MAGAZINE

MARCH/ APRIL / MAY 1998

V o lu m e 73 • N u m b e r 3

2 A New Crisis Ensues A personal testimony to being filled with the Holy Spirit E . Stanley Jones 16 To follow Jesus, we must assume the posture of a servant Jerry McCant 20 T ie Wfu'ky World of Ministering to tie Unchurched The high cost of reaching people you never expected to see in church Karen Aaker

Editor: Randal E. Denny Assistant Editor: Cindy Osso Highpoint Editor: David J. Felter

Consulting Editors: Bill M. Sullivan, Director o f the Division of Church Growth, Church of the Nazarene • Wilbur W. Brannon, Di­ rector o f Pastoral Ministries, Church of the Nazarene • Norman G. Wilson, General Editor, The Wesleyan Church

Contributing Editors: General Superintendents, Church of the Nazarene: John A. Knight, William J. Prince, James H. Diehl, Paul G. Cunningham, Jerry D. Porter, Jim L. Bond • General Superintendents, The Wesleyan Church: Earle L. Wilson, Lee Haines, Thomas E. Armiger • Superintendents, Evangelical Friends Church: Stanley Perisho, Maurice Roberts, John P. Williams Jr., Howard E. Harmon • General Superintendent, Churches of Christ in Christian Union: Dan Tipton • General Conference Secretary, Brethren in Christ Church: R. Donald Shafer

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version® The New Testament in Modern English ( p h il l ip s ), Revised Student Edition, by J. B. Phillips, translator. ( niv ®). Copyright© 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Copyright 1958,1960,1972 by J. B. Phillips. Reprinted with the permission of the Macmillan Publis Publishing House. All rights reserved. Company. Quotations from the following versions are used by permission: The Revised Standard Version ( rs v ) of the Bible, copyright 1946,1952,1971 by the Division of Christia

The New American Standard Bible ( n a s b ), © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977 b y Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. The Lockman Foundation. The Living Bible (t l b ), © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 601

The New English Bible ( n e b ). Copyright © by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics All rights reserved. of the Cambridge University Press, 1961,1970. The Message ( t m ). Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

The New King James Version ( n k j v ). Copyright© 1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. King James Version ( k j v ). The New Revised Standard Version (n r s v ) of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Educa­ tion of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS THEOLOGY

A New Crisis Ensues ...... 3 The Glory of God— Our Heritage and E. Stanley Jones O u r H o p e ...... 32 Alden Aikens

FEATURE PASTORAL CARE The Triu m ph an t D e f e a t ...... 10 The Pastor’s Bedside Manner ...... 36 John G. Merritt Bimey Dibble

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Is There a Place for Shepherds in This Era Parent Education in the Church ...... 38 o f R a n ch ers C o m p le x ? ...... 13 Brenda Nixon Edmond P. Nash Ministry Means a Cross ...... 16 CHURCH GROWTH Jerry McCant Lessons from the Small Church ...... 40 W illin g W o r k e r s ...... 1 8 Benjamin F. Reid Sue Murphy Mote The Wacky W orld of Ministering to STEWARDSHIP the Unchurched: The High Cost of Scriptural Retirement Planning ...... 41 Reaching People You Never Expected to Don Walter See in Church ...... 20 Karen Aaker PASTOR'S PERSONAL GROWTH M in istry: By G en d er o r by G i f t ? ...... 23 Jeannie Neufeld How the Ministry Kept Me from Jesus...... 42 Gary E. Black To Forgive Is to Forget ...... 24 Raquel Liz Cintron-Forrest ARK ROCKER

E n jo y in g th e S t r u g g l e ...... 43 PREACHER'S EXCHANGE P re a c h e r ’s E x c h a n g e ...... 26 BOOK REVIEWS

Today’s Books for Today’s Preachers ...... 44 PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED

Where Do Pastors and Mates Go MINISTER'S MATE f o r H e lp ? ...... 27 What Pastors’ Wives Wish Their Churches C. Neil Strait K n e w ...... 45 Wendy Murray Zoba EVANGELISM FEATURE The Finger on the D oorbell ...... 28 Scott Read The Man of God ...... 51 Gary Shank

PICTURE WINDOWS FOR PREACHING WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS Picture Windows for Preaching ...... 29 W o rs h ip and P re a c h in g H e lp s ...... 52 Compiled by Deri G. Keefer David A. Hoffman

PREACHING HIGHPOINT

Keeping th e P re a c h in g G r id d le H o t ...... 30 H ig h p o in t...... 81 J. Grant Swank Jr. Tim Stearman

Cover Photo by D. Jeanene Tiner

The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's Magazine, Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Address all correspondence concerning subscriptions to your de­ 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes should accom­ nominational publishing house. Copyright 1998 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Canadian pany all manuscripts. GST No. R129017471.

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the North India Confer­ ence. For these first years he labored chiefly among the low-caste people. But play­ ing tennis in the evening after work, he made con­ tact with the high-class Muslims and Hindus. One of the Hindus asked him, “Why do you work only among the low castes?” That seed began to germi­ nate, and in 1924 he wrote, “I was strangely drawn to ffV r. E. Stanley Jones sanctified wholly and work among the educated was one of the called to missionary work. high castes, the intelli­ world’s best-known “The soul He graduated from Asbury gentsia.” Thus he began his religious leaders of w ith an M.A. d egree in lifelong ministry to the J the 20th century—in gets on by a 1912 and was later hon­ high caste, the educated, the words of a biographer, o red w ith a D.D. from Duke and student groups. “one of the greatest Chris­ U niversity an d th e S.T.D. In 1928 Dr. Jones was tian missionaries.” series of from Syracuse. elected a bishop of the Born in Clarksville, Mary­ Dr. Jones first went to In­ Methodist Church but re­ land, January 3, 1884, Eli dia in 1907 as a missionary signed after 24 hours, Stanley grew up in a crises.” of the Methodist Church. choosing to continue his Methodist home. At 15 For eight years he served in work in India. In the fore­ years of age, he went to various assignments: pas­ word to Dr. Jones’s autobi­ hear an overseas evangelist tor of the English church in ography his son-in-law from John Bunyan’s church Lucknow, superintendent of writes: “Always at h eart. . . in England. Convicted by the Lucknow District, and he has been an evangelist; the Holy Spirit, Stanley principal of the Sitapur this has been at the center. went forward and took his Boarding School. In 1917 Beyond this has been the place among the seekers at he was the evangelist for real center—his commit- the altar. In his w ords he evaluates the experience. rI fumbled for the latch- string of the kingdom of God, missed it, for they didn’t tell me the steps to find.” Dr. Jones continues: “The real thing came two years later. An evangelist, Robert J. Bateman, came to Memorial Church. . . . The third night. . . before going to the meeting I knelt be­ side my bed and prayed the sincerest prayer I had prayed so far in my life. My jjivhole life was behind that simple prayer: ‘O Jesus, save me tonight.’ And He did!” A student of Baltimore City College, Stanley w as influenced by Evangelist Bateman to transfer to As- bury College in Wilmore, E. STANLEY JONES Kentucky. There he was ( 1884— 1973)

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 3 GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS

ment to Jesus Christ as It was so with me. For a year I Which o f these urges is the Lord.” 1 lived under cloudless skies. The dominant urge it is hard to say Dr. Jones’s first book, The sun o f my happiness seemed to for there are moments when Christ of the Indian Road, have risen in the heavens to stay each seems dominant for that was published in 1925. At tenor #f life there forever. But after a year o f moment. But if I were to pick oi intervals of about two unalloyed joy I found something the most decisive and dominant years, he wrote 25 others, alien began to rise from the cel­ urge, I would say the self urge i: translated into many lan­ was victory, lar o f my life. I felt there was For besides having its own pecy guages. His message of the something down there not in liar manifestations, the self is Spirit-filled life permeates alignment with this new life I manifested in the sex urge as th all that he wrote. It is the had found— ugly tempers, mood­ self’s desire for pleasure and in dominant theme of The iness, deep-down conflicts. The the herd urge as the self’s desire Christ of Every Road, Abun­ general tenor o f life was victory, for protection through conformi dant Living, Victorious Liv­ were but there were disturbing intru­ ty. So “innate depravity” is the ing, and Victory Through sions from the depths. I was be­ self surrendered to nothing ex­ Surrender. disturbing coming a house divided against cept itself—the self become God itself. I was puzzled, confused, In conversion a new life is in A New Crisis Ensues' hurt with a tinge of disappoint­ troduced into the conscious In this chapter from Dr. Jones’s intrusions ment. Was this the best that mind as w e consciously accept autobiography, he gives his per­ Christianity could do— to leave Christ as Savior and Lord. A nei sonal testimony to being filled me wrestling with myself, or love and a new loyalty flood thi with the Holy Spirit. The experi­ with something alien to myself? conscious mind. The subcon­ ence occurred about one year after What was this dark something scious mind is stunned and sub his conversion. In addition to the within? dued by this new dominant loy­ personal witness, he gives his own Theology has described it as alty to Christ, introduced into interpretation of the experience of the “old man,” the “flesh,” “in­ the conscious mind by conver­ entire sanctification as the “con­ nate depravity.” Perhaps it can sion. Sometimes it lies low for version o f the subconscious.” best be described in more under­ long periods, subdued but not In the debate over eradication standable terms as the “uncon­ surrendered. It waits for low mi or suppression, Dr. Jones’s theolo­ verted subconscious.” The sub­ ments in the conscious mind and gy calls fo r eradication o f sin and conscious is like the submerged then sticks up its head and, evil but suppression o f the natural portion of an iceberg, one-tenth when it sees an opportunity, human urges. above and nine-tenths below. takes over the conscious mind. Regarding the gift o f the Holy Freud says we are determined by Then we are a house divided Spirit and speaking in tongues, lower drives in the subconscious. against itself. Paul puts it this Dr. Jones recognizes the miracle at We think we consciously deter­ way: “If you are guided by the Pentecost as a special ministry of “Innate mine our conduct, but these ba­ Spirit you will not fulfil the de­ the Early Church but not known sic drives in the subconscious ac­ sires o f your lower nature. That today. He distinguishes clearly tually determine us. These basic nature sets its desires against th< Pentecostal tongues from Corinthi­ depravity” drives can be roughly described Spirit, while the Spirit fights an tongues. as self, sex, and the herd. These against it. They are in conflict But now, in the words o f Dr. drives come down through a with one another so that what Jones’s son-in-law; who wrote the is the long racial history; hence they you will to do you cannot do” foreword to “A Song o f Ascents, ” have bents, bents toward evil. (Gal. 5:16-17, neb). we will “let him tell his own sto­ The self has been asserted so This was my condition after a ry.” self much in racial history that it be­ year o f almost unalloyed joy and “The soul gets on by a series of comes dominant and demand­ victory. I was in a crisis. I was crises.” I’ve found it so. In con­ surren ing: “I want what I want when I stymied by this inner conflict. version there is the sudden, or want it.” Sex has played such a And then a door out of the con­ gradual, rise to a new level of part in a long racial history that flict opened through a book. life, a life as different from the it now demands the leading role, When I took that book out of a ordinary man as the ordinary as it does in modern life. The Sunday School library, I felt a man is different from the animal. herd, or social instinct, urge bids sense o f destiny in reaching for Then after the rise life is on a nothing for a dominant place and often it. A kind o f tingle went through permanently higher level. But on occupies it. Think o f the things me, a tingle of expectancy. There that new level there usually en­ that we do because “everybody was destiny in taking that book, sues an experience of ups and does it.” We usually do not act, for it changed my life and helpe( downs, of alternate encourage­ but only react to what other peo­ me solve a crisis I was in. I be­ ment and discouragement, of ple do. We are not voices, we are gan to read The Christian’s Secret victory and defeat. echoes. of a Happy Life, by Hannah

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS

.jtall Smith, a Quaker. It told He had been with me, with me are no longer pulling in all direc­ f complete victory for the total in the conscious mind in conver­ tions, making you a civil war, a on. My heart was kindled sion. Now He was in me, in me divided personality. They are un­ *th desire as I read it. I wasn’t in the subconscious. When He der the one control of the Holy eading it; I was eating it. I got was with me in the conscious, it Spirit, so they are now a team the 42nd page when God was conversion limited, for the working together for Kingdom °0]ce to me: “Now is the time to subconscious was not redeemed; ends. This is true o f the con­ Jnd.” I pleaded: “Lord, I don’t cowed and suppressed, but not scious mind as well. The con­ noW what I want. This book is redeemed. Now the subcon­ scious mind and the subcon­ elling me. Let me read the book scious was redeemed. These scious mind are now under one irSt, and then I can intelligently drives which reside in the sub­ redemption and one control, and ee)c'.” But the Voice was imperi­ conscious— self, sex, and the “according well, they beat out ls: “Now is the time to find.” herd— were cleansed, the self­ music vaster than before.” I tried to read on, but the urge cleansed from selfishness, That the subconscious mind vords were blurred. I saw I was the sex urge from sexuality; the can be redeemed is good news. n a controversy with God, so I herd urge from being fastened For the area of the work o f the josed the book, dropped on my on society was now refastened Holy Spirit is largely in the sub­ jiees beside my bed, and said: in on the kingdom o f God, the ulti­ conscious mind. So if we surren­ Mow, Lord, what shall I do?” mate society. With these drives der “all we know”— the con­ And He replied: “Will you give redeemed it was conversion un­ scious mind— “and all we don’t tie your all?” surrender limited, nothing left out o f its know”— the subconscious— then And after a moment’s hesita- sway. the Holy Spirit takes over areas io n I replied: “Yes, Lord, of in the subconscious which have Holiness and Human Personality purse I will. I will give You my and hitherto been “enemy territory” i l l, all I know and all I don’t Note, these drives were not and now makes them friendly territory. The subconscious now.” eliminated; they were still there. Then He replied: “Then take cleansing, It is impossible to eliminate works with you, a friend and al­ tfy all, take the Holy Spirit.” them; they are an integral part ly And an important ally of the I paused for a moment: my all of us and cannot by any known new life. may try to Jesus said: “A good man out o f :or His all; my all was myself, process be eliminated. But they lis all was himself, the Holy can be cleansed from personal the good treasure o f the heart Spirit. I saw as in a flash the of- and racial bents and can be con­ bringeth forth good things” :er. I eagerly replied: “I w ill take secrated to Kingdom purposes. (Matt. 12:35, k j v ) . Is a redeemed lie Holy Spirit.” I rose from my The self instead of belonging to subconscious a “good thing”? nees with no evidence save His into the its self and trying to be God now Yes. For we are producing a Word. I walked out on the naked belongs to God and seeks His “good thing” in the subconscious promise of that Word. His char- glory and not its own. Sex by adding to it good attitudes, icter was behind that Word. I cleansed from sexuality, no good deeds, good thoughts, good :ould trust Him with my all, and longer an end in itself, is now purposes, good victories day by could trust Him to give me His dedicated to creation: within the day, hour by hour, minute by ill. I walked around the room re­ become home dedicated to procreation minute. We pile up reserves. peating my acceptance. The and fellowship, outside the home Then, when in a moment of ioubts began to close in on me. I sublimated to creativity, creating temptation and pressure we lid what Abraham did when the new hopes, new movements, bring these moral and spiritual >irds came to scatter his sacri­ newborn souls, new creative ac­ reserves in the subconscious into fice—he shooed them away. I tivities— creative on a higher lev­ action, we come through with walked around the room pushing el. The herd urge, hitherto fas­ flying colors, a surprise to our­ away with my hands the menac- tened on the futilities of selves. The “good thing” was the ng doubts. When suddenly I was allegiance to society around, is hidden ally. filled—filled with the Holy Spir­ now cleansed from that enslav­ So the Creator created the it. Wave after wave o f the Spirit ing bondage and fastened on the subconscious for security purpos­ seemed to be going through me fruitfulness o f the kingdom of es. Without it we would be living as a cleansing fire. I could only God. You do not become unso­ from hand to mouth; with it we walk the floor with the tears of cial, but loving God supremely are living from resource to re­ >°y flowing down my cheeks. I you can love others subordinate- source. c°uld do nothing but praise ly— subordinately, but with a This interpretation of what Him—and did. I knew this was love intensified, you love others happens with the coming o f the no Passing emotion; the Holy with His love. Holy Spirit may make possible a Spirit had come to abide with These urges are cleansed, con­ reconciliation of two views about n'e forever. secrated, and coordinated. They the “deeper life.” One view says

T he Preacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 5 GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS

there is complete eradication of ing thee from the people . . . un­ consecrated— with our consent the “old man o f sin,” and the to whom now I send thee” (Acts Ours is consent— not constrain! other says there is suppression 26:17, k jv). Delivered from the As I look back, I find my exp< but not eradication. Obviously people, you can now serve rience coincides with the exper we cannot believe that in the them— and only then! ence of the Early Church as to Christian redemption we must So instead o f sitting on a lid in the permanent elements in the provide for suppression of inner suppression, you now take off coming o f the Holy Spirit. Ther evil only, but not for eradication. the lid and bid these urges, now seem to be two permanent fact That would be a half-redemp- emancipated, to go forth and in the coming of the Holy Spirii tion, a coming to terms with evil, love and serve in the name and Peter, speaking o f what hap­ if only it lies low. Sin and evil power o f their Master and Lord. pened in the Gentiles’ Pentecosi must be eradicated. So we say And you guide them by watchful at the house of Cornelius, said: with the coming of the Holy prayer. “God, which knoweth the heart Spirit both the conscious and the Instead #f But even this watchful prayer bare them witness, giving them subconscious minds are cleansed has to be modified. It would the Holy Ghost, even as he did from sin and evil bents. This is mean tense anxiety about the unto us; and put no difference eradication. But the driving our trying urges. There is a corrective: In­ between us and them, purifyir urges, self, sex, and the herd, are stead o f our trying by tense, their hearts by faith” (Acts 15: still there. Since they are part of prayerful anxiety to keep these 9, k jv). Both Jew and Gentile you, you can’t get rid of them. by tense, urges consecrated, there is the ceived the Holy Spirit, and bot Hence they have to be sup­ fact that the Holy Spirit himself o f them had their hearts purifi pressed, lest they try to climb prayerful consecrates them. He keeps in the coming o f the Holy Spir back into dominance; this is sup­ them “on the altar.” “It falls to This seemed a permanent ele­ pression. So eradication and sup­ me to offer the Gentiles to him ment— purity o f heart. The othi pression are still facts o f the anxiety to as an acceptable sacrifice, conse­ permanent element was in wh Christian life— eradication o f sin crated by the Holy Spirit” (Rom. Jesus said: “But ye shall receiv and evil and suppression of natu­ 15:16, neb). The Holy Spirit con­ power, after that the Holy Gho ral urges. These natural urges keep old secrates the sacrifice. That is im­ is come upon you: and ye shal can be the source o f temptation; portant, for the usual idea is that be witnesses unto me both in , self, deposed in surrender and through consecration we receive rusalem, and in all Judaea, an< cleansing, may try to climb back urges eon the Holy Spirit initially. That is in Samaria, and unto the utter into the saddle and become true, but there is the further most part of the earth” (Acts 1:1 dominant again; sex, surren­ truth: the Holy Spirit keeps the k jv). Something would persist I dered and cleansed, may try to seerated, gift consecrated. When w e fully from Jerusalem to the uttermos depart from procreation and fel­ surrender ourselves and our parts o f the earth, namely, the lowship and may try to become urges to the Holy Spirit, He re­ power to witness effectively for an end in itself; the herd urge, tie Holy ceives and cleanses them. But He Jesus. Not “power”— full stop; surrendered and cleansed, may also consecrates them and keeps but power o f a certain kind, the gradually listen more to society them consecrated. That is a part power to witness to Jesus Chris than to the Savior. These urges Spirit of His redemptive work. That When we witness to our group, are still alive and have to be takes the strain, hence the drain, our denomination, our particul; watched. So there is a truth in himself out o f our Christian life. We are brand, it is not power— it is pov suppression. no longer nervously trying the wow. So the Holy Spirit means But it is a half-truth. For the sacrifices of our urges on the al­ power to witness effectively for real Christian remedy is not sup­ consecrates tar of consecration. We surren­ Christ. pression, but expression on a der them to the Holy Spirit, and Two things, then, are perma­ higher level. The self, dedicated He keeps them consecrated as a nent in the gift o f the Holy Spir to Christ, now expresses itself as them. part o f His job. So w e can go it: purity and power. Purity for the servant o f all, thus becoming about our jobs released and re­ myself and my own inner needs the greatest o f all; sex, now ded­ laxed, knowing that He will at­ and power to witness effectively icated to the creative God, be­ tend to His. to others. These two things com comes creative, creating procre­ A man introduced his w ife to prehended their needs then, am ation and fellowship within the me: “Here is one o f your they comprehend my needs nov home and, sublimated, outside wrestlin’ Christians.” She was the home, creating new move­ wrestling hard to be good and to Holiness and the ments, new hopes, newborn be consecrated. But she was tied Gifts of the Spirit souls. The herd urge, now eman­ in knots. She believed in the But a new complication is cipated by surrender to God Holy Spirit, but not in the Holy brought in: You have the Holy from subservience to society, can Spirit as One who receives the Spirit if you have the gift of serve and love society— “deliver­ consecrated gift and keeps it tongues. The gift of tongues, H The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 BENNER LIBRARY GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS Olivet Nazarene University, KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS FEB 27 98 i jj6y say, is an integral part o f the as he will” (1 Cor. 12:11, k j v ) . serpents, and if they drink any jft of the Holy Spirit. It is true Paul puts it: “Are all apostles? deadly thing, it will not hurt Mat in the Acts the gift o f Are all prophets? Are all teach­ them; they will lay their hands longues was associated with the ers? Do all work miracles? Do all on the sick, and they will recov­ .pining o f the Holy Spirit in possess gifts of healing? Do all er.” But all the modem versions l,ree places— Jerusalem, Cae- speak with tongues? Do all inter­ tell us that the Gospel of Mark [ area, and Ephesus; the centers pret?” ( w . 29-30, r s v ) . The an­ was lost from verse 8 on, and ,f Hebrew culture, Roman cul- swer is no. Then can we have the this passage was put in as a sec­ ure, and Greek culture. The gift o f the Holy Spirit without ond- or third-century attempt to juestion was very acute in those the gift of tongues? The answer fill out the lost portion. It is ex­ arly days as to whether if you is simple: Did Jesus have the actly this kind of list that man, lecame a Christian you would Holy Spirit? Yes. Did He speak in unaided by inspiration, would Jso have to adopt the Hebrew tongues? And the answer is no. make out. Not one of the five ulture and language, become a Then I can have the Holy Spirit “signs” is a moral quality. Every lew. That pattern was broken at without the gift of tongues. For one is semimagical power. >entecost. Men were gathered He is my Pattern. “The Spirit had Suppose the Christian move­ rom all that ancient world— not yet been given, because Je­ ment had gone out into that an­ isia, Africa, Europe— and when sus had not yet been glorified” cient world with these five signs he apostles began to speak, (John 7:39, n e b ) . Why? For the upon their banners. It would :very man heard in his own lan- pattern o f what constitutes spiri­ have died as a “wonder cult,” ruage “the wonderful works of tual power had to be fixed in Je­ tossing o ff miracles. Instead, it Sod” (Acts 2:11, k j v ) . What did The Holy sus— He had to live, teach, die, became a moral and spiritual hat mean? It meant that God rise again; and go to the right movement remaking and re­ vas going to use every language, hand o f the Father before the deeming character. So it lived :very culture, every nation to ex­ Spirit Spirit could be given. The Holy on. If you take on these “signs”— cess the wonderful works of Spirit is a Christlike type o f char­ “new tongues”— you have to ]od. acter and produces Christlike take them all. You have to pick The Jewish mold was broken persons when He comes within. up serpents, and you have to it Jerusalem. The Roman mold Paul evidently found that the drink deadly poison without ias broken at Caesarea, and the emphasis on the gifts o f the Holy hurt. Only two o f these so-called ireek at Ephesus. Over the head power to Spirit was divisive, creating more signs were in Jesus. He cast out if Jesus on the Cross were the division than direction, so he demons, and He laid hands on vords: “THIS IS JESUS THE dropped that emphasis. He men­ the sick. What kinds o f “signs” dNG OF THE JEWS” (Matt. tioned the[se] gifts o f the Spirit are these when three of them !7:37, k j v ) . It was written in He- in 1 Corinthians 12— 14, but were not in the Lord and Savior? >rew, Latin, and Greek. All the [some of these] never again in Apparently, speaking in nolds were broken. This, I be- all his Epistles. Nor did John tongues occurs today, and it is ieve, was a special miracle per- mention the gift of tongues in his real to some, but they cannot ormed for a special purpose and Epistles, nor did Peter or James connect their type with Pente­ i very necessary one. That pow- or Jude. The working emphasis cost; it is Corinthian and one of ■r to speak directly in the lan- in the Early Church became the the “gifts” o f the Spirit. The ;uage of a people without an in- fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, “gifts” o f the Spirit are not to be erpreter and without learning peace, patience, kindness, good­ confounded with the gift o f the he language has not reappeared ness, fidelity, gentleness, and Spirit. The gift o f the Spirit is for n our day as far as I know. Many self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23, n e b ) . all. The gifts of the Spirit He di­ lave come to India, hoping to be All o f them were moral qualities. vides “severally as he will” (1 ible to repeat the miracle of Pen- So the emphasis shifted from the Cor. 12:11, k j v ) . ecost, but the wreckage o f those nonmoral, semimagical gifts, So w e say in the fellowship of 'opes is strewn across India. It which were divisive then, and our Ashrams: “We welcome the usn’t happened. The Corinthian are today, to the fruits o f the immersed and the unimmersed, ype of tongues has appeared, Spirit, the moral qualities begin­ those who do not speak in >ut not the Pentecost type. The ning with “love” and ending with tongues and those who do, pro­ -orinthian type was one o f the “self-control,” which are nondivi- vided they do as Paul suggests, Sifts o f the Spirit, an unknown sive and uniting. ‘He that speaketh in tongues ongue which needed an inter­ Some quote the passage of speaketh to himself.’ Let him preter. At Pentecost no inter­ Mark 16:17 ( r s v ) : “And these speak to himself and not make it preter was needed. signs will accompany those who a public issue, for it will divide The gift of the Spirit is for all, believe: in my name they will any group it comes into. The ba­ 3ut the gifts o f the Spirit He is cast out demons; they will speak sis on which we come together is dividing to every man severally in new tongues; they will pick up this: If you belong to Christ and I

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS

belong to Christ, we belong to things— a new birth and the full­ the Mount become possible ac each other.” We do not let any ness of the Holy Spirit. One complishments— possible side issues divide us. brought me into the Kingdom, through an “offer”; the kingdo I said above that after men­ and the other brought the King­ o f heaven and all its powers ai tioning the gifts of the Spirit, dom into me. The first beatitude resources belong to you if you’ Paul dropped the emphasis on was fulfilled in me: “How blest poor enough to receive! them. There is one exception: are those who know their need Here within a year after I pv “We recommend ourselves by the o f God; the kingdom o f Heaven my feet upon the Way, I had innocence o f our behaviour, our is theirs” (Matt. 5:3, neb). Here made a major discovery, at lea grasp o f truth, our patience and blessedness is pronounced upon for me, that I could be born kindliness; by gifts o f the Holy those who know they are poor— again and I could be filled wit] Spirit, by sincere love, by declar­ poor enough to receive. The the Spirit— all for the taking! 1 ing the truth, by the power of verse could be translated, “How cheap? No, very expensive. Foi God” (2 Cor. 6:6-7, neb). Here he blest are they who are surren­ you take the gift, you belong fi mentions the gifts of the Holy The gift of dered and receptive; the king­ ever to the Giver! He binds yoi Spirit but defines them as “sin­ dom of heaven belongs to them.” to His heart by cords of love ai cere love,” “declaring the truth,” They belong to the kingdom o f gratitude, but you wouldn’t ha “the power of God,” but no gift the Spirit is heaven, yes, but— more breath­ it otherwise for worlds. o f tongues. He redefined the taking— the kingdom of heaven So I was on the Way. And thi gifts o f the Holy Spirit in terms belongs to them; all its resources only qualification was receptiv o f moral qualities and then dis­ for all, but are at their disposal; they could ty, to be poor enough to receiv missed them, never mentioning have all they could appropriate But as I look back, I can novi them again. and use. And the only qualifica­ see that I came near adopting So I’m grateful that I received the gifts of tion was to be poor enough to emphasis that would have the Holy Spirit without compli­ receive. dimmed the emphasis on recej cations or “riders.” The Holy There are those who believe tivity as the keynote o f my life] Spirit brought me purity, and He the Spirit that the Sermon on the Mount is became interested, passionate! brought me power, for He another law, more spiritual, interested, in the Second Com­ brought me himself. I need and more inward, but still a law. You ing. In my eagerness to absorb want no more. Be is can’t do this; you must do that. everything in the Christian life “He on whom you see the Therefore it is not a part o f the got hold of three volumes of Le Spirit descend and remain [Pat­ “dividing to gospel. Therefore it is impracti­ tures on the Apocalypse. I de­ tern], this is he who baptizes cal, for it means a vast whipping voured them. I felt the author with the Holy Spirit [Giver]” up of the will— try harder! A the­ knew the key to the future and (John 1:33, r s v ). So Jesus is not every man ological professor asked his stu­ was unlocking it. I became ab­ only the Giver o f the Holy Spirit; dents: “Is the gospel you preach sorbed in this Coming calendar He is the Pattern of the Gift. If a demand or an offer?” With one became intolerant o f those wh( you surrender to the Holy Spirit, severally as accord they said it was a de­ dared disagree with it. Then I He will make you into His im­ mand. “Think again,” he suggest­ found a subtle change taking age, a Christlike type of person. ed. “Well, it is a demand and an place in my emphasis. I was liv Jesus was infinite sanctity, and he w ill” offer,” they replied. “Think ing on expectancy, expectancy He was also infinite sanity There again,” he persisted. And they fi­ the coming Christ, instead of li was nothing psychopathic about nally came to the conclusion that ing on experience— experience Him. He went o ff into no visions, (1 Cor. if it is the gospel, it is an offer. o f the present Christ. I saw tha no dreams; every virtue was bal­ If that be true, then the Ser­ the First Coming was the work anced by its opposite virtue and mon on the Mount is an integral ing center o f the gospel, the In­ all held in a living blend; He was 12:1 1, k j v). part of the gospel, for its open­ carnation, the Atonement, the the most balanced character that ing emphasis is not on the whip­ coming of the Holy Spirit, the ever moved through the pages of ping up of the w ill but on a sur­ evangelization of the world. history. So I can pray for and re­ render of the will. Be poor The Second Coming was mai ceive the Holy Spirit with the enough to receive, and the king­ ginal and not my area now: “It stops out— with no reservations. dom of heaven is yours; all its not for you to know the times ( I can ask for and receive the resources and power are yours. the seasons. . . . But ye shall re Spirit “without measure,” for I This strikes a dart at the heart o f ceive power, after that the Holj cannot have too much of purity, self-sufficiency, at self-salvation; Ghost is come upon you: and y nor too much o f power, nor too it asks self-surrender! If you are shall be witnesses unto me botl much o f Christlikeness— too lit­ poor enough to receive, the king­ in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea tle, but not too much. dom of heaven is at your dispos­ and in Samaria, and unto the u So a year after I met Christ, I al— all yours. Then the impossi­ termost part o f the earth” (Acts had been led into two vital ble “demands” of the Sermon on 1:7-8, k jv ). My area of emphasi n T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 GREAT HOLINESS CLASSICS

jas the First Coming. I believed again, with the past blotted out a third and an important one— J the Second Coming, but I was H e Holy or transformed. Second, the the string of knowing personally 0\d that we knew little or noth- string of adequacy— I was and at first hand my Heavenly ag about it, about times and cleansed by the Holy Spirit in Father. God was no longer a easons; no one knew, only the Spirit both conscious and subconscious name. He was a fact, a living ather. So I would put up a ques- minds and unified within, and fact— within me, around me, ion mark about the future. He given power by that same Holy above me. I could drop into the ame once; He will come again, produces Spirit to witness for my Lord. silence of my heart and com­ jut I would preach and empha- And the amazing thing was that mune with Him there, in a word­ jZe what I knew— the First I did nothing to merit all this. I less communion; but not always ;oming. And I hope to fulfill the did nothing but receive; the ini­ wordless, for He is a God who tatement o f Jesus when He tiative was His. Love invaded speaks. He speaks and I speak to aid: “Happy that servant who is me, and now love pervaded me Him— we talk together. I can sund at his task when his mas- as I began my pilgrimage from never be alone again; hence I er comes!” (Matt. 24:46, n e b ) . what I was to what He is making can never be lonely again. (ote “at his task.” Not skygaz- me. I was at once humbled to With these three strings in my |ng, but “at his task,” the task of when He the dust and lifted to the highest lyre I set out a happy pilgrim. reaching the good news o f the heaven. I was all of grace! More strings would be added, for iresent, saving Christ. In addition to the two strings what I had set me on fire for (I recently met a man who of forgiveness and cleansing was more. pm Las emphasizing “revival” by mphasizing the Second Coming, within. le said to me: “You w ill not see he Second Coming in your life- ime. You are 8 2 .1 will; I’m ounger.” But he had the jitters it the thought of getting on a ilane; cold perspiration stood on lis brow. He was living by ex- i cctancy instead of by experi­ ence. He was not appropriating pihe living Christ now, but ap­ proximating the time of the com- jjng Christ. His experience of the f iving Christ was thin— so thin it lidn’t save him from fear now.) ) So I pulled my feet back from he bypaths of speculation about this event or that event as the recursor of the Second Coming, would preach the event— the giving Christ now. I had no map j )r timetable about the future, >ut my feet were on the Way. - 'md my heart was singing my Jong o f Ascents. The amazing thing is that hese basic changes and attitudes were gained within a year. Evi- r iently, human nature is infinitely Jlastic and capable o f great :hanges in a short time. I need lot depend on the calendar, but )n Christ, this living Christ, for iirther and infinite changes. But my lyre had two very im­ portant strings with which I was to begin my Song o f Asc-ents— irst, the string of reconciliation; 1993 Jonny Hawkins Was forgiven, converted, bom

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 A K. Chesterton once said Lord, even the king of Israel!” (v. “He has blinded their eyes am that “a paradox is a truth 13, r s v ) . hardened their heart, lest th< standing on its head to at- But it is just at this point that should see with their eyes an • tract attention.” standards of value and success perceive with their heart, anc The paradox closest to hand is are jerked upside down. Jesus turn for me to heal them.” the human situation. This is a does this by making the word Isaiah said this because he situation dominated by polari­ “glory” radically alien to the saw [Christ’s] glory and spol( ties, tensions, ironies; by contra­ “success syndrome” prevalent in of him (John 12:39-41, r s v ) dictions that often baffle us, His day and in ours. And by do­ This is the dark future o f a frequently overwhelm us, some­ ing this, Jesus enables us to be­ bright vision, which raises some times crush us. It was with this come aware of and reflect upon important questions about Isaial paradox that the eternal God “the triumphant defeat.” and John: identified himself in His Son, Je­ John, in recording Jesus’ What did the sight of Christ d sus Christ. words about the factor o f “glory,” for the prophet? reflects the Old Testament un­ What did this statement mean Alien to "Success Syndrome" derstanding of the blinding reve­ for the evangelist when he This paradox— God’s becom­ lation of God’s nature, which is penned these words? ing human— speaks to our expressed by that term. The glo­ It also raises important ques­ predicament because it corre­ ry o f God in the times of the tions about us: sponds with our actual experi­ prophets probably was seen with What does this declaration ence of life, which is so full o f in­ the greatest clarity by Isaiah. mean for believers who long for congruities. Thus his prophecies about the victory in Christian service? Among the contradictions re­ coming Messiah reach the high­ What does this revelation vealed in Jesus Christ is that He est level found in the Old Testa­ mean for congregations of be­ who is life placed himself within ment. Therefore, it is natural lievers who desire to impact and the context o f death. This takes that John should draw upon two influence their communities wit] human concepts o f success and important passages in Isaiah to BY JO HN G. MERRITT the gospel? victory and stands them on their point us to Jesus’ understanding Director, Southern A clue to the answer to these heads. But this reversal of values of “glory” at the highest moment Historical Center queries is found in Isaiah’s trans reveals a depth of reality that is o f His ministry— the Triumphal and Museum forming experience of the Holy absurd by human standards. Entry, just before plunging to the One o f Israel in chapter 6 o f his A t l a n t a This truth is dramatized in Je­ lowest depth of His mission— the prophecy. Isaiah’s vision of sus’ triumphal entry into Jerusa­ experience o f the Cross. John Christ’s glory resulted in: lem on the first Palm Sunday, in employs the first passage in Isa­ 1. the purification from in­ John 12:12-16. The stage is set iah in a way that tells us: dwelling sin (w . 1-7); for the death of the Savior. Yet 2. the call to God’s service (v.i Christ is acclaimed King. “Victo­ 1. Christ's glory gives a vision 8); ry, glory at last!” the disciples of defeat that is success 3. the promise o f a ministry a probably thought as the crowds (related to Isa. 6 ). failure (w . 9-13). cried: “Hosanna! Blessed is he Therefore they could not be­ In this deeply moving experi­ who comes in the name o f the lieve. For Isaiah again said, ence, which points toward what!

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 F E

the New Testament calls entire Luke, in Acts 28:23-27, quotes emphasis that John derives from sanctification, a purified and re­ God’s message to the prophet Isaiah— the fact that: sponsive Isaiah doubtless expect­ when Paul’s ministry to his own 2. Christ's glory calls to a ed an exciting commission for people produces meager results. mission of failure that is triumph victorious ministry. The glory of the cross (Isa. 53). And this is often where we stop in reflecting on Isaiah’s And John, in our text (chap. This is because Christ is the transforming vision: we usually 12), places the promise to Isaiah Servant with a mission to fail. zero in on the cleansing and the in relation to the greatest defeat John says in 12:38 that the calling but, for some reason, fail and failure in all history— the unbelieving response to Christ in to move on to the depressing cross of Christ. Surrounding verse 37 occurred so that “the promise o f failure. John’s quotation of God’s words word spoken by the prophet Isa­ This promise, which Isaiah to Isaiah are four references to iah might be fulfilled: ‘Lord, who heard, fell most likely on his “glory”— in verses 16, 23, 28, has believed our report, and to heart with depressing weight. and 41. whom has the arm of the Lord That same expectation of success These are prefaced by Jesus’ been revealed?”’ (r s v ). naturally comes to believers fol­ triumphal entry into Jerusalem The evangelist is drawing here lowing the full cleansing of en­ (w. 12-19). from the portrayal of the Suffer­ ure sanctification. Dare w e ad­ Following this spectacular ing Servant o f the Lord in Isa. Isaiah’s 53. This prophecy stands at the mit that such victory that Isaiah event, some Greeks expressed a probably expected is often held desire to see Jesus. He respond­ heart of Isaiah’s “servant poems” up to us as the absolute norm vision of ed by saying: “The hour has — the Servant whose calling is to and unchanging outcome of the come for the Son of Man to be be “a light to the nations” (49:6, holy life? glorified” (v. 23). r s v ). Isaiah says that the Servant Small wonder, then, that de­ Christs But what was this “glory” ? will fulfill this missionary calling pression and confusion come to Was it Christ’s victorious en­ through failing, suffering, dying. us when this standard may elude trance into the city, when people John writes in 12:39-40 that this us after the purifying touch of hailed Him as King? No, for Je­ is in harmony with God’s mis­ God in the experience o f holi­ sus, the great Paradox, stands sion for the prophet in Isa. 6:9- ness. But the dismal results as­ the truth on its head to draw at­ 10. sured to Isaiah— and sometimes resulted in tention to reality. Each time Je­ But Christ’s kind o f glory as to us— are spoken with a stark sus or the evangelists speak of the Suffering Servant is our glory clarity that cannot be explained “glory,” they are thinking of the as well. For we are the people of away: the promise Cross. the Servant with a mission to Go, and say to this people: Even the prelude to Christ’s fail. “Hear and hear, but do not un­ entry into Jerusalem was an ob­ Did not Christ say: derstand; see and see, but do of a ject lesson of the Cross, for the The hour has come for the not perceive.” Make the heart Master said that Mary’s extrava­ Son of man to be glorified. . . . of this people fat, and their gant anointing o f His feet was Unless a grain of wheat falls ears heavy, and shut their ministry of “for the day o f [his] burial” (v. into the earth and dies, it re­ eyes; lest they see with their 7). mains alone; but if it dies, it eyes and hear with their ears, With this anticipation of bears much fruit. He who failure. loves his life loses it, and he and understand with their death, Jesus’ shattering concept hearts, and turn and be healed of glory is about to break upon who hates his life in this world (6:9-10, rsv). us. This is because a cross in Je­ will keep it for eternal life The dark future predicted for sus’ day was not the symbol of (John 12:23-25). Isaiah’s ministry is quoted five success, victory, or glory. This axiom o f spiritual life was times in the New Testament. Yet this instrument o f defeat “fleshed out” in Peru more than Each time it relates to the min­ and death was Jesus’ concept o f 85 years ago. A young English istries of Jesus or Paul, who are “glory.” The Cross was the “hour” missionary lay dying with ty­ so often lifted up to us as the o f glory toward which Jesus phoid fever. In her book, Prophet models o f victory in God’s ser­ moved throughout His earthly from Peru, Mrs. Brig. Raquel N. vice: ministry, and it cast its shadows Martin says: In the Synoptic Gospels, Christ back over His work. This was the He was not only a dying uses the words of Isaiah in the reason for the rejection o f His man but probably a disap­ parable o f the sower to explain person and message: pointed one— by human stan­ the variety o f responses— not all “Though he had done so many dards a failure. After years of of them positive— to God’s Word. signs before them, yet they did faithfully proclaiming the (See Matt. 13:1-15; Mark 4:12- not believe in him” (v. 37, r s v ) . gospel he had won only one 20; Luke 8:1-15.) This points us to the second person to the Savior— an The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 n eight-year-old lad. But as this Church’s total existence. For this Christ “into the earth [as] a lone convert knelt by the side reason, the expression of Chris­ grain of wheat [and] die.” o f his spiritual father, the mis­ tian service— both individually But the call to such sharing, sionary asked the little boy to and corporately—must be mold­ such falling, such dying, is an in carry the gospel throughout ed by the Cross. vitation to possible defeat, possi Latin America. ble failure. Eduardo Palaci never swerved Only slaves permitted This is not to countenance the from his boyhood promise made Many years ago two young failure to live a holy life, for the to that young missionary who men who were members o f the Cross makes full provision for de­ died with a gnawing sense of Moravian Church— the oldest liverance from that kind of defeat failure. Growing into manhood, Protestant missionary body in Entire sanctification is the triump] he met The Salvation Army— not the world— felt that for them the over indwelling sin. In fact, only in Peru, but in Panama. He be­ A cross in Cross-molded life involved mis­ the heart that knows the purifyin; came one o f the Army’s most dis­ sionary service on a remote touch and liberating dynamic of tinguished officers. He made an Caribbean island. One obstacle Calvary can commit itself to a set impact for Jesus Christ on all of Jesus’ day to fulfilling this call was that on­ vice that may end in failure. the Spanish-speaking American ly slaves were permitted in that For remember, Isaiah was firs countries that has been felt far far-off place. They overcame the cleansed from inward sin befon beyond the movement in which was not the problem by selling themselves he answered God’s call to what he served for more than 40 into slavery in order to preach proved to be a mission of failuri years. The apparently barren Christ there. This meant that Nor is this to excuse spiritual ministry of the dying missionary never again would they see laziness and its negative effects, was a triumphant defeat— one homeland, family, friends. for Isaiah was faithful in the that continues after more than As their ship sailed from the work to which he was called. 85 years to reflect the glory of shores of Germany, they ex­ Jesus Christ. pressed the motivation for this The redeemed of all ages The young Englishman is but drastic choice by raising their But identification with the un one graphic instance o f the fact victory, or hands to heaven and crying out welcome prospects o f what the that as the new Israel, the with one voice the motto o f the world— sometimes the Church, Church is the people of the Suf­ Moravian Church: and sometimes even The Salva­ fering Servant. Thus the Church “That the Lamb slain may re­ tion Army— considers defeat an has the missionary mandate to ceive the reward o f His suffer­ failure hastens that day when be “a light to the nations.” This ings!” the fickle and short-lived calling centers in the Cross. Although we may not be “Hosannas” o f the first Palm Hence, obedience to that call called upon to make a decision Sunday will be transcended by will not always result in what we as drastic as the one made by the redeemed of all ages crying consider success. those two Moravians, the motto out in adoring worship: This centrality o f the Cross that they cried out as they sailed To him who sits upon the brings every area of the believ­ from sight must be the motiva­ throne and to the Lamb be er’s life within the scope of God’s tion of our lives as believers, for blessing and honor and glory purpose. This is because the this is what it means to share and might for ever and ever! Cross is the context o f the Christ’s glory— to “fall” with (Rev. 5:13, r s v ) . p m

