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3-1-1993 Preacher's Magazine Volume 68 Number 03 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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faith to Cive 6y, a seCffit to Cive with, a zvorf^ fit to Cive for, some6ody to Cove and 6e Coved 6y — these make tife. — Joseph “fort 9{ezvton □ EDITORIAL The Most Neglected Ministry in the Church by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash.

hat is the most neglected celebrated his birthdays and anniver­ tors and two neighboring youth pas­ ministry in the church? saries with gifts of appreciation. His tors have found encouragement and Ministering to ministers. close friends became our close emotional healing and a lot of love WOut of deep gratitude, Paul spoke of friends. Pastor Hagemeier was one of from my congregational family. Some “Onesiphorus, because he often re­ my best supporters. I love him! eventually moved on to successful freshed me and was not ashamed of We need to minister to the unas­ ministries, and others have joined the my chains. On the contrary, when he signed pastor. The unassigned pastor ministry of my church. Reach out to was in Rome, he searched hard for feels like “neither fish nor fowl”—he your wounded pastoral friends. me until he found me” (2 Tim. 1:16- often feels ill at ease among pastors A ministerial friend got a fatal case 17). and certainly does not feel like a lay­ of “staff infection.” We were able to During a very disappointing time man. One pastoral family visited our reach across the miles by telephone during my early ministry, two pas­ church, having been voted out of a to join hands in prayer and encour­ toral friends took me to lunch, Mau­ church in a distant city. Fellows from agement. The Lord has brought him rice Palmquist and Neil Wiseman. our church got a truck and moved through the desert time and given They taught me that day that we need the family to our community. They him a beautiful place in which to each other in the ministry. Too often are among our most faithful families, serve as pastor once again. And I we get so busy that we neglect build­ having contributed much to the min­ know he would be there for me also. ing networks among our peers. Un­ istry of our congregation. The unas­ A retired pastor of long-standing fortunately, when a pastor is hurting, signed pastoral families in my church friendship wrote a letter about a pas­ we either don’t know it, or we avoid are some of my closest friends and tor who had left his church under getting involved. Either way the deep best supporters. some kind of pressure. He had been a loneliness feels like neglect and rejec­ We need to minister to the retired fellow pastor and friend long ago. tion. pastors. Never have they been threats Again, by telephone, we shared and Many years ago I resigned my to me or my churches. But I have met prayed. He told me, “You are the only church with no place to go. When I many who feel pushed aside, unsure person who has called me.” attended the District Assembly, I was of where they should fit in. Many Wounded pastors need someone to shocked that I had suddenly become have found meaningful service on help them through the devastating invisible among my colleagues. No church staffs and have given far more experiences. I believe, also, that longer did I fit in. I felt very much than they have received. Seek them wounded pastors need time for emo­ alone. However, I learned to appreci­ out for your church family. tional and spiritual healing to take ate the much-needed ministry of One­ We need to minister to the wound­ place before they take their next as­ siphorus—and have tried to join his ed pastor. Remember again, “One­ signment. That healing can be assist­ | derical order. siphorus . . . searched hard for me un­ ed by careful, loving, sensitive friends | We need to minister to the former til he found me,” Paul rejoices. Often who can join with the hurting col­ pastor. He has invested a part of his a wounded pastor pulls away from league in seeking the touch of the life in the place you now serve. He pastors and people—but I urge you Healer of broken hearts. Would you knows the rules o f the game: stay to pursue him or her. That pastor is join me in the Order of Onesiphorus? away and don’t interfere. However, worth salvaging to the church. Be­ What can we do? as a successor, I have tried to express friend him. Three neighboring pas­ First, we must take time to gen­ love and appreciation and open the uinely care. door for former pastors to come Second, we must listen without a freely any time. Following Wayne censorious spirit. Hagemeier became a special joy. For Third, we must keep utter confi­ l4'/2 years he served as pastor. He dentiality. stepped aside to retire. I knew what Fourth, we must let them return to he didn’t know: after being out for a service at their own pace. Do not few months, he would feel isolated. push them into ministry, but give So I invited him to stay in our congre­ (Continued on page 52) gation and be part of our family. We

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 1 EDITORIAL 1Preacher'sMAGAZINE The Most Neglected Ministry in the Church 1 Volume 68 Number 3 Randal E. Denny March/April/May 1993

