ginning, “It was you,” and two which and let an accuser stand at his right the list might be if the entire set of begin with a conjunction. hand. When he is judged, let him complaints were in parallel form: Consider the following alternative: come forth guilty; and let his

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 15 prayer become sin. Let his days be penalty. But fundamentally the faith different as the situations are, in each few; let another take his office. Let of the writer comes through. That is we see the relationship of faith that his children be fatherless, and his what is important to us in the read­ the suffering writer has with his God. wife a widow. Let his children wan­ ing. In all of the lists reviewed, we have der about and beg; and let them seen evidence of a very close relation­ seek sustenance far from their ru­ ship between the w riter and the ined homes. Let the creditor seize Lord. No one else, we believe, could all that he has; and let strangers write as boldly and yet with such plunder the product of his labor. meaning in these situations. The re­ Let there be none to extend lov­ In times of structuring of the lines was intended ingkindness to him, nor any to be to heighten the intensity of the gracious to his fatherless children. distress, he could writer’s expressions and, in so doing, Let his posterity be cut off; in a fol­ to make his meaning clearer. What lowing generation let their name talk directly, even we observed in the change was the be blotted out. Let the iniquity of tremendous faith of each writer in his his fathers be remembered before argue, with God. direct presentations to God. Each the L o r d , and do not let the sin of writer, in effect, said, “Lord, here is his mother be blotted out. Let them my list. Now I want You to listen and be before the L o r d continually, that then to answer me. For I know You He may cut off their memory from are a God of compassion and under­ the earth (vv. 6-15). It is believed that changing the standing and that it pleases You to be Compare this with the following: structure to a parallel one greatly en­ able to show mercy to Your own. Lord, appoint a wicked man over hances the meaning and the emotion Thank You in advance for what You him, let Satan stand at his right of each passage referred to above. As will do. ” } hand; let him be guilty, in judg­ ment, let his prayer be sin. Let him die suddenly, let another take his office. Let his children become or­ phans, let his wife become a wid­ ow, let his children wander, beg­ ging; let them cry out, far from his ruined home. May the creditor go after all that he had, may strangers FOLKS ALWAYS FELT THEY GOT THEIR plunder his property. May no one MONEY’S WORTH FOR HEARING ONE OF continue kindness to him, may no PASTOR BUMBLETON'S SERMONS one give to his orphans. May his SAMSON GAVE posterity be uprooted, may their THOSE name be wiped out. May the Lord remember the guilt of his fathers, may the sin of his mother not be forgotten, may they ever be in front of the Lord, may his memory be gone from the earth. In looking at this severe list of “What You should do, Lord,” we might fail to realize that the writer be­ gan his plea from a position of weak­ ness and adversity. Even though we may not understand the vengeance characteristic of the Old Testament saint, we can rejoice that even in his listing and his cataloging of what he wanted done, he remained in fellow­ ship with his God. We could say that, as he was asking, he was not con­ sciously sinning with his request. Here was a troubled man committing to the Lord the future of the one wronging him. True, it is almost as if he wanted to provide a complete de­ scription of what should be done lest God forget or overlook any particular

16 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Are You the Perfect Preacher?

t times my husband becomes 4. If I work hard enough at preparing very frustrated as a pastor. my sermon, it will go perfectly. True or False A, Now, don’t get me wrong. His preaching is excellent; the mem­ 5. I feel embarrassed and resentful if bers are very responsive to God’s my members yawn or act bored dur­ Word; and he has many caring and ing worship. strong leaders in the church. True or False The reason he becomes frustrated is because he wants everything to be 6. I’m less of a person if I can’t perfect. He wants the sermon to go by Debra Fulghum Bruce preach the gospel so that all members smoothly, the congregational respons­ Pastor's wife, respond. es to be right on target, the choir to Jacksonville, Fla. True or False be perfect pitched, the leadership to be dynamic, and more. Is he asking If you are like Sam and Warren, you 7. If the members don’t come on too much? Yes, I think so! His frustra­ want everything perfect. You take to Sunday morning, I’m a failure at moti­ tion is a problem—one he must deal heart Jesus’ command to be perfect vating them. with each day. (Matt. 5:48). Not only do you strive How about you? Is your life per­ True or False for excellence in all you attempt, but fect? Is every detail of every moment also you want perfection in all areas 8. I think about leaving the pastorate fine-tuned so that each day is flaw­ for which you are responsible. Always sometimes because of the pressure I less? Do you spend days and nights struggling to achieve the best in create for myself. dwelling on the imperfections of the whatever you do, you are driven to previous day in order to avoid such True or False get ahead no matter what. While your mistakes in the future? In short, are calling to Christian discipleship de­ you a perfectionist? 9. I’m unsatisfied with myself if I feel mands that you do your best, a con­ Pastors who are perfectionists usu­ my sermon was only average. stant push for perfection can cause ally can’t handle change or failure in True or False undue stress, which results in hazards the church. Warren, a newly ordained to your mental and physical well-be­ minister and father o f three 10. If I do make a mistake, I scold ing. myself after church and feel miser­ preschoolers, told me, “I became so Look at the following questions. tired and overextended after preach­ able. How do you rate as the perfect ing every Sunday it began to show up preacher? True or False in my personality. I wanted every­ Recognize the Problem thing that happened during the wor­ 1. Am I unrealistic in my expecta­ ship to be perfect. And I didn’t have a tions of myself and others at the One of the biggest stumbling very Christian attitude toward my church, including staff members? blocks of trying to be perfect is that own children after church if some­ you develop unrealistic expectations True or False thing had gone wrong.” of yourself. These expectations can Other pastors who are perfection­ 2. If I make a mistake during wor­ become self-defeating when events ists talk about being their own best ship, the congregation will think I am and persons outside of your control critics. “I begin to feel like a failure if unprepared. thwart your perfection. my attempts at ministry aren’t perfect Having to be perfect may become a by my high standards,” Sam, an older True or False form of trying to earn your way into pastor, reported. “I reprimand myself God’s favor. In doing so, you may in hopes I will work harder on plan­ 3. Mispronouncing a word or forget­ block the grace of God in your life. ning or in following up on visitors. ting a Bible character’s name upsets Perfectionism can be a burden when But I become so moody and angry in­ me. you don’t allow yourself the risky ne­ side, no one can stand to be around True or False cessity of making mistakes. me.” DECEMBER/)ANUARY/FEBRUARY 17 See Perfectionism Through Faith membership to another church, I also your limitations, and work with The Bible recognizes perfectionism took it as a personal loss,” Warren them as best you can within the com­ as an issue for Christians. Jesus com­ said. “They had helped start my munity of faith. manded us to be perfect, yet Paul rec­ church. Did I do something to make ognized our imperfection: “For our them unhappy? Now that I look back, Grow Through Failure knowledge is imperfect and our I realize that they always enjoyed the In trying to break the perfectionist prophecy is imperfect; but when the church, but the new church was clos­ habit, you have to learn that it is all perfect comes, the imperfect will er to their neighborhood.” right to fail. Failure can lead to disap­ pass away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10, RSV). pointment and depression if not han­ Again Paul said that he was not al­ It’s All Right to Be Average dled in a positive way. Perfectionists ready perfect, but that he was press­ Allow yourself the privilege of be­ need to interpret a failure, not as a ing on to become something more ing average in some areas of your life. personal rejection, but as an opportu­ (see Phil. 3:7-14). Christians are to Athletes attest to the fact that they ex­ nity to grow. rate their abilities with sober judg­ cel in only a few sports because of Once you learn to risk failure and ment, each according to the degree the special development of the mus­ disappointment, you can begin to of faith apportioned by God to them cles required for each sport. Great grow. Many stories from the Bible (Rom. 12:3-8). golfers may be lousy football players. teach us how others dealt with per­ As a human being, you are imper­ Good writers may not know how to sonal tragedies and rose above them. fect. Yet as a person of faith, you are bake a layer cake. Similarly, if you are For example, Job’s struggles with liv­ pressing on to become something good at preaching, be average at ing give us insight into suffering and more than you are now. Knowing this something else in your life. It is really how faith in God can sustain us. Dur­ tension, you can begin to make some all right! If you are creative at telling ing times of failure and disappoint­ changes in your expectations of your­ Bible stories to the children, but can’t ment, God offers us comforting assur­ self. These changes can help you re­ stand organizing a financial crusade, ance, loving forgiveness, and lax so that you can enjoy God’s grace pull in someone with this skill to as­ tremendous strength. at work in you to bring you to whole­ sist you. ness and well-being. Paul says, “Having gifts that differ Learn to Laugh according to the grace given to us, let As you begin to accept your imper­ Cope with Perfectionism: us use them” (Rom. 12:6, RSV). He fection, learn to laugh at yourself. Set Goals and Priorities implies that you need to rely on oth­ There is probably nothing more diffi­ First, it is necessary to get our pri­ ers and their gifts as well as on your­ cult than to take yourself lightly. But orities straight in our personal lives. If self and your gifts. He also affirms in order to break the perfectionist you are overcommitted in other areas, your uniqueness and encourages you habit, you will need to stop taking initiate a plan to restructure where to use your special talents. Rejoice in every mistake so seriously. you spend your time. the gifts and endurance God is giving Get your priorities straight in your you. Also recognize and accept your Be at Peace with God life. One way to do this is to make limitations and the need to allow oth­ Finally, in breaking the perfection­ lists. Write down all of the activities, ers to exercise their gifts. ist habit, be at peace with God. God organizations, and commitments to Carl, a pastor of a church nearby, can fill any inadequacies or insecuri­ which you devote yourself. Be sure to loved music and also sang in the ties you feel in your life. God’s grace include tasks that you must do as well choir. In a moment of enthusiasm, he forgives you and frees you to live as activities that you do for your own accepted the assignment of taking with your imperfection. God’s love pleasure. When the list is complete, over the choir after the director took will strengthen you to move toward number the commitments according a leave of absence. perfection. Through daily prayer, Bi­ to their importance. Place a reason­ “I know nothing of directing,” Carl ble study, and fellowship with other able limit on the number and variety complained after a frustrating re­ Christians, you remember God’s pres­ of commitments that you make. hearsal. “Here I am, trying to count ence and can know yourself to be Set attainable goals for each area on beats, read notes, and teach lyrics at loved for who you are, not for what your list. Make sure that when you set the same time. Then I get uptight just you do or how well you do it. goals, you consider the time involved thinking about the sermon I have to So are you a perfectionist? If you are, to attain each goal. Don’t confuse dai­ write and the hospitals I need to visit. why not make plans now to slow ly, short-term, and long-term goals. I am overwhelmed and feel so inade­ down, get your personal life in order, When you set attainable goals, you in­ quate. Yet, I have a commitment to and let yourself make some mistakes. sure that the goals will be within your fill.” As the year ended, Carl gave up Remember the song “Jesus loves me! reach. Perfectionists usually try to his volunteer position and gratefully this I know, / For the Bible tells me so.” outdo the world by reaching for goals went back to being a member of the Radiating this love in the local church that are far too difficult. Then, when choir. is the pastor’s primary goal. Most im­ faced with failure, they feel personal Realize what strengths you do portant, learn to relax and enjoy each humiliation. have, and use these to the best advan­ day. Life is too short and too precious “When the Blakes moved their tage in Christ’s service. Understand to spend it trying to be perfect. t

18 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Christian Ministry

Chancy and a Little Bit Lonely

by Charles Dickson Freelance writer, Hickory, N.C.

few years back, Matt Dillon The conservative movement raised son as “the pastor” but have many hy­ of the popular television se­ issues about theological orthodoxy phenated titles to identify a particular ries “Gunsmoke” described and left questions in the mind of cler­ piece of the action. A his job: “I ’m the marshal, the gy first as to whom they could cooperate Even the sermon has changed. man they look for, and the last man with in joint ecumenical ventures. Time-honored quotes from Longfel­ they want to meet. It’s a chancy job, Even questions were raised as to low and Emerson, or even Napoleon, and it makes a man watchful . . . and which scriptural translations were ap­ have been replaced with new insights a little bit lonely.” propriate for worship services. The gleaned from the Wall Street Journal, Dillon’s words seem to express an present-day pastor remains affected Newsweek, or the local rock music apt description of present-day min­ by the strident call for social con­ station. istry. The enormous changes that sciousness and its attendant concerns The pastor has come a long way in have occurred in the past several of civil rights, liberation, and justice. the past decades. Ministry has been decades have left their mark on the Again the pastor gets often caught shaped and reshaped by many forces, pastoral office. Gordon MacDonald of midstream and finds it nearly impossi­ both from within and without the the Gordon-Conwell Theological Sem­ ble to keep the confidence of both church. These forces sometimes pro­ inary has identified five major trends advocates and reactionaries. duce tremendous opportunities for that have emerged in recent years, al­ Despite such tensions, new and ex­ good, but they are also not without tering the dynamics of ministry. citing vocabularies have developed. their dangers. For example, take the These trends, he says, are (1 ) the We now talk about multiple-staff min­ capacity of the electronic church to church renewal movement, (2) the istry, church-growth principles, and reach into people’s homes. That’s the proliferating parachurch groups, (3) management. These are being dealt good part. But what about its poten­ the charismatic movement, (4) a new with at a host of seminars, confer­ tial to intimidate the small parish pas­ separatism and conservatism, and (5) ences, and workshops. tor who has a rough time believing a call for social consciousness. Today’s pastor must deal with a that the local leadership can compete The renewal movement has mani­ ministry that has been segmented in­ with the multimillion-dollar glitz? fested itself in a call for more rele­ to specializations. We have clergy for There is much for today’s pastor to vance in preaching. One observer worship—or education, youth, mu­ feel excitement. There is also much said, “Clergy need to stop answering sic, counseling, and more. Many that needs the focus of his or her con­ questions people aren’t asking.” parishioners no longer refer to a per­ cern. Having found fulfillment in the There has been an increased empha­ call to ministry, the pastor should nat­ sis in Bible study and dialogue urally encourage other committed groups, which are indicative of the people to listen to God’s call. Keep in movement toward renewal. mind that those who answer such a Parachurch groups took on many call must be prepared for moments of forms, some of which called for more agony and ecstacy, but many more evangelistic fervor. Yet this reaching- times of routine in answering the call out spirit generally emphasized more of duty. near-to-home concerns with less in­ Today’s pastor lives with all these terest in cross-cultural ministries that tensions, filled with both opportuni­ seemed to appear more threatening. ties and dangers. Marshal Dillon had Then came the charismatic move­ it right. His job, as that of the pastor, ment to claim a new affinity for the is chancy and a little bit lonely. Those work of the Holy Spirit in such areas who love ministering to God’s peo­ as healing, revelation, and worship. ple, who have learned to accept both This caused some division in congre­ pressures and privileges, look forward gations between those with strong to the future with faith in Jesus. For feelings in both directions. Neither us who consider these things vital, side made it easy for the pastor, who we can confidently say, “Bring on was often caught in the middle. God’s future!” i

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 19 Pastoral Care

Healing Scars of Childhood Abuse

s a little girl, Andrea was the mas to minimize or repress these picture of beauty and inno- events for years. Then suddenly, in , cence. Secure with her par­ adulthood, they may encounter con­ Aents and eight brothers on a small fusing, often painful memories from farm that was her world, Andrea the past. loved the country. The memories can surface during “My dad was poor, but I loved him an unrelated trauma—being in an au­ and thought he was wonderful,” An­ tomobile accident, for instance, drea says. watching a violent movie, or hearing “I would run to him, and he'd lift about someone else’s abuse. Even me up to the ceiling. I felt so proud by Al Miles happy events can trigger difficult to be his only daughter. He called me Hospital minister, memories—getting married, having a his ‘ angel,’ his ‘ sweetheart,’ his The Queen’s Medical Center, child, or moving into a new home. ‘princess.’” Honolulu Other triggers might be a partner’s But when she was 13, Andrea’s fa­ request to engage in a new act or po­ ther added one more term of affec­ hated my dad. When Mom asked me sition during lovemaking or being tion. Lover. why, I was too ashamed to tell her. touched—even in a gentle way. “It was around 6 a .m ., already light Somehow I thought what he did was Andrea told her friend about her outside. I woke to find my dad lying my fault. I thought Mom wouldn’t be­ abuse. “I hadn’t planned to tell any­ on top of me, sucking my breasts. lieve me, or if she did, she’d hate one, but I felt safe enough to talk Scared to death, I hated him for what him. And I didn’t want to break up about it without feeling ashamed. I he was doing to me. Most 13-year- the family.” felt like I was the only one who had a olds were talking about boys, but I Church had always been important sick dad.” had this man—my father—damaging to Andrea. As a young adult, it be­ After her secret spilled out, Andrea me forever. came her refuge from the past. She fo­ realized she had to deal with it so that “I looked at the ceiling and prayed cused her energy into her spirituality. she could be healed and free from he would finish without going into In her mind, she recreated her father her past, knowing she was not at my underpants. When he didn’t, I felt into the man she wanted him to be. fault. lucky. The only words spoken were Her faith in God and involvement in when he said, ‘Nothing’s wrong with the church provided her with a deep How Prevalent Is Childhood what I did,’ and You don’t have to say sense o f peace. But the abuse she Sexual Abuse? anything to your mother about this.’ thought she’d left behind had never If Andrea were the only girl to be “When he walked out of my bed­ really been dealt with. sexually abused by an adult—even room, I thought I would hate him for­ Nearly 10 years later, married with one time—she would still be one too ever. I knew my life would never be two young children, Andrea and her many. But one out of every three fe­ the same. My mom continued work­ husband moved into a new home in a males will suffer some form of sexual ing nights, so I spent many sleepless large metropolitan suburb. They be­ abuse during their lives. nights after that, scared that Dad came successful in their professions Sexual abuse of children by adults would come in my room again. He and faithful members of a church. has a history that can be traced back never did, but I wanted someone to The secret of Andrea’s childhood sex­ to Bible times. No age, race, sex, so­ protect me.” ual abuse was 20 years and 100 miles cioeconomic group, or religion is For nearly 20 years, Andrea told no removed. Her life was at peace. spared this tragic history. one her terrible secret. Or so she thought. The stories told by survivors of sex­ “I coped,” she recalls, “by pretend­ One day while having brunch with ual abuse have often been discount­ ing it didn’t happen or minimizing its a friend, Andrea unexpectedly found ed, minimized, or ignored. Such re­ effects. I never forgot, but I told my­ herself talking, for the first time, sponses make victims feel more alone self it wasn’t that bad. It only hap­ about her abuse. than ever. pened once.” It is not unusual for victims of When we understand the dynamics “And yet,” she continues, “I really childhood sexual abuse or other trau­ of childhood sexual abuse and its on­

20 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE going effects on the victims, then his own. Family became central— when I developed a habit of always we’ll be able to begin providing sup­ even sacred—and he became the cen­ being five minutes late for everything. port and healing. ter of our family. He was both intelli­ Then I had to rush around to get Lynn Powers, a clinical psycholo­ gent and manipulative.” ready, and he would leave me alone. gist who, for more than 15 years, has He was also a child abuser. When Dad would be angry, but his anger worked with women abused as chil­ Susan was in the fifth grade, he began was easier to deal with than his ‘af­ dren, says that perpetrators of child­ a sexual relationship with her. fection. ’ hood sexual abuse are “people who “Dad took us children, by turn, on “The sexual abuse stopped when I have power over children. It could be his sales trips—it was supposed to be was a junior in high school, but the any adult, but it tends to be adults a special time to be alone with Dad. emotional incest never stopped. Dad closest to them—the people in their But during those times, he started never developed his own boundaries. own homes. It’s fathers, grandfathers, touching my private parts and asking Two years ago he sent me a negligee uncles, brothers, stepfathers, moth­ probing questions such as, ‘Does this for Christmas, and he still asks me if er’s boyfriends, teachers, baby-sitters, feel good?’ and ‘What turns you on?’ I’m alone when he calls me at night. the next-door neighbor.” This made me feel nervous, nauseous, To him this is not being inappropri­ In their book, I Never Told Anyone, and confused. He also started show­ ate. His actions make me both angry Ellen Bass and Louise Thornton write ing me pornography. and sad.” that 97 percent of the perpetrators For 12 years, Susan told no one are males. The Minnesota Depart­ about the sexual abuse. ment of Human Services Child Protec­ “My way of dealing with the secret tive Services reports that approxi­ It is not unusual was to forget it—to be part of the fa­ mately 85 percent o f the reported cade of the perfect family. I honestly cases are committed by persons for victims of did not remember the abuse.” known to the child and/or her family. At age 22, Susan began seminary So the places where a girl feels childhood and took a human sexuality course. most secure—in her home, church, On the first day, the group leader school, and among the people she sexual abuse to asked the students about their first trusts— are the places where she experience with masturbation. faces greater risks of sexual exploita­ minimize or “I cried the rest of the day. Every tion. time he’d come to me in the discus­ Though one out of every five boys repress these sion group, I’d start to cry. So he’d are also sexually abused, w e’ll focus skip over me. About two days later, I here on ministering to adult women events for told one of the leaders about my survivors. abuse. Crying all the time, I had no years. control over my emotions and be­ Susan’s Story came depressed. Not understanding Susan was the second of six chil­ what was going on, I planted myself dren, the older of two daughters. “By the time I was in seventh or on my professor’s doorstep. Finally I “We looked like the perfect family,” eighth grade, I was almost fully devel­ went into counseling.” she says. “Mom was Sunday School oped. Dad began abusing me even The following summer, Susan con­ superintendent and the president of a more. I became torn with confusion: fronted her father about what he’d church women’s group—a caring, part of me wanted to be his little girl, done to her. giving person who always said yes. denying the abuse, and part of me “I told Dad I remembered. He apol­ Dad was on the church council and didn’t trust him. ogized—and to him that simple apol­ taught Sunday School. He knew all “I also felt an immense guilt. When ogy made everything right. ‘I said I’m the influential people in town. All of my mother was angry with me, I sorry,’ he protested. ‘No big deal.’ us children were respectful and re­ thought it was because she knew. Or I “After that, anytime I brought the sponsible. We were always being pat­ thought she was jealous because he topic up, he would say, ‘You’re blow­ ted on the head and told how good paid so much attention to me. He ing it out of proportion.’ It became we were. would buy more for me than the other obvious to me that, in his mind, I had “We moved a lot when I was grow­ kids, which also made me feel guilty. I started the incest. ing up,” Susan recalls, “so I never had didn’t understand that I wasn’t respon­ “Dad justified his actions,” Susan any long-term friendships. I went to sible for the abuse. continues, “by talking about the in­ five grade schools and three high “Sunday morning became a danger­ cest of African pygmies or animals. schools. My father had a job in sales. ous time. With no senior high group Or he’d say it’s society that doesn’t Now I see that he was insecure. Any­ to attend at church, I would be left at accept incest. He even said the time anyone challenged him, he quit home with Dad while everyone else church was making me feel guilty. because he could get another job.” went to Sunday School. I would sleep “He offered to pay for my counsel­ She continues: “Our family was the until the last minute. Dad would of­ ing, but now when I ask him about it, only nucleus of people I was close to ten pull the covers off me and try to he denies his promise. He lives in his as a child. Dad isolated us from wake me. I felt terrified and pretend­ own reality, but it’s different than Mom’s family, and he had no family of ed to still be sleeping. I think that’s everyone else’s.”

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21 Perpetrators rarely take responsibil­ men in my life whom I love—my son, for her abuse. Remind her that she ity for the abuse they inflict. They are my brothers, my friends, and my hus­ was the victim of someone older and seldom remorseful for their actions. band. I have a lot of rage—sometimes more powerful than she. Many feel it is their right to do what it comes out jokingly, sometimes they want to any member of the fami­ pointedly. For a long time, I never un­ Watch your words. ly. Often they justify their actions or derstood why some women hated Some phrases meant to help the construct an elaborate system of men. Now I could be the leader of victim gain perspective may actually blame to trap or threaten their vic­ the pack. I’m much more sensitive to be harmful to her recovery. I try to tims. others’ abuse or rape.” avoid the following: Susan’s father had told her, “People It only happened once. wouldn’t understand if they knew Helping Victims Escape Their Past That was a long time ago. about our relationship. People look at Pastors have a unique opportunity It’s time fo r you to move beyond this differently, but I’m not doing any­ to help victims of childhood sexual this. thing wrong—I’m teaching you. Your abuse in their lifelong process of heal­ He said he was sorry. Forgive him mother is a cold person. Nobody ever ing. Here are some things we can do: and get on with your life. taught her. I’m trying to teach you to God wouldn’t want you to harbor Listen to her story. become more comfortable with your any resentment toward your per­ body so that you’ll have more to offer A survivor must be believed if she petrator. and can be a happier person. ” is to be healed. I f you were a mature Christian, “Everything was for my sake,” says you’d forgive him. Susan. “He diverted any guilt away He just made a mistake; we all do. from himself. He still believes he didn’t Such phrases discount or minimize do anything wrong.” One out of the victim’s story and make her a vic­ Lynn Powers says, “Some children tim again. are told they dreamed everything that every three “When you’ve been abused, you happened. We hear stories of sophis­ don’t have a lot of self-esteem or ticated brainwashing techniques. For females will trust,” says Andrea. “To hear these example, an abuser might say, Do kinds of responses knocks you one you know what happens to bad little suffer some step lower into the ground.” girls who tell on their daddies? I once knew one who was put in a closet’; form of sexual Keep the process open-ended. or ‘Her mother decided she was a bad It’s my nature when solving prob­ little girl and disowned her.’ They use abuse in lems to want closure. However, im­ language the child can understand so posing my own timeline or expecta­ that the child accepts the adult ver­ their lives. tions on the survivor can be sion of events. The messages are ex­ counterproductive. tremely powerful, so in many cases, Make referrals. they take a long time to get turned “When people reveal these tragic around.” events in their lives, the most impor­ Help the victim get to a therapist tant thing they need is to be be­ who specializes in sexual abuse. Ongoing Effects lieved,” says Powers. “They need When we re over our heads, we can Childhood sexual abuse can plague someone who can imagine what it hinder the healing process. However, a victim for the rest of her life. It in­ was like without reacting strongly. Be­ even after making this referral, we fluences the way she feels about and ing too sympathetic or too repulsed still have a responsibility as ministers reacts to situations, the way she se­ probably will not help. Strong emo­ to continue our love and support. lects friends or partners, the way she tional reactions generally don’t.” raises her children, and the way she If I as a minister think the perpetra­ The Question of Forgiveness views her relationship with God. tor might be innocent, I still will not Forgiveness is a complex issue, Andrea realizes the long-term effect invalidate the genuine feelings of the both psychologically and spiritually, of her abuse. woman. If I think she might be exag­ for survivors of childhood sexual “The abuse I endured still affects gerating, I never imply that she is. abuse. my self-esteem,” she says. “I think I’m Raising questions about excessive “Some find themselves differing on ugly. If I do anything wrong, I imme­ grief and pain undermines the healing the issue of the need for forgiveness,” diately feel dirty or bad. I want to be process. If she picks up signals from says Powers. “While many have found perfect at everything. But since I’m me that suggest she is out of control that forgiving perpetrators is essential not, I become angry and mean to my­ or making unfair accusations, she will for spiritual growth and union with self and others.” retreat and suppress her feelings even God, psychologists often tell victims “The abuse,” she continues, “affects deeper. Treating the symptoms will that forgiveness is on one end of a my relationships, my family dynamics, not take care of the deeper problem. healing continuum. Many of them feel my choice of a husband, and the way it is not necessary for recovery and I parent. I have a lot of hatred for Reassure the survivor. consequently do not push for it.” men. This is painful because it affects Let her know she is not to blame Since, however, many survivors

22 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE have been raised in a religious envi­ my concern is that their anger does “There is a sense of a child’s love ronment, they will often struggle not rule their lives.” being unconditional; that’s gospel to with the issue of forgiving their Survivors of sexual abuse need the me. I still love this man and probably abusers. They’ve been taught that for­ freedom to set the agenda, the tone, always will. He did good things for giveness is a Christian virtue—neces­ and the pacing for forgiveness to take me, and I needed to love him. But I sary to bring them into harmony with place. Andrea eventually confronted wish the love was two-sided. Until he God and others. her father, but she still struggles with recognizes the pain he caused, the As director of a transitional housing the question of forgiveness. love can’t be completely restored.” program for women, Nelda Rhoades “He acknowledged he did it. He Adult women survivors o f child­ Clarke has ministered with hundreds cried and said he was sorry,” Andrea re­ hood sexual abuse are all around us. of women recovering from alcohol, counts. “Then he asked if there was They sit in the pews of our churches; chemical, and sexual abuse. anything he could do to help me. I said, teach catechism, Sunday School, and “Women who have been sexually ‘You can’t help me because you hurt confirmation classes; serve on our abused struggle with what they have me.’ There was a lot of pain in that.” boards; sing in our choirs; and speak endured,” she says. “Being able to for­ Andrea remains confused about her from our pulpits. So did their perpe­ give will keep eating away at them, relationship with him, unsure of what trators. As pastors, the most effective especially if, as is so often the case, she wants. support we can offer survivors is to they are women of faith. When some­ “I still love him,” she says. “I still open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the one tells them they need to forgive want to take care of him. I’d like to pain they endure daily. t their abuser, they often think that go to his deathbed and say, ‘Dad, I for­ means they have to pretend it wasn’t give you,’ and have him die in peace This article first appeared in the summer 1992 issue so bad, that they should get on with and go to heaven. And yet, I think he o f Leadership Journal, and it is reprinted with per­ mission 1992 by Rev. A1 Miles. their lives and forget the abuse ever was so terrible to do that and every­ happened. thing else he did to me. I know he’s What Is Perpetrators rarely take Child Sexual responsibility for the abuse they inflict. Abuse?