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The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY s There i Place for

hen I was a pastor, some­ and on. Sometimes pastors re­ college in 1962 until now. One times I was tempted to mark, “You are a superintendent, thing has not changed, however. view persons no longer in and because of that, you are out That is human nature. It is the the pastorate as having of touch, and you don’t get it.” same as it was in the Garden of lost touch with the reali­ Some may no longer be aware of Eden. People are still the same. ties of the pastorate. Though I the realities confronting the The results are broken lives, es­ knew this was not true of every­ church. In every group— pastors, tranged relationships, shattered one, I perceived it to be true in educators, superintendents, or dreams, emotional and physical some. As we grow older or our whatever—there are those who and spiritual isolation, and exis­ drcumstances and assignments do not engage in the efforts nec­ tential hopelessness. One does change, we often see things from essary to stay abreast of their not have to be a great philoso­ a different point of view. I can­ field. pher or theologian to recognize not say that all perceptions of Nevertheless, a district super­ it. When one moves beyond the my early years have completely intendent who keeps close to the superficial, human nature is still changed, but I can say that, due pastors and churches and spends the same. People are still hurt­ to my assignments, I’ve seen a time in the field with them may ing, still lost, and still need to bigger picture. be one of the better informed. A know God. The importance of re­ For the last 10 years, I’ve superintendent deals with every stored relationships, both spiritu­ served as a district superinten­ size church in a multiplicity of al and human, is as crucial as dent. I’d like to share an observa­ situations and circumstances. A ever. People ultimately hunger tion or two that are valid and superintendent may know and for it. Augustine is still right: can help us to become more ef­ understand the church to a far “Our hearts are restless, O God, BY EDMOND P. NASH fective as pastors, ministers, and greater degree than people until they find their rest in District coworkers. might think because of listening Thee.” superintendent, First, I speak to the issue of to so many people. With that in People respond to love and Church o f the change. Over the last several mind, I’d like to share several ob­ personal attention. After being Nazarene years I’ve heard a number of servations that I believe after involved in seeking scores of pas­ Wichita, Kansas voices talk about the changes serving for a decade as a super­ tors to place in churches, I can that have occurred regarding the intendent. honestly say that, more than pastorate. Expressions have been Things have changed. There’s anything, churches desire pas­ made concerning the difficulty of no question about it. Worship tors who really love them and let the assignment, the necessity of styles, generational differences, them know it. There are a lot of new methods, the sociological societal demands, the work envi­ different skills and gifts a person changes, the decline of the orga­ ronment, the influence of mass can bring to a particular situa­ nization or institutional/denomi­ media and television, and so on tion, but none are more impor­ national church or both, the lack have brought about profound tant or crucial to the success or of interest among people, and on changes since the time I entered failure of one’s ministry than the

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 I3 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

reality of pastoral care and lov­ a shepherd is out-of-date and ir­ persistence that made them ing people. A long-standing, oft- The relevant. Having observed all and successful shepherds. repeated saying suggests, “Peo­ sizes of congregations from a dif­ Some side effects occur as a ple don’t care how much you ferent vantage point for the last result of a pastor being a good know until they know how much 10 years, I take strong issue with shepherd of the sheep. For one you care.” that idea. People, the flock of thing, a bond develops. Some o In a high-tech society, the God, still respond to the care of the finest people that I have ev< Church o f our Lord Jesus has op­ of restored the shepherd. They long for it, met and that I deeply admire portunity to be “high touch” in desire it, and receive spiritual have been many laypeople I ha< her ministry. We live in the midst help from it. They also respond the privilege of serving. Most of a cold, sterile sociological en­ to it. were not known much outside vironment where people find it Being God’s man or woman to the context of their local churcl easier to withdraw behind natu­ fulfill His call to shepherd is hard es. Yet they were “salt” and ral and self-imposed barriers work. To be a good pastor, the “light,” marvelous people who rather than to be exposed to the shepherd of the flock, is very deserved the best this pastor disappointments, hurts, and bro­ challenging and highly stressful. could give them. To this day, I kenness of relationships, change, spiritual According to some of the studies, when we revisit them, there is i and hostile adversaries. The the ministry rates near the top of sense of spiritual reality and lof Church of our Lord Jesus has a and human, high-stress-level professions. that cannot be fully described, golden opportunity to embrace One of my observations has can only be experienced and ot people with warmth and love been that pastors who are al­ served in the invisible bond tha that comes from God alone. That is crucial. ways seeking the “magic formu­ exists between us. I have had t! is what people hunger for. That la” or the easy way out are usu­ privilege of experiencing that is what churches tell me they ally those who have not been with many o f my pastors, too, a want most in a pastor, that is, very good shepherds. I cannot I have worked alongside them. someone who will honestly love think of a single successful pas­ Those relationships are more and care about them. tor who has not worked very precious than gold. They are an Rethink the biblical idea of be­ hard in tending the flock of God. extension of our bond between ing a shepherd. The overwhelm­ He or she may be blessed with the Good Shepherd and our- j ing favorite psalm is Ps. 23. That gifts and skills that aid in the selves as we become His avenue psalm finds its ultimate fulfill­ ministry, but as much as any­ of grace and ministry to the ment when Jesus says, “I am the thing, such a pastor has been flocks He has entrusted to us. < good shepherd” (John 10:11, willing to stay disciplined and to With the bond between pasta 14). Peter follows that with his work hard at the task in order to and people, there is a realized ] admonition to “be shepherds of see the flock well cared for and permission to lead. Much is writ God’s flock” (1 Pet. 5:2). growing. Someone has said that ten about leadership in our time My father-in-law has been a the process of pastoral service is One important reality is to con­ cattleman and a farmer all his as important as the results. sider the levels of leadership. Fo life. He has been a very success­ U.S. President Calvin Coolidge instance, our initial level of lead ful cattleman because he always “People once said: ership is referred to as position­ stayed close to his herds. He Nothing in the world can al. A pastor is by definition the watched over them, paid atten­ take the place of persistence. president of the corporation and tion to them, and was there in don’t care Talent will not; nothing is the chairman of the church the middle o f the night when the more common than unsuccess­ board in many disciplines. The cows were calving. Many times ful men with talent. Genius congregation grants to the paste he helped pull a calf, sometimes how much will not; unrewarded genius is a certain degree of permission t< saving the cow or the calf or almost a proverb. Education lead them as a result of the fact both. Not long ago, his success­ will not; the world is full of that he or she is the pastor. How ful birthrate for his herd aver­ you know educated derelicts. Persistence ever, for one to lead effectively, aged 100 percent. This is most and determination are om­ there must be much more per­ unusual. It happened because of nipotent, and the slogan mission extended than what is his personal attention. I’ve “Press On” has solved and al­ granted at the entry level. watched with interest and ob­ ways will solve the problems The next level of leadership served that when good care is know how of the human race. strength comes from what migh given to the herd, it grows. From practical perspectives, his be termed personality. As a pas­ So it is with the flock of God. point concerning persistence and tor begins to work in the life of i Where care is given, the flock much you hard work is valid. Most success­ congregation, and they observe seems to be healthy and it ful pastors I know are average in his or her personality and inter-! grows. In the last several years I their talent. It’s what they have personal relationship skills, they have read that the idea of being care.” done through hard work and may grant more permission to

The P reach er’s M agazine • M a r c h , A pril, M ay 1 9 9 8 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

people more and have more pa­ if leader as they develop a strongest element in the leader­ tience with them. After all, that 'L g for the way the shepherd ship equation, it can be shattered ts ai0ng with them. If one can- overnight by one who compro­ is the w ay I have treated you, and no servant is above his or Qt get along with the flock of mises his or her integrity. This ability to lead is arrest- highest level of leadership must her Master.” be earned in every church and in A final thought. Sometimes in j at this point. our humanness it is easy to for­ ^ third level o f authority or every assignment, even though get that we are called by the ovver is granted by a congrega- he or she has a verifiable history Lord Jesus and that we work for on to their pastor as a result o f and track record of ministry. By Him. It is true that we find the 0mPetency t^iat is demonstrated the way, this was the leadership avenue to fulfill that calling s he or she works among them. level of our Lord. He taught as through some form of structured his is developed over a long pe- one having authority because of organization or denominational ,0d of time as a result o f both a His character. It was so over­ S church. Nevertheless, our call =cord of deeds done and the whelmingly powerful in its spiri­ and ultimate reward comes from pint in which they are done. tual depth that people were Jesus Christ himself. I have now Finally, and most important, is ready and willing to give Him m anor passed the midcentury mark and he authority granted by a con- unconditional permission to have probably served longer regation to its leader because of lead. than I am going to serve. I have is or her character. This, too, Nearly every pastor I know woman to realized afresh that it won’t be levelops over a period of time as wants to succeed. Most whom I general superintendents or col­ e or she walks among the peo- have ever been associated with leagues in the district superin­ le as the shepherd does the want to be able to stand in front tendency or anyone else who ock, until a level o f trust is de­ of the mirror, look themselves in will say to me, “Well done, thou eloped because they know the the eye, and know that they have good and faithful servant” (Matt. astor truly loves them, cares for call to honestly given to God their best 25:21, cf. 23, k j v ) . With that in hem, and has their best interests effort. Yet, as w e’ve already not­ mind, I am trying more than n mind. Paul addressed the fun- ed, the ministry is a very difficult ever to see people the way God lamentals of this dynamic via a shepherd is task. sees them. I am seeking to un­ lifferent metaphor in Eph. 5. If we were able to hear a fresh derstand His mind and His pre­ his level of leadership authority word from the Lord today, I am cepts. Only then can I minister s realized by those who have re­ hard work. not sure what He would say. It effectively in a changing world. vived permission from their might be something like this: Sir Walter Raleigh said, “There’s leople to be their leader. When “And let us not grow weary in a beginning to every mission, but his happens and one has moved well-doing, for in due season we iom the entry level of positional shall reap, if we do not lose a mission finished to the very eadership to the level where the heart. So then, as w e have op­ end is what yields the true glo­ um total of all leadership ele- portunity, let us do good to all ry.” nents result in the trust o f char- men, and especially to those who I cannot speak for you, but my hunger is to finish the mission and icter, there is almost nothing are of the household of faith” experience the glory of the only hat a congregation will not do (Gal. 6:9-10, r s v ) . It is possible One who ultimately matters. is they follow their shepherd. He would follow up by saying, God’s blessings on you all! PM While character is the “Do not be afraid to love My

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T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch , A pril, M ay 1998 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

an easier way to become Messj ah. In Gethsemane (Mark 1 4 ;3 42), Jesus prayed repeatedly,«] this cup pass from me” (Matt. 26:39, k jv). Till the very end, j sus wanted to avoid the Cross. On the Cross, He heard the mockers say, “He saved others' he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King o f Israel, come nyone wishing to be a minis­ sion of Mark’s account closes with down now from the cross, that ter of Jesus Christ must “take a suffering motif. The first division we may see and believe” (Marl up his cross” and assume the ends at 3:6 with a plot to “destroy” 15:31-32, rs v ). Bystanders taui posture o f a servant. “Minis­ Jesus (rs v ). Second, at 6:6 there is ed Him with the words, “Save ter” comes from the Latin the “unbelief’ of “his own coun­ yourself, and come down from meaning “a servant.” Jesus issues A try” (rsv ). Third, there is the mis­ the cross!” (v. 30, rs v ). a call for disciples: “If anyone understanding of His disciples In the words “He saved othe would come after me, he must de­ (8:21); the Twelve do not under­ he cannot save himself,” ironic ny himself and take up his cross stand who Jesus is. At the end of ly we have a true distillation o and follow me” (Mark 8:34). In the fourth division, Jesus declares Jesus’ entire mission. He “save Mark’s account of the Gospel, the that the “Son of Man” will “give the woman with the issue of whole ministry of Jesus transpires his life as a ransom for many” blood (5:25-29). He “saved” si in the shadow o f the Cross. Jesus (10:45). The fifth section ends people in villages around Gen- calls any who wish to follow Him with the widow’s mites (12:44, nesaret (6:5). He “saved” blinc to take up their cross and go with Sometimes kjv), which anticipates Jesus’ sacri­ Bartimaeus (10:52), but He Him to a skull-shaped hill outside ficial death. Chapters 14 and 15 could not save himself. Chal­ Jerusalem. narrate the trial, scourging, mock­ lenged by opponents for healir More than a century ago, Mar­ we forget ery, crucifixion, death, and burial on the Sabbath, Jesus asks the tin Kahler defined a Gospel as “a of Jesus. In the baptism of Jesus, poignant question: “Is it lawful passion-resurrection narrative the shadow of the Cross stretched on the sabbath . . . to save life with an extended introduction.” across His entire life span. “You to kill?” (3:4, r s v ). Jesus lived The definition is inadequate be­ are my Son” (1:11) derives from the principle He enunciated foi cause it does not describe some Ps. 2:7 and is a coronation formula others: “For those who want to literature that belongs to the for a king. “With you I am well save their life w ill lose it, and Gospel genre. More important, in pleased” comes from Isa. 42, the those who lose their life for my this context, it hardly describes beginning of the “Suffering Ser­ sake, and for the sake o f the > Mark’s account of the Gospel. Al­ vant” songs. With these two refer­ gospel, will save it” (8:35, n rsv) most everything in Mark’s story of ences to Hebrew Scripture, Mark He poses the rhetorical questior Jesus describes the suffering and not want a establishes Jesus as King who is a to which we know the answer: death of Jesus. Mark 1:1— 15:47 suffering servant of God. “For what does it profit a man, i is a passion narrative. Chapter Sometimes w e forget that the gain the whole world and forfei 16:1-8 is the story of the empty Man o f the Cross did not want a his life?” (v. 36, r s v ). He did no tomb. Mark really does not have a cross. The Temptation story come “to be served but to serve, Resurrection narrative. (Mark 1; Matt. 4; Luke 4) is and to give his life as a ransom In Mark’s story of the Suffering about avoiding the Cross. Jesus’ for many” (10:45, rsv ). Servant Messiah, Jesus is no temptation, especially in Mat­ In the first century, only a Me; mere passive, dejected victim ac­ thew and Luke, emphasized al­ siah without a cross is believable cepting an unjust death. Jesus ternative ways of becoming Mes­ His opponents say He is in leagu consciously and willingly chose a siah. In Mark 8:27-30, we have with Beelzebul (3:22, rs v ). His way of life that put Him on a col­ BY JERRY McCANT the account o f Peter’s so-called mother and brothers wanted to lision course with His culture and S a n D ie g o great confession. Note that Peter take Him home because they its leadership. In the first century, did not understand what he had thought He was insane (v. 21). Jesus challenged would-be fol­ “confessed.” Jesus rebuked him The Nazareth synagogue, where lowers, including the Twelve, to with the words, “Get behind me, He preached His first sermon, re take up their cross. Can we imag­ Satan!” (v. 33). It was the same acted in disbelief to “Mary’s son ine that the call of Jesus involves temptation Satan presented in (6:3). His disciples could not de less in the 20th century? the Temptation story. In John’s cipher His parables (4:10) and According to Mark’s story of Je­ account (6:1-15), Jesus fed the were not certain of His identity sus, the Man of the Cross calls fol­ 5,000. With that the people (v. 41; 6:52) and the significant lowers to a cross. Every major divi­ wanted to make Him King; it was of His ministry (8:17-21). They

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

houses and brothers and sisters [id not understand that He must take up his cross.” Obtuse disciples and mothers and children and lie on a cross. argue about who is greatest among lands, with persecutions, and in peter could declare forcefully, them, provoking Jesus to say, “If the age to come eternal life” Y o u are the Christ” (8:29, r s v ) . any one would be first, he must be (10:29-30, rsv, emphasis added). jesus responds that He must go last of all and servant of all” (9:35, 0 Jerusalem and die (v. 31). Pe­ r s v ) . After James and John request He must remind His disciples, who wish to emulate Him, that er thinks Jesus has misunder- a seat on either side of Jesus, He tood what he “confessed,” and teaches them about a Kingdom in He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a t,e takes Jesus aside for a private which no one is master over anoth­ ransom for many (10:45). ebuke (v. 32). The Big Fisherman er person (10:41-45). Jesus shared Ministry means serving, giving lid not have the foggiest idea of His vision of a “partnership world,” ourselves to ransom others. In a vhat his great confession meant. a Kingdom of radical egalitarian­ fesus’ instruction about going to ism, with the sons of Zebedee. The world where suffering abounds everywhere, Jesus calls to any Jerusalem to die simply went kingdom of God is not a kingdom who would be ministers, “Take ,ver his head. Jesus’ disciples where one ruler replaces another, up your cross.” Ministry in a suf­ vant a Messiah without a cross. but a Kingdom where there is no fering world means suffering for )n three occasions Jesus predict­ ruler and there is no servant. Min­ the minister. We cannot avoid ed His death in Jerusalem (8:31; isters of Jesus Christ must invest in the cross if Jesus is the Model of 1:31; 10:33-34). Each time the Paul’s kenotic theology (Phil. 2:5- Peter can 11) of self-emptying if our vision of ministry we follow. We must live lisciples have the same two reac- among the wounded and learn ions: (1) they misunderstand Je- a kingdom of partners is to become to suffer with them and/or them. us; (2) they respond with crass a reality. The cross is uncomfortable and irrogance and ambition. Lack of faith prevents the disci­ inconvenient, but it alone gives All the disciples misunder- ples from exorcising a demon-pos­ authenticity to our preaching. tood what Jesus was saying sessed boy (Mark 9:14-29). They Jesus is Without a cross, we may be “suc­ 8:33); thus His rebuke was not criticize another person, not of cessful,” but we cannot be minis­ imply aimed at Peter. They ex­ their company, who casts out pressed their lack o f understand- demons in Jesus’ name (w. 38-41), ters of Jesus Christ. Let others boast o f what they ng in having Peter, the apostolic thereby earning a stem rebuke spokesman, rebuke Jesus. Imme­ from Jesus. Later they hinder chil­ gave up to follow Jesus; give your life “a ransom” for all. Let diately after the second predic­ buthe dren from coming to Him, provok­ tion (9:30), the disciples argued ing the Lord to anger (10:13-16). others seek political position, on with one another about who was Jesus healed a blind man at Beth- the right and on the left; learn to the greatest among them (w . 33- cannot saida (8:22-26), and as He leaves drink the cup that Jesus drank, 34). Immediately after the third Jericho, He heals the blind Barti- and enter into His baptism as prediction (10:33-34), James maeus (10:46-52). Mark frames “suffering servant.” Live among and John make an audacious this whole section on discipleship the walking wounded; weep with and politically ambitious re­ with the healing of two blind per­ people whose eyes can no longer quest: “Grant to us to sit, one at sons to emphasize the blindness of cry. Be there for persons facing your right hand and one at your on His disciples. There is a sharp con­ the impossible situations in their left, in your glory” (v. 37, r s v ). trast between the bountiful mission lives: incurable cancer, AIDS, Three times, in Mark 14, Jesus of Jesus in Galilee (1A— 8:21) poverty, divorce, and so on. a cross. We can have more fun in asks His inner circle of disciples with the conflict and death that —Peter, James, and John— to dominate the events in Jerusalem Galilee, but Jesus calls us to Je­ stay awake and watch while He (11:1— 15:47). The section on dis­ rusalem. enters Gethsemane alone to pray. cipleship and the blindness of the We can be safer in Galilee, but Even though He told them, “My disciples (8:22— 10:52) joins these Jesus calls us to Jerusalem. soul is very sorrowful, even to contrasting depictions of Jesus’ We can be more successful in death; remain here, and watch” ministry. Galilee, but Jesus calls us to Je­ (v. 34, r s v ) , each time Jesus re­ After Jesus confronts the “rich rusalem. turned to find them sleeping, to­ young ruler,” Peter asks, “So, We can be more comfortable tally oblivious to His inner strug­ what do we get out of this?” (cf. in Galilee, but Jesus calls us to gle with death on the Cross. 10:28). Jerusalem. The disciples wanted a Messiah Jesus answers, “Truly, I say to We can have more miracles in without a cross. Peter can declare you, there is no one who has left Galilee, but Jesus calls us to Je­ that Jesus is Messiah, but he can­ house or brothers or sisters or rusalem. not accept the Messiah on a cross, mother or father or children or If anyone would be a minister of ite r’s defective confession leads lands, for my sake and for the Jesus Christ, let him or her take up Jesus to begin teaching, “If anyone gospel, who will not receive a a cross and follow Jesus to a place would come after me, he must... hundredfold now in this time, of suffering and death! PM

T he P re ach er’s M agazine • M a r c h , A p r il , M ay 1998 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

teem is a big issue for this gene ation.” Helping them discover that God has gifted them to be unique is affirming.

2. Before you ask for help, create the vision. Corporate worship is the fo­ rum for marketing at Mallory s church. Pastors can preach aboi the vision and value of ministry so that it becomes a living, breathing need. If churches are educating members about livinj out their faith, Mallory says, re­ cruitment doesn’t loom so large

3. Not everyone's ministry takes place within church walli Fifty percent of your volunteer working within the church and 5 percent outside is a healthy bal­ ance, Mallory asserts. The mome: rho hasn’t felt discouraged o f spiritual renewal.” People are a church recognizes members’ about recruiting people coming back to church, but how work off-campus, its volunteer to do the church’s work? they grow depends on what the force has increased, along with it The music ministry sags, church does. energy. Commission them in wor teachers vanish, and lay Here are Mallory’s keys to cre­ ship to affirm their service. officers bum out and quit. ating an environment in which These off-campus ministries It doesn’t need to be so. But volunteers flourish: return blessings to the church, the solution may call for a revo­ Mallory points out. They attract lution in how we think about 1. M eet Hie needs that bring new people and present a pow­ church work— and about the vol­ people to church. erful witness in the community. unteers who do it. But wait. What does meeting Susan K. Mallory, a lifetime needs have to do with volunteer­ 4. Find out what kind o f work volunteer, recalls how a skilled ing? sets your people's hearts afire pastor enabled her to find her There are lots o f broken peo­ and what they never want to b< God-given calling, and in the ple out there. When the church asked to do. process helped transform their serves their brokenness, they in “What feeds your heart and congregation’s membership from turn will serve the church. soul?” Mallory likes to ask. Peo­ 350 to 1,200. Soon after Mallory began at­ ple who are passionate about is­ After eight years as a full-time tending her church, she experi­ sues are coming into the church volunteer staff person at Brent­ enced a health crisis. Gifted in she says, but we aren’t asking wood Presbyterian Church in Los caring, the congregation rallied them what those issues are. Angeles, Mallory has some tips around her and her family for Years ago, a newcomer to Mai on healthy volunteerism. months. “Because they respond­ BY SUE MURPHY lory’s church was set to work do “We need to change our mind­ ed to my crisis, I was compelled ing data entry. Mallory took her MOTE set from recruitment of volun­ to give back,” she said. to supper and said, “Tell me Freelance writer teers to inviting people into the The needs of the buster genera­ what you’re passionate about.” Rancho Cucamonga, ministry,” she says. tion (the one following the baby The woman confessed to an in­ C a l i f o r n i a The old “volunteer program” boomers) are unique, Mallory says. terest in leadership develop­ becomes a gift-evoking ministry These 20 somethings have grown ment, but she was doing data er that focuses on the needs, desires, up with television and are visually try, simply because the church gifts, and talents o f the person. oriented. Many have never read had asked her. The institution changes to fit the the Bible and feel little commit­ “She was willing, as most peo people rather than squeezing the ment to institutions. Churches that pie are, to say yes,” Mallory says people to fit the institution. know this can attract busters and “but unleashed to use her gifts, “We’re at a time when people help them grow in grace. she could be training a hundred need to know they can make a “I have three busters [her chil­ people in data entry.” difference,” she says. “It’s a time dren],” Mallory says. “Self-es­ A panel o f similarly high-ca-

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 18 V CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

“Reeducate, revalue, and reaf­ iaCjtylaype°P le spoke to a are creative, innovative, and roUp of pastors about being un- bright, and they’ll only commit firm who they are,” Mallory says. e ru s e d . Strong negative feelings to decisions they help make. If you take time to help them merged- “If I don’t fit your Invite them into leadership discover their gifts and offer eed, you cast me off,” they said. early, Mallory says. Allow them training, you’ll find them willing. to have a voice. Risk doing it “You don’t burn out in the area j Avoid pigeonholing people. their way. of your passion,” she says. “You A fund-raising expert at Mallo­ get tired, you need a sabbatical, 8. Train your volunteers. ws church, it turned out, had no but you don’t bum out.” esire to do more of the same. “The church is the only non­ One of Mallory’s favorite suc­ Us dream job? To cook gourmet profit organization in the world cess stories involves a young neals for the church. So that is that doesn’t train its volunteers, man in her church who pos­ diat he does— with zest. Mallory says. “With every re­ sessed a passion for mission. Look beyond stereotypes of cruitment invitation should come Nothing inside the church met ge and gender. Now it’s the ba- We need to an offer o f training.” his needs. In the community, he ty boomer woman, often with Jesus identified His disciples helped form Housing Options for oultiple degrees, who belongs and then taught them. One of People to Excel— HOPE— filling a in the stewardship committee, change onr His first lesson plans was the need for homeless women with /lallory says. Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12), which children. “We’re asking the right people present the ideal character quali­ Using some new mission mon­ mindset ey from the church, HOPE won a o do the wrong things.” ties for leaders. matching grant, persuaded the 6. Use skilled interviews. from 9. Affirm and recognize city to lease land for $1 a year, A good interview can uncover and secured a free house from a lidden gifts and passions. Meet People serve out of commit­ contractor for the trouble of ine-on-one with the person, recruitment ment, but lack o f appreciation moving it. A contractor donated ace-to-face. Listen with God’s prevents them from stepping up his services, and church mem­ ;ars. Such exploration is really for more. “Until we begin to bers rehabilitated and expanded spiritual development. of treasure each person as a gift in the house. I Interviews are most readily the congregation, the churches Was the young man lost to the Bone in seekers’ or new mem­ will continue to shoot them­ church? “He’s currently serving bers’ classes. It’s easy to ask peo­ volunteers selves in the foot,” Mallory says. as our mission elder,” Mallory ple why they have come now and One o f the largest groups on said. ivhat their needs and desires are. the inactive list of mainline “Take a high-capacity volun­ I Mallory teamed with her pas- to inviting churches is former church offi­ teer like that, turn him loose, Itor to present new-member cers. One reason they leave? No and let him do what God has :lasses. In one-on-one and group one affirmed them. called him to do in the name of nterviews, she developed her people into On Appreciation Sunday, Mal­ the church,” Mallory says. “The ^referred approach. She likes to lory’s church offers pertinent church takes great pride in it.” ise a gift-assessment tool as a scripture, a celebration o f gifts, Daily, the evening news implement to an interview, but the and a testimony by someone demonstrates that the world has anly after she has looked into whose life has been changed by tremendous needs. Peter Drucker he person’s heart. ministry. serving. “The stories o f spiritual has said that government can no “Busters don’t know the spiri­ growth are fabulous,” she says. longer meet those needs. Social tual implications o f a gift inven­ A service o f appreciation also service agencies and religious tory,” Mallory says. First they makes good marketing. It sends communities must do it together, need help gaining that aware­ a strong message to visitors and with limited resources. ness before they can understand regulars that the church cares That need was never more ob­ the inventory. about its people. vious than during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Many secular non­ 7. The younger they are, 10. What about rehabilitating profit organizations had struc­ the more important it becomes church members already ture but no volunteers. It was re­ to give volunteers a sense hardened against requests ligious volunteers— Jewish, of ownership. for help? Muslim, and Christian— working Their parents are institutional­ The care-invite-nurture format alongside the secular organiza­ ly loyal. They aren’t. [Busters] works for them too. tions who began the healing. PM

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 rhen I became a pastor’s church is to make sure they time was coming to a close and wife, I pictured serving in know God loves them just as few women started to get up to a nice church with nice they are and to help them be­ leave, Tracy was the first to say people who read God’s come all He wants them to be. “W hy don’t we pray again befoi Word and did good we leave? We prayed the last works. Now, after 12 years of No More Misfits time, and look how it worked!" ministry in what some people af­ I was recently reminded of I’ll never forget Tracy’s simpk fectionately call “The First Barely what “doing church” really heartfelt prayer that day: “Dear Baptist Church” o f Colton, Cali­ means. At the mothers’ group I God, thank you for this group o fornia, I have a far different un­ attended, the newest believer women, Oh God, I never thoug] derstanding o f what church is among us shared about the I would fit in.” supposed to be. struggles she was facing. Something has gone radically In February 1983 my husband, “My ex-husband just moved wrong with church when people Dane, accepted the call to pastor back into the area, and he wants with problems think they couldr this 98-year-old church with 89 to see our daughter more often,” possibly fit in. Somehow we hav members. Around 700 people Tracy said. “She’s only 12, and it given the impression to the wor now come to one o f the three scares me to death to think o f that we are looking for beautifu services w e offer on Sunday her spending weekends with her talented, problem-free people to mornings. The bulk o f this dad. I’ve started drinking again. fill our pews, and if their lives are growth has come from un­ One day last week things were not already all together, they churched people. Some 52 per­ so bad I wanted to shoot some­ needn’t bother coming. cent of the people in our congre­ thing up my arm. There weren’t gation were not attending any drugs in the house, so I Jesus, the Sinless Friend church before they walked couldn’t. I need help.” of Sinners through our doors. Although my life experience Philip Yancey comments in his When you have that many has not included any of the three book The Jesus I Never Knew on unchurched people in the pews, Ds— divorce, drinking, or drugs this strange departure from the you are in for a wild ride! They — I knew this woman with all kind of crowd that Jesus attract­ don’t leave their baggage at the her problems was every bit as ed. Yancey recounts the follow­ door. They bring all their sin, all qualified to receive God’s love as ing story told to him by a friend their dysfunctions, all their I. In fact, we were both com­ who works with the down-and- worldly habits, all their miscon­ pletely disqualified by our sins, out in Chicago: ceptions, and secular ways of different though they may be, A prostitute came to him in thinking right along with them. from deserving God’s love at all. wretched straits, homeless, he Watching God take all these bro­ Every woman around the table health failing, unable to buy BY KAREN AAKER ken lives and accept them as His that day needed God’s mercy to food for her two-year-old Pastor’s wife, First very own children has been the make it through the next 24 daughter. Her eyes awash wit! Baptist Church most rewarding thing Dane and I hours. We all reached out to tears, she confessed that she C o l t o n , Ca lifo r n ia have ever done. share the love and grace God had been renting out her When I look around our had shown us with our hurting daughter— two years old—to church, I am amazed at all the friend and prayed for Him to men interested in kinky sex, it people God loves. It is a hum­ strengthen her. order to support her own druj bling experience when people The next time we met, Tracy habit. My friend could hardly you wouldn’t want as next-door could hardly contain herself. “I bear hearing the sordid detail! neighbors are now serving you haven’t had a drink for 12 days!” o f her story. He sat in silence, Communion. I know God loves she proudly announced. We re­ not knowing what to say. At every one of them as much as He joiced with her as we enjoyed last he asked if she had ever loves me. The purpose o f our another meal together. When our thought o f going to a church

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 20 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

for help- “I will never forget names, divorces, gang members, churches operate. Many people jjje look o f pure astonishment homeless people, and ushers tell Dane they love his sermons ^at crossed her face,” he later serving Communion in shorts on Sunday but were wondering, told me. “‘Church!’ she cried. and baseball caps. Apparently what do you do the rest o f the would I ever go there? have many they think the people they see week? I get phone calls at home They’d just make me feel even worshiping at church on Sunday in the middle of the day from worse than I already do!”’ (pp. morning should look different people wanting to talk to Dane. They seem so surprised to find 147-48). from the people they see shop­ Yancey concludes: ping at Wal-Mart that afternoon. out he works at the church dur­ Somehow we have created a The problem with the church ing the week! community o f respectability in people in in America today is that there is Working with unchurched peo­ the church... . The down-and- a difference. A cultural chasm ple requires a great sense o f hu­ out who flocked to Jesus separates the people on the out­ mor and an unshakable convic­ when he lived on earth, no the pews, side of our churches from the tion that reaching the lost is longer feel welcome. How did people on the inside. You used to worth the cost. You have to ex­ Jesus, the only perfect person have to cross the border or go to tend grace to people who aren’t in history, manage to attract you are in a strongly ethnic neighborhood even aware that they need grace the notoriously imperfect? And to have a cross-cultural experi­ and to pray as Jesus did, “Father, what keeps us from following ence in America. Now we have forgive them, for they do not for a wild know what they are doing” in his steps today? (p. 148). to develop a ministry mind-set Indeed, how far we have come just to reach mainstream U.S.A. (Luke 23:34). om the ministry o f Jesus, who 2. Being willing to minister to the ride! The Cost of Reaching the relcomed people with problems people who are the least likely Unchurched become part o f the kingdom candidates to help pay fo r the f God. When the Pharisees It takes more than a nice ministry. ame to tattle on Jesus for eating handshake at the door to truly Our church has lived with fi­ iiith tax collectors and sinners, welcome people into our church­ nancial problems ever since we le responded: “It is not the es. Reaching unchurched people started reaching unchurched ealthy who need a doctor, but who may not wear the right people. Tithing is a completely lie sick. I have not come to call clothes and display the right be­ foreign idea to many of the peo­ lie righteous, but sinners” (Mark It’s havior is a monumental task ple who have been saved :17). Most churches today with a big price tag. While the through the ministry of our ould not be accused o f doing pastor can’t do the job alone, the church. If they put a $10 bill in (hat Jesus did— rubbing shoul- humbling pastor still pays the biggest the plate, they leave feeling mag­ lers with sinners. price. Here’s a look at some of nanimous. Dane has been faith­ Jesus never lowered God’s the costs involved for the pastor ful to teach our congregation tandard of righteousness; He when who wants to bridge the gap and about giving, but it seems as if ailed people to be perfect as minister to the unchurched: there’s about a two- to four-year leir Heavenly Father is perfect 1. Being misunderstood by the gap before new Christians are Matt. 5:48). Instead of lowering very people you are reaching out willing to surrender this part o f ie standard to include the lost, to. their lives to the Lord. esus lowered himself to reach A person who had only been It is discouraging to see much he lost. attending our church for a few smaller churches operating on months told Dane, “I have to ad­ much larger budgets. “Think Sunday Morning Culture Shock mit that when I started coming how many people w e could Our church has been accused want as here, I had a real problem when reach with that kind o f money,” flowering the standard because I saw your wife’s car. It doesn’t we say to each other. But the ve welcome and accept all kinds seem like a pastor’s family Lord always reminds us o f all the >f people at our worship ser­ next door should be driving around in such spiritual fruit w e’ve seen, the ies. Some Christians are a fancy car.” people w e’ve reached for the hocked by the people they see neighbors Dane kindly explained to him Lord who would not be welcome lt our church on Sunday morn- that the car, a Chrysler New in most other churches. We’d still nS—people smoking outside the Yorker for the curious, was nine rather have fruit without the •uilding, men with long hair in now serve years old, and we bought it used money than the money without >°nytails, teenagers with pierced for $4,600. This seemed to re­ the fruit. 1Qses and lips (and probably lieve his concern, and he drove 3. Facing the formidable task of ’^er body parts we don’t see), you Commu away satisfied in his brand-new trying to build and expand the jregnant women with no wed- $40,000 Cadillac! kingdom o f God with untrained ln8 rings, couples with the Unchurched people don’t have volunteers. ,arne address and different last nion. a clue how pastors live or how When your congregation The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 IS__ grows with church transfers, you said, “so they would know how asked Ryan to take over the get a steady influx o f new chil­ unhappy I was with them before sports ministry when he left. dren’s Sunday School teachers, I took Communion.” “He’s not a Christian yet,” Bible study leaders, choir mem­ How ironic that this woman Dane had to tell him. “He’s not bers, ushers, greeters, prayer co­ would use Communion— the ready to lead a ministry.” ordinators, evangelism team most meaningful symbol of “Then let’s see him get saved members, and so on. But when Christian unity— as an occasion before I go,” Eric responded. your congregation grows with to express her disdain for other One night at a softball team the unchurched, you get a steady members o f the Body o f Christ. party Eric asked Ryan to come influx o f broken, dysfunctional When Paul warned the disciples outside with him. He asked hin people trying to heal from drug not to take Communion in an if he had ever become a Chris- addictions, alcoholism, divorces, “unworthy manner” (1 Cor. tian. affairs, pornography, homosexu­ 11:27), he wasn’t talking about “I don’t know,” Ryan said. ality, and so on. the clothes they were wearing. “Would you like to be sure?" Many newcomers are months He was grieved over the divi­ Eric asked. away from being ready to lead sions that existed among the “Yes,” said Ryan. He accepte ministries, even though their Something’s people (v. 18). the Lord that night and took hearts are often eager and will­ If anyone was taking Commu­ over the leadership o f the spoi ing. Sometimes, even years after radically nion unworthily that morning, it ministry two w eela later. Dane being saved, old habits, desires, was this woman with her hate­ took Ryan through our New or wounds will resurface that in­ ful, judgmental attitude. I hon­ Christians Training program ai capacitate people for a season, wrong with estly think she would still be in continued to meet with him on interrupting their ability to be in­ our church today and be very a month to make sure he was volved in any kind o f ministry. happy if we would just quit ac­ getting grounded in his faith. We have to constantly train church cepting people the w ay they After a few months Dane he; people to do things that would come to us and enforce a dress word that beer was being servi be second nature to people who code. Never mind if anyone ever at church softball parties. He n grew up in church. It takes many when discovers that God loves them with Ryan and explained w hy: reassuring words to convince and sent His Son to die for them. would be a good idea not to new believers that God has gift­ serve alcohol, especially since ed them to minister to other peo­ Love Is the Starting Point many people in our church hat ple in ways they never thought We are committed to disci- problems with drinking and w< possible before. pling people and helping them trying to quit. Ryan understoot 4. Being misunderstood by the so- problems “grow in the grace and knowl­ completely and agreed to have called mature Christians in the edge of our Lord and Savior Je­ alcohol-free parties from then d church. sus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). If you Encouraging a ministry leade Without question, this price is don’t love people as they come, to switch from serving beer to the most painful for pastors try­ you never get a chance to help serving root beer was not one o ing to love the unchurched. them become what God wants the challenges Dane and I ex­ When the people on your own them to be. Unconditional love is pected to face in the minis­ team question your motives and the starting point. try. But it is part of the wacky | accuse you o f compromising When a man named Ryan world o f ministering to the un­ God’s standards in order to at­ started joining his wife at our churched. We agree with C. T. tract a crowd, that hurts. Sunday morning services, she Studd, who said: One couple who had been in. warned Dane not to talk to him. Some wish to live within the sow Christians for years expressed “If you say anything to him, O f chime or chapel bell; concern that Dane didn’t show you’ll scare him off,” she said. So I want to run a rescue shop J enough regard for the holiness of Dane started loving this person Within a yard o f hell. God and that people were not by avoiding him completely. When you work so close to th reverent enough in our worship Soon Ryan, an avid sports fan, border between the kingdom of services. One Sunday after a joined our church softball team darkness and the Kingdom of Communion service, the wife and became good friends with light, ministry can be messy, un came to Dane and said she Eric, the leader o f our sports comfortable, and unpredictabl< wasn’t able to focus on the Lord’s ministry. After two years of in­ But when you get to see people table that day because she spot­ volvement, Eric got a job transfer transfer in and become new ted two teenagers with caps on. and had to move out o f the area. creatures in Christ, it’s worth it “I gave them a dirty look,” she Without consulting Dane, he all. CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

In his book A Woman’s Place? Leadership in the Church, C. S. Cowles appropriately says, “Not much is going to happen to set women free until local church leaders, pastors, and denomina­ tional officials aggressively reach out and invite them to partici­ pate more actively in public min­ istry.”* He goes on to describe how women should be included in the public reading o f Scrip­ ture, ushering, and serving Com­ munion. As well, men must be freed to serve according to their spiritual gifts and not their gen­ ■ -ro girl has ever been presi- ment generally says that women ders. Men ought to be encour­ «4 dent,” stated the six-year- are not to be leaders; rather that aged to teach classes of children \ old boy, directing his com- the men lead in both the home and serve as stewards. Qualifica­ I 1 ment to a girl working at and church (1 Tim. 2:11-15) and tion for service in the church „ \ the same table. “In Canada that women are to keep silent in ought to be determined by one’s ve have a prime minister,” cor- church (1 Cor. 14:34-35). gifts, not one’s gender. Maybe it’s ected a nearby adult, “and we Whether one agrees with any time for the church to take 1 Cor. lave had a lady prime minister.” of the above arguments or not, 12:4-11 more seriously. It is sig­ )blivious to being corrected, the the differences between people nificant that the spiritual gifts loy was intent on arguing his on this issue are intense. The sec­ listed are not gender specific. >oint. He began naming all the ular world has made some gigan­ If the church ignored gender hings he could think o f that girls tic leaps across gender lines. A bias, people would be encour­ ire incapable o f doing. This, of man is just as likely as a woman aged to serve according to their :ourse, started a battle o f words to be hired in the laundry depart­ gifts. The benefits would be letween the two children, who ment o f a hospital. No longer are amazing! Individuals would find ;eemed determined to settle, we shocked when we meet a lady personal fulfillment serving joy­ ince and for all, what is for girls who is climbing the corporate ously because they have been and what is for boys. ladder. The church, in compari­ freed to use their God-given tal­ Behaviorists would tell us that son, has taken only small steps ents. Many interpersonal rela­ this sort of conflict indicates that toward addressing this matter. tionships would be enhanced, for gender roles are learned at an Could it be that progress is slow people would be working in ar­ :arly age. In effect, adults praise because things need to be seen eas where they feel competent. Mdren when they demonstrate from a different perspective alto­ Furthermore, the church would behaviors believed to be appro­ gether? A new model for ministry see better results in evangelism priate for their gender: girls are is needed! What would happen if because people can more easily rewarded when they take an in­ the criterion for service in the share their faith in Christ if they terest in sewing, while boys are church, both lay and profession­ are using the very means with patted on the back for getting al, was based not on gender but which God has gifted them. nails, a hammer, and some rather on one’s spiritual gifts? Isn’t it time that the church boards. This is only one o f many take a bold new look at min­ arguments that seek to show how istry? God’s wish for His people gender roles are determined. The is that they be prepared “for opinions are vastly different. works of service, so that the They range from those who claim body o f Christ may be built up” •hat gender roles change accord­ (Eph. 4:12). What liberty the ing to the economics o f a given church would feel when ministry era in history to those who de­ by gender is laid to rest and min­ clare that differences in their istry by gift is encouraged! It brain structures determine male would be a “second wind” for and female gender roles. Sadly, BY JEANNIE the church. PM the Bible is also used to support NEUFELD Pastor, Egypt Church the argument that men and *C. S. Cowles, A Woman’s Place? Leader­ w°men have distinct roles in o f the Nazarene ship in the Church (Kansas City: Beacon Hill home and church life. This argu­ Pefferlaw, Ontario Press o f Kansas City, 1993), 191.