Editor Randal E. Denny WORSHIP Assistant Editor True Worship Is Work As Well as Pleasure 4 Cindy Osso Ronald Fry Consulting Editors Bill M. Sullivan £ Director of the Division Worship and Ministry of Church Growth Earl R. Wood Church of the Nozarene Wilbur W. Brannon Worship: Where Do You Go for Lessons? i : Director of Pastoral Ministries Kenneth Fach Church of the Nazarene Wayne E. Caldwell Worship and Pastoral Care u General Editor The Wesleyan Church Daniel R. Gales Contributing Editors A Theology of Worship u General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene Wesley G. Campbell Eugene L. Stowe Jerald D. Johnson The Challenges of Multicultural Worship : John A. Knight 2 Raymond W. Hurn Carlton F. Harvey William J. Prince Donald D. Owens Superintendents COMMUNICATOR’S SERMON CONTEST The Wesleyan Church O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson A Specific Prayer for You 2< Lee Haines Fred G. Prince Harry C. Wilson Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church The God Who Changes His Mind 3< Stanley Perisho George Lyons Maurice Roberts John P. Williams, Jr. Howard E. Harmon Called unto Holiness 3' General Superintendent Ronald David Bloomfield Churches of Christ in Christian Union Dan Tipton PREACHING General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church R. Donald Shafer Seven Blunders of the World 3 Bob Haslam Cover Photo: Barbara J, Feigles All unidentified Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 b y th e International Bible Society, a n d PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH are used by permission o f Zondervan Bible Publishers. Quotations from the following versions are used by permission: The Pastor as a Leader 3 International Children's Bible. New Century Version Ross W. Hayslip (NCV), copyrig ht © 1986, 1988 b y W ord Publishing. Dal­ las. Used b y permission. The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, EVANGELISM 1972,1973, 1975. 1977. The New English Bible (NEB), © The Delegates o f the Oxford University Press and The Syndics of the Cam­ Increase Your Outreach Through Writing 4 bridg e University Press, 1961,1970. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), copyrig ht Muriel Larson © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the Na­ tional Council of the Churces of Christ, published by Thomas Nelson. Inc., Nashville. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), c o p yrig h te d 1946, 1952,® 1971,1973. King James Version (KJV). The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ c o n Hill Press o f Kansas C ity, 2923 Troost A ve.. Kansas City, MO 64109. Editorial offices at 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, M O 64131. Address all correspondence co n ­ cerning subscriptions to your denominational publishing house. Subscription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1993 b y B eacon Hill Press o f Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A.

2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE CHURCH GROWTH Revitalizing the Rural Church 41 Jim Oliphant PASTORAL CARE Preacher's Living with Dying: Helping Parents Whose Exchange Child Has Died 42 Victor M. Parachin WANTED: Good used books, commentaries, CHURCH ADMINISTRATION holiness books, theology, Christian doctrine. Especially books from a ho­ Signposts of the Spirit 44 liness library, etc. Betsy Schwarzentraub CONTACT: Owen F. Underwood PALM SUNDAY London First Church of the Nazarene 176 Wellington St. Prophet, Priest, and King 46 London, ON N6B 2L1 Morris Chalfant Phone: 519-681-8192 MOTHER’S DAY On March 19, 1992, a major fire de­ “Twitterpated” 47 stroyed our church sanctuary and Wayne M. Warner other parts of our local church build­ ing, including my office and study and all of its contents. The fire was STEWARDSHIP deliberately set after thefts of about $10,000 of contents. Who Is Responsible for Payroll Taxes? 48 I had been a member of the Minis­ Julie L. Bloss ters Tape Club, I think, almost from its beginning. Many of the messages MINISTER’S MATE and much of the information had be­ come a valued part of my resource I God’s Family 50 material. I would like to know if it might be possible to replace some or Dorothy J. Downey all of these tapes. I would also, wel­ come anything from minister’s li­ TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS braries that might be for sale, in part or in whole. 51 CONTACT: ARK ROCKER Owen F. Underwood London First Church of the Nazarene i The Church Cat Committee 52 176 Wellington St. London, ON N6B 2L1 WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS 519-434-6221 Jarrell W. Garsee 53

Authors should address all articles a n d correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's Mag- 1zine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes hould accom pany all manuscripts.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 3 .. : .. ,...... ■■ : ...... 1 This quarter’s theme on worship comes from our first all-Canadian editorial board. True Worship Is Work As Well as Pleasure

by Ronald Fry Downsview, Ont.