Because experiences of sexual abuse affect a survivor’s ongoing “What happened to them is not sorry, but we will never really have a emotional and spiritual health, it OK,” Clarke insists. “Forgiveness does relationship. Still, I try to be kind to is helpful to know the full range not necessarily mean they have to re­ him and include him in family activi­ of past abuse that may cause her turn to a trusting relationship with ties, even if only so that my mom can problems today. Sexual abuse is the perpetrator. He may not be trust­ find peace. He looks so sad and lone­ not limited to intercourse. Some worthy.” ly in the corner when no one talks to of the other manifestations in­ Forgiveness may take different him. But if it were just me and my clude: forms. For some it means finding per­ dad and no one else, I don’t know if 1. Touching a child’s vagina, sonal peace. Others discover the per­ I’d ever talk to him or see him.” buttocks, breasts, or mouth in petrator, though disturbed, is a human My role as a minister is to remain a sexual manner. being as well. Some survivors experi­ with Andrea as she continues to ence forgiveness only when they can struggle. 2. Showing a child sexually forgive themselves and complete the Susan also struggles with the ques­ explicit material, including healing. According to Powers, “Some­ tion of forgiveness: “I can understand video, photographic, or print­ times a victim must accept the fact my father—his insecurities, pain, and ed forms. that as a child, she was powerless to his own abuse. I love him, and in a 3- Telling a child sexually ex­ prevent the abuse that occurred.” sense I forgive him for what hap­ plicit stories, even by letter or Anger is a natural part of this often pened because the memories are over the phone. lifelong process. “Women say,” con­ mine to deal with. But he continues 4. Recording a child sexually cludes Clarke, “‘I’m still angry be­ to be a problem. on film, audiotape, or video­ cause he continues to victimize me.’ “I don’t excuse his actions; I hold tape. “I tell these women, ‘Your anger is him accountable. He hasn’t corrected legitimate,’ and they find this helpful. what he did. Our relationship is still 5. Coercing a child, whether They’re often told, If you’ve forgiven, strained because he can’t be trusted. I physically or emotionally, to you shouldn’t keep thinking about it,’ end up getting sabotaged and hurt behave in a sexual manner. but they will continue to think about every time I go into it naively. I keep it and to have feelings. As a minister doing that.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 23 A Good Death

ro funerals are etched in my The clergy person plays a crucial mind. Not because of their role on this palliative care team. With similarities—for one honored the patient’s physical life coming to a T an 84-year-old woman, the other a 12- recognizable close, his spiritual well­ year-oid boy—but by the marked con­ being is of highest priority. trast in the circumstances that sur­ It is said, “There are no atheists in rounded each death. the foxhole.” The same is true of the The woman was my mother. She terminal hospital bed. “There are few had cancer. A week before her death, people who are not anxious to make I visited Mom in the hospital. I knew things straight with God when they she was dying; she knew she was dy­ by Darlene Polachic realize death is imminent,” observes ing. I wanted to talk to her about it, Freelance writer, one who has worked closely with a to ask her how she felt about death. Three Hills, Alta. number of palliative patients. Did she have fears? Were there things Being actively involved in a pastoral she wanted to see, or say, or do? I with the normal cycles of Jife.” capacity with a terminally ill person wanted to tell her how much I would According to Dr. Balfour M. Mount, requires a special sensitivity. Above miss her. I wanted to assure Mom I’d professor of surgery at Montreal’s all, it is essential to have a grasp of see her again—in heaven. But I did McGill University and director of the one’s own personal feelings about none of these things because I didn’t Palliative Care Unit at Royal Victoria death in order to understand how the know how. I began the 2,000-mile Hospital, “Western health care today dying person feels. journey home knowing it was unlike­ is, by and large, focused on investigat­ Consider these basic fears common ly I’d ever see my mother alive again. ing, diagnosing, prolonging life, and to every person facing the reality of I was right. Five days later she was curing.” Anything less smacks of fail­ death: gone. I hadn’t even said good-bye. ure. The other funeral was for a young­ Mount goes on to say: “The mo­ 1. Fear of the process of dying. ster in our community. Darren had ment must come when the medical Will the moment of death be leukemia, but unlike our family, Dar­ team accepts further treatment as painful? Will I feel anxious? Or afraid? ren’s had talked frankly and openly pointless. Then the emphasis can Wrote Jill Tyson in “Reflections of a about death. Darren was ready. He'd shift from curing and prolonging life Dying Patient”: “Thanks to an oblig­ discussed his thoughts, his wishes, to alleviation of suffering. The appro­ ing doctor and compassionate head his fears, and been affirmed and reas­ priate goal is treatment aimed at pro­ nurse, I’ve been allowed—more or sured by his family, his physician, and ducing the optimal quality of life less—to have control over the admin­ his pastor. He’d made his prepara­ when its duration is beyond control.” istration of my pain medication. What tions. His bicycle went to a friend This process is known as palliative a relief this has been! For my greatest who didn’t have one; other posses­ care. It recognizes that the needs of fear in dying was that the pain would sions were personally gifted to those dying persons are different from become more than I could bear.” he loved. When the moment of death those of the healthy. Hopes are more In reality, says Dr. Mount, “When became imminent, Darren’s family simple: the absence of pain and suf­ death comes, it is usually painless and gathered close so that he could say fering; family, friends, and a physician peaceful for the patient dying of a ma­ his good-byes. No one was forgotten. who won’t abandon them; reassur­ lignant disease. Mental and physical There was even an apology for a fami­ ance that they won’t die alone; a hos­ pain commonly recede during the last ly friend whom Darren feared he had pital bed when they need it; assur­ few days and almost always in the last hurt by something said during the ance regarding the welfare of loved hours.” course of his illness. Darren left no ones after they’re gone. Patients also fear loss of body im­ unfinished business. Unlike my moth­ While palliative care is sometimes age. This is of particular concern to er, he had a good death. carried on in the home, ideally it is cancer patients who can see their I am not alone in this inability to ar­ dispensed in a specialized in-hospital bodies being ravaged by the disease ticulate death. In the words of H. unit that is staffed by an interdiscipli­ as death approaches. Fiefel, a student of North American nary team of trained nurses, physi­ attitudes toward death, “We are a so­ cians, psychiatrist, therapists, a social 2. Fear of loss of control. ciety uniquely ill-equipped to deal worker or counselor, dietitian, trained As humans, we strive for indepen­ with death. We glorify youth and ex­ volunteers, and a member of the cler­ dence. Terminal illness obliterates it. pect modern medicine to triumph gy. Its aim is to provide active, com­ It affects fathers who can no longer over disease. To a great extent, we passionate care that meets not only care for their homes, children who have lost our sense o f faith and, the needs of the dying person but the can no longer play with their peers. through urbanization, our contact needs of the family as well. The patient under hospital care is fur­

24 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ther robbed of dignity by having his son looks back on life and wonders: “Depression is the most painful clothes taken away, and his medica­ Is the world a better place because part of the whole process, but it is al­ tions. He is told when he can have I’ve been here? What have I done to so necessary. For the person to have a meals and when he will receive per­ make me worth remembering? Or has good death, he must come to terms sonal care. He is told when he can my life been for naught? with dying. He must say, ‘Yes, me! have visitors and who can visit. Often To be effective in the role of spiri­ Now, what am I going to do about it?’ he is given little or no control over tual guide and counselor to the dying Preparatory grief takes place here. his own treatment. person, a pastor must be prepared to The dying person grieves for his own address these fears, not with cliches life. The counselor or caregiver can 3. Fear of what will happen to and pat assurances, but with insight, be most effective by offering a simple loved ones when I am gone. sincerity, and genuine Christ-love. Re­ touch of the hand and a patient, lov­ Who will care for my family? Will member, you don’t need to have all ing, listening ear.” there be enough money to put the the answers. Simply being there, ac­ Gradually the patient is able to con­ children through school? Will my knowledging the person’s pain, and sider the reality of death and to recog­ wife have to go back to work? How offering to share it in any way you nize that before he can have a good will my husband cope with the chil­ can is enough. death, there are things that have to be dren and the home without me? It also helps to know and recognize dealt with. the various stages of grieving through “Sometimes the person has to work 4. Fear of isolation and being which a dying person moves. on forgiveness. He may never have abandoned. “It is very difficult for people to reconciled with his own parent. Or The dying person fears that be­ come to grips with their own mortali­ he has an unresponsive child who he cause he is dying, friends and family ty,” says Elaine, a trained lay volunteer has perceived as being uncaring or will stay away. Patients sense isolation who has worked with a number of not there for him. He has to forgive. in the frequency and duration of visits palliative patients. “But that’s under­ “Others may have secret sins and in nonverbal body language, standable. It’s a part of the grieving they’ve never revealed to anyone. which communicates far more than process.” They still can’t tell the family, but we realize. Elaine is referring to Elizabeth they feel the need to tell someone be­ Ironically, when a patient is ac­ Kubler-Ross’s observations that in the fore they can satisfactorily relinquish knowledged as terminal, studies face o f impending death a patient life.” This, Elaine believes, is where show that a subtle change takes place goes through a predictable sequence the pastor or Christian volunteer can in caregiver attitudes. The medical of reactions. direct the person to Christ’s mercy team tends to adopt a halfhearted ap­ First, there is denial. It is the “No, and forgiveness. “I just let the Holy proach in seeing to the welfare of the not me” stage. Knowing you’re going Spirit work, and I do as He leads. Of­ dying. It takes longer for nurses to an­ to die, but not wanting to know. ten He will reveal some area of the swer the bell of a dying person than “The most helpful thing a friend or dying person’s life that needs to be that of a patient expected to recover. pastor can do for a person at this dealt with. The counselor can gently Nurses do not welcome assignments stage is to simply sit and listen. When steer the person toward committing to dying patients and find communi­ the person is ready, he will open up that matter to God.” cation with them awkward. As death and share his loneliness—sometimes Elaine remembers an atheist gentle­ approaches, physicians visit less of­ with words, sometimes with little ges­ man for whom she cared. “He’d been ten; nursing care decreases. The re­ tures or nonverbal communication. A deeply hurt by the church many years sult is exactly what the patient fears dying person needs someone to lis­ before. But now that he was dying, most—a sense of isolation and aban­ ten, someone to understand how he he wanted to find God. We started donment. or she feels,” Elaine observes. with ‘Our Father And, above all, the person fears dy­ After denial comes anger: “Why “Above all, the person at this stage ing alone. me?” needs to know he is deeply loved—by “There’s a lot of bitterness in the you and by God. He needs to be as­ 5. Fear of the unknown. person at this point, and biting com­ sured, and sometimes reassured, that Even for the Christian, there is a ments are often directed at the health God has indeed forgiven his sins. Of­ certain anxiety about what life after care professionals, even family and ten his illness has left him so physically death will be like and if, indeed, there friends. ” It helps the listener to under­ drained, he hasn’t the strength even to really is life after death. Even more stand if he tries to empathize with pray. He needs you to pray for him.” threatening is how much physical suf­ the patient—to put himself in the pa­ The dying one who has made his fering the person can expect to en­ tient’s shoes, to know how he would peace with God can then move on to dure prior to leaving this world for react if his career, his family activities, the final stage: acceptance. “Some do the next. his life itself was cut short by death. move to that point,” one palliative Then there’s bargaining. After hav­ care worker comments, “but I think it 6. Fear that one’s life has been ing lashed out in the anger stage, the is rare. I’ve been with some who just meaningless. dying person may try to make deals withdraw. . . . They’ve closed up to It has been said that death is the with God. “Bargaining,” says Elaine, coming to grips with what’s happen­ time when the mind’s own camera is “is the beginning of acceptance. And ing.’’ forever turned on self. The dying per­ close on its heels comes depression. “It’s a precious time,” Elaine says,

DECEMBER/JANIJARY/FEBRUARY 2 5 “when acceptance does happen. It’s like a final rest before the journey.” It is also the hardest time for the family. They are never quite able to Practical accept that their loved one is going to die. They don’t want to think about dying; they want to hang on to hope. A caring pastor will be a tremendous Dos and Don'ts support at this time. Part o f acceptance is relinquish­ ment, or letting go of things that have been precious during life. For some, it for will be loved ones—a husband, a wife, children. For the young person, it may be a dream that will never be fulfilled. For another, a well-loved career. Pastoral Visiting To complete relinquishment, the dying person— like Darren—may wish to say verbal good-byes to family 1. If you’ve arranged beforehand to visit, don’t break the date. It can members. be a big disappointment, even a message of rejection to the patient. “The family must be prepared for 2. Always identify yourself at the desk or nursing station before go­ this step,” Elaine warns. “It’s a very ing into someone’s room. traumatic time. But they have to be encouraged to keep in mind that the 3. Knock before entering a room, and walk in slowly. Look for clues person’s death is his own, and we as to what is going on. Is the privacy curtain drawn? Is the person under­ must respect his need to do certain going treatment? If the person appears to be sleeping, check with the things in order to have a good death.” staff. Sometimes people sleep out of boredom and really need a visitor. The final relinquishment for every 4. Identify yourself by name, and let the person know why you are person is of his life. “It’s hard. We hu­ here if the person is not well known to you. Use the person’s name when mans tend to cling to life. But for a addressing him or her. good death, the person must relin­ quish his life and trust his soul and 5. If at all possible, sit down so that eye contact is on the same level. spirit into God’s keeping. Then the Make sure you are in a position where you can be both seen and heard focus is on the life beyond.” In and that the patient doesn’t have the glare of a window or bright light Elaine’s experience, death usually fol­ shining in his or her eyes. lows very quickly. 6. Some illnesses or medications shorten the span of emotional reac­ Pastoral responsibility does not end tion and control. For example, someone will laugh or cry easily when a with the final graveside benediction. family name is mentioned, familiar hymns are heard, or a prayer is said. Now, as the family begins its own Know your limits. Be alert to the possibility of overexciting the patient. grieving process, it will need a gener­ 7. Keep the visit short, at least at the beginning, and watch for clues ous measure of understanding and that suggest it might be a good time for you to leave. For example: “I’m support. Discern who is the most vul­ waiting for the public health nurse.” “I’ve had a hard time today.” Con­ nerable family member, and give that versely, if you find yourself uncomfortable or having difficulty listening, person special love and attention. To terminate the visit. There is no need to stay a specific time. Sometimes, all the family, offer encouragement for a palliative patient, five minutes is a long time. and friendship by frequent calls and visits in the days and weeks that fol­ 8. Your role is one of companionship on the journey of life at this low their loved one’s passing. time. As a pastoral agent, you are invited to sustain and reconcile; yet it is Death is not an easy process, but it God’s action—sometimes mysterious and beyond human understand­ is appointed unto every man once to ing—which is at woric in human lives. Statements like “If you pray, God die. How that moment is approached will heal you” are out of place at this time. may, like my mother’s last days, be 9. Listen carefully. The person you are visiting will let you know shrouded by a conspiracy of silence. how much she or he is willing to share. Often a short, friendly visit is all Or it may be transformed through un­ that is needed or wanted. Your presence speaks loudly of the Christian derstanding, compassionate caring, commitment of caring. and wise pastoral counseling into a time of fulfillment and reconciliation. 10. The biggest gift you can offer is yourself. So look after your own In giving the dying one the opportu­ needs and concerns before you make the visit. For instance, if you receive nity to die with dignity, we clear the word of being laid off your job, you probably won’t be a lot of spiritual path for those left behind to come to help to the needy patient today. If problems are personal and serious grips with reality and their own sense enough to interfere with your visit, arrange to call another day. of mortality. 1

26 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Personal Funeral Profiles

eople attend funerals for very Faith: church activities, stories of personal reasons—because their faith they cared about the de­ For the profile, select details and P stories that highlight a specific aspect ceased. He meant something to them. Therefore the most comforting funer­ of his or her life. als incorporate both memories of the In Theresa Pointon’s profile, I deceased and the hope of Jesus’ victo­ shared these details, which highlight­ ry over the grave. ed her determination. They were Sharing the gospel is easy; person­ from the personal category of the in­ alizing a funeral can be more difficult. terview. What keeps most of us pastors from by Kenn Filkins “One day Theresa drove their Mod­ personalizing funeral messages is a Freelance writer, el T car up an icy knoll, only to have lack of knowledge of the deceased Farwell, Mich. it slip and slide back down the hill, and an uncertainty of how to present where the car wound up backward in what personal details we do know. details from three areas: your inter­ the road. After she got it stopped, she Preaching a personalized message view with the family, your knowledge simply slipped it into reverse and is not as difficult as you may suspect, of the deceased, and writings of the backed it up the hill. She was ahead even for people you have never met. family. Let’s see how to select materi­ of the game with front-wheel drive Let’s see how to glean personal de­ al from each area. cars.” tails and to organize them into a per­ For Chester Scott’s funeral, I shared sonalized funeral profile, also called a Details from the Interview these details, which demonstrated his biography or a eulogy. Your interview with the family and professional background. Most personalized funeral services friends is your richest resource for “Chester was born on December have three sections—the introduc­ the profile of the deceased. Before 26, 1902. As a lifetime resident of tion, the personal profile, and the ser­ every funeral, visit with the family Ora, Ind., Chester often worked sev­ mon. The introduction examines the and ask questions about the deceased en days a week to provide for his fam­ occasion of the funeral: “Why w e’re from five categories: ily. He drove a milk truck, then later here.” The profile focuses on the de­ Personal: childhood details and he ran a general grocery store and gas ceased. The sermon declares the memories station and became well known in hope we receive from Christ. Professional: his or her lifework the area for his mechanical abilities.” The profile is to the funeral what a Family: relationship with spouse, The fam ily category of the inter­ family room is to a home. A family children view revealed these details about Os­ room contains family portraits, snap­ Favorites: books, sports, songs, Bi­ car Taylor, Sr. shots, comfortable furniture, and fam­ ble verses “Oscar was a loving husband to ily memorabilia. A personal profile contains memories, word pictures, and comforting stories of the de­ ceased. Visualize the introduction as a porch of a home, the biography as the family room, and the sermon as the dining room. A funeral message without the gospel is like inviting a family to your home, getting acquaint­ ed with them in the family room, then sending them away empty. A fu­ neral sermon without a biography is like skipping the family room, going straight to the dinner table, then star­ ing at each other—like strangers seat­ ed together at a fast-food restaurant. But sharing memories of the de­ ceased opens the mourners’ hearts so that you can introduce a friend—Je­ sus. To create a personal profile, glean

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2 7 Martha, his wife of 54 years. During From the faith category of the inter­ chip cookies, though he cannot even the years of her illness, he was her view with Nellie Williamson’s family, turn on the oven. ” faithful companion as well as her eyes I selected this story. and hands. He had made a commit­ “Any account of Nellie’s life would Writings of the Deceased ment to love his wife. Love is a com­ be incomplete without mentioning and Family mitment to do what is best for the her faith in God and Jesus Christ as The writings of the deceased and other person. Oscar demonstrated her Savior. Her faith was demonstrat­ of the family can offer encourage­ that. Paul’s definition of love in 1 Co­ ed by her daily prayers for her family. ment and comfort to the mourners. rinthians 13 rings true with Oscar When Nellie lived with Patti’s family, For Clarence McCullough’s profile, I and Martha. . . . her room had an intercom connected read a recent letter sent to him from “Oscar learned how to cook—and with the rest o f the house. Nellie his son in California. It illustrated to cook well—during Martha’s illness. prayed her evening prayers aloud. their relationship and the son’s love She would tell him how to cook the One night she mistakenly left the in­ for his dad. At Mona Williams’ funeral, meal, and he would. He wasn’t afraid tercom on. When Nellie prayed for I read some poetry that her son, Don of new recipes either. Two of each family member in detail, her Williams, had written to her. Martha’s favorites were his pies and love poured out with every word. his pork steaks in mushroom gravy. One family member mentioned that it humbled her to hear Nellie’s positive prayer for her. “Much later, Patti told Nellie about that night. Nellie was a little shocked Your interview at first, then said, ‘Well, now you all Sharing memories know how I feel about you.’” with the family of the deceased Details from Your Knowledge and friends is your of the Deceased opens the The second-richest resource for the richest resource profile is your relationship with the mourners7 hearts deceased. Personal comments from for the profile of the minister are appropriate even so that you can when you’re not related to the family. the deceased. Consider this example from Mar­ introduce a guerite Prestin’s funeral profile. “On a personal note, I agree with friend—Jesus. many others who said that A1 and Margy easily befriended people. They befriended me. Less than two months In Katie Wild’s profile, I read her ago, I visited the Prestin home to de­ poem, “Smiles,” which showed her at­ liver a cookie and candy basket from titude about life and encouragement. the church’s Senior Saints’ group. I also quoted some stanzas of Katie’s “Oscar fulfilled his vow, ‘to love, While we visited, A1 told me about his poem called “Time,” which warned honor, cherish, and comfort her until past hunting experiences and how us to make the most of our time for death do you part.’ Oscar said, ‘I do.’ they both loved wild game. After I Jesus. And he did.” heard that, I promised to bring them During the months that Joan the next wild rabbit that my trained Presenting Personal Profiles Persinger struggled with cancer, her hawk would catch. Fortunately, my Now that you have gleaned details favorite hymn was “It Is Well with My hawk bagged four rabbits the next from the family interview, collected Soul,” by Horatio Spafford. Surprising­ day. When I arrived at their house, your personal comments and the fam­ ly, that hymn was written after Spaf­ they had just returned from one of ily’s writing for the personal profile, ford had lost all of his daughters to a their daily drives.” how do you organize it into a pre­ storm at sea. Later as he sailed across In Joan Persinger’s profile, I men­ sentable format? to Europe, he wrote these words tioned this story, which demonstrated First, remember to write and deliv­ when the ship neared the spot where the love between Joan and my oldest er the personal profile with a conver­ the storm had taken his daughters. son, Micaiah. sational tone. Speak as if you’re talk­ When peace like a river attendeth “At church, my three-year-old son, ing with a friend over coffee in his my way, Micaiah, would often sit with Joan. family room. Use eye contact and When sorrows like sea billows When she became too ill to come to your message’s tone to bridge the gap roll, church, he always asked about her. between you and the mourners. Whatever my lot, Thou hast One day recently, when we passed Organize the personal profile into taught me to say, their house, Micaiah said, ‘Joan doesn’t topics and themes in a loosely “It is well, it is well with my feel good. I’m going to make her some­ chronological order. Organizing the soul. ” thing.’ He was thinking of chocolate biography by themes gives you free­

2 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE dom to shape the direction of the gether, including the song, ‘Lord, You stopped to sell Katie some insurance. message. For example, the order of Are More Precious than Silver.’ Katie listened to her for a few min­ the themes in Katie Wild’s profile was “How was Katie Wild like this? She utes, then said, ‘I don’t know any­ crocheting, cooking, generosity, poet­ loved Jesus and His Church and spent thing about insurance, but I know ry, family, faith, evangelism, and heav­ her life striving to be like Him. She about Jesus. Let me tell you about en. Katie’s illustration of heaven be­ simply let her light shine for Jesus. Him.’ That insurance lady turned out came a perfect bridge to share about While most people carry a candle, to be Pat Mogg, whom Katie won to Jesus and His resurrection. Katie carried a torch. . . . Christ. As an example o f how personal “Katie believed in the hope and as­ profiles flow together, consider these surance of Jesus. When Grant was in excerpts from Katie’s funeral profile. high school, he asked, Mom, what is “Katie Wild was a Christian lady heaven like?’ with many talents and deep character. “Katie replied, Do you know what She expressed her concern for others Personal it’s like when you’re running the ball by crocheting afghans, lap blankets, in a football game and the crowd is and slippers for people in the nursing comments from yelling and cheering?’ home. Last year, she created hand­ “‘Yes,’ Grant replied. made doilies—each had the family’s the minister are “ Then you cross the goal line and name embroidered into it. everyone mobs you?’ “Katie was an excellent cook, espe­ appropriate. “‘Yes,’ he said. cially of wild game that Rayford “Then Katie said, That’s what brought home, but she never ate wild heaven is going to be like.’” game. She also enjoyed the Old Testa­ ment and told me that she experi­ Transition to the Gospel Message enced it on the day that Ray brought Following each biography is the home his first wild turkey, and I made “She carried at least four torches: transition statement that transports it into a burned sacrifice/’ Love, Generosity, Encouragement, the audience from the profile to the “Katie’s attitude about life is shown and the Gospel. I already mentioned sermon. in this poem she wrote called her love and her generosity. She en­ Many times the transition state­ ‘Smiles.’ . . . couraged others in many ways, in­ ment is as simple and direct as: “The “Many of you here have received cluding writing notes to the discour­ occasion that drew us all here today poetry that Katie wrote for your aged or depressed. Many people have reminds us of life’s most difficult birthday, family gatherings, retire­ mentioned Katie’s encouragement as question: ‘If a man dies, shall he live ment, or for the Gilmore church. the reason they first came to this again?”’ Katie’s wisdom shines through her church. When the stories in the profile two volumes of poetry. On Septem­ “Katie’s faith in Jesus gave her open the mourners’ hearts, it’s time ber 23 last year, she wrote these lines hope, which she shared with others. to introduce a friend—Jesus, who can from a poem called Time.’ . . . On the night she learned about her comfort them and give them hope. “Katie cherished her children and cancer, she said to her daughter, Bren­ And the stories o f Jesus are the grandchildren. She read to her grand­ da, If the Lord takes me tonight, I’m most comforting of all. * children book after book. Her home ready.’ The last time Katie was in the is filled with photos of her grandchil­ hospital, she said to her son, Grant, Adapted from Kenn Filkins’ book Comfort Those dren. Katie and her granddaughter, al­ Now maybe, I’ll see Jesus.’ Who Mourn, published by College Press o f Joplin, so called Katie, sang special music to- “Years ago, an insurance lady Mo. Pontius' Puddle I CAN WANGLE ITS LIFE BEFORE THE CONCEPT OF DEATH THAT "RtAU-Y LIFE AFTER DEATU HAS ME SNOOKERLS

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2 9 Holiness ______■______i______i The Sanctifying Work of the Spirit

"W^ut we ought always to I thank God for you, broth- CALLED TO BE HOLY ers loved by the Lord, be­ The call to holiness is conspicuous cause from the beginning God throughout both Old and New Testa­ chose you to be saved through ments. First, there is God’s call to His the sanctifying work o f the Spirit children to become like Him in His and through belief in the truth. holy nature (Lev. 11:44; 1 Pet. 1:15- He called you to this through our 16). And then there is the call of the gospel, that you might share in redeemed heart itself to be made the glory o f our Lord Jesus Christ. holy—an instinctive longing for puri­ by James W. Tharp (2 Thess. 2:13-14) ty that stems from the new nature in­ Christian leaders all over the world Editor, Christian Renewal, herited from Christ (Ps. 51:10; Matt. Bozeman, Mont. are reporting an unprecedented 5:6; Eph. 4:24). hunger in the hearts of God’s children for the fullness and power of the Holy feed hungry infants with the prepared The Meaning Spirit in their lives. This passion for Word. The gospel must be preached Holiness is a condition of moral the deeper things of God should not to saints as well as to sinners. wholeness. Sin is a moral disease that surprise us. The greatest evangelistic Our Christian gospel includes more entered the human family through harvest in the history of the Church is than justification by faith; it also in­ the disobedience of Adam, and it has taking place during this decade. We cludes sanctification by faith. The infected us all (Rom. 5:12, 19). A bib­ should expect that every new healthy apostle Paul declared that it was lical understanding of sin requires babe in Christ will have a ravenous ap­ God’s plan all along to include in our that it be treated as both a principle petite for more and more of the grace salvation “the sanctifying work of the and a practice. Sin involves character of God. The Church must be ready to Spirit.” as well as conduct. This is why the­ ologians speak of original sin and ac­ tual sin. Original sin means a condi­ tion of moral estrangement. Classic theology refers to natural man as be­ ing “totally depraved.” By actual sin we mean that all have made the choice to sin (Rom. 3:23). Our indi­ vidual sins cannot be charged to Adam; each of us must take responsi­ bility for his own sins. When God calls us to be holy, He is calling us to an inward purity as well as to an outward conduct of righ­ teousness. Christian holiness might be defined as “that state of spiritual wholeness wherein the believer is freely forgiven, abundantly alive unto God, graciously cleansed from all un­ righteousness, totally devoted to Christ as Lord and Savior, and mighti­ ly empowered for life and witness by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. ” The Means Sanctification is the divine grace by

3 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE which Christians are made holy. Holi­ evitably result from salvation, but Lord. We need His forgiveness for our ness and sanctification are related both justification and sanctification shallow and partial treatment of such terms, but they are not synonyms, de­ are the workings of the Holy Spirit— a comprehensive doctrine. We have spite such usage in some English both come by faith and not by works. all too often dealt with one aspect of translations of our New Testament. sanctification as if it were the whole. George Allen Turner explains the inti­ The Sanctification Controversy We have authorized messengers who macy of the terms: For over 1,900 years, the gospel of could not give a holistic presentation The relation of holiness to sancti­ Jesus Christ has addressed the prob­ o f this grace, and this has caused fication is that of noun to verb. Ho­ lem of sin in the hearts of believers. much of the confusion. liness is a state or condition of The consensus is clear among nearly sanctity; sanctification is a process all branches of the Church that sancti­ by which it occurs. Holiness is as­ fication is an important work of the sociated with being; sanctification Spirit in the soteriological process. Each of us with becoming. Holiness is the stat­ But the controversy heats up when ic concept; sanctification is the dy­ we get into the what, the when, and must take namic.1 the how fa r of the experience. God calls each of us to be saved Wesleyan-Arminians cannot ignore responsibility for through the sanctifying work of His the debate, but we really should be Spirit. This work begins in justifica­ more concerned at this hour about his own sins. tion, at which time the righteousness the confusion that permeates the of Christ is imputed to us and we are ranks of the holiness movement over Sound Wesleyan theologians have cleared of all guilt before God. This is the meaning of sanctification. Our faithfully pointed to the New Testa­ known as initial sanctification. preachers report that in their meet­ ment approach to sanctification with ings (revivals, camps, and chapel ser­ its three phases: positional, personal, vices), the most common request on and progressive. No one single aspect doctrinal issues is, “Can you help can be treated as the whole; the The greatest straighten me out on the meaning of whole cannot be presented if any one sanctification?” These inquirers are of the three is ignored. evangelistic for the most part men and women of The late Paul S. Rees, to whom this integrity. They aren’t cynical or back­ writer owes so very much, often harvest in the slidden, despite abuses and contradic­ spoke of our common sanctification tions they have suffered from sup­ in which we are declared holy provi­ history of the posed advocates of sanctification. If sionally, our crucial sanctification at this question is coming from our col­ which time we are made holy pene­ Church is taking legians, seminarians, and young pas­ tratively, and our continuous sanctifi­ tors (and some not so young!), imag­ cation as over a lifetime we are made ine the frustration that is represented even more holy progressively. place during in our churches over this doctrine. this decade. Little wonder that so many sigh in dis­ Positional Sanctification appointment when the preacher an­ Holiness people understandably Our new covenant gospel is a nounces that his subject is on sanctifi­ shy away from the more Calvinistic gospel of grace, but it never proposes cation. tradition of provisionalism when it a justification of “cheap grace,” as Die­ comes to the doctrine of sanctifica­ The Sanctification Commitment trich Bonhoeffer warned against.2 tion. We simply don’t like such a ca­ Christ’s atonement addresses both The Wesleyan movement with its sual (and sometimes presumptuous) original sin and actual sin. His gospel special commitment to the truth of response to the biblical call to holi­ never offers justifying grace apart sanctification has an urgent obligation ness. Nevertheless, we must join our from the divine purpose of sanctify­ to address this confusion. The hunger Calvinist friends in the understanding ing grace. If justification is that act of for holiness of heart today is transde- that, once we are in Christ, there is a grace whereby the believing sinner is nominational, but it would be tragic judicial cancellation of all sin. The be­ cleared from the condemnation of for those of us who profess this theo­ liever has eternal life at the point of sin, then sanctification is that act of logical distinctive to lose our voice at believing—then and there! He does grace whereby the believing child of this critical hour. We must pray for in­ not await full acceptance in the fami­ God is cleansed from the condition formed and inflamed messengers ly of God at some future experience o f sin. who will powerfully, joyously, and in­ of cleansing. Christ is “our righteous­ telligently communicate the good ness, holiness and redemption” (1 n news of the sanctifying work of the Cor. 1:30). While the Word plainly SANCTIFIED BY FAITH Spirit to saints and sinners every­ states that “without holiness no one Justification by faith must lead to where. will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14), we sanctification by faith. True justifica­ Our renewed commitment to the need to see from the Scriptures that tion is never completed by a sanctifi­ doctrine of sanctification might well God graciously imputes holiness be­ cation of works. Good works will in­ begin in a spirit of humility before the fore He imparts it. The penitent thief