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 23 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

the slightest hope of restoratiot Once branded as “backsliders ” they slide away even farther an faster to get away from rejectio hostility, and stigma fostered within the church. To forgive Is to The Biblical View of ForgiveaJ We expect forgiveness from God, but it’s much harder to fin in His people. People brand the fallen Christian leader much lil; the adulteress in the Scarlet Let­ ter. While we recognize sin for the destruction it causes, we must not add to it and take onl Forgiven or Forgotten? I remember another pastor active “damage control” mea­ who had fallen into sin. When sures. We must seek God’s per­ y husband and I sat in the his sin became public, my family spective in this. parsonage living room of a supported him, giving love in or- In searching for His view, I new pastor in a neighbor­ ing town. He had moved into a church going throughM a sad, devastating situa­ tion. The previous pastor had turned in his credentials, re­ nounced the ministry, and di­ / ' j * • vorced his wife. N ow the new pastor and spouse had to en­ deavor to heal the integrity of the church in its community. For­ tunately, no one had left the church, but questions still exist­ ed along with the pain, doubt, and confusion for those who re­ mained. What happened to this minister? Would anyone bother to help him back to the Lord? In another situation, a church leader’s wife had died from an ill­ ness. Less than a year later, the leader left the ministry and turned in his credentials. According to der to help him up again. No went to the Bible. I found some some, he made two mistakes. matter how much w e tried, he well-known verses: “Be imitator: First, he married another woman needed more than we could of­ of God, therefore, as dearly with too little experience in the fer. Perhaps if more leaders and loved children and live a life of ministry. Second, he did so too people of the church had been love, just as Christ loved us and soon after the death of his first like Jesus toward him, he might gave himself up for us as a fra wife. Since he was still suffering have come back to continue in grant offering and sacrifice to from the loss of his first wife, he God’s work. He is not in the min­ God” (Eph. 5:1-2). What is so needed the support and patience istry to this day. different about our Christian of his church. Instead, he faced In all of these situations, once- leaders that we can’t treat them pressure and rejection. He soon valuable servants of Christ not with the love of Christ when resigned his position and turned only lost their ministries but also they fail? We wish that all in his credentials. What had be­ forsook their salvation. They felt church leaders would never fall gun with the tragic loss of his wife BY RAQUEL LIZ disgraced by the very churches into sin, weakness, or error. brought the even more tragic loss CINTRON-FORREST that could have showed them However, we realize that they of his ministry. Years later, people Student, Nazarene grace. If leaders in a church fall, are not superhuman. still remember and resent him for Theological Seminary the lack of forgiveness on the Even Jesus without sin was what he did. They seldom forget. Kansas City part of others cuts them off from unacceptable to religious lead

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 24 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

peter denied Jesus, but he offenders as well as those of­ that you have forgiven him or her. ^ aS still loved by Him and cho­ fended or upset by the mistake Don’t assume that the person sen to proclaim His name. No or sin. Comfort and encourage­ knows it. Matthew states: “For if one seemed to have held that ment resuscitate people who you forgive men when they sin against Peter or used it to keep have failed or who consider against you, your heavenly Fa­ him from ministering to others, themselves failures. Show them ther will also forgive you. But if peter asked for forgiveness, and that we still love them and will you do not forgive men their jesus forgave him and forgot his help them get through the pain. sins, your Father will not forgive sin. shouldn’t we do the same? In order for the repentant to get your sins” (6:14-15). One way to Why judge our fellow Christians back on their feet and to contin­ ease the pressure and stress of when they need us the most? We ue serving the Lord, they need people in the pain of regret is to must not turn our backs to the the church to “reaffirm” its make sure they know you have fallen who have repented. Let us “love” and encouragement. forgiven them (see also 2 Cor. learn to give them a loving hand! Yes, we can quote Bible verses 2:10 and Mark 11:25-26, mar­ Certainly we cannot embrace and religious sayings until we gin). It is a good w ay for them to their sin, but we should embrace are weary, yet not fully realize start the rehabilitation of the the repentant sinner. The Bible If church forgiveness until we apply these heart and mind and spirit. tells us very clearly: “Do not verses to life. How can we show 2. Invite the offending person judge, and you will not be our forgiveness by our actions? to your home fo r fellowship. leaders Here are some ideas to get us This helps to ease pain and judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. For­ started. pressure by making people feel give, and you will be forgiven” accepted. Jesus often ate with fall, the Forgiveness in Action (Luke 6:37). Remember those the unaccepted o f His time in or­ verses about forgiving others All our actions must begin der to minister to them. Use this that we know so well: “For if you lack of with an inner attitude. We need time to talk about important forgive men when they sin to identify ourselves with the things like their possible future against you, your heavenly Fa­ sinner. We were also sinners— ministry and calling. ther will also forgive you. But if forgiveness saved by grace. Certainly people If there are children, the fel­ you do not forgive men their make individual choices that re­ lowship can be especially good sins, your Father w ill not forgive sult in sin. Each individual has to for them as well. They may feel your sins” (Matt. 6:14-15; see al­ take responsibility for his or her some relief from the fear and so 2 Cor. 2:10 and Mark 11:25- actions in order to obtain for­ stress that they often sense in 26, margin). giveness. However, in an individ­ their parents. Young children no­ We as ministers are trying to ualistic society we have long for­ tice how we feel, even if they lead our people into holiness; gotten the idea of corporate sin don’t understand the situation. but how can we do so if we fail that exists in the Old Testament. If teenagers are in the family, to reach out to those who have off from the We “saints o f the church” still they need to see forgiveness in failed? have responsibilities to weep action. Too many teens left God Let us look at the Bible for one tears o f repentance along with and the church at this stage be­ last guideline on forgiveness: the fallen. cause they saw the hypocrisy of “The punishment inflicted on Though He was sinless, Jesus an unforgiving and shunning him by the majority is sufficient Christ identified himself with church. By bringing an entire hope of family into a circle of fellowship, for him. Now instead, you ought sinful man when He was bap­ to forgive and comfort him, so tized. Though He had no need to you w ill possibly be helping to that he will not be overwhelmed restoration. “repent and be baptized” (Acts heal more than you will ever by excessive sorrow. I urge you, 2:38), Jesus gladly received bap­ know. therefore, to reaffirm your love tism to show us that He identi­ 3. Offer counseling sessions to for him” (2 Cor. 2:6-8). Paul ob­ fies with us. We need to build the offending person. viously found a great need for bridges into the lives of others, (Free of charge, preferably.) comforting those who had of­ not separating ourselves from This provides a fallen and fended the Corinthian church. them. Jesus did not hold sins wounded pastor one less obsta­ He felt it vital to reach out to against the people who repent­ cle in getting the help he or she People in sorrow. Paul was con­ ed. He did not remind them o f may desperately need. Pain, cerned that they would not be their previous sins, nor did He guilt, anguish, anger, and other “overwhelmed” in their “sorrow.” care to remember. Jesus simply feelings need a place to be vent­ Why was this so important to forgave and forgot. He trans­ ed. Much of the counseling role Paul? Great sorrow leads to de- formed them; the old passed is to listen and to allow venting sPair that can lead to severe de­ away, the new had come (see 2 to take place. Sometimes a fallen pression. He felt concern for peo­ Cor. 5:17, n a s b ) . church leader needs to confide in ple in need of comfort— the 1. Tell the offending person someone.

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 25 Confidentiality is especially ef­ leaders/pastors and family ac­ fective when coupled with a lov­ cording to the need. ing, accepting environment that Give them a call. Check up on allows the person to be himself them. Start routine visits be­ or herself. For instance, counsel­ tween once a week to once a ing can be done outside the of­ month. This shows them that fice. Try going out for a cup of they remain in your thoughts FOR SALE: coffee, to the park, golfing, or and hearts. It lets them know A near complete set o f whatever makes both o f you that you care. Keep a close rela­ Preacher’s Magazine, Jan. comfortable. tionship so they know to whom 1926 through Aug. 1977. 4. Encourage the offending per­ to turn as time passes. Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan. 1926 son to get back into ministering to 7. Show and give compassion. through Mar.-Apr. 1949 com­ the needs o f others— if possible, Prayer; Comfort; Love. plete; July-Aug. 1949 to Aug. under your own ministry. a. We need to pray continually 1977 with 5 issues missing: Sometimes the horrible situa­ fo r them. July 1964, Nov. 1967, Feb. tions they have just gone Have a prayer time with the and July 1968, and Aug. through may uniquely qualify leader or his or her family. Get 1970. them for a special area o f ser­ others to pray for them and form Most o f the others to the vice. Ministers who have gone a prayer chain with other lead­ present issue. through a divorce may eventual­ ers. All issues available for ly be able to bring healing to b. Comfort them from the be­ $200 plus shipping. others going through divorce. ginning to the end. CONTACT: Some pastors may have “fallen” Embrace them, cry with them, A. George Pitzer from burnout. Perhaps later they laugh with them. Send a note of 2811 Harriette Ct. can teach others how to reorder not turn comfort or a card. Be available Nashville, TN 37206 their lives. Somehow the truth when they need a shoulder to (615) 262-1266 seems to have more impact on cry on. people when it is spoken by a c. Love them. WANTED: person who at one time has ex­ Don’t pretend but love them, Second Hand Religion by C. perienced the tragedy of failure. allowing your heart to see them William Fisher. Include the whole family if the way the Lord sees them. to the CONTACT: possible. Let them know that Love them with genuine love as Herman Holler they are important and that their the Lord loves us: “Now instead, 3936 E. Dayton Ave. help is very much appreciated. you ought to forgive and comfort Fresno, CA 93726 Use the teens to assist in Sunday him, so that he w ill not be over­ School or children’s church. The whelmed by excessive sorrow. I FOR SALE: spouse may contribute to out­ have urge you, therefore, to reaffirm Old Preacher’s Magazines, j reach or men’s or women’s min­ your love for him” (2 Cor. 2:7-8). Minister’s Tape Club cassettes, istries. Let them use their gifts If we want the Holy Spirit to out-of-print books on holi­ under supervision. Allow the repented. move in our churches, we must ness. whole family to get back on their allow Him to move us. If we feet in ministry. would preach holiness, we must CONTACT: 5. Treat the whole family o f the live holiness by allowing Jesus to Allen G. Ray offending person in group counsel­ help us forgive as He forgives, 205 Fulton St. ing sessions. comforts, and loves them. As we Hanover, PA 17331-2607 Unlike individual counseling, strive to be more like Jesus, true family therapy allows the whole holiness revivals w ill break out. WANTED: family to work together solving Let the Spirit move in us first, Young pastor lost library in problems and encouraging one then in our homes and in our fire. Willing to purchase li­ another. Family problems serve churches. May we pray today, brary or select volumes. as one o f the leading causes of “Lord, teach me to love, to for­ 1. Older holiness classics. ministerial dropout and shame. give, and to forget.” 2. Beacon Bible Commen­ Preachers’ children who fall into The next time you hear tragic tary. sexual sin, drug use, or even pet­ news that has caused a minister CONTACT: ty crime can bring the downfall or ministry to collapse, let your Randy Hynes o f a family, ministry, or an indi­ first thought be a loving and for­ 850 E. Barachel Ln. vidual’s soul. Group counseling giving one. Don’t simply say, Greensburg, IN 47240 sometimes brings healing to bro­ “Isn’t that a shame?” Be able to (812) 662-8168 ken parsonage families. say someday, “What was that 6. Follow up on the offending news about? I forget.” pm

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED

t is not a new question, but its to the pastor’s heart. Societal ills eight people. Time spent in therapy relevancy rises every day: seem to multiply in our world, is equivalent to about six months “Where do pastors and their and any caring pastor feels the o f conventional weekly counseling mates go to regroup?” After strain of trying to make a differ­ to support clergy in returning more the long battles, where is the ence. O f course, when the pastor quickly to their pulpits. recoveryI zone? When ministry feels the strain, the mate and Mentoring retreats are led by seems to come to dead end, is family feel it too. seasoned successful clergy who there any hope? The mission o f Woodshore is: deal with practical issues often There is hope! One avenue of . . . a quiet, peaceful, natural not “caught” in academic prepa­ hope is the Woodshore retreat, setting where pastors, missionar­ ration such as: vision/goals, w or­ Port Huron, Michigan. It is specif­ ies, and full-time Christian lead­ ship preparation, church staff/ ically designed for the pastor and ers, who are called to lead their hiring, relationship skills, train­ mate who need an “alone time” flocks to a close walk with Jesus ing laity, and crisis prevention. to be refreshed, encouraged, and Christ, experience through the Pastor, it is safe to say, “I need able to seek God for their future. power o f the Holy Spirit: help.” The sooner one gets help— One pastor who went to Wood­ 1. guidance in personal and when it is needed— the sooner shore said after his respite, “God spiritual health, one feels good again about min­ reassured me of His uncondition­ 2. support for ministry effec­ istry. Dr. Wilbur Brannon, director al love.” Hope was restored, and tiveness, o f Pastoral Ministries for the a ministry was salvaged. 3. help in personal crisis, and Church o f the Nazarene, is a sup­ Steve and Mary Marr are mem­ 4. empowerment to seek and porter o f Woodshore and endors­ bers of the Church of the Naza- care for those who are lost and es its mission. rene, on whose heart God has hurting. It is my belief that most dis­ laid the burden o f care for pas­ Woodshore accomplishes its mis­ trict superintendents and de­ tors. Steve worked as a chief ex­ sion through counseling and nominational leaders acknowl­ ecutive officer of a large corpora­ mentoring retreats and other op­ edge the need in many instances tion. He felt led to relinquish that tions that fit the need of the indi­ for pastors and mates to seek BY C. NEIL STRAIT job so he and his wife, Mary, vidual pastor and mate. help. None o f this is to deny the District could devote their time and re­ Woodshore is adequately need for personal prayer and de­ superintendent, sources to the care o f pastors. staffed. Rev. Jack D. Woodbum is votion. That is a vital part of any Michigan District, Mary is a licensed minister with the director, who has a B.A. in recovery growth process. Yet Church o f the gifts for leadership and evange­ psychology and a M.A. in com­ sometimes more is needed— a Nazarene lism. So they are acquainted with munity counseling. He was cho­ time o f rest and retreat— to put G rand R a p id s, the stresses of ministry and the sen as one o f 60 worldwide for everything into perspective. M ichigan importance o f providing a safe the prestigious “Focus on the Woodshore is a place with haven for recovery and renewal. Family Counseling and Enrich­ Wesleyan interpretation, where The church must come to the ment” program in 1992. Rev. ministers and mates can find Place where it is safe to say, “I Woodbum has pastored for 18 help and encouragement in a need help.” Ministry has become years. He is an ordained elder safe and beautiful environment. complicated and complex. The with the Missionary Church, a For further information about cuhure in which one is planted sister Holiness denomination. prices and dates, write to Wood­ to minister has accumulated a Counseling retreats are two shore, 125 Sturdevant Rd., Multitude of problems, all of weeks of individual and group Smiths Creek, MI 48074. Phone which eventually make their way treatment with a maximum of (810) 385-8887. PM

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 27 EVANGELISM 1 The Finger on the Doorbell

| ike so many postwar brides, Rugged Cross” and stories about rector at a Christian group home Jean married in the momen­ little boys who beat giants and a for delinquent boys. It is Christ­ tum and emotion of the end Man on the Cross. Somebody mas Eve, and he has been asked I jo f World War II. At the age was planting seeds. to read the Christmas story. As JLiof 19, she had her first child, The next time the finger was on he goes to his bookshelf, he pass a boy they named Scott. A year the doorbell, the kind lady invited es over his newer Bible transla­ and a half later came her daugh­ Scott and Kelly to Vacation Bible tions and paraphrases and pulls ter, Kelly. In the early 1950s, the School. “One whole week with the out his King James Bible. After little family lived in a small Vet­ children gone half of each day,” all, everyone knows the best erans Administration home Jean thought to herself. Christmas story is the King where Jean, like so many ’50s In Vacation Bible School the James Version. As he opens the moms, took care o f the children children heard more stories and Bible to the front page, he reads while her husband worked two sang more songs, but best o f all “Presented to Scott Read by the jobs to make ends meet. were the contests. Did you know Minnehaha Covenant Sunday Now you probably are think­ that all you had to do was mem­ School, October 6, 1957.” Mem­ ing that this story is about Jean. orize verses, and you would win ories come rushing back as he I could tell you some great sto­ prizes? To a child from a “pay­ holds the small black book in his ries about Mom. However, this check to paycheck” family, this hand: memories of the move story tells about someone else. was like magic. And somebody from the school to the new This is the story o f a lady “with was planting seeds. church building, the stories, “Thi her finger on the doorbell.” Like most families, ours grew Old Rugged Cross,” and, sudden When Jean opened the door, when Marcy was bom. Eventually ly without reason, the name of she was greeted by the warm, we outgrew the little Veterans Ad­ “the lady with her finger on the smiling face of a middle-aged la­ ministration home and had to doorbell:” Mrs. Hall. Now, why dy. She said she was from the move. The new house was bigger had that name come to him? As Minnehaha Covenant Church, and in a better neighborhood. But he pondered this, Scott felt God which was meeting up in the old there was no church because there telling him to write a thank-you. Cooper School gymnasium. Be­ was no “finger on the doorbell.” Calling the Minnehaha cause they loved children, they When Scott turned 15, four- Covenant Church, Scott got the wanted to invite Scott and Kelly week-old Brian joined the family name o f the pastor and the to Sunday School. Jean was no move to a different city, where church address and wrote a let- dummy. She probably had a cou­ Dad had been transferred. Again, ter. This letter was full o f memo­ ple of ideas: one was her knowl­ there was no church, because ries. It told a bit about his life, edge that church was good. After there was no “finger on the door­ but Scott was clear that this let- all, they had come up with bell.” But the seeds that had Christmas and Easter, hadn’t been planted began to grow in they? I’m sure the second Scott. At the age o f 17, working thought came as she heard Scott with the Young Life organization, and Kelly fighting in the back­ he asked Jesus into his life as BY SCOTT READ ground. (It must have been Kel­ personal Lord and Savior. Freelance writer ly’s fault because Scott would At this point, you are probably Spokane, Washington never tease his little sister.) The saying, “Well thanks, Scott, for picture in her mind had to por­ sharing, but w e’ve heard quite a tray a quiet cup of coffee while few stories like this before.” This she read the morning paper or story isn’t over. We have more to perhaps a long, uninterrupted go- hot bath. So Scott and Kelly Let’s move forward now to went to Sunday School. 1979. Scott, in his early 30s, has Sunday School was a won­ been married over 10 years to drous place, where they heard Bev, has two beautiful little girls, beautiful songs about “The Old and serves as the education di­

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 28 PICTURE WINDOWS

er had one very important goal: f Mrs- was sti^ around— -mall chance after nearly a quar­ ter of a century— to warmly jiank her. If not, he would tell the congregation why it never llirts to invite a little boy or girl 0 S u n d a y School. The letter was posted that Christmas Eve. The Christmas story was read that right from the little black Bible. Mrs. Hall was near death when her pastor brought the let­ ter to her. He was later unable to describe in his letter back to >cott the look o f joy and happi­ better get ready; the devil is going Temptation ness in Mrs. Hall’s eyes as he to come after you.” read it to her. Through that letter Bob Hodges, a Presbyterian Temptations are ready to de­ j{ thanks her Lord confirmed a minister in Rogersville, Ten­ stroy us if we allow them, but ife well lived and a “well done, nessee, tells about duck hunting God wants us to be vigilant in our j0od and faithful servant” (Matt. with a friend of his on Cherokee walk with Him. Don’t give up. 25:23, cf. 2 1 , k jv ). Lake in east Tennessee. Leisurely Let’s move to 1996. Mrs. Hall lying in their duck blind, Bob’s “The Greatest Temptation of All,” Dynamic went home to her Lord long ago. friend, Riley, began asking some Preaching 11, No. 8 (Sept./Oct. 1996), free sample issue, 6. Scott is 49 and planning to stay serious questions about his new that old for a long time. He has walk with Jesus. Riley’s old Glory been married to Bev for nearly friends were making life tough. Joni Eareckson Tada mentions 28 years. The daughters have It was dragging him down and that she has learned what God is grown into wonderful Christian making it difficult for him to re­ all about. His character or attri­ women, one in a Christian col­ main consistent in his obedience butes— such as holiness, love, lege, another to begin next year. and commitment to Christ. compassion, justice, truth, or mer­ Kelly is a Christian woman with a His old buddies delighted in cy— is His glory! fine son, active in his church and trying to get him to go back into Then she asks, “So how is it that attending a Christian college. the old lifestyle. They laughed at you and I can glorify God?” She Marcy is married to a pastor and him for the amount o f time he tells us that every day we live we has an international women’s was spending with “the preacher.” reveal His attributes. “Every time ministry in her own right. They Riley quizzed his pastor friend: you share the good news o f Christ have three terrific Christian chil­ “Why is it that I’m having more with another. Every time you re­ dren growing in the church. Bri­ trouble since I became a Christian flect patience in the middle of an an, the family afterthought, is a than I ever did when I was lost? upsetting or perplexing problem. graduate of a Christian college, Everything seems to go wrong. Every time you smile from the married to a former pastor’s I’m having such a struggle!” heart or offer an encouraging daughter, and raising two super Bob Hodges assured Riley that it word. Whenever those around you little boys in the church. happens. He said: “I’ll tell you see God’s character displayed in Lest I forget Jean, we buried why, Riley. A couple of ducks fly your attitudes and responses, you Mom a couple o f years ago. As over, and you shoot. You kill one COMPILED BY are displaying His glory.” her children and grandchildren and injure the other. They both fall DERL G. KEEFER Let’s remember that God’s glory gathered around her grave, they into the lake. What do you do? Pastor isn’t reserved for a temple of felt the assurance o f two things: You have to get out of the boat Three Rivers, stone, brick, and mortar. Nor is it number one, when Mom died, and go pick up the ducks, but M ichigan some heavenly panorama. “It can she knew religion was more than which one do you go after first?” shine out clearly while you’re JUst Christmas and Easter be­ “Oh, that’s easy,” Riley replied. “I changing a flat on the freew ay. . . muse, number two, she knew Je- go after the injured one first. The or counseling an angry co-worker sus Christ as her personal Lord dead one ain’t goin’ nowhere!” . . . or lying in a hospital bed . . . and Savior. Hodges said: “That’s exactly the or balancing two crying babies in Jean, her children, and her way it is with the devil. He goes the church nursery.” grandchildren all came to Christ. after the hurt Christian. He’s not God’s glory is you. pm *'^ink we have just begun to going to bother with the person

“ear the story o f “the lady with who is dead in sin. But the minute Time with God, New Century Version (Dal­ her finger on the doorbell.” pm you give your life to Christ, you’d las: Word Bibles, 1991), 435.

T h e Preacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 29 attempt to be a well-rounded vividly being bored by the T have been preaching just parson when it comes to reading preacher who locked me into th about every Sunday for a material. However, top priority first century alone for 40 min­ quarter o f a century and goes to that which will aid me in utes; I try not to inflict that upo: can honestly confess that I spiritual deepening. the next generation o f children A still look forward to the I have discovered that no mat­ under my care. next service’s message. How so? ter what the sermon theme, the Preaching expositionally also I believe that the following inspirational books that I have enriches my own spirit because guidelines have helped: kept always fit in somewhere. It brings me back again to the 1. I start working on that ser­ has been such an encouragement Scriptures. Fresh insights keep mon early in the week, usually over the years to note the divine coming to the fore. How fortu­ by Monday evening. If I ever let insertions o f this snippet and nate I am in my vocation to ean the message theme go until the that which have been clipped a living by poring over the Di­ close of the week, I start to get from the devotional insights of vine Writ, the Book that shines the jitters. It is not worth living others. more and more with the heaven­ in panic. So beginning on that Those others who have been ly light. gospel telling early has proven especially helpful have included 4. Keeping the sermons best. Amy Carmichael, Theodore Fer­ preached within 20 to 25 min­ Further, giving myself the ris, Oswald Chambers, F. B. Mey­ utes helps make the yoke easy heart of the week to carve out er, John Wesley, Andrew Murray, for both the hearers and the the message provides me with Frank Laubach, and Samuel teller. I have been pleased, over the chances to gather illustra­ Shoemaker. the years, to be known as one tions, carefully crafted phrasings, 3. Expository preaching con­ who did not tire out the congre­ and hopefully deeper insights tinues to be a delight. I enjoy a gation with lengthy messages. than a quicker superficial treat­ topical message from time to That has always been accepted ment. time; however, they run their list as a most prized compliment. Being realistic with one’s in short order. Nevertheless, the By realizing that the whole schedule, a pastor also never eternal Word offers eternal delv- gospel does not have to be recit­ knows what unexpected turn ings by going through its pages ed every time I get into the pul­ BY J. GRANT will occur on Thursday or Friday verse by verse or chapter by pit, I have immediately made it SW ANK JR. or Saturday that surprises, ab­ chapter. more comfortable for myself in Pastor sorbing the time so as not to per­ The challenge o f the exposi- Windham, Maine mit many hours for sermon tional presentation is to keep it preparation. Using Monday from getting stodgy. This can be through Wednesday as “seed­ done by keeping current with the time” usually yields a more latest in political and social bountiful harvest for sermon giv­ events as well as analyses of reli­ ing by the time Sunday dawns. gious fads and fancies. The con­ 2. Staying close to devotional gregation always sits up reading continues to feed my straighter when the biblical pas­ own soul for the nourishment I sage lights up a contemporary seek to give my congregation. I happening. As a child I recall -running the race” toward Sun- meantime I have been kept in suspense week by week by the day. V\ftien in college, I counted it a Spirit who has then revealed the privilege to get into Boston’s coming message. Trinity Church on a Sunday Such dependency upon His morning when I could hear the nudge, whisper, and at times ob­ reaching o f Dr. Theodore Parker vious pointing has been one of Ferris. One of the first observa­ the quickening adventures of be­ tions I made about this respected ing a preacher. orator was that he could say so 7. Maintaining a sensitivity to much, so simply, in so little time. the moods of worship has been “Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke most enjoyable. Holiday/holy 10:37. k jv), I preached to myself day seasons call for a certain cli­ upon leaving his sanctuary. The Holy mate, while a frosty, blizzardy 5. Using a variety o f sermon winter Sunday definitely outlines has kept the prepara­ breathes another atmosphere in tions fresh. Sometimes I can get Spirit which to give forth with the ser­ by with simply a few scratchings mon. on a slip of paper. That is usually knows tie The Holy Spirit knows the slid into the Scripture lesson’s hearts of the ones gathered. page as a bookmark, ready for Therefore, it behooves the the delivery. preacher to stay close to the “We are misled if we al­ Spirit to accommodate to what is On other occasions the notes low ourselves to forget may be quite full, going on for needed most in the service. that Christian preaching three or four half pages. Having the ones Some think they must always to settle for this much support have their people singing lustily; is directed primarily to­ has never bothered me, as if I yet there are some times in wor­ ward the listener’s will. It were to feel guilty for moving in ship when the congregation is demanding of him a another direction rather than needs a more gentle tone. Some keeping to the trim outline of a pastors hold to the rigid, liturgi­ decision and a change of short piece of paper. cal line at every gathering; but life-style. It is questioning Once in a while the word-for- what about warmer, more per­ his moral assumptions, it word manuscript creates itself sonal moods o f the Spirit that as I pull my thoughts together. 1 are necessary for certain heal- is challenging him to do I know that there are some - ings o f the heart? and to be something dif­ preachers who disdain a manu­ T h A 8. Keeping terms simple has ferent from what he is script while bragging on rarely been exciting. Instead o f using using a note. doctrinal laboratory talk, I have and does.” All of this boasting has seemed attempted to use the language of — Ian Pitt-Watson useless to me. I could never get the marketplace. This has usual­ the gist o f it, for various moods ly kept listeners from glazing in preparation and delivery have over their eyes. called for various helps in the stay close Long, drawn-out phrases and pulpit. This has simply reflected polysyllabic theological words the variety hopefully communi­ to the do not impress. Jesus did not cated to a church who has to lis­ preach like that, nor did the ten to that same voice year upon prophets. That is why they were year. Spirit. regarded as speaking with au­ 6. Not strapping myself to a thority. They knew how to take series has kept each week open. I eternal concepts and hand them realize that some preachers have over so that the children could Used one series after another get hold o f them. quite profitably. Certainly they Putting these thoughts on pa­ are to be commended, for obvi- per has revved up my energy °usly it has worked for them. drive once more for next Sun­ However, thus far, the series day’s message. What an honor has not attracted me. Maybe one we preachers have been given to daY't will. When it does, I am spend a lifetime in the Word, SUfe that I will embrace it for its handling it properly before our °Wn worth. Nevertheless, in the Lord. PM

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 Heritage and Our Hope

t was a Sunday evening ser­ hands handled” (1 John 1:1, God making known His pres­ vice. We sang some worship n a s b ). ence to His people is the mean­ choruses. The pastor read ing o f doxa, where o f the heav­ some scriptures, and there Glory in the New Testament enly city it is said, “And the city was a time o f quiet prayer. In The word doxa, translated has no need o f the sun or o f the theI stillness o f those moments, I “glory,” has a number o f mean­ moon to shine upon it, for the sensed that God was uniquely ings attached to it. Consequently, glory of God has illumined it, there. Nothing outwardly fantas­ the investigation o f this subject and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev. tic or profound. Simply, God was is a venture. One meaning o f 21:23, n a s b ) . The glory of God i: there, and I knew it! It was an doxa that is obvious by the con­ associated with the Lamb; God’s experience in which we encoun­ tents sometimes used is “praise,” manifested presence is in Jesus. tered the glory o f God. the apparent meaning in 1 Cor. When Christians meet in the My thesis is that the glory of 10:31, n a s b : “Whatever you do, name o f Jesus, there are times God is the church’s counterpart to do all to the glory [praise] of His presence is more than that the witness of the Holy Spirit to God.” There are other possible which is held by faith. the individual Christian. In other meanings o f the word doxa, but I words, the glory of God may be wish to consider its meaning as Glory in the Old Testament < considered in some sense as a God’s manifest presence or obvi­ A number of writers point out complement in the church to the ous or displayed closeness. that the word doxa is the New Tes­ witness o f the Spirit in the heart Clearly the manifest presence is tament equivalent of the Old Testa­ of the individual Christian. As it is one legitimate way to understand ment kabod, translated “glory.” It is the privilege o f the individual be­ doxa (glory). W. E. Vine com­ the case with kabod, as with doxa, liever to go beyond faith for per­ ments that doxa is used “o f the that a number of meanings are sonal salvation to the assurance of nature and acts o f God in self­ possible. We limit our thoughts that faith, so it is fitting that the manifestation” (W. E. Vine, “Glory here to the manifest presence. The church go beyond the faith for the and Glorious,” in An Expository glory (kabod) expresses itself espe­ Divine Presence in its gatherings Dictionary o f New Testament cially in God’s presence in the sane to the assurance o f faith that Words [Oliphants, 1967], 153). tuary, o f which we read: “Then the comes by way of God’s manifest The apostle Paul apparently has cloud covered the tent of meeting, presence— the glory of God. By this meaning (God’s self-manifes- and the glory of the L o r d filled the BY ALDEN AIKENS “the glory of God” here, I mean tation) in mind as he says, “For tabernacle. And Moses was not Retired professor, the impression made upon the God, who said, ‘Light shall shine able to enter the tent of meeting Canadian Nazarene “soul” o f the congregation where­ out of darkness,’ is the One who because the cloud had setded on it, College by God causes the people gath­ has shone in our hearts to give and the glory of the L o rd filled the C a l g a r y ered to be aware that, indeed, He the light of the knowledge o f the tabernacle” (Exod. 40:34-35, is among them, as real to their in­ glory of God in the face of Christ” n a s b ). What a profound truth! The ner spiritual sense as the physical (2 Cor. 4:6, n a s b ) . It is doxa with glory or the realized presence of presence of one another. To the this meaning that I wish to dis­ God actually had a physical effect, gathered congregation, the testi­ cuss, God’s realized or manifest such that one of His chosen ser­ mony is as convincing as was the presence. Frequently one has to vants was held back from the tent physical appearance o f Jesus to look at the context in order to dis­ of meeting. In almost every loca­ His contemporaries, who could cover the meaning o f a word that tion where kabod is used with the say, “What we have seen with our has a number of possible mean­ meaning discussed here, the reve­ eyes, what we beheld and our ings; such is the case here. lation has been made to the group

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 rather than to an individual. An ex- exist between the witness o f the God when He should witness to ample of this is seen in 24:16-17, Holy Spirit and the glory of us as individuals or to us as the vvhere it says that “to the eyes of God— the inability to fully ex­ church. Our responsibility is to sons of Israel” ( n a s b ) the glory plain, the impossibility of mak­ make sure that nothing in our appeared on the top of the moun­ ing demands, the matter o f assur­ lives would hinder the Spirit in tain. It is important to see the ways ance, and the privilege o f the ' personal witness or the glory in which the glory of God in the experience. coming upon the church’s gath­ Old Testament is related to assur­ You cannot fully explain or de­ erings. While w e must prepare ance, His confirmation of himself scribe the witness o f the Holy our minds and hearts with prop­ to His own. In 13:21-22, n a s b , we Spirit. Similarly, you are lost for er thinking and attitude, we find the profound words: ‘And the words when you try to give an have no right to make demands Lord was going before them in a explicit account of what hap­ on God. He will come, to fulfill pillar of cloud . . . and in a pillar of pened when you came from His holy purposes, not at our fire” Clearly the glory of God af­ church, and you were sure that command, but in His time. firms His promises to guide His God was there in the way that We find a parallel in regard to people to the new land. we are thinking of here. You’d assurance. As the witness of the “bet the farm” on it— that God Spirit betokens that which we as The Witness of the Holy Spirit When really was there, and His pres­ individuals know by faith— that John Wesley made a distinc­ ence was manifest— but you’d we are justified or sanctified, so tive theological contribution re­ lose the tractor, the cattle, all the the glory of God betokens what garding the witness o f the Holy ri! land, and your shirt if you bet we as a congregation know by Spirit. His statement on the w it­ that you could satisfactorily in­ faith— that God is with us. Where ness of the Spirit is familiar to terpret the event to someone two or three are gathered togeth­ many Wesleyans: “The testimony meet in the who had never experienced er in the name of Jesus, He is of the Spirit [or the witness of God’s glory. there. He promised! Many frustra­ the Spirit] is an inward impres­ The impossibility of explaining tions could be avoided in the sion on the soul, whereby the name of the glory of God in the church church’s life and in the individual Spirit of God directly witnesses and the witness of the Spirit to Christian if we could take to heart to my spirit, that I am a child of the one who has not known this and hold with firm conviction to God; that Jesus Christ hath loved Jesus, His sort o f experience should not be the fact that salvation comes by me, and given himself for me; a source of frustration. Accord­ faith and that likewise the pres­ and that all my sins are blotted presence is ing to Wesley, “Nor indeed is it to ence o f Jesus comes to the church out, and I, even I, am reconciled be expected” that one should be by faith. Nonetheless, in His great to God” ( The Works of John Wes­ able to explain the witness o f the and infinite mercy, God would in ley [WW ], 3rd ed., 5:115). more than Spirit ( WW, 5:122). Let’s face His time give us evidence for that While Wesley was very clear it— with both the witness o f the to which we hold by faith, making and to the point on the fact that Spirit and the glory o f God in the manifest His presence— His glory. God gives an inner impression, church, we are as sure of the re­ Here is assurance! very wisely he refused to psychol­ ality as we are of our inability to The glory is the normal privi­ ogize this activity of the Holy Spir­ put into words that which is pro­ lege of the church. We should be it. He refused to enter into specu­ is held by foundly real and precious to us. spiritually alert and open to re­ lation on the way in which this Wesley and others who attempt­ ceive this gift o f God. While the worked. “The manner how the di­ ed to expostulate on the witness witness of the Spirit was the nor­ vine [emphasis is Wesley’s] testi­ o f the Spirit found it impossible mal privilege of all believers, mony is manifested to the heart, I to say exactly what they meant Wesley, according to Ray Dun­ do not take upon me to explain. by that term. So with God’s glory ning, “came to allow exceptions” Such knowledge is too wonderful in the church. Part o f the difficul­ 0Grace, Faith, and Holiness, 447). and excellent for me: I cannot at­ ty in describing this work o f God Even though he allowed for ex­ tain unto it” (WW, 5:117). Wesley is the fact that both the witness ceptions, he “never ceased to goes on to compare the witness of o f the Spirit and the glory o f God hold that it was an experience for the Spirit to the wind, noting that relate to, but are not dependent which all Christians should seek. hi both one can hear the sound on, human emotions. The w it­ He wrote in 1768, ‘A conscious­ but cannot tell from whence it ness of the Spirit does not de­ ness o f being in the favour of comes or where it goes. He makes pend on human emotions and at God . . . is the common privilege ernphatic the point, “But the fact the same time is related to them. of Christians fearing God and we know” (ibid.). So it is with the “for-the-church working righteousness’ ” (ibid.). witness,” the glory o f God. The glory is the normal privi­ The Glory and the Witness- We cannot demand, but we lege o f the church. As psychologi­ Some Parallels should have hearts prepared to cal factors might momentarily A number of striking parallels receive, the glory. We do not tell hinder the individual from being

T he P re ach er’s M agazine • M a r c h , A p r il , M ay 1998 33 E O

conscious of the witness of the glory of God was among the peo­ there” (WW, 2:439). Here we Spirit, so various factors may at ple. When they lacked an elabo­ have a “sense o f God,” compara­ times make it difficult or impossi­ rate church building, in Bresee’s ble to the witness of the Holy ble for the church to sense the own words: “It was the fire that Spirit. The atmosphere created glory of God. Pastor Clair MacMil­ burned within that gilded its and the results brought about lan of Moncton (N.B.) First boards with glory, and made them were o f the same kind and sug­ Church of the Nazarene, in an shimmer and shine with the glis­ gests that Wesley dealt with the M.Div. seminar, Canadian Naza­ tening light of heaven.. . . Here same sort of happening as experi. rene College, November 20,1993, we have seen the Lord.. . . Here enced by Nazarenes years later. stated that the pastor must “create He has revealed His glory” (cited Such manifestations are not an environment in which sacred­ in E. A. Girvin, Phineas F. Bresee: A limited to the past. I asked my ness is a given and in which the Prince in Israel 109). daughter, Heather Meers, whose Holy may intervene.” Indeed, God The Nazarene Messenger report­ husband, Jon, helps as a pastor at “may intervene.” It is my convic­ ed a service of May 1900 in which the Nazarene home mission tion that, while we are not free to “the glory of God fell upon the church in Kamloops, British Co­ make demands of God to “break people” (Girvin, 141). According lumbia, whether she had ever ex­ into” our worship times, we are to to Timothy Smith, ‘“Getting the perienced what I speak of, and do all we can to keep the way glory down,’ as Dr. Bresee put it, whether she could in any way ex­ clear so that He may come as He was in his eyes the most impor­ plain what went on. She replied chooses. Some things are revered tant aim of every service” (Called that she had such an experience by any congregation, and this unto Holiness, 1:119). Such occa­ and said, “Well, it’s something like thinking must be respected. The Tou cannot sions— there were many— doubt­ being in a bubble, and the world worship leader or preacher must less evoked very strong and very is shut out.” She did not stay in not offend and thus cause the at­ pleasing and helpful emotions. It the “bubble”; she’s great at disci- mosphere to detract from the fu ll, is unfair to accuse these early pleship and evangelism! To her hope or expectation of the normal Nazarenes o f simply going for an this was a very rare occurrence. privilege o f the church, the mani­ emotional high. Certainly emo­ While the times were few, the re­ fest or realized presence of God. explain or tions were involved; yet there is ality was beyond question! Another word from Wesley re­ more than emotion when it is re­ God’s glory is not limited to Naz­ gards the personal witness: “Let ported in April of 1890 that “wave arenes or Holiness churches. Not none rest in any supposed fruit after wave o f glory swept over the long ago I asked a friend, a retired of the Spirit without the witness” people” (Girvin, 140). A proper pastor in the Church of God, Cleve­ (WW, 5:133). The application of understanding of the glory of God land, Tennessee, the same question that idea to the glory is notewor­ witness of does not allow room for the idea I put to my daughter. He replied thy in that churches should not that only good emotions are in­ that he had probably not more rest in the fruit of the Spirit or volved. Never! God was there! than three or four times in his en­ the evidences of being the tie Holy God’s presence was manifest! tire ministry sensed the presence of church without the glory. May God’s glory was a precious reality. God in this way. He remembered God help us not to be content to himself in those moments as being go week after week and month Spirit. Before and After the “frozen,. . . afraid to move.” after month while knowing by Early Nazarenes A faithful parishioner in a for­ faith that God is with us, yet The Church of Jesus Christ, of mer pastorate several years ago ex­ never coming to a consciousness which we are a part, was not bom pressed her response to what she of the manifest presence. in the 18th or 19th century. God’s sensed to be the glory or the mani­ glory has been evident in the fest presence of God with the exact The Glory and the Church on occasions in all cen­ expression, “afraid to move.” I par­ Early Nazarenes turies. Because o f limited space, a ticipated in that church service too. The early Nazarenes were very brief glimpse into the 18th-centu­ much aware o f the glory o f God, ry Methodist revival must suffice Some Practical Considerations. and we should not take lightly as our historical sketch. Wesley Some issues are to be kept in what they said about this reality. spoke o f one particular preaching mind by those who would seek There was something significant event— August 1743— in which to be open to God’s glory: the there, something that some of he confessed a sense o f holy awe: avoidance o f impatience, the re­ our congregations possibly have “I could not speak.. . . We could jection of substitutes, and the never experienced. only speak to God” (WW, 1:426). communication of spiritual truth. In his account of the life and Of another event— April 1758— Those of us who lead church ministry of R F. Bresee, E. A. Girvin he writes: “We met... to renew worship events naturally long for makes a number of references to our covenant with God. It was a God’s very best, but we must not times in which Bresee and other glorious season. I believe all that become impatient. Many of us who early Nazarenes believed that the were present found that God was place a great deal on religious ex-

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 perience have been in services of reasoning” (My Utmost for His Philip Yancey (“Masters of the which we have said, “Surely God is Highest [Barbour and Company, Universe,” Christianity Today, De­ in this place.” We know that it is a 1935], 211). Of course we must cember 13,1993) writes: “Doubt wholesome experience for all of us make the very best case possible for me tends to come in an over­ to be assured that God is nearby for the ideas we seek to advance. whelming package, all at once. I Then we come to another service, All of this falls far short apart from don’t worry much about the nu­ and many of the things are the the work of God. In the atmo­ ances of particular doctrines but saine— the prayer preparation, the sphere created by the sense of the every so often I catch myself won­ expectation, some of the same Divine Presence, God’s truth comes dering about the whole scheme of hymns or choruses, many of the alive. I do not suggest that people faith.” Immediately those words same devout people in attendance; will learn spiritual truth only when “grabbed me by the throat.” we go through the service, fervent­ we have an unusual, unmistakable Yancey openly confessed to that ly wishing to sense the Divine, yet sense of the divine. Howevei; we which I have sometimes felt and we do not have the same sense of will fall short in effectively pro­ occasionally admitted to close God, the glory in our midst. We claiming spiritual truth if those friends. The problem is not that of wonder why. We agonize! As a pas­ whom we seek to influence toward agreeing with certain doctrines but tor I struggled with this fact. Yet Christ have never sensed on our rather holding on to “the whole we do not tell God when the wit­ part a deep and strong hunger for scheme o f faith.” There are times, ness of the Spirit will be impressed the glory of God. for some of us, when the whole upon us. We do not decide when business of the faith is hit broad­ the glory will appear. God decides. A Parting Word side by the temptation— however All temptations to set up substi­ For all of us, the glory o f God is fleeting— to wonder whether there tutes must be resisted Speaking of an issue o f supreme importance. It really is anything to this thing to glory, I do not refer to the good is not the case that the church be which we have given our lives. feeling that has sometimes been We should blind to every issue other than For Yancey the antidote to this described as being “blessed.” In no being user-friendly. Of course, temptation comes with Christ­ way do I denigrate that; however, the church exists for persons out­ mas, the powerful and awesome this is not what I mean by “the glo­ have hearts side, but this is only one reason thought that God becomes man; ry.” Likewise, I am not talking for its existence. It is the location the Eternal takes on human flesh. about a well-planned order of or the place where God’s glory There has really got to be some­ church service, as pleasing and may dwell. Such glory will have thing to this after all! Christmas spiritually helpful as that may be. I its impact on the non-Christian, has always been meaningful to emphasize that glory is not a hu­ the young in Christ, the strong me, but the answer for this horri­ man construct. The glory is God’s receive the and mature Christian. Such im­ fying temptation to doubt the own manifestation. In contrast, the pact should have the thoughtful whole package is not met for me golden calf (Exod. 32) was a hu­ attention of the one who would as it is for Yancey. man invention, copied from others. touch other lives for God. For me the answer is found in The people wanted and produced Well-known Canadian broad­ the glory, the manifest presence their own type of “evidence.” They caster Peter Togni hosts a mostly of God. There have been times, wanted grounds for belief and pro­ classical music program that is thank God, albeit few, when I duced it for themselves. My con­ heard from the Atlantic to the Pa­ have met with God’s people and cern is that we may learn from the cific in Canada and in a number of have experienced, like the early account of the golden calf that we northern states of the U.S.A. Re­ Nazarenes, “the invisible veri­ are to always and forever be on the cently this devout Christian com­ ties” that seemed to be “nearer alert against faked representations mented: “No wonder our young and more all-controlling than of the presence of God in our local people are bored. We’ve lost a visible things” (Girvin, 139). church gatherings, camp meetings, sense o f the holy and the terrible” Well, for sure this is our heritage. and so on. Make no effort whatso­ (Christian Week, March 14,1995). May God help us to see that it ever to whip up human emotion as Too often we have concerned our­ is also our hope. We have no a substitute for the inexpressible selves with the comfort and the right to make demands o f God, and blessed sense of the glory of ease of the visitor to our times of but my prayer is: God. Such manipulation can only worship rather than that they en­ “O God, let there be no hin­ bring God’s judgment. Remember counter “the holy and the terrible.” drance in my life or in the church the golden calf! May God help us to be occupied to the glory. We do not want sub­ Essential to the most effective with openness and preparedness stitutes. We will not tell You when communication of spiritual truth is for the glory, the manifest pres­ to come in this special way. We a spiritual environment. Oswald ence. No matter what our age or will ask that You would please Chambers shares a very helpful where we are on the spiritual jour­ help us to be among those who, Word: “Spiritual truth is learned by ney, we all need occasions when with hearts prepared, wait for atmosphere, not by intellectual we sense the glory of God. Your own manifestation.” PM