he real enemy of worship is public duty rendered by citizens of a experience worship that has almos not dullness or boredom. The Greek city-state, the translators of the none of the qualities of true woi deadliest foe of true worship Septuagint applied it to public wor­ ship—offering ourselves and bendin is a kind of indulgent, insatiable questship, the public service of God.”2 The to God’s will and ways. Rather, man for gratification. I’m referring toword an liturgy is composed of two ele­ popular movements experience ir Tegocentric “pit stop” approach that ments: laos and ergon, “people” and dulgence in emotions and an inord treats worship as a rejuvenating kind “work.” The underlying concept sees nate quest for self-gratification. Woi of tonic that meets for a moment the worship as the work of the people. “It ship as service, inside and outside th need to experience God. is not a performance that we observe, church, in word and deed, in spiri A lot of frustration and emptiness but a service that we do.”3 Worship is and in truth often is missing. that now surrounds worship flows not primarily for our personal enjoy­ Today we witness pastors and la from a frantic attempt to attract and ment but is a service we render to leaders in a frenzy, frantically at keep this generation coming to God. tempting to make worship excitin; church by catering to their needs and This service is not confined to the and relevant. Nothing causes greate expectations. Carefully designed “pep formal hour of worship. The real ser­ embarrassment than worship that i rally” worship touches people primari­ vice, in terms of the mission of God’s criticized as being irrelevant or boi ly at a feeling level and contributes to people in the world, begins once the ing. God forbid! As a result, man the polluted atmosphere of indul­ formal worship service concludes. church leaders bend over backwar gence. A lot of nice songs are being Worship, far from being a timed to cater to a spectator generation tha sung; nice feelings are being felt; nice event that better not run over the wants worship that is enjoyable thoughts are being thought without hour, is actually a continuous, consis­ When they don’t like the worship any genuine acknowledgment of the tent way of life. In true worship, the they most likely will quit. “They gi presence of God and His claim upon “liturgy” does not end with the bene­ where they believe their needs ar our lives. Much of our current wor­ diction. being met.”5 The concern uppermof ship remains more psychological than Much o f Our Worship Is in their minds is not the worship c theological, more fleshly than spiritual, Introverted God but having a good time. Whei and gives enjoyment but little else. Lit­ Many persons have missed the asked why they don’t attend worship tle of it seems even remotely connect­ point of true worship. John Mac- they simply say “they don’t care” fo ed to the worship of Almighty God. Arthur observes correctly that “w e’ve the music or the preaching or th If one can escape the indulgent at­ been too long conditioned to think people or whatever. Self-centerec mosphere and bow before a holy God that the church is to entertain us.”4 self-absorbed, they express little cor with humility and adoration, the ele­ The sense that worship is presented cern for anyone or anything bu ments of true worship have the pow­ for God does not exist in many themselves. Their consumer outloo er to transform lives. churches. There is little articulation is limited to their own needs. “Thi Take a fresh look at worship—wor­ of His worth or praise of His glory to narcissism,” Leith Anderson says, “i ship as service. While the concept of the honor of His name. People may the product of their individualism am “worship as service” has been with us sense of entitlement.”6 Having growi a long time, a spectator generation up in a world of relative security am has consciously or unconsciously ig­ affluence, where everything has beei nored it. A beautiful expression of the given to them, they have a sense o meaning of worship is found in the entitlement. They’re entitled to enjo) Greek word, latreuo. It means “to ren­ able worship that meets their needs.; der religious service or honor, and, in People approach worship with th the strict sense, to perform sacred ser­ expectation of getting something ou vices, to offer gifts, to worship God.”1 of it, as it if were a slot machine wit] Our word liturgy is derived from this a payoff. Getting something out o Greek word. “Originally a service or worship may be a legitimate expects