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 31 on the cross was told by Jesus, “To­ grounds, but she concedes that there ing must be drenched and driven by day you will be with me in paradise” is only one text in the Bible (1 Thess. intercessory prayer. It requires prayer (Luke 23:43). Sanctification begins in 5:23) that refers to “entire sanctifica­ to get people saved; it requires more justification. We are declared holy be­ tion.” And she is quick to note that prayer to get them sanctified. Paul cause we are in Christ. But let us not even here it is not sanctification that was a great holiness preacher, but he forget that those who are in Christ is qualified by “entire,” but rather the lived on his knees in order that Chris­ are “called to be ho!y” (l Cor. 1:2). persons participating in sanctifica­ tians might discover the fullness of tion—they are to bring their whole God’s grace (Eph. 1:15-21; 3:14-21; Personal Sanctification beings into this holy and moral union Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-12; 1:28—2:5; 1 Committed followers of Christ can­ with God.4 Thess. 1:2; 3:11-13; 5:23; 2 Thess. not view sanctification as strictly pro­ Regardless of our terminology, the 1:11-12; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 1:3-14). visional. They must not ignore the Church must teach and preach—and Doctrine alone does not make a holi­ need of their own sinful hearts and believers must be brought into—an ness church; prayer must prepare the the promise of their Heavenly Father instantaneous faith experience in way for the Spirit of holiness to do to cleanse His children from all un­ which the sanctifying work of the His work. righteousness (1 John 1:7-9). Spirit is definite: the power of the The experience of appropriating Cross must be allowed to crucify the by faith the promise of heart purity self-mind, which would rebel against was called “entire sanctification” by God and mar the image o f Christ Wesley never John Wesley. When he challenged be­ (Eph. 4:22-23; Rom. 8:4-14); the dou­ lievers to be sanctified wholly, some ble-minded heart must be integrated intended the term responded that they were already to worship and serve God in a single- sanctified in that they were justified hearted purpose (James 4:8); and the of entire by faith. Wesley agreed that they children of God must be empowered were sanctified provisionally, but he to love (which is the essence of holi­ sanctification to affirmed that they were also called to ness)—to love God with all their inner cleansing—an aspect of sanctifi­ heart (Matt. 22:37), to love their mean anything cation distinct from what they had al­ brothers and sisters even as Christ ready experienced. loves them (J o h n 13:34-35), and to other than a even love their enemies (Matt. 5:44- 45). Such love comes from God—it is relative poured into and flows out of sancti­ We should be fied vessels by the power of the Holy evangelical Spirit (Rom. 5:5). perfection. concerned about Progressive Sanctification the confusion The sanctifying work of the Spirit m does not end with a crisis; beyond FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT that permeates His crucial work of the moment is Our text makes it clear that the ex­ His constant work of a lifetime. “And perience of God’s sanctifying work is the ranks of we, who with unveiled faces all re­ not an end in itself. The ultimate pur­ flect the Lord’s glory, are being trans­ pose is that we “might share in the the holiness formed into his likeness with ever-in- glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The creasing glory, which comes from the apostle loved to talk and write about movement over Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). “the riches of Christ’s glory.’Jesus ex­ Paul Rees insisted that crisis sanctifi­ plained to His disciples how He the meaning of cation must blend into process sancti­ would be glorified by the Spirit’s fication: working in them to reveal His wisdom sanctification. The earnest Christian life is a and purpose and power (John 16:14). perpetual paradox o f gift and At Pentecost, the fullness of the In a conference held June 16, 1747, growth, of arrival and non-arrival, Holy Spirit released early Christians to Wesley and his colleagues coined the of perfection and imperfection: a share in the glory and pow er o f term entire sanctification to desig­ gift o f radical cleansing and a Christ. Every believer today who is se­ nate that spiritual crisis occurs when growth in radiant Christlikeness.5 rious about the glory of Christ in his a believer is “wholly sanctified.”5 De­ To our renewed commitment to life should prayerfully make a New spite its connotation of an absolute the sanctifying work of the Spirit Testament study of the word fullness sinless perfection, Wesley never in­ there is another ingredient that must as it pertains to the power o f the tended the term of entire sanctifica­ be added to humility and a clear pre­ Holy Spirit to demonstrate the glory tion to mean anything other than a sentation o f the doctrine—that of of Christ in the Church. relative evangelical perfection. Mil­ prayer. If we are to see believers sanc­ dred Bangs Wynkoop defends Wes­ tified, we must do more than present The Concept of Fullness ley’s use of the term on expedient a doctrine; our preaching and teach­ Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit”

32 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE (Luke 4:1). On the Day of Pentecost, beyond measure; and (3) it is in the full of the Holy Spirit. Read the Book the Upper Room believers “were present tense, meaning that the ac­ of Acts, and you will catch the profile filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). tion must be continuous—it must be of a praying Church—a people full of And throughout the Book of Acts we repeated again and again and again. the Holy Spirit. note various forms of the term that A proper translation of the text The experiences of prayer and the witness to the divine enablement that might well be, “Keep on being filled renewings of the Spirit are so interre­ Christ had promised. with the Spirit.” lated that sometimes we are confused What does it mean to be “full of about the cause and the effect. The the Holy Spirit” in the New Testa­ truth is that only praying hearts are ment sense? Richard S. Taylor com­ filled with the Spirit. And it is equally ments on the most commonly used true that only Spirit-filled hearts can words to express the fullness of the It requires prayer prevail in prayer. Holy Spirit: Churches are not revived through They suggest completion, full of, to get people preaching alone; it takes prayer, Spir­ wholly occupied with, completely it-anointed prayer. May the baptizing under the influence of. To be filled saved; it requires fullness o f the Holy Spirit set our with the Spirit may be said (a ) to hearts on fire to pray! May God raise find our personal fulfillment in more prayer to get up in all of our churches a good num­ Him, ( b) to be pervaded by His ber of Upper Room intercessors who presence, and (c) to be completely them sanctified. will weep and pray and fast for a under His influence.6 mighty holiness revival—the kind The Cost of Fullness that will feature the sanctifying work The Command of Fullness Salvation in all of its aspects is of­ of the Spirit and show forth the glory The apostle Paul commanded fered freely to the believer—all by of Christ! * Christians to “be filled with the Spir­ faith. But let us never interpret God’s it” (Eph. 5:18). Greek scholars insist grace as meaning that He requires that this text be studied carefully, nothing from us—no obedience, no 1. George Allen Turner, The Vision Which Trans­ form s (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1964), 32. and that at least three things be not­ self-denial, no purity of heart, no wor­ 2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship ed about its verb: (1) it is in the im­ ship, no love. There is a price tag on (Macmillan Publishing Co., 1963), 45-60. perative mood, meaning that being the fullness and power of the Holy 3. John Wesley, The Works o f John Wesley, 3rd ed., 14 vols. (1872, reprint; Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press filled with the Spirit is not a mere Spirit, which is clearly marked o f Kansas City, 1978-79), 11:388. human suggestion but a divine com­ throughout the New Testament. The 4. Mildred Bangs Wynkoop, A Theology o f Love (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1972), mand; (2) it is in the passive voice, problem is that too many Christians 304, 308. meaning that we are to let (allow, are shopping for bargains. 5. Paul S. Rees, Men of Action in the Book of Acts give consent to) the Spirit fill us— In essence, the cost of divine full­ (Reveil, 1966), 89. 6. Richard S. Taylor, Exploring Christian Holiness, our yielding to Him without reserva­ ness is prayer. Jesus devoted himself vol. 3, The Theological Formulation (Kansas City: tion is the condition of His filling us to prayer above all else, and He was Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1985), 188.

BEYOND BELIEF

W Ort 'Itf Art RBSUf-’R’ECTiO ti I MOKWlW' uOHfctf -THE I DEAD 1H CUfcW SHAU- f?lSE ... <£>t«Ho <£>t«Ho crocc

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 33 Theology

The Value of Infant Baptism

s there a place for infant baptism emphasis upon baptism was a re­ in today’s church? In my per­ sponse to the gospel message and en­ I sonal experience, the practice trance into the new covenant. It is seldom, if ever, seen. Most of the played the role of proselyte baptism. time parents have chosen the ritual If the tradition was carried over from of infant dedication over baptism. Judaism, infants would have been Why? Is dedication more biblical baptized as well. than baptism? Is infant baptism a rite This practice of baptism was con­ that went down with the seven tinued in the missionary activity of sacraments of the Roman Catholic the Early Church. When Paul went to church? Is there any value in infant by John W. Dally Philippi, he met Lydia. After speaking baptism? Pastor, Church of the Nazarene, with her, she opened her heart to Most Protestants reject infant bap­ Burbank, Calif. Paul’s message. She, along with “the tism as a holdover from the Catholic members of her household,” were church. There infants are baptized to Was infant baptism practiced baptized (Acts 16:15). The term assure them passage into heaven. in Judaism? “household” in its use specifically in­ Some of our Catholic friends believe Within the Judeo-Christian history, cluded children.3 that they are assured heaven solely baptism was practiced in the nation When Paul and Silas were arrested because they were baptized as in­ of Israel. The rite of baptism indicat­ and placed in jail, an earthquake hit fants. But many people are surprised ed “washing” or “cleansing.” Scripture and everybody’s chains fell off. The to find that infant baptism has always references are found in the Old Testa­ jailer, fearing a mass escape, drew his been in the church and can be traced ment in Exod. 30:17-21; Lev. 11:25; sword in an attempt to commit sui­ back not only to John Wesley, who 15:8; and 17:15. There is further men­ cide. Paul prevented him and the jail­ defended the practice, but to the tion of baptism in Num. 19:17-18 and er was converted. As evidence of his foundations of the Church and all the 31:22-23. conversion, the jailer and all of his way back to Judaism. For the most part, baptism was family, literally “his own,” were bap­ In our society, we are greatly influ­ used for the assimilation of proselytes tized (Acts 16:33). enced by the Reformed traditions. into the Jewish community.1 It was a When Paul went to Corinth, his Those of that persuasion believe that rite of initiation. This proselyte bap­ work resulted in the conversion of salvation can come only by a mature, tism was not limited to adults. Ac­ the synagogue leader, Crispus. In re­ conscious decision to follow Jesus. cording to the Mishnah, the collec­ sponse to his conversion, he and all Baptism is the act of a believer to tion of Jewish oral tradition, children of his “household” were baptized. Be­ show the community that he is a con­ were baptized as well. Children of ing a synagogue leader, he would vert. To baptize an infant, who can­ converts entering the Jewish commu­ have been familiar with the Jewish not testify to conversion nor under­ nity were baptized along with their proselyte baptism. Baptism of infants stand the meaning of the ritual, is fathers.2 As for children born to par­ would not be a foreign idea to him. meaningless. The only result is a wet ents already in the community, the This fact would be supported by the infant. However, in the Wesleyan tra­ rite of circumcision was performed use again of the term “household” dition, we can find that there is a spe­ on the eighth day in recognition of (Acts 18:8). Paul again uses the term cial meaning to the ritual of infant his rightful place in the covenant “household” in reference to Stephanas baptism, one that should encourage community. (1 Cor. 1:16). us to present infant baptism as an op­ Based upon the Scriptures, it is ap­ tion to parents who want their child Was infant baptism practiced parent that infant baptism may have to have the best possible opportunity in the primitive Church? been practiced in the primitive to grow up as a Christian. The rite of baptism was carried in­ Church. To appreciate the practice of infant to the Church on the Day of Pente­ baptism, we need to understand its cost. On that day, following the ser­ What about infants born roots. We find these roots in Scripture mon by Peter, 3,000 people were into Christian families? and tradition. baptized (Acts 2:41). At this time, the In the Old Testament community,

34 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE every male child was circumcised on child born into the community, them was Urich Zwingli. As a com­ the eighth day, signifying his member­ who by that token became also a plete departure from the idea of ship in the community and as a recip­ member of the Christian Communi­ sacrament, he despiritualized the ient of the blessings of the covenant. ty.6 rites. Communion became a memori­ This practice would have been con­ al only, and baptism remained an ini­ tinued by the Jewish Christians of the tiatory ritual into the community. Yet primitive Church. However, as the Zwingli held to infant baptism for Church spread into the Gentile children as membership into the . world, circumcision was abandoned. community just as circumcision was The apostle Paul reveals a develop­ to the Jewish child.9 ment of the new covenant communi­ There is a The first to truly object to infant ty that replaces the Jewish rite of cir­ baptism were the Anabaptists. The cumcision with baptism. This can be special meaning Anabaptists were named for their seen in Col. 2:11-12: “In him you practice of rebaptizing adults who were also circumcised, in the putting to the ritual of were baptized as infants. They held to off of the sinful nature, not with a cir­ only the proselyte meaning of bap­ cumcision done by the hands of men infant baptism. tism. Their belief stated that baptism but with the circumcision done by was a response to the personal expe­ Christ, having been buried with him rience of salvation. A child does not in baptism and raised with him have that experience; therefore the through your faith in the power of ▼ rite is worthless.10 Their doctrine of God, who raised him from the dead.” baptism was rejected by the Protes­ The issue of circumcision became tant churches of that day, and it re­ As it can be seen, the idea of infant an issue o f the Jerusalem council sulted in terrible persecution for the baptism was taken as an invitation in­ (Acts 15). It was decided there that Anabaptists. to the community in the same man­ circumcision would no longer be re­ ner as circumcision was used in Is­ quired. This left only baptism as a How has infant baptism changed rael. It was view ed as one o f the since the Reformation? sign of the new covenant. The result seven sacraments of the church, By the time of John Wesley, there was a blending o f two rituals into which included marriage and commu­ was a definite division over the issue. one, proselyte baptism and circumci­ nion. sion into one ritual of Christian bap­ Some followed the idea of proselyte tism. What of infant baptism baptism. Following the Anabaptists, in the Reformation? baptism remained for those who Was infant baptism practiced With the coming of the Reforma­ made a conscious decision to join the in the Early Church? tion, there were many changes in the church. Only adults could make such The Early Church fathers provide a rituals of the church but not in regard a decision (be converted, i.e., be clear witness to the rite of infant bap­ to the practice of infant baptism. Mar­ proselytized); therefore only adult tism. In the writings o f Polycarp, tin Luther defined sacrament as an baptism was recognized. The other Justin Martyr, and Polycrates, we find outward sign of an inward grace, in­ view followed the circumcision tradi­ mention of their discipleship and stituted by Christ and exclusively tion, which viewed baptism more membership in the Church, which Christian.7 To Luther, faith was the broadly as a sign of the covenant they date back to their infancy. Since operative of the sacrament; without community. Anyone born into a baptism was the sign of membership it, there was no effect. Yet Luther Christian home would be, by birth, a in the Church, they were thus bap­ maintained infant baptism. He ex­ member of that community and enti­ tized as infants. Origen wrote that in­ plained it by defining faith as awake tled to infant baptism. fant baptism was handed down from or asleep. God provided faith; it was Even though John Calvin recog­ the apostles.4 John Wesley cites the up to man to respond and use it. In a nized infant baptism, the Reformers witness of St. Austin, St. Cyprian, child, the faith existed but was not who followed him took the position Athanasius, and Chrysostom.5 yet realized; faith was asleep. There­ of the Anabaptists and recognized on­ Roland Bainton explains the impor­ fore, the child was baptized in recog­ ly adult baptism. The Anglicans and tance of baptism and infant baptism nition of that grace present. He later other churches (often referred to as in the pre-Reformation church. “held that the child was sustained by the High Churches) continued the Baptism, the first of the Sacra­ the faith of the sponsor because chil­ practice. John Wesley, being an Angli­ ments, washes away all previous dren are from the outset participants can, supported infant baptism. The sin, confers membership in the in the life of the Christian Communi­ influence of James Arminius on John Christian Community, is ineradica­ ty.”8 Luther saw infant baptism in the Wesley supported his position, for ble, and confers rights over the light of membership in the communi­ Arminius was also on the side of in­ children of the baptized, even ty as well as the recognition of im­ fant baptism.11 though the baptism be subsequent­ parted grace, not yet realized. ly repudiated, as sometimes hap­ Following the break between the Does infant baptism have any pened after forced conversion; bap­ Catholic church and the followers of place in today’s church? tism was conferred upon every Luther came the Reformers. Among Today, due to the strong influence

d e c e m b e r /f a n u a r y /f e b r u a r y 35 from the Reformed denominations, that until that time he is not a Chris­ dren. Infant baptism is a biblical, tra­ most Christians in America follow the tian. Not being a Christian means that ditional, rational, and often effective understanding o f proselyte baptism. he is not part of the community of be­ means to incorporate our children in­ Infant dedication has replaced infant lievers and, therefore, is in some way to the covenant community. baptism for most Christians. For this either a probational member or not a Another element relates to out­ reason, most Christians do not under­ member at all. Although this may not reach. I have had parents come from stand, nor do they appreciate, the val­ be stated, it is the impression given.13 our preschool, seeking to do some­ ue of infant baptism. They have This has resulted in young people thing religious for their child. I feel missed the important issue o f com­ growing up in uncertainty about their that I cannot perform a dedication be­ munity and a rich, meaningful tradi­ place in the church as well as their re­ cause often they do not belong to a tion o f the church. There are good lationship with God. It can be partly church, or they would have gone reasons to maintain the practice to­ to blame for the exodus of teens from there. Yet I feel that I want to give day. the church. After all, they were never some ray o f hope for the child. Bap­ Theologically, infant baptism recog­ part of the church. They just decided tism would recognize God’s grace al­ nizes the important belief that every not to decide. ready given, not parental intent; there­ child is born under the grace of God. fore the ritual would have meaning. It is held that if a child should die be­ These opportunities have also provid­ fore the age of accountability, his or ed me opportunity to share the love her spirit will be ushered into the and grace of God. What parent would presence o f God. We also believe in not find it comforting to learn that prevenient grace, that is, the grace God cares for his or her child? This has bestowed upon every human being Most Christians do proven to be an open door to evange­ by God, allowing him to respond to lize the parents who have not known the wooing o f the Holy Spirit. With not understand God as a loving and forgiving God. the idea that baptism is an outward What is the value o f infant baptism? sign of an inward grace, we are giving nor do they The value is the rich heritage that it recognition to God’s grace already be­ represents, a demonstration of our stowed on the child at birth. Where appreciate the theological beliefs in prevenient infant dedication testifies to the in­ grace, and a practical instrument for tent of the parents to raise the child value of infant maintaining our youth and evangeliz­ in a Christian home, infant baptism ing parents. * recognizes the act o f God’s grace up­ baptism. on the child. Where dedication is an 1. George Arthur Buttrick, ed., The Interpreter’s act of man, infant baptism recognizes Dictionary o f the Bible (IDB) (Nashville: Abingdon an act o f God. Press, 1984), 1:384. Some reject infant baptism because 2. For a complete discussion of the Mishnah and in­ fant baptism see Gerhard Kittel, ed., Geoffrey W. it is believed to be a guarantee of sal­ Bromiley, trans., Theological Dictionary o f the New vation. However, infant baptism does Testament (TDNT) (Grand Rapids: Win. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1967), 5:648. not guarantee the ultimate salvation A child who has been baptized, in 3. Buttrick, IDB 1:352. See also Kittel, TDNT 5:130. of the child. It only gives recognition recognition o f God’s grace and as ini­ 4. Buttrick, IDB 1:352. to the relationship that exists in tiation into the covenant community, 5. John Wesley, The Works o f John Wesley (Works), 3rd ed., 14 vols. (1872, reprint; Kansas City: Beacon God’s grace and “points forward to is not left with the decision to estab­ Hill Press o f Kansas City, 1978-79), 10:197. his (her) personal appropriation of lish a relationship. They are given op­ 6. Roland H. Bainton, The Reformation o f the Six­ the benefits of the Atonement when portunity to maintain the relationship teenth Century (Boston: Beacon Press, 1952), 10. 7. Ibid., 46. he (she) reaches the age of moral ac­ that already exists. It is more likely 8. Ibid., 50. countability and exercises conscious that a person will maintain a relation­ 9. Ibid., 89. saving faith in Jesus Christ.”12 10. Ibid., 98. ship already established than to initi­ 11. For a full understanding of John Wesley’s view There is a practical side to infant ate a relationship that did not exist. on infant baptism see his “Treatise on Baptism,” in baptism as well. It has been the view In a day when our children are be­ Works 10:188-201. 12. Manual of the Church of the Nazarene that until a person comes to under­ ing stolen from the church by televi­ (Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House, 1993), 232. stand and accept Christ as his or her sion, music, movies, schools, and 13- To illustrate the inconsistencies o f this view, I personal Savior, he or she is not a peers, can w e afford to leave it up to knew o f parents who would only accept adult bap­ tism because a child cannot “understand” the mean­ Christian. Therefore, we hear of our children to make the right deci­ ing o f being a Christian. Yet when their child came mothers praying that one day they sion when they reach the age of ac­ home from kindergarten Sunday School class and will see their child “become” a Chris­ told them that he had become a Christian, they were countability? We need to take every elated. Just how much can a kindergartner under­ tian. The message sent to the child is opportunity to hold on to our chil­ stand?

36 TOE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Chaplaincy

Chaplains in the Storm

by Victor M. Parachin Freelance writer, Virginia Beach, Va.

n the early, moonless morning of him the story. He said, ‘I have a little involved in war, a closeness to God January 17, 1991, diplom acy brother that age.’” and a deeper spiritual sense was ended and the Gulf War began. deepened for many troops. Lt. Frank I Questions Johnson describes ministry in the Americans were riveted to their tele­ vision sets, deeply concerned for the For many troops this was their first Gulf as “phenomenal.” more than 100,000 American troops, engagement in war. Where previous When he held his first service, “Over women and men, who were in Saudi military maneuvers were practice ses­ 150 men showed up in the cold, driz­ Arabia. sions, this was the real thing. As a re­ zling rain to worship God. Over the Largely unknown to the American sult, chaplains found themselves be­ next few weeks it was not unusual for public is the fact that stationed side ing asked a variety of moral, large crowds to gather for worship re­ by side with the troops were some philosophical, and theological ques­ gardless of the inclement weather. This 200 military chaplains. Uniformed but tions about war. was a sign that God was at work in their unarmed noncombatants, the chap­ “I remember numerous occasions hearts. They were spiritually hungry. ” lains traveled with their troops wher­ on which I was approached by young To skeptics who would attribute ever they went. sailors and marines and sincerely spiritual hunger to fear and “foxhole Although the military chaplain’s asked the hardest questions of life,” religion,” Johnson remains adamant role is essentially the same as a civil­ recalls Lt. Kim Evans, a Southern Bap­ about the sincerity of troops in wor­ ian religious leader, their work in the tist. ‘“ Is there ever really a time when ship. “I’m convinced there was a lib­ Gulf clearly took on new dimensions it’s all right to take another human eration that occurred in the lives of and challenges. In the conflict they life?’ What about the sixth command­ many of these marines and sailors ministered while being subject to the ment— “Thou shalt not kill”—Chap­ that would not have happened other­ same anxieties, boredom, loneliness, lain?’ We talked about the differences wise. It changed their perspective on fear, heat, live fire, and minefields between murder and the defense of life and the things o f eternal value.” that affected combatants. freedom. We strug­ Recently, a group of navy chaplains gled through these assigned to the First Marine Division questions togeth­ shared stories of their unique min­ er,’’ explains Evans. istry during the Gulf War. Here, in Evans also notes their own words, is what chaplains in that other questions the storm experienced. were more personal and religious, with Shock soldiers asking As Iraqi prisoners of war were tak­ about death and life en, chaplains and other troops were beyond. ‘What will shocked to discover that many Iraqi happen to me if I “soldiers” were simply children given die?’ and What will uniforms and guns and ordered to happen to my fami­ fight. Marine Lt. Daniel Hall, a ly?’ We talked about Catholic priest, describes his visit to a death and the sav­ wounded Iraqi soldier. ing grace o f Jesus “He had a bullet wound through the Christ, which brings left eye. There was really nothing that eternal life and could be done for him except to ease hope. We talked his pain,” Hall says. “When we pulled about losses, grief, out his identification card, we learned and the comforting he was only 16 years old. News of this peace of a loving spread very quickly. Our Marines were Savior.” irate! ‘How could Saddam do this to his children?’ they asked. I ran into one Spiritual Hunger of our lieutenants later that morning. Because of the He broke down in tears when I told dangers and risks

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 37 The Power of Prayer What could have been a horrific bloodbath lasting months and years Share Your Message ended quickly with minimal losses. James Fisher, a lieutenant ordained in the Evangelical Covenant church, feels strongly that prayers were pow­ by Listening erfully answered. “Consider how many letters were sent . . . with the by Wayne M. Warner simple words enclosed, ‘I’m praying Freelance writer, Three Rivers, Mich. for you,’ ‘Our prayers go with you,’ ‘You’re in our thoughts and prayers,’ ‘God bless you,”’ Fisher recalls. “I could tell you of the miracles and answers to prayer—low casualty counts, Iraqi mortars landing in groups of marines without any being wounded, a spirit of surrender that stalked the Iraqi camps, 16 tank rounds that couldn’t seem to hit an ambulance silhouetted against the sky. After the battle, marines readily confessed, ‘God was with us; He heard our prayers.’”

Enthusiastic Welcome Home Americans opened their hearts in unprecedented ways to returning sol­ diers. “Amazing! Unbelievable! Over­ any pastors are communica­ The young man told his story and whelming! These are the only words tion specialists who finally limped to a conclusion. Then, that I can use to describe the recep­ haven’t learned to listen. rather lamely, he left his friend’s of­ tion we received upon our return MWriting requires a hook with fice filled with disappointment and home from combat in Operation which to capture the reader’s atten­ disillusionment. The older man had Desert Storm,” says Marine Lt. Mark tion. Having hooked the reader, the communicated well, in spite o f his Gefaller, a Lutheran chaplain. writer introduces the intended mes­ few words. He projected a message of “As we touched down at Norton sage. Many consider communication unconcern that later caused the Air Force Base, we could see crowds simply a matter of finding the right younger man to write a book titled o f people waving flags. In Morongo hook, grabbing the person’s atten­ The Awesome Power o f the Listening Valley the buses slowed to a crawl. In tion, then proclaiming the message. Ear.' Yucca Valley, they completely Multitudes o f educational media ex­ Jesus communicated best with oth­ stopped as the police sought to clear perts teach “methods” of communica­ ers when He listened with both His a lane for us to pass. An amazing tion. We are, it seems to me, becom­ head and His heart. He listened with number o f people crowded the road­ ing experts for gaining people’s both ears, but He also listened with ways, all trying to shake our hands attention; but how many of us know His heart. He heard from both men and providing us with food, bever­ how to listen? and God because He listened so well. ages, flags, and souvenirs.” Many a busy pastor feels the pres­ When Jesus listened, He communi­ Another chaplain who experienced sure of time when invaded by some­ cated love and concern as He mod­ an enthusiastic, warm welcome home one needing to visit. A man left the eled His own oft-repeated maxim: was Lt. Daryl Person, a Baptist. “Peo­ church where he was a lay member “He w ho has ears to hear, let him ple who did not know us displayed a and became the pastor of a small, ru­ hear” (Mark 4:9). The most powerful sense of love and kindness that over­ ral church. When he had an occasion communication of the gospel for any whelmed.” However, Person immedi­ to return home, he made an appoint­ pastor may well be the awesome ately became aware o f the loneliness ment with his former pastor and be­ power of the listening ear. and frustration that characterized so gan to eagerly share the excitement An adventure in active listening many Vietnam veterans. o f his new life. may be the most effective means one “I am saddened to think that those As the younger man spoke, the old­ has for communicating Christ to that who served in Vietnam did not get er pastor straightened his desk. He person who has been so slow to re­ the same sort of treatment,” he re­ put pens and pencils back into place spond to our well-planned sermons. ports. “I truly understand the bitter­ and put things back into their proper If it worked for Jesus, might it not ness and pain that a veteran would places, making good use of the time. also work well for us? * rightly feel if his or her country did During this exchange, he hardly both­

not recognize nor appreciate the risks ered to look at his young, enthusiastic 1. John W. Drakeford, The Awesome Power o f the that a serviceman accepts.” 1 friend. Listening Ear (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, 1967).

38 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Minister's Plate

For Ministers' Wives: Why You Do What You Do

looked across the Bible college As a minister’s wife, are you tired classroom of young women, o f all the tasks you must perform? Do many o f them potential minis­ you feel a compulsion to be involved I in various ministries in order to lead ters’ wives. I was teaching a course ti­ tled Introduction to Ministry, in and motivate people? Some ministers’ which I explored the different facets wives aren’t as visibly involved as oth­ o f ministry. For part o f the curricu­ ers. However, all of us carry our own lum, I used excerpts from William J. personal heavy load—sharing peo­ Martin’s The Church in Mission. ple’s burdens and heartaches and “The church is the largest volun­ sicknesses; counseling; interceding teer organization in the world, and by Kristy Roberts Dykes for needs; experiencing stress due to volunteerism has been wounded by Freelance writer, church matters; trying to live up to the attitude that worth is tied to pay,” Lakeland, Fla. the often unreasonable expectations I read from the book. of church people. “Good statement,” I told my class. Christmas play, memorized my part in Are you searching for new meaning “Many of you will be workers in a it, and supervised rehearsals. I had in your life? Are you becoming church when you leave college. You’ll helped make costumes and designed “weary in well doing”? Do you know be Sunday School teachers, children’s the program to go to the printers. why you are doing what you are do­ workers, choir members or directors, With a committee, I had made numer­ ing? and the list goes on and on. You prob­ ous trips to antique shops to borrow To discover why we ministers’ ably won’t receive monetary rewards turn-of-the-century furniture for the wives do what we do, Martin says we for these jobs. It’s going to take some­ play. must first understand that people thing else to motivate you.” Decorating the church had to be have a deep desire to make their lives I related that the author said, “Peo­ done also. I organized a committee, significant, to have purpose. Viktor ple in God’s service must have a clear and we met for a whole day, shop­ Frankl, Jewish psychiatrist and Holo­ understanding o f why they are doing ping for some new decorations and caust survivor, discovered that Jews what they’re doing,” so that they can hanging garland and red velvet bows who lived through the Nazi prison experience true meaning to motivate and wreaths. camp experience survived because and sustain them. Besides that, the family Christmas they were motivated by a strong de­ “There are so many tasks and jobs activities had to be done—decorat­ sire to live. Frankl concluded, “It was in a church. It’s easy to become ing, gift buying, cooking, and baking. meaning that made us uniquely hu­ weary in well doing,” I told the young Without a doubt, I certainly under­ man.” women. stood the implications o f the author’s What should be our motivation for As a minister’s wife, how well I words: “People in God’s service must doing what we do? According to Mar­ knew the truth of my last statement. have a clear understanding of why tin, we discover our reasons why as Perhaps the busiest time in the min­ they are doing what they’re doing. ” we understand two important facets istry— Christmas— had just passed. I Someone said, “The person who o f our ministry: (1) We are here for had planned or helped plan a variety knows how is always servant to the God; and (2 ) We are here for other of activities during the month of De­ person who knows why." Why had I people. cember: the church Christmas ban­ done all those tasks during Decem­ What astounding statements! Let’s quet, the children’s hayride, the ber, as w ell as the rest o f the year? bring them down into the demanding young adult party of which I was Was I guilty of being “weary in well life of a minister’s mate. teacher, the church board and staff doing”? Was I letting the popular We Are Here for God dinner in our home, the Christmas thinking of the day, “Worth is tied to Eve candlelight Communion service, pay,” affect my service for the Lord? Think back to the days when you and the refreshments for the New Would I be more excited about the first entered the ministry, or felt Year’s Eve watchnight service. varied duties required o f a minister’s called by God, or submitted to your Besides that, I had written the wife if I were paid for doing them? mate’s call. Were you anxious to

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 39 please the Lord? Were you more will­ ing to lay your life on the altar than now? Begonia Lesson Renew that commitment to God. Repeat to God your vow to have a by Robert E. Norton servant’s heart no matter what it Professor, takes. Pray sincerely: “Father, I’m MidAmerica Nazarene College, weary in Your service. I realize life Olathe, Kans. has no meaning apart from You. I’ve gladly given my all. However, right now I need Your renewal. Help me dug up the begonia in October from a basic cutting. put all these ‘things’ that I’m doing in while it was still green and Sometimes I think that my life perspective. Let me realize that every­ lush, its orange-red blossoms might be like a begonia plant at the thing I do, I do for You and You I loaded profusely onto the stems of end o f the growing season. Perhaps alone. If I never receive any praise or the plant. I took it to my office and instead of trying to hang on to all of credit or honor, I offer them to You.” placed it in the best o f soils to weath­ the past and re-create a new life for As you pray such a prayer, God will er the winter. I have seen my mother myself, I should let the Lord pare empower you to accomplish all your begin cuttings during the cold back my old life and concentrate on tasks. He will renew you. months, and I decided if new plants the new, just the good stuff, just the can be started from cuttings, keeping cuttings. Maybe my cultivation of We Are Here for Other People the whole plant alive would be much those old grudges, unconscious bad This aspect might be a little harder better. habits, supercilious attitudes, and bit­ to face. I heard a pastor say, “I love Shortly after I moved the plant to terness o f spirit is like a begonia plant souls. I just hate people.” What a pity! my office, it began to shed leaves. For trying to grow a new plant from old, We must realize that if we are going no apparent reason, they simply tired stems. to be ministers’ mates, our work will shriveled and dropped. Next, the Begonia Prayer revolve around people: nice people, stems lost their turgor, becoming cranky people, sinful people, gossipy limp and black. Then they, too, Lord, please prune those old, people, good people, bad people. dropped. limp, useless stems from my spiri­ That’s all we have to work with— N ow I am wondering if I should tual life. Plant a freshly infused cut­ people. have cut off the old plant and cul­ ting of Your Spirit in the soil o f my Let’s face it: there are hazards to tured only a new part, the cutting, soul so that the green leaves and every trade. Electricians work around and not the leaves, flowers, and fragrant blossoms o f a new life in bare wires with all their potential stems. Perhaps the old plant is simply Christ may flourish and properly danger. Nurses expose themselves to tired and cannot grow until it is some­ grace the season. Amen. illness and disease. Mechanics get how rejuvenated by growing fresh —Robert E. Norton grimy and dirty. Ministers and their wives must work with people and all their problems. It’s as simple as that. To work with people, we must learn to love people. Most important of all, we must learn to empathize. The best definition I’ve learned of empathy is “to crawl into the skin of someone suf­ fering through a trial or hardship and to feel the pain that person is experi­ encing as if it were your own. ”