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 35 PASTORAL CARE

in to see him or her. Often this is easy. Sometimes it is not, so you must do a bit o f research. If you know the doctor and can talk to him or her, call and speak of your concern. Because o f the doctor’s desire honor privileged communication between himself or herself and the patient, there may be justifi­ able reticence to give you much information. Almost certainly he or she will not want to give you a detailed chart on the illness, surgery, and so on. However, you may be given an answer when n the 40 years since I gradu­ hernia operation or the young you put the request like this: “I’m ated from medical school, I’ve woman who has gone through a going in to see Mr. Jones this af­ seen at least 1,000 cartoons cancer-negative breast biopsy, ternoon, Doctor. I know he’s very depicting bedside manners of you will have little trouble. ill, but what I don’t know is how doctors. But your role differs vasdy in ill. If I knew, I’d be better IBut you pastors shouldn’t the case o f a patient of any age in equipped to help him.” laugh too hard! If you do any the hospital with a serious illness. If this fails, call on close rela­ visiting and counseling in the You have a role to be learned, but tives. The spouse perhaps or, if sickroom, you must learn the not a role to be feared. the patient is elderly, the chil­ same hard lessons— and bear up Many of you do fear it. I know dren may be an even better under the same jokes. You, too, because your faces and body lan­ source. You walk the razor’s edge must adopt a very special bed­ guage tell me. You feel out o f here: you can’t afford to antago­ side manner when you approach your element. You sense that the nize the doctor and relatives by a seriously ill patient. doctor and the nurse are com­ appearing too inquisitive. On the Before specifics, I urge you to pletely at home in the hospital. other hand, you can’t adequately observe the obvious: when you You are at home in the pulpit, in serve as the pastor unless you enter a patient’s room, you re­ your study counseling, in the know what’s going on. member that you are the pa­ home o f a parishioner. But you The head nurse on the ward is tient’s pastor! Then everything often feel on foreign territory in another source o f information. else w ill flow naturally from that the hospital, dealing with an in­ Don’t stop any nurse who hap­ attitude. dividual who may have not only pens to be walking by. Ask to Let me illustrate. In Swahili, I mental, emotional, and religious speak to the head nurse, prefer­ noted with interest that the word problems but also a serious phys­ ably in his or her ward office. for “pastor” is mchungaji. Mchun­ ical illness. Identify yourself. Assure the gaji means “shepherd.” The noun So to you young pastors and nurse that anything told you will derives directly from the verb counselors still struggling with be kept in strictest confidence. kuchunga, which means “to pro­ fears o f visiting the very ill pa­ Explain why you want to know. If tect” or “to guard.” The pastor tient, I would say: Admit it. you receive such information, serves as the guardian of his or her Don’t be ashamed o f it because keep it confidential. Build a repu­ flock, the protector of the faith. If you have lots o f company. Study tation for yourself as a pastor you will remember this, you can yourself to discover where those who can be told things. I had a forget nearly everything else. fears seem the greatest. Tackle pastor once who actually talked BY BIRNEY DIBBLE In the sickroom, you must be a them as you would any other about his parishioners’ illnesses Doctor o f medicine pastor in a very special way. Yet, personal problem. in open meetings— not just that Eau C la ir e , W isco nsin isn’t this true o f all the other things Now let’s see if I can help you Mrs. Jones was sick and would you do? You wouldn’t go into a jail overcome those fears with some appreciate visitors, but that she and counsel a teenager the same positive ideas. I have an interest had hemorrhoids or had had an way you counsel a middle-aged in what you do and say. The pa­ abortion or was dying o f lung matron with marital troubles. tient may be mine. When you cancer from smoking too much. I So, you tailor your approach, minister to him or her, either you never told that preacher any­ not only to the needs of hospital come into conflict with my treat­ thing about my patients. patients in general, but also to ment, or you augment it. You’ve done your homework, each individual patient. You must learn something perhaps looking up medical For the young man having a about that patient before you go terms unfamiliar to you. Now

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 PASTORAL CARE

y o u ’ r e ready to enter the s i c k ­ relatives to leave also, with the Maybe you don’t mean to sound r o o m . What should you do, and possible exception o f a spouse or a indifferent, but the patient may what should you say? very close adult child. Not every interpret it that way due to First, be cheerful, but not over­ time, but on those occasions knowing he or she isn’t going to ly frivolous, jovial, or breezy. when you feel some very pro­ be all right. Don’t overdo it. Some o f you are found discussions may take Second, what a re you going to like that by nature. Tone yourself place. Often you’ll find visitors say to a very ill, perhaps dying pa­ down a bit. At this stage o f the on the verge o f going anyway. tient? illness, the patient wants friend­ They find it difficult to come in I won’t be presumptuous and liness, sincerity, and warmth. He at all, will stay as long as propri­ put precise words in your mouth. or she doesn’t think being sick— ety dictates, and then get away But as a concerned layman at least to this extent— is the as soon as feasible. I know this is rather than as a doctor, and least bit funny. This is something true because it happens to me all somewhat hesitantly, I offer the many of us, including me, need the time. following. to remember. With the room cleared, you Remember that you are this My own pastor recalls being in have the patient’s attention, and patient’s pastor, the shepherd. a hospital room one day when an you’re ready. You are not regarded as just an­ extremely cheerful nurse came in, First, let’s look at some things other visitor who dropped in to threw open the drapes, and cried you w on’t say. talk about last night’s football out, “It’s a wonderful day.. . Af­ Try to fend o ff questions of a game. You are his or her pastor. ter she left, the patient said to his medical nature if you possibly You are a special type of visitor pastor, “Doesn’t she give a [exple­ can. Perhaps the patient is an old and at the same time a part of tive] for how I might feel?” Per­ friend or a longtime parishioner, the hospital team, whether the haps the patient needed just that and you do know the patient and patient knows you as the hospi­ jolt, but he didn’t think so. He the illness well enough to give an­ tal chaplain or the pastor from wasn’t ready for such openhand­ swers to those questions. But I the nearby church. ed cheerfulness. think you’ll have trouble eventu­ When you talk to a patient at Second, convince the patient ally if you do so routinely. In most this stage o f illness, please don’t that you have come only to see cases, you should say: “Well, yes, blunt your faith with platitudes. him or her. Don’t stand there I was told such and such, but Oh, yes, use your Gospel, or your peering at the patient from the you’d better ask the doctor.” If the Old Testament, or whatever end of the bed. Go to the side of patient is having trouble talking source you want; use prayer to the bed, lean forward, say hello, to the doctor— a common prob­ bring the patient closer to God' pull up a chair, and sit down. lem and usually the doctor’s and God closer to the patient; Take the patient’s hand and hold fault— perhaps you should talk to but don’t try to blunt his or her on to it until you sense he or she the doctor and say that Mr. or faith. You should not use words wants to let go. No matter how Mrs. Jones really is anxious about that somebody else has said— no long you stay, the patient will get what’s going to happen. matter how great they might the feeling that you have come Never indicate to the patient be— except as a means o f getting just to see and talk with him or less than total faith in the doctor. into or out of the conversation. her. Too often I’ve seen a pastor To do otherwise is just devastat­ Use your own words because the come in, stand around, uncom­ ing. This may be tough if you’ve very ill patient wants to hear fortably anxious to get away, and heard uncomplimentary things something directly from you— showing it. about that doctor. But always re­ and platitudes are not enough. Third, if another patient is in member that what you know So, pastor, please, when you the room, ask him or her to leave about that doctor is hearsay, and are visiting a seriously ill patient, if at all possible. You cannot talk your “knowledge” may be faulty. be yourself, be true to yourself, to a patient, person to person, If you really question a doctor’s do your homework, sit down about one’s illness or life and care, what can you do? The best with the patient in private, talk death if strangers are present. thing to do is to suggest to the o f the person’s faith and yours, Request privacy if possible. If the family a consultation with another shore up any insecurities, be other patient can’t leave, pull the doctor. You’re dealing with the honest with him or her, and re­ curtain across, and try to shut doctor’s pride, it’s true, and you member first and last that you 4at one out by pretending you’re may wound it, but I consider this are the patient’s pastor, the shep­ your own little room. If your a minor thing compared to having herd. Patient can’t feel at ease with the the patient and family feel secure. Give a bit o f thought to these °ther patient listening, then you Do not use unjustified state­ suggestions, and I think you’ll have a problem for which I can’t ments to the patient as you find that they’ll help you come &1Ve you a ready solution. leave: “So long; everything is go­ closer to the ideal of the Good Fourth, it’s important to ask ing to be fine,” and other cliches. Shepherd. pm

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M^y 1998 HRISTIAN EDUCATION I

tention. A third learned by wot(j o f mouth. These parents grew closer each night as they learnfcj and shared common experi­ ences. On Wednesday I overheard a young mother ask the pastor about singles ministry. By Thurs. day every family made commit­ ments to return for the children’s program. On Friday they unanj. mously voted to repeat the se­ ries. “Very helpful!” exclaimed one. “Sometimes you don’t know there may be a better way to handle what you are doing,” said hey discussed discipline, the children come, but now their another. A dad responded that high call of parenting, their parents stayed as well. The pas­ he liked learning “different favorite children’s books; tor was encouraged as he sat in methods or options of disci­ laughed about embarrassing on the parenting classes, becom­ pline,” adding he “would recom­ behaviors; asked questions; ing acquainted with new families mend the series to a friend.” His and learned about a child’s first in his community. When asked wife shared, “It helps to be re­ impressions of God. They were how they learned about the par­ minded now and then that the parents who came to my “Parent­ enting series, one responded, “In way your children act is nor­ ing the Young Child” series dur­ the newspaper.” Another said, mal!” ing Vacation Bible School (VBS)! “The VBS banner” caught her at­ Weeks later, I listened as the T BY BRENDA NIXON Two churches, one Baptist, one Nazarene, invited me to Professional speaker, teach a parenting series during parent educator the VBS week. Being a parent K ansas C ity educator, teaching early child­ hood development and parent­ ing skills, and having worked with young families for six years, it seemed like a natural to offer parents’ classes the same week at VBS. Combining parent education with a program like VBS means parents save on gasoline, get ac­ quainted with the pastor, and network with other parents while gaining more confidence in their child-rearing abilities. What a ministry! Both churches sent press re­ leases to newspapers, displayed VBS banners outside, talked about it in church, and an­ nounced it in their bulletins and newsletters. Everyone prayed, prepared, and anticipated that God would do great things through this innovative family approach to Vacation Bible School. God blessed their labors! The Baptist church, averaging 35 people, welcomed three new families to VBS because of the parenting series. Not only did

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 3 Baptist pastor excitedly shared Toting their toddlers and VBS. She wrote: “Our fringe par­ . oW VBS attendance was the preschoolers, five wonderful ents that attended . . . made sig­ highest recorded in recent years. families from the Overland Park nificant contact with our church went on to say that one of the Church came to “Parenting the member parents. These fringe new families had been attending Young Child.” The week began parents are now plugged into every Sunday since VBS and live with “The High Call of Parent­ Sunday School, and our class of In the neighborhood. What none ing,” followed by topics from dis­ three-year-olds has grown from of us could have known but God cipline to toilet training. Some three children up to eight kids.” was that these parents, along nights w e drew curious onlook­ What a blessing to see her re­ ^th their two young sons, had ers with our laughter and “war joicing in our Lord, to watch His keen searching for a church stories.” By midweek Pastor Purl perfect timing unfold, to have home. Months have passed, and I reported a high level of enthusi­ Him use my skills and spiritual hear the family is still faithfully asm among the parents and said gifts to advance His kingdom. I attending. Praise God! VBS was going great. “Informa­ was glad to be a part of the win­ Overland Park Church o f the tive, reinforcing, affirming,” ex­ ning team o f Vacation Bible Nazarene Children’s Minister claimed one parent about the se­ School. PM j(im Purl coordinated and publi­ ries. By weekend, a mother told cized the family VBS concept. me she came away “with a much She made sure all parents, even better understanding” of her those expectant ones, were en­ child and not feeling “alone in couraged to attend. Pastor Purl this business of parenting.” One broadened the appeal to VBS by requested that we “meet every inviting Jack Bamell, family life week on Wednesday.” counselor at Overland Park To close the w eek and to show Church, to teach “Parenting the my appreciation for each parent, School-age Child” the same I presented ‘Very Special Parent” week. certificates signed by the pastor. Acting as my host couple, Bri­ All agreed the “series should be an and Julie Taylor, o f Overland offered again next year during hen this article was Park Church, faithfully attended VBS.” written, I had worked my parenting series, enthusiasti­ Afterward, Pastor Purl shared with two churches. cally greeted other parents, that one of the parents who had The following sum­ joined in discussion, and made never attended Sunday School mer, four churches in­ sure we had our cookies. came for the first time after this vited me to teach parenting classes during their VBS. The idea is contagious! For a second summer, I spoke at the Baptist church and taught a parenting class at the Overland Park Church of the Nazarene during VBS. Afterward, Rev. Kim Purl sent a letter to the education pas­ tor at Grove City Church of the Nazarene, Grove City, Ohio, where I would be speaking as their VBS finale. The letter from Rev. Purl shows she has caught the vi­ sion for parent education in church. She writes: “What an outreach opportunity! It’s ob­ vious that parents need to be affirmed that they are capa­ ble of parenting... . [This] is definitely a ministry to par­ ents, helping the church to be the church to families.”

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 39 CHURCH GROWTH

5. Today I still wonder from Sunday to Sunday whether there will be enough money to sustain us. Small or large, many church, es minister with much faith and struggle. My wife and I (and the lessons from the church) had to trust the Lord fot daily needs when we made the princely salary of $25 per month We must still trust Him with a salary many times that amount. We have found that God will pr0 vide the money for what He wants done. When it runs out, I check to find out what we are dc ing that He has not proposed. resh out o f seminary, I pas- minister to my flock. When God 6. Pastoring tiny churches for tored a tiny church o f 4 “bumped their hearts,” some so many years gave me a members, worked part-time came. Many did not. But I learned tremendous sense o f the value o at the Illinois statehouse that big names and great person­ one individual member. So often cafeteria, and drove a truck- ages do not really build churches. members of my present church tire repair van. I stayed at that A church grows because of the are amazed that I remember church a year and left 22 mem­ faithful ministry of the pastor and their names. That skill began bers. Following a series o f similar other lesser-known gifted men back in those days when if three small churches, I “graduated” to and women of God. God sent us people failed to show up or left anF inner-city church o f 40 mem­ who we needed. the fellowship, that was half the bers here in Los Angeles, and af­ 4. Growth, in the final analysis, active membership! ter 18 years I currently pastor is a sovereign act o f God. Some Our task is to share the Word, more than 3,400 members. So I church settings have greater or nurture the flock, reach out to feel deeply the pleas o f the less potential. Some men are the community— whether we oc small-church pastor. growth producers, some growth cupy a large or a small place in Every year I make it my busi­ consolidators, some growth main- God’s great scheme of things. ness to minister to small church­ tainers. Others pastor faithfully Among the last words my fa­ es. Although I do preach in large during autumn and winter cycles ther said to me (he never pas- churches, conventions, and camp in the life o f a congregation. In tored more than 100 people in meetings, I make sure smaller my latter two churches, God 50 years o f ministry): “Son, be churches get most o f my atten­ placed me in the pastorate after a faithful. Don’t try to be the tion. period o f decline and problems. biggest, the best known, the Here are a few lessons I After a long winter, both churches most successful. Be faithful, and learned in the small churches were ready to welcome God’s Christ will give you a crown of that have helped me succeed in a spring. However, I cherish two life.” I believe one of heaven’s growing church: faithful pastors who ministered to gentle ironies will be the multi­ 1. I never referred to my those churches before I did. With­ plied thousands of crown-wear­ church as small. It was a mission out their “winter ministry” (and ing pastors who— unknown, church, a pioneer church, a changing the season was entirely unapplauded, and unrecognized frontline church, or a church beyond them), I would have had — labored in small places, hard with great potential. But since it no church to grow. God alone places, “less important” places, was an integral part of the awe­ gave the increase. and helped bring in the kingdom some Body o f Christ, neither its o f God. size nor its vision nor its poten­ Pastor, be faithful. You are tial was small. making an impact for God, and 2. I learned to preach to 2 you shall get your crown along persons on Sunday morning (1 with “all them also that love was my wife) just as diligendy his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8, and passionately as I preached to Kjv). P** 20 or 2,500. Everyone who comes to worship Jesus deserves BY BENJAM IN F. REID Reprinted with permission the best from the pastor. Pastor, First from Ministries Today, 3. Yes, I boldly invited great Church of God May/June 1990, Strang men and women to come and Inglewood, California Communications Co.

T h e Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 STEWARDSHIP j

will have various investment op­ tions. Some probably will have fixed-retum guarantees, and oth­ ers w ill have variable returns. You may want to see that your funds are invested in a wide range of options.

4. Discipline Against Early Distribution Prov. 13:18 tells us, “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame.” If you are saving for retirement and find yourself tempted to use your re­ tirement funds for something oes the Bible provide any ments that vary in value. Invest­ else, question yourself regarding guidance for financial plan­ ing regularly and persistently in the nature of the need. Would a ning for retirement? Yes! In a plan like a tax-sheltered annu­ little discipline today save you fact, Scripture contains five ity will yield profound results from poverty tomorrow? key concepts that apply to over the long term. 5. Be Cautious o f Get-rich-quick our financial planning for retire­ 3. Diversify Temptations ment. In the parable o f the talents Prov. 28:20 reminds us, “One 1. Plan Ahead by Saving (Matt. 25:14 ff.), Jesus tells us of eager to get rich will not go un­ DThe Book of Proverbs continu­ the man who gave his riches to punished.” Overly eager investors ally admonishes us to seek wis­ others to manage. This wise man always take the short-term view dom. This wisdom leads us to divided his wealth among three with their retirement funds. They plan for our future needs and managers and gave varying chase the latest, highest-yielding not to consume all o f today’s re­ amounts to each. Eccles. 11:2 al­ investment. Unfortunately, when sources without thought for fu­ so advises us to diversify: “Give they do that, they frequently ture uncertainties (6:6-8; 10:5; portions to seven, yes to eight.” leave steady yields in favor of 20:4; 21:20). We should save Typically, in a retirement plan those that have almost topped some of our current earnings for like a tax-sheltered annuity, you out. After management or trans­ use in the future when our abili­ fer fees or both are as­ ty to earn becomes limited or sessed, the ones who nonexistent. make money on the deal In the New Testament, Jesus are the salesmen or the used the parable o f the 10 vir­ brokers— not the eager gins—5 wise and 5 foolish— to investor. Current conven­ teach an important scriptural tional wisdom reminds truth (Matt. 25:1-13). But, while us, “It is not timing the learning that spiritual lesson, markets, but time in the don’t overlook the obvious mun­ markets” that yields dane lesson— the wise ones long-term results. planned ahead and saved their Scripture always has resources. words of honor for BY DON WALTER those who exempli­ 2. Be Persistent in Saving Director, Pensions and fy wisdom. You can Benefits USA, Church The Book o f Proverbs tells us, be wise by using o f the Nazarene “The plans of the diligent lead to your retirement in­ profit” (21:5). Current invest­ come plan and its ment wisdom builds on this con­ investment vehicles cept when it recommends using as they were in­ the method of “dollar cost aver- tended and de­ aging”— the purchase o f invest­ signed. Your earth­ ments over time. The diligent in- ly future, and that vestor will use this very prudent o f your family, will 'nvestment strategy by putting be improved by do­ money regularly into invest­ ing so. PM

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 41 PERSONAL GROWTH

tive orator I learned to substit^ my strength for His. In reality j was one big bundle of flesh. I spoke with skill and authority, but I was devoid of real spiritual power. There is a place for ego in the ministry— the bottom shelf. But it’s difficult to crucify the ego be. cause o f all the positive strokes we receive from others who ap­ preciate our ministry. Kept Me from Jesus In 1 Cor. 3, Paul says that many of the works w e do will be burned up on the day o f judg­ ment because they’re not really our years ago I began having Fortunately, God, in His grace, done for Christ. He also says, an affair. It changed my life. showed me that I had been serv­ “My message and my preaching It was a love affair with Je­ ing myself more than Him. I sus­ were not with wise and persua­ sus Christ. I’d been a pastor pect that’s true of many in the sive words, but with a demon­ for 14 years before I came to are simpler ministry. stration of the Spirit’s power, so realize the shallowness of my re­ that your faith might not rest on lationship with the Lord. I’d An Inadequate Relationship men’s wisdom, but on God’s worked hard in a rapidly grow­ now than with Christ power” (2:4-5). ing church, and by all human ac­ I believe that the best lessons As I continued to examine my countsF I was a successful minis­ in life are learned in solitude, life and ministry, I came to real­ ter; but one day I sat down and they used but unfortunately solitude is very ize that true spiritual power de­ did a mental analysis of my life. I much a stranger in the lives of pended much more on Him than discovered three things: most preachers. During my days on me. It didn’t come from ser­ 1. I was tired. to be. of solitude I learned that Jesus mons and systems; it came from 2. I was frustrated. had been more o f a boss than a the indwelling Spirit o f Christ. 3. I was very tired o f being friend. I was not intimate with “Without Me you can do noth­ frustrated! Him because I had treated Him ing,” said Jesus (John 15:5, Where is the peace and joy? I more like a system than a per­ nk jv). Though I’d read that verse asked myself. Why does the min­ son. I read the Bible systemati­ hundreds o f times, it wasn’t until istry seem like such a terrible bur­ cally, prayed systematically, and I really fell unashamedly in love den? related to Jesus systematically, with Jesus that I understood its I decided to ask our elders for content to give Him a brief seg­ truth. I determined to stop doing some time off, and they gracious­ ment o f my time each day. more and more for a Lord I’d ly granted me a six-week leave Suddenly I came to realize known less and less. I deter­ o f absence. It was during those that I knew the words to the mined to find strength in my re­ days o f solitude and self-exami- song, but not the music. I knew lationship with Him rather than nation that I discovered four fun­ all about Jesus, but there was lit­ my performance fo r Him. It was damental ways the ministry had tle, if any, depth in our relation­ the best decision I ever made. As kept me from Jesus. ship. I could not say with Paul, I someone has wisely said, “When “have the mind o f Christ” (1 Cor. Jesus is all you have, you’ll dis­ BY GARY E. BLACK An Improper Definition of Success 2:16), or “For me, to live is cover that Jesus is all you need.” Associate pastor, Like most ministers, I’d always Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. Southland Christian believed that success was a re­ 1:21). Church sult o f what I did rather than Thus, at the age of 3 9 ,1 came L e x i n g t o n , K e n t u c k y who I am. My self-esteem was all to realize that, even as a pastor, I wrapped up in budgets, atten­ knew very little about an inti­ dance figures, and the approval mate walk with the Lord. of parishioners. “If I can build a successful church,” I reasoned, A Superficial Demonstration “then I’ll be a successful man.” of Power So I worked more and prayed The real test o f the Christian less, while doing my best to life is being like Jesus. For years please everyone. I knew it was I really didn’t understand that. wrong, but it seemed to work! As a strong leader and an effec­

T he Preacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 A Poor Example at Home During my days o f self-evalua- tion, the Lord showed me that my most important ministry is my family, not my church. He al­ so showed me some tremendous Enjoying the inconsistencies in that area o f my life- As a pastor I had been positive and pleasant; at home I had been melancholy and morose. As a pastor I continually solved problems; at home I often created them. As a pastor I was patient and compassionate; at home I was t happened while I was eating remains a hot topic among us quick-tempered and insensitive. my peanut butter and jelly middle classers. In fact, my Clearly I was missing God’s sandwich Sunday evening be­ friend’s wife recently complained best for my family, and I deter­ fore going to choir practice. to him about his job. He said, mined to change. I prayed that The children were out play­ “Well, it is a living.” God would give me back the ing,I and my wife was napping. She replied, “You call this liv­ years the locusts had eaten, and By myself at the kitchen counter, ing?” graciously, He has. I began to contemplate what my Since things are so financially After informing my congrega­ life was all about. I thought I tough on us, there will be advice tion that my family would no would write a book about it on budgeting, saving, tithing, longer take a backseat to min­ called Enjoying the Struggle. It dealing with Uncle Sam [govern­ istry, I set about the task o f living will not sell many copies because ment and taxes], preparing for a more balanced life. I commit­ the poor will not buy it— what is the children’s education, and ted myself to a day o ff each there to enjoy? The rich will not even retirement. Can’t you see week, and three nights at home. either; where is the struggle? It how the middle class folk will Except for emergencies I have will talk about people like me: love this book? not deviated from that plan, in middle class with children to The concluding chapter will spite of anyone’s objections! God send to college. explain setting and achieving has blessed. I am grateful. He One chapter will be on family goals. It will discuss personal has restored beauty from ashes. I life, including how a working goals, financial goals, and goals now remind myself frequently man with a moonlighting job can for Kingdom building. It might that the only thing I have that I squeeze time in for recreation even include an illustration or can take with me to heaven is and teach his values and beliefs two about how it is really not my family. I’m determined to do to his children. There will even my life was that desirable to be rich. Solo­ just that. be a few paragraphs on the evils mon said they worry too much of television with alternatives for about hanging on to it anyway. Epilogue low-budget entertainment. Can you imagine how your life My goals are simpler now than A short section will speak of would change if you inherited a they used to be. As I awaken views on the desire for posses­ million dollars? You would lose each day, I remind myself to live sions and how they help or hin­ all your friends and find long His life, not my own (Gal. 2:20). der during the struggle. lost relatives. They even say Four primary goals occupy each The best chapter will be called there are no winners with these new day: “Living in the Present, Planning state lotteries. • Lord, help me to love You, for the Future.” I know we will My promise to myself is to with all my heart, mind, have arrived at last when the car write the book when the chil­ and soul. is paid for, when w e can afford dren get through college. So, to • Lord, help me to share You orange juice for breakfast every make this book as sincere as pos­ with others. morning, and when we can give sible, I will continue to enjoy the • Lord, help me enjoy the away chocolate bars at Hal­ struggle. Why shouldn’t I? journey, not endure it. loween instead o f bubble gum. Peanut butter is not all that bad, • Lord, help me to never The standard o f living always after all— is it? PM again allow the ministry to keep me from Jesus. Amen. PM

T he P r e ac h er’s M agazine • M a r c h , A p r il, M ay 1998 43 OOK REVIEWS

praise? What life-transforming, dynamic change can erupt from the stagnant church life that dom- inates local congregations? Stan Toler has produced a pos­ itive book that step-by-step helps the church into becoming a clean, clear congregation cham­ pioning Christlikeness that gives o ff an aroma of God’s Way. This book is for you! Based on eight biblical truths that bring people and churches into the Word and world, Stan teaches through example, illus­ trations, stories, charts, and challenged by Western nations graphs. These strategies for suc­ Their Blood Cries Out: committed to human rights. cess will help any congregation The Untold Story of Persecution In this balanced yet impas­ of any size to grow by develop­ Against Christians in the sioned expose, the authors de­ ing laypersons into lay leaders. Modern World scribe not only what is happening The eight life-change people by Paul Marshall to Christians around the world principles include: with Lela Gilbert but why the West turns blind eyes • The Evaluation Principle— (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1997), and deaf ears to their cries. Per­ evaluating where the church 321 pages, including haps most important, Their Blood is and where it wants to go. 7 appendices and 528 endnotes. Cries Out also provides an answer • The Leadership Principle— (PA084-994-0206, $12.99) to the question that naturally aris­ visioning that connects es while reading this book: What plans and people focused As you read these words, 200 can be done— what must be on the needs. million people in countries done— to stop the bloodshed? • The Lay Ministry Principle throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, Through this book, Marshall — Empowering and equip­ and South America awaken each and Gilbert call upon govern­ ping laypersons to minister day in fear. Many live in mortal ments, human rights organiza­ to their local churches and danger. In cities and villages tions, churches, and individuals our world. across the globe, the aged, the to force an end to the slaughter. • The Marketing Principle— sick, the pregnant are herded in­ The authors make the point well: love motivation reaching to “peace camps” awaiting tor­ Either human rights are for all of out to a lost world in need ture and execution. Women and us, or they will be for none of us. o f Jesus. their daughters are gang-raped. Their Blood Cries Out is not • The Assimilation Principle Men are disemboweled or be­ light reading to be perused at — following up discipleship headed while their families look bedtime or over morning coffee. through intentional planning on in horror. Children are But it is one that demands to be • The Caring Principle— snatched from their mothers’ read by anyone deeply commit­ people caring for people arms and sold into slavery. Why? ted to human rights. through programs of love Because they are Christians. — by Richard Maffeo and concern. Their Blood Cries Out is not a San Antonio • The Giving Principle— the cataloging o f wild rumors and basics of generous biblical “Christian bashing” hysteria. The stewardship for giving time authors document hundreds of The People Principle talent, and money. eyewitness and personal ac­ by Stan Toler • The Celebration Principle— counts o f the atrocities commit­ (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press tips on what and how to ted against Christians by govern­ o f Kansas City) have an exciting worship ser­ ments and organizations (PA083-411-6642, $9.99) vice in celebration o f Christ. inflamed against these people of As Zig Ziglar wrote on the cov­ faith. In places such as China, Pharaoh and Egypt endured the er o f Toler’s publication, “A book Cuba, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and 10 plagues o f God’s wrath. Pastors for everyone who is serious Sudan, horrors rivaling the Nazi and churches endure their own about doing things God’s way.” holocaust occur with increasing self-made plagues induced by Well worth the money! frequency and ferocity. Worst o f lethargy and indifference. How — by Deri G. Keefer all, this savagery remains un­ can churches transform plagues to Three Rivers, Michigan a T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 MINISTER’S MAT]

Ministry. When the church called my husband to serve as their shepherd, whether I was prepared for it or not, I received a call too. Sometimes it means that my afternoon siestas are in­ terrupted with calls from hypo­ chondriacs with strange prayer requests, or sometimes it means sitting in the pew, sinking fast, while my husband proclaims from the pulpit while preaching from the Song of Solomon: “Your breasts are like two roes!” (“How could you undress me in front o f the whole church?”) The call o f the pastor’s wife is both consecrated in its place of privilege and complicated in its emotional ambiguities. (I say “w ife” because husbands o f fe­ male pastors don’t seem to share the same set of congregational expectations as wives of male had just nestled into the different sort. This time she had pastors— what church wouldn’t horizontal position for my There is an unbearable burning sensation expect that he would have full­ afternoon siesta when the related to her female anatomy. time employment outside the phone rang and I heard She asked for prayer. Now, I’m a church?) There is a certain Ina’s fluttering voice on the more to praying woman, but I couldn’t blessedness in the mantle be­ other end. (She told me that her help asking— Lord, how am I sup­ queathed to her by virtue of her heart was racing uncontrollably.) posed to pray fo r this? Well, I intimate connection to the shep­ She asked to speak to my hus­ who I am prayed and managed to say it herd o f the flock. band—her pastor— who was not right, because Ina was so grate­ Answering the phone, in and atI home. So she settled for talk­ ful. The next church day she o f itself, ushers her into the inner ing to me about that day’s ail­ floated up to me in the receiving recesses o f the soul o f the con­ ments. line, throwing her hands up in gregation. She becomes both lis­ Ina was an elderly, nervous ecstasy and telling me that she tener and transmitter of deeply widow who called incessantly smiling was “Oh, so much better. Praise personal messages, some that asking for prayer for some­ the Lord!” break her heart: “Would you tell thing— usually a perceived ill­ ness related to her racing heart faee next to or shortness of breath. You had to love her, with her ruby-red lips that spiked beyond the lip- my line and her penciled-in, over­ arched eyebrows that crowned her wrinkled brow. Once after church she came through the re­ ceiving line to greet my husband and me with her brow furrowed and distorted as she muttered how she was sure she had con­ tacted AIDS. She didn’t know for sure, but her nephew whom she thought might be gay had ^sed her on the cheek at a fam­ ily wedding, and she hadn’t felt well since. The call that interrupted my BY WENDY MURRAY siesta that afternoon was of a ZOBA

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 45 INISTER’S MATE

Pastor that my boy has been Sylvia gushed unabashedly for social engagements, informal picked up for drugs again; that over Miriam’s husband through­ gatherings, and quick chats after we would appreciate it if he out the entire visit, while barely church? could try to talk to him?” She acknowledging Miriam’s pres­ Many pastors’ families, when can also be the lightning rod for ence. they move into a community to “messages” that are not so sub­ Who does Miriam turn to assume a call, are perceived as lime: “What does Pastor think when she feels as though a mem­ outsiders. “Everyone else was he’s doing changing the time of ber o f the church has a “crush” part of the history of the church the evening service?” Whether on her husband? And with and the traditions,” says one with choked-back tears or gritted whom does she share her sense wife, adding that among the teeth, the pastor’s wife responds of betrayal that Sylvia fabricated deepest struggles attendant to with kindness: I ’ll be sure he gets a friendship with her for the sole her husband’s call was the “in­ back to you. purpose of getting nearer to tense loneliness” she felt for the But this role can get compli­ him? Miriam’s anguish over this “first five to seven years.” “We cated. Maintaining emotional To whom highlights the complex network had families who went back wholeness and equilibrium can of emotions that the wife o f the years and years. When we came, be a delicate dance when it pastor contends with and that we were outsiders and newcom­ comes to a w ife’s relationship must never be aired— or even ers. And there was little sensitivi­ with the church, her friends, her hinted at— in the context o f the ty to the fact that we seldom saw husband, and even herself. church. our families.” Miriam Miriam liked Sylvia; she Another told me how she and A Painful Moment thought Sylvia was her friend. So her husband and children would Take the experience of my when it became apparent that leave immediately after the friend Miriam as an example. turn when this friendship was driven more Christmas Eve service to drive all Her husband, Edwin (not their by Sylvia’s interest in her hus­ night in order to spend Christ­ real names), had been pastoring band than in an authentic friend­ mas with her parents in the a small church for five years. Ed­ she feels as ship with her, Miriam began to South. (“We had one Christmas win had, by means o f his rela­ fear that anyone who befriended dinner sitting in our car, eating tional appeal and aggressive visi­ her had an ulterior motive. Of 7-Eleven pizza,” she said.) Once, tation outreach, succeeded in a course, that was not true. There when they returned after the bringing Sylvia, a neighbor, and were lots o f good people in the holidays, they learned that there her three children into the fold member of church who were sincerely inter­ was a movement afoot in the o f the church. (Sylvia’s husband ested in Miriam’s friendship. But church to disallow the pastor was an agnostic who worked too Miriam could not overcome her any travel during the holidays. much to care about church.) the church sense of isolation. “They have their families right Over time, Miriam and Sylvia here in town and so are never had become friendly, and Miriam Three Needs alone on the holidays,” she said. frequently chatted with her over has a This episode highlights what a “But they resented our wanting the back fence. When Sylvia’s recent survey sponsored by Just to leave so that we could be with mother died, Miriam joined her Between Us (JBU, a magazine for our families.” husband for his pastoral call at “crush” on pastors’ wives) confirms: The The second-greatest need fo r the funeral home. number one need o f wives o f pas­ ministers’ wives, as delineated in There, Miriam quickly saw a tors is fo r friendship and commu­ the JBU survey, was finding a new side to Sylvia. When they her nity, due to an acute sense of lone­ sense of self-worth. The problem arrived, Sylvia darted over to liness. One woman said in the shows itself in a number o f ways. greet them and pulled Edwin in survey, “While we can’t reveal For example, one morning in the direction o f her father. “Dad­ deep hurts, confidences, church I noticed a new family I dy,” she said, “this is Pastor Ed. wounds, and such . . . w e often hadn’t seen before sitting in the You know how much the kids feel separated from other pews. So I approached them to are always talking about Pastor women.” Another said, “I’m not greet them. Ed.” sure who to trust with my feel­ “Good morning,” I said, shak­ “Oh yes,” her father said. “I’ve ings. Sharing frustrations can ing their hands. “Welcome.” heard all about Pastor Ed.” backfire.” And another said, “It They nodded. “The kids always want to seems like once I entered the “Where are you from?” I know when Pastor Ed is coming ministry with my husband, I asked. They mumbled something for another visit,” Sylvia contin­ couldn’t have a close, true I didn’t catch and seemed to ued. “Oh, and they love his chil­ friend.” communicate that they would dren’s sermons! Haven’t the kids How could that be, one may prefer to be left alone. told you how much they love ask, since the pastor’s family is “My husband is the pastor,” I Pastor Ed’s sermons?” so revered and in such demand added.

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 r MINISTER’S M A T I

“Oh!” they said, and their eyes percent o f ministers feel pres­ ment surprised me and reminded sured to have an “ideal family,” me how easily misunderstood lit: up- “It:’s s 0 n ic e 1:0 meet you.” YVhy couldn’t they respond to while 77 percent said their the pastor’s wife is. Sometimes it me that way before they knew I spouses felt pressure to be “an is difficult when a wife hears her was the pastor’s wife? I was the ideal role model for the Christian husband preach, to hear the same person; my greeting had family.” “prophetic word” over the voice been heartfelt. Why the change This can be hard on the min­ of the man who gets ticked off in their demeanor? Did my asso­ istry wife. She is supposed to ful­ when she leaves the bathroom ciation with “the pastor” make a fill the role of “the good wife” light on. Sometimes she can’t get difference in what they thought (by any number of possible defi­ past the spot on his tie or the of me? Does being his wife give nitions) while her children rise funny twirl in his hair. And she me more value than just being a up and call her blessed, though has heard that joke at least twice nice person greeting them in the PKs (preacher’s kids) tend to before. pew? have an unusually high rate of That is not to say she can’t be There is a flip side to the fabri­ church disaffection (and some­ blessed by her husband’s mes­ cated importance w e enjoy by times defection). Richard Wil- sages. But it takes more over­ virtue of our husbands’ honored The call of lowby writes in his article coming before the clear voice of role. Often, whether in receiving “Prodigy PKs” (Pastor’s Family), the prophet can supersede the lines or in social settings, wives “If teenage PKs feel they must voice o f the man she put through of pastors are walked past and sing in every youth group con­ seminary. edged out, though nobody cert or live flawlessly because Who does she go to when she means to do it. Once, at a w ed­ wife is loth they exist in the spotlight. . . feels the need for marriage coun­ ding rehearsal, the mother o f the they may want to escape the seling? (Who does she even tell bride introduced the pastor to glare o f expectations.” He adds, of that felt need?) How does she every member o f the wedding “The evening and weekend na­ get past the dysfunctions o f her party without so much as a nod ture o f church life can make youth when she has no pastor to to his wife, who was standing ministers seem like absentee par­ whom to unburden herself? (To right next to him. in its place ents who don’t have time or en­ her husband, these are some­ Jill Briscoe protests, “She has a ergy to be involved with their times more of a threat to his name.” (And it is not The Pastor’s children or provide oversight.” ministry.) Wife.) of privilege In addition to family pres­ So while the wife is expected to My friend Miriam’s self-worth sures, at times the ministry wife be poised and wise, on the inside suffered when she tried to bring is expected to be her husband’s she may feel emotionally unre­ up the “Sylvia problem” with her and proxy at social functions, and solved, relationally embattled, husband. The isolation she al­ she is looked to for guidance and and spiritually lost. Sometimes ready felt magnified her need for input the w ay her husband standing there with a blank look him to respond in an affirming would be if he were there. I was takes every ounce of strength manner. When instead he told called upon once at a wedding and resolve she can muster. her she was “confused,” Miriam shower, without forewarning, to In addition to the expecta­ recoiled in resentment: Does he in its lead the group o f 30 women in a tions from the church, the min­ tell all his counselees they’re Bible study devotional. So while istry wife also receives signals “confused”? others sipped punch and popped from the larger believing com­ That, in turn, triggered more cashews and mints, I sat in a cor­ munity about who (or what) vain imaginings in Miriam’s ner scribbling notes on a napkin she should or should not be. I mind, which, in turn, put more about marriage principles deriv­ read an article recently in a stress on their marriage (“You able from Philippians 1. One leading Christian journal by a love the church more than woman in the JBU survey said respected, best-selling author me!”), which unleashed Miriam’s that she wishes she could be free and revered speaker. She wrote pent-up resentment toward the “not to do ministry” every time that she was “shocked” to learn, church, which only isolated Miri­ she is with people. when speaking to a group of am further and diminished her But there are other, more sub­ pastors’ wives, that 80 percent sense of worth. tle expectations. An acquain­ of them worked full-time out­ The third need most expressed tance once said to me, “You don’t side the home. She asserted that ^ pastors’ wives is fo r clear and act like a pastor’s wife.” When I Scripture nowhere suggests that healthy expectations. The per­ asked her, How does a pastor’s “womanly responsibilities” in­ ceived reality is unstated and wife act? she said that her pas­ cluded the “ambitious agenda” ambiguous expectations put up­ tor’s wife always “just stood of working outside the home. on her in her role. there with a blank look on her Women in general, and pastors’ A survey taken by Leadership face, like a mannequin.” wives in particular, the author journal in 1992 reveals that 94 I know that look. The com­ asserted, ought to function as

T he Preacher’s M agazine • M arch , A pril, M ay 1998 47 [INISTER’S MATE

“W O TT” (Women O f Titus house for her, or something like terview. When the meal was Two). that?” he said. The cows will over, the men shuffled papers I looked up Titus 2: “Teach the come home before a pastor’s and dug folders out o f briefcases older women to be reverent. . . wife wants a church member while the women carried dishes not to be slanderers or addicted digging socks (and who knows into the kitchen, inviting Caro­ to much w in e .. . . Then they can intaining what else) out from under her line to join them. She excused train the younger women to love kids’ beds. The radio guest, to herself from kitchen duty, defer­ their husbands and children, to her credit, made a better sugges­ ring to the invitation o f the men be self-controlled and pure, to be tion. “If that’s something they to join her husband for the inter­ busy at home, to be kind, and to want to do, it would be best to view. be subject to their husbands” (w . pay for a cleaning service to She kept quiet except when 3-5). I couldn’t decipher how come in.” (But then, of course, James asked for her input. At working outside the home pre­ the w ife is haunted by the one point, the elders turned the cluded these virtues. Pastors’ thought that the people in the questioning to her. (“I don’t play wives feel plenty bad about the and church must think she can’t keep the piano,” she wanted to say up fact that, in many instances, the her house up.) front.) They asked her what she church doesn’t pay them enough perceived would be her role in to live on. “Ambitious agenda” equilibrium Upward Trajectory the church. She answered, “I has nothing to do with the cost There is no sure formula to guess I’d like to grow into that o f tennis shoes and car insur­ guarantee a healthy environment role, without any preconceived ance. can be a in which the ministry family can expectations or ideas about what Sometimes the ministry wife grow and thrive. But I have I should do,” she said. She addec simply feels incapable of leading learned through personal experi­ that since her kids were getting other women in the art of godly ence, and through many friends older, she thought it might be a womanhood. One wife respond­ and associates who are married good time for her to go back to ed in the JBU questionnaire that dance when to pastors, that there are some work. she needed someone to function key factors that help set the pre­ James chimed in. “The way we as a WOTT-mentor to her. conditions for success in mar­ try to look at it is that the church Syndicated columnist Terry it conies to riage and ministry. My friend is calling me. Anything that my Mattingly wrote recently that the Caroline’s experience offers a wife adds to that is up to her.” divorce rate for U.S. pastors rose model for a positive church envi­ The elders eventually accepted 65 percent in the past 25 years. a wife’s ronment in which the ministry James’s candidacy, and they like­ Eighty percent said their min­ wife can flourish. wise accepted Caroline on those istry has “a negative impact” on During the candidating terms— that is, no terms. And their homelife, while one-third relation process at their second church, just as the bizarre episode in the said “the pastorate has been a the elders and their wives invited funeral home entangled Miriam ‘hazard’ to their families.” her husband, James, and Caro­ in a web of negative emotions, A radio host recently asked the ships. line to a cookout, which would so this gesture had an exponen­ guest for that day what she be followed with the intensive tial positive effect for Caroline. thought would be a wonderful three-hour Q & A session. To She felt free to take her time in way to minister to the pastor’s Caroline’s surprise, the elders in­ deciding how and where she wife: “Maybe offer to clean vited her to participate in the in­ would function in the church

BEYOND BELIEF

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T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch , A pril, M ay 1998 48 MINISTER’S

without fear o f subtle recrimina­ was making it on the salary they this way, Caroline found release tions from the church leadership were giving him, and if every­ and genuine longing to partici­ 0r membership. This— coupled thing was all right with the par­ pate and relate to others in a with the fact that her children sonage. In that moment, healthy way. And it freed her to were in school all day— opened whether or not they were “mak­ serve with joy: She sang in the for Caroline the possibility that ing it” on James’s salary didn’t choir; she taught the teenagers’ she might pursue her own voca­ matter so much to Caroline Sunday School class; she wrote tion. (She got a job.) This (to her (though she didn’t hesitate to in­ the church newsletter; she set up surprise) caused many o f the terject her opinions). And, while the Communion table— not be­ members of the congregation— there was plenty that needed fix­ cause anybody expected these of especially the women— to laud ing in the parsonage (which Car­ her, but because she genuinely her example: she struck the right oline rattled off by memory, to grew into the place where this balance between maintaining a even James’s astonishment), she was where she felt called to healthy homelife and finding her carried no resentment about it. function. She was happy to do it. place in her vocation. In fact, she What mattered to Caroline was Her Husband. Even more criti­ was nominated for the Board of that someone had asked, and cal than having clear and healthy Elders (she declined), and one be poised that this dear elder had the wis­ expectations from the church woman even asked her why she dom to free James from the awk­ and good friendships is the third couldn’t be the pastor with her and wise, ward position of having to lobby factor in nurturing the healthy husband. for more money from the church ministry wife: her relationship This affirmation spurred her for his family. The elder made with her husband. sense of purpose and calling that Caroline’s job! She gladly Shortly after we moved to our with the women in the church. took it on. first church, my husband and I She started a 7 a .m . women’s Friendship. Other surprising decided to visit some o f the oth­ breakfast Bible study for those, wife may events began to unfold for Caro­ er pastors in town. The first like herself, who longed for spiri­ line during this new season at home w e went to seemed tual food before the workday be­ their second church. It so hap­ strangely deserted. The curtains gan. (On those mornings, James pened that the church parsonage were drawn, and nobody an­ got the kids off to school.) stood two houses down from the swered the door after several home where some former mis­ knocks. We turned to leave when Three Key Factors sionaries lived. Their first day the door slowly opened. A The action o f the elders in this there, the missionary wife wel­ woman peered out at us with instance illustrates the first o f comed Caroline to the neighbor­ eyes bugged out. She didn’t three ingredients needed for the hood with a loaf of homemade speak, but only stood there health and wholeness o f the bread. clutching the door. The house ministry wife. These include: Though the missionary did not was dark inside. clear and healthy attitudes with­ attend their church, she contin­ We put on our best faces and in the congregation, trusted ued to reach out to Caroline. The introduced ourselves, suggesting friendships, and a solid relation­ two began to walk together in that we should get together for ship with her husband. the mornings. This evolved into dinner sometime. The Church. The elders gave a desire between them to pray “All right,” she said. We mum­ Caroline a blank slate on which together. Before the first year bled one or two other awkward to write her job description, and was over, Caroline had a friend— attempts at small talk, but soon which, in turn, had the effect o f the second critical ingredient for she pushed the door shut until it winning her heartfelt involve­ spiritually nurturing a healthy ministry latched. ment in the church and in the wife. And because her friend was There is something not right lives of the women there. not an integral part o f the with this picture, my husband The leadership in James’s lost on the church family, Caroline felt much and I thought, as w e stood church exercised other forms of more freedom to share and con­ dumbfounded on the stoop. active support for Caroline. fess her struggles, irrational or We came to learn, many years When the time came for James’s inside. otherwise. Suddenly, she no after that encounter, that this contract to be renewed, for ex­ longer felt trapped and isolated. poor woman’s pastor-husband ample, the chairman o f the el­ This trusted new friend freed divorced her and left the church ders invited him out to lunch to Caroline to love her church fami­ in shame. He spent so much time discuss pertinent matters. “Ask ly in a new way. Rather than re­ with his counseling practice that Caroline to come too,” he said. coil inside herself, emotionally he was never home, day or At the table, he said up front bound and stewing about dys­ night, and had compromised ^at he thought it was always a functions and hard moments, himself more than once in inap­ 8°od idea to ask the pastor’s she and her friend prayed about propriate behavior toward some wife whether or not the family them and then let them go. In o f his female counselees. The

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch , A pril, M ay 1998 INISTER’S MATE

church ended up changing the this role, and no small measure of God is finding a foothold in the locks on the building to force his sacrifice. But there is also the heart o f another person. departure. privilege o f sharing the trust of Not long after the call I re­ That sad story made me won­ hurting people who depend upon ceived that interrupted my sies­ der how many pastors’ wives are you, whether you deserve it or ta, Ina called yet another time, crouched behind doors, waiting not— like Ina’s confidence that asking for prayer. This time, for their husbands to come someone would pick up the however, she wanted my hus­ home, and feeling swallowed up phone at the pastor’s house and band and me to come and lay in everybody else’s needs. take a minute to pray for her. hands on her. She was happy to A manual for pastors’ wives in There is also the privilege o f par­ see us, though she looked alto­ the 19th century offered this ticipating in sacred moments gether different in her bathrobe nugget of wisdom: “The key­ when the human heart cries out and slippers, minus the red lips, stone in the fabric o f the rectory for the face of God— like the time arched brows, cheap jewelry, and system is . . . a happy and har­ a friend in our church learned false teeth. She stroked her cat, monious marriage.” Forty years that her sister had been murdered asking if we minded, as we came ago, the standard was the same: and asked me to help break the close to lay our hands on her for “One is impressed by an unruf­ Sometimes news to her mother. The hard prayer. We petitioned the heav­ fled, spiritually sublime, and so­ points and the sacred moments, ens regarding whatever it was cially tranquil countenance [of in tandem, are the brick and mor­ that afflicted her that day, and the minister’s family]” (from tie tar of Kingdom building. The pas­ she felt pleased that we came. Clergy Families, by Paul Mickey tor has been entrusted with the We chuckled as we drove home. and Ginny Ashmore). Beyond ministry soul nurture of the Bride of She died the very next day. I 19th-century rectory “keystones” Christ, and with or without her was glad I had been invited, pm and mid-20th-century “unruffled assent, his wife is part o f that countenances,” David Goetz in trust. With every phone message wife feels Christianity Today, 1997. Used by permis­ “Why Pastor Steve Loves His she takes or relationship she risks, sion. Job” (see p. 12) still maintains that “satisfied pastors are mar­ incapable ried to a satisfied spouse.” But it can be a very fine line between the “satisfied” spouse of leading and the lonely, troubled woman lurking behind closed doors. My husband never forgot that other image. When w e stand together in the receiving line after the ser­ vice, before the crowds descend, women in I’ll brush back that twirl in his hair. He’ll hand me his bulletin while he fixes his tie. As people the art of come by, even as he chats, he will put his arm around my waist now and then. When someone comes through who might step past me, he interjects, “Have you met my wife?” These are little things. But they add up to something much bigger. His hand on my waist tells me that I, no one else, be­ long with him. The passing intro­ ductions assure me that, even if some might pass me by, my hus­ band knows I’m there; he knows my name. When you are in it up to your neck, you don’t always see how high and how good the call o f the God loves you, pastor’s wife can be. There is a I know Robert, degree o f suffering attached to but sometimes I wonder why!

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 FEATURE

shallow waves. Practiced eyes searched for any indication o f a bite. Suddenly, with a loud crack of snapping timber, our silence end­ ed. Body outstretched, his hands clutching at anything and noth­ ing in particular, the preacher flopped backward, disappearing into the murky brown depths. A thunderous splash was followed by the sound o f water rushing back to the pond. Bobbing to the surface, he gulped for air and sputtered unintelligibly. His laughter belched out water and ramed in the light o f a dows as w e sped toward our des­ echoed across the pond. Wading stained-glass cross, the mas­ tination loaded with gear. Brief to the dock, he managed to roll sive figure of the preacher attempts at conversation were onto its planked floor. Facedown, appeared larger than life. handicapped by the lingering fog a puddle quickly forming around Filling the heavy oak pulpit of drowsiness. It was too early him, his whole body shook with centered on the platform, he in­ for anything except fishing. uncontrollable laughter. spired awe in those gathered for In the nearness of the car, the Several minutes passed before the Sunday morning service. rising sun revealed features of he attempted to stand. Water- Wearing the mantle of spiritual the minister on his day off. Thick soaked clothing clutched and leadershipF like a well-tailored gray hair, tousled by sleep, stuck dragged at his body as he hauled suit, he looked very much the out in defiance to the single pass himself upright and hobbled to­ part of the man of God. Unques­ o f a comb. Dark stubble o f a ward dry ground. When he re­ tionably in his element, he com­ heavy beard roughened his face. turned to the platform moments manded reverence and respect as His faded blue single pocket T- later, I got my first glimpse o f the his thunderous voice boomed shirt, worn thin near the belly, reverend in a new and unexpect­ with authority: “Thus saith the sported a small hole at the end ed light. Lord... o f a threadbare runner. Up close, He was a large man filled with Warming up to the message, the man o f God did not appear fried chicken and Sunday roast the preacher’s thick neck bulged nearly so imposing. as w ell as the Holy Spirit. Cast­ as he passionately delivered his On a secluded farm two turns ing his line in a new direction, sermon. Trickles o f sweat mean­ from the main gravel road, we his heavy chest threw a shadow dered through well combed hair found the promised land of fish­ across an ample belly. Black and dropped onto his damp col­ ing ponds. A heavily weathered socks and dark canvas shoes lar. Nostrils flared and face red­ dock protruding from the grassy starkly contrasted the white on dened with emotion, he tugged shore offered an ideal platform white o f basic briefs and un­ at the knot in his tie as he for well-placed casts. Stately old tanned flesh while a stringer o f gulped in air and made a final trees rimmed the banks in a wet clothes drip-dried in the sun. plea. Penetrating eyes scanned large semicircle stretching far­ Rivulets of water coursed the faces o f his unmoving audi­ ther than we cared to walk. Be­ through matted hair and ence searching for one who yond the trees, tall reeds spiked dropped onto his bare shoulders. would respond. Three stanzas of with cattails swayed in a gentle Little about the scene suggested “Amazing Grace” and a brief breeze. It was the perfect fishing the pulpit o f Sunday morning. benediction concluded the ser­ spot. It was a revelation o f sorts. Be­ vice. Choosing the sun-drenched hind the trappings of the office An early morning phone call dock, the preacher readied two was a man. Underneath it all, rousted me out o f a deep sleep poles and cast his lines into the the man of the cloth was plain and reminded me o f the plans water. His legs grew tired wait­ white cotton. The preacher’s We had made. Having accepted ing for elusive catfish to respond laughter rumbled as he looked an invitation to go fishing with to the bait. Resting his bulk on my way. In the harsh glare of the reverend, I found myself in the rough-hewn handrailing, sunlight reflecting o ff the water, ^e passenger seat of an old weatherbeaten boards sagged he no longer looked formidable. Buick swaying on weak shocks. BY GARY SHANK under the weight. All was quiet He was a man of God to be sure; The cool damp scent o f daybreak Freelance writer as red and white plastic floats no less a man of God, he was no rushed through half-opened win­ O l a t h e , K a n s a s slow danced to the rhythm of more than a man. PM

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 PREACHING HELPS

Holy Spirit as our Paraclete (One called alongside us as well as to reside in us) and Source for em­ powerment. The intent is to pro­ vide continuity from Passion Week to Pentecost Sunday. May you be blessed in the process of intertwining the text o f Scripture with the text o f life during this series. A sermon serves as a catalyst to enable the listener or wor­ shiper to be more receptive to the voice o f God. The internal communication o f the Spirit in conjunction with Scripture re­ minds us o f the life, ministry, teachings, death, and resurrec­ tion o f our Lord Jesus. The eter­ nal and living Word became in­ p v reaching is an act of wor- an approachable friend, (3) hon­ carnate to reveal the Father. We [ I ship. God is the Speaker, est striving to embody and ex­ also are His instruments to share r He reveals himself through hibit Christlikeness by integrity the spoken word in the medium His Word so that we can and transparency, as w ell as (4) o f preaching, but God thily is the 1 respond. He sovereignly sharing of one’s energies as a Announcer in the divine-human elects to utilize human agents personal caregiver and promot­ encounter! s His mouthpieces to persuade ing common goals. We essential­ nd prompt His people to action, ly influence and impact others MY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY herefore, we must not substi- by our character and credibility To pattern after our Lord and lte sales pitches for persuasion. when w e enflesh the presence of Savior Jesus Christ ministry must 1 the overarching providential Jesus while walking alongside be incamational, therefore a rocess o f intertwining the text others. minister must model or display a f Scripture with the text o f life, A sermon serves as a catalyst Christlike lifestyle. Ministry is nly His supernatural power can to enable the listener to be more both foremost and fundamental­ istill the motivation for persons receptive to the voice of God, via ly an interplay o f personal en­ ) be in relationship with him- the internal Word of His Spirit, counters. ilf. God is the Announcer in the who reminds us of the life, min­ Our Lord has privileged us ivine-human encounter! istry, teachings, death, and resur­ with a tremendous responsibility. Our responsibility regards the rection o f the Son. We simply He entrusted us with both the lessage and ministry o f recon- serve as instruments o f the eter­ message and the ministry of rec­ liation. Sermons that reflect nal, Living Word who became in­ onciliation. Sermons that reflect le divine involvement in life carnate to reveal the Father. This God’s ongoing activity and opti­ pen the way to reflections series o f sermons focuses on the mum involvement in our lives bout one’s participation in that seven last statements of Christ provide incentive and inspiration :velation. The minister assists on the Cross, an Easter message, for people to participate and to l interrelating the two. Since pastoral messages for encourage­ respond appropriately to that od initiates the communica- ment during the special holidays revelation. Preaching is actually on, our role is one o f incama- in May, and special emphases on an act o f worship! PM onal influence and integration. PREPARED BY DAVID the Holy Spirit as our Paraclete Ministry must be incamational and Source for empowerment. A. HOFFMAN ) be effective. Four components ave shaped my thinking or phi- SELECTION OF SERMON SERIES isophy o f ministry in relating The series o f sermons con­ ith people: (1) intentional in- tained herein focuses on the jlvement and investment in the “Seven Last Statements o f Christ i/es o f people as a “significant on the Cross,” an Easter mes­ ther” and spiritual confidant, sage, pastoral messages to en­ i) development o f interpersonal courage your people during the :lationships by means of com- special holiday events in May tunicating rapport and trust as and a special emphasis on the

T he Preacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 52 PREACHING HELPS

However, this is a prayer for pardon in the midst o f His own painful death. He offers intercession for indignity and compassion for contempt. A great preacher o f the 19th century was asked what Jesus’ Pardoning he would do differently if he had the opportunity to be­ gin again. He replied, “I’d preach more on forgiveness.” The word “forgiveness” is mentioned 145 times in the New Testament. Jesus exchanges the intentional injury of words from Prayer for the lips of aggravated, angry assassins determined to murder Him for His acceptance and acquittal. Rather than demanding justice, deciding to get revenge, or dooming them with retaliation, Jesus instead spoke in their defense and prayed to His Father for mercy on their behalf. by David A. Hoffman Alexander Pope, greatest English poet o f the early Luke 23:26-27, 32-41 1700s, stated, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” Forgiveness! What a wonderful freedom, or release, for INTRO both the recipient— the one who is forgiven— and the for­ For the next two months w e w ill study in a series deal­ given It requires letting go. Let’s look at the example of ing with the “Seven Last Statements o f Christ on the our Lord. Remember His words: “Father, forgive them, for Cross.” they do not know what they are doing.” 1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). I. FORGIVENESS MEANS SEPARATING THE OFFENDER 2. “Dear woman, here is your son” and “Here is your FROM THE OFFENSE (VV. 3 2 -3 4 ) mother” (John 19:26-27). In the context o f the passage, verses 26-27 point out 3. “I tell you the truth, today you w ill be with me in the procession of Jesus carrying the Cross to Calvary, or paradise” (Luke 23:43). Golgotha, “the place called the Skull” (v. 33). Simon from 4. “M y God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Cyrene is seized and summoned to carry the Cross behind (Matt. 27:46). Jesus. The Romans made it a spectacle while our Lord 5. “I am thirsty” (John 19:28). struggled and staggered from the extreme physical weak­ 6. “It is finished!” (John 19:30, n a s b ). ness and exhaustion of the previous night’s examination 7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke ordeals before the Sanhedrin. 23:46). Barclay describes the scene in his book The Mind o f Je­ A person’s last words prior to death are memorable due sus. to their long-lasting effect and lifetime impact on loved When the place o f crucifixion was reached, the cross ones. In this series we will marvel at Jesus’ model o f com­ was laid flat on the ground and the criminal was then passion and mercy. Also, there is a tremendous focus on laid on top of it.... As the criminal was stretched up­ the spiritual and physical needs o f others as w ell as an on the cross, the nails were driven through his hands. emphasis upon His relationship with His Heavenly Father. Frequently at that moment victims cursed and swore Scripture Reading: Luke 23:26-27, 32-41 and shrieked and spat at their executioners, but it was The text for today is Luke 23:34. It is Jesus’ first state­ then that Jesus prayed: ‘Father, forgive them; for they ment on the Cross in the form of a prayer. He prays a know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34 [kjv]). Then in a prayer o f forgiveness for His persecutors. Note how He moment o f searing agony the cross was lifted up and pardons His mockers— the large number o f people, self- set in its socket with the victim hanging on it (p. 241). righteous religious rulers, unruly ridiculing Roman sol­ Barclay elsewhere comments, “Love can go no further diers, and even one o f the criminals who hurled insults at than to think more o f the heartbreak o f the man who Him. wronged it than o f the hurt that it itself has received.” This certainly is not the last prayer o f His ministry, nor ILLUS. Jesus’ parable o f the prodigal son in Luke 15 even the final prayer that He prays on the Cross, which is displays this principle so well. O f course, the true focus is “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 46). Inci­ on the unconditional love of the father for the unruly life dentally, Jesus prayed many significant prayers during o f his son. The runaway rebel remembered the generosity His earthly ministry. Luke records more about Jesus’ o f his father to the servants. The faithfulness and loving­ prayer life than any o f the other Gospels. kindness o f the father’s character prompted him to re­ Jesus spent the night in prayer before selecting His dis­ spond. Consequently, forgiving grace is when someone ciples, taught them the model Lord’s Prayer in reply to believes in you, even though you have behaved disgrace­ their request, and later prayed repeatedly in the Garden fully. The parable says, ‘“For this son of mine was dead of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they be­ (22:42). John’s Gospel also records His high-priesdy gan to celebrate” (v. 24). prayer. ILLUS. Bob Benson, o f the Benson Music Company in

T he P r e a c h e r ’ s M a g a z i n e • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 53 PREACHING HELPS

Nashville, came home one evening to find a note left by On one hand, we are all awakened to the guilt in our his sleeping son. It read: “Father, please forgive me. I did lives by how we scorn the love o f God. On the other something bad today.” hand, we are also attracted to the grace o f God because Bob told his wife, Peg, “There’s nothing he could ever of His love and willingness to forgive and save us. If He do that would make me love him any less.” would have saved himself, then we would certainly be Forgiveness is possible only by grace. It is offering to an doomed for eternity. Instead, we can spend eternity with offender one’s kindness, even though it is truly unde­ Him because Jesus decided to “save others,” not himself. served. Forgiveness is a gift to the guilty. Instead o f hu­ miliation God gives honor for true humility. God hates III. FORGIVENESS MEANS SETTING THE sin, but He loves sinners. Gratitude appropriates forgiv­ PRISONER FREE (VV. 4 0 -4 1 ) ing, pardoning grace. I once read a statement on a coffee mug: “If you love Jesus separated the offenders from the offense: “Father, something, set it free! If it comes back to you, it belongs forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” to you. If it doesn’t, it was never yours to begin with.” (emphases added). The rulers “sneered,” the soldiers Truly, God loved His creation enough to sovereignly “mocked,” and one o f the criminals “hurled insults” at limit His power. A paradox exists between divine sover­ Him (w . 35, 36, 39). In return, Jesus prayed for pardon eignty and human freedom. Yet divine foreknowledge ac­ and interceded for His persecutors. knowledged the risk of rebellious rejection. God contin­ ues to enable mankind to respond to His unconditional II. FORGIVENESS MEANS REFUSING TO freeness of grace offered in the atoning death o f Jesus. SAVE ONESELF (VV. 3 5 -3 9 ) Grace is optimistic! A straightforward statement has been attributed to Prisoner! Wait a minute! Wasn’t Jesus the Prisoner? Napoleon: “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself Well, yes and no. To be politically correct, He was a pris­ founded empires, but upon what did w e rest the cre­ oner temporarily under Roman rule and Jewish conspira­ ations o f our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone cy, but not spiritually It was His own voluntary constraint founded his kingdom upon love, and at this day millions as well as compulsion to die a criminal’s death on the o f men would die for him” (Harmon, The Interpreter’s Bi­ cursed Cross. ble, 603). There is a tenderness in Jesus’ prayer. He extends to Force versus forgiveness. The former produces rancor, you a gracious invitation: “Father, forgive______while the latter provisionally and potentially results in [fill in your name], for he or she does not know what he reconciliation. The former brings resentment, while the or she is doing.” latter breeds respect. Jesus’ resolve is to love others, not Simply respond, ‘Jesus, I accept Your offer of forgive­ to leash them nor to lash out at them. ness and prayer o f pardon. I know I am a sinner and that Notice the suppositional doubt and coarse conjecture I cannot save myself. Thank You, Lord, for revealing Your of each of the persecutors in conjunction with their own love for me by Your death and resurrection. I believe You hidden agenda. They condemn Jesus for rejecting self- are alive! Come and live in my heart. Amen.” preservation. The rulers said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ o f God, the Chosen One” (v. 35). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER The soldiers said, “If you are the king o f the Jews, save Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes yourself” (v. 37). Call to Worship...... Eph. 4:29— 5:2 One o f the criminals hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you Hymns ...... “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (v. 39). “To God Be the Glory” However, the other criminal rebuked his fellow felon in “And Can It Be?” crime. Instead o f sarcasm and ridicule, he pronounces his Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar holy reverence for the innocence of Christ. He points out Chorus...... Sing “The Lord’s Prayer” Together the unjust punishment Jesus has received. It was proba­ Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings bly Jesus’ pardoning reply that softened his heart and Special Music made him tender toward God! The choice is ours as well. Sermon Series ...... Seven Last Statements of Christ I am reminded of a quote the teens once displayed on on the Cross our church sign in an earlier pastorate: “God considered Scripture...... Luke 23:26-27, 32-41 you in His plans; why not consult Him in yours?” God Message...... “JESUS’ PARDONING PRAYER provisionally included each o f us in Jesus’ pardoning FOR PERSECUTORS” prayer, but we must respond by His prevenient (going be­ Chorus ...... “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” fore) grace to be involved in His redemptive plan. Later, Closing Prayer for Forgiveness from God, we will deal with the second criminal’s request: ‘Jesus, for Others and Oneself remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. Benediction ...... 2 Cor. 5:19 42).

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for each o f them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s A Last Will and decide by lot who will get it’” (w . 23-24). It was customary for a Jew to wear five articles of clothing: shoes, turban, girdle, tunic, and outer robe. The four soldiers rolled dice for four o f the items and then again to decide who would become the owner o f the Testament robe, since they did not want to cut it into quarters. In The Mind o f Jesus, Barclay explains: “Now there was by David A. Hoffman a Jewish custom in regard to the great outer robe. It was John 19:16-27 not in shops that clothes were bought in those days; they were made at home. It was the mother who w ove the INTRO cloth and cut and sewed and shaped it; and usually, be­ Last week we reflected upon the first statement in the fore a son left home to go out into the world, his mother’s series on the “Seven Last Statements of Christ on the last gift to him was a great outer robe, woven and made Cross.” with her own hands” (p. 242). Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not The apathy o f the soldiers’ actions makes one aghast! know what they are doing” (Luke 23:43), were actually a Allow the lack of emotion and interest on their part to prayer for those who had cruelly had Him crucified! He saturate your soul. It is a pathetic feeling, a moment o f was willing to pardon them for their punitive acts. He pathos to us: “No picture so shows the indifference o f the showed them mercy in spite o f their mocking. He had world to Christ. There on the Cross Jesus was dying in compassion on them despite their cynicism. He refused to agony; and there at the foot o f the Cross the soldiers retaliate with a vengeful spirit. When hostility against threw their dice as if it did not matter.. . . The tragedy is Him exhibited its worst, His compassion counteracted not the hostility o f the world to Christ; the tragedy is the with its best. world’s indifference which treats the love of God as if it Today we shall consider Jesus’ second statement while did not matter” (William Barclay, The Gospel o f John, Vol­ on Calvary’s cross. Actually, it is a combination of a pair ume 2 in the Daily Study Bible Series [Philadelphia: of short statements to both His mother, Mary, and to His Westminster Press, 1955], 254). beloved disciple, John. The two are compacted with com­ passionate thoughts o f His family members. II. THE OBJECTIVE OF LOVE IS INTIMACY (VV. 2 5 -2 7 ) First, we will compare and contrast the attitudes and What a vivid contrast! Pilate and Jesus. Calloused Ro­ activities o f the characters in the Crucifixion story as man ruler and compassionate Redeemer. Apathy versus recorded in this passage. There exists a vast difference in affection! priorities between the calloused Romans and the compas­ Christ has provided the access or entrance into the very sionate Redeemer. Compare Pilate and the four soldiers presence of God’s throne room. He offers us intimacy with with Jesus and the three women alongside John. We will the Father by His loving sacrifice on the Cross. Sinful also highlight two vital principles. mankind could never approach a holy God in any other way. Paul also says, “For there is one God and one mediator I. THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE IS INDIFFERENCE (VV. 16-24) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). Undoubtedly Pilate ordered the inscription of the Someone has said, “God has no grandchildren.” That is words “JESUS OF NAZARETH, th e king o f th e jew s” (v. 19) to a statement reinforcing that a relationship with God be attached to the Cross. He intentionally irritated the through His Son Jesus is personal and intimate. It is Jews with his choice o f words on the notice. The Jews God’s objective in love. Therefore, He must never be rele­ predictably objected to the statement. In fact, they had gated in our lives as a “rabbit’s foot Redeemer” when we just insisted at the tribunal that they had no king but need a good luck charm or desire to have a wish fulfilled. Caesar, partly out of fear but primarily out of manipula­ Perhaps that is what the movie The Robe portrays regard­ tion to coerce Pilate to pronounce the death penalty. ing the soldier who wins it in the dice game. For Pilate, The Jews repeatedly protested, but Pilate refused to al­ Jesus was the “ace in the hole.” ter his official notice. He responded, “What I have writ­ Pilate and the soldiers were self-serving because they ten, I have written” (v. 22). In fact, “the sign was written were indifferent to eternal and spiritual matters. They in Aramaic, Latin and Grdek” (v. 20). The message was were only concerned about temporal and material mat­ certainly a clear gouge at the religious conscience o f the ters. However, Jesus was self-sacrificing because o f an en­ citizens gathered at Jerusalem for their Passover feast. Pi­ larged perspective. late intended to communicate his message to a universal The disciple John, whom Jesus loved, turns his attention audience across the empire. to those who were standing with him as eyewitnesses Next, note the attention John gives to the clothes, par­ watching the crucifixion of Jesus. Four women are identi­ ticularly the seamless robe, o f Jesus in relation to the sol­ fied— his mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and diers. The Bible states, “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, Mary Magdalene. John focuses on the tenderness o f Jesus’ they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one love for His mother. They shared many memories together

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including birth, childhood, home in Nazareth, and His itiner­ der Mosaic law, but Elisha was inspired by God to advise ant ministry, beginning with the miracle at Cana in Galilee. the woman to collect empty jars from her neighbors. Af­ Jesus was affectionately concerned about the welfare terward, she continued to pour oil out o f her own vessel of Mary. Tradition tells us that Joseph was already de­ into each container until every jar was filled. She sold the ceased. Furthermore, Jesus became the “firstborn” o f the oil to pay her debts. The miracle demonstrated God’s family, both theirs and God’s (Col. 1:15). Mary’s weeping mercy. Jesus displayed the same mercy on the Cross. communicated her anguish and grief about His imminent Later, Paul also captured the true essence o f Christian death. From the Cross Jesus empathized with her excruci­ love: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. ating pain, so He spoke to John and requested that he 1:21). He understood the last will and testament o f his console her as a surrogate son. Master! Incidentally, the plight o f the w idow in biblical times Although Mary perhaps thought that children are sup­ had especially created this genuine concern for her well­ posed to outlive their parents, Jesus was thinking more of being. Jesus’ request o f John reiterated the hope that God the sorrows of others, especially Mary, than of His own heard the lament o f the mourner. John honored His re­ sorrows. He knew He could not commit her to the care of quest and recorded his loyalty: “From that time on, this His brothers (cf. list in Matt. 13:55), “for even his own disciple took her into his home” (v. 27). brothers did not believe in him” (John 7:5). Widows in the Bible came under God’s special care. Of course, we do learn in the Book of Acts that at least Note God’s symbolic use of widowhood in Isa. 54:4-5, re­ one brother of our Lord, James, did confess Christ as Lord ferring to the nation of Israel: “Remember no more the and later became the leader of the Jerusalem Council as well reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your as author of the Epistle o f James in the General Episdes. husband— the L o r d Almighty is his name— the Holy One In conclusion, Jesus entrusted His mother to the care of Israel is your Redeemer.” of John. After all, John was Jesus’ cousin, being Salome’s The writer utilizes metaphorical language to express son, and he was “the disciple whom he loved” (v. 26). God’s covenant promise of unfailing love to encourage Mary and John would mutually comfort each other in the nation of Israel. Several other scriptures where God their heartache, grief, loss, and loneliness. pledges to protect the w idow include Exod. 22:22; Deut. 10:18; 14:29; Pss. 68:5; 146:9; Prov. 15:25; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 7:3-7; 1 Cor. 7:8; 1 Tim. 5:3, 4, 9-10; James 1:27. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Acts 6:1-7 records how the early apostolic church looked Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes after the widows, especially the Grecian widows, after a Call to Worship ...... Ps. 103:8-18 protest regarding oversight. Choral Introit ...... “It’s Time to Praise the Lord” For example, in retrospect remember Naomi and Ruth, Hymns ...... “At Calvary” her daughter-in-law, were both widows in the Old Testa­ “I Know Whom I Have Believed” ment. God’s gracious plan o f the kinsman-redeemer came Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar to their rescue. Hymn ...... “God Will Take Care of You” Also, recall the story of the widow of Zarephath and Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings her son. God summoned Elijah to Sidon, saying: “Go at Special Music once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have com­ Serm on...... “A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT” manded a widow in that place to supply you with food” Scripture...... John 17:16-27 (1 Kings 17:9). In the providential timing of God, He sent Close with Family Units Praying in Circles Elijah to her in a desperate moment of need. The w idow Benediction ...... 2 Tim. 1:12 was gathering a few sticks to take home and prepare the final meal for herself and her son, “that we may eat it— and die” (v. 12). PASTORAL PRAYER However, God replenished her last resource by promis­ Use the poem “One Solitary Life.” It can be obtained from ing, “The jar o f flour will not be used up and the jug o f your local Christian bookstore. oil will not run dry until the day the L o r d gives rain on the land” (v. 14). Afterward, a daily allotment was always available. CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS

Some time later her son became ill, his health rapidly C l o s in g P r a y e r deteriorated, and he died. Elijah trusted God to resusci­ Have families meet in groups to petition God that none of tate the boy and bring him back to life. Three times he the circle will be broken. Invite singles, single parents, wid­ stretched himself out on the boy and prayed to God, and ows, divorced persons, and so on to join a group of their own the boy lived (cf. w . 17-24). choice, most likely including someone they are closely associ­ Another familiar widow in the Old Testament is record­ ated with. Each unit should have a season of prayer for lost ed in 2 Kings 4. Her husband belonged to the company of loved ones and relatives who do not know Christ as Savior because of attitudes of indifference, resentment, or hostility. the prophets. Upon his death a creditor attempted to take the two sons as slaves. Such servitude was permitted un­

The Preacher’s Magazine • March, April, May 1998 PREACHING HELPS

to royalty” (Tyndale, 328). The criminal reverenced Je­ sus’ royalty. He refers to Him as a King, not a con artist or crook like himself. Jesus’ rightful place is reserved on a k Crook in Paradise? throne, the throne o f our hearts. Truly, His kingdom is spiritual rather than spherical. Although Jesus did suffer by David A. Hoffman an agonizing death, He is sovereign as the Almighty.

Luke 23:39-43 As a last chance to be changed, the thief offers a prayer request. Even though all he had was a prayer, he had fi­ INTRO nally met the One to whom he should pray Paraphrasing Ted Bundy. Terrified Florida community. Serial killer. his words, he essentially asked, ‘Any chance You could put Product o f pornography. Violence led to innocent victims. in a good word for me when You enter Your kingdom?” Finally a solid suspect. Arrest and arraignment. Trial. Jesus, in response, basically replies: “Consider it done. Conviction. Verdict o f death penalty. Justice will be You’ll be with Me today in My glory.” In essence, the served. He’ll receive what he deserves. criminal was convinced that death was not final. He be­ Fears alleviated. Unmerciful murderer will be executed lieved Jesus would triumph. and exterminated. Suddenly, news is released o f his con­ fession of repentance and restitution. He pleads for an in­ II. JESUS REWARDED THE CRIMINAL'S TRANSFER terview with Dr. James Dobson prior to his court-ordered OF LOYALTY date with destiny. Bundy appeared genuinely sorrowful Most o f us are skeptical about deathbed conversions on videotaped interview. Could it be true? An execution­ and last-minute loyalties attributed to our Savior in the er’s death would be exchanged for eternal life due to a di­ midnight hour of life. Many of us would scoff and doubt vine merciful Judge! the sincerity o f the penitence from such Mafia personali­ Jesus’ life and now His impending death tended to po­ ties or mobster crooks as A1 Capone. Likewise, the majori­ larize people. Case in point. Two criminals on crosses, ty o f us would question and repudiate any source who one on each side o f Jesus. Different responses— rejection claimed that Adolf Hitler made his peace with God prior and reception. to committing suicide. Initially, both criminals “heaped insults” on Him, ac­ However, in this instance o f the criminal on the cross, cording to Mark 15:32. Jesus honored his humble plea for help. He heard his One of the criminals reflected on his eternal destiny S.O.S. distress signal. Jesus extended His mercy and of­ and on the eternal One. If Jesus was willing to pardon fered him eternal fellowship in the family o f God. His persecutors, then perhaps He would pardon him if he Note the vocal address of the criminal in referring to were penitent. Him as ‘Jesus” (v. 42). Earlier the crowd, rulers, soldiers, and thieves sarcastically insulted the Lord as “the Christ I. THE CRIMINAL RECOGNIZED of God, the Chosen One,” “the king of the Jews,” and “the JESUS' TRIUMPHANT ROYALTY Christ” (w . 35, 37, 39). In contrast, Jesus is the Greek The criminal expressed trust in Jesus by verbalizing his form of Joshua, which means “the Lord saves.” Recall belief, both to his fellow felon and to our Lord. Matthew’s record o f the angelic message to Joseph re­ First, he rebuked the other criminal: “Don’t you fear garding Mary’s maternity: “She will give birth to a son, God, since you are under the same sentence? We are pun­ and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will ished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. save his people from their sins” (1:21). But this man has done nothing wrong” (w . 40-41). Wow! Jesus rewarded the criminal right away with an The “sentence” was the death penalty! Capital punish­ assurance. He answered him, “I tell you the truth, today ment had been perfected by the Romans in the cruel form you w ill be with me in paradise” (v. 43). The promise was o f crucifixion. It was certainly a painful and, usually, pro­ based on Jesus’ personal authority. The phrase “I tell you longed type of death. It exemplified the fate for vigi­ the truth” is translated from the Greek word “amen.” It lantes, mercenaries, and rebels. After all, fear is usually a expresses both a positive and affirmative response. In deterrent to crime. Otherwise, criminals would suffer the other words, “Yes, so be it; you will be with Me eternally.” consequences at their own peril. However, he insisted on Eternal destiny for humanity was a beginning. Jesus re­ Jesus’ innocence. assured the criminal with the word “today.” When anyone Second, the criminal addressed Jesus with a personal realizes what is at stake spiritually, then God allows one plea: ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your to be able to partake. Eternal life begins in a moment o f kingdom” (v. 42). Something in Jesus’ character spoke to time. O f course, the thief experienced its reality in his last the second thief. He sensed a compassionate, instead of a few dying moments. cantankerous, spirit, gentleness rather than grudges, re­ Similarly, the apostle Paul later stressed this truth to serve in place o f resdessness, mercy instead o f a maverick the Corinthians: “Now is the time of God’s favor; now mentality, boldness but not being belligerent, and humili­ [today, t l b ] is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). The first ty, not haughtiness. half of Paul’s statement deals with kairos time, that is, ap­ The plea was personal: “Remember me when you come propriate time, right timing. It is not sequential or into your kingdom.” Leon Morris comments on the chronological time. Instead, it refers to a sense of urgency phrase “into your kingdom” as “in the glory appropriate and relevancy. Again, the Bible says, “Let us then ap-

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proach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we vinced that there is life after death. His confidence in may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time Christ, then resulted in a personal commitment. He be­ [eukairos] of need” (Heb. 4:16). The criminal’s confi­ lieved in Jesus’ royal Lordship. With spiritual eyes he re­ dence in Christ came in the nick o f time. It is an expres­ ceived a vision of the spiritual Kingdom. This inferred the sion o f God’s grace, but it should be the exception. Resurrection before it became a reality or, at least, faith Compare the mercy o f Jesus’ statement with the strict in eternity. scriptural warning in the Old Testament, repeated in the “Today you w ill be with me in paradise” (v. 43). “Par­ New, that states, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not adise,” a Persian term originally. The word was associated harden your hearts [as you did in the rebellion, during with garden settings such as a stroll with royalty to com­ the time o f testing in the desert]” (Ps. 95:7-8; Heb. 3:7-8, mune in privacy and close intimacy. Availability and ac­ 15; 4:7). The first criminal, by his sarcasm and unbelief, cessibility enhanced personal communication. Jesus’ displayed such stubbornness as the Israelites did at promise was authentic to the criminal then and to the Kadesh-barnea. Christian today. In conclusion, Lloyd Ogilvie said: “God graciously di­ III. JESUS RESPONDS TO TRANSPARENT vided our life into days and years so that we could let go NOVELTY OF CONFESSION of our yesterdays and anticipate our tomorrows. For the The second criminal confided in Christ as his only past mistakes, He offers forgiveness and an ability to for­ Hope. He trusted in a gracious God, therefore he received get. For our tomorrows, He gives us the gift o f expecta­ mercy. tion and excitement.” Why would Jesus pardon someone who wasted his The criminal deserved hell, but he received heaven or whole life and, at the last few minutes prior to death, have paradise. This is not justification for procrastination! No. mercy on him? Fundamentally, Jesus’ love is never condi­ This is justification for justification by grace through faith. tioned or ever dependent upon what we do. The criminal We are all crooks except for the life-changing, transform­ had intrinsic value as a person created in the image o f ing power Jesus Christ brings to our lives. We do not de­ God. He was certainly not worthy, but he did have worth. serve His love either, but God graciously gives us the per­ One’s perspective of God, which is usually distorted or sonal promise that we can be with Him again forever. skewed, enters here also. ILLUS. For example, a seminary student once wrote, “I see God the Father as a very large person approximately SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER 2,000 times the size o f a human. I see Him as an old Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes man. His hair is white and His face is wrinkled. I see Him Call to Worship as stern and austere, rather than gentle and loving; and Choruses ...... “This Is the Day” yet there is a certain amount o f distant kindness in Him” “I Will Enter His Gates” (James D. Hamilton, The Faces of God [Beacon Hill Press “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” of Kansas City, 1984], 9). Songs...... “Heaven Came Down” Dr. Hamilton, professor emeritus of pastoral counseling “In the Garden” at Nazarene Theological Seminary, declared, “The mental Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar image we have of God determines how we will relate to Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings Him. Thus, w e give God a face, and it is how we see His Special Music face that determines the nature of our religion [or per­ Message ...... “A CROOK IN PARADISE?” sonal relationship with God]” (ibid., 8). Closing Chorus...... “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” Occasionally, someone will say that he or she is so bad, Benediction ...... 2 Cor. 5:17 corrupt, or sinful that God could never forgive the past. Unfortunately, the focus is faulty. God’s character, not one’s corruption, will adjust one’s perception and “felt CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS concept” of God. Grace, not guilt, portrays a compassion­ C all to Worship ate Lord. Obviously, conviction is a part o f God’s awaken­ The church is never true to itself when it is living for itself. ing process to draw people to himself. If the church is chiefly concerned with saving its own life, it The second criminal exemplifies the truth that Jesus is will lose it. “The nature of the church is such that it must al­ the face of grace! He sensed Jesus’ love, compassion, gen­ ways be engaged in finding new ways by which to transcend tleness, and mercy. His was a novel or newfound faith in itself. Its main responsibility is always outside its own walls in a forgiving God. the redemption of common life. That is why we call it a re­ demptive society” (Elton Trueblood). IV. COMMITMENT TO JESUS REMINDS US OF THE “The attitude we take and the adjustments we make have JOVIALITY OF LIFE'S CONSUMMATION everything to do with the atmosphere we create.” The convicted criminal understood and became con­

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• Person waiting in the cancer ward o f a hospital or clinic for the inevitable day. Can you hear their screams, whether silent or sound­ Fear of Feeling ed? Cries of “Why?” “Where are You?” The response of si­ lence is even more deafening! Feelings o f loneliness and abandonment. ILLUS. A newspaper reporter from the Miami Herald captured a story that stunned the coastline o f Florida. Ju­ Forsaken dith Bucknell, a 38-year-old woman, was murdered by being stabbed seven times and strangled in the summer by David A. Hoffman of 1980. Ps. 22:1-18; Matt. 27:45-49 Judy was attractive, respectable, and successful. She wore designer clothes. She hosted parties by the bay. She INTRO was not a social outcast and had never been in trouble in In reading Ps. 22, we are confronted with the con­ her life. sciousness o f a sufferer. As a messianic prophecy of She had many acquaintances but very few friends. She Christ’s crucifixion, it stands also as an emotion-packed, was extremely lonely! Her diary read: “Who is going to detailed description of His execution. love Judy Bucknell? I feel so old. Unloved. Unwanted. Do you feel the impact of the alienation and abandon­ Abandoned. Used up. I want to cry and sleep forever.” ment Jesus experienced? Loneliness is a cry, a moan, a sigh! Sadly, for some it is “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matt. a way of life. Maybe some have fooled others as Judy 27:46) implies you too! Emphasis added in the phrase in Bucknell did. No one really knows just how lonely you order to understand the true agony He felt. are. On the outside everything seems OK. Your smile is Jesus not only encountered the awfulness and ugliness quick, your job is stable, your calendar is full, your of rejection and rebellion by humanity but also sensed clothes are in style, and your talk is impressive. But in the the trauma of the loneliness and separation from His Fa­ mirror you cannot fool anyone. The loneliness reflects ther. back from your face. While He prayed in the Garden o f Gethsemane, Jesus God created humans to be social and spiritual beings. realized this aspect. However, the actual separation was We thrive in the context of relationships with significant excruciating. Previous isolation and denial had only origi­ others. Our felt need is a sense o f belonging. Everyone nated from His disciples and the religious rulers. Maybe needs to love and to be loved. We feel the need for inti­ He did not consider that His Father would have to turn mate fellowship with others and especially with God. His head and look away. Nevertheless, it was more than Reuben Welch pointed out, “We really do need each oth­ our Lord could handle. er.” John Donne wrote, “No man is an island.”