Be Not Weary in Well Doing Minister’s mate, when the burden o f your work overpow ers you and when the pressures seem too great to bear, take heart! Do what you do in the light o f Paul’s admonition: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name o f the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him ” (Col. 3:17, KJV). As you do so, it will pay off: “Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9, KJV). *

40 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE New Feature

The Minister’s Resource Library

by David Grosse Director, Excellence in Ministry, Kansas City

f making many books there is 3. Author’s Objective: clear, realis­ key to breaking down walls that in­ no end”— so said the writer tic, achieved hibit the spread o f the gospel. o f Ecclesiastes (12:12) many 4. Authorship: know ledgeable, Ocenturies before Gutenberg’s mov­ reputable, authoritative Thom S. Rainer, The Book of Church able type. Even he could not have an­ 5. Format: unified, sequential, co­ Growth: History, Theology, and Prin­ ticipated the avalanche o f books and herent ciples. Broadman Press, 1993 (PA080- other media coming from religious 6. Currency: fresh, “cutting edge” 541-1577, $19.99). publishers today Cokesbury’s Robert 7. Useful Supporting Elements: Substantial, balanced, and depend­ Feaster says that 55,483 books are bibliography, notes, indices, appen­ able. Considered by some as the best published annually in the United dices, graphics available text on the subject. An im­ States. O f these, 2,746 are new reli­ 8. Cost: good or best for the mon­ portant reference that goes far be­ gious titles. An additional 815,000 ey yond the pop theology and shallow continue in print; 61,000 of these are Contributors will include members marketing mania of some church about religion. of the Ministry Resources Group of growth wannabees. In the presence of such a mountain the Division o f Church Growth/Pas­ Aubrey Malphurs, Planting Growing o f books, not to mention all the other toral Ministries; college, Bible college, Churches for the 21st Century. Baker print, audiovisual, and computer me­ and seminary faculties; and others on Book House, 1992 (PA080-106-2950, dia, how does one manage to climb the front lines of ministry. Feature ed­ $19.99). the resource mountain to select those itor is David Grosse, director o f con­ Subtitled A Comprehensive Guide rarified titles most helpful in ministry tinuing education at Nazarene Theo­ for New Churches and Those Desir­ support? logical Seminary, and chairman of the ing Renewal. Looks beyond strategy With this issue o f the Preacher’s Ministry Resources Group. Send any and technology to the nurturing of Magazine, w e inaugurate a new fea­ comments, ideas, or review sugges­ congregations. Another “best of its ture to help scale that mountain. We tions directly to him, c/o The Ministry kind.” Needs to be in every church are calling it “The Minister’s Resource Resources Group, Division o f Church planter’s library. Library.” Qualified resource guides Growth, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, will lead us over the cluttered and MO 64131. George Barna, User Friendly Church­ sometimes confused resource land­ One caveat: inclusion on this list es. Regal Books, 1991 (PA083-071- scape to a summit o f carefully select­ does not imply blanket endorsement. 4730, $9.99). ed materials most deserving o f our at­ Rather, it is an assessment by the re­ The acclaimed church growth re­ tention. viewer that at least some o f the con­ searcher considers “what Christians Over time we will attempt to cover tent can be useful in providing new need to know about the churches the broad range of ministry concerns information, ideas, understanding, or people love to go to.” Focuses on the and activity to include: pastoral care, inspiration to strengthen ministry. worship experience and environ­ worship, theology and ethics, evange­ Here, then, is a suggestive list of ment, while stressing proven princi­ lism and missions, church growth, some important titles in the areas of ples of growth rather than imitating Christian education, spiritual forma­ church growth and evangelism. Next programs. “The best book on church tion, pastoral leadership and adminis­ issue will feature resources in pastoral growth for the 1990s.’’ (Rick Warren) tration, social and compassionate care and counseling. ministries, among others. Leonard Sweet, Faithquakes. Abing­ How will the materials be selected? Church Planting/Growth don, 1994 (PA068-712-6479, $19.95). We will use the following criteria: C. Peter Wagner, Churches That Pray. A wake-up call for those out of 1. Content/Style: substantial, clear, Gospel Light (PA083-071-5983, touch with the times and trends, out interesting, balanced $15.99). of touch with the ministries that are 2. Utility: topically pertinent, appli­ A leader in the American church succeeding today. Filled with cultural cable to ministry growth movement sees prayer as the and theological insight, great imagina­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 41 tion, and unconventional ministry ap­ sion, 3rd ed. Tyndale, 1983 (PA084- A former atheist who found Christ plications. Hope-filled and idea-rich 230-7788, $12.99). through the ministry of Bill Hybels’ Wil­ for “Christians who know that the Explains ways of sharing the gospel low Creek Church shares his unique church is the last hope for saving fam­ in a plain and appealing way. A wide­ understanding of how unchurched ilies, cities, businesses, and the ly used text on personal evangelism, people think. Now an associate at the earth.” describing one of the most effective church, the author gives us important and widely used methods of commu­ insights for reaching “friends and fami­ Leith Anderson, Dying for Change. nicating the gospel in today’s world. ly who avoid God and the church. ” Bethany House, 1990 (PA155-661- 1072, $13-99). Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of An Inside look at the Willow Creek ------, A Church for the Twenty-first Evangelism, 60th ed. Baker, 1992 Seeker Service. Zondervan (Video), Century. Bethany House, 1993 (PA080-075-4670, $8.99). (PAVA-7293, $29.99). (PA155-661-2311, $14.95). ------, N othing to Do but Save Watch this to understand how one Rapid and complex societal Souls. Zondervan, 1990, pb. (PA091- highly successful church uses music, changes have left many churches tee­ 514-3054, $7.95). drama, and preaching to reach those tering between ineffectiveness and Master Plan is Coleman’s classic, most inured to the gospel. Numerous extinction. In Dying for Change, the million-volume-seller work on the usable approaches are described and author argues for fundamental, bibli­ “evangelistic method of Jesus,’’ i.e., in­ illustrated in this highly suggestive cally based changes to meet the new vesting in the training of a few in or­ video. challenges. Specific prescriptions der to reach the many. An older clas­ Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. come from the author’s exceptional sic that is still valuable to this day and Hawthorne, Perspectives on the success in leading his own church probably for years to come. World Christian Movement: A Read­ through extraordinary transformation The second is written against the er, rev. ed. Wm. Carey Library, 1992 and growth. The second book takes background o f Wesley’s charge to his (PA087-808-228X, $15.95). up where the first left off, addressing preachers. Helps us see the evangelis­ The most respected and compre­ the critical issue o f our times, “How tic passion and power of Wesley’s hensive textbook currently in use on can the church remain effective into own life and ministry, providing a college and seminary campuses. A the next century?” Wesleyan paradigm for evangelism. rich, massive work o f nearly 1,000 Roy Oswald, Making Your Church Charles “Chic” Shaver, The Bible pages, yet easy to access through More Inviting. Alban Institute, 1992, Speaks to Me About My Witness. Bea­ carefully written articles addressing pb. (PA156-699-0556, $14.95). con Hill Press o f Kansas City, 1991, four perspectives on missions: bibli­ ------, The Inviting Church: A pb. (PA083-411-4046, $7.95). cal, historical, cultural, and strategic. Study of New Member Assimilation. An engaging book that lays impor­ Nothing out as good as this! Alban Institute, 1988, pb. (PA156-699- tant foundations for the practice of Patrick Johnstone, Operation World: 0203, $11.95). evangelism. Helpful chapters include The Day-to-Day Guide to Praying for The first book is a 15-session train­ “Overcoming the Fear Factor” and “Wit­ the World. Zondervan, 1993 (PA031- ing manual, in workbook format, “for ness out of the Overflow.” While new 040-0317, $12.99). assessing a congregation’s ‘IQ’ (Invita­ believers will find help in developing A concise survey of “happenings” in tion Quotient).” Identifies the ele­ their own witnessing style, even the every country in the world, with an ments that make for an “inviting most experienced will discover chal­ abundance o f facts and information church” in the context of the total en­ lenge and insight from Shaver’s own about each country. Updated every vironment—physical, psychological, bold and highly effective approach. three or four years, this edition was just and spiritual. An action-oriented re­ George Hunter, How to Reach Secu­ published. Use it helpfully in mission­ source that goes well beyond theory. lar People. Abingdon, 1992 (PA068- ary meetings of all kinds, for current in­ The Inviting Church is an earlier 717-9300, $9.95). formation, statistics, and reports o f work, useful for exploring such key Keen insights into the mind set and evangelical mission impact near and far. questions as, “Why do some people attitudes of the secular world, as never return after a first visit? Why do preparation for an effective evange­ Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making some join but are not active? Why do lism. Workable strategies enhance the Church. Baker, 1990 (PA080-101- others return and become active?” usefulness of this gem. 6418, $14.99). An important recent title that Evangelism, Missions, and Lee Strobel, Inside the Mind of places discipling at the center of the Outreach Unchurched Harry and Mary. Zon­ church’s mission. Provides some very dervan, 1993, pb. (PA031-037-5614, specific ways to achieve the title’s ob­ D. James Kennedy, Evangelism Explo­ $9.99). jective. 1

42 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Attention Nazarene Pastors

Los Angeles Earthquake Video and Update

from Nazarene Disaster Response A project of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc.

THE VIDEO trict Superintendent Rev. Roger Bow­ San Fernando Spanish church and man, and other disaster agencies. parsonage, water and plumbing Five minutes 7.000 During the week following the Jan­ Contributions uary 17, 1994, Los Angeles earth­ Several thousand dollars worth of El Sereno Spanish minor damage quake, a video crew from Media Inter­ supplies were delivered by Heart to 1.500 national happened to be in Los Heart in Kansas City and distributed Panorama City church and Angeles and agreed to produce this to various Nazarene congregations parsonage, equipment loss five-minute video to help describe and other relief agencies. 8.500 the needs of Nazarenes and their neighbors as well as the relief work Emergency grants West Valley minor structural and of Nazarene Disaster Response. The first priority of the relief effort glass breakage 10,000 was to respond to the needs of Naza­ Montrose minor damage $75,000 rene families. Over 30 requests for fi­ 4.000 It is sent as a thank-you to the many nancial assistance have been re­ Los Angeles First extensive plaster individuals and congregations who ceived. Emergency grants are damage 22,000 have contributed cash offerings approved by a local NDR committee. (more than $75,000 as of March La Mirada minor damage 1994) as well as sent emergency sup­ Rebuilding churches no estimate plies and offered to volunteer in the The next priority is to help in the Structural engineer expense 4.000 ongoing relief effort. restoration and rebuilding of Naza­ rene church properties, including TOTAL $260,100 Rebuilding parsonages. Structural engineers have It is also a reminder that the relief been sent out to assess damage; how­ CONTRIBUTIONS ARE STILL NEED­ effort goes on. Long after the Los An­ ever, aftershocks have caused addi­ ED TO HELP REBUILD NAZARENE geles earthquake disappeared from tional damage. Bids are still coming in CHURCHES DAMAGED IN THE LOS the nightly news, the costly rebuild­ from several contractors. ANGELES EARTHQUAKE ing efforts continue. The following update on the NDR Churches Damage/ Please send your contribution to: relief work and the extensive restora­ Estimated Cost o f Repairs Nazarene Disaster Response/ tion needed for Nazarene properties Los Angeles Earthquake is intended to accompany a showing Fillmore major structural damage General Treasurer, of the video. $150,000 Church o f the Nazarene Newhall minor glass, wall, floor, 6401 The Paseo UPDATE—APRIL 1994 equipment 7,000 Kansas City, MO 64131 NDR directors Northridge minor structural, block Important: Indicate the name of The Nazarene relief effort is being wall damage 15,000 the congregation to receive “10% led by John Rivas, Los Angeles Dis­ Simi Valley church and parsonage, Special” credit. trict NDR director. John coordinates wood columns/walls 18,100 relief plans with NDR National Direc­ To order additional videotapes, tor Tom Nees, Western Region Direc­ San Fernando First minor structural please call Darla Walker at: tor Randy Newcomb, Los Angeles Dis- damage 13,000 1-800-821-2154. *

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 43 Church Growth

Eight Principles That Stimulate Small Churches to Grow

o formula will grow a small Taking the time to understand your church in every situation, church—her hopes, dreams, fears, but some issues need atten­ traditions, and more—will protect Ntion, and certain principles tend to you from major mistakes and will

bring growth. Knowing which issues guide you to wise decisions under the need the greatest attention and which leadership of the Holy Spirit. principles fit the local context is the task of pastor and people as they 2. Develop positive morale. pray, seeking the leadership of the A nationally known church consul­ Holy Spirit. tant has been quoted as saying, “Nine­ The following suggestions cannot by Kim L. Richardson ty-nine percent of the small member­ be neatly arranged by priority or by Pastor, ship churches with which I work sequence. They interact. I assume First Church of the Nazarene, suffer from low self-esteem.”1 I re­ Framingham, Mass. you have accepted the pastorate of member going to a church that your small church with the goal to dripped with depression. They were turn it around. You want to reach 100 for change, so take full advantage.” In in financial trouble and were going to 150 in average morning worship the small church setting, I would lean through the grief of losing a pastor attendance as a minimum. You ex­ toward the majority opinion. Small that they loved. It is difficult to grow pect it will take you five to seven or churches normally want a lover first. a church that is depressed or that sim­ more years. You are new enough to Gaining their confidence is vitally im­ ply does not believe in itself. A good your church that you have not made portant. Yet, we must not miss great attitude and self-esteem can be re­ any major errors and perhaps are still opportunities. One of the reasons we stored. We struggled for two years be­ experiencing the “honeymoon.’’What seek to understand the church is to fore there was a complete break­ will you do to turn it around? determine how quickly we should through. The next five years were Consider interacting with these seek to move forward in changes. times of continuous growth, allowing ideas in your local context. Fifteen months ago I accepted an­ the church to show a decadal growth other small church challenge. The rate of over 100% in nearly every sta­ 1. Seek to understand the church was averaging about 70 people tistical category. church. in morning worship attendance. I was Sullivan suggests 10 ways to boost This is a “Who or what is there?” planning to go slow, but I soon discov­ morale in the local church: question. Begin to analyze how your ered that the leadership wanted ac­ A. Pray until it spills over into church actually operates. Where are tion. In analyzing the budget, I realized your services. the strengths and weaknesses? Who there was no money for evangelism. I B. Think positively. are the primary “influencers”? How suggested a faith challenge: 10% of all C. Encourage enthusiasm. do the people feel about themselves? tithes to go into a local evangelism D. Set realistic goals. Where do they fit in the community? fund. We prayed for a month and then E. Communicate spiritual pur­ Do they have a vision? Are the people unanimously agreed to accept the pose and function. compelled, comfortable, or compla­ challenge. This decision showed that F. Celebrate victories and success­ cent? my leaders wanted to see something es publicly. Experts give contrasting opinions happen. It was not a big change in the G. Focus on people’s needs and concerning how fast you should sense of asking people to change be­ on helping them. move in the first year. The majority havior patterns, but it did tell me H. Plan outstanding services and says, “Do nothing but love the peo­ something about my leaders’ desires. programs. ple, and change nothing that they do As an aside, it is exciting to see evange­ I. Develop inspiring worship ser­ not initiate.” However, some advise, lism proposals being discussed on vices. “There is never a greater opportunity their merit, not based on affordability. J. Secure guest speakers and

44 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE singers for interest and variety.2 When I arrived at my present first pastorate, and the church was Crandall and Sells give a different church, I asked the board members about to die. At the first church board but similar list geared toward the what they did for morning worship. meeting, Claude took the lead, and small church membership: They said, “Anything you want.” Jok­ everyone else nodded agreement. It A. Survey your strengths, not your ingly I asked if they were trying to get was not hard to recognize that Claude weaknesses. me into trouble from day one! I was the “church boss.” B. Pray and be open to God’s played it safe and asked the woman The next question was important: Spirit. who types the bulletin to continue to “Is he committed or carnal?’’ Maxwell C. Be positive and hopeful at all choose the hymns and arrange the soon discovered that Claude was times. service. This continues to work well committed, and the two forged an al­ D. Celebrate your victories and in my present context because she is liance. Before each month’s church successes. both capable and cooperative when I board meeting, Maxwell would visit E. Encourage and support fresh now suggest changes. Gradually I Claude at the farm and suggest areas ideas, new approaches, and new have made small changes and addi­ of concern. When it came time for leadership. tions. I am convinced that gradual ad­ the church board meeting, Claude F. Paint, fix up, and clean your justments will win the day far better would raise the issues and organize house of worship, making it an than radical change. the workers. Everyone followed his attractive and beautiful place to The most likely source of con­ leadership. Maxwell led the church gather and praise God. ' tention will be the music. Whether without ever making a public recom­ Your creativity and God’s leader­ performance or participation is at is­ mendation. The church moved from ship can add to these lists. The key is sue, there are likely to be disagree­ near death to over 300 people in at­ finding something in your situation ments, especially as you begin to tendance. that will succeed and that you can grow. I doubt that there are any right Some church bosses prefer to be celebrate. Build on positive aspects or wrong answers in this area. It is my “big frogs in little ponds,” but most and almost ignore negative ones until conviction that I am not to educate are committed people who want to you are ready to correct them. The people musically. Thus, I believe in serve God. Those who carnally hold early projects should not be too large using music styles appropriate to the on to power and smallness will need and may not be the most important cultural setting—whether gospel or to be cautiously, but courageously, ones in your eyes, but be sure that classical. Worship and music are both confronted. Our strategy with com­ they succeed. Then be sure to cele­ designed to reach the heart. Cultural­ mitted leaders, however, should be to brate. ly appropriate music will greatly add form alliances while also gradually Projects related to the church to the vitality of worship. raising up additional leaders. building have the greatest potential Preaching—not the order of ser­ You, as pastor, must lead as a leader for success. That may be a good place vice, the music, the prayers, or the of­ among leaders. Small churches nor­ to start. It is hard to feel good about fering—will make the primary differ­ mally have one family and/or a the church if the facility is run down ence in worship. Most of us pastors church boss who basically calls the and in disrepair. Even an excellent lo­ think we preach fairly well, but most shots. This may be done in a formal cation cannot make up for a run­ of us probably do not preach as well manner in regular meetings, or it may down facility. Working beside mem­ as we think. be done quite informally by phone, bers on a project is also an excellent In preaching, you with God have over coffee, or in the church narthex. way to gain deeper understanding of the opportunity to raise morale, lift Whatever the process, you as pastor the church, develop trust of the mem­ vision, build faith, and set direction need to know at least two things: bers, and accomplish ministry. for the church body. The small Who are the influencers? Are these What you do is less important than church that has settled on a plateau influencers committed or carnal? the fact that you do something, that will not care too much if you preach John Maxwell says, “Leadership is you succeed together, and that you poorly as long as you love them. But a influence.” If you intend to lead your celebrate. Then, build on your suc­ growing church requires at least ade­ small church into growth, you must cess. quate preaching. In my last pastorate, be a person of influence. Some pas­ I often said that people will come tors have tried to gain leadership by 3. Develop vital worship. back if we love them and as long as I declaring themselves in control. This Worship is central in the small don’t put them to sleep. You must is normally both unwise and unneces­ church. Worship is also the one place not put them to sleep. Have some­ sary. If you need to say you are in the pastor is expected to be in thing worthwhile to say, and say it control, you aren’t! In Growing charge. This does not mean that we with enthusiasm. Plans, Lyle Schaller describes what he pastors are free to make wholesale You can begin working on vital calls the Allies Strategy as a means of changes in the traditional order of ser­ worship on day one, and everybody working with the key influencers of vice. It does mean that we have a will be glad. the church to make legitimate new powerful tool at our disposal. Some­ ministries and growth that would where I learned that it is safer to add 4. Develop lay leaders. never occur if the influencers were new things to the order of worship John Maxwell tells the story of not blessing the process. Failure to gradually than to take traditional Claude, the key lay leader of a church work with these leaders will almost things away. in Hillham, Ind. This was Maxwell’s inevitably lead to conflict between

DECEMBERflANUARY/FEBRUARY 4 5 the established members and the all of that ministry or a significant as­ Early morning intercessory prayer newer converts. Guess who will be in pect of it. meetings are returning to the church. the middle! Schaller writes, “The best Help your people to understand This is good news. But will they work tactic for minimizing this gulf is to in­ and use “webs of influence.” I have a in local churches where there are clude as many as possible of the old- sermon called “Let FRAN Do It.” Rela­ probably only 20 to 40 adults from timers from the inner fellowship cir­ tionships with .Friends, Relatives, As­ which to draw? You must decide. cle as allies in helping to pioneer a sociates, and Neighbors are the natu­ I have mentioned our prayer part­ new group or create a new ral lines through which we can ner ministry. Prayer partners also pray program.”4 effectively witness. Teach your peo­ with me before Sunday morning ser­ In my present pastorate I began ple to pray for FRAN members by vices. We meet quarterly for a prayer meeting with each church board name and to develop strategies to breakfast and annually for a prayer re­ member every month. We meet for love them into the Kingdom. treat. Our church also has a prayer breakfast or lunch or at their work­ Classes and sermons alone will not group that meets on Wednesday place so that no evenings are in­ move the member of a small church evening and a night of prayer the volved. I seek to know what they are to evangelize. Your example and the third Tuesday of each month where thinking, to minister to them, and to example of key leaders are required everyone is invited. These are only share myself with them. I am devel­ to move the church into evangelism. examples of what may be done. oping allies. But all the influencers or If 10 percent or more of your adults I have heard people from larger future leaders may not be church respond to this challenge, you will be­ churches say things like, “You need at board members. I am also recruiting gin to grow. least 40 to have the power neces­ prayer partners. We meet once a sary.” This is more a personal preju­ month, one-on-one, for breakfast or dice than a biblical truth. What are lunch, discussion, and prayer. Since I the needed numbers in a church of am male, my prayer partners are men. ninety-nine 25, 40, or 75 persons? I do not know. I am now looking for additional men But I am convinced that we need to who are not church board members percent of small pray, we need to pray together, and but who show a genuine commit­ we need to pray for specific needs ment to God and a potential for lead­ membership that include the raising up of workers ership. and the salvation of specific individu­ Possible ways to develop leaders churches suffer als. are endless. I strongly favor one-on- A nod to God in Sunday School, a one contacts and small-group oppor­ from low pastoral prayer in worship, and a tunities as avenues to invest my life comfortable Wednesday evening into leaders. You will need to find self-esteem. prayer meeting will not get it done. God’s method for your situation. You What will? I am not sure. I have no will grow the church as you grow formula, but I am seeking to develop leaders. Be certain not to neglect the needs some men and a church family who of your community as open doors to will have a burden that sends us to 5. Evangelize. evangelism. There will always be more our knees until we hear from heaven. Your people will not win people to needs than you can meet, but prayerful Pray for it! Christ if you don’t. You must lead the participation of the church in one or way two areas can make a big difference. 7. Develop a purpose, A pastor of a small church in Con­ I recently heard a church planter vision, and goals. necticut began to make contacts out­ tell how involvement with Alcoholics Since small churches operate as side of the church that he felt had po­ Anonymous became the door to lead­ families, their vision is normally limit­ tential for an evangelistic Bible study. ing many to Christ and consequent ed to caring for the family. Dudley He approached his committed church church growth. Where I serve, there says it this way: “It is committed to boss. Together they began to lead the is a pressing need for day care and En­ people, not progress.”5 study and to lead people to Christ. glish as a Second Language classes. This is not to suggest that your This was the beginning of an effective Our facilities cannot handle day care church will not respond favorably to small-group ministry and the begin­ without large financial outlays, but determining purpose, vision, and ning of the end of that church being we do expect to begin free English as goals. This is one of the first things I small. They now average over 150 in a Second Language classes, using the did in my new assignment. The lead­ morning worship. Bible as the text. ership of my church is predominately Gain the commitment of a key in- white collar and forward looking. We fluencer, and begin to do personal 6. Develop corporate prayer. had a series of special meetings to evangelism or whatever evangelistic This may be the first thing that you brainstorm for ideas. I brought a approach that you choose. Equipping want to do, but my experience tells “straw man” purpose statement, 1 or 2 will probably gain better long­ me that this is much harder than it which reflected much of our think­ term results than trying to equip 10. sounds. We talk about prayer far more ing. We then tore it apart and put it Once your influencer is adequately than we pray. Even prayer meetings back together in a new form. This trained, put him or her in charge of are more talk than prayer. same process can be used with vi­

4 6 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE sions and with goals. After leadership cant ways. Most important, we have adds, “The way to enable very signifi­ agreement, we presented the pur­ introduced a small-group ministry cant church growth is by multiplying pose and vision statements to every­ that makes the group leader the pas­ units, not through cellular division, one in the church on professionally tor to the people of that group. The but through cellular reproduction. prepared 3" x 5" cards. It excites me laity is being released, showing that This strategy advocates the creation when I attend church board meeting the ordained minister does not need of essentially new cells as ports of en­ and see members entering into dis­ to do all the ministry, and showing try for undiscipled people. The strate­ cussion with those cards in their that not everyone has to do every­ gy does not divide old cells, but hands. They are being guided by a thing together. leaves them intact.”8 purpose and a vision. It is also our goal that these groups Imagine your church of 35 to 75 Crandall and Sells correctly argue will be entry points into the church persons moving gradually to add one that church leadership will reach no by winning and assimilating new peo­ new adult Sunday School class and further than the pastor allows. They ple to Christ. Multiplying entry points two new home groups to the church write, “The pastor’s leadership and vi­ into the church is essential to struc­ each year for seven years. Your “small sion is often like a tetherline to which tural change. We are using the same church” would not be small any more! the congregation is bound, walking philosophy in Sunday School by mov­ Maner tells the story of seeing gold­ and moving in constricted circles lim­ ing from one adult Sunday School fish in a pond that were over a foot ited by the leadership skills and vi­ class for all adults to three adult class­ long, while his at home were only sion of the pastor.”6 es with varied curriculum. Attenders two inches long. The man at the You need to know what you believe are encouraged to take their pick. pond explained, “You put your fish in are the purpose, vision, and goals of a little fishbowl. They stay little. If your local church. If, in your process you put them in a big pond like that of coming to understand the church, one, they will, in time, be just as big you realize that they are not prepared as those are.”9 for your vision, I suggest you hold off Your example If you want your church to grow, from conducting discussions of these you must provide the structure that issues. Keep working one-on-one with and the example enables growth. your influencers until you know your Turning the small church around key people are moving in the right di­ of key leaders can be a formidable task. Are you still rection. You may not choose to for­ interested? At least half of us are serv­ malize vision until you are well into are required to ing in small churches, and the evange­ your pastorate, but you must know listic potential is incredible. where you are going. move the church I am seeking to use these eight When it does come time to consid­ principles. Some days I know they er formalizing the process, do not into evangelism. are working. Other days I know noth­ serve your idea on a silver platter. ing is happening. Your members must own this vision. God has called us to work hard Give them time to brainstorm. They The second change was to limit and to work smart. We must accept will probably improve your ideas. leaders to only one working commit­ the challenge of church growth, but Our church board certainly improved tee. This rule opens the door for new­ ultimately we must recognize that it is mine. Someone said, “Good ideas are er people to enter into the decision­ God’s church, and only He can turn it my ideas, and bad ideas are your making processes of the church, plus around. * ideas.” Everyone thinks that way to it frees some deeply committed peo­ some extent. Involve your people in ple to move beyond maintenance 1. Crandall and Sells, There’s New Life in the Small the process. They will turn the dream ministry. Congregation! (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, into a reality. 1983), 90. Goals of structural change are ba­ 2. Bill Sullivan, Ten Steps to Breaking the 200 Bar­ sic—moving from a single-cell to a rier (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 8. Change the structure. multicell church, and moving from a 1988), 76. 3. Crandall and Sells, There’s New Life, 96-97. Changing the church structure is narrow leadership base to a broader 4. Lyle Schaller, Growing Plans (Nashville: Abing­ vital. The small church is a primary leadership base. don Press, 1983), 37. group, one big happy family, not an Hunter writes, “The leader’s great 5. Carl S. Dudley and Douglas Alan Walrath, Devel­ oping Your Small Church’s Potential (Valley Forge, organization. To move beyond being opportunity is to help the people per­ Pa.: Judson Press, 1988), 26. a small church, it must become an or­ ceive that if they go multi-cell, each 6. Crandall and Sells, There’s New Life, 43. 7. Donald McGavran and George G. Hunter III, ganization, a family of families, a believer can still meaningfully relate Church Growth Strategies That Work, ed. Lyle E. church of many groups. to as many people as in a single-cell Schaller (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1980), 90. My present church is now attempt­ congregation, and that, for the most 8. Ibid., 91. 9. Robert E. Maner, Making the Small Church ing to change its structure from small part, the long-standing members will Grow (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, church to large church in two signifi­ still relate to one another.”7 He later 1982), 26.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 4 7 Church Administration

Building Your Church Leadership Team

ost businesses, beginning is more than halved. Together the pas­ with those of 75 to 150 tor and staff member can discuss con­ M employees and ranging up­ cerns, share frustrations, seek solu­ ward into the thousands of employees, tions, and apply creative innovation. have entire management teams. Start­ The wise man, Solomon, may have ing at the top with a chairman, presi­ had team ministry in mind when he dent, and board of directors, they penned, “Two are better than one, range downward through a series of because they have a good return for vice presidents, department managers, their work: If one falls down, his supervisors, and foremen. In some friend can help him up. But pity the companies, the management team by Bill O’Connor man who falls and has no one to help equals 40 percent of the workforce. Evangelist, Church of the Nazarene, him up! Also, if two lie down togeth­ In many churches with an active Newberg, Oreg. er, they will keep warm. But how can membership of 75 to 150 persons one keep warm alone? Though one and upward they have—a pastor. He op a team of volunteer leaders who can may be overpowered, two can defend is expected to serve as chairman, supplement his ministry and ease his themselves. A cord of three strands is business manager, supervisor, project workload. His only other choices are not quickly broken” (Eccles. 4:9-12). foreman, and whatever else might be physical exhaustion, on the one hand, Whether Solomon was thinking of needed. No wonder pastors some­ or a growing list of incomplete ministry team ministry or not, he certainly pre­ times decide to sell life insurance in­ assignments on the other. sents some principles of teamwork stead; no other job description re­ Here are some suggestions for build­ that cannot easily be ignored. Pastoral quires so much of one person. No ing a team that can help make the ministry will be more efficient and ef­ other position requires one person to church more effective, ministry more fective when there are two people wear so many different hats. diverse, and keep the pastor function­ committed to sharing the load. They There is a solution, at least a partial ing longer and more efficiently. become the president and vice presi­ one, to this one-man-many-hats dilem­ First, if at all possible, provide dent of the effective ministry tean . ma. That solution is found in gathering the pastor with at least one staff The second step in building a around the pastor a strong staff, if possi­ member with whom he can share powerful ministry team is to get ble, and a strong lay leadership team. ministry and ministry concerns. the staff an outstanding executive Since the church seldom has the corpo­ There is strength in a shared min­ secretary. rate income to justify large paid man­ istry. When there are two persons re­ This person becomes the business agement teams, the pastor must devel- sponsible to a congregation, the load manager, the one who keeps the chief executives on course, protects their time, handles their routine concerns, and keeps all the machinery running smoothly. The church secretary, more than anyone else, can be the lubricat­ ing factor that keeps the entire team functioning most effectively. A good secretary frees the pastor and staff members from the mundane, liberat­ ing them to concentrate on the min­ istry concerns that matter most. A good secretary serves as an invaluable ally in ministry and should be treated as a minister as much as the men and women who lead the team. She should be included in team meetings and treated as a ministry associate.