I. OUR LORD IDENTIFIED WITH HUMAN FEELINGS II. OUR LORD IDENTIFIED WITH HUMAN FEAR The writer to the Hebrews shared that as our Great James Dobson highlights, “Emotions are powerful High Priest, Jesus was “touched with the feeling of our forces in the human mind.” Fear particularly haunts our infirmities” (4:15, k j v ) . Not just the facts, but with the emotional and mental constitution. feelings. He could identify with our weaknesses, frailties, Our adversary and enemy, the devil, enjoys creating insecurities, anxieties, and emotional shortcomings. chaos in us emotionally. Again Dobson says, “Satan is ef­ Abandonment was one emotion He had not yet experi­ fective in using weapons of guilt, rejection, fear, embar­ enced. However, Jesus had to “feel” this, or He would not rassment, grief, depression, loneliness, and misunder­ be able to relate to our suffering. standing.” It is difficult to remain objective at times and Imagine several situations that people face when they to use our reason and will in times of distress. feel disoriented. They sense that perhaps God’s protective Intellectually, we have heard slogans such as the one presence has been withdrawn (e.g., life of Job in the Old that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt formerly made Testament). popular, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” • Divorce feeling a part of life is torn away Normally we overcome fear with confidence and a persis­ • Someone lying in a hospital room facing major tent determination to conquer it by continuing in an ac­ surgery with only a 50-50 chance of a successful op­ tivity that numbs or paralyzes us. Another slogan says, eration. “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Despite • Elderly person in a nursing home feeling alone. such macho mottoes, there are still moments in which we • Orphan living in a convalescent home or one who are immobilized by fear emotionally and spiritually. has moved frequently from one foster home to an­ Why are we so afraid? What is fear? We are familiar other. with its crippling nature. Briefly, fear is the feeling o f be­ • Widower or widow missing the companionship of ing on our own. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, his or her spouse. 10th edition, defines it as a “strong emotion caused by • Parents losing a baby due to miscarriage or an incur­ anticipation or awareness o f danger; anxious concern; able disease or transmitted fatal infection. reason for alarm; painful agitation.” Synonyms include

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“dread; apprehension; fright; distress o f mind.” Fear runs Lucado explains, “And when human hands fastened the rampant when there is an involved risk. Fear is more divine hands to a cross with spikes, it wasn’t the soldiers specifically fear o f failure. In this passage, however, I pre­ who held the hands o f Jesus steady. It was God who held fer to emphasize fear as being “on our own.” Matthew them steady. For those wounded hands were the same in­ deals with the cosmic question o f suffering alone. visible hands that had carried the firepot and the torch ILLUS. During World War II, J. B. Phillips, who para­ 2,000 years earlier. They were the same hands that had phrased the New Testament for his youth in London, had brought light into Abraham’s thick and dreadful darkness. frequent bouts o f depression. His wife had died, leaving They had come to do it again.” him a widower. He began corresponding with many peo­ So, the next time that obnoxious neighbor walks in, es­ ple during his pastorate there. He dealt with depression cort him out. Out to the hill. Out to Calvary. Out to the by recreation, seeing humor in everything, keeping a bal­ Cross where, with holy blood, the hand that carried the anced mind, consciously living a day at a time, and not flame wrote the promise, “God would give up his only taking himself so seriously. Son before he’d give up on you” (Six Hours One Friday, 58-59). III. OUR LORD IDENTIFIED WITH HUMAN FORSAKENNESS Jesus’ cry from the Cross was gut-wrenching! God was Philip Keller, in his book Elijah, says: “There are times silent! From His own experience He communicates a we forget the faithfulness o f the Lord. God seems to be­ depth o f personal compassion. Imagine Him listening to come remote and far removed from our struggles. . . . We your heart’s cry with such empathy that no one else can focus on frustrations o f the present.” compare. His pierced hand brushes away the tears from Jesus had been on the Cross for several hours, from 9 your moist eyes. He also was once alone, fearful o f being a.m. until 3 p.m.(the ninth hour). The Bible says: “From on His own. He understands the heartache you feel and the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the fear you experience in feeling forsaken. the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’— which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Barclay comments in The Mind o f Jesus on the biblical Chorus ...... “Family of God” customs as w ell as the scene at the Cross: “The 12 hours Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes o f the Jewish day were counted from 6 a.m. to 6 p .m .. .. Call to W orship...... Joshua 1:1-5 When the sun was at its zenith, instead of the brightness Songs ...... “My Burdens Rolled Away” o f noon there came upon the land a darkness as o f mid­ “He Never Has Failed Me Yet” night, settling on Jerusalem for the next three hours Choruses ...... “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” (Matt. 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44 f )” (p. 243). “His Banner over Me Is Love” The sky had become very dark since noon. Although it Pastoral Prayer was midday, it appeared to be nighttime or midnight. Sud­ Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings denly, Jesus’ despair became darker than the black sky. Drama Skit Max Lucado writes in his book Six Hours One Friday: Special Music ...... “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” “The King turns away from his Prince. The undiluted Scripture ...... Ps. 22:1-18; Matt. 27:45-49 wrath o f a sin-hating Father falls upon his sin-filled Son. Message ...... “FEAR OF FEELING FORSAKEN” The fire envelops him. The shadow hides him. The Son Chorus ...... “Be Still and Know” looks for his Father, but his Father cannot be seen. ‘My Altar Call Prayer for Emotional Healing God, my God .. . why?’ The throne room is dark and cav­ Benediction...... Heb. 13:5 ernous. The eyes o f the King are closed” (p. 103). Approximately 2000 B.C. Abram, the forefather o f the Jews, was approached by God himself. God sovereignly CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS chose to establish a covenant with him, his descendants, D r a m a S kit and all who would believe in Him as their God. A blood Consult the Nazarene Publishing House catalog for drama sacrifice was required. God ordered Abram to cut several resources. The object is to identify the brokenness that occurs animals in half so that a blood channel would serve as a to all of us with a single specific situation. reminder o f His promise to keep His covenant. Darkness C lo s in g P rayer came over Abram because he knew if he walked through Encourage those who feel rejected, abandoned, and forsak­ the blood path, he undoubtedly would be a dead man. en. Be sensitive to such needs. Anoint persons with oil as the God entered the setting with His torch to light the way Spirit directs. Gather your spiritual leaders around them to and promised on oath by His own character to always enhance their sense of support and belonging. Show affirm­ keep the covenant. Jesus honored Abram’s part by sacri­ ing love to them. ficing His own life in his place (cf. Gen. 15).

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When Jesus said, “I am thirsty” (v. 28), one o f the sol­ diers took a reed plant and soaked a sponge in the wine vinegar and moistened Jesus’ lips in order to hear what I Thirst. . . for Thee He had to say next. This act also fulfilled Ps. 69:21, “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” by David A. Hoffman The vinegar would bum His lips. John 19:28-29; Ps. 42:1-5 However, in Jesus’ statement, “I am thirsty,” it is very important to realize it was not just physical thirst He felt. INTRO His thirst was much deeper! Physical thirst is one o f the strongest, most powerful desires a person has. It is vitally important to keep II. SPIRITUAL THIRST IS A THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS enough liquids in the body, or it dehydrates. Since the Spiritual thirst is a craving for fellowship with, and be­ body is composed o f 70 percent water, an extremely high ing in the presence of, God! percentage, it must be replenished with H2O. In His prior statement, “M y God, my God, why have An individual can go long periods o f time without you forsaken me?” Jesus alludes to the feeling of aban­ food, but not without water! Examples in the Bible in­ donment and alienation due to His first experience of clude Moses and Jesus. Both fasted for 40 days and 40 feeling separated from His Heavenly Father. In those last nights. Modern Examples include Gandhi of India, who few hours on the Cross, He vicariously assumed all the peacefully protested against British colonialism. A few sinful wickedness o f humanity as our Sin Offering. Sin years ago a man from New Mexico protested the prolif­ was totally foreign to Him. eration of nuclear weapons at the nation’s capital in Jesus was innocent of wrong and not guilty of any Washington, D.C. crime or sin whatsoever. Yet He was made a Sin Offering Most o f us have seen pictures o f marathon runners for us. He died for us as a sacrificial Passover Lamb. John handed something to drink at crucial intervals during a records in two previous places in his Gospel that Jesus race. The grueling 26-mile race can quickly drain a body’s was “the Lamb of God” who came to take away the sins fluids due to excess perspiration. o f the world (1:29, 36). Jesus’ death substituted for our I once heard a physician say that the events o f Jesus’ own spiritual death, but He also knew He would soon be life within His last 24 hours were equivalent to running a resurrected and back home with His Father. marathon. Since Jesus had “sw eat. . . like drops of Jesus embodied and symbolized the water of life being blood” at Gethsemane (Luke 22:44), had been interrogat­ poured out on the earth for people who are parched and ed by the Sanhedrin at night as well as by Pilate and thirsty for God. We must seek His righteousness in order Herod in the morning, and afterward was beaten, to have our spiritual thirst quenched. scourged, and crucified by the Roman soldiers, His body Listen to the analogy in Ps. 42:1-2 again: “As the deer had to be dehydrated. pants for streams o f water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When I. PHYSICAL THIRST IS A THIRST FOR REPLENISHMENT can I go and meet with God?” Jesus’ comment, “I am Earlier Jesus had refused to drink the drugged wine thirsty,” reflects His own human craving to be with God. that was offered to Him at the beginning of His crucifix­ Jesus was homesick! He had lived among people on the ion. The purpose o f the wine vinegar, prepared and dis­ earth as the incarnate God-man for 33 years. He yearned pensed by the soldiers, served to dull the pain and agony to be once again in the presence o f God. Others had of the physical suffering. However, Jesus wanted to re­ mocked Him, as was prophesied, by saying, “Where is main coherent and feel the full impact o f sin’s curse, so your God?” (Ps. 42:3). It was fulfilled in the Gospels He chose to reject the drug. when the priests mocked, “Let God save Him if He really The reason Jesus requested a drink o f wine toward the is God’s Son” (cf. Matt. 27:43). end was to enable Him to speak the last two statements Jesus was human and experienced all the emotions we from the Cross. Those were: encounter, so He could identify with our plight. He be­ “It is finished!” (John 19:30, n asb ). (A triumphant came discouraged when everyone forsook Him at the shout o f victory.) point of death to die for the sins of the world. Ps. 42:5 “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke says: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so dis­ 23:46). (Repetition o f a prayer taught to every Jewish turbed within me?” child by the mother to symbolize peace and rest while Gratefully, the story does not stop there! The psalmist protected in God’s hands.) adds, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Actually, Ps. 22:15 is a prophecy o f Jesus’ physical Savior and my God.” Augustine prayed, “Thou hast creat­ thirst: “My tongue sticks to the roof o f my mouth.” That’s ed us for thyself, and our hearts are restless until they dry, very dry! find their rest in Thee.” Jesus’ resurrection followed In the southern and central United States one phrase shortly. Because He lives, we have hope. used by farmers when thirsty is, “I’m so dry I could spit Have you been thirsty lately? What are you craving? cotton.” O f course, those were the ones who had spent Thirsting for the spiritual things o f God? The good news long hours in the fields handpicking cotton in the past be­ is what Jesus said in the Beatitudes in His Sermon on the fore mechanized equipment came. Mount, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst [contin-

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ually— present tense] for righteousness, for they will be SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER filled” (Matt. 5:6). You probably have already experienced circumstances Chorus ...... “More of You” that caused you to thirst for God. Life is filled with Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes heartaches, disappointments, misunderstandings, and Call to W orship...... Responsive Reading fear. These things cause us to experience desert times in “Thirsting for God” our lives. God has promised to make streams in the Choruses ...... “Bless His Holy Name” desert. He has promised that He would fill our cups so we “Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome” do not thirst but are filled to overflowing. “Spirit of the Living God” Neither possessions, prestige, power, popularity, nor Hymn ...... “Satisfied” pride will ever satisfy our longing to intimately know the Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar Lord. The only true test for fulfilling such craving is a Choir ...... “In the Garden” Medley personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By sacrificing His Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings own perfect life, Jesus offered to purify us from sin. Special Music ...... “Fill My Cup, Lord” The songwriter depicts it so beautifully: Scripture ...... John 19:28-29; Ps. 42:1-5 Ho, every one that is thirsty in spirit! Message ...... “I THIRST . . . FOR THEE” Ho, every one that is weary and sad! Benediction ...... “Everyone who drinks this water will Come to the fountain; there’s fullness in Jesus, be thirsty again, but whoever All that you’re longing for. Come and be glad. drinks the water I give him will — Lucy J. Rider never thirst. Indeed, the water I As we close singing, come to Jesus. Let Him give you give him will become in him a living water so you may never spiritually thirst again! spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13).

CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS

Call to Worship Share about an incident in which you were severely craving liquids. Physical thirst is one of the strongest desires in hu­ man survival. Spiritual needs also abound. Spiritual thirst is desirous of seeking to be with God and sharing intimacy with Him. Augustine once prayed, “Thou hast created us for thy­ self, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Jesus said: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37-38). Let’s appropriate His promise by drinking in His fullness today!

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center o f His will. At the same time w e both had jobs and were in the process of working on our master’s degrees. Exhaustion and fatigue factors started to drain our energy. N We would drive up on Friday nights, work all day Sat­ urday preparing for an adult Sunday School class, chil­ dren’s church, and teen activities on Sunday, as well as call on prospects. Once or twice a month we also fulfilled responsibilities on the district level with Bible quizzing. On Sunday I drove the church bus, taught classes, shared devotions with the teens for NYI hour, and preached once every month on Sunday evening. However, we became disillusioned when results did not occur as quickly as w e had hoped. I intended to resign and be available for pulpit supply across the district. I ra­ tionalized that I would still be involved in preaching, but I became very discouraged! The pastor, also my father-in-law, spoke to me with much discernment when I shared my plans with him. He looked at me and simply said, “Quitters never win, and winners never quit!” The truth of his statement hit me like a bullet. Maybe I really had not prayed through on by David A. Hoffman the decision. Perhaps I was trying to do ministry to which John 19:30-37 God had called me in my own strength rather than rely­ ing on Him as my Source of help. INTRO Also, I learned a valuable lesson not to make an impor­ All of us enjoy completing projects that we start. Think tant decision while I was discouraged. The next week I of the satisfaction of a job w ell done after much persis­ prayed fervently for God’s will and wisdom. On the fol­ tence and perseverance, especially in spite of hardships lowing Saturday, God said, “If you w ill stay here, I will and major obstacles attempting to defeat you and prevent bless you.” And He did bless! That last nine months were progress. Here are some examples: wonderful. We experienced a turnaround on our invest­ • Building a home or doing an addition to a house ment in people’s lives. • Remodeling, landscaping, or painting projects Remember Elijah! Tired, weary, discouraged, and fear­ • Pursuit o f an educational degree or certificate for ful, he took matters into his own hands by fleeing from vocational training Jezebel’s threat to have him murdered. He tried to make • Mechanical repairs on an automobile decisions at a time when he most needed God’s strength. • Sewing a garment or upholstery for furniture However, we tend to quit too soon, to stop short of our I. JESUS' DEATH WAS A TRIUMPH, NOT A TRAGEDY goal, to abandon the project prematurely. Unfortunately, Better yet, remember Jesus? we don’t always stick to something until it is done. Jesus’ atoning death is good news regardless o f all the Our inability to finish what we start is evidenced in bad propaganda. He turned a perceived tragedy into tri­ small matters. For instance, a partially read book, letters umph. He turned darkness into dawning. He turned the begun but never finished, an abandoned diet, broken Crucifixion into a coronation. Truly, the forces of good New Year’s resolutions, a half-finished garden, a partly are stronger than the forces o f evil. Love is stronger than mowed lawn, and so on. hatred. Life is victorious over death. More serious matters include: ILLUS. How insightful a five-year-old boy named Eric • A child orphaned or abandoned by parents was when his mom asked him, “What is Easter?” • A marriage that ends up on the rocks In his childlike faith and understanding, he replied, • A home or car repossessed that was almost paid off “Mama, did you know that Friday is when Jesus was At times each of us would like to throw in the towel nailed to the Cross, Saturday is when He died, and Sun­ when just short of reaching our goal. We feel like quitting day is when He arose from the dead?” before achieving victory. His mom asked further, “Eric, why did Jesus die?” In the fall of 1981,1 had a situation in which I almost quit Eric answered, “For my sins.” nine months short of completing something I had started. I Again, she inquired, “What are sins?” had already been ministering faithfully for 2 years as an asso­ He said, “When you do something wrong, then tell Je­ ciate pastor under the godly and capable leadership of a vet­ sus you are sorry; and since you can’t hear Him say, ‘It’s eran senior pastor with over 30 years of pastoral experience. OK,’ that’s why He died!” My wife and I were driving 300 miles round-trip on the weekends. We would leave on Friday evening to commute II. JESUS WAS THE VICTOR, NOT A VICTIM to our destination and return late Sunday night. I knew Jesus did not die a martyr’s death! He is not a dead God had called us to invest our lives there. We were in the Christ. He is alive! His passion for us should never war-

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rant pity from us. There is a note o f victory in His sacrifi­ darkness in the most crucial battle in cosmic history. cial death. It was fully voluntary. Jesus displayed incredi­ When that terrible Friday had ended, it looked as ble courage. though the demonic host had triumphed and that the Jesus’ mission was to fulfill His Father’s will. Earlier in Prince of Glory was sealed and defeated in a borrowed His itinerant ministry, He remarked to His disciples, “My tomb. But that was Friday. Three days later Jesus rolled food . . . is to do the will o f him who sent me and to fin­ the stone away and became Christus Victor. ish his work” (John 4:34). Jesus states, “I have a baptism In other words, the work o f salvation was accom­ to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is complet­ plished, but the witness of salvation continues today! The ed!” (Luke 12:50). achievement of salvation was accomplished, but the ac­ Barclay, in The Mind of Jesus, notes, “Again and again tivity o f salvation still has never ceased! The doom of evil we are confronted with the fact that at no time did Jesus is no longer an eternal dread for the Christian, but the seem a broken figure, a victim of circumstances; at all demise o f evil does linger on the earth. times He carried Himself like a king” (p. 248). The climax o f salvation was accomplished, but the con­ The Synoptic Gospels graphically record that Jesus ut­ summation of salvation is still yet to come. The Greek tered “a loud cry” prior to His death (Mark 15:37; cf. word Jesus used for “It is finished!” (n a sb ) is tetelestai. It Matt. 27:50; Luke 23:46). Matthew and Mark mention is in the perfect tense, meaning that an action was com­ that Jesus received a “drink” on a sponge (hyssop) to pleted with continuing ongoing effects. Praise God! touch His lips before He spoke. Let’s all stand and rejoice as w e sing together the hymn Leon Morris explains: “It would appear then that the loud “Victory in Jesus.” Jesus has forever conquered His and cry was, ‘It is finished.’ Jesus died with the cry of the Victor our foe, the devil himself. Satan is actually a limping lord on His lips. This is not the moan of the defeated, nor the because he knows that his end is imminent in the pit o f sigh o f patient resignation. It is the triumphant recognition hell’s flames. that He had now fully accomplished the work that He came If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and to do” (“The Gospel According to John,” in NICNT, 815). do not have spiritual victory in your heart, then come and Someone may still remain skeptical and cynical, believ­ pray at the altar until you receive His victory ing that things have not really changed but are only Let’s sing and lift our praise to our living Lord! worse. The best illustration I can give to demonstrate the good news of that Good Friday is from World War II. ILLUS. D day preceded V-E Day! D day occurred on SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER June 6, 1944, at 12:15 a.m. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower co­ Call to W orship...... 1 Cor. 15:58 ordinated Operation Overlord. Within six days, on June Chorus...... “This Is the Day” 12, the Normandy invasion was complete. In comparison, Welcome and Fellowship...... Church Family News and Notes within only six hours in a.d. 29 or 30 the work o f salva­ Choir Special...... “Adoration Medley,” Arr. Dick Bolks tion to atone for the sins of the world was completed! Hymns ...... “At the Cross" D day the Allies established a beachhead and prevailed “The Old Rugged Cross” against the Nazis’ entrenched and bunkered troops. They Choir Special...... “What a Savior” Medley began to reclaim Europe from Hitler’s aggression and Special Song ...... “I Will Glory in the Cross” domination. Obviously, many more months o f fighting Chorus...... “Something Beautiful” would follow that day before final victory would be real­ Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar ized. Increased bombing attacks would continue, but the Chorus...... “The Longer I Serve Him” Allies were convinced that victory would be obtained Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings within a matter o f time. In fact, the Nazi General Rommel Special Music agreed to plot Hitler’s assassination. Even the Germans Scripture...... John 19:30-37 knew the tide o f war had turned. Eventually the Third M essage...... “THE GOOD NEWS OF GOOD FRIDAY” OR Reich and its goal to promote a super Aryan race to con­ “IT IS FINISHED! . . . MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!” trol the world would crumble. Closing Song ...... ‘Victory in Jesus” This shift o f momentum did not prevent setbacks, such Benediction as the Battle of the Bulge. However, the Allies never lost focus or perspective that they would triumph in victory. Tony Campolo writes in his book It’s Friday but Sun­ CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS day’s Coming: “The decisive battle fought on D-Day en­ C a ll to Worship abled them to hope with the hope that transcends wishful Special Palm Sunday Presentation with palm branches. thinking, even in the midst o f the most desperate of con­ Have children and adults enter in tone of celebration. ditions. They always knew that V-Day would come.” He “Hosanna!” means “Save, we pray, Lord!” It is a shout of refers to Oscar Cullmann’s comments by saying: celebration to commemorate Jesus as the eternal Lord and We Christians must recognize that we too are living King of Kings. Today is a joyous occasion to honor the royalty between a D-Day and V-Day. God’s D-Day was two of Jesus as the Anointed One. It is a time of rejoicing because thousand years ago on a hill called Calvary. There the He is our Prince of Peace. It is also a humble acclaim to His God who had invaded His lost creation through His deity and promise to be our Savior. He reigns in our hearts. Son Jesus Christ confronted the awesome powers of

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cept that at the time she assumed someone had stolen His body (v. 2). Have you ever been an eyewitness? If so, you probably underwent a lot of scrutiny. Others attempt to discredit an eyewitness by intermingling objective fact with subjec­ tive feelings to create suppositional doubt. Verse 8 indicates: “The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.” He had faith, and the full understanding came later. Augus­ tine once used an expression of “faith seeking under­ standing” to describe the relationship between faith and reason. Verse 9 states, “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.” The objective reality remained in the integrity of bibli­ cal prophecy as w ell as Jesus’ predictions of His passion

by David A. Hoffman and suffering. G. Curtis Jones remarked, “Easter is not an John 20:1-18 argument for immortality; it is an affirmation o f the Res­ urrection.” John records it as a historical supernatural INTRO fact but also for personal and supernatural faith. Can you imagine the sheer horror you would feel to Let’s look at three observations in this passage: Mary visit the grave site o f a loved one recently buried and dis­ wept, worshiped, and witnessed. cover that someone had tampered with the grave? You would be angry at such disrespectful actions, especially if I. MARY WEPT (W . 10-14) the tombstone was removed or if someone unearthed the One historian said, “History is no more than news from dirt. How dare someone disturb a deceased body! Anyone the graveyard.” However, regarding Jesus’ resurrection, buried should have the right to “rest in peace.” history is His story. He is alive! Now try to imagine that same loved one standing near­ Initially, Mary’s shock became apparent in that she only by, alive and talking to you, to comfort you in your sor­ expected to see a grave. She never anticipated she would row and shock. That’s the scene on that first Easter Sun­ actually see the Lord’s glory After seeing the stone rolled day morning. away, she immediately thought the worst. Mary Magdalene was returning to the tomb where Je­ Four times John mentions Mary crying. Verse 11 con­ sus had been buried on Friday afternoon. She intended to trasts the disciples returning to their homes, whereas complete the burial process, since it had been done so “Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she hastily prior to the beginning of the Sabbath, which be­ bent over to look into the tomb.” The double reference gan at 6 p.m. Nicodemus and Joseph o f Arimathea had here reinforces the fact. wrapped the body in burial cloths and applied spices, but The angels afterward ask her, “Woman, why are you they could not adequately finish. crying?” (v. 13). So Mary came “early on the first day of the week, while Jesus, whom Mary mistook to be the gardener, in­ it was still dark” (v. 1). However, it would be the dawning quired, “Woman . . . why are you crying? Who is it you o f a new day for her! are looking for?” (v. 15). Every Gospel mentions Mary Magdalene in the Easter This was really Mary’s second visit to the tomb on that narrative. Mark wrote, ‘Jesus . . . appeared, first to Mary first Easter morning. Her grief and bereavement concern­ Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons” ing the death o f Jesus is natural. Loss affects all o f us (16:9). Other women are mentioned in each account, but emotionally. Even Jesus was moved by Lazarus’s death, as Mary Magdalene is singled out, particularly by the apos­ John records for us as the shortest verse in the Bible, ‘Je­ tle John. One reason: Jesus dramatically transformed her sus wept” (11:35). The tears had blurred Mary’s vision. life. Grief distresses and distracts us from acknowledging Je­ Mary Magdalene was definitely the first eyewitness to sus’ presence. see the resurrected Lord. Jesus had changed her life and What made that ordinary day the Easter we all cele­ made a difference. Now she wanted to honor Him in brate? It was a day o f sorrow, dead hopes, and dreams. death as He had honored her life despite what others What made the difference? The sunrise did not make the might say or think. Billy Sunday said: “Reputation is what deciding factor. Neither did the fact that the stone was people say about you. Character is what God and your rolled away. An open tomb did not. The presence of an­ spouse know about you!” gels did not solidify the day as Easter. Even the aban­ John is emphatic about describing Mary Magdalene as doned graveclothes (w. 6-7) made the morning all the a bona fide eyewitness. He uses the verbs “saw” or “seen” more mysterious. six times in the passage, twice in reference to Peter and The change in Mary’s countenance is attributed to the John himself, designated as “the other disciple, the one fact that she saw the Lord! That’s why Christianity is Jesus loved.” Also, twice he uses “looked” or “looking.” In much more than a world religion. It is a vital and inti­ fact, Mary told Peter and John about the empty tomb, ex­ mate personal relationship with Jesus. Easter assures us

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o f the most important factor, the “Who?” question! On putable. She alludes to the depth o f her love in the ad­ that day, seeing was believing, but for us, as Jesus told dress, “Rabboni,” Aramaic for the Greek abbreviated ver­ Thomas later, believing is seeing. Martin Luther said, sion, “Rabbi.” It actually referred to a relational manner “Faith is the ‘yes’ of the heart.” Mary Magdalene stated o f addressing God in prayer. with confirmation, “I have seen the Lord!” (v. 18). Paul A lot o f great teachers have lived upon this earth. records in 1 Cor. 15 that Jesus appeared to more than Those who have inspired followers of world religions in­ 500 people altogether. clude such names as Confucius (b. 551 B.C., d. 479 B.C.), Buddha (b. ca. 563 B.C., d. ca. 483 B.C .), Muhammad (b. II. MARY WORSHIPED (VV. 15-17) ca. a .d . 570, d. a .d . 632), and Jesus (b. 5 or 4 B.C., d., Besides seeing her Master, Mary Magdalene heard His buried, but resurrected in a .d . 29.) The others have mon­ voice calling her by name (v. 16). His address is so tender uments at their graves, but Jesus is the Lord who lives and so gentle. Mary expected condemnation, but she re­ eternally! ceived compassion instead. Don’t we all love to hear our Mary had earlier convinced Peter and John of what she names spoken? Put your name in place of Mary’s, and vi­ saw. Now she had the incentive o f her Lord’s message to sualize Jesus calling out your name (say several names of go and tell “my brothers.” She had seen and conversed your people gently). with Him firsthand. She encouraged others to see the What a contrast thinking Jesus was the gardener to re­ empty tomb and to share the good news. alizing He was her “Rabboni” or Teacher. He had cultivat­ Mary’s story is a story o f grace. Easter is continually a ed spiritual truths in her heart by discipling her after for­ celebration as well as a hope for people to change. It giving her o f sin and casting out the demons. In fact, shares the news o f forgiveness from the past, joy for the Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not present, and hope for the future. yet returned to the Father” (v. 17). She was clinging to Since Jesus loved us enough to die and to be resurrect­ Him, determined to not let Him ever leave her sight. ed for us, then let’s love Him enough to live for Him. He The King James Version of the verse, “Touch me not,” knows you by name. He desires that each of us witness does not depict a proper picture for us. Also, a few verses for Him by allowing others to see His life being worship- later, Jesus tells Thomas: “Put your finger here; see my fully lived out in us. hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (v. 27). Jesus encouraged empiri­ cal proof for Thomas’s sake. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Luke 24:39 reports that Jesus commands the disciples Welcome and Fellowship ...... “The Family of God” to “handle” Him (k jv ) to convince them that He was flesh Chorus...... “He Is Lord” and bones. Matt. 28:9 records that, when the women met Choral Introit ...... “Risen” Medley and “Rise Again” Jesus, He greeted them. Then “they came to him, clasped Call to W orship...... Responsive Reading his feet and worshiped him.” So a better translation is in “A Living Hope” order here; otherwise Jesus would be contradicting His S o n g ...... “He Lives” practice between Mary Magdalene and the women as Hymn ...... “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” w ell as His disciples, specifically Thomas. Chorus ...... “Because He Lives” The Greek construction is in the present imperative Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar mood (i.e., a command). Barclay translates the meaning Special Music ...... Choral Medley: “Way of the Cross” as: “Don’t go on clutching me selfishly to yourself. In a and “I Will Glory in the Cross” short time I am going back to my Father. I want to meet Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings my disciples as often as possible before then.” Scripture...... John 20:1-18 Well-known missionary to India E. Stanley Jones said: Message ...... “MARY MAGDALENE: EASTER’S FIRST “The last word o f God is not the Cross— His last word is EYEWITNESS” the Resurrection— victory! I could not worship a dead Celebrating Communion at the Lord’s Table Christ except with a dead heart. In that case, the chords Closing S o n g ...... “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” of my worship would be a sigh instead o f a song. But Benediction ...... Rom. 10:9 with the bursting o f the tomb, there is a bursting o f my heart— with joy.” The song “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” captures the essence of PASTORAL PRAYER Mary’s worship because she truly would never be the Share the thought, “Do you ever wonder what heaven is same again. like at Easter?” Help your people imagine the rejoicing that occurs when lives are changed and spiritually transformed. III. MARY WITNESSED (V. 18) Remind them of the story of salvation and how the Resurrec­ tion event is most likely retold by the Father to those in heav­ The measure of a person is not how great his faith is, en. God can create a spiritual hunger in the hearts of those in but how great his love is. Mary Magdalene loved her attendance who do not know Him. Recall the names of per­ Lord. The encounter and dialogue rekindled her love sons who are recent converts. even brighter. Her loyalty and allegiance were indis­

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The importance of the prayer becomes clearer in view o f the background cultural setting. Darkness o f night horrified the Jews. Darkness became associated with Vow I Lay Me Down death, grief, loss, sorrow, and mourning. The people con­ soled themselves with the reminder that God was their Refuge, Fortress, and Rock. They gained strength from this fact. Ps. 31 contains several such references. Also, Ps. 91 is known as a trust psalm: “He who dwells in the to Sleep shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the L o rd , ‘He is my refuge and my by David A. Hoffffn fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ ” (w . 1-2). No wonder Luke 23:44-49 each Jewish parent read this promise before retiring to bed at night. INTRO The Pharisees had long, flowery prayers with many ad­ An Alfred Hitchcock TV episode depicted a wicked jectives to impress God. woman sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. She Jesus’ prayer was simple, direct, and tender! “Abba,” concocted a plan to escape. After making friends with an meaning “Daddy,” was a nursery term. In essence, Jesus old inmate who assisted in the burial o f prisoners who prayed, “Take Me home, Dad!” His relationship to Him is died, she bribed him to help her get out. Next time she direct and filial. Ours, on the other hand, is derivative heard the toll o f the bell that signaled the death of an in­ through Him. mate, she was to slip down to the workroom where he How do you address God in prayer? “Our Heavenly Fa­ made the caskets, locate the casket in which he had ther” or “Lord Jesus.” We are His children, so He wants us placed the corpse, quietly slide herself into the same cas­ to commit (hand over, give, surrender) whatever it is we ket, and pull the lid down tightly. Early the next morning are struggling with to Him. He is intimately and affec­ the old man would roll her, along with the corpse inside, tionately trustworthy! on an old cart, through the gate to the cemetery just out­ side. Next day he would return and let her out. II. TRUSTING IN HIS HEAVENLY FATHER PROVIDED Late one night she heard the bell toll. She slid off her cot, IMMEDIATE ACCESS crept to the dimly lit room, spotted the coffin, squeezed in be­ The curtain (veil) o f the Temple was torn in two. Not side the corpse, and pulled the lid down tighdy. A few hours only did Jesus provide greater access in the Father’s pres­ later she could sense the wheels rolling, feel the box lower­ ence, but also He communicates the accessibility o f God ing, and hear the dirt hitting the top of the casket. Though to initiate spiritual communion. sealed beneath the ground, she would soon be released. In the Temple there were certain compartments. They Her elation slowly faded as the hours went by. Where were separate areas or rooms that designated barriers to was the old man? In panic she lit a match. She was terri­ distinguish who could enter. This divided people by eth­ fied to discover that next to her was the old man himself nicity, gender, and function— Gentiles from Jews, women who had died. Doomed, she would soon die. In the mean­ from men, priests from people, and the high priest from time she would be the living among the dead. other priests. The areas were named the court o f the Gen­ This woman vainly planned and attempted her own es­ tiles, court o f the women, holy place, and the most holy cape route. She took matters into her own hands. place, or holy o f holies. The latter formed a perfect 15' x What a contrast when our innocent Lord suffered at 15' x 15' cube. the hands o f men who conspired His death, yet He victo­ The holy of holies contained the ark of the covenant, riously placed His life into the hands o f His Heavenly Fa­ on which sacrifices were offered on the gold mercy seat ther. Note the magnificent model and example o f Christ’s only once a year. Winged cherubim statues stood on ei­ ease when His earthly life was extinguished on the Cross. ther end as symbols of protection and sanctity. Inside, the We gain several valuable insights from Him. Specific in­ ark o f the covenant contained the Ten Commandments, fluences resulted from His manner o f accepting death. Aaron’s rod, and a jar with manna. The high priest en­ tered only once a year. They tied bells to him and a rope I. TRUSTING IN HIS HEAVENLY FATHER PORTRAYED to his ankle in case he died in the presence o f God. INTIMATE AFFECTION When Jesus died, the thick linen curtain was tom by Jesus died with a prayer on His lips! It eloquently ex­ God. No bureaucracy or red tape. It was a symbol o f ac­ pressed His trust in His Father. He actually quoted Ps. cess, the way in or entrance into His glorious presence by 31:5: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” It represented the avenue of Jesus’ atoning, once-for-all sacrifice. It re­ the prayer every Jewish mother taught her children be­ quired a sinless human sacrifice. Jesus represented the fore going to bed each evening. Its central message is only eligible candidate to fulfill the divine mandate. very similar to what w e teach our children today: The Temple in Jerusalem was no longer God’s dwelling Now I lay me down to sleep, place. Stephen later spoke, “The Most High does not live I pray the Lord my soul to keep; in houses made by men” (Acts 7:48). God’s plan included I f I should die before I wake, the “temple” or sanctuary o f our hearts. It refers to spiri­ I pray the Lord my soul to take. tual, not material, occupancy.

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pain. She was being so strong for us. She never complained. III. TRUSTING IN HIS HEAVENLY FATHER PROMOTED I remember the moment she died just as if it were yes­ AN INTENSE ASSURANCE terday. My mom, an uncle, and I were in the room with Contrast Jesus’ peaceful death with the surrounding her at the time. They decided they wanted a carbonated circumstances. The Bible states that darkness covered the beverage to drink, so I rode the elevator to a Coke ma­ land for three hours during the middle of the afternoon, chine. When I returned to the room, my mom and uncle from noon until 3 p.m. (v. 44, neb). The Bible says, “The were talking. I looked over at Grandma, and she was very sun stopped shining” (v. 45). It was not a solar eclipse, still. I noticed her lungs were not moving, so I told them I because the Passover is always the time o f the full moon. didn’t think she was breathing anymore. They felt her When the clouds surfaced overhead, Jesus committed wrist; she had no pulse. She had gone to be with Jesus! himself to His Father. As my grandmother passed away peacefully, so also Do you ever feel that the radiance has departed around does Luke record Jesus’ death as being peaceful. The you? manner in which John and Luke describe Him, as He If you have ever stood beside the bedside of a loved “bowed his head” and “breathed his last,” denotes resting one dying, you know death is the inevitable termination His head back on a pillow. of one’s physical life here on earth. Burying a loved one’s Jesus’ words, “Father, into Thy hands I commit M y body brings out the reality o f death. spirit” (n a sb ), were like a sigh o f joy. He probably died Heb. 9:27 reminds us that “man is destined to die with a smile on His face! It was as if He reclined back in­ once, and after that to face judgment.” Reiterating this to the loving arms of God. His death completed the end biblical and spiritual fact should not foster intimidation, o f His role as the Suffering Servant. God’s rescue opera­ however; but it should renew our compulsion for intima­ tion was completed, so Jesus released His spirit. cy with our Creator. Although there is not a guarantee of What do you need to release into God’s care today? tomorrow in this life, there does exist a guarantee o f to­ Why not follow the example of our Lord? Commit your­ morrow in eternal life with Christ. Jesus’ calm assurance self to Him by casting all your care upon Him. serves as our model. Even Jesus had to die! Since He was human as w e are, He also was mortal! His heart stopped beating temporari­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ly just as ours w ill someday. Chorus...... “Come into His Presence with Thanksgiving” More than the physical suffering and death by execu­ Extend the Right Hand of Fellowship tion, Jesus died o f a broken heart. He personally accepted Call to Worship ...... Ps. 46 the rejection, rebellion, and unrighteousness o f all Hymns ...... “I Know Whom I Have Believed” mankind upon himself. “Blessed Assurance” The damage o f sin is not simply due to man’s viola­ “Take My Life, and Let It Be” tions, infractions, trespasses, or transgressions o f the laws Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar and principles of God. No! Much more central is the fact Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings that we break the heart o f God when w e insist on our Special Song ...... “My Life Is in Your Hands” own way. God’s remedy for humanity’s sin problem is rec­ Scripture...... Luke 23:44-49 onciliation. Paul says, “God demonstrates his own love Message ...... “N O W I LAY ME DOW N TO SLEEP” for us in this: While w e were still sinners, Christ died for Closing Chorus ...... “He Is Able” us” (Rom. 5:8). His desire is to restore. Benediction ...... 1 Pet. 5:7 and 2 Tim. 1:12 During times o f illness, grief, and loss, it is the calm­ ness o f character and strength o f one’s silence that im­ pacts loved ones and friends. Jesus exemplified that PASTORAL PRAYER calmness when He committed His spirit to God with spe­ Prior to the pastoral prayer, instruct the people to prepare cial assurance. their minds, hearts, emotions, wills, and spirits by cup­ ELLUS. My grandmother endured 17 major surgeries in ping their hands together palms up. Guide them in visualizing her lifetime and battled cancer for 12 years. In 1965 a kid­ their burdens, pressures, anxieties, apprehensions, cares, and ney was removed. Doctors told her she had only 5 years left so on, being purposefully placed in their hands and raised up­ to live. Instead, because of her strong will and faith in God, ward toward God. she outlived the doctors’ schedule by 7 more years. She said Next, lead them in praying a prayer of release as they turn she would make it to my high school graduation even if she their hands over. Remind them that it is impossible to grasp heavy objects with the hands in such a position. We will even­ had to go in a wheelchair. However, the cancer went in its tually always drop those things despite tighdy holding such last stages. The doctors, two or three months before her with a firm grip. Due to close reliance upon God, we then re­ death, did exploratory surgery and immediately sewed her verse our hands to palms up once again, but this time for the back up when they discovered her entire body had been purpose of receiving from our Lord what we lack. He replaces consumed by the cancer. She had yellow jaundice very se­ our confusion, tension, and frustration with His consolation. verely. The chemotherapy treatments only dulled the intense

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time for prayer and meditation. He refused to be manipu­ lated or rushed. Jesus Christ lived in total dependence on the power o f God the Father flowing through Him to en­ Love’s Power able Him to be a servant. Jesus instinctively planned times for relaxation. This prevented the possible panic syndromes of fight, flight, or fright. The apostle Paul exemplified the racehorse lifestyle as well. He was heavily involved in religious zeal as a perse­ Equalizes Life’s cutor o f the Christians in the Early Church. To his sur­ prise, one day he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. His life was never the same afterward. The needs of today’s church are no different. Let’s look at three principles Paul is sharing in 2 Cor. 4.

Pressures I. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE INADEQUACY OF OUR OWN LIMITED RESOURCES IS VITAL by David A. Hoffman 2 Cor. 4 :1 -18 This awareness leads to a process of reevaluation o f our perceptions regarding ministry, so we can be released INTRO to do God’s work. We live in a pressure-packed world with meetings, “Through God’s mercy w e have this ministry” (v. 1). deadlines, appointments. We have people to see and His kindness, compassion, and love are central. Not “I,” places to go. Our impatience in the midst o f busy sched­ but “we.” He identifies with the Corinthians. ules tends to place us in a state o f frenzy. Paul “renounced . . . shameful ways” (v. 2) or deceit. The Dr. Hans Selye devoted a large portion o f his life to re­ Living Bible paraphrases as, “We do not try to trick people search and investigation on the subject of stress. He sepa­ into believing— we are not interested in fooling anyone.” rated people into two creative categories: Instead, credibility and integrity insist that we stand in 1. Racehorses— those who thrive on a fast-paced life, God’s presence and preach the Word without watering it who are highly motivated, competitive, aggressive, down. However, ministry is teamwork due to a sense of and long for challenges, adventure, and even dan­ ownership and accountability to our Lord. Pastor and ger. people are both under God’s authority. Many people are 2. Turtles— individuals who are slower paced, method­ burned out and weary o f church work. They are “heart ical, who require peace, serenity, and quiet, and are deep” in the Lord’s work but assume a depth o f responsi­ cautious. bilities beyond their capability (Sunday School class, Racehorses are impatient with turtles. They enjoy life in the choir, church board, prayer chain, committee assign­ fast lane and dread it when slow-moving objects obstruct ments, etc.). The shortfall comes when we attempt to be their paths. It is difficult to get the two in side-by-side start­ self-sufficient, utilizing our own personal resources. ing gates. Racehorses become frustrated and pass judgment Paul previously said, “Not that w e are competent in on turtles. Their motto says, “You don’t belong in the race if ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our compe­ you can’t keep the pace.” The contrast continues. tence comes from God” (3:5). Self-confidence must be re­ Racehorse— everything has to be done yesterday. placed with confidence in Christ. Jesus Christ is exalted Untie— anything can wait until tomorrow. by our self-emptying. Half o f the people in the U.S. are racehorses; they run a We are ministers o f a new covenant based on grace, mile a minute. However, they suffer from insecurity. After not on the legalism o f the law, “for the letter kills, but the all, someone may beat me to the finish line and receive Spirit gives life” (3:6). Paul appealed to the covenant and recognition. Racehorses have frequent dissatisfaction with to conscience. life and struggle with overloaded schedules and hostility. Satan, the “god o f this age” or the one whom this Forty percent o f the people are turtles— less demand­ world has made its god, “has blinded the minds of unbe­ ing, more adjustable, and adapting fairly well. Perfor­ lievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of mance is less crucial. They are more cooperative than the glory o f Christ, who is the image of God” (4:4). He competitive. enjoys his crafty work o f deception and disillusionment. Ten percent o f the people are both types. Paul warns that Satan appears as an “angel of light” Type A (racehorses) experience high blood pressure (11:14). Paul attested, however, “For we do not preach and other health-related symptoms. ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your It may be encouraging to someone here today that the servants for Jesus’ sake” (4:5). majority o f Jesus’ disciples were Type A. In fact, some When Christ is rejected, one rejects God and His love. were probably AA, eager for immediate changes— for ex­ Paul alludes to spiritual blindness: “If our gospel is ample, Peter and the Sons o f Thunder, James and John. veiled” (v. 3). How does that happen? Some suggestions They were very energetic and task-oriented. include: (a ) Hurts— a sense of rejection. Paul emphasizes Jesus had the task o f training them and tempering the importance o f love, acceptance, and forgiveness in their energies. Yet He lived on His own agenda by making place of injury. “The love of Christ constrains us” (5:14,

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n k jv ) or “compels us.” (b ) Hate and resentment can cause revelation is in the power of His resurrected life. Jesus’ bitterness unless we cry out to God for deliverance and life is revealed in our mortal body (w. 10-11). God “will help. Then w e can draw closer in intimacy with Him. also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his We cannot confess to God what we do not acknowl­ presence” one day (v. 14). edge to ourselves. We need His help. We are inadequate God’s grace w ill be beneficially magnified in thanksgiv­ in ourselves. ing. The purpose and result are “so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving II. ARTICULATION OF THE ADEQUACY OF CHRIST to overflow to the glory o f God” (v. 15). Grace is hereby IS ESSENTIAL (W . 4-9) extended and expanded in further relationships. The only adequate and ultimate source to meet my per­ Paul adds, “Therefore we do not lose heart” (v. 16). sonal need and for doing ministry is a divine source. The This is the second time he emphasizes this phrase— first word “God” has eight references in this passage. Also, in verse 1 and then here in verse 16. Paul alludes to in­ “Christ” is mentioned three times, and ‘Jesus” is used sev­ ward renewal. He can cope with life’s pressures because en times. of divine hope. His confidence rests in God’s power. Paul Verse 7 is the key to understanding the contrast of in­ could persevere to achieve His God-given goal to pro­ adequacy and adequacy. Paul states, “But we have this claim the gospel because o f renewal. treasure in jars o f clay to show that this all-surpassing The vision of God’s glory drew him onward. An eternal power is from God and not from us.” We are fragile and reward awaited him. His “citizenship” was “in heaven” our efforts are futile without the divine dynamic of God’s (Phil. 3:20), so his conduct reflected on the country’s des­ grace, Resurrection power, and His presence in our lives. tination. There is an awesome contrast in the weight be­ We articulate our reliance upon God by reversing our tween the “light affliction [s]” (k jv ) and eternal glory sense o f self-dependence or independence to true trust in “that far outweighs them all” (v. 17). God. God desires to remove the “veil” so w e may catch Focus your thoughts on God’s love, power, hope, and the vision of Jesus. The man bom blind testified in John grace. Otherwise, when the glow fades, the vision dims! 9, “I was blind but now I see!” (v. 25). Otherwise, we are guilty o f the same blindness as the Pharisees. Paul highlights the first creedal confession of the Early SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Church, ‘Jesus Christ as Lord” (v. 5). The Lordship of Prelude Christ always takes precedence over self-sovereignty. A l­ Processional ...... “Our God Is an Awesome God” so, God shines His light into our hearts. The Creator o f Chorus ...... “I Will Enter His Gates” the universe wants to re-create an undivided loyalty in Call to W orship...... Lam. 3:19-27 our hearts. Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has H ym n...... “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” come!” (5:17). Choruses ...... “Great and Mighty” God is familiar with our frailty. Paul uses the analogy of “Praise the Name of Jesus” “jars of clay” (4:7) or “earthen vessels” ( k j v ) . “We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise” Paul admitted his shortcomings and yet defended his “We Have Come into His House” call o f apostleship because it came from God. He did not Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar protect his reputation or try to control the perceptions of Chorus ...... “I Love You, Lord” others. He allowed the Lord to do that. Paul uses the Child Dedication or Infant Baptism metaphor o f a soldier or gladiator scarred in battle by re­ Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings ferring to Jesus’ revelation in his mortal body Special Music 1. V 8— “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.” Scripture ...... 2 Cor. 4:1-18 2. V 8— “perplexed, but not in despair.” Message ....“LOVE’S POWER EQUALIZES LIFE’S PRESSURES” 3. V 9— “persecuted, but not abandoned.” Response...... “To God Be the Glory” 4. V 9— “struck down, but not destroyed.” Benediction ...... 2 Tim. 1:7 Paul’s pain is real, not imagined. Frustration? Yes! God is forever faithful in the midst of adversity and affliction. Jesus, too, was once a victim o f others’ choices. Nailed to CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS the Cross, Jesus suffered unjustly He experienced the Child Dedication same emotions and feelings. He is involved and identifies Make this a special bonding time with the parents and im­ with us. Jesus lived a dangerous and perilous life. mediate family. Compensate the reality of life’s pressures in raising children with the reinforcement of God’s love and ad­ III. APPROPRIATION OF GOD'S GRACE, FAITHFUL equate resources. God wants us to raise Christians, not just PRESENCE, AND ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE IS CRUCIAL children. Remind the parents and congregation of the privi­ AND BENEFICIAL (VV. 10-18) lege of nurturing our children with a personal knowledge of We are renewed by God’s resurrection power (w. 10- our Lord Jesus. 14). Our identification is with the Lord’s death, but His

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at both Moses’ and Joshua’s crossroads. Then we will consider a few principles for our own crossovers. life ’s Crossroads I. MOSES EXPERIENCED SEVERAL CROSSROADS/ CROSSOVERS DURING HIS LIFETIME WITH THE LORD'S COMPANIONSHIP A. Moses’ life was spared at birth. His name “Moses” means “drawn out o f the water.” and the Lord’s B. At 40 years of age Moses took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave. He fled into the desert o f Midian. This became a crossover into a nomadic shepherd lifestyle. He learned patience keeping sheep. This experience for the next 40 Companionship years enabled him to learn survival skills needed for the desert later when leading Israel.

by David A. Hoffman C. At 80 years old, Moses had the burning bush experi­ Deut. 31:1-13; Josh. 1:1-9; Heb. 13:5 ence, when God made himself known as “I AM THAT I AM ” (Exod. 3:14, k jv ). The eternal and perpetual INTRO Almighty One commissioned him with a mission and ILLUS. Elizabeth, our youngest daughter, was sick for promised to be with him as w ell as display His power. one week with a bad cold. We were “surfing” the televi­ D. Moses saw many miracles in the desert— water, sion channels when we came across a Sesame Street pro­ manna, quail. The soles of the sandals of the children of gram. Normally, we never watch Sesame Street because Israel never wore out. Elizabeth is hooked on “Barney” episodes. The scene ILLUS. “Where God Points, God Provides.” showed someone imitating Rod Serling. The man com­ “And as thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deut. mented in a matter-of-fact manner about a place where 33:25, k jv ). there was traffic, cars honking, red lights, green lights. It is not the great achievement of the Red Sea crossing by He said, “You’ve entered the crossing zone.” (Akin to Moses and the Israelites that is so stupendous and miracu­ Twilight Zone.) The message he was trying to get across lous. The awesomeness of the wilderness journey is the fact to children was this: “Never cross a street without an that approximately 3 million people were sustained for 40 adult.” years in a small, dry, fruidess desert. Have you thought of Life has many crossroads for adults as well! (Not just what it must have been like to merely exist from day to day railroad crossings or crossovers on a highway.) We also with every human means for survival out of reach? should not cross without our closest companion, the Lord E. Moses, at the time of the passage, is currendy 120 Jesus Christ! years old. He informs the people, “I am no longer able to [Read Deut. 31:1-13 with emphasis on w . 3, 6, 8.] lead you” (Deut. 31:2). The reason was not physical age or When was the last time you stood at a crossroad in disability due to ill health but a consequence of moral dis­ your life? How did you feel? Alone, anxious, apprehen­ obedience and presumption by striking the rock at Meribah sive, asphyxiated? to bring forth water. “Meribah” means “quarreling.” Setting: Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites are camped Nearly 40 years earlier at Massah, meaning “testing,” along the east side o f the Jordan River at Shittim, just God told Moses to strike a rock (Exod. 17:1-7). He acted north of the Dead Sea and directly opposite the Canaan- in obedience then. However, the murmuring and com­ ite walled fortress o f Jericho. The Jordan River is at flood plaining spirit o f the Israelites incited him to sin near stage. They have wandered in the desert of Zin nearly 40 Kadesh in the Desert of Zin (Num. 20:7-13; 27:12-14). years after the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea. Moses and Aaron dishonored the Lord’s holiness before Here Moses shares with them his final speech before the people. Moses (“drawn out of the water”) this time his death. Deut. 32 contains the “Song o f Moses.” In took matters into his own hands to draw out water by chapter 33 Moses blesses the tribes. In chapter 34 his striking instead of speaking. death is recorded. Notice his encouraging words about No leader is indispensable in God’s sight! If we are not following Joshua’s leadership. He is preparing the people willing to be obedient to God’s commands to accomplish for the new transition. His purpose, He will use someone else. This was a period V 3— “The L o r d your God himself will cross over ahead o f theocracy— “God is Ruler.” of you.” V 6— “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or II. JOSHUA ALSO EXPERIENCED CROSSOVERS AND THE LORD'S COMPANIONSHIP terrified because o f them, for the L o r d your God goes with you; he w ill never leave you nor forsake you.” The Bible says, “The L o r d your God himself will cross V 8— “The L o r d himself goes before you and will be over ahead o f you. He will destroy these nations before you, with you; he w ill never leave you nor forsake you. Do not and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will be afraid; do not be discouraged.” cross over ahead of you, as the L o r d said” (Deut. 31:3). How could Moses be so positive? We shall look closely Verse 7 adds that Moses prepared the people for the new

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transition in leadership: “Moses summoned Joshua and cal Hebrew has no word for a bridge! There was no bridge said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and at the Red Sea to cross and no bridge at the flood stage of courageous, for you must go with this people into the land the Jordan River to cross. God providentially, miraculous­ that the L o r d swore to their forefathers to give them.’” ly, and sovereignly led His people in the crossovers! He The task was tremendous. The challenge of the con­ will lead us, too, if we will faithfully follow. quest o f Canaan loomed as an enormous one. Now the D. God says: “Never will I leave you; never will I for­ faithful patriarch would no longer guide them as he had sake you” (Heb. 13:5). This repeats the Old Testament in the past. The great lawgiver or receiver o f the divine promise to Joshua in Josh. 1:5. God’s presence and com­ covenant would soon be gone. Joshua stood on the verge panionship are great consolations. of serving as God’s next leader in the role of a mighty ILLUS. Winston Churchill was asked to return to his military general. However, the strategy and plan for con­ old school to speak during World War II. Everyone was quest would unmistakably be the Lord’s prerogative. excited about hearing the words of wisdom from their na­ Since Moses had earlier experienced reluctance and tional statesman. When he stepped to the lectern to much hesitancy at the burning bush, he encouraged speak, he simply stated: “Never give up. Never give up. Joshua and the people with a message of God’s promised Never, never, never give up!” presence: “The L o r d himself goes before you and will be I encourage you to commit the crossovers or crossroads with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not of your life into God’s hands. That includes your future, be afraid; do not be discouraged” (v. 8). Then Moses family, finances, and fears. You can only do so by faith commanded, comforted, and cautioned them simultane­ and confidence in our Lord’s companionship. He is our ously with words from the covenant. Father! God told Moses to take Joshua to the Tent o f Meeting, that is, the Tabernacle, so He could commission Joshua. God’s Shekinah presence met with them in a pillar o f SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER cloud. Imagine the content of that conversation. No nego­ Prelude tiation, just affirmation o f God’s personal presence. We Choral Introit...... “God Will Make a Way” have a hint o f God’s initiation of Joshua by the message Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes that he shares in Josh. 1:1-9. Call to W orship...... Responsive Reading A. After Moses’ death, God reminded and reinforced His “I Will Be with You” promise to Joshua. Note especially the words, “As I was Hym ns...... “How Firm a Foundation” with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you “God Leads Us Along” nor forsake you” (v. 5). In the Hebrew, “never” is emphatic “Trust and Obey” as the first word of the statement. Next, note the repetition Chorus...... “Got Any Rivers?” of the command, “Be strong and courageous.” Three times “1 Know the Lord Will Make a Way” (w . 6, 7, 9 ) God reminds Joshua to be brave, “for the Lord Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar your God will be with you wherever you go” (v. 9 ). Chorus ...... “Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace” B. The crossing of the Jordan was preceded by thor­ Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings ough spiritual preparation and by careful military calcula­ Special Music tion. God wants us to be prepared before w e start the Scripture...... Deut. 31:1-13; Joshua 1:1-9; Heb. 13:5 task He has commissioned us to do. He prepares and Message ...... “LIFE’S CROSSROADS AND THE LORD’S equips us with everything we need. Special emphasis is COMPANIONSHIP” made to the Book o f the Law. It is God’s instruction, wis­ Hymn ...... “Where He Leads Me” dom, and perspective. The Scriptures enable us to know Benediction ...... Phil. 1:6 Him intimately. We must count the cost. It is a cooperative effort. We must be willing to pay the price to let God’s promise be­ CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS come a reality. It takes discipline in the Word and medita­ I n v it a t io n tion. When the pressures come and the heat is on, then This service can be a special focus for sending people from we will have poise under pressure. your congregation, including high school graduates who will C. Joshua relinquished control and relied on God’s be attending college in the fall, or sending someone assigned strategy for victory. The crossing of the Jordan River, the to a mission field, or sending someone called into Christian battle at Jericho, and farther conquests were all testi­ service. monies to this fact. The invitational response could be worded as follows: I am especially curious today whether God might be calling III. OUR CROSSOVERS ARE ALSO ACCOMPANIED someone into full-time Christian service. Perhaps He already BY THE LORD'S COMPANIONSHIP has spoken to your heart, but you have questioned Him out of your own sense of insecurity and anxiety, just as Moses and A few principles remind us to trust God’s leadership al­ Joshua did. God’s promise is readily available for you today so. as well. He is the same credible Companion now as He was A. Every obstacle is an opportunity for God to work. then. You can trust an unknown future into the hands of a B. In the presence of God there is nothing to fear. known God. C. Bridges were lacking in the ancient Near East. Bibli­

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I. THE BIRTHING PROCESS PRODUCES BONDING BETWEEN MOM AND CHILD God’s design o f a woman’s anatomy included the From Womb to womb. Someone described it as similar to a “kangaroo pouch on the inside.” It is certainly elastic for stretching to accommodate the growth and development o f a child or children from conception to delivery. A baby has limit­ ed freedom o f movement, can kick, and even do somer­ Wounds: The saults. The “butterfly” feeling is the first awareness that a mother has o f her baby’s presence. A baby can hear the heartbeat of the mother as well as learn to recognize her voice and the touch o f her hand. The normal nine months Compassion of a of pregnancy serve as a preparation period for the new transition. The psalmist David was divinely inspired to write: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and Caring Mother wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full w ell” (Ps. 139:13-14). by David A. Hoffman Isa. 49:15; 66:13; 1 Thess. 2:7 Immediately after birth, with some exceptions, the ob­ stetrician places the baby on the mother’s tummy for a INTRO sense of security. The mother also feels compassion and Thomas Edison remarked: “My mother was the making intimacy with the newborn. It is just “what the doctor or­ o f me. She was so true and so sure o f me. I felt that I had dered” and, more importantly, what God prescribes. someone to live for— someone I must not disappoint. The Isaiah records the Lord’s rhetorical question: “Can a memory o f my mother will always be a blessing to me.” mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compas­ The memories of our experiences with our mothers are sion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I normally deeply touching, whether the moments w e re­ will not forget you!” (49:15). Occasionally, babies are member were either comforting and reassuring or con­ aborted or maybe released for adoption or abandoned by frontational and a renewal o f our respect for her. A moth­ a mother. She may no longer be the caregiver and er’s compassionate love and care definitely include more guardian, but the memory of her mandatory responsibility than anything sentimentally written in a greeting card. for a dependent life remains. The promise that the proph­ What exactly is a mother? To her child, she is every­ et shares is that God will never abandon His people. thing such as comfort, inspiration, security, support, an ex­ The Hebrew word for compassion originates from ample, identity, guide, nurture, and the meaning of home! rechem, or womb. It symbolically means “to carry one.” Recall the comforting hugs your mother shared with you O f course, the mother normally does not carry a child in from your childhood. She also kissed those stinging the womb any longer than is necessary to allow the or­ scrapes and wiped away the tears from your eyes. gans to develop. Due dates are not always the guaranteed Eight times in Scripture (two in the Old Testament; six indicator, as women know who undergo premature labor in the New Testament) we read the command “Honor or miss the date with extended time. your father and mother.” Interestingly, although the im­ Emotionally a mother also must not carry her children age of God as Heavenly Father predominantly prevails in any longer than is feasible and reasonable. She must Scripture, there are metaphors o f God as mother also. gradually release the child as that one is ready and when “Mother”— the most endeared word in the English lan­ a particular period permits, for example, starting school, guage to our hearts and memory. When my son, Joseph, leaving the “nest,” and marrying a life partner. However, was only three years old, he walked into the kitchen once a mother, always a mother. while my wife was preparing a meal. He wanted to share with her a startling discovery he had made. He said, II. CHILDREN CHERISH TENDER LOVING CARE “Mommy, guess what?!” Besides the bonding o f the birthing process in the She asked him, “What?” womb, a mother’s love helps to “bandage” our wounds. A Joseph replied, “I’m a boy.” compassionate mother will empathize or feel with her Barbara then said, “That’s right, Joseph, you are a boy, children’s needs and try to ease any suffering. We all have and Mommy is a girl.” bumps and bruises. Age is irrelevant at this point. Puzzled, he shook his head and said, “No! Mommy is God says, “As a mother comforts her child” (Isa. Mommy!” He actually honored her with a compliment in 66:13). Paul compared his concern for the new Thessa- his naive comment. lonian converts with a mother’s care by saying, “We were A mother’s presence is second only to God’s presence. gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little chil­ There are at least two reasons. dren” (1 Thess. 2:7). Gentleness is a special characteristic

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of motherhood. She communicates her love with tender­ She is a faithful companion to offer strength during mo­ ness and “tough love,” warmth, and affection. ments o f utter weakness, and she reassures with courage A survey was conducted on a group of elementary age in place of despair. boys, asking whom they would most likely consult if they A mother has incredible influence! She often feels as if had a problem. Some 23 percent said their dad, but 77 she is getting nowhere, but over a period o f time perma­ percent of the boys responded they would prefer to con­ nent impressions are made that are life transforming. If fide in their mother. you ever watch college football, notice that the athletes ILLUS. A nine-year-old girl in the third grade once usually say, “Hi, Mom!” when the camera zooms in for a wrote an essay to express her fond feelings for her grand­ close-up shot. mother. She titled the essay “What’s a Grandmother?” A final thought: When God wanted to send His Son Je­ Here is what she said: sus into this world, He chose a woman/mother to work A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her His miracle. own. She likes other people’s litde girls and boys. A grand­ father is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys, and they talk about fishing and stuff like that. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Grandmothers don’t have to do anything except to Happy Mother’s Day! be there. They’re old so they shouldn’t play hard or Chorus ...... “Family of God” run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes the pretend horse is, and have a lot of dimes ready Or Call to Worship ...... Prov. 31 if they take us for walks, they should slow down past A Special Moment with the Youngest and Oldest Mothers things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They should and the Mother with the Most Children Present never say, “Hurry up.” Choruses ...... “I Will Sing of the Mercies” Usually grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie “Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You” your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. “Find Us Faithful” They can take their teeth and gums off. Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar Grandmothers don’t have to be smart, only answer Honoring All Our Mothers questions like, “Why isn’t God married?” and “How H ym n...... “To God Be the Glory” come dogs chase cats?” Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings Grandmothers don’t talk baby talk like visitors do, be­ Special Music cause it is hard to understand. When they read to us, Scripture...... Isa. 49:15; 66:13; 1 Thess. 2:7 they don’t skip or mind if it is the same story over again. M essage...... “FROM WOMB TO WOUNDS: THE Everybody should try to have a grandmother, espe­ COMPASSION OF A CARING MOTHER” cially if you don’t have television, because they are the Benediction ...... Prov. 31:27-28 only grown-ups who have time. In her simplistic and childlike manner, she described the importance of tender loving care by expressing how CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS she enjoyed being together with her grandmother. The Call to Worship overall emphasis in her perspective is relationship. Have a number of children read the verses from Prov. 31, ILLUS. My friend and longtime faithful, tenured evan­ depending upon how many your church has. Also, use visual gelist in the Church o f the Nazarene, Gary Haines, told object lessons such as a child sewing, cooking, cleaning, and me about the unconditional love, affirmation, and confir­ so on, with attire to match the verse being read. mation his mother, Edith Haines, invested in him. Gary Family A lt a r Time was struck by polio as a child. His mother cared for him Have all mothers come forward and kneel at the altar for a with her compassionate love. She shared and identified special prayer of blessing. Be sure to mention those who have with his struggles until her death in October 1996. deceased mothers, foster mothers, surrogate mothers, and so They had bonded so closely that Gary would call her on. Pray also for single-parent mothers, working mothers, di­ every Saturday from his motel room in whatever city in vorced mothers, mothers who have experienced a miscar­ which he was conducting a revival meeting. She believed riage, and so on. in her son to the point o f sharing his physical and emotion­ Share this devotional thought prior to prayer— “A mother is al pain. She truly became his spiritual confidante as well. her infant’s concept of God, her toddler’s confidence, her child’s counselor, her teen’s conscience, and her husband’s Think o f the ramifications of tender loving care (TLC). companion.” A mother carries her child close to her heart in the womb. You may ask families to stand or kneel behind the moms After birth she cuddles the child in her arms with a warm for loving support if there is adequate room. embrace, nurses when it is hungry, bathes the child when Immediately afterward distribute sweetheart roses or an­ it is helpless, clothes it when it is naked, rocks and sings other special flower of your choice to each mother. [Be sure lullabies so the child can sleep securely. to place your order with a florist early to ensure delivery as She holds the child’s hand when it learns to walk, kiss­ well as adequate supply on a busy holiday weekend.] es away the hurt of scrapes and bruises, laughs with joy, If time permits, ask for volunteers to share memorable glows with confidence and expectancy, cries during times thoughts about their mothers’ influence in their lives. of sorrow, and teaches a child how to pray at the bedside.

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I. GOD'S WORK IS CARRIED ON BY SPIRITUAL POWER AND CHARACTER, NOT BY PERSONAL CHARM A Christian must understand that leadership on behalf o f Christ does not exist due to one’s title or position but rather due to one’s disposition. Observe how the apostles handled the selection of leaders to resolve the conflict: “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full o f the Spirit and wisdom. We w ill turn this responsibility over to them and will give our atten­ tion to prayer and the ministry o f the word” (Acts 6:3-4). References to Stephen emphasize the true source of his ability to be a servant leader. Stephen certainly was a man of integrity because of his good reputation, full o f wisdom and full o f the Spirit. He was a Christlike model and had a servant’s heart. He was also willing to “wait on tables” (v. 2 , n r s v ) or to serve. Humility is not degrading oneself but forgetting oneself. In other words, I put myself in the background so that someone else might be serviced by me.

by David A. Hoffman Leighton Ford remarks: “In Jesus we see authority and Acts 6:1-7; Phil. 2:5-8 humility wonderfully coupled together. . . . Humility is not denying that one possesses a gift; it is recognizing the INTRO source o f that g ift . . . that our gift comes through us and Have you ever noticed how television commercials not from us” (Transforming Leadership, InterVarsity, 233). teach an underlying philosophy o f life? Due to the West­ Stated another way: Christian leadership is not “a lead­ ern mind-set and an overemphasis on individualism, here ership o f power and control but a leadership o f power­ are some of the subtle messages we repeatedly hear in lessness and humility in which the suffering servant of the Western world. God, Jesus Christ, is made m anifest. . . leadership in “Have it your way.”— Burger King which power is constantly abandoned in favor o f love. It ‘You deserve a break today.”— McDonald’s is a true spiritual leadership” (Ralph Martin, The Worship “Do yourself a favor.”— Hardee’s o f God: Some Theological, Pastoral, and Practical Reflec­ ‘You owe it to yourself.”—Anthony’s tions, Eerdmans, 1982, 108). The messages communicate a common theme: “Look out for number one, numero uno." II. GOD'S WORK IS CARRIED ON BY INTIMACY Jesus contrasted selfish preoccupation with servant- WITH CHRIST'S PRESENCE AND CREDIBILITY, hood: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to NOT BY PERSONAL CONTROL serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. Like Stephen, a servant leader will discipline himself to 20:28; Mark 10:45). dwell in the presence of God. Jesus keeps us accountable Meditate for a moment on this statement: “The great by asking us the same questions He asked the apostle Pe­ leader is seen as servant first” (Robert Greenleaf, Servant ter: “Do you truly love me ...?... Do you truly love Leadership, 7). me? . . . Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). You must What enters your mind when you hear the phrase “ser­ never lose the romance and sense of intimacy. It is too vant leader”? Does it sound like an oxymoron to you? easy to fall in love with the applause and praise o f people The combined words initially seem contradictory. One or to substitute your labor o f love on behalf o f the King­ may argue that it is either/or, but the apostle Paul de­ dom for love of God himself. Too often fickleness or criti­ scribes it as both/and. cism will make us bitter, defensive, and resentful. Paul states, “Who, being in very nature God, did not Luke records that Stephen “looked up to heaven and consider equality with God something to be grasped, saw the glory o f God, and Jesus standing at the right but made himself nothing, taking the very nature o f a ser­ hand o f God” (Acts 7:55, emphasis added). As the first vant, being made in human likeness . . . and became Christian martyr, Stephen experienced the intimacy of obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:6-8, our Lord’s support prior to his stoning. The Lord normally emphasis added). Jesus modeled the lifestyle of a ser­ “sits” at the right hand o f the Father to make intercession vant leader. for us and to represent His completed act o f atonement in Look at the model of Stephen in the Early Church. In providing salvation. Acts 6 the apostles addressed a potential church-split sit­ Stephen attracted people to Jesus. He desired to mag­ uation regarding the care of Grecian widows. nify Jesus in his mortal body. He focused on relationship There are fundamental principles by which we may fol­ with the Father. Such vulnerability allows you to glimpse low the example and “attitude” o f our Lord Jesus (Phil. at people and to gaze at Jesus. Jesus and Stephen dis­ 2:5). played what Henri Nouwen calls “downward mobility” in

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contrast to the world’s standard of “upward mobility.” towel. As the cross is the sign o f submission, so the towel Stephen concentrated on Christ. is a sign of service! The radical nature of Jesus’ teaching What a contrast to the world’s perspective o f coercion, was not reversing the pecking order. Instead, He abol­ intimidation, and manipulation! Leo Tolstoy wrote in his ished it. Leadership is not authority to manipulate and book The Kingdom o f God and Peace Essays: control. Rather, it is an authority o f function, not status. Men are so accustomed to establish and defend their Richard Foster writes in Celebration o f Discipline: existence by violence, by bayonets, bullets, prisons, and “Whenever there is trouble over who is the greatest, there gallows, that it seems to them as if such an arrange­ is trouble over who is the least. That is the crux o f the ment of life were not only normal, but were the only matter for us, isn’t it? Most o f us know we will never be one possible. Yet it is just this arrangement and mainte­ the greatest; just don’t let us be the least.” nance o f the commonwealth by violence, that does Greatness is measured by service! Harry Bullis, former most to hinder people from comprehending the causes chairman o f the board o f General Mills, used to share this o f their sufferings, and consequently from being able to advice with his salespersons: “Forget about the sales you establish a true order (p. 451). hope to make, and concentrate on the service you want In comparison, “all the armies that have ever marched, to render.” all the navies that have ever sailed, all the kings who ever Who is more important— the waiter or the dinner reigned have not affected the history of mankind as did guest? It really is a rhetorical question by now. Jesus the life” o f our Lord Jesus (One Solitary Life). In fact, the modeled the principle that leadership is not flashy public Encyclopaedia Britannica contains more entries (20,000 relations and platform personality, but humble service to words) on Jesus than any other event or person ever the group on behalf o f our Lord. Interestingly, out o f Je­ known to humanity. sus’ three and a half years of ministry, the Gospels record Robert Greenleaf surmises that in servant leadership only a maximum o f 34 days. What did Jesus do the rest the people are learning “to relate to one another in less of the time when He was not preaching, teaching, or coercive and more creatively supporting ways... . The healing? He served! only authority deserving one’s allegiance is . . . freely and Stephen also had a servant’s heart. Our devotion must knowingly granted by the led to the leader in response to, be equally selfless by magnifying and exalting Jesus and in proportion to, the clearly evident servant stature Christ in our lives. Begin each day by praying, “Lord Je­ of the leader” (pp. 9-10). sus, help me see someone today whom I can serve.” ILLUS. I shall never forget the impact that an assistant manager of a grocery store made upon my life. His name was Sam. His tall and stocky frame automatically drew SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER one’s attention; however, his gentle spirit and kind man­ Skit on Servanthood (Check NPH resources) nerisms won people’s admiration and respect. Employed Chorus...... “Make Me a Servant” in my first public job, I worked as a courtesy clerk sack­ Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes ing and carrying groceries to customers’ vehicles as well Call to Worship ...... Isa. 52:13— 53:7 as assisting persons bringing items into the store. Hymns ...... “O to Be like Thee” One particular holiday, Independence Day as I recall, “Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated” we were extremely busy. Multiple advertisements and “The Servant Song” various special coupons provided impetus for families to Agape Love Feast shop who were celebrating the Fourth of July with cook- Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar outs in their backyards. In spite of scheduling additional Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings ...... 2 Cor. 8:9 employees for the busy day, the store was so busy that Special Music routine closing procedures o f filling sacks, racking glass Scripture ...... Acts 6:1-7; Phil. 2:5-8 bottles according to brands, sweeping and mopping, re­ Message ...... “EXALTING CHRIST BY EMPTYING stocking dairy and produce items, and so forth had not SELF: STEPHEN’S SERVANT HEART” even begun. Closing Chorus ...... “I Will Serve Thee” After bringing a cartload o f various sizes o f sacks to the Benediction checkout stand, I proceeded to fill each slot. At that point Sam instructed me to work on glass bottles, and he would fill the paper sacks. I retorted, “But Sam, that is CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS not your job.” A g a p e L o v e F e a s t His reply, which I will never forget, taught me the best Prepare bread slices and Communion cups with juice for an lesson on servanthood I have ever learned. He said, agape love feast. First, have your people come forward to ob­ “David, I try never to ask anyone else to do something I tain a bread slice; then instruct them to share a piece from would not be willing to do first of all myself.” their bread with others in the congregation. They should re­ I admired Sam even more after that incident. late personal remarks of appreciation, encouragement, and Obviously, Jesus understood this principle. John 13 re­ gratitude for one another and also offer any ability to serve. veals Him training His disciples about the ministry o f the

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to “show us the Father” (v. 8), Jesus replies with teaching about the Holy Spirit. Our Lord provided good news for the grief-stricken fol­ Rabbi Sends Resident lowers on that day as w ell as in our day. Jesus walks be­ side us in the adjustments, transitions, changes, and crises o f life. He provides the ultimate referral for us. The Spirit constantly abides in us. His eternal counsel is inter­ nally applied. His help is personal, since He is the Third Teacher: Perpetual Person of the Trinity. Chapters 1A— 16 in the Gospel of John are commonly called the Paraclete (parakletos) passages. It is derived from the word parakaled, meaning to call alongside for aid or assistance. The term is unique in its application of the Spirit. Although it is difficult to translate, the closest Schooling by Christ’s (nasb, nkjv, phillips), designation would be “Helper” “Ad­ vocate” (neb, nrsv), “Counselor” (niv, rsv). Some versions use “Comforter” (kjv, tlb ) or “Friend” (tm ). Jesus reassured them, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. . . . Spirit You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I by David A. Hoffman will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (14:16- John 14:15-27; 15:26; 16:5-15 18, emphases added). He would not abandon them or us— “Someone else to stand by you” (philups). INTRO Also, Jesus reminded them of a reward for their love While Jesus traveled during His three-year itinerant and obedience: “My Father will love him, and w e will ministry, His disciples and some people among the come to him and make our home with him” (14:23, em­ crowds addressed Him as “Rabbi.” It was a tide o f honor. phasis added). He w ill be resident in us. Rabbis in Jewish culture trained followers to carry on a The Spirit is “Someone who is called in.” Why? There special tradition o f learning. A rabbi’s students studied are several reasons. He serves as our Witness; our Advo­ diligently and loved to pick the brains of their esteemed cate to plead the cause of one accused; our Consultant to teacher. Afterward, they would become the representa­ offer advice; our Encourager to instill fresh fortitude to tives, or messengers with the wisdom o f their instructor. one’s will, emotions, and heart; as w ell as our Helper in Jesus, however, was very unique. Rather than passively time of need. handing down the past traditions and varying opinions As our Counselor and constant Companion, the Spirit on any given topic, Jesus would state, “You have heard it enables us to cope with circumstances. He consoles us was said, but I say to you . . His authority was active. and helps us in dealing with our inadequacies and weak­ The rabbi and his disciples not only traveled together nesses. He restores confidence that we are not alone. God and discussed pertinent issues but also lived in close loves us and desires the best for us. That is comforting! proximity to benefit the learning process. The pattern of The apostle Paul was w ell acquainted with this truth. the teacher was equally, if not more, as important as his In 2 Cor. 1 he uses the verb parakaled or the noun para- passing down precepts. Students revered the character of klesis a total of 10 times in verses 3-7. Our God is com­ the teacher as much, if not more, than the content o f his passionate! teachings. Thus, a resident rabbi had a tremendous im­ pact on the lives of his students. II. THE SPIRIT OFFERS INSTRUCTION, ILLUMINATION, AND INTERPRETATION AS OUR TUTOR-COACH I. THE SPIRIT OFFERS CONSOLATION AS OUR (14:25-27; 15:26; 16:13-15) COMPANION (14:15-24; 16:5-7) I read a statement on the marquee of an Oklahoma Jesus knew He had to ascend to the Father in heaven university, “Live as you learn, and learn as you live.” after His death and resurrection. His physical body, like Sometimes we even feel like a professional student. ours, was limited to space and time. So He began to pre­ That’s all right because it is vitally important that we re­ pare His disciples for “another Comforter” (14:16, k jv ) or main lifelong learners and possess a teachable spirit. “Helper” (n a s b ). He did not want them or us to struggle ILLUS. A committee of ministers in a certain city was in life all alone. The Spirit can be with anyone at all times discussing the possibility o f having D. L. Moody to serve in all places. as the evangelist during a citywide evangelistic cam­ Jesus’ familiar words o f comfort in 14:1-3 occur in the paign. Finally, one young minister who did not want to context o f His readying His disciples for His departure. invite Moody stood up and said: “Why Moody? Does he Jesus had celebrated the Passover meal with them in the have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?” Upper Room and had washed their feet to model servant- There was silence. Then an old, godly minister spoke hood. Afterward, in response to Peter’s, Thomas’s, and up, “No, he does not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit, Philip’s inquiries about where He was going and request but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on D. L. Moody.”

T he P r e a c h e r ’ s M a g a z i n e • M a r c h , A p r i l , M a y 1998 77 PREACHING HELPS

The veteran minister understood that Moody was pli­ erate disobedience will finally condemn a person. Our ad­ able in the hands o f God. Moody opened his life to the versary continues to work on believers as well as to lure prerogative and divine will of our Lord. He yielded to di­ them into backsliding or apostasy. vine wisdom and was flexible enough to relinquish con­ A. W. Tozer prudently described the dilemma as fol­ trol and to rely on God’s strategy He did not have a hid­ lows: den agenda. The doctrine of the Spirit as it relates to the believer One of Israel’s prophets significantly comprehended has, over the last half century, been shrouded in a mist. this truth when he wrote: ‘“Not by might nor by power, . . . A world of confusion has surrounded this truth. . .. but by my Spirit,’ says the L o r d Almighty” (Zech. 4:6). This confusion has not come by accident. An enemy The Spirit grants us insights into God’s truth. Spiritual has done this. Satan knows that Spiritless evangelical­ things can only be known sufficiently and specifically by ism is as deadly as Modernism or heresy, and he has the Spirit and Scripture. He is “the Spirit o f truth” (14:17; done everything in his power to prevent us from enjoy­ 15:26; 16:13). ing our true Christian heritage (“How to Be Filled with In other disciplines, on the other hand, an astronomer the Spirit,” in Keys to the Deeper Life [Zondervan, can communicate greater understanding o f stars by the 1964], 26-27). telescope; a chemist shares information on the interac­ The Spirit serves as our moral Compass to direct, to re­ tion of chemicals by the microscope; a medical doctor mind, and to guide us into all truth. He disposes o f de­ learns about many functions o f the body by a stetho­ ception beforehand. scope; a dentist and radiologist determine needs by an x Jesus personally promised His disciples that He would ray; a musician can keep us spellbound with the combi­ send the Paraclete, or Helper. His promise was fulfilled on nations on a musical scale by a symphony orchestra. the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit would dwell in Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 2 that the message of wisdom is them when Jesus himself departed to heaven. We also revealed by God’s Spirit: “The Spirit searches all things, may have His indwelling. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of even the deep things of God. . . . We have not received Christ and the Spirit o f truth. the spirit o f the world but the Spirit who is from God, The Holy Spirit offers consolation, instruction, and con­ that we may understand what God has freely given us. viction. He is our Companion, Coach, and Compass. He . . . The man without the Spirit does not accept the things knows our needs as the “resident Rabbi” or “resident that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness Teacher.” to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (w . 10, 12, 14). Allow the Spirit to tutor and coach you! SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ILLUS. Several years ago a bright Yale graduate Choruses ...... “Father, I Adore You” named Christopher Edwards became a victim of one of “Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome” the most insidious modern-day cults, the Moonies, in Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family News and Notes northern California. He became brainwashed in a three- Honoring All Our Teachers step process: (1) deprogrammed and convinced that Hymns ...... “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” everything he had been taught in the past was all wrong; “The Comforter Has Come” (2) complete submission o f his will and reason so that his “He Abides” mind was put into neutral; (3) reprogrammed and indoc­ Chorus ...... “Come, Holy Spirit” trinated with a concentration of intensive teaching to re­ Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar place the old concepts with new ones. Receiving God’s Tithes and Our Offerings It is essential that we study the Scriptures and sensitize Special Music ourselves to the Spirit’s instruction, illumination, and in­ Scripture...... John 14:15-27; 15:26; 16:5-15 terpretation concerning Christ and His Word. Message ...... “RABBI SENDS RESIDENT TEACHER: PERPETUAL SCHOOLING BY CHRIST’S SPIRIT” III. THE SPIRIT OFFERS CONVICTION TO US H ym n...... “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” AS A COMPASS (16:8-1 1) Benediction...... “The man without the Spirit does not accept There are definitely two spiritual things the Spirit the things that come from the Spirit of God” teaches us. He both convinces us that Jesus is the Son of God (15:26; 16:13-15; 1 John 5:5-13) and also convicts us of sin (16:8-11). On the latter, “He w ill convict the CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS world o f guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and H o n o r in g T e a c h e r s judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in Honor public school and Christian school teachers on all me” (w. 8-9). levels, college and university teachers, vocational-technical Sin is simply unbelief, not intellectual doubt but a skilled instructors, and all Sunday School teachers. Share a moral and volitional refusal to trust in Jesus Christ. Only story that will inspire everyone, and provide a gift of appreci­ God’s grace can soften and remedy the hardness o f hu­ ation. manity’s heart. Otherwise, rebellious defiance and delib­

T he Preacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 78 PREACHING HELPS

in Hebrew literally means “womb.” He actually says that God has given him birth or life as a mother, therefore he seeks compassion. A fry for a Clean Later, his son Solomon wrote: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and re­ nounces them finds mercy” (Prov. 28:13). In the New Testament John states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins Heart or A Prayer for and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The Greek word for “confess” here is homologed. It means to “say the same word” or to “agree.” David agreed with God’s indictment. David appeals to the character o f God— “mercy,” “un­ failing love,” “great compassion” (v. 1). He seeks pardon a Pure Heart from God because the law did not allow atonement for

by David A. Hoffman the sins of either adultery or murder. The priest could not Ps. 51:1-12 offer a sacrifice to cover for either violation. The usual punishment was stoning. INTRO Note David’s request: “Blot out my transgressions” (v. As a child and young man, David was a man after 1); “Wash away all my iniquity” (v. 2); “Cleanse me from God’s own heart. He was the youngest son o f Jesse and my sin” (v. 2). He demonstrates spiritual remorse because later anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king over Is­ the scar o f his sin remained. He violated the law by covet­ rael. He became a national hero by killing the Philistine ing another man’s wife. giant Goliath. He was a musician, composer, poet, writer, The imagery is o f a papyrus scroll on which God soldier, and an ancestor o f our Lord Jesus. recorded David’s sinful acts. Since kings kept records on However, later in life, due to weakness and succumbing their people, David knew that God had record of his to temptation, he became an adulterer, a murderer, a sin­ wrong. He requests forgiveness, but even more so, he ner. His moral values eroded and resulted in compromise longs after God’s wholeness and to again be a man after and corruption. He had everything— success, possessions, His heart. The Living Bible translates verse 2 as “Let me be power, fame, family. He had it all, but he wanted more. pure again.” King David did not go out to an adult video store to David admits his shameful deed. It haunts him day and rent an R-rated or X-rated movie prior to this. He just night: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is al­ happened to glimpse from the roof of his palace and see ways before me” (v. 3). His sin was premeditated. He re­ Bathsheba bathing in her private courtyard. Nevertheless, alized the depth o f his sin by acknowledging, “Against Victor Cline says there are steps in the progression o f you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your pornography for anyone who is struggling with that sin. sight” (v. 4). O f course, David had violated Uriah and his They are listed below. family, but ultimately he sinned against God. 1. Addiction— akin to heroin, cocaine, or other substance ILLUS. A man had an argument with his w ife and left abuse. Stimuli keep people coming back for more to obtain home. He went to a bar and met a lady. They engaged in new sexual highs. Dr. James L. McGough at the University of conversation and afterward checked into a motel. The California (Irvine) comments, “Experiences at times o f emo­ next morning he awoke, but she was already gone. He tional or sexual arousal get locked in the brain by the chemi­ walked into the bathroom to wash his face. On the mirror cal epinephrine and become virtually impossible to erase.” he saw written in red lipstick the words, “Welcome to the (See his article in the N.F.D. Journal Nov./Dec. 1985.) world of AIDS.” 2. Escalation— sexual highs become more difficult to Imagine how his sin would continue to haunt him. attain and lead to stronger, brutal levels o f stimulation. David’s confession recognizes the scope of his sin. All 3. Desensitization— what was initially shocking, repul­ sin defiantly opposes, deliberately disobeys, contradicts, sive, and disgusting becomes commonplace. The associa­ and confronts the holy nature of God. David agrees with tion of pain and degrading of others become trivial matters. God that “you are proved right when you speak and justi­ 4. Participation— people actively do what they have fied when you judge” (v. 4). seen portrayed as pleasurable. The heart o f the issue is the issue of the heart. That’s II. CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE ROOT CAUSE LEADS TO THE exactly why David cries for a clean heart and prays for a ROAD OF RECOVERY (VV. 5-6, 8-9) pure heart. David’s and our central problem is inherited depravity. [Read the scripture passage.] We are all born with a sinful nature. John Wesley referred to it as the “bent to sinning.” Sin is in our “inmost being.” I. CONFESSION OF SINS COMMITTED BRINGS A CLEARING It is the attitude of rebellion, defiance, and contempt. OF ONE'S CONSCIENCE AND GUILT (VV. 1 -4 ) This is different from actions. Not only are w e sinners In verses 1-4 David pleads guilty for his wrongdoing. because we commit acts o f sin; but also we sin, since we He admits his sin and asks for mercy. The word “mercy” are sinners.

T h e P r e ac h er ’s M ag azine • M a r c h , A p r il , M ay 1998 PREACHING HELPS

Note how David describes this dilemma: “Surely I was up on this thought by saying, “‘Come now, let us reason sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived together,’ says the L o r d . ‘Though your sins are like scar­ me” (v. 5). He is not faulting procreation or conception let, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as due to sexual intercourse as the cause. Instead, David al­ crimson, they shall be like w ool’” (1:18, emphasis ludes to the curse from the Fall, loss and deprivation o f added). the original righteousness of the image of God. David prays for purity. He pleads to God for a miracle: The psalm deals with integrity in the “inner parts” and “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast how God teaches us wisdom in the “inmost place” (v. 6). spirit within me” (v. 10). Also, David comments that “the It is the secret chambers of the heart. God desires truth sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and con­ here, which will prevent us from committing sin. David trite heart, O God, you w ill not despise” (v. 17). The prays, “Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my priest could not offer a sacrifice to atone for David’s sin, iniquity” (v. 9). so David goes directly to God. God requires confession, The psalmist indicates the beginning o f God’s remedy: and only He can truly cleanse the heart. “Let the bones you have crushed rejoice” (v. 8). Rejoice? David also prays that God would not cast him away How does one rejoice with broken bones? It signifies from His presence as the Spirit of the Lord departed from pain. Much o f the answer can be gained from the Native King Saul earlier (v. 11). David humbles himself before Americans, particularly the lifestyle of the Navajo shep­ God with a broken and contrite spirit. Contrition is out o f herds. love, whereas attrition is out o f fear. He appeals to God’s ILLUS. In the spring, lambing season occurs from four love. to six weeks in the month(s) of March (and April). The May we also commit our secret closets to Christ and ewes birth their lambs. As the lambs are gradually cling to Him. Allow Jesus to purify your heart and make weaned, there is invariably one lamb determined to exer­ you as clean as He can possibly make you. Let the Lord cise independence. It strays from the flock and its loving search and cleanse you. shepherd (Isa. 53:6). Then it becomes lost. The shepherd searches for the lamb. When he finds it, he carefully breaks its front legs. Then he gently places SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER the lamb on his shoulders, where he carries it until it Choruses ...... “I W ill Enter His Gates” heals. “He Is Lord” During the weeks the lamb’s bones are healing, it Welcome and Fellowship ...... Church Family New s and Notes learns the smell, gait, and voice o f the shepherd. The Call to W o rsh ip ...... Responsive Reading lamb develops a trust in its shepherd. Their relationship “Purity of Heart” develops, so that when the lamb thoroughly heals and is Hymns ...... “The Cleansing W ave” ready to walk again, the shepherd places a bell around ‘Jesus Paid It All” the lamb’s neck so that it becomes the leader of the “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” sheep. Song ...... “Cleanse M e” God “crushes” us as a sign o f hope that He wants to use Pastoral Prayer and Family Altar us in His service. Receiving God’s Tithe and Our Offerings While I was enrolled in seminary, President Gordon Special Music Wetmore shared with us students these thoughts: Scripture ...... Ps. 51:1-12 What God claims, I yield. Message ...... “A CRY FOR A CLEAN HEART” OR “A PRAYER What I yield, He accepts. FOR A PURE HEART” What He accepts, He cleanses. Invitational H y m n ...... “Whiter than Snow” What He cleanses, He fills. Benediction...... Matt. 5:8 What He fills, He uses.

III. CLEANSING OF ONE'S HEART IS COMPULSORY PASTORAL PRAYER

IW . 7, 10-12) In preparation for prayer, have a few moments of silence to David pleads for cleansing, “Cleanse me with hyssop, allow your people to commune with God. Instruct them in and I will be clean; wash me, and I w ill be whiter than the waiting time as follows: snow” (v. 7). Hyssop was used in ritual cleansing. It is “God, I feel Your love today, especially in the area o f . . like our sponge. A leper was cleansed by sprinkling seven “God, search my heart, and see if there be any hurtful or harmful w ay in me” (Ps. 139:23-24). times with the sacrificial blood into which the hyssop was dipped (Lev. 14:6-9). Also, there was a ritual for cleans­

ing those who had come into contact with a dead body CREATIVE WORSHIP IDEAS (Num. 19:16-19). In either case the priest pronounced, “And he w ill be clean.” O f f e r in g In both those contexts, the word for “purge” or During the offering prayer, use the words from the chorus “cleanse” meant to “de-sin.” Afterward, the person “We Are So Blessed,” or sing the chorus after the offering has washed his clothes and body. David adds the words, “and been received. I will be whiter than snow.” Later the prophet Isaiah picks

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 HIGHPOINT

hen does the high point of the week occur? For some, it may be the weekend itself—those days when one’s time is one’s own. For a growing number of people W there is the awareness that a time is needed when there is opportunity to fo­ cus on the coming demands of the new week. Sunday night is that time when many people hunker down within the cocoon, squeezing out the last minutes of freedom in the comfort of home. But for many others, it is a time when they begin preparing their response to the challenges of the coming week. Sunday night church is seen by many pastors as a time to help equip their congregations for effective living. Highpoint provides busy pastors an excellent array of ser­ mons and ideas for transforming Sunday night into the high point of the week.