4 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Now it’s time to gather the other vance that everyone can fit it into his ships. Be sure that each meeting leaders of the congregation who calendar. A full weekend would be serves to strengthen and develop the are already in place and begin in­ ideal; a Friday night and full day on ministries that the team members lead. corporating them and molding Saturday should be considered a mini­ 5. Treat the entire ministry team them into a team. mum. Choose a place where the as your expanded church staff All too frequently the church has group can both study, pray, discuss, There is no hierarchy anymore. Every­ leaders in place, in positions to which and play together. A mixture of in­ one is a minister, and everyone’s min­ they have been elected or appointed, tense study and discussion, planning istry is as important as any other’s. who function independently of the times, and recreational activity is ide­ Though the professional staff will whole. They have been placed in al. Suggestion: A raft trip down a river surely have their own weekly meet­ some ministry “Siberia” to survive the is a great way to break down barriers ings, this monthly meeting is a staff cold on their own. It’s time to bring and really get to know each other. meeting in every sense of the word. them in from the cold and make them These meetings are times for sharing part of the corps of ministers who joys and sorrows, for reporting min­ work together to lead the church. I istry concerns, for hammering out so­ speak of Sunday School superinten­ lutions to ministry concerns, and for dents, missionary presidents, youth goal setting, planning, and a future fo­ leaders, head ushers, fellowship There is strength cus. Every session should include de­ group leaders, senior adult program votion, sharing, and times for prayer. directors, children’s church leaders, in a shared 6. Lead the church through the men’s and women’s group presidents, combined efforts of the ministry and any other persons who hold key ministry. team. Let this group become the leadership roles in the congregation. body that recommends direction and Instead of functioning separately, their program to the board. Use each team programs independent of one anoth­ member visibly in congregational er, these people should be brought to­ leadership. Have members of the gether and their programs shaped to team become active participants in contribute to the overall goals and di­ 3- Spend your retreat time in team­ leading worship. Make it clear to the rection set by the ministry team. building activities. Use some ice- congregation that all ministries are Once the team is gathered, the breaking activity at each session that important and that all ministry lead­ work is only begun. Now you must forces the members of the team to ers stand together in building the en­ mold these people—professional mix and to share themselves with each tire church program. staff, support staff, and lay leaders other. Bring in someone from outside Team ministry works. It strength­ alike—into a working team. the church to teach about team rela­ ens focus and gives direction. It pro­ The first prerequisite for doing so is tionships. The pastor cannot do this vides the pastor and staff a level of time—time spent together getting to best because he is also a member of support that they’ve not known pre­ know each other, coming to appreciate the team. He needs to be part of the viously. It places many more strong and understand each other, and learn­ folding-in that you want to take place. backs under the ministry load. It ing to work and play together. These Schedule some planning sessions in gives the congregation many leaders goals require more than seeing one an­ which every area of ministry repre­ to follow who are all going in the other in church on Sunday mornings; sented by the team is discussed, and same direction. It unites all ministries they require a deliberate effort on team members begin to explore ways behind a common set of goals and a everyone’s part to form themselves into of supporting each other and working common sense of direction. a leadership team. Here are some sug­ together. Close the retreat with a time Concentrate on your leadership gestions that will help lead this diverse of intense spiritual focus leading to team. These are the 20 percent of the group of people toward the blending of mutual commitment to Christ, the people who will do 80 percent of the their thoughts and of their lives that church, and to each other. Commu­ work. They are the people who will will result in an effective ministry team. nion would be an effective way to help increase pastoral ministry by eas­ /. Give every member of the team bring the weekend to an end. ing the workload and giving you time a copy of a book on ministry that 4. Schedule monthly potluck din­to concentrate on the things that mat­ presents some basic concepts you ners after the morning service, on ter most. A good team will support you, want everyone to understand. Don’t Sunday evenings after church, or on encourage you, stand by you, work loan them the book. Buy one for a weeknight if that best fits team with you, and make your own ministry every person and present it as a gift. member’s schedules. Gather the team a success. Rather than choosing to sell Deliver it personally. Ask that the to eat together, play together (play life insurance someday, the presence of book be read by a certain date—give with a purpose), expand their hori­ a ministry team may affirm the decision them about a month—and that they zons together, plan together, and pray you made years ago that pastoral min­ be prepared to share their under­ together. Make these monthly sessions istry is the greatest calling in all the standing at a team retreat. times that focus both on team fellow­ world. As Solomon said, “Though one 2. Plan a retreat and request every ship and on real ministry concerns. Do may be overpowered, two can defend member of the group to attend. An­ something at each meeting to themselves. A cord of three strands is nounce the dates well enough in ad­ strengthen and expand team relation­ not quickly broken” (Eccles. 4:12). *

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 4 9 Social Concerns I Was Raped! Why?

he radio blared out, “If you with a floppy handle, which I could want the servicemen overseas not open. to receive their packages by I was brutally raped. By the time TChristmas, they must be mailed no midnight arrived, I had been picked later than the end of the month.” up by an elderly couple, treated by a Three of my friends were serving doctor, interviewed by the police, in the armed forces, and I wanted to had personally identified the rapist, send them each a little gift. I deter­ and been taken home by my parents. mined to leave the college campus on For two days at home, my mind was Saturday and ride the bus to town. I filled with the big “WHY?” Why did had been thinking about the tin of by June M. Temple God allow this to happen to me? I be­ butter cookies, which the department Freelance writer, longed to my Savior! I was attending a stores sold, as something that my Abbotsford, B.C. Christian college! I wanted to serve friends away from home might enjoy. the Lord! Actually, I was surprised that My college was located about 20 proaching deeper coldness and the the Almighty had allowed such a thing miles south of town, and the bus darkness that was soon to descend, I to happen to me. My faith was not schedule did not seem at all adequate. stuck my thumb out in hopes for a shattered, though. I believed that God There were only four runs each day. ride. was in control. I felt that God had les­ Then, too, the cost was excessive. A few cars passed. sons for me to learn even from this ex­ Very often a student would accept a Then an old car, with a young man perience, and I wanted to learn them ride from a passing motorist, or some driving, stopped to pick me up. I as quickly as possible. would hitchhike. The dean of women jumped into the front seat, and we This awful event took place during kept cautioning the girls against do­ continued south on the main high­ World War II. Many years have passed ing such a thing. way. After a few miles he veered off since then. It took about 10 years be­ However, when one of us was wait­ onto a deserted side road and traveled fore I understood three lessons. My ing for the bus, and a local farmer of­ about a mile. He stopped the car. I learning is continually being rein­ fered a ride, it was often accepted. found myself sitting by a car door forced. Twice I had accepted a ride. This Sat­ urday I planned to catch the 1 p.m . bus into town and then get the late after­ noon bus back from town. I would be back on campus in time for supper. Saturday turned out to be a beauti­ ful fall day, with the air a little crisp, yet still moderately warm. The bus was on time—something that did not always happen. It didn’t take long to locate a department store that sold the butter cookies. The store also mailed the packages for the customer and only charged the postage. When I left the store, I suddenly realized that the total amount of three boxes of cookies, plus the postage, had used up most of my money. I counted the change, and there was not enough left for bus fare. It seemed that my only recourse was to walk back to the campus. For several miles, the walking was pleas­ ant. As the afternoon passed, the air turned more chilly. I only had on a light jacket. Thinking of the ap-

5 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Before I returned to school, I spent fault. These calls were probably an trauma of accusations, humiliation, my time at home playing the piano encouragement to my parents, but I and shame. and at times singing. An emotional wanted the matter dropped and for­ Here are some rules the Christian healing began. The peace of God fold­ gotten. community should follow when com­ ed around me. A strong idea came to There were people who talked be­ ing into contact with women who mind: I was to put away recklessness hind my back, yet whispered loud have gone through rape: and use the common sense that God enough for me to hear, “She got what had given me. It seemed that this was she was asking for,” or “Every girl real­ lesson number one. ly wants to be raped.” The next lesson began the day that I There were those who said noth­ I was surprised returned to school. My spirit had been ing, but I could tell by their eyes and excessively proud in regard to my their faces that they could only think that the looks, my abilities, and my station in of one thing while they were talking life. God allowed my poor judgment to to me. Almighty had humble me. I now felt dirty and There were those who called me ashamed. I wondered if every student “slut” to my face. Lesson two—to put allowed such in the school was aware of my rape. I away pride was difficult to swallow. A didn’t want to look anyone in the eye. Bible verse enabled me to endure dur­ a thing to I thought that no Christian young man ing these difficult times: “I can do all would ever want to marry me. things through Christ which strength- happen to me. In the spring, the trial took place. eneth me” (Phil. 4:13, KJV). It kept There could not be a more debasing coming to my mind and helped me to experience. I was embarrassed on the survive the hurt and humiliation with­ stand and made to feel that I was the out developing a bitter spirit toward 1. Show love and compassion. one on trial. The defending attorney God. Don’t accuse; they already accuse for the accused tried to degrade my By God’s grace and strength, I was themselves even when they aren’t father. He also insulted the intelli­ able to ignore people’s remarks, to be guilty. gence of the couple who rescued me. kind to nastiness, and to look toward 2. Don’t bring up the subject of He even ridiculed the doctor after he the future when this period of my life their rape. There is a period when said that I had been a virgin. would be over. they need to put it behind them. Several years passed before I be­ 3■ Go to the Bible when they in­ came very aware of lesson three. It troduce the subject. Help them came at the time when my mind kept find a verse that will encourage Hardly a week screaming at me: “The rapist is going them and give them strength to to be released from prison!” I had a deal with the trauma. goes by without comfort in the safety of my home and 4. Pray with them and for them. in the protection of my husband. God Hold their hands or put your arm the atrocious had chosen for me a man who loved around their shoulder. This will the Lord. A man who loved me de­ help alleviate their inward feeling act of rape spite what had happened to me! A of being “unclean.” man who stood by me through the Be gentle. Be kind. Don’t suggest in the news. trial! He never condemned me for the that she will forget the incident in mistake that I had made. All of this time. She will always remember every knowledge was at the core of my love detail. However, the question, “Why for him. However, until now I had not did this happen to me?” will pass into While on the stand, the man who comprehended how God had unimportance when the victim feels raped me admitted to performing the brought this good from an evil situa­ the love of Christ toward her through act. The reason he offered for raping tion. Lesson three was in the form of you. This was true in my life. me was because I had slapped him an assurance. God had chosen this I survived and became an emotionally when he had tried to kiss me. The tri­ particular man just for me. I now real­ whole person through the love, com­ al ended with a hung jury. The judge ized that having been raped had passion, gendeness, and kindness of my committed him to prison for the less­ played a part in my accepting this family and friends. They were sensitive er crime of theft, since my empty man’s marriage proposal. to my need of talking or not talking purse had been found in his car at the Every time that I read about, hear about the rape. They shared with me time of his arrest. about, or see the story of a rape vic­ from the Word of God. They held my Newspapers carried the news of tim on television, I am very aware of hands in prayer—this helped alleviate the trial. More embarrassing days that day in my life in the early 1940s. my feeling of being unclean. Most im­ were before me. It’s like instant replay. Yet, my story portant was the healing power of God. Telephone calls started to come could have happened today. Hardly a Perhaps today’s victims would ben­ from well-meaning people who of­ week goes by without the atrocious efit if they, too, could experience the fered sympathy and understanding. act of rape in the news. Women of all love and compassion with which I They assured me that it was not my ages are going through the emotional was surrounded. 1

d e c e m b e r /ja n u a r y /fe b r u a r y 5 1 Ark Rocker

Evangelical Spin

merdley is once again “fit to be “Look, Brother Smerdley,” said Con- gregation or quartet. The mood’s just tied,” as they say. What got to Poob, “we surely would not want to right—a bit of longing, the promise him this time happened two impugn the wisdom of the Hymnal of contentment, bucolic images. And S Production Committee, would we? Af­ the words . . . weeks ago in the ordination service at Annual Luau. It got to him because, ter all, the Ethereal Realms themselves “Oh, give me a home!”—certainly a during his two-year “burnout sabbati­ appointed them. And, it’s obvious that worthy yearning as we wander cal,” he “read theology,” as he says. Doctor Modernist’s words bore true wounded up and down the great Ironically, as he says, “[I] didn’t think faith, or we would not have had that mountains and valleys of life. And the that I had read enough to make a dif­ great moving of the Spirit on the recognition that such an end to our ference.” crowd, would we? I mean, a mod­ peregrinations will come as a gift. What got him two weeks ago hap­ ernist doesn’t have to be a modernist “Where the buffalo roam”—“roam” pened on this wise. We sang a hymn all of the time, does he? Couldn’t he might bother some if they think we —it’s in the new hymnal—written by be led to write something that we all are singing “Rome,” as in “where the The Best Known of All Modernists, could sing? Again, can’t we put an buff allow Rome,” or “where the bu and a shouting spell broke out. Well, evangelical spin on this hymn?” [whatever that may be taken to it was what passes for a shouting (Smerdley’s friends are grateful that mean] follow Rome.” Otherwise the spell these days; a dozen folks said he missed the non sequiturs here. phrase is a lovely recall of shady, lush, “Amen” aloud. Most everyone really He’d have endangered the ice caps for green pastures. The evangelical spin felt that the Spirit had moved on us. another month if he had caught on.) would understand “buffalo” to refer, Conference Poob, obviously moved, “An evangelical spin?” choked not to the rather forbidding-looking croaked: “Hooey! This is just like Smerdley. “The modernists set out to mammal, but to the buffaloberry camp meetin’! Let’s sing that last fill the terms of the old-time gospel bush, heavy with sweet and dewy verse again!” with new meanings acceptable to fruit, spread all over the verdant We leaped to our feet, bawled out modern science and modern philoso­ range. And there’s an extra bit of the last verse again, to that wonderful phy and modern etcs. Don’t you see, evangelical spin here: the botanical Welsh tune, sat down, and vibrated man? We took their bait. And what name for the buffaloberry bush is for a spell. about the integrity of the hymn Shepherdia. How much more Psalm We knew what we felt that night, writer? Do we have a right to put 23-ish can you get? but Smerdley is quite sure that we did whatever meaning we wish upon his “Where the deer and the antelope not know what we were singing. Im­ words? Evangelical spin, indeed!” play”: The first word that comes to mediately after the service Smerdley ConPoob, sensitive to Smerdley’s mind as you watch deer and antelope stormed the platform and interrupted “iffy'” psyche, thanked Smerd for help­ gambol (not gamble!) is grace. Grace, the usual rounds of self-congratula­ ing him think about something about of course! “Oh, give me a home . . . tions and polite fibbing indulged in which he had never thought before, where grace fairly leaps and plays in a by “platform parties” at the end of warmly shook his hand, and invited sort of free abandon.” Brother, that’ll high occasions. him to lunch week after next (“when I not only sing. It’ll preach! “Do you really believe what we get back from Poohbahs: Preservers of The evangelical meaning of “Where sang?” he blurted through clenched the Faith,’ a seminar to be held in Can- seldom is heard a discouraging jaws. “Can we really sing such stuff? cun next week”). End of story. So far. word,” applied to our eternal reward, Should we ever sing modernist I must say, I wonder if Smerd is transparent. You may not even garbage, let alone at an ordination ser­ doesn’t have it wrong, again. I mean, need to spin the phrase. And, we can vice?” He addressed no one in particu­ there may be something to this evan­ take spinfree as well, “And the skies lar, and of course, he wasn’t really gelical spin thing. For instance, think are not cloudy all day. ” asking questions. But he had obvious­ of the possibilities of “Home on the We’d have the perfect funeral ly taken a 120V AC shock in a 9V DC Range,” spun evangelically into a fu­ hymn if we could just spin the older system, so Conference Poob drew neral hymn: it’s a petition; it has a folk away from thinking “oven” when him aside for counsel. pleasant tune, suitable for either con­ we sing that word “range.” *

5 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 3 Leslie Krober

December/January/February 1994-95 Prepared by Leslie Krober

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in Mission Viejo, Calif., has influenced thousands of pastors in their communication style. I am one. He shares his sermon outlines and urges us to try to make them bet­ ter. In this series, I have adapted some of his outlines and made them my own. You should now do the same: make them your own and make them better. Effective preaching must prod the Christian toward changes in behavior and attitudes, but at the same time be a seedbed of challenge to non-Christians. It must be more than the giving of information. It must encourage by telling how things could be with faith in Christ and how they may change attitudes and behaviors. When I began to pastor 22 years ago, my sermons were longer, more tiresome, and filled with references to theolo­ gians and commentaries. They did not give the needed “how tos” that effective preaching requires. Paul’s letter to Philippi teaches how to live with joy and contentment in spite of difficult circumstances. You will preach Phil. 2:5-11 before 2:1-8 so as to have the more appropriate sermon for Christmas Sunday, Decem­ ber 25. The final sermon from 1 Peter is designed to give you a practical sermon on holy living, describing four adjust­ ments that must occur in believers. Blessings on you.

5 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Leslie Krober Phil. 1:1-11 Dec. 4, 1994

INTRO: on their agenda. Linda Lenssens befriended Leslie and led Philippi was a Roman colony and the leading city of her to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. Lee be­ Macedonia. The Philippian Christians became the first be­ lieved that church was: boring, hypocritical, money-grub­ lievers in Europe in a .d . 51-53. Lydia, a businesswoman, bing, and irrelevant. Not a good prognosis. was the first convert. Paul’s ministry made economic im­ Lee was often infuriated; Leslie’s godly behavior increas­ pact on the city, and so the leaders opposed, flogged, and ingly accentuated his own cynical, bitter, self-centered jailed him without a trial, even though he was a Roman life. Leslie learned restraint and prayed. Two years later, citizen. Through this the jailer was converted also. Paul Lee chose to follow Jesus. Today, he is a pastor at Willow wrote this Epistle while under house arrest in Rome (see Creek, using his writing skills to share Jesus. (Strobel, In­ Acts 28:14-31) in a .d . 61. side the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary, 140-57). Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to stand firm Find a cause and stick to it— “hangeth in there.” and rejoice regardless of circumstances. He warned of II. Find a Faith and Commit to It (v. 7) two destructive groups who were following him and “Whether I am in chains or defending and confirming teaching heresy: the Judaizers (legalists) and the antino- the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me” (ital­ mians (lawless ones). ics added). To become a person of influence, to make a Paul knew the believers wanted to make a difference; difference in your world, find a faith. they wanted to count for eternity. This adds value to our Be a living, talking illustration that the only path to for­ existence and aids in facing difficulty. Knowing that what giveness is the path of God’s undeserved kindness and we do helps others and God’s cause, we are more likely not through personal effort to do more good than bad. to hang in there. Constantly remind people by your life that you are not in­ ILLUS. One saying is, “Life is like a mother dog with pup­ herently better than they, just forgiven by grace through pies gnawing on her tail.” If you have a sense of purpose faith in Christ. in life or value in what you do, it’s no big deal to let the ILLUS. Bob Costas interviewed Coach Bobby Knight of In­ puppies chew away. As Paul expressed his gratitude for diana University on television. Because Knight was again the Philippians, he told them how to make an eternal dif­ guilty of negative courtside antics, Costas asked about ference in the face of difficulty. First, it was: Knight’s perception of himself. “I’m a pretty good guy. I. Find a Cause and Stick to It (v. 5) When I get to the pearly gates, St. Peter is going to say: “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in ‘Come right on in, Bobby.’” His comments reflect the the gospel from the first day until now” (w. 4-5, italics common view: “By means of good works, I’m going to added). To become a person of influence making a differ­ make it. No big deal.” He doesn’t understand that it’s by ence in the world, find a cause. Become a partner in the trusting, not trying. gospel of Christ. A. Lydia trusted first (Acts 16:11-15). Partners don’t work alone. Thus, when you are weak, a Paul’s missionary work illustrates that each person has partner carries the load. When you don’t know how or to share in grace. In Philippi, the Lord opened Lydia’s what to do, a partner plugs the gap. Becoming a partner heart first to respond to Christ. “When she and . . . her in the gospel of Christ is to work with others to tell the household were baptized, she invited [Paul] to her home. Good News. But you also have to stick to it. Paul assures: ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, “He who began a good work . . . will carry it on to com­ come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded” them. pletion” (v. 6). B. The jailer trusted too (Acts 16:25-34). ILLUS. Mike Pattinson, Washington State quarterback, The jailer also had to find a faith. He asked, “‘What rode the bench for four years behind now-NFL quarter­ must I do to be saved?’ They replied, Believe in the back Drew Bledsoe. Other potential QBs quit or trans­ Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your ferred to other schools. But Pattinson hung in there and household.’ . . . He and all his family were baptized.” got to start for a Pac-10 school as a fifth-year senior. The whole family “was filled with joy because [they] God will work it out in you. “From the first day until had come to believe in God.” now” (i.e., from a .d . 51 till a .d . 61), they had held on tena­ These were the first to find a faith and commit to it, ciously to Christ. Sometimes great things happen only be­ not through works, but by God’s unmerited grace. cause someone refuses to give up. You don’t have to be They accepted God’s Word, which says forgiveness is smarter, stronger, or more powerful; simply hang in there through faith in Jesus. To make a difference in your longer. world, find a faith and commit to it. ILLUS. Sticking to it is not easy. Leslie married Lee Strobel in 1972. She was into banking; he was a writer for the III. Find a Standard and Rise to It (w . 10-11) Chicago Tribune. Neither were Christian, and God wasn’t “That your love may abound more and more” (italics

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 5 added). To become a person of influence, making a dif­ tween the beats. Such training is the only way of produc­ ference in your world, find a standard and rise to it. Learn ing the precision necessary to win in world competition. to love like Jesus. Become a partner in loving. Point? Training someone in walking with God to hit the ILLUS. The Air Force Academy is a good example of set­ target of righteousness is not automatic. One is not al­ ting high standards: first-year cadets can have no personal ways able to do what one wants to do in his mind. Paul possessions during the first semester, just clothing, bed­ described this internal wrestling match in his writings. ding, books, toiletries. Thousands compete to be a cadet, God's program for changing the world is geared to: volunteering to commit to the United State Air Force truth—changing people’s thinking; love—changing peo­ Honor Code: “We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate ple’s hearts; and gra ce—removing people’s guilt or among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do shame. This means that we will walk with new Christians my duty and to live honorably, so help me God.” USAF as they learn the meaning of holy living. commentary says: “As bearers of the public trust, it is the Our task? Become partners in the gospel: find a cause code which helps build a personal integrity able to with­ and stick to it. Become partners in God’s grace: find a stand the rigorous demands placed upon them.” faith and commit to it. Become partners in the goodness If the Air Force can do it, certainly it should not be out of Christ: find a standard and rise to it. of place for God to ask a similar thing. Paul’s prayer re­ veals the standard to which we are to rise: “That your love may abound more and more.” SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude A. Love needs to abound in knowledge (v. 9). Praise and Worship in Song “We Will Glorify” Learning God’s law, not just man’s, is crucial. “I Will Bless Thee, Lord” ILLUS. Pope John Paul II said: “Good is clearly distinct “We Have Come into His House” from evil. Morality is not situational. Right is right. Wrong “The Solid Rock” “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” is wrong. If each individual conscience becomes Prayer of Praise supreme, then moral confusion reigns. Only absolute Choir Special “O Magnify the Lord” morality provides the basis for a healthy society.” His pur­ Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors pose? To counteract moral erosion among Catholics Family Information Announcements (Time, Oct. 4, 1993). Scripture Phil. 1:4-6, 9-11 B. Love needs to abound in insight (v. 9). Song “O Jesus, I Have Promised” “My Jesus, I Love Thee” Insight is sensing the implications of love and learn­ Dedication of Tithes and Offerings ing how to apply love when boundaries get blurred. In­ Offering sight includes learning to discern what is best, having a Special in Song sense of what is vital. It is developing a nose for good Message “HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” and evil, like a hunting dog does for birds. Such a Song “I Sought a Flag to Follow” growing Christian takes a long view of life and doesn’t Benediction make decisions based only on today. Postlude C. Love needs to result in purity (w. 10-11). Creative Worship Ideas If you begin to live on the basis of what you have dis­ Invocation cerned as the best, then your behavior will change. Father, Your very presence causes us to choose You will be “filled with the fruit of righteousness”: whom we will serve. Inspire us to joyfully choose “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith­ You always. Anchor us in the storms of conflicting fulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). motives so that we might always focus our desire These come when Jesus lives His life through us. It is upon You and bring glory to Your name. Amen. produced by Jesus, not by hard work or effort. It re­ Advent Wreath sults from our consecration: giving oneself to the high­ Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: er purposes or standards of God. Christ’s coming in final victory (first); Prophecies and CONCLUSION: John the Baptist (second/third), and the events pre­ ceding the birth of Jesus (fourth). Christians need to be trained to hit the target of righ­ teousness. It is similar to the process of learning to hit You may want to set your wreath on the Commu­ nion table or a table brought in for it. the mark in target shooting. This first Sunday of Advent, light one purple can­ ILLUS. The target shooting facility at the Olympic Train­ dle and read Isa. 9:1-2, 6-7 and 60:1-3. An alterna­ ing Center in Colorado Springs is unique. It is free of air tive song to be used is: “O Come, 0 Come, Em­ currents and sound distractions. Each person wears a manuel.” The wreath, the candle, and the song lead-weighted vest to reduce the vibrations in the arms could be inserted in the first 10 minutes of the ser­ from the beating of the heart. The shooter becomes vice while two other songs listed could be deleted. aware of his heartbeat and learns to pull the trigger be­

5 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE TURNING ADVERSITY INTO ADVANTAGE by Leslie Krober Phil. 1:12-26 Dec. 11, 1994

INTRO: have been jealous: “Someone else will become famous.” Joy is missing in many lives. One pastor said: “Many He could have been vindictive: “Just wait till I get out of Christians look like they’ve been baptized in vinegar.” here!” Rather, knowing what was important—the gospel, Why? Circumstances have worn them down. Their joy is Paul had joy! dependent upon a “perfect” life, and there is no such With godly priorities, circumstances didn’t steal his joy. thing. God has designed life to throw grit in the gears to Prov. 3:6 gives us a clue: “In everything you do, put God move you toward himself and growing up. Joy is an inter­ first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with nal, constant reality, but happiness is external, a fluctuat­ success” (TLB). Let that simmer in you. You see that much ing happening. of what we fight over is not worth it. Pick your battles. Paul’s life, for example, was no piece of cake. He didn’t Don’t go to war over nonessentials. Learn what is triv­ live in luxury and wear silk robes. He spent four years in ial or significant. How does God help us put life in the jail (tw o in Caesarea; two in Rome), all because of right order? V 19: “I know that through your prayers and trumped-up charges. He was shipwrecked on the way to the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has hap­ Rome, snakebitten, chained to bodyguards 24 hours a day pened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Jesus in 4-hour shifts with no privacy. Yet he said: “I rejoice. helped Paul keep hope alive. You’ve got to have hope to Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” What was his secret cope! for staying positive in prison? When daily “grit in the gears” wears you out, or daily crises almost put you down, and you are sick and tired of I. Accept Suffering as Normal (v. 13) being sick and tired: put God first. Focus on what really “I am in chains for Christ.’What did he prefer? To go to counts, and nothing can devastate you. Wound you? Yes, Rome and hold an evangelistic crusade in the Coliseum but it will not devastate you. Get God first. with 50,000 people. What was reality? Prison, but with ILLUS. Kathleen was a lively 13-yearold. One night, she Nero footing the bill—fed and housed at government ex­ asked to buy a leather miniskirt, one like “all the other pense. Nero’s guards also protected him. Paul used the girls” in her class were wearing. Even as she described time to write much of the New Testament, and he had the benefits, she was expecting a negative response. Her two years to convert many of the up-and-coming military mom did say, “No.” men, who were chained to him on a rotating basis every Kathleen then launched into a diatribe about how she four hours. would be the only one without a leather miniskirt. Hear­ ILLUS. Fad exercise machines promoted on television try ing “No” again, Kathleen stomped off but quickly turned to convince you that their machine allows you to lose to explain, “If I don’t have this miniskirt, my friends weight, get in shape, and never break a sweat. How pre­ won’t like me.” posterous! Muscles only develop when they are stressed, Mom still said, “No.” and fat is burned only when strenuous exercise puts de­ The daughter got huffy and played her trump card. “I mands on the body’s fuel supply. Genuine conditioning thought you loved me,” she wailed. always includes exertion, pain, and suffering. You have to “I do,” Mom smiled, “so the answer is no.” push yourself to grow. Football and wrestling coaches of­ Kathleen’s mom says: “Even though I had won the bat­ ten say, as they push their athletes in conditioning: “It’s tle, I felt I was losing the war. Then one of those unex­ not doing any good until it hurts. ” plainable things happened: An inner voice said to me, The lesson? God develops a purpose behind every one ‘Hold fast!’ It dawned on me that Kathleen and I were not of my problems. V 12: “What has happened to me . . . skirmishing over a miniskirt but, rather, were having a served to advance the gospel”; v. 13, it spoke to unbeliev­ battle of wills.” ers (whole guard); and v. 14, it encouraged believers to Soon, Kathleen, her nose and eyes red from crying, evangelize. When we accept that problems are not mean­ walked down the stairs in pajamas. “Mom, I’m sorry. I ingless, and when we see that God develops a purpose was scared that you were going to let me win!” she behind each, we can have joy in the middle of it all. “We sniffed. Mom was perplexed, but then realized that Kath­ know that in all things God works for the good of those leen had wanted her to win! She was convinced Mom who love him” (Rom. 8:28). had done what a mother needed to do (Focus on the What is Paul’s next secret to turn adversity to advan­ Family, October 1993). tage? You have the strength to face all conditions by the II. Know What Is Important (v. 18) power that Christ gives. Bankruptcy? Yes. Poor health? “What does it matter? The important thing is that in Yes. Divorce? Rebellious child? Loss of job? Yes. With every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is God’s power at work, and you focusing on what really preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Paul could have counts, you do not need to be devastated. Rather, you been angry: “All my life they’ve ripped on me.” He could can have joy.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 7 III. Do the Most Necessary (w . 24-25) ple? Yes! Simplistic? No! Doing the most necessary thing “But it is more necessary for you that I remain . . . I will is the third secret for turning adversity to advantage. continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the CONCLUSION: faith.” Ready to die and wanting to go to heaven, Paul chose to do what was best for others. Paul had a purpose ILLUS. Donald Trump, once worth $5 billion and then nearly bankrupt, has rebounded financially. He also di­ for which to live: the good news of “grace.’’That purpose vorced and remarried. Starting over seems to be some­ directed his decisions. thing he likes. He told a television interviewer in 1994: “I ILLUS. A woman wanted to get married in her early 20s, like to make stars of my wives, but once they are, the but her sense of duty to aging parents made that impossi­ challenge is gone. I need to look for something else to ble. She committed herself to caring for them in their ill­ satisfy.” ness. Nursing them for years made courtship impossible. Why is there so much unhappiness in society? Because But the right man was willing to wait. He in his upper of our preoccupation with “me, myself, and I”! When self 30s and she in her lower 30s, they finally married. They is number one, eventually unhappiness will abound. God were blessed with two children. God honors those who has made man for relationships. Relationships work best do the necessary things. when you put Jesus first, others second, and self third. If you had to fill in this sentence: “For me to live is That is the foundational principle upon which God de­ _____ ,” how would you? (Career? sex? kids? marriage? signed mankind. nice house, sports, food, divorce, wealth, possessions, pleasure, power, prestige, position?) Examining the trends in society today, you’d find that the three most common answers are: SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER A. Possessions. We are a consumer-driven society. We Prelude believe that fulfillment comes via things. We strive to Praise and Worship in Song “He Is Exalted” keep up with the Joneses, but as soon as we catch up “Lift Up Your Heads” to them, they refinance and shoot out ahead of us “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” again. We buy things that we don’t need with money Congregational Greeting we don’t have to impress people we don’t even like. Song “Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises” ILLUS. Consumer debt continues to rise through econom­ “Thou Art Worthy” ic ups and downs. Credit card companies now pitch their Prayer of Praise and Adoration cards to college students, some of whom run up bills of Scripture Rom. 5:1; Col. 3:15; Isa. 26:3 $10-20,000, even though they do not have jobs. Why? We Open Altar “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” buy the lie that things make us happy. And we highly val­ “In His Presence” ue happiness. Family Information Recognize Visitors Offertory “God So Loved the World” B. Pleasure. Monday through Friday are endured so Message “TURNING ADVERSITY INTO ADVANTAGE” that we can party on weekends. Our motto: “If it feels Closing Song “God of Grace and God of Glory” good, do it.” We tie into the latest thing and fret if we Benediction are not going to see, taste, or enjoy what others do. Postlude Yielding to peer pressure doesn’t end when you leave your teen years. Creative Worship Ideas Invocation C. Power or position. Andre Aggasi’s advertisements We come before You, Father, in all of our weak­ say it all: “Image is everything!” So, buying from the ness, seeking Your strength. We are far from the name stores is crucial. Owning the right car or truck is model You have set before us. Give us courage to essential. Having a gold card to flash at lunch is vital. yield ourselves to Your workmanship, realizing that Having titles is seen as significant, and working for the sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions. Melt right company is helpful. us, mold us, fill us, use us, we pray. Amen. All these things are seen as bringing fulfillment, but Benediction these don’t last. Only investing our lives in things that last No spur can move us toward tomorrow more ef­ really satisfy. “Only what’s done for Christ will last.” fectively than suffering. As Paul wrestled with his own desires to get out from Advent under the burden of house arrest and his coming execu­ Today, you will light the first purple candle again tion, he decided that he needed to hang around: first, for and light a second purple candle. Following the the benefit of others; next, to bring the good news of for­ reading of scripture, Isa. 40:1 -5, you could sing “Of giveness; and third, to encourage believers by his pres­ the Father’s Love Begotten.” Let the candles burn ence and faith. What is the lesson here? Joy is found in throughout the remainder of your service. putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself third. Sim­

5 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LIVING WITH A PURPOSE by Leslie Krober Phil. 1:27—2:2 Dec. 18, 1994

INTRO: cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). And, “If the world sees that People who identify and commit to a purpose beyond you love one another, they will know that I am who I themselves find life both meaningful and stimulating. It claim to be” (see John 13:35). When the world looks at doesn’t have to be a religious purpose to motivate. Pro­ Christians, the most powerful evidence that Jesus is real fessional athletes, entrepreneurs, or having and loving is that we care for each other differently than secularists children could be reasons to live. do. ILLUS. Fidel Castro hated America and its influence in his III. Fight Side by Side: Like a Team (v. 27) country. He hated Cuban dictators, so he began to resist “Contending as one man for the . . . gospel.” When you and to plot, going through much hardship for the sake of are busy fighting a common enemy, you don’t have time becoming the leader of Cuba. Paying the price, he suc­ to quarrel with one another. Families often squabble with ceeded. Having a purpose, you find meaning in life. one another, but let an outsider get on a family member, But nonreligious causes will ultimately come up short. and they are ready to draw blood. Christians should keep Only a purpose that derives from God—dealing with who the main thing the main thing: majoring on majors and and why we are—withstands the test of time when it minoring on minors. Professing believers are not the ene­ comes to the ultimate meaning and motivation. Paul lays my: i.e., extravagant televangelists, fiery Pentecostals, or down a challenge worthy of our consideration: “Stand . . . ritualistic Presbyterians. None of these is our enemy. firm in a common spirit, fighting side by side [Moffatt] Satan, the world that ignores Christ, and the flesh are with one strong purpose—to tell the Good News [TLB] ” our enemy. Any force or person or institution that would (v. 27). work against or prohibit the preaching of the Good News This challenge is worthy of you and will carry you all is the enemy. Our task is to get shoulder to shoulder your life. Regardless of the many secondary purposes to against these to fight together for the cause of Christ, to which you might commit, becoming a warrior in the be teammates. cause of making Christ known will keep you fulfilled and ILLUS. The movie, Hoosiers immortalized the classic motivated for a lifetime. Let’s consider Paul’s insights as David versus Goliath story of high school basketball. A to how Christians are to present Christ to our world. small school beat the big city team. At the first practice, I. Stand Firm: Resist Cultural Tides the new coach had to gain control. He asserted his au­ ILLUS. The Annapolis Royal gorge off the Bay of Fundy in thority and built a team. He got them to sacrifice person­ Nova Scotia has a 35-foot differential in water levels be­ al glory—scoring points to play a role so that all could cause of the tides. A dam built across its mouth allows for reach the goal: winning! The coach said: “Let’s be real two-way flow of the water. The moon and planets pull clear about what we’re after here: team, team, team. Five the water in without resistance. Gates close and water players on the floor functioning as one single human be­ flows out through turbines. 20,000 watts per hour of hy­ ing. OK? No one more important than the other.” droelectric power have been produced since 1984. Resis­ Christians are called to learn to live, love, and work to­ tance to the flow of tides has great value. Christians who gether, resisting all who oppose the Good News. People stand for Christ, resisting cultural tides, also bless their who identify and commit to a purpose beyond them­ world. selves find life meaningful and stimulating. In your voca­ Paul says: “Resist the tides of secularism as you try to tion, your family, your education, and your recreation, tell the Good News. Resist the idea that ‘tolerance’ is the keep focused on the main task: making Christ known and best response as long as others don’t hurt you. Resist the loved. idea that man is just a smarter animal. Resist the material­ All believers are part of a team contending for the istic and pleasure-seeking trends. Don’t let the cultural gospel. Some may be injured and others sitting on the mood shut you up or scare you off. Our society calls for bench. Some are still in the locker-room getting taped, the exchange of ideas and values.” Let’s sell our thinking while others are exhausted. But everyone has a vital role in the marketplace of ideas. to play. Paul was confident: “I will know that you stand Next, Paul urges us to present the Good News . . . firm; resisting the cultural tides that erode, fighting side by side, operating like a team, each filling his role.” II. Be in One Spirit: Hearts Knit Together (v. 30) “You are going through the same struggle you saw I IV. How Do We Contend for the Faith? had, and now hear that I still have.” What is his point? A. Let our conduct be according to a high standard (v. When we know that we are not alone in tough times, we 27). can take it. Misery loves company. When we know that “Conduct . . . worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Own­ others are willing to go through the same challenge that ing Christ’s cause has a lifestyle implication: we are to we are, we take courage from it and hang tough. be the best we can be in Christ. Profession without ILLUS. Jesus said: “A house . . . divided against itself . . . practice invalidates our profession. The most common

d e c e m b e r /ja n u a r y /f e b r u a r y 5 9 excuse used by those outside the church is hypocrisy. There is no greater cause than that of bringing athe­ Though it may not be a deliberate double-life, those ob­ ists, agnostics, and secularists to personal trust in Jesus serving don’t know what is going on inside you. They as the Giver of eternal life. Our message is: come clean cannot see that you really wanted to do good but (confess) and come home (repent) to God. There is a failed. They think you are professing one thing and liv­ team that needs you to tell the Good News to self-cen- ing another. tered, wounded people. How crucial it is that our conduct reinforces our pro­ ILLUS. The song “There Is a Balm in Gilead” says: “If you fession of faith! We can say all the right things and go cannot preach like Peter, / If you cannot pray like Paul, / to church every week, but our lives will be destructive You can tell the love of Jesus / And say, ‘He died for all. ” to non-Christians if our attitudes and actions do not You’ve & role in telling the Good News. match the biblical standard. B. Let our attitude show that we understand and resist fear (v. 28). “Without being frightened . . . by those who oppose you. ” Owning Christ’s cause has a psychological impli­ cation: People will oppose what and who you are. But SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER most are not deliberately out to destroy our faith. Prelude Rather, they are wrestling with their sin—feeling guilt Praise and Worship in Song “Holy Is the Lord of Hosts” and shame, while not wanting to stop sinning. Yet, sec­ “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” ond, they perceive the church as standing in the way “Lead On, 0 King Eternal” “Holy, Holy, Holy” of coming to God. “Holy Ground” Their perception is that the church offers boring ser­ Prayer of Praise and Invocation vices, irrelevant sermons, hypocrisy, and chances to Scripture get conned out of your money. What is reality? Millions Choir Special “Holy Is He” want what Jesus offers: meaning, assurance about eter­ Congregational Song “Crown Him with Many Crowns” nity, contentment, peace of mind, and a healthy mar­ Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors riage. Our task is to clearly say that to hurting people. Family Information Announcements If we would live up to what we say we believe, the Song “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” message would get through. People are not against Je­ Dedication of Tithes and Offerings sus. They are against their perception of how we have Offertory Vocal Solo Message “LIVING WITH A PURPOSE” packaged Jesus. Benediction ILLUS. When you start to live differently—being with Postlude friends, but not getting drunk; spending time with your spouse; cutting out marginal movies; going to church; Creative Worship Ideas walking away from profane jokes; defending those whom Invocation your coffee mates defame—friends don’t like it. You hold Father, open our eyes to the human need all up a mirror—your changed life, and what they see by around us. Help us focus our caring on a few things comparison is how bad their lives are. They don’t like we can do. Put a desire in our hearts to intercede for what they see. What is the result? Psychological pressure those concerns that are beyond our reach. Use our from them and frustration in them causes them to pres­ particular gifts to make a difference where You have sure you, to tease you, to tempt you to yield and sin with placed us. them. Then they can relax, because they have proven Benediction that you are no better than they are. Don’t be frightened Give us clear vision that we not stumble but walk by those who oppose you. a straight path in Your glorious light. In God’s providence, you believe in forgiveness and Advent Wreath suffer for Christ (v. 29). Count it an honor that you are Today, you will light two purple candles and one trusted to be one on whom Christ can rely, knowing you pink candle and let them burn for the remainder of will stand firm against opposition. the service. Read Luke 1:46-50. Consider singing “As with Gladness, Men of Old.” Pray at the conclu­ C. Experience enjoying Christ’s blessings (2:1-2). sion of the song a prayer that is built on the closing “If you have any encouragement from . . . Christ, if sentence: “His mercy extends to those who fear any com fort. . . if any fellowship . . . if any tenderness Him, from generation to generation” (italics added). and compassion . . . be . . . one in spirit and purpose.” Build your service today “across the generations” Owning Christ’s cause has an emotional implication: by having a student and a senior saint share their God does not simply say: “Buck up, keep a stiff upper experiences of God, helping them find meaning in lip, don’t cry.” Rather, He provides all that we need for life. emotional health.

6 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE INCARNATION IMPLICATIONS by Leslie Krober Phil. 2:5-11 Dec. 25, 1994

INTRO: II. The Reality of Christmas Is: God Became a When North Americans celebrate Christmas, stores are Man crowded, retailers work overtime, and credit cards are “He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the “hot” from being used so often. It’s amazing that a 2,000- status of a slave, became human!” (v. 7, The Message). Je­ year-old event still causes traffic jams. Even though He is sus was a real person, not a myth. the Centerpiece of Western history, and even though the ILLUS. The Encyclopaedia Britannica has more pages on calendar is dated accordingly ( a . d . —In the Year of Our Jesus than any other person. More schools, hospitals, and Lord; and B.C.— Before Christ), Jews do not believe the social ministries have been started because of Him than Messiah has come. any person ever. He was a real person who took our ILLUS. The Lubavitch Hasidim (pious ones) announced flesh. Why? That’s the best way to communicate to us. their Messiah candidate with a $400,000 publicity cam­ A. Jesus was born like we are (Luke 2:6-7). paign (billboards, pamphlets, and neon signs): 90-year-old Jesus came like billions of others. Though destiny Rabbi Schneerson. They believe every generation pro­ hinged on His presence, He made no flashy entrance. duces at least one righteous Jew with credentials for Mes- ILLUS. “Jesus stood and removed His royal robe. He took siahship. Regarded as more than an ordinary man, he has off His crown and stepped down. Down into time. Down the capacity to heal the world and unite Jew and Gentile. into the womb of a peasant girl. Down into a cow’s feed­ But on April 14, 1992, Rabbi Schneerson had a stroke ing trough. Down into servanthood. Down” (Roger that impaired his speech and movement. Though discour­ Shoenhals, Light and Life, December 1993). aged, they kept insisting the Messiah is coming soon. But ILLUS. Imagine God walking through the halls of the largest he recently died, shattering their fond hopes. building on earth to a door marked “Andromeda” to enter I. The Relevance of Christmas Is: God Has the room marked “Milky Way.” Inside are long rows of cabi­ Come to Earth nets filled with trays of billions of glass slides. He goes to “Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God” (w. 5-6). one cabinet marked “Orion Arm,” to one drawer, which He “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be pulls open and finally to one glass slide with the tiny label, seen” (Col. 1:15, The Message). “Solar System.” The electron microscope magnifies until a tiny bluish green speck comes into view, a planet called ILLUS. In 1991 the Coalition Forces invaded Iraq in the “Earth.” He watches over His Son there. One speck on one Persian Gulf War. 500,000 soldiers with all their equip­ tiny slide from one drawer from one bank of files in one ment were carried halfway round the world for a one- room of one building among the millions of buildings in the week ground war costing $20+ billion. That invasion is universe (Needham, Close to His Majesty, 104-5). nothing compared to God’s invasion. It was big news The mystery of Christmas is Jesus’ willingness to leave when man landed on the moon. It’s bigger news when heaven and descend into His own creation as a defense­ God comes to earth. God invaded the earth in the person less baby on a bluish green speck. of Jesus. B. Jesus grew like we do (Luke 2:52). Many say: “Jesus was a great man.” Others say: “He was “Jesus matured, growing up in . . . body and spirit, a prophet.” Even Muslims think He was second only to Muhammad. But Jesus never claimed to be a great proph­ blessed by both God and people” (The Message). et. He claimed to be God. It is a problem when a good ILLUS. Jesus may not have had acne, but He would have man claims to be God. frustrated His mother: growing fast and wearing out clothes playing games. ILLUS. I could say: I have a word from God for you. You He was unique, but He never showcased it. He de­ could accept that and you’d listen if I were trusted. But if clared His divinity the last three years of his life. He didn’t I started calling myself “God,” you’d leave. Jesus said, “I go round in a white robe with a halo. He looked every am God.” No “good” man claims that. Only crazy men or inch a Jewish carpenter. God could claim that. It probably surprises many people to hear that Jesus C. Jesus was tempted like we are (Heb. 4:15). didn’t come into existence in a stable. Rather, He existed “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because before time began; He came to earth at the right time. he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did “Christ. . . existed before God made anything at all” (Col. not sin!” (CEV). He had the same pressures, desires, 1:15, TLB). It is hard to relate to an unseen entity in the needs, and drives we do, but He stayed pure. sky, but when you see God and read about His actions D. Jesus suffered like we do (Matt. 26:38). and attitudes, you can relate. The Bible says: If you have He felt pain and suffered disappointment. He got fa­ seen Jesus, you’ve seen God. If Jesus is God, and God tigued and felt lonely. He grieved and cried. He asked came to earth, then Christmas is the most relevant event His Father to release Him from the Cross. What is the in history. point? He can relate to you where you are.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 1 III. The Reason for Christmas Is: God Cam e to will fall by the wayside. All people will confess: “Jesus is Die Lord.” “He humbled himself and became obedient to death— ILLUS. One day, politicians and rock stars will say: “Jesus even death on a cross!” (v. 8). Jesus, didn’t stay in the crib. is Lord.” Scientists, businessmen, homemakers, and pro­ He grew up, set His face toward Jerusalem, and allowed fessors will say: “Jesus is Lord.” Marx, Stalin, Lenin, himself to be killed. Why? He, as God, did not have to do Khrushchev, and Gorbachev will say: “Jesus is Lord.” Play­ it. No one could have nailed Him there without His per­ boy’s Hugh Hefner and atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair mission. Why did He do it? will bow and say: “Jesus is Lord.” A. Jesus demonstrated God’s love (Rom. 5:8). The issue is not, will you confess, “Jesus is Lord”? “God proves his love for us in that while we still Rather, when will you confess it? Will you admit it will­ were sinners Christ died for us” (NRSV). You want to ingly, in love and respect, or in brokenness? Christianity’s know how much God loves you? Look at the Cross! greatest need is to understand and live by the truth: “Je­ sus is Lord.” ILLUS. Bill and Gloria Gaither produced a video of a It may look like the other side is winning right now, Christmas reunion of gospel singers. On it, they sing a but Jesus is Lord. You may think: I can’t cope anymore, song with the line: “When He was on the Cross, you but Jesus is Lord. You believe there is no way out of your were on His mind.” That line wraps time and eternity to­ dilemma, but Jesus is Lord. Circumstances and people gether, reminding us that all mankind is under the um­ may pile up against you, but Jesus is Lord. brella of grace. Jesus did it, knowing that most would reject Him. Many humans have given their lives for another in heroic SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER situations, but Jesus gave His, knowing we might reject Prelude His love. “It was not the soldiers who killed Him: it was Opening Song “All Creatures of Our God and King” His devotion to us” (Max Lucado). Opening Prayer B. Jesus paid sin’s penalty. Choir Special “Season of Light” When you break man’s laws, you pay man’s penalty. Scripture Reading John 1:1-5 When you break God’s laws, you pay God’s penalty. Continue in Worship “As with Gladness Men of Old” The consequence of sin is death, but the gift of God is “This Is My Father’s World” “Crown Him with Many Crowns” eternal life (see Rom 6:23). What He did 2,000 years Congregational Greeting Recognition of Visitors ago has eternal consequences: we can be totally forgiv­ Family Information Announcements en. But as long as we try to save ourselves, God can’t Dedication of Tithes and Offerings save us. Until we realize our need of a Savior, we can’t Offertory be saved. Special Music Message “INCARNATION IMPLICATIONS” IV. The Result of Christmas Resounds: Jesus Is Closing Song “He Is Lord” Lord! Benediction “God exalted him . . . that . . . every knee should bow Postlude . . . and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (w. 9-11). Christmas began the story; the Cross was the Creative Worship Ideas climax; and His resurrection is the end of the story. Be­ Introduction to Opening Song cause Jesus humbled himself to obey the Father’s plan, It is said that St. Francis of Assisi wrote these God gave Him top honor in the universe along with a words during the hot summer of 1225, when he was new name: “Lord!” Over 600 times in the Bible it was very ill and losing his sight. To add to his discomfort, used of Jesus. a swarm of field mice were trying to take over his lit­ tle straw hut. Apparently, by the words of the song, ILLUS. “Lord” was also used for Caesar, the Roman leader. St. Francis encouraged even the mice to praise God! In some decades, Caesar was worshiped as God. People The message St. Francis proclaimed was that love said: “Kurios Kaiser—Caesar is Lord,” and bowed to him. for Christ leads to a life of sacrifice and of brotherly It became a test of loyalty. Would you be willing to say: love among men. “Kurios Kaiser”? When Christians refused to say that, say­ Christmas Sunday ing instead: “Kurios Iasous Christos” (Jesus Christ is Today you light all the candles. If you wish, you Lord), they were put to death. may also add the white candle in the center of the But one day every knee will bow, every tongue will wreath and light it: the symbol of Christ. Read: Luke confess: “Jesus is Lord.” One day, all of the arrogance in 2:13-15. Sing one or more of the following: “I Heard this world that puts itself up against Christ, and all the de­ the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Away in a Manger,” or nial and all the pseudoscientific, psychological, and philo­ “Once in Royal David’s City.” sophical debates that are put up to deny Jesus as Lord,

6 2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE GAINING CHRISTIAN UNITY by Leslie Krober Phil. 2:1-8 Jan. 1, 1995

INTRO: human problems would be resolved. Pride causes con­ Strained relationships make us unhappy. Conflict is a flict. killjoy. Unity in our relationships is a key to fulfillment in III. Decrease Criticism (v. 3) life. Business employees must work together. Players “In humility consider others better than yourselves.” must play together. Legislators and executives must coop­ Yes, better; not so superior to you that you have to grov­ erate. When there is unity, great things happen. el. All are worthy of respect. You don’t put people down. Paul urges: “Make my joy complete by being like-mind­ You treat them better than yourself. This is the opposite ed, having the same love, being one in spirit and pur­ of our cultural norm, where we’ve elevated selfishness to pose.” We’d all love to be able to say, “That describes my an art form. Best-selling books cater to it. There’s even a family and my business,” but people often have difficulty magazine named Self. This is our cultural attitude. getting along. So how do you reduce conflict? and in­ Paul challenges, “Do the opposite of society and de­ crease cooperation? crease conflict by considering others better.” Why? When I. Defuse Competition (v. 3) you are critical, it is often because you think that your Paul says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (motives way, idea, goal, or suggestion is better. Without listening, of rivalry). Too often we compete with our friends or you criticize and destroy unity. Andrew Murray defined: workers for attention, money, power, and friends. In “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but rather, not many marriages, couples do not complement one anoth­ thinking of yourself at all.” The focus is not on yourself. er, rather they compete. You aren’t thinking about What’s in it for me? or How ILLUS. A Christian couple sat in a restaurant with many will I look? Your focus rests on other people. You are oth­ friends. They were cutting each other with sarcastic put- er-centered as God so desires. downs. Obvious tension filled the air. Friends were em­ The person who thinks he is humble isn’t. The humble barrassed. Both served in Christian ministry, but they person doesn’t even know it, because he’s focusing on were not teammates. everybody else. James asks, “Who are you to judge your The solution? Somebody has to give in and say, “I’m neighbor?” (4:12). Judging another is like playing God sorry.” “To defuse” means to reduce the tension and hos­ without knowing the motives, intentions, or circum­ tility. Put-downs and cuts stir things up. stances. But it’s fun to criticize. Admit it. Because it “Fights and quarrels . . . come from your desires that makes us feel superior. battle within you. You want . . . but don’t get it” (James “Well, look at so and so ...” or “Well, I never . . . !” It 4:1-2). The first cause of conflict is competing desires. In­ makes us feel good. We think we build ourselves up by fluential leaders in churches can also want opposing putting others down. The Bible says the exact opposite. things and destroy a church because of it. Our society Do you want to get rid of conflict in your life? Decrease teaches us instant gratification. So, when our desires con­ the criticism. Stop judging other people. flict, it’s “instant trouble.” We live in a competitive world. ILLUS. At the funeral of a man named Buck, the pastor But if we want unity, we’ve got to defuse competition. said: “Buck had a critical spirit under Holy Spirit control. What is the cause of conflict? Competing desires. He was always lifting others up because he was secure in himself and didn’t have to pull others down to feel good II. Delete Conceit (v. 3) about himself.” “Do nothing out of . . . vain conceit.” Deal with pride. The third cause of conflict is devaluing people—treat­ Deal with ego. An egotist is an “I” specialist. Unity comes ing them with less respect than deserved. only at the price of somebody’s ego. Solomon says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” IV. Demonstrate Consideration (v. 4) (Prov. 16:18). Will Rogers said, “The person who gets too “Each of you should look not only to your own inter­ big for his britches will eventually be exposed in the ests, but also to the interests of others.” It’s contrary to end.” the norm of humanity. What is needed? Regular motive checks and a willing­ ILLUS. What about that word “look”? The Greek is ness to accept loving confrontation. We agree that no skopas, from which we get the word scope, like a scope one is right 100% of the time. Sometimes we get in argu­ on a rifle. Paul says: “Hone in on it. Pay attention to the ments where we know we are wrong, but we won’t ad­ need of others.” mit it. Why? Pride! That’s so simple, but we don’t do it, and that is why we ILLUS. The song “You’re So Vain, You Probably Think have conflicts in our relationships. We don’t pay attention This Song Is About You” was supposedly written about to others’ needs, and they most likely don’t pay attention actor Warren Beatty. One of the women he used and to our needs. However, if we don’t start paying attention dropped, Carly Simon, wrote and sang it in revenge. It to their needs and, in so doing, break the vicious cycle of was an American hit. If ego were yielded to Jesus, most selfishness, no one will ever get their needs met.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 3 ILLUS. How do you demonstrate consideration? By look­ preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the ing and listening. Think of the person(s) closest to you. peace that binds you together” (Ephesians 4:3, TEV). Im­ Could you name his or her five biggest needs? After nam­ plication? For you to get along with people, you need to ing them, could you honestly say you are meeting even grow more and more like Jesus Christ. It is not a matter three of them on a regular basis? It is so easy to get preoc­ of imitation, rather one of habitation—Jesus in you. cupied with self and be insensitive. It is not: “I’m going to be like Jesus if it kills me.” It ILLUS. We come home from work. We re tired and want will. It is a matter of habitation. Every day we consciously to bury ourselves in our activity or lack of activity. We for­ choose to put someone else’s right before our own, to get that there are other people who need our love. We serve our spouse, children, and fellow workers, to build too often think only of ourselves: “I’m tired; I need a day people up instead of tearing them down, to sacrifice for off; I’m going to do my thing.” If you want to lower con­ the sake of others. In these ways, we become more like flict and increase unity, demonstrate consideration. Jesus. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives . . . so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Pet. 3:7). Ouch! The next time you blow it, husband, and you forget consideration toward your wife, SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER say: “You’re right. I should have done that. I’m sorry. I Prelude Praise and Worship in Song “I Will Enter His Gates” was only thinking of myself. Next time I will try to be “We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise” considerate of you and remember that you have plans “Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises” too.” She will faint first, but then she will love you for “We Three Kings” your honesty. The fourth cause of conflict: insensitivity to “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” needs. Prayer of Praise Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors V. Develop Christlikeness (v. 5) Family Information Announcements “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Je­ Continue in Worship “In His Image” sus.” Jesus is the Model for relationships. Look at Jesus “O to Be like Thee” and get His attitude. “I Would Be like Jesus” A. He didn’t demand His rights (v. 6). “More About Jesus” Special Music “We Are an Offering” “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider Offertory Prayer equality with God something to be grasped ’You never Special Music “Abide in Me” saw Jesus going around Jerusalem saying: “Now I have Message “GAINING CHRISTIAN UNITY” My rights.” The person who yields his rights to God Closing Song “I Want to Be like Jesus” gets God as the Defender of his rights. Whom would Benediction you want defending you? Who could do a better job? Postlude Jesus gave up His rights. Creative Worship Ideas B. He had a serving attitude (v. 7). Benediction “[He] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” How do you know if you have a serving Goodness is something so simple: always to live for others; never to seek one’s own advantage. attitude? By the way you answer this question: “How do you respond when people treat you like a servant?” New Year’s Sunday There’s your answer. This week presents another golden opportunity to confront the issues of everyday life. The sermon C. He was willing to sacrifice (v. 8). theme on reducing conflict and increasing unity is a “And being found in appearance as a man, he hum­ natural, especially when New Year’s resolutions are bled himself and became obedient to death—even a topic of conversation. Plan on an invitation to death on a cross!” He sacrificed for the benefit of oth­ prayer at the conclusion of the sermon. The major ers. When I yield my rights to God, God assumes my relationships need the “oil of forgiveness” applied: defense. That is so totally different from what the wife/husband; parent/child; employer/employee; world teaches. It is impossible to live selflessly in our and friend/friend. own power. It is our nature outside of Christ to be self­ Personal Testimony ish. Only God can change it. The fifth cause of conflict: Plan a testimony from a person who came to sav­ living without Christ. ing faith in Jesus in the previous 12 months. Let him affirm his hope for living a complete new year forgiv­ CONCLUSION: en with peace of mind. Unity is a gift from God’s Holy Spirit. “Do your best to

6 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE LEARNING HOW TO CHANGE by Leslie Krober Phil. 2:9-18 Jan. 8, 1995

INTRO: hour after hour, they lose their individuality for the sake What needs changing in your life? If you could change of the whole. Their clothes are identical, their hair is cut one thing, what would it be? People often testify, “Jesus off, and they eat the same foods. This kind of authorita­ changed my life. He made me a different person.” If it’s tive, forced “losing of oneself” is not God’s discipleship not brain surgery or drugs and not getting zapped, how plan. God gives freedom to develop your unique gifts and did Jesus do it? identity as His child. Confusing advice is given: “Wait on the Lord” (passive What does the gospel mean in your life? Work it out! approach) or “If it is to be, it’s up to me” (activist ap­ Watch other Christians for basics, but then go to your proach). Others say, “Just hang on” or “Just let go” or own practice area and work out your unique version of “Pray it through.” How do I change? Is it all God? Is it all being a Christian. me—or is it a combination of the two? Verses 12-13 clari­ III. Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and fy: “My dear friends, as you have always obeyed . . . con­ Trembling (w . 12-13) tinue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Our attitude should not be one of dread and dismay, for it is God who works in you . . . according to his good fearful that one little slip means hell. Rather, we learn purpose.” “Work out” is my part. “Work in” is God’s. We deep respect and trust, recognizing that each step with work out what God has worked in. Christ has eternal implications. In other words, take your ILLUS. Top fuel drag cars have aerodynamic bodies, su­ spiritual growth seriously. Change is a cooperative pro­ percharged engines, and wide, soft tires. Their top gram. You can’t do it on your own. Yet God won’t do it speeds used to be below 200 mph, but technology boost­ without your permission and cooperation. ed it beyond 300 mph. Yet, an owner and crew without a Note three important words in verse 13: God “works” great driver win no races. The man behind the wheel has in you to “will ” and “act.” To paraphrase: “Keep on work­ to accelerate, shift gears, and pop the chute better than ing out the implications of your new life in Jesus. But re­ others. Thus he must be “working out” and making real member: God is effectively at work in you and is complet­ the potential speed that is built-in. ing His design for you. ” Christians also need to apply the truths of God, making real the potential that Christ has provided. A. God works on your will (your controller). “To will” means God is “inspiring” your “will” (NEB), I. Work Out Your Salvation (v. 12) “helping you want to obey him” (TLB), stimulating Paul says, “Practice the skills the Bible teaches.” Devel­ your action upon your good intentions. op what you already know. Work out the implications. B. God works on your desires (your motivation). You have been obeying; keep on obeying. Practice what God helps you act obediently because your desires is crucial. Repeat it often! line up with His desires. “To act” means inspiring the ILLUS. What do you do in a workout? You run, climb deed, helping you do what He wants and giving you stairs, swim, etc. You exercise to maintain or restore the passion to do it. health and sometimes to reduce weight. You do not exer­ cise to get a body, but to develop the body you already have. You practice to develop the necessary skills. IV. What Is God’s Part in Change? An orchardist cultivates, fertilizes, prunes, and sprays A. God provided the Bible. to develop the potential that is already latent in his trees. “The . . . Bible was given to us by inspiration from Christians are expected to “work” or practice to develop God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make their relationship to God. That is, “Work out the implica­ us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us tions” of your salvation. out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of II. Work Out Ybur Salvation (v. 12) making us well prepared at every point” (2 Tim. 3:16- This implies an individual assignment: accepting per­ 17, TLB). God teaches us right and wrong, preparing sonal responsibility for your growth. God needs to do us for anything that comes. But you have to read, study, things in your life that He doesn’t need to do in mine. and know it first. Likewise, what you do has very little bearing on my salva­ B. God provides the Holy Spirit. tion. Your works cannot confirm my salvation, only your “Once the Spirit . . . lives within you he will . . . own. Paul implies specialized experiences for Christians. bring to your whole being . . . new strength and vitali­ He doesn’t force us to be cookie-cutter or cloned Chris­ ty” (Rom. 8:11, Phillips). What is the prerequisite? A tians. daily surrender, a yielded will. “As the Spirit of the Lord ILLUS. Soldiers in boot camp are drilled for hours each works within us, we become more and more like him” day to learn skills, to work as a unit, and to never ques­ (2 Cor. 3:18, TLB). tion an officer’s commands. As they march in close ranks, Most of us will not change until we are forced to do

decembemanuary /fe b r u a r y 6 5 so. We have to hurt a lot before we will get serious 4. Purity: “become blameless and pure, children of God about it (see Prov. 20:30). without fault” (v. 15). Growing Christians will find an en­ V. What Is My Part in Change? larging chasm between the sinful activities of the world and their behaviors and attitudes. A. Choose what you think about. 5. Mission endeavor: offer a message. You’ll share “the Guard your thoughts, filter the destructive ones, re­ word of life,” witnessing to the change that Christ can ject all that will lead away from Christ, and be aggres­ bring; you’ll shine like stars” (w. 15-16). sive about it. (See also Eph. 4:23-25, JB.) B. Choose to depend on God’s Spirit. “Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. . . . a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. . . . I am Prelude the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me Praise and Worship in Song “The Lord Is Lifted Up” and I in him shall produce a large crop” (John 15:4-5, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” TLB). “O Worship the King” Prayer of Praise C. Choose your response to circumstances. Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into Family Information Announcements your lives . . . don’t resent them as intruders, but wel­ Choir Special “Purify Me, Lord” come them as friends! Realise that they come to test Scripture Ps. 51:1 -3, 7,10-12 your faith and to produce in you the quality of en­ Open Altar “Change My Heart, O God” durance. But let the process go on until that endurance Pastoral Prayer of Confession Affirmation of Faith is fully developed, and you . . . become men of mature Organ Interlude as worshipers are seated character, men of integrity with no weak spots” Games Communion “There Is a Redeemer” 1:2-4, Phillips). “At the Cross” Here’s the impact of attitude: “And Can It Be?” Dedication of Tithes/Offerings “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of at­ Offertory titude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than Message “LEARNING HOW TO CHANGE" facts. . . . It is more important than appearance, gifted­ Closing/Benediction ness or skill. . . . The remarkable thing is, we have a Postlude choice every day regarding the attitude we will em­ brace for that day. We cannot change our past . . . we Creative Worship Ideas cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain Benediction way. We cannot change the inevitable. . . . I am con­ Father, in all the choices I make today, be in my vinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% choosing that I may know I have chosen wisely for how I react to it” (Charles Swindoll, Strengthening You. Be in my loving, that I may love in self-giving Your Grip [Dallas: Word Publishing, 1982], 205). ways. CONCLUSION: Change Is Never Easy; Pray About It Have the worship leader prepare transition com­ What are the evidences of salvation? We’ve been talk­ ments in advance between various service compo­ ing about changing to be like Christ and how that comes nents. Have him focus on the active work of the Holy about. What are the things for which we should look of­ Spirit to help us face or own our unique personality ten? and its “hard edges” when it comes to relationships. 1. Effective progress: “As you have always obeyed . . . Then, building from Psalm 51, move the congrega­ continue to work out your salvation” (v. 12). Growing tion to a time of prayer about that at the altar. Christians will be able to look back 5, 10, and 15 years Testimony and see measurable progress in Christlikeness. Endeavor to have a testimony how drawing closer 2. Respect and trust of God: “with fear and trembling” (v. to God and making a commitment to do His will 12) desire to never grieve God. Growing Christians will leads to a major change of career, relationship, or lo­ become increasingly aware of the need to walk humbly, cation. Implication? Spiritual growth means change. respectfully before God. You can’t have one without the other. 3. Serenity and certainty: “without complaining” (Don’t I World Focus deserve better?) and without “arguing” (Yes, Lord, but Ask someone from your Mission Board or Com­ what about . . . ? (v. 14). Growing Christians will deepen mittee to share about a person that your congrega­ in spirit so that their lives are more like water in the deep tion is supporting with your missions offerings. pool than like water flowing over the rocks: serene.