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 81 A Fresh Breeze from Heaven

hile pastoring in Wichita, too loose a hand on the sheets or sermons from Highpoint, you Kansas, I learned to sail. not adjusting the jib quickly will note three special sermons Unusual? Not really. Just enough could lead to real chal­ that will enrich your preparation miles from the Kansas lenges for novice sailors. and thinking. Note the variety state line is a beautiful As I write these words, I have suggestions, and implement W body of water known as the Kaw just finished listening to an inter­ them as you see fit. Reservoir. On its waves sail boats view with Benny Hinn, sometime Tim Stearman is a preacher, of varied description. Surround­ televangelist, pastor, and author. teacher, and shepherd. He has ed by miles o f unbroken prairie, He offered a cryptic statement in built great churches wherever hi Kaw Reservoir is the ideal spot response to penetrating ques­ ministry has taken him. He and for city dwellers to stand behind tioning regarding some question­ his wife have two lovely daugh­ the helm of a sailboat and dis­ able activities surrounding his ters. Their ministry has touched cover the power o f the wind. ministry. He said, “Sometimes multitudes through Tim’s service One of the members of my the anointing can be a blessing in Nazarene Headquarters as di­ parish had a lovely, 26-foot sail­ . . . other times, it can be a rector o f Adult Ministries and as boat rigged in the design of a curse.” Provocative words, aren’t pastor in Kansas, Oklahoma, and sloop. It had a galley, slept four they? The truth is w e need the now in Colorado. May these people comfortably, and had a anointing of God. Our people messages, coming from the large, roomy cockpit. Neither its need the presence of the Holy warm heart of a parish pastor, owner nor I had any real experi­ Spirit. We don’t need the hype, touch your heart and mind as ence by the mast. O f course, I the hysteria, or the homeboy you prepare for Sunday night at had read the Annapolis Book of showmanship. What we need is your church. Sailing and many wonderful sea a fresh wind from heaven. stories in novel form. My grand­ While I do not agree with Ben­ father had sailed a two-masted ny Hinn regarding the anointing, vessel up the Chesapeake Bay I do believe the breath o f the from Tangier Island, Virginia, to Spirit is something precious, gra­ Tilghman Island, Maryland, as cious, and remarkable. It is not the family moved northward in something to be trafficked in. It search of better oystering is a profound gift from God to grounds in the bay. As far as sail­ every believer. ing experience, I was less than a In this series of messages, Tim DAVID FELTER novice. Stearman, pastor o f Denver First Editor The wind taught me much as I Church o f the Nazarene, careful­ tried to learn the fine art o f sail­ ly and simply opens God’s Word ing. I learned the wind could just to show us the divine Wind that as easily broach our boat as push blows upon the hearts of God’s us along on a reach. The trick faithful. He shows us how to was to keep the vessel headed trim our sails, awaiting the fresh correctly into the wind. Sailing breezes of God’s Spirit. He teach­ too high a point could put the es us how to respond to the tug boat in irons, which simply left o f God’s Wind on the sheets us with flapping sails and mo­ (ropes) of our lives. tionless in the water. Sailing with As you prepare to use these

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 82 od is always at work in His and spiritual heritage rich in the S ermon 1 Church. That is no surprise history and tradition of the Holi­ The Lost World for those who are expecting ness Movement, Tim under­ to see the evidence o f His stands the needs of the local Sermon 2 handiwork. Every once in a church. From a small-town On the Potter’s Wheel while, however, there are those parish, to a city changing its eco­ special moments that seem to nomic posture, to a large city punctuate the particular great­ congregation, filled with all the Sermon 3 ness of God’s work in His variety big cities attract, Tim Dyn-o-mite Church. I think o f the Asbury re­ Stearman knows that the success vival that stirred college and uni­ of each situation depends largely Sermon 4 versity campuses across North on the presence of the Holy Spir­ Attitude and the Holy Spirit America. I think o f the profound it. effect produced by the stories of Highpoint features the insight­ Sermon 5 the bravery and courage o f Jim for ful record of the movement of Holy Spirit Dos and Don’ts Elliot and his four friends as they the Spirit across the landscape of witnessed to the Auca Indians in Tim Stearman’s heart and mind. Sermon 6 the Amazon jungles o f South These sermons catch the mysteri­ Holy Spirit, Be My G u id e America. In both instances, God ous breeze o f the Spirit in used these living parables to thought forms ready for adapta­ Sermon 7 bring a powerful awareness of tion into personalized messages The Significance of Pentecost His desire to invade the lives of anywhere. His people with power and pur­ Sermon 8 pose. The Holy Spirit’s Effect on Our Tim Stearman pastors a large Lifestyle church. For many o f our readers, Denver First Church of the Naza­ Sermon 9 rene is synonymous with the ar­ Don’t Put Out the Fire chetypal megachurch. The first local church in our movement to Sermon 10 experience rapid growth to over Yielding to the Holy Spirit 2,000 in attendance, it blazed TIM STEARMAN new patterns o f community im­ Senior Pastor pact through its Saturday Nights Sermon 11 D enver in Denver programs under the A Reputation Under Inspection leadership o f Don Wellman and his competent staff. It is the Sermon 12 church to which delegates to the Sunday Night— The Service We General Assembly turned when Can’t Do Without it came time to select a general superintendent, and Pastor S ermon 13 James Diehl was elected. Sunday Night— The Service We Tim Stearman is no novice. Can’t Do Without (Continued) With roots deep in the heartland

T he P reacher’s M agazine • M arch, A pril, M ay 1998 83 W eek 1 Father has set by his own authority. But you will C. The Holy Spirit wants to sanctify receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; our bodies. Paul asks, “Do you not and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in know that your body is the temple all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends o f the of the Holy Spirit who is in you, Jer. 50:4-7 earth” (w . 7-8). whom you have from God, and you He was not leaving us alone. Just as Jesus came are not your own? For you were INTRODUCTION. As strange as it may seem, we find it to point us to the Father, He would send the Holy bought at a price; therefore glorify impossible today to look in any direction without seeing Spirit to point us to Jesus. God in your body and in your spirit, dinosaurs. They’re on soft-drink cups, cereal boxes, Hap­ C. In Acts 2, that promise is kept as the Holy Spirit which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20, py Meals, billboards, newspaper ads, and toy shelves. descends initially on 120 believers who had gath­ NKJV). They make Beanie Babies stand up and take notice. ered in an upper room. CONCLUSION: In this entire sanctifying I. THE LOST WORLD D. The last words of Jesus had been the promise of process, the Holy Spirit’s greatest concern A. A loving God created a perfect world. A place the Holy Spirit. God in flesh (Jesus) became God is to help us remember that we belong to where the sun could shine without fear o f in Spirit, able to teach, empower, and abide with God and are programmed for greatness— melanoma. A place where vegetation grew organi­ us today. to be made like Christ. cally and produced fruit that was full and sweet. Coming from our lost state and hearing “The You see, the world may be lost, but you A place where mosquitoes didn’t bite and disease Last Word”— this promise. It is natural that many don’t have to be. didn’t cripple and death didn’t exist. It was literal­ would ask, “What is the Lord’s will in all of this?” ly heaven on earth. “What does He want me to do?” B. A treacherous enemy asked the garden inhabi­ III. THE LORD’S WILL tants, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from A. 1 Thess. 4:3: “It is God’s will that you should be any tree in the garden’?” sanctified.” That sentence planted a seed. A seed of doubt When we take the Greek word for sanctification f c t y Ideas for Sermon 1 and temptation that grew in the heart of a woman apart, we realize that it’s rooted in the word Children’s programs, plays, or musicals. and a man. Grew until the thrill of disobedience “holy.” Sanctification is the process of being made Nothing draws a crowd like a performance by children. If your church has a children’s outweighed devotion to the divine. holy. “Holy” means set apart, belonging to God. choir, active Sunday School, or children’s II. THE LAST WORD B. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ church, you have the potential for a chil­ A. What did God say? Why was He leaving us here in us and to enable us to grow in His likeness. dren’s program. There are coundess (sea­ alone? Sanctification is a moment o f commitment and sonal and other) dramas and musicals avail­ In John 14, while preparing His disciples for His a lifetime of growth. able through Christian bookstores and ultimate departure, Jesus said this: “All this I have The Holy Spirit wants to sanctify our spirits, publishing houses. An imaginative church spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the give us minds that are focused on Christ. Let me member could also put together a clever Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my tell you something. Eph. 4:23 says, “Be renewed program that would delight children and

name, will teach you all things and will remind in the spirit o f your mind” ( k j v ) . I’m inclined to adults. you of everything I have said to you” (w . 25-26, suggest that our spirit is in our mind. emphasis added). The Holy Spirit wants to sanctify our soul. The In Acts 1, Jesus prepares to ascend into heaven, word “psyche” is what Paul used for this element. and He returns to that same theme: “Do not leave It represents the invisible part o f a person. It’s per­ Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father haps helpful to think o f the influence of the soul promised, which you have heard me speak about. in terms of our character and personality. For John baptized with water, but in a few days — Our character = values and patterns that de­ you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (w . 4- termine our behavior 5). — Our personality - who w e are— what makes B. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the us distinct W eek 2 ON THE P O M ’ S WHEEL Rom. 12:1-2

INTRODUCTION II. THE SPIRIT CONFIRMS yond your salvation experience? Not unless A. The term “Holy Spirit” is almost frightening to A. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the final verses of you plan to. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill some. In many ways it’s due to the excesses that Gal. 5 like this: “Since this is the kind of life we you and cleanse you and make you, to con­ w e’ve seen on TV and the behavior that few o f us have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make vict and confirm and conform. understand. The Holy Spirit gets blamed (or cred­ sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our Are you willing to invite God the Holy ited) for a lot that, I believe, makes God shudder. heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out Spirit to place you on the Potter’s wheel? B. John 4:24 tells us that God is Spirit. When Jesus its implications in every detail o f our lives. That Song: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” walked the earth, we are told that He was God in­ means we will not compare ourselves with each carnate. What does “incarnate” mean? God in the other as if one o f us were better and another flesh. worse. We have far more interesting things to do But God is no longer in the flesh. He is here in with our lives. Each o f us is an original” (w . 25-26, Variety Ideas for Sermon I Spirit. Wouldn’t that be a “Holy Spirit”? t m , emphasis added). C. The Holy Spirit is God in the present tense (Rom. B. The Holy Spirit helps us know that we are known Handbell concert. Blessed is the congrega­ tion who has a handbell choir. They are not 12:1-2). and owned by the Lord. His assignment is to make only beautiful to hear but also fascinating D. We have the opportunity to choose to be His holy us sure o f our salvation and to give us security in to watch. If your church does not have a Christ. people. And that’s where the work o f the Holy bell choir, contact a church that does. Hand­ C. The Holy Spirit is present to guarantee that we Spirit begins to be most visible in the life of the bell choirs are usually thrilled to share their born-again believer. will receive all the rest o f our inheritance. ministry with other churches. I. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS Our insecurity in this area is so often caused by A. John 16:7-8: “But I tell you the truth: It is for your a brief or prolonged return to self-reliance; w e’re good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the trying to “work our way” to salvation. Counselor [Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but III. THE SPIRIT CONFORMS if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he A. When God first thought o f you and me, He had in will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and mind our being formed into the image of His Son. righteousness and judgment” (emphasis added). The Holy Spirit presses into the clay and shapes I’m praying for the Holy Spirit to convict unbe­ it to make us more and more like the One who lievers: owns us. — Those involved in affairs, physical and emo­ B. J. B. Phillips expresses this in his very popular tional paraphrase: “Don’t let the world around you — Those stealing from their employers squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re­ — Those abusing their spouses, their children make you so that your whole attitude of mind is — Those robbing God, ignoring Him, insisting changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the on living in their sin will o f God’s good, acceptable to him and perfect” B. But that conviction shouldn’t end when we are (Rom. 12:2). saved. The Holy Spirit is now forming us, shaping CONCLUSION: Are you more like Christ now than you and reshaping our values and morals. He’s purg­ were the day you were saved? ing us and convicting us of such things as pride God is faithful to do His part. But will you grow be­ and self-centeredness. W eek 3

Acts 1:1-8

INTRODUCTION. Our text tells us two things. One, C. Have w e invited the Holy Spirit to take up resi­ that the Holy Spirit dispenses power; and two, that we dence in us? are to be witnesses. III. SPIRIT POWER DENIED Variety Ideas for Sermon 3 Please note that it’s two separate and distinct state­ A. It would be the understatement o f the year to say Musical groups. Invite a special musical ments. that many of our churches are without the power group to share a full evening of worship 1. You will receive power. o f the Holy Spirit as was known in the New Testa­ and praise with you. Colleges and universi­ 2. You will be witnesses. ment Church. ties have ensembles (vocal and instrumen­ In this message we want to consider the idea o f power, 1. Jesus said, “You shall receive power” (n k jv ). tal) that are willing to travel and lead in worship. Other churches and communities more specifically the power of the Holy Spirit and what The Greek word for power in this verse is also have local talent that might be willing that means to us. dunamis, from which we get the word “dyna­ to lead your congregation in a worship ser­ mite.” I. SPIRIT POWER DEFINED vice. A. The Holy Spirit’s strength (power) is for service. 2. There is a correlation between the power Being filled daily by the Spirit is NOT for our en­ promised and the witnessing assigned. The dy­ joyment or warm fuzzy feelings or even our pri­ namite of God in our lives and in our churches vate piety. The Holy Spirit wants to equip us for will be evident when w e are wiling to witness ministry. for Christ (though it mean martyrdom). B. We are inundated today by claims that the Holy Spir­ CONCLUSION: Though the preaching o f our day may it is going to make us healthy, wealthy, and wise. If be much in need of improvement, the main reason for the that’s the case, isn’t it strange that all the disciples lack o f power in our services on Sunday is the absence of but one died a martyr’s death and penniless? personal sharing o f Christ during the week. II. SPIRIT POWER DEPLOYED We fail to use the power; therefore it’s denied. A. What can the power o f the Holy Spirit mean to a D. L. Moody once said, “I want a faith that has legs and life and to a church? can run.” 1. It means constant renewal, daily revival, and rapid obedience. 2. The power o f the Holy Spirit deployed is pow­ er to conquer sin, to love others, and to w it­ ness for Christ. We value notoriety above character and achievement more than personal worth. God is pleased to have us be like Him. B. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be holy— power to make us pleasing to God and to be like God. Heb. 2:11 says: “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Can God say that about you and me? W eek 4 ATTITUDE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT Ezek. 36:24-32

INTRODUCTION. What are the spiritual possibilities III. A NEW LOVE available to believers? A. First John 4:8 says, “He that loveth not knoweth God says that He will “put a new spirit” in us (small s, not God; for God is love” (k jv ). Variety Ideas for Sermon 4 v. 26), meaning “attitude.” Then He says, “I will put my B. Gal. 5:22-23 reminds us that “the fruit o f the Spir­ Talent night. How about a fifth Sunday Spirit in you” (v. 27, emphasis added), meaning the Holy it is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, talent night? Your own congregation has Spirit. goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (k jv ). members who have gifts they can and The implication clearly being that the Spirit o f God in­ It is often pointed out that the word “fruit” is would delight in sharing. Singing ensem­ bles and solos, recitations, instrumental dwelling us w ill have an impact on our human spirit— singular, meaning that all these virtues are differ­ groups and solos, and skits are only a few our attitudes. ent aspects of love. of the ways your congregation can give glo­ S. D. Gordon says: Eph. 4:30-32 picks up on that theme. ry to God through the talents He has given. I. A NEW SPIRIT ‘Joy is love singing; A. When you read God’s promise to His people in peace is love resting; Ezekiel, you begin to think that if God can remake longsuffering is love enduring; such lives as those, surely there is hope and help gentleness is love’s touch; for me. goodness is love’s character; B. The wonderful news of the gospel is this: God not faith is love’s habit; only forgives our sins but also changes our bad at­ meekness is love forgetting itself; titudes. temperance is love holding the reins.” 1. It is through His indwelling presence. God’s CONCLUSION: This life of love is only possible while Spirit has always been with His people in some there is daily surrender and daily faith (yes, sometimes measure. But since Pentecost that Presence has it’s pretty weak). been unique. Our prayer must be, “Lord, show me any attitudes that 2. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “But you know are unchristlike.” him, for he lives with you and will be in you” Search me, O God, and know my heart today. (John 14:17). Tty me, O Savior; know my thoughts, I pray. II. A NEW REALITY See if there be some wicked way in me; A. New freedom Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free. Because we are “centered” (an old Quaker — J. Edwin Orr term) in Christ and His will, we feel freedom to venture out in all directions to study, investigate, feel, and relate. B. New motives A cleansing o f the inner life will change our mo­ tivation. Because everything is open to the Master’s juris­ diction, we find a new happiness and relaxation in our lifestyles. C. Peace W eek 5 cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but you, that my joy might remain in one who has been tempted in all things as we you, and that your joy might be are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15, nasb). full” (John 15:11, k j v ) . Temptation becomes sin only when the will F. We may expect the Holy Spirit to Acts 11:19-26 decides in favor of the suggestion o f the make us witnesses. tempter. Barnabas and the others had INTRODUCTION. So often we speak at length about 3. Temptation is NECESSARY. “Dear brothers, is been faithful to Christ’s command, the Holy Spirit, we often fail to convey what the Spirit is your life full of difficulties and temptations? and He was honoring their obedi­ supposed to do in the life of a believer. Does the Holy Then be happy, for when the way is rough, ence as He said He would: “And the Spirit make any difference in my day-to-day existence? If your patience has a chance to grow. So let it hand of the Lord was with them” so, how? And what should I expect? grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your prob­ (Acts 11:21, k j v ) . I. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NOT DO FOR US lems. For when your patience is finally in full CONCLUSION: Richard Halverson said, A. The Holy Spirit does not destroy the self. We bloom, then you will be ready for anything, “If one is filled with the Holy Spirit, his sometimes hear it said that if complete yielding to strong in character, full and complete” (James witness will not be optional or mandatory. God takes place, I must “die to self.” That thought, 1:2-4, tlb , emphasis added). It will be inevitable. ” though true, needs clarification. II. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL DO FOR US My “self” is who I am. It is my personality, and A. We may expect the Holy Spirit to make us better that uniqueness of “me” is not to be destroyed. persons. Luke simply says of Barnabas, “He was a That’s not the purpose of the Holy Spirit. However, good man” (Acts 11:24). If the Holy Spirit does Variety Ideas for Sermon 5 God wants you to get over who you are, whether anything for us, He makes us good. Youth night. The youth of your church are that’s thinking too little of yourself or too much. And that goodness is not o f ourselves, the hymn tomorrow’s leaders. How about giving them You see, when sin entered the human arena, it writer penned: “Not our own righteousness, but the opportunity to lead your congregation tarnished self. The Holy Spirit only wants to Christ within, / Living, and reigning, and saving in worship? They can give testimonies, do cleanse that self. from sin” (Lelia N. Morris). fun skits, sing, and take the responsibility of B. The Holy Spirit will not make us infallible. We will B. We may expect the Holy Spirit to make us more adult leaders (usher, pray, read scripture, be sadly disappointed if we expect Him to have us humble. preach) for an evening. to the point of perfection in this life. The Holy Spirit will not reside in the same heart The Word of God says, “We have this treasure in with stubborn, proud, selfish ambition. earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7, k j v ) . And not until C. We may expect the Holy Spirit to make us more we get to heaven will we be able to exchange the realistic. earthen vessel for sterling or, better yet, gold. He knows our limitations and wants to help us C. The Holy Spirit will not put us beyond the reach recognize them. o f temptation.- And we should never assume that D. We may expect the Holy Spirit to make us more the Spirit-filled person reaches a place where he optimistic. no longer feels Satan’s severe attack. Like Stephen, Barnabas was full of faith. When 1. Temptation is NATURAL. “No temptation has Barnabas arrived in Antioch and saw the evidence overtaken you but such as is common to man; of God’s working, “he . . . encouraged them all to and God is faithful, who will not allow you to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (v. be tempted beyond what you are able, but 23). with the temptation will provide the way o f es­ E. We may expect the Holy Spirit to make us more cape also, that you may be able to endure it” joyful! (1 Cor. 10:13, nasb, emphasis added). Luke tells us that when Barnabas found the 2. Temptation is NEUTRAL. Temptation is itself church at Antioch prospering, “he was glad.” not sin. “For we do not have a high priest who Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto W eek 6 mine that our will is in line with God’s will. 1. We have learned from 1 Thess. 4:3 What is the wisest thing to do? that it is God’s will that w e be holy people. III. SEEK THE GODLY COUNSEL OF OTHERS The word in that verse used to define holi­ A. God will often work through the counsel of godly ness is “sanctified”— conformed more and pastors or older Christians who can pray and then more to Christ. John 10:1-6 advise from a wide background of experience. 2. We have learned that to be perfected INTRODUCTION. The Scripture teaches us the impor­ B. Timothy often sought and accepted the advice of in love is the ultimate goal of being holy tance of God’s will. Paul. people. John 14:26: “The Holy Spirit. . . will teach you all IV BE AWARE OF THE OPEN DOOR John of the Cross said, “In the twilight o f things.” A. Doors o f service are often closed. But this, too, our lives, we will be judged on how we James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of may be God’s providence. On his second mission­ have loved.” God” (k jv ). ary journey, the apostle Paul went through this The hymn writer penned: The Word of God teaches, or at least implies, two kind of experience. Luke tells about it in Acts My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine. things. 16:6-8. For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. 1. That God will not play games with us concerning B. Paul knew that a closed door may be God’s will as — William R. Featherstone His will. definitely as an open door. Augustine says: “All evil comes from dis­ 2. As His sheep, we will recognize His voice. V LISTEN TO THE INNER VOICE ordered love, for it is love that moves me How can we know God’s will? The Holy Spirit is as­ There are three simple steps to seeking this inner di­ where I go. Love is my gravity ... I go signed the duty o f helping us. rection from the Holy Spirit. where my love moves me.” I. BE ACQUAINTED W ITH THE WORD OF GOD A. Will to do His will. 3. Christ perfected love . . . by the Holy In so many broad principles of Christian living, the — Without reservation; decide that you’re going Spirit’s abiding presence, makes doing the Bible leaves no doubt as to God’s will. to follow God’s will completely. will o f God in every other part of our lives If you choose the Bible as the Guide of your con­ Paul says it in Eph. 6:6, “Obey . . . not only to that much simpler. duct, you will find that there are many specifics be­ win their favor when their eye is on you, but like yond the broad principles: lying, stealing, adultery, slaves of Christ, doing the will o f God from your gossip, slander. heart.” A. Don’t make major issues out o f incidental deci­ — God doesn’t reveal himself completely to Variety Ideas for Sermon 8 sions. (Differences of opinion) those who are unwilling to follow Him. Connect with the seasons. Is there a sea­ B. Seek God’s will earnestly. B. Be honest with yourselves. Rom. 14:5, 12 says, sonal emphasis you can connect with dur­ “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own “You w ill seek me and find me when you seek ing this series of sermons? Community and mind. . . . So then every one o f us shall give ac­ me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). cultural events often provide windows of count of himself to God” (k jv ). C. Rest your case in Him. opportunity for working with dynamic rela­ C. Always guard your influence. — “But when he asks, he must believe and not tionships that can enhance Sunday night D. Do not treat questionable things and places light­ doubt” (James 1:6). church. Follow local, regional, even nation­ ly. “Everything that does not come from faith is Paul was called to Macedonia. No building, no al holidays and events, and establish a nat­ ural link or connection that can illustrate sin” (v. 23). parsonage, no congregation. But he never wa­ your preaching. The most casual reading o f the Bible reveals vered. The four men began their work in a prayer God’s will for many areas of our living. But if the meeting outside the city, on a riverbank. Scriptures are not always clear in your particular When Paul was beaten and jailed, he didn’t wa­ problem, there are other sources of helping in de­ ver or doubt God. termining God’s will. CONCLUSION: So these things tell us how we can dis­ II. ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ILLUMINATE YOUR cern the will of God in the everyday ebb and flow o f life. JUDGMENT Now, in general terms, let me remind you about God’s Common sense is a standard by which we may deter­ will for all of us. W eek 7 — Like the reverberating roar o f a tornado. from the portals of Pentecost and shouting, — Symbolized the power o f the Holy Spirit. “Emmanuel! God with us!” In many large cities w e are familiar with smog. But And we will conquer our world for Je­ we also know that a good wind will blow it away. sus. Acts 2:1-4 I like to think of this “sound . . . of.. . wind” as Song: “A Glorious Church” having the effect o f sweeping away the spiritual pol­ INTRODUCTION. In reading these verses, there are lution. several questions that usually enter a person’s mind. Most When the Holy Spirit comes, the spiritual pollution o f the questions center around the fire, the languages, and confusion is blown away. and the wind. Since this was an official introduction of IV THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Variety Ideas for Sermon? the Holy Spirit, and these symbols are said to portray These other things (fire, languages, wind) are all Films. There are many wonderful Chris­ Him, it’s logical that we should consider them in any se­ right. They have a meaning— but without the first tian films that can be viewed by a total con­ ries on the Holy Spirit. part o f verse 4 they are meaningless. gregation. Many of these films are evange­ I. TONGUES OF FIRE A. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit” ( n k jv , listic in nature. The Billy Graham Probably a large blaze, at first visible in the center of emphasis added). That’s the real miracle of Pente­ organization has many of these available the room, which then divided and went in all directions cost. for rental. until a portion of it rested on each of those present. That’s why those 120 in that Upper Room could — I can’t explain that phenomenon. thrust their feet into sweat-stained sandals and — I think I do see what it symbolized: purity and march out to conquer the world. cleansing. A work o f the Spirit in the personalities of B. They had no visible swords, no visible shields, no those gathered. visible commander; but they marched with match­ II. OTHER LANGUAGES less unconcern into the gates of prison, through Verse 4 records that they “began to speak with other the valley of persecution, and even into the jaws tongues” (k jv ). of death. A. The Greek reads “other languages” (margin), indi­ The rhythm o f their marching feet echoes down cating a known dialect, a language they had not the centuries, a steady throbbing of sound, a back­ learned. ground for their battle cry: “Emmanuel! God with B. This is not the same as the “tongues” described in us!” (cf. Matt. 1:23). 1 Corinthians. C. Most of them died tragic deaths. Tradition says: C. We have tried to simplify this miracle. In the Matthew by the sword in Ethiopia; Mark behead­ process we have perverted the gifts o f the Spirit ed; Luke hung in an olive tree; John in exile on and polarized the church. Almost exclusively be­ Patmos; James had his head cut off; James the cause of this gift we have become seekers o f the Less was beaten to death with a fuller’s club; Peter gift instead o f the Giver. was crucified upside down. D. In this instance, the miracle could have been as Yet they marched and the Church grew. When much a gift o f hearing as it was a gift of speaking. will 21st-century Christianity recapture that spirit E. It symbolizes the fact that the gospel was univer­ of self-abandon to the will o f God? sal and that the Jew could no longer consider God CONCLUSION: an exclusive commodity. It says to me that the — When will we tarry in the Upper Room? Holy Spirit will never be without the ability to — When will we wait on the promise o f the Holy Spirit? communicate with those in need. — When will we be “filled with the Holy Spirit”? III. SOUND OF WIND For then we will possess the power, purity, and the de­ Verse 2, “Sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty sire to tell others about Jesus. wind” ( k j v ) . And we, too, will join that marching throng. Marching 5. We can’t expect God to put away our sins by thing, even in a small way, of walking in W eek 8 forgiving them if we are not willing to put the Spirit. them away by forsaking them. II. CONVERSATION A. First Pet. 1:15-16 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of Variety Ideas for Sermon 8 conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for Special services, recognitions, awards. Let I am holy” ( kjv, emphasis added). Acts 2:14-16 your whole congregation participate in hon­ B. Let’s talk about our conversation. Are you com­ oring adults, teens, children, and groups by INTRODUCTION fortable to let God in on all that you say? He organizing formal recognition and awards A. The Holy Spirit is God dwelling in believers to ac­ hears, you know. I’m talking about the vulgarities, services. Design a service (music, praise, tually carry on the work o f sanctification and holi­ the profanities, the gossip. sermonette) around the event. Follow this ness in their lives. III. CONDUCT special milestone by honoring the recipients B. On the Day of Pentecost, when the multitude saw A. Phil. 1:27 says, “Whatever happens, conduct your­ with a time of fellowship. the Early Church filled with the Spirit, they asked, selves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “What does this mean?” (v. 12). Dr. Marlin Howe made an interesting state­ Peter replied, “This is that which was spoken by ment: “Whenever stress hits the family system, the prophet Joel” (v. 16, kjv). pathology will always take precedent over theolo­ After his sermon the listeners asked, “What gy ” shall we do?” (v. 37). What is pathology? It’s the nature or character­ C. From the very beginning, there has been an istics o f (a disease) a person. awareness that being filled with the Holy Spirit IV COUNTENANCE will have an impact on our behavior. That’s what I A. Gal. 5:25-26 says, “Let us . .. walk in the Spirit. want to talk about today. Let us not be desirous o f vain glory, provoking one If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will another, envying one another” ( kjv). know the meaning of the word conviction. 1. This isn’t a suggestion, it’s a command. If I I. CONVICTION have the Holy Spirit living in me, I am to walk A. We w ill sense a profound conviction o f sin. We in the Spirit and to allow God to use me in the will become familiar with the idea of confession lives of others for His glory. and forsaking of sin. 2. The opposite of walking in the Spirit is to “be 1. Sin is too often simply dismissed in our society desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, as immaturity, arrested development, or bio­ envying one another.” logical growing pains. B. The opposite of walking in the Spirit, then, is the 2. Parents no longer think their unsaved children lack of humility. are lost. But that word still designates the kind 1. We are indwelt by the Spirit. Terrific. Then “let of people Jesus came to seek and to save. Your us also walk in the Spirit.” child may be a good boy or girl, but so was the 2. What will this mean? How will it be displayed? rich young ruler mentioned by Jesus in the 3. The great universal sight will be the love, the New Testament. joy, and the peace. And it will be a contrast to 3. Vance Havner said, “Old-fashioned sinners are envying one another, desiring vain glory, want­ harder to find these days than whooping ing those highest rooms, seeking the leader­ cranes.” ship, wanting power, using our own flesh to 4. Prodigals are not returning home confessing, “I our own praise. have sinned.” They are being rehabilitated. CONCLUSION: This is what it means to know some­ W eek 9 M ' T r ill OlIT THE FIRE 1 Thess. 5:12-28

INTRODUCTION. My father and my uncle grew up in and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to the panhandle of Oklahoma in a small town called Hook­ those who obey him” (emphasis added). er. That’s bad enough, but when you combine that with B. The Holy Spirit must have our cooperation if He is Variety Ideas for Sermon 9 the name of the school mascot, it’s really weird. Whereas to accomplish the work for which He entered the Missions night. All congregations need to I attended West High School in Wichita and we were world and the Church. be reminded of the importance and respon­ known as the Pioneers, in Hooker they were known as III. LIVING FOR THE FLESHLY NATURE GRIEVES AND sibility they have toward missions. Invite a the Horny Toads. That’s the truth. QUENCHES THE SPIRIT. missionary to speak to your congregation. Back in the late ’30s, the Hooker football team was A. Gal. 5:16-17 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and Perhaps the evening can be preceded or fol­ playing the neighboring town of Optima. The score was you will not gratify the desires of the sinful na­ lowed by an ethnic meal. 66 to 0. With three minutes left in the game some of the ture. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary Hooker fans were so disgusted that they started to leave. to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the Climbing out o f the stands, they made their way to the sinful nature.” field where their old cars were parked. As one of them 1. The Holy Spirit enters the heart o f every be­ started his car, the old Model A backfired. When it did, liever to lift that person above an earthly or the Optima team thought the final gun had sounded, and fleshly level. they ran off the field. Well, Dad’s team decided this was 2. Christ forgives you; the Holy Spirit lifts you. their chance. Three plays later they scored— on afield CONCLUSION: DON’T PUT OUT THE FIRE. goal— that was partially blocked! Don’t rain on someone else’s spiritual parade, and don’t Brother, when you see boys with that much optimism, I allow the fire to bum low in your own life. say, “Don’t put out the fire. ” There are five exhortations (or directions) given in verses 19-22. They are given as a means of safeguarding the manifestations o f the Spirit in power and purity and liberty. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit and our awareness, the church becomes dreary and ineffective. I. WE GRIEVE AND QUENCH THE SPIRIT WHEN WE IGNORE HIS PRESENCE WITHIN OUR HEARTS. A. First Cor. 3:16 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1. The Holy Spirit is hindered from doing His mightiest work when we ignore His presence. 2. To be unaware of what He is trying to do auto­ matically makes cooperation with Him impos­ sible. II. AN ATTITUDE OF DISOBEDIENCE TO HIS LEADER­ SHIP IS AN ACT OF QUENCHING THE SPIRIT. A. Acts 5:32 says, “We are witnesses of these things, W eek 10 not a consecration. Man dedicates; God conse­ Spirit who indwells us. When we crates. are filled with the Holy Spirit, 2. Paul also tells us how this dedication of our then increasingly we come to bodies is maintained: “Be transformed by the “have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 1 Thess. 5:19 renewing o f your mind.” This happens as the 2:16). We start to think as God Holy Spirit moves in, and Christ is able to thinks. INTRODUCTION. Over my E-mail this week I received “think through us.” C. Sacrifice simply means “doing an­ a listing of “letters to God.” II. GOD’S PATTERN other’s will.” Let me share just a few. A. Jesus’ human body was the vehicle by which He CONCLUSION: There may be some pain Dear God, in school they told us what You do. Who carried out His Father’s will while He was on along the way, to be sure; but the prevail­ does it when You are on vacation? earth. ing atmosphere w ill be that o f joy, and the Dear God, are You invisible, or is that just a trick? 1. Likewise, the believer should think o f his or blessing o f God in one’s life will be that of Dear God, is it true my father won’t get into heaven if her body as the vehicle God has provided peace. he uses his bowling words? through which he or she carries out the will Isaiah said, “Thou wilt keep him in per­ Dear God, instead o f letting people die and having to and the wishes of the Heavenly Father. fect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: make new ones, why don’t You just keep the ones You 2. Certainly we are not perfect like Jesus was, nor because he trusteth in thee” (26:3, k j v ) . have now? will we be completely. The issue is being w ill­ Dear God, who draws the lines around the countries? ing to let God do through us what we could Like children, we, too, have questions of God and never do ourselves, by yielding to His Spirit about God. within us. The key word that will open the door to understand B. Because Jesus was dedicated to His Father’s will, God’s very best for us is the word “yield.” The dictionary three things happened in His life. New member presentation and fellowship. states that yield means “to give up, to surrender, to give 1. He was willing to go where His Father chose. Honor new members with a service in place to.” What, then, is God’s very best for us? It is sim­ 2. He was willing to be whatever His Father chose which they are commemorated. Have them ply the discovery of the divine plan and purpose God has for Him to be. and their families sit in a place of honor. outlined for our lives, beginning in the here and now and Have another member give a short biogra­ 3. He was willing to do whatever His Father continuing throughout eternity. We do not arrive at this phy. Present them with a corsage or other chose for Him to do. Obedience unto death. magnificent discovery as a result o f the efforts o f human small gift. Invite the congregation to join III. GOD’S PURPOSE ingenuity. Rather, God unfolds His will and purpose for the new members in a fellowship following A. There is a purpose behind it all. our lives as we yield ourselves to His Holy Spirit within us. the service. 1. Why are we to yield to the Holy Spirit within I. GOD’S PROPOSITION us? A. Listen carefully to the proposition God makes to 2. It is to understand every day that we live the us through the words of the apostle Paul: “There­ will o f God for our lives. fore, I urge you, brothers, in view o f God’s mercy, B. How are we to yield to the Holy Spirit? to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and 1. God will lead us, by His Spirit, if we are willing pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act o f wor­ to do what He chooses for us to do. Someone ship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern o f has said, “God will speak loud enough for a this world, but be transformed by the renewing o f willing soul to hear.” your mind. Then you will be able to test and ap­ 2. God’s leading will always be in accordance prove what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and with the Scriptures. It is never true with God perfect will” (Rom. 12:1-2). that “the end justifies the means.” There is no B. Paul indicates that there are two areas that should such thing as “sacrificing a minor principle” in be affected by this yielding. order to accomplish an ultimate goal. 1. He calls for a dedication of the whole body as 3. This divine leadership is provided by the Holy a living sacrifice to God. This is a dedication, W eek 11

Rev. 3:1-6

INTRODUCTION. Sardis was a major city of commerce. Verse 1: “I know your deeds.” It was on a major Roman road, and the people had con­ Verse 2: “They are complete.” structed huge buildings for worship, entertainment, and Verse 3: “If they do not repent, Christ will come as Variety Ideas for Sermon 11 education. The city was built upon a bluff, and there was a thief.” Block party. Invite the neighborhood or only one way into it— the front door. Since it was built up­ CONCLUSION: Close with Matt. 24:42-44. community to a block party sponsored by on a bluff and the cliffs were sheer and steep, the presump­ your church. Feature singing groups, food tion was that no one could get through the back door. booths, information booths, face painting, In 549 b .c . Cyrus deployed a climber to ascend the per­ antique cars, balloons, community helpers, pendicular cliffs of the mountain fortress. The climber en­ clowns, petting zoos, fun, and games for all tered the city, opened the city gate, and the army led by ages— all free. To create a prospect list, have your “guests” register for periodical draw­ Cyrus captured the acropolis. Three centuries later the ings (Bibles, Christian books and tapes, city was captured the same way. etc.). Anytime a city claims to be safe and secure, it is possi­ ble it could lose its alertness, thus inviting disaster. Any­ time a country boasts to be the most powerful, that pow­ er will be challenged. Anytime a Christian loses the spirit of alert awareness, that Christian courts disaster. To His church, Jesus is saying, “I know your deeds. I know your reputation, your image, the good things peo­ ple say about you; but you are dead!” I. WAKE UP— BE WATCHFUL (Rev. 3:2) A. This is where the history o f the city comes into play: If only they had been watchful in 549 B.C., Cyrus would not have defeated them. B. If only they had been watchful in 216 B.C ., the armies of Antiochus the Great would not have de­ feated them. II. TITLE I don’t know what gets your attention the most, but the call o f God is to be watchful! “Wake up! Strength­ en what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” III. THE DANGER OF PROCRASTINATION = GREAT BE­ GINNINGS— NEVER FINISHING Sardis had a temple of Artemis. Year after year it nev­ er was completed. That attitude spilled over into the Christian world, and Christ sees what they’ve been doing. W eek 12

INTRODUCTION. We just can’t do without the Sunday tive interest will find the content and character of night service. At a time when there is broad discussion our service to be understandable and meaningful­ about the usefulness o f that service, I am discovering ly relevant to the issues of their life. We believe Variety Ideas for Sermon 12 that, for us, it is not only productive but essential. that the biblical Christian faith contains direction Seasonal canata and musicals. Enjoy your church choir for more than just one presen­ I. IF IT’S NOT ON PURPOSE, IT’S AN ACCIDENT for life, and we want to do our best to help the tation in the morning worship service. Give A. The starting place for a discussion of the Sunday outsider receive that transforming truth. them the opportunity to present a special night service is not Sunday night. Each church B. When we focus our Sunday morning service in evening of music at Christmas, Easter, or this way, we realize that there is a balance that and pastor should develop an intentional strategy Fourth of July. There are musicals available needs to be brought to our corporate worship. The and purpose for the full schedule o f the public ser­ for choirs of every size and ability. vices of the church. What we do on Sunday night commitment to being inclusive of the outsider on is closely connected to what we do on Sunday Sunday morning means that there are issues we morning. The different pieces of the “puzzle” of cannot easily address and language w e cannot public worship should fit into a purposeful whole. use. In order to bring balance to our worship, we B. Who are we trying to reach in each service? What have intentionally designed our Sunday evening are we attempting to accomplish? How does this service to be our discipleship service. In this ser­ fit into our broader mission as a church? How do vice, we focus our attention on the maturing disci­ we need to complement this service if we are go­ ple. Our content, language, and even forms are ing to fulfill the full purpose o f our ministry? shaped by this participating audience and the con­ These are the type o f questions each church needs viction that God wants to bring us not only into a to ask. The answers will vary, depending on the saving relationship with Him but into maturity in mission and congregational character o f each Christ. This service is for maturing disciples. church. But the questions should be posed for every worshiping community. II. A DISCIPLESHIP SERVICE FOR DISCIPLES A. Our Sunday evening service functions as a com­ plementary balance to our Sunday morning ser­ vice. In our worship strategy, the Sunday morning service is intentionally “seeker-inclusive.” That is, although the service is addressed to believers, it is designed in such a way that it includes outsiders. We try to create services where the setting, music, language, and message w ill be accessible, rele­ vant, and meaningful to those who do not bring any prior Christian commitment or understand­ ing. We hope that the person who walks through our doors with no knowledge of the Bible, no un­ derstanding o f Christian faith, and only a tenta­ W eek 13

INTRODUCTION C. Forms o f Worship— Two examples o f worship I. I’M PRESSING ON THE UPWARD WAY forms that can be effectively incorporated in a Focusing a service on maturing disciples means that I am Sunday evening discipleship service are the Lord’s Variety* Ideas for Sermon 13 more free to speak in their language to their issues and Supper and extended times o f prayer. Of course, Testimonial services. Christians need the to engage them in worship in ways that are effective and the Lord’s Supper can certainly be used in a Sun­ opportunity to share what God is doing in meaningful for them. This means that I can (a) address day morning service. This is especially true be­ their lives with other Christians. After a issues that are specific to them, (b) use tools and lan­ cause of Wesley’s use o f the Supper as a “convert­ time of musical praise and prayer, open the guage that are meaningful to them, and (c) use forms of ing ordinance.” Still, the Lord’s Supper is service to those who would like to give an offering of praise to God through testimony. worship that are especially appropriate for them. Let me primarily a sacrament for disciples. We try to cele­ briefly draw a picture of how these may be applied. brate the Lord’s Supper each month. By incorpo­ A. Issues— Some issues assume a level of maturity and rating the Lord’s Supper into the discipleship ser­ understanding to be addressed effectively. For in­ vice, we can treat it with a depth that is difficult stance, developed treatment of theological themes on Sunday morning. It can be an effective part o f and doctrinal affirmations are needed for maturing the maturing lifestyle o f the believer. Extended disciples but may require significant background prayer is another element o f worship that is help­ knowledge. Issues of churchmanship can be ad­ ful, even necessary, for maturing disciples but dif­ dressed at a more mature level. Spiritual disciplines ficult for a marginal or outsider audience. can be taught at a level that assumes some maturity. II. A SERVICE WE CAN’T DO WITHOUT The Bible can be studied at a deeper level, satisfying Our discipleship service fills an important role in the maturing disciples’ desire for “meatier” study. worship life o f our church. We literally can’t do with­ B. Tools and Language— This setting offers an oppor­ out it. We need to do the things that our discipleship tunity to use a range of hymns that are difficult to service allows us to do. We also need to do the things use in an outsider-sensitive service. Hymns some­ that our Sunday morning, seeker-inclusive service times use traditional language that is meaningful helps us to do. The Sunday evening service allows us to disciples but confusing to outsiders. “There Is a to move beyond the problem of either-or to the cele­ Fountain,” for instance, speaks profoundly to bration o f both-and. It has not been uncommon for a those raised in the church but could be disturbing mature believer to tell me that the discipleship ser­ to someone unfamiliar with our language. (A vice is their favorite service. It is supposed to be. It is fountain filled with blood?) ‘Jesus, the Very also not uncommon for a mature believer to say that Thought o f Thee” expresses the heart longing o f a having a discipleship service makes it easier to accept mature believer but may not be meaningful to a a Sunday morning service that is “outsider-sensitive.” visitor who has only a tentative interest in discov­ It is also rewarding to watch the new or nominal be­ ering what Christianity is all about. These hymns liever make the journey to maturity, assisted by the and others like them are important to us and ex­ discipleship service. All o f these come from a Sunday press dimensions of our walk with Christ that evening service for maturing disciples. We don’t need to be celebrated. Our discipleship service al­ know what we would do without it. lows us the opportunity to do that. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 1998

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