6 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE GOD’S MODEL FOR MANHOOD by Leslie Krober Phil. 2:19-30 Jan. 15, 1995

INTRO: men who are not afraid to be different from the culture In 1993 Houston football player David Williams and to stand alone: “Timothy has proved himself . . . he skipped a game to be with his newborn son and wife. has served with me in the work of the gospel.” Timothy The team fined him $125,000. The radio call-in shows de­ was known and tested. This is integrity. Timothy’s bated who was right or wrong. Many said it wasn’t manly. name—“honoring God”—meant one who did not cave in In Fremont, Calif., a principal wrote to teachers: “If boys to pressure. Such godly men can’t be bought. don’t let girls play games with them on the playground, The Bible says: “The man of integrity walks securely, they could be guilty of discrimination or harassment.” but he who takes crooked paths will be found out” (Prov. The book Missing from Action: Vanishing Manhood 10:9). The bottom line for manhood is integrity. A nice in America by Weldon Hardenbrook describes four false personality makes good first impressions, but success models of manhood: over the long haul is built on character, not image. A man 1. Macho Maniac: Dirty Harry or Rambo. They deny of consistency “walks securely. ” all their feelings, ignore the law, never worry, complain, ILLUS. He has no secrets like Senator Packwood’s 8,200- or apologize. They just sweat and bully people, taking page diary to be kept from the Senate Ethics Committee, whatever they want. no Playboy magazine in hiding, no whiskey hidden in the 2. Great Pretender: Archie Bunker. Belittling others trunk, no juggling of the financial books to hide expendi­ (especially wife or children), they build themselves up. tures from the wife, and no affair with a former girlfriend. Out of fear, they hold the world at arm’s length with God wants consistent men because inconsistent men tough talk and criticism. produce insecure children and unstable marriages. God 3. World-class Wimp: Dagwood Bumstead. He’s inept, wants consistency, not conformity. being outwitted by children, wives, and dogs. He’s a pas­ III. Seek to Be Men of Cooperation sive bumbler whom no one takes seriously. Putting cooperation before competition (v. 25). Paul 4. Gender Blenders: Michael Jackson or Boy George. was a spiritual superstar, but he knew that you get more They don’t even pretend to be masculine. They play with done working together. That’s why he had time for fel­ the image and mix feminine/masculine. People magazine lows like Timothy and Epaphroditus. Paul used three reported a psychologist who asked his seven-year-old words to describe their spirit of cooperation: (a) brother; nephew: “Is Michael Jackson a boy or a girl?” He thought (b) fellow worker; (c) fellow soldier. Each word has an about it and said, “Both.” implication: (a) “Brother.” We are a family. We are related Being a male is a matter of birth; being a man is a mat­ in Christ. In churches worldwide, we use: Brother Bob, ter of choice. We can learn, choose, and grow. We do not Brother Smith, Sister Williams. One hundred thirty-three need to settle for society’s false models. The Bible pro­ times in the New Testament Paul used the word “broth­ vides godly examples. Timothy (v. 20) and Epaphroditus er.” We are a family, (b) “Fellow worker.” We are a fellow­ (v. 29) show us five qualities men should seek. ship. We are engaged in the same task: making mature I. Seek to Be Men of Compassion disciples, (c) “Fellow soldier.” We are in a fight. Christians Put people before profits. Why? Relationships are more have a common enemy, the devil. We are called to defend valuable than things. Compassion means protecting the and support one another in the spiritual battle. Would needs and rights of other people. Timothy took a genuine others easily say that you are a brother, fellow worker, fel­ interest in others’ welfare, not just his own interests. low soldier? ILLUS. A developer bought land for a housing subdivi­ ILLUS. Some research suggests that only 10% of men in sion. He drilled wells, paved streets, and put in all the America have real friends. That should change in the utilities. After the entire project was done, the wells went church, but even Christian men don’t automatically know bad. He put in a pump house at a nearby river. Following how to relate to one another. It is hard to risk letting oth­ a spring flood, the river shifted away from the pump ers get close to us, even though there is tremendous house. He paid to dig a trench to the pump house. Then power in unity. he paid to dig new wells. This compassionate response The more men who are able to unite in the cause of was beyond the law’s requirements and his contracts. Christ and cooperate instead of compete, the stronger Too often, we care about ourselves, not others. It is possi­ their local church will be. ble to get so caught up in business and career that family is IV. Seek to Be Men of Commitment forgotten. People say, “I’d like to help, but . . . I’d be there Putting the cause of Christ before comfort (w. 25-27). except . . . I’d serve on the committee if . . .’’God looks for Epaphroditus, “your messenger . . . was ill, and almost men of compassion who put people before profits. died.” II. Seek to Be Men of Consistency Paul was in prison in Rome. The people in Philippi Putting character before conformity (v. 22). God wants sent an offering to help him. It was 800 miles and six

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 7 weeks of travel over rough roads. Epaphroditus went by building houses for the poor at his own expense. Put ser­ foot and got seriously ill, almost dying. Yet he kept on vice before security! and completed his task. He was persistent in spite of Any church is healthy when there is a reasonable num­ pain. His feelings were secondary. The cause of Christ ber of men who are willing to serve. Women will always came before comfort. serve the church, but the difference is the number of Many men are great starters ( “Yes, we re going to go men who will join them. Paul calls us to make a living for it; we re going to do it!”), but they never finish. They sacrifice of ourselves to God. If you don’t volunteer to quit because it’s inconvenient or causes stress. Ministry minister, you are not sacrificing. If you are not tithing, always costs. You pay a price. God is looking for men you are not sacrificing. The result is bored and unfulfilled who are willing to pay the price. If you want to serve men. God without any cost or inconvenience, forget it. There CONCLUSION: is no such thing. “Only those who throw away their lives for my sake ILLUS. VMI, an all-male school, came under attack. and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what Women wanted in. Lt. Col. Thomas Linn resisted: “Soci­ it means to really live” (Mark 8:35, TLB). Do you want to ety desperately needs male developmental education. It live? Go for broke! Get out on the limb. Risk and give up needs men who are assured and responsible in their mas­ your life. God is looking for men. Get usable, and God culinity. We need strong, committed men to channel ag­ will wear you out. gression and instill an inner compulsion to do what is right. Schools like VMI do this well” (USA Today, Nov. 18/93). Recent news indicates women are now admitted. Committed men finish what they start. God wants men SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude to be aggressive in spiritual things and in work. God Opening Song “All Hail King Jesus” wants men who put Christ’s cause before comfort. Scripture Reading Neh. 9:5b-6 V. Seek to Be Men of Courage Praise and Worship in Song “His Name Is Wonderful” Put service before security (w. 29-30). Today we are “Jesus, Name Above All Names” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” told, “Build a nest egg to provide security for yourself.” Prayer of Praise and Joyful Expectation The goal of life is security. Serving others drops down the Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors list in importance. Becoming a pastor is rejected because Family Information Announcements you can’t make enough money. Ministry teams are ne­ Continue in Worship “King of Heaven, Lord Most High” glected because you don’t want to give up a vacation. “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” Working in the youth weekend is dropped because you Dedication of Tithes and Offerings can get overtime on Saturday. Offertory ILLUS. Serving Jesus calls for reckless abandon. It means Special in Song “Worship Medley” Message “GOD’S MODEL FOR MANHOOD” driving your car a year longer to support that missionary. Closing Song “Rise Up, 0 Men of God” It means passing up the new dress to help that refugee. It Benediction means selling your boat to buy that mission a generator. It Postlude means giving up Saturdays to build houses for the poor. “Welcome him in the Lord . . . Honor men like him . . . Creative Worship Ideas he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life” (w. Invocation 29-30). “Risking” means “hazarding” (Weymouth) your In this moment of prayer let us hear again, 0 Lord, life—a gambling term—or staking everything. Epaphrodi­ that it was not we who first chose You, but You who tus was God’s gambler, risking his life for Paul and for the chose us. Save us from all false pride, which might cause of the gospel. If we only play church and come to dare lead us to believe that You chose us because sing our songs and to hear our sermons, we do God a dis­ of merit. Amen. service. God looks for men who put service before secu­ Valentine’s Day Preparation rity. Another slant you could take would be to remind ILLUS. A 77-year-old man with an attitude of service re­ men of the importance of expressing romantic love tired 12 years ago. He has worked on construction mis­ and verbalizing feelings! This is needed so much sions eight times overseas and three times stateside. All more by the females in our lives. In line with Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 5, husbands are called to were at his own expense and for no pay. This retired man sacrifice themselves for their wives. Perhaps a list of is fulfilled. He cares about service, not just security. suggestions could be placed in the bulletin, guiding ILLUS. You can be for or against Jimmy Carter and his men in ways that they could prepare to honor their politics. But after he held the most prestigious job in the wives in mid-February. nation, he began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity,

6 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR JOY by Leslie Krober Phil. 3:1-11 Jan. 22, 1995

INTRO: on God, so that being in it saves you. It is easy to lose your joy. Early in a Christian’s life 4. Rules. “In regard to the law, a Pharisee” (v. 5). Phar­ everything is fantastic. But you spring a leak and the joy isees were not all hypocrites. Never more than 6,000, dribbles out. We muddle through with our spirit deflated. they were the spiritual elite. They took the Ten Com­ Paul hammers the expectation home 17 times in this mandments and eventually developed 613 commands (le­ book, saying, “Rejoice!” How do you maintain joy? He galist’s delight). They worked hard at making God happy. gives us three safeguards. They wouldn’t eat an egg laid on the Sabbath (it was work). They wouldn’t scratch a mosquito bite on the Sab­ I. Resist Legalistic Attitudes (w . 1-6) bath (it was work). Paul says: “No more. I don’t trust in Legalism is a major “joy buster.” If you major on rules, that stuff anymore.” keeping the letter while forgetting the spirit of the law, 5. Reputation. “As for zeal, persecuting the church; as you turn sour fast. Legalism ruins people, families, and for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (v. 6). Today we say: churches. Legalism substitutes rules and regulations for a I read the Bible, I pray, I go to church. I write letters to relationship with Jesus. It subtly changes the focus from the editor and defend morality. I work on political issues. what God has done to what you have to do. When you There is nothing wrong with doing these, but don’t flip the focus, you lose your joy. Dos and don’ts, unbal­ count on them getting you “points” with God. Live each anced by grace, dry you up. day by trusting in Jesus’ sin-bearing work, not in rituals, The legalists were called Judaizers. They said: “Yes, be­ race, religion, rules, or reputation. You’ll be joy-filled. lieve in Jesus. Trust Him with all your heart, but you must also ‘do Moses’ to be saved: i.e., keep the dietary laws, II. Reevaluate Your Activities (vv. 7-9) Sabbath rules, and circumcision.” They tried to convert “What I once thought was valuable is worthless. . . . I Paul’s converts to their perspective. Paul got steamed up. have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. “Some people are throwing you into confusion and are All I want is . . . to know that I belong . . . because of my trying to pervert the gospel . . . Let [them] be eternally faith in Christ” (CEV). condemned!” (Gal. 1:7-9). He said, “Watch out for those Everything Paul had been taught to do growing up as a dogs” (like pit bulls that attack humans) (3:2). Jew was now seen to be worthless when it came to mak­ SAFEGUARD NO. 1: LIVE BY GRACE ing himself acceptable to God. Garbage? Translators are Grace is the key to joy. In fact, the two words go to­ being delicate. The word means “dung”(KJV), manure. gether. The word for grace is charis. The word for joy is All the rituals, superior attitudes, rules, and even his rep­ chara. Grace and joy go together. Realize that everything utation were worthless. God does in you and through you is of grace. It is not by SAFEGUARD NO. 2: PRIORITIZE TO KEEP PERSPECTIVE. your working for it or earning it. To resist legalistic atti­ Know what’s valuable. Don’t lose joy over things that tudes is the secret of joy. Paul used his life as an example don’t count: paying taxes; dent in your car; a missed tele­ of legalism. He had tried pleasing God through law keep­ vision show. Don’t let anything or anyone take your joy ing. It brought no joy (w. 4-6, CEV). Paul pulled out his because you have mixed up your priorities. What matters trophies and said: “If you want to compare lists, I’ll beat most is not your position or your power, pedigree, pres­ by a longshot, but it did not make me holy or bring me tige, or your possessions. You can have them all and still joy.” be unhappy! “Watch out! Be on your guard against all He gives us five examples (w. 5-6). If we begin to trust kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abun­ in them, we are becoming legalistic: dance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). You cannot have 1. Rituals. “Circumcised on the eighth day.” Our rituals it all. Life is a matter of trade-offs. Paul implies: “I gave up are baptism, Communion, catechism. These bring false religion in order to have a relationship.” security and no joy. ILLUS. Barbara Walters, television journalist, says: “You 2. Race. Born into a Jewish family (not a proselyte). From can’t have all three: marriage, children, career. No the tribe of Benjamin (an elite tribe). Named after Saul, woman can manage all three. You can handle two out of the first king, a Benjamite. Our heritage is that my par­ three, but one of them will suffer.” ents are good people, upstanding citizens. Big deal! You Do you want Christ? What will you give up to know get religion by osmosis, but you can’t get Jesus by osmo­ Christ? You cannot live two ways at the same time. If you sis! are trying, you have your priorities messed up. Unbeliev­ 3. Religion. A true “Hebrew of Hebrews” (v. 5). Hoping ers fear they have to give up something to become a in having a particular brand of religion is fruitless. Reli­ Christian. They’re right. But what you discover is that gion is man’s attempt to get to God. Jesus is God’s at­ God changes you so that what you were afraid to give, tempt to get to man—a relationship. If you find yourself you no longer want. Jesus changes your “wanter.” Former relying on being a Presbyterian or a Baptist or a Naza- things become empty and shallow. rene, you’re already disqualified. No group has a patent When you become a Christian, you give up all you’ve

decemberoanuary /f e b r u a r y 6 9 got, you’ve never had it so good. Trade-offs! Paul says: sus. Thus, if you fall short of His holiness, you miss heav­ “When I consider what I used to think was valuable, they en. aren’t worth dung. ” What I got was worth much more Putting trust in religion instead of a relationship is than what I lost. I gave up guilt for a clear conscience and “churchianity,” not Christianity. Let go of religion and take forgiveness. I gave up worry for power in living. I gave hold of Jesus. Let go of rituals, race, rules, and reputation. up frustration for meaning and purpose in life. I gave up Get to know Christ. going to hell for heaven. That’s not a bad trade-off! (1) Admit that you cannot save yourself, and thus you III. Refocus Your Ambitions (w . 10-11) need a Savior. (2) Believe that Jesus died to pay the penal­ ty for your sin and to provide forgiveness and eternal life. “I want . . . to know Christ and the power that raised (3) Believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that... I alive to intercede for you. (4) Turn from sin and seek also may be raised to life” (CEV). Paul declared after a life­ righteousness, which comes as Jesus changes your “want- time of religious activity: “It all comes down to knowing tos.” Jesus intimately,” based on personal experience (as in married persons’ sexual knowledge of each other). “ [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [Christ]—that I may progressively become more deeply SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and rec­ Prelude ognizing and understanding [Him] more strongly and Praise and Worship in Song “Come Celebrate Jesus” more clearly” (v. 10, Amp.). This knowledge is personal, “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” progressive, and ongoing. “I Will Sing of the Mercies” Prayer of Praise ILLUS. I know about Hillary Clinton, but I don’t know Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors her. I know she attended Methodist churches most of her Family Information Announcements life, but I don’t know if she has saving faith in Jesus. She Continue in Worship “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” is a lawyer, but I don’t know how good she is. Knowing “Jesus Is All the World to M e” about Hillary is not the same as knowing her. But I know “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” my wife and what makes her tick. I understand her Choir Special “He Is My Hiding Place” moods and what makes her laugh. Too many of us know Dedication of Tithes and Offerings about Jesus, but we don’t know Jesus. Offertory Message “HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR JOY” SAFEGUARD NO. 3: GET TO KNOW JESUS. Closing Song “We Come, O Christ, to You” ILLUS. A little boy fell out of bed. His mom came to ask Benediction him what happened: “I guess I stayed too close to where Postlude I got in the bed.” That describes many Christians relative to their rela­ Creative Worship Ideas tionship to Jesus. They have hopped on the train to heav­ Invocation en but haven’t changed one bit, haven’t grown up or ma­ Father, thank You for the joy that You bring when tured. Stuart Briscoe says: There are three ways to grow You come into our lives. Your peace is ours when in knowing Jesus: (a) Time alone with God (invest in the You bring us new life in yourself. We ask that You relationship) reading the Bible with the radio or televi­ come to live and reign within us now and forever. sion off. You can’t be intimate in a crowd. Sunday wor­ Amen. ship won’t even do it. You’ve got to get alone with God Experiment in Trading Things often, (b) Talk to God. Prayer is vital. When couples stop To illustrate one of the key ideas in the sermon, talking, marriages die. Let God talk to you through His that life is a series of trade-offs: We give up things Word and Spirit. Much prayer means much joy. (c) Trust we like for things that are essential. Do the follow­ God. Relationships are built on trust. God will allow all ing: Hold up a new pencil and ask if there is anyone who would trade you something they have with kinds of problems to force you to learn that He is reliable. them in church (in purses/billfolds/diaper bags, etc.) This often takes years, even decades. that might be more valuable. After one trade is CONCLUSION: made, do it again, and then again. After perhaps HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOY? five, six, or seven trades are made and you hold an object of significant value, make the application. To 1. Have you substituted rules and regulations for relation­ get something that is better, we have to give up ship? Legalism seeps in and chokes the joy. Perhaps you something good. Then to get something that is best, never trusted Jesus for forgiveness. You are a moral per­ we have to give up something that is better. God son, going to church, keeping the Ten Commandments, calls us to be making those kinds of value judg­ but you think God grades on the curve, so you’ve got it ments every single day. made. No! God grades according to a perfect standard: Je­

7 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ATTITUDES FOR EFFECTIVE LIVING by Leslie Krober Phil. 3:12-21 Jan. 29, 1995

INTRO: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. There are hundreds of books written on “How to Suc­ See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isa. 43:18-19). How do I ceed,” but more than books, Christians need relationships forget that which has wounded me so deeply that daily and models. We need to learn from someone who has there is a trigger that reopens the wound in me? done it, a mentor. In this way, we develop our character ILLUS. (U.S. News, 11/29/93, pp. 52-63) An article titled rather than just our ability to make money, gain status, or “Memories Lost and Found” tells of adults who, having build a business. been abused as children, struggle with memories. Memo­ ILLUS. The Success Syndrome, by Steven Berglas, says ry is essential to life. It can’t easily be erased. But we people without character often implode and fail. Such can’t let it debilitate our faith. people often lack self-esteem. When their success sur­ So what would forgetting mean? Get amnesia? No! It is passes their self-esteem, they feel guilty or unworthy of to stop letting the past control or manipulate the present. it. So to ease the pressure, they set themselves up for Effective people learn from the past but don’t dwell on moral failure. Arrogant and isolated, they risk and destroy it—learning, then letting it go. Human nature tends to re­ all that they built. member things that we should forget and forget things Paul teaches how to develop one’s character as a foun­ that we should remember. THERE ARE TWO THINGS TO dation for success: “Following my example . . . take note FORGET: of those who live according to the pattern we gave” (v. 1. Forget your failures. 17). He warns of harmful models: “Many live as enemies Many Christians rehearse things that God has forgiven. of the cross . . . Their destiny is destruction, their god is Satan’s favorite pastime is to paralyze us with the past their stomach, and their glory is in their shame [bragging and manipulate us by our memories. Paul says: “I forget about sin]. Their mind is on earthly things” (w. 18-19). the past. I refuse to condemn myself, saying, ‘If I had only Models and mentors are all around; so choose the best. Paul offers himself and four keys: We’ve all blown it. We all have things we regret, but I. Use the Key of Evaluation we are no worse than Paul. Get on with life. Nothing will ever totally reverse the past, so stop beating yourself with Face your faults. it. Restitution? Of course, where it’s possible. But restitu­ An apostle and theologian, yet Paul said: “I need to tion is not always possible. If not, then forget it and move grow.” Admit it too. Take an inventory of your life. You on. Learn from it and let it go. have to know where you are before you can grow. Some people fear being that real. They imply that they have no 2. Forget your successes. problems or doubts. Not so. Effective people never stop Refuse to rest on your past accomplishments. It’s easy growing. to glory in successes, to base security on past perfor­ ILLUS. Gold mining companies spend millions of dollars mances. Success tends to make you complacent and fills you with pride. You stop growing and learning. Forget­ drilling holes for core samples. They evaluate the ounces per ton of rock to decide the profit potential. There ting the former things includes successes! might be millions, but if it costs twice that amount to get The questions here are these: “What memory contin­ it blasted, crushed, and chemically removed from the ues to haunt me? What person keeps causing my pain?” bedrock, they won’t do it. Inaccessible? Forget it. Costly Face your faults and forget the former things. evaluation ultimately saves money. III. Use the Key of Concentration Facing your faults with brutal honesty opens the door Focus on the future. to effective living. “He who conceals his sins does not “But one thing I do: . . . straining toward what is ahead, prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them I press on toward the goal” (w. 13-14). Effective people finds mercy” (Prov. 28:13). Such transparency fosters are goal-oriented, focusing on the future. Paul says: “I do emotional maturity. Effective people leave their reputa­ one thing”; not “These 40 things I dabble in.” “Fragmen- tion in God’s hands, choosing to obey versus simply tosis” is defined as trying to do 100 things. It is an all-too- wanting to look good. The question must be asked: common social disease in most lifestyles. “Where do I need to change?” ILLUS. Ed Sullivan used to have “plate spinners” on his II. Use the Key of Elimination television program. You’d get anxious just watching them Forget the former! get 15 to 20 plates spinning at the same time atop wood­ “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind” (v. 13). en rods. They’d stress out: starting plates, adding plates, Let go of the past. Turn your back on it at least to the de­ respinning wobbly plates, running back and forth! What a gree that you stop being manipulated by memories. parable of modern urban life. There’s a time to put hurts and failures behind you. Effec­ Most of us are spread too thinly, overly involved. We tiveness means learning to forget. need to decide what counts and focus on it. A life dif­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 1 fused is weak, powerless, meandering. A life focused is things” (v. 15). All of us need to face our faults, forget powerful, accomplishing much. the former or past things, focus on the future, and fight ILLUS. When a river overflows its banks, you end up with to the finish. Never become complacent! a shallow and smelly swamp. But if you confine a river to B. Be teachable and slay your ego. its banks, channeling it, you have depth and flow, energy “If on some point you think differently, that too God and power. It becomes a liquid commercial highway for will make clear to you” (v. 15). Stay open. God will products and people. teach you. When you stop being teachable, you stop Almost all who accomplish something significant in life learning! Stop learning? You stop growing. Stop grow­ specialize, concentrating their energies, narrowing the ing? You’re dead spiritually! field. Ninety percent of the people never think through C. Practice what you already know. their goals. The ones who do usually reach the goals they “Let us live up to what we have already attained” (v. choose. “In a race . . . only one gets the prize. Run in 16). “He who began a good work in you will carry it on such a way as to get the prize. . . . I do not run . . . aim­ to completion” (1:6). What God starts, He finishes. You lessly . . . I beat my body and make it my slave” (1 Cor. do your part, and He will do the rest! 9:24, 26-27). Run to win, not just to finish! What is Paul’s overarching goal? “We make it our goal to please him [the CONCLUSION: Lord] ”(2 Cor. 5:9). THESE ARE VALUABLE ATTITUDES FOR EFFECTIVE LIV­ Even without writing down a specific life goal, if you ING: focus on pleasing only the Lord, you accomplish valuable 1. Evaluation: Face your faults. Be honest and transpar­ things. Ask: “For what am I living?” “What is my goal?” ent. Jesus will help you face what you fear. IV. Use the Key of Determination 2. Elimination: Forget the former things. Learn from the past, and then let it go. Fight to the finish. 3- Concentration: Focus on the future. Cut out the lower Persistence! Absolutely nothing worthwhile occurs priority things. Do only a few things well. without effort, without determination. “Straining toward 4. Determination: Fight to the finish. God can strength­ what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the en your resolve, your willpower. prize” (w. 13-14). Effective people refuse to quit. Great people are usually ordinary people with much determina­ tion. They don’t know when to quit. Paul said, “I consid­ er my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task . . . given me . . . testifying to SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude the gospel” (Acts 20:24). Praise and Worship in Song “Glorify Your Name” Finish the race. Complete the task. Determination! God “Emmanuel” saves for a purpose. See it to completion. Don’t quit. That “Jesus, Name Above All Names” idea ought not to be in our thinking! The world is full of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” quitters: giving up on their marriage, giving up on their “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” children, giving up on their business, giving up on their Prayer of Praise relationships, and giving up on their dreams. There is too Continue in Worship “In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” much whining: “Well, it just didn’t work out. It was hard­ “Open Our Eyes, Lord” (Invitation to Altar) er than we expected.”Paul says, “Don’t quit.” Pastoral Prayer and Organ Interlude Family Information Announcements ILLUS. Dennis Byrd, an American football player, broke Congregational Song “One Day” his neck and became a quadriplegic. He had only slight Dedication of Tithes and Offerings movement in his arms. Jesus Christ helped him to never Offertory quit. Through months of therapy, restoration occurred. Message “ATTITUDES FOR EFFECTIVE LIVING” Muscle tone returned and he walked. His doctors did not Closing Song “Reaching for Excellence” believe it was possible, but his fighting spirit, honed in Benediction competition, carried him. Postlude “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown Creative Worship Ideas of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Paul is going to live longer Benediction in eternity than in time. So, he urges us to build for the fu­ You are God’s field, God’s building. Everything you ture with determination. “We will reap . . . if we do not have and are should be concentrated on discovering give up” (Gal. 6:9). To grow, ask: “Why am I lagging in spir­ this treasure. Seek first the kingdom of God in the depths of your heart, and all the rest will be given to it, wanting to quit?” Consider Paul’s suggestions: you over and above. Stand always in the sight of A. Realize your need for growth. God, devoid of pride and clothed in humility. “All of us who are mature should take such a view of

72 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE A STRATEGY FOR STRESS REDUCTION by Leslie Krober Phil. 4:4-9 Feb. 5, 1995

INTRO: But becoming gentle means responding graciously be­ “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” cause we look at life differently. We know God’s long- (v. 4). Is that really possible or only a pipe dream? Rejoic­ range plan. It means we lean on the Lord, who is always ing implies that you have a healthy adjustment toward near. Jesus brings the needed security, which frees us life’s uncertainties. Even when life pushes us off-balance, from the need to gain security by an angry control of our stressing us to the maximum, in the Lord we are able to environment. rejoice. When Jesus Christ becomes the core of Christian exis­ Paul deals with the issues of trust and anxiety. When tence (Christ in us, near us, for us), He salvages and re­ we become fretful and concerned, our joy dissipates like deems life’s uncertainties. We can actually put up with morning dew. With many life details beyond our control, disorder and uncertainty and, thus, be gentle toward anxiety becomes a consuming passion, misshaping all re­ (“forbear,” cf. ASV, etc.) those near us whom we love. The lationships and events. We can become anxiety-driven basis for Christian gentleness is Christ. people. B. Let go of “controlling.” ILLUS. Dr. Walter Cavert studied typical sources of worry: Our identity and value are found in vital living 40% never happens; 30% concerns the past; 12% are through Christ, not from our ability to control. We are needless concerns about health; 10% are petty concerns. set free from dependence on the systems and struc­ Only 8% were legitimate concerns. Worry cannot change tures that we’ve developed for self-worth. We no the past. It cannot micromanage the future. It steals joy longer have to cling to our ordering of life, for we cling from the present. It is not worth the energy expended or to Christ, the Lord of life. the damage caused. ILLUS. Jimmy Johnson was the coach of the Dallas Cow­ M. Robert Mulholland’s book Invitation to a Journey boys football team. He’s what I call a “control freak.” He (pp. 87-94) describes what anxious people do: (1) They led his team to two Super Bowl championships, but he’s manipulate others near them. Others have to conform to not easy to live with. The newspaper describes him as their need to maintain control. (2) They force order upon “fastidious, fussy, tough, a stickler, impatient, and some­ events in their life. Layers of defense are built up to keep times hyper.” In his effort to control his destiny, he sacri­ the unpredictable and the unexpected from intruding into ficed a marriage. (USA Today—Jan. 21, 1994). their structured world. Pouring energy into self-protec- Verses 4 and 5 describe the foundation for rejoicing, tion, they fail to be agents of God’s grace, love, and heal­ which is learning to lean on God, who enables us to be ing. Most sad is that these layers of protection tend to in­ gentle toward those whom we love. sulate them from God as well. (3) They even use God to try to control their world. They buy God off! God is made II. Download Through Prayer to be the author and protector of the status quo. What is Each concept has a different slice of meaning: “prayer,” the result? Anything or anyone that threatens the fragile “petition,” and “present your requests” (v. 6). order and control of life becomes an enemy of God. A. Prayer. Such people, closed within the fragile shell of their The Greek word focuses on our inner attitude char­ own limited order and control, are plagued with stress, acterized by (1) open receptiveness and (2) pliable re­ anxiety, fear, doubt, and depression. Tense and troubled, sponsiveness. It is an orientation toward God at the they spend incredible energy to maintain control, while deepest levels of our being. all nearby suffer. ILLUS. Thomas Kelly describes it as “an inner discipline I. Become Gentle of life . . . which . . . leads the heart to swing like the nee­ “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (v. 5). dle to the polestar of the soul.’’Just as the compass nee­ Paul witnesses to a radical alternative: Let go of anxiety dle automatically swings north, so our spirit should be about everything by “letting go.” magnetically drawn toward God. A. Let go of abusing. Stop beating up on those nearest B. Petition. and dearest to us verbally, emotionally, and possibly This is an attitude acknowledging that we are power­ even physically. less to change things. God alone is adequate and able ILLUS. Life’s uncertainties, with its disruptive events, of­ to work. Paul calls us to admit the insufficiency of our resources and skills in responding to the pressures of ten make us feel like victims. Men especially build up life. Prayer and petition are not our reactions to cir­ hostility and pour out anger on those around them. The most dangerous men in American society, for example, cumstances. They are habits or attitudes of the heart are divorced husbands or spurned lovers. They are the by which we confront the hard events of life. ones who most commonly take gun in hand to seek re­ C. Present your requests to God. venge. Inner anger results in abusing those we love. If we have not first entered into the posture of re­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 3 ceptivity, responsiveness, and dependence, then our into it. Without a software program, the data will never requests will tend to be narrowly focused. Our agenda be stored and organized in the RAM (Random Access will take center stage. But if we pray as Paul teaches, Memory). Without data, the RAM will sit there all day and our requests will begin to bridge the gap between our do you no good. desires and God’s purposes. When this happens, our You function in similar fashion. Your brain is like the requests become the means of off-loading anxiety. The computer chip. Your conscience—that God-given capaci­ need to control will die, and our more gentle self ty to know right and wrong and the sense that you ought (Christlike) will emerge. to do right—could be compared to the software pro­ We will begin to place the situations of our lives into gram. Your thinking is comparable to the millions of bits the deeper matrix of God’s presence and purpose and of data that are entered into the computer. to release our need to control things. The old Gaither children’s song says it well: “Your III. Download with Thanksgiving mind is a computer whose input you can choose.” What is the implication? Garbage in; garbage out! Paul urges us: “It is the joyful release of our life and being to God in Think about the right stuff; your peace depends on it. absolute trust, without demands, conditions, or reserva­ Paul concludes with a call to a mentoring relationship: tions” (Mulholland, p. 91). If gentleness is worked out in “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from a posture of prayer and petition, thanksgiving results and me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of we rejoice in the Lord. peace will be with you” (v. 9). ILLUS. Dan Jensen skated on the American Olympic team in the 500- and 1,000-meter races at Lillehammer. Though he held world records in both races, he won no medal at three previous Olympics. Yet, he maintained an attitude SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER of gratitude throughout. He focused on the joy of his wife Prelude and new baby daughter. He gave thanks for a long and Praise and Worship in Song "Lift Up Your Heads” spectacular career, refusing to focus on the failures. In “Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Lillehammer in 1994, he finally won Olympic gold. Keep­ “Great Is the Lord” ing his focus on thanksgiving helped him let go of the “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” past. Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors IV. Enjoy the Bonus of Peace Family Information Announcements Scripture Reading Luke 10:38-42 “The peace of God, which transcends all understand­ “In His Presence” ing, will guard your hearts [emotional/feeling side] and “Abba, Father” your minds [rational/willful side] in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). Choir Special “In Holy Reverence, Lord, We Come” A. The bonus of peace is beyond rational explanation Open Altar “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (v. 7). Pastoral Prayer/Offertory Prayer It exists in people who, according to all human ex­ Offertory Message “A STRATEGY FOR STRESS REDUCTION” pectations and considering what they are experiencing Benediction by way of life pressures, should not be at peace. Peace Postlude is a result of God at work. That is the only way to ex­ plain it. Secular counselors cannot produce peace. It is Creative Worship Ideas beyond “works.” It is all of “grace.” Offertory Prayer Jesus’ peace guards your heart and mind against the Teach us, O God, to use this world without abus­ return of anxiety and the need to control life. Formerly ing it and to receive the things we need without los­ you sought security through your ability to control ing our dependence on You. Put into our hearts the things. Now, downloading by means of prayer allows willingness to give wholeheartedly to Kingdom you to stay free and calm. This peace resembles a pla­ building. toon on guard against the return of anxiety. The peace Congregation Interaction Time of God issues a warning. You can pray again, keeping Take a few minutes early in the service to intro­ anxiety at bay. There is no problem too big for God’s duce the sermon topic—stress reduction. Using an power or too small for His concern. overhead projector, ask them to call out things that they or others commonly do to reduce stress. Build B. The bonus of peace is secured by right thinking (v. a list of 15-20 items. It will speak for itself. Stress is 8). a given in most cultures. It matters not whether one Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, is rich or poor, educated or not, white collar or blue. lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Encourage them that you are going to open the ILLUS. A computer is only as good as its operating chips, Word and teach them “God’s Plan” to cut stress. its software program, and the bits of data that are entered

74 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE FOUR KEYS TO UNLOCK CONTENTMENT by Leslie Krober Phil. 4:10-13, 19 Feb. 12, 1995

INTRO: B. I must be liked by everyone to be happy. Not so. An American dad wrote: “When our children go to Mc­ People who march to a different beat are often more Donald’s Restaurant, they always want the same thing. content. It is not the number of people who like you They don’t want food, but the prize. The prize may be that is the key issue. Rather, does God like what you worth only 10 cents, but getting it is all that matters. Mc­ are doing and do you like yourself? Donald’s calls it the ‘Happy Meal.’ C. Having more will make me happy. If this were true, “You’re not just buying french fries, McNuggets, and a then billionaires would be the happiest people in the dinosaur stamp; you’re buying happiness. Their advertise­ world. In fact, statistics show that the wealthiest peo­ ments convince children that their hearts are restless till ple have as many or more problems and brokenness they find their rest in a Happy Meal!’ But the happy’ in a than poorer people, not fewer. Happy Meal’wears off. It’s an illusion. ILLUS. Someone asked Howard Hughes, “How much “You would think a child would catch on, but it doesn’t money does it take to make you happy?” happen. When the excitement wears off, they need a new He answered, “Just a little bit more.” fix, another Happy Meal’” (John Ortberg, Christianity To­ Paul taught that “the love of money is a root of all May 17, 1993). day, kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Comparison to others When we get older, our “Happy Meals” simply get more makes us want what others have. It is always counterpro­ expensive. We forget that contentment is not instant. ductive. Stop comparing! People say, “If I could only win the lottery!” But winners and wealthy alike tell you that winning—be it money or a II. Adjust to Change job or a spouse—doesn’t bring contentment. Content­ “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is ment is a learned attitude (v. 11), not fulfilling our de­ to have plenty . . . well fed or hungry . . . in plenty or in sires. For desires, once fed, tend to grow on us. Content­ want”(v. 12). Life is often a series of shifts from one situa­ ment is learning independence from circumstances tion to its opposite—a movement from being up to being versus finding ideal circumstances. In Philippians, Paul down: physically, emotionally, financially, relationally, and learned this, and now he shares his “keys” to content­ mentally. Dealing with the swing—adjusting to change— ment. brings contentment. Learning to adapt and flex makes I. Avoid Comparisons life relatively content. Paul wrote during his house arrest, “I am acquainted with all circumstances” (v. 12, NBV), “I have learned to be content whatever the circum­ and he had learned to be independent of them. Paul’s at­ stances” (v. 11). Our tendency is to look around and com­ titude was, “I choose not to be a victim. No matter what pare our circumstances to others’. Comparing self to oth­ people do to me, they are not going to control my life.” ers always brings discontent. Why? ILLUS. A boy was kidnapped in California as a four-year- ILLUS. Have you ever gone to a “Street of Dreams” where old and raised by the woman who did it. She taught him, they have model homes, and then gone home to your sud­ “I am your mother. ” denly terrible “shack”? Have you ever spent $500 fixing up Upon finding his real family at 18, he said, “I am choos­ your car, only to see a new one in your neighbor’s drive? ing not to think about the negatives of the past. I am be­ Have you been treated respectfully at work, only to come ing positive and moving on. I am not going to let my past home to a spouse who puts you down? Have you worked cripple me now. ” hard all week, then had sick children, and Sunday morning finds you “frazzled and frumpy,” sitting next to “Miss Beau­ ILLUS. People ask, “How are you?” ty Queen’with perfect hair and a happy mood? We commonly say, “Pretty well, under the circum­ The comparison game is the pits, for you can always stances.” find someone who makes more money, who has greater Someone wisely retorted: “What are you doing under opportunities, who has fewer problems, and who gets them? Christians should resist getting ‘under’ the circum­ more breaks. If you are “learning to be content regard­ stances.” Absolutely true! less,” that should not affect your happiness. Paul says: There are three kinds of circumstances: (1) ones I can “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is un­ control and do (i.e., If I’m hungry, I eat; if I am cold, I put seen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is on a sweater); (2) ones I can control and do not (perhaps eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). Paul looks up, not around; he refus­ because of complacency or laziness); and (3) ones I can­ es to waste energy making comparisons. not control (when things are out of our hands). We need There are three misconceptions about happiness: contentment to relax and trust God. A. You must have what others have to be happy. Chil­ III. Draw on Christ’s Power dren say, “But, Mom, everybody has one of these.’’This “I can do everything through him who gives me is the myth behind all fads and fashions. strength” (v. 13). The contented person has learned to

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 5 draw on Christ’s power. This is not automatic. With losses of life. Face life through Christ, who is at work in Christ’s help you can learn to handle life. If you are de­ us. It is a privilege of the redeemed. If we fall short of ap­ pending on your own strength, you get tired. Life wears propriating the resources, that’s our fault. When God you out. says, “I have a spiritual warehouse full of capability’ and What is it that you need to control in your life? Time? “copeability,’we cannot blame Him if it sits there unused. Mouth? Temper? A bad habit? “There is nothing I cannot 4. Trusting God to meet your needs? master with the help of the One who gives me strength” Are you tired emotionally and spiritually? It probably is (v. 13, JB). By faith and by prayer, Jesus brings self-control a sign that you need to quit trying to do all in your own that allows you to stand up to life. Adjust to the unex­ power. Thus, God can infuse you with His power. Re­ pected changes that life throws at us through the power member Paul’s insight that “[His] power is perfected in of Christ at work in us; this is contentment. [our] weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9, NASB, Weymouth). Let us IV. Trust God to Meet Your Needs confess our weakness so that, in Christ, we can become “God will meet all your needs according to his . . . rich­ strong (12:10). es” (v. 19). God is willing to do much. Learn the biblical Contentment is our privilege. Contentment is only four promises and appropriate them by faith. Rest in them. basic steps away. These spiritual principles can be imple­ Do you remember Matt. 6:31-33? “Do not worry . . . mented by any Christian. Since this is the case, let us de­ What shall we e a t. . . drink . . . wear?. . . pagans run after lay no longer. all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteous­ ness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’’Je­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER sus says, “If you are unhappy and unsatisfied, it is because Prelude you are not seeking the Kingdom as a first priority.” Praise and Worship in Song “Crown Him” We often seek fulfillment in all the wrong places, run­ “You Are the Mighty King” ning from this to that, looking for something to satisfy. “All Hail King Jesus” We run from relationship to relationship, looking for love “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and security. We run from job to job and from hobby to Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving sport to recreation, looking in fads, in therapy, in semi­ Song “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” nars, looking for the “key.” Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors God has laid it out clearly. You are made with a vacuum Family Information Announcements Baby Dedication in your life, and nothing will fill that void except God. Special Music “Children Are a Treasure from the Lord” None of these commonly pursued things fill the void: pos­ Song “God Will Take Care of You” sessions, people, pleasures, prestige, popularity. They Dedication of Tithes and Offerings don’t last. So, if you are discontented, it most likely means Offertory “Give Thanks” that Jesus Christ is not the center of your life. When you Message “FOUR KEYS TO UNLOCK CONTENTMENT” are not contented, it means you are probably looking to Closing Song “Trusting Jesus” something else to satisfy. Jesus came to provide life, and Benediction life that is abundant (see John 10:10, KJV). But you have Postlude to learn to trust to become a contented person. Creative Worship Ideas CONCLUSION: Pastoral Prayer What key do you need to learn? Focus on praise to the Father for His goodness 1. Avoiding comparisons? and faithfulness to us and for specific blessings that Remember that it only makes you jealous, envious, we enjoy from His hand. prideful, miserable. It is faith in God that allows you to Benediction accept the difficult circumstances that come your way. And now, as we return to the duties of life, let us Remember: difficulty does not mean you have been aban­ go in the confidence of Your protection that we may doned by God. In fact, it could mean that God is hard at come to the end of each day in peace and happi­ work chiseling you into Christ’s image. ness. 2. Adjusting to change? Illustration Circumstances will rarely be perfect. Paul calls us to Pastor, come dressed for church today in the learn to be independent of circumstances. This means worst clothing you own. Plan to wear it all morning that when the low times come, our spirit will keep at the services and Sunday School. You are going to become a living illustration of how we fall into the steady because we are anchored to the Lord. Life means trap of making comparisons. In your sermon, you change. Our task is not to resist change, but to put our could apply the truth that their contentment with you hand in Christ’s and walk forcefully through it. and your message should NOT be based on what 3. Drawing on Christ’s power? you wore into the pulpit this day. By faith and prayer, we may rise above the hurts and

7 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE GOD WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS by Leslie Krober Phil. 4:14-20 Feb. 19, 1995

INTRO: were still part of it. You become a full partner of whatev­ Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I commonly er you support. Not all can teach, preach, or cross cultur­ do two things: write thank-you notes for gifts and go al barriers. Yet when we give, we widen our ministry through my file of receipts to get ready to pay taxes. The through others’ ministry skills. As we tithe to our local Philippian letter is a thank-you note and encouragement. church, everything that happens is ultimately part of our Paul writes: “Epaphroditus got here with your gift. Thank ministry! you; now let me encourage you.” B. Generosity makes me more like Jesus. Trying to encourage them, Paul teaches one of the In fact, the most Christlike thing you can do is give. greatest biblical promises ever: “My God will meet all Jesus sacrificially gave all His life. The Philippians had a your needs” (v. 19). We know many Christian people who reputation for generosity. Paul wrote about them in his still have needs. Why do Christians still have needs if second letter to Corinth (8:1-5). verse 19 is true? Is God a liar? Is this promise no longer C. Generosity is an investment in eternity. valid? It is valid. However, this promise is not for every­ Paul said: “Though I appreciate your gifts, what one. It doesn’t even apply to all Christians. As with most makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will promises, there is a premise, a precondition! God says, “If have because of your kindness” (v. 17, TLB). Giving you do this, I will do that.” benefits the giver as well as the receiver. There is an Many people want to take the promise of verse 19 and eternal reward for generosity in this life. It’s like accu­ apply it to their lives while avoiding the premise of verses mulating interest in an eternal bank account. 14-18. You cannot claim verse 19 unless you are doing Spiritually, Jesus said there are rewards for faithful verse 18, namely, making “an acceptable sacrifice.’’These following, loving, giving, going—30-, 60-, and 100-fold. Christians had already given sacrificially. Thus, Paul said, What’s the point? It’s like you have an account in heav­ “God will meet all your needs.’What is the premise upon en, and every loving act, every unselfish deed, every which the promise is based? Generosity! gift given, God takes note of in your account in heav­ I. What Is the Premise? Christians Are en. Every gift is recorded, and it is rewarded. Giving Generous shapes eternity. The “Bank of Heaven” pays interest. Solomon affirmed it: “A generous man will prosper; he ILLUS. Suppose I were to go to my bank and ask how who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Prov. much my account earned in interest last year. The banker 11:25). Jesus taught it too: “Give, and it will be given to says, “Well, how much did you deposit?” you. . . . with the measure you use, it will be measured to I’d say, “Well, nothing!” you” (Luke 6:38). It’s our option: if we be generous, God The banker says, “My friend, we have a rule. You don’t will be too. We must first be generous. God has no obliga­ make any interest if you don’t make a deposit.” tion to meet my needs. Such a promise only takes effect It’s true in the Christian life too. How do you store up when I live according to the premise. You can short-cir­ treasure in heaven? By giving time, talent, and treasure. cuit God’s blessing by being stingy. To counteract it, Paul Paul wrote to Timothy: “Command them . . . to be rich in gives us four results of generosity. good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In A. Generosity is an encouragement to others. this way they will lay up treasure for themselves . . . for Paul was the encouragee; they were the encour- the coming age” (1 Tim. 6:18-19). Your giving is an invest­ ment for the future. It is being noted and rewarded by agers. Again and again the Christians gave, even though they were poor (w. 14-16). God. ILLUS. A pastor had served three churches faithfully for D. Generosity is a sacrifice to God. 21 years without any break. Each one had grown signifi­ “[Your gifts] . . . are a fragrant offering, an accept­ cantly and brought extra burdens in leading and caring able sacrifice, pleasing to God” (v. 18). Do you want to for the sheep. When the church board realized what was please God? Of course! Sacrificial giving makes God happening to their pastor, they generously gave him a smile. Why? Because it is done in faith. When we give two-month leave of absence with pay to go thousands of sacrificially, not knowing the future impact it might miles home to be with family. They also generously paid have on our security, we express faith in God. “With­ for train fare to take the trip. The physical and emotional out faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6). tiredness was addressed. Their generosity greatly encour­ Nothing else shows genuine dependence on God. aged the pastor and his wife. They came back ready to Nothing else is so much like Jesus. Sacrificial giving is serve faithfully once again. being like Jesus. It pleases God. Christians who give generously have a wider ministry ILLUS. In Old Testament times, when a thank offering than normal. Paul calls it a partnership with him in his was given, either it was burned with incense, or a liquid work (Phil. 1:3-5). Without actually being there, they was poured on the flames, making steam. Everyone in

DKCKMBF.R/JANUARY/FF.BRI IARY 7 7 the Temple area could smell it. Paul says: A sacrificial gift to her cell, opened the door, and threw them in. You is like that to God— a sweet-smelling arom a” (v. 18, know what they were—bananas. God brought Darlene NKJV). It is similar to the impact of a favorite perfume. 92 bananas. Let’s review. Generosity encourages others; makes me Those who make acceptable sacrifices (the premise) more like Christ; invests in eternity; and is a sacrifice can count on needs being met (the promise) according to pleasing to God. His riches in Christ Jesus. The premise is that we are to be generous. The premise always precedes the promise. You can’t claim verse 19 without doing verses 14-18. Meet the premise? Claim the promise! SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER II. What Is the Promise? God Meets All Your Prelude Needs Praise and Worship in Song “There Is a Redeemer” “We Will Glorify” A. What is the source? “To God Be the Glory” “And my God w ill. . .”(v. 19, italics added). Here is a Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors personal God who takes responsibility for needs. You Continue in Worship “He Is Exalted” are not unknown to God. In fact, when Jesus hung on “I Exalt Thee” the Cross, you were on His mind. “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” Scripture Ps. 34:1 -9 B. What is the scope? “The Lord Is Good” “. . . will meet all your needs.” You can count on the Open Altar “Seek Ye First” promise. God will do it! Many people misuse this Pastoral Prayer verse. It doesn’t cover the following: Dedication of Tithes and Offerings 1. The consequences of laziness. “If a man will not Offertory work, he shall not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). In other Message “GOD WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS” Closing Song “The Battle Is the Lord’s” words, “No work, no eat” and “Sloth forfeits “broth.”’ Benediction 2. All your wants. If you “ask with wrong motives” Postlude so as to spend it “on your pleasures” (James 4:3), then forget it. Wants are not always the same as Creative Worship Ideas needs. The promise does cover legitimate needs! Invocation Financial? Yes, you have a right to ask God to prov­ Father, You truly meet our needs. We thank You identially meet your money needs. Physical? Yes! Re­ for Your gracious mercy toward us and Your abun­ lational? Absolutely! Emotional? You are crying out dant blessings. Inspire us, we pray, to share our to the greatest psychologist ever. blessings from hearts that are touched with grateful­ C. What is the supply? ness and humility. May we give freely from the cup that You have filled to overflowing. Give us eyes to “According to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ” It’s see the needs You mean for us to meet. like giving you a signed blank check so that you can fill Illustration in the amount. That’s more than just a check for $1,000. Paul said, “Remember . . . sows sparingly . . . Purchase as many bananas as you can afford, 92 if you are able. Place them on the Communion table reap sparingly . . . sows generously . . . reap generously or another table in front for the entire service. Just . . . in all things at all times, having all that you need, prior to the benediction, tell the children, youth, and you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:6, 8). senior citizens that they may take a banana home CONCLUSION: with them. It will remind them of Darlene Rose’s sto­ ry (see closing illustration in sermon). In World War II, Missionary Darlene Rose was impris­ oned by the Japanese. She had malaria. One day she Offertory Prayer watched the courtyard from her cell. Prisoners were al­ Lord, be so kind to us as to hold up a mirror so lowed to walk there. Darlene saw one lady sneak over to that we could see ourselves truly, as You see us. For we believe that if we see as You see, we cannot help the fence covered with Honolulu creeper. Someone was but be driven to our knees in prayer. Once we have handing bananas in to her. She’d hide them under her prayed, we will rise to serve You in newness of life. sarong. Amen. Darlene was starving to death at 80 pounds. She was Benediction being beaten and was near a breaking point. She could You, our gracious Provider, are a Promise Keeper. smell those bananas. She got on her knees and cried: Your reputation is staked on it. You’ve told us that “Lord, I am not asking for many; I want just one banana.” our generosity triggers Your caretaking. Move our But she began to rationalize, seeing no way that God hearts to support Your cause generously. Not for could get her a banana. selfish or manipulative reasons, but so that You may Shortly, a Japanese camp commander from her former show yourself in grand ways in our world. In Jesus’ camp came to visit her. She had witnessed to him, and he wonderful name. Amen. had become her friend. After he left, the guards returned

7 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE GOD’S DREAM OF A HOLY PEOPLE” by Leslie Krober 1 Pet. 1:13—2:3 Feb. 26, 1995

INTRO: one is motivated to do God’s will. Self-discipline is based In Michigan, a Laotian-American family was killed on controlling bad impulses, but self-control is based on when their van was deliberately driven into a semitruck pursuing good. head-on. The parents had received $15,000 from Pong, The forces from which we must wrest control are: (1) the man driving the van. They had promised him their worldly influences, values, and beliefs; (2) peer pressures daughter, Kai, in marriage. But Kai wanted to choose her to conform; (3) satanic pressuring; and (4) our own fall­ own husband and resisted marrying Pong. en, fleshly desires. “The empty way of life handed down Her parents were still living the Laotian way with to you from your forefathers” (1:18). This “empty way” is arranged marriages. Rejected as her fiance, Pong deliber­ so much a part of who we are that we do not easily see ately sped up and drove into the truck, taking the lives of how dissatisfying it is to God. Yet holy people must see it. seven people (AP News, Feb. 2, 1994). B. Hope in grace, not works. The parents resisted assimilation into a foreign culture Our tendency is to do in the spiritual realm what we and lost their lives. We may not commend the concept of do in the natural realm—work harder, trying to be holy a “bride price,” but immigrant families probably should enough to please God. We can never be holy enough. hold on to much of their culture. The same is true for Only perfection fully pleases God. Thus, our need for Christians. grace, which is God being merciful toward us because Peter says we should be like “strangers” in this world of our hope in Jesus. (1:1, 17; 2:11). For we are a people who belong to God. A second adjustment to bring about holiness is to: Thus, we live in allegiance to God and our heavenly home. We are a distinctive people: in loyalties, in values, II. Make Lifestyle Adjustments: Obey (1:14-16) in attitudes, and in actions. This uniqueness (not oddness A. Do not conform to the evil desire you had. Become or weirdness) is evidence of one’s alien status. As such, a nonconformist; stand out in the crowd. Peter says it should never be surrendered. ILLUS. Chameleon lizards have the ability to adjust their But how do we resist assimilation? How do we turn skin color so as to blend with their environment. This back to living as God would have us live if we have been protects them from various enemies. Christians often are caught up in worldly values? Peter suggests four adjust­ tempted to take on the colors of their environment so as ments that we must make. not to be seen as “odd.” But blending with our world is a I. Make Mental Adjustments: Hope form of denying Christ. (Note 2 Cor. 6:17 from The Mes­ sage: “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I “Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled” want you all for myself.”) (1:13). Prepare? Holy living is not automatic. God The world needs role models who live God’s way with­ changes you as you cooperate with Him. No “zapping” out apology. They need them like ships need lighthouses, occurs! so that they can know where to turn when they get into ILLUS. The 1994 Winter Olympics were intriguing be­ trouble. Before Christ, you may have let desires dominate cause of two figure skaters from the United States: Tonya you, in part because of ignorance of how destructive and Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Before the games, Harding displeasing they were to God. You didn’t know God’s was suspected of being involved in a plot to wound Kerri­ Word (1:25). Now you know better. gan by having a hired man club her on the knee. Kerrigan was injured for several weeks, but neither she nor Hard­ B. Be holy in all you do as obedient children. ing lost the focus or stopped the heavy schedule of train­ Peter assumes born-again people want to obey. Your ing. They had already worked a young lifetime to prepare obedience may not yet be what it should, but in your themselves. They were not letting wounds or legal heart you do want to obey. Holiness is doing moral charges keep them down or out of the Olympics. The things in the hubbub of life, while we rub shoulders, same kind of mental tenacity needs to exist in Christians stub toes, split our fingernails, and sometimes fall on growing up in holiness. our faces. In this second adjustment, we mimic God. The third step toward holiness of life is to: A. Prepare your mind. Think properly. ILLUS. Dr. Larry Crabb points out the difference between III. Make Emotional Adjustments: Fear self-discipline and self-control. Self-discipline imposes up­ (vv. 17-21) on your inner urges a regularity you don’t really feel like “Live . . . as strangers here in reverent fear”(v. 17). imposing, but you do it in the interest of a higher pur­ A. Learn to fear God. pose. It is a response to duty and God’s law. But self-con­ Why? Rewards will not come easily. You cannot earn trol does what you really want to do, as opposed to deny­ points with God. Only genuine, heart-driven obedience ing what you want to do. Self-control is based on divinely gains His affirmation, “Well done.’’God has no favorites. aided inner change. When changed by the Holy Spirit, He is impartial. He is fair! Everything we might trust in

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 9 is worthless: (1) family identity, roots, ethnic origin; (2) your thirst for knowledge on spiritual sugar and choco­ power and prestige; (3) wealth and influence. late. Don’t fill up on Christian literature and good psy­ B. Accept your minority status as a child of God. chology before you get your main course of meat and We are aliens, strangers, foreigners heading home! milk from the Bible. As such, you will always be somewhat on the outside B. “Pure spiritual milk.” of what’s happening because your heart is set on heav­ Get teaching that is unpolluted by humanistic con­ en. Your speech, your attitudes, your values, your cepts. Human teachers can elaborate and apply but lifestyle will isolate you from many in the world. It must not replace God’s ideas with man’s. Keep biblical can’t be helped. The majority are not willing to let go to the core. Things that are revealed and inspired by of this world. Thus, as a disciple of Jesus, you will most the Spirit are what you need first. often be in the minority. That’s all right. C. “Grow up in your salvation. ” C. Accept your obligation to God. Staying as a baby Christian is against God’s “spiritual Yours was a bloody redemption. It cost Jesus’ life. DNA” plan. Seek whatever help you need from the You cannot just wink at it and keep living the way you church to grow up. Peter reminds us (1:22) that we did before. You are obligated to God to be holy. have sincere love for our brothers and sisters in the Our fourth step toward being holy people is to: Lord. This being the case, let’s lean on one another dai­ IV. Make Attitudinal Adjustments: Stop (2:1) ly for help in growing up to be like Jesus Christ. God’s holiness confronts our attitudes. We are not free to do good deeds but hold arrogant attitudes. A. Clean up your attitude. Peter gives five pointers: (1) Stop being hateful; (2) SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Quit trying to fool people; (3) Start being sincere; (4) Prelude Don’t be jealous; (5) Don’t say cruel things about oth­ Praise and Worship in Song “I Will Enter His Gates” ers (2:1, CEV). “We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise” “Praise the Name of Jesus” ILLUS. Pastor D. James Kennedy made famous the story of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Alexander the Great, who was dealing with some of his Congregational Greeting Recognize Visitors cowardly soldiers. They had run from the enemy. One of the Family Information Announcements cowards was named Alexander, the same as he. This We Continue in Worship “You Shall Be Holy” brought a rage from him. He could not stand to have anyone “Holy, Holy, Holy” with his name being cowardly. Lifting the young man by his “Holy Ground” robe, he shouted: “Young man, either change your conduct Opening Prayer or change your name.’’Jesus says: “You call yourself Chris­ Choir “In His Presence” Open Altar “Surely the Presence of the Lord” tian? Either change your name or change your attitudes. ’’ Pastoral Prayer B. Make a deliberate effort to change. Offertory Attitudes are often the last stronghold of Satan. As in­ Message “GOD’S DREAM OF A HOLY PEOPLE” grained habits, they demand honesty from others and Congregational Song “You Shall Be Holy” self to uncover them. Verses 23-25 imply that the Word Benediction of God can bring this attitudinal change. Postlude CONCLUSION: Creative Worship Ideas “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that Benediction by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2). Help us today, Lord, to discover Your good, per­ ILLUS. Producers often have representatives in grocery fect, and acceptable will and to focus all of our de­ stores who offer free food samples. They use good psy­ sire and energy upon doing it. chology. They know that if you like the taste, you are Illustration more likely to buy it. They hook you. Dialogue with your people about their ethnic her­ Peter is saying, “You have already examined and seen itage. 98% of North Americans, for example, have know how good the Lord is” (v. 3, NCV). You have a come from other countries. Have people stand and “taste” of what the Lord can do for you. Based on what tell their country of origin and how long their family has been in your country. The point you wish to you’ve tasted, be like a hungry newborn with a God-de­ make is that Christians are to retain an alien’s atti­ signed passion to grow. tude: holding things loosely, remembering that they A. “Crave.” are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Don’t satisfy your hunger for truth, don’t quench

8 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ,*r THE WORSHIP # DRAMA LIBRARY series has become our most valuable resource for Sunday morning Gray Vp/urne sermon sketches. CRITICS ALL AGREE . . . ■ The scripts are creative. ■ They take minimal rehearsal. ■ The price is right— $17.95. ■ The format photocopies easily.* Volume 9 New! By L. G. and Annie Enscoe. Nineteen scripts that raise some of today’s hottest social issues—from family relationships to abused children. Authored by two of the most loved and respected playwrights in the church drama field. PAMP-709 $ 17.95 VOLUME 8 New! By Mike and Colleen Gray. These 12 sketches speak to topics like life direction, death, lifestyle evangelism, guilt, parental love, fear, emotional healing, missions, and more. The themes are simple and specific and are appropriate for the churched and the unchurched. PAMP-708 $ 17.95 VOLUME 7 New/ By Jim Custer and Bob Hoose. This volume of 12 scripts is subtitled “Matters of the Heart” and deals with some of the loves, pains, joys, and sorrows that we all have with our families and friends. Includes hot topics such as AIDS, child abuse, and pornography, along with everyday issues like life choices and commitments in relationships. PAMP-707 $ 17.95 ALSO AVAILABLE — rrirasEM VOLUME 6 Mike and Colleen Gray PA M P-706 $17.95 PARKNTAI, INFLUENCE VOLUME 5 Jerry Cohagan PA M P-693 $17.95 VOLUME 4 Brad Kindall PAM P-692 $17.95 CHRISTM AS VOLUME 3 Kristin Witt PAM P-691 $17.95 VOLUME 2 Mike and Colleen Gray PA M P-690 $17.95 CONSEQUENCES OF LYING VOLUME 1 Mike and Colleen Gray PA M P-689 $17.95 LOVING PARENTS

•Photocopy rights granted with the purchase of one book. PERSONAL PllR m '

DIVORCE

HEAVEN

LILLENAS DRAMA PORNOGRAPHY UBR a s m C O M PRO M ISE fit SIN m H * J o in us THE TODAYAT

Sa d d le Up for W ordA ction kits We give ya the most a Rip -R o a r in ' Tim e t for your money. We’v< AT THE SUNSHINE RANCH, no child even included the needs to feel unloved or unlovable. director's tape with ’Cause this year at the Ranch they’ll 16 split-track songs learn about— and experience— the and 6 daily sketches greatness o f God’s love. Free—a $13.00 value

KITS ARE ONLY $32.95! Order No. PAV-49S

■c- ■<

Lasso yourself a kit today! Call your publisher and request a kit to review FREE for 30 days.

W o r d A c t io n PUBLIC ATIONS Join the stampede and get ready to blaze new trails with God’s love!