4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE tion, but it is not a legitimate aim. good and to share with others, for a “living sacrifice” does not mean a The primary aim in true worship is to with such sacrifices God is pleased” once-for-all surrender, but the contin­ please God by bringing an offering or (13:15-16). The worship that pleases uously new act of obedience the be­ performing a service worthy of Him God is sacrificial service. liever makes to God. Paul calls this and honoring Him. In making the True Worship Is Essentially an our “spiritual act of worship” or “rea­ prime aim of worship the satisfying of Offering o f Ourselves to God sonable service” (KJV). Such service our own needs, we lose authentic Worship is the response of the does not attempt to coerce God into worship as a myriad of desires. worshiper to God. Two aspects are granting favors, but it is a genuine re­ Rethinking the Target Audience involved in the worshipers’ response sponse of gratitude. Obedient service It’s important to realize that “the to His redemptive act of love in to God is the essence of true wor­ most basic consideration in true Christ. First, there is the nature of the ship. Sacrificial service “consists of i Christian worship, however, is not response; and, second, there is the confessing and praising God and of I the effect it has on the one who wor­ nature of those making the response. loving deeds.”12 The writer to the He­ ships, but the effect it has on God.”7 brews admonishes, “Through Jesus, We need to reconsider who it is we therefore, let us continually offer to are trying to please in worship. We God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of ought to ask, “What does God want lips that confess his name. And do from our worship?” This requires re­ not forget to do good and to share thinking about the target audience. Carefully designed with others, for with such sacrifices Failure to target the right audience in God is pleased” (13:15-16). marketing a product can result in loss "pep rally" True Christian worship offers to of sales and profit. Failure to target God that honor, praise, thanksgiving, the right audience in worship is to worship and obedient service of which the miss the most important priority in worshiper is totally convinced He is worship—God. contributes to the worthy. The clearest example of true Naively people hold the idea that worship is seen in Christ Jesus, who the audience in worship is the wor­ polluted “made himself nothing, taking the shipers and that worship is for them. very nature of a servant . . . he hum­ They think that the worshipers are to atmosphere of bled himself and became obedient to enjoy the performance of the director death—even death on a cross!” (Phil. (pastor) and worship leaders. Howev­ indulgence. 2:7-8). Rayburn says, “The cross of er, in true worship, the worshipers Christ is at the very center of all truly are part of the cast; God is the audi­ Christian worship.”13 As the wor­ ence. The worshipers perform for His shiper becomes aware of God’s love good pleasure. Instead of concentrat­ for him in Christ, he is moved to offer ing on what the worshipers are going himself to God. to get out o f worship, w e need to The nature of the worshipers’ re­ The second aspect involved in the wonder what God is going to get out sponse to God in worship is summed worshipers’ response to God is the of it. W ill our worship bring Him up in the concept of sacrifice. “Sacri­ nature of the worshiper himself. Mac- pleasure? W ill our songs, prayers, fice is a positive act. Its essence is Arthur says, “The crucial factor in praise, and giving please Him? God is something given; not something giv­ worship in the church is not the form the audience in true worship. The ac­ en up. It is a freewill offering.”9 Wor­ of worship, but the state of the hearts tions of the worshipers should please ship should not be considered as get­ of the saints.”14 John Stott concurs. Him. ting from God. Worship is giving; He says, “In essence, the worship J Genuine worship is responsive. “It worship is offering. Rob Staples says, pleasing to God is inward not out­ is the response of the creature to the “All our worship should be regarded ward, the praise of the heart not the eternal.”8 Divine initiative evokes our as an offering to God.”10 Robert G. lips, spiritual not ceremonial. It is not response. A worshiper who seeks to Rayburn is emphatic when he says, movement of our bodies in elaborate please only himself in worship has “If there is anything that evangelical ritual (however graceful and elegant); misunderstood the meaning of wor­ Protestants need to understand today, it is the movement of our spirit to­ ship. At the very heart of worship is a it is this fact.”11 Worship is sacrifice. ward Him in love and obedience.”15 desire to please God. The goal of true In sacrifice, something is given vol­ The most important preparation of worship is not the maximum person­ untarily and unconditionally to God. all for worship is the preparation of al satisfaction of the worshiper, but This gesture of generosity in turn the worshiper. And this is usually the rather the satisfaction of God with evokes God’s generosity toward the most neglected. Our readiness for the worshiper who does “worship worshiper. As a responsive act, sacri­ worship depends upon the condition him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, fice or offering is a service done in of our hearts—our sincerity, fidelity, KJV). The writer to the Hebrews ad­ obedience to God. The apostle Paul humility, expectancy, and purity. monishes the true worshiper to “con­ urged Roman believers, “in view of Scripture sounds the note of pre­ tinually offer to God a sacrifice of God’s mercy,” to offer themselves “as paredness in Psalm 51: “You do not praise—the fruit of lips that confess living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to delight in sacrifice, or I would bring his name. And do not forget to do God” (Rom. 12:1). Offering oneself as it; you do not take pleasure in burnt

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 5 offerings. The sacrifices of God are a that speak directly to God rather than and serving of Communion. The tas broken spirit; a broken and contrite about Him can aid the worshiper in of helping people to discover, deve heart, O God, you will not despise” centering his thoughts and affections op, and deploy their gifts is one c (w . 16-17). upon Him. the rewarding duties of the pastoi The true meaning of worship is lost 2. Provide opportunities One minister of music spent time d< when people use worship only for in worship for people to offer veloping the talents of a budding gu personal satisfaction or therapeutic themselves. tarist. Once a week he met for seven side effects. The big watershed is Every worshiper has a gift or gifts hours with the fellow to practice th reached when we move from trying that can be offered in worship. These songs and choruses to be used in th to get something from God to offer­ gifts need to be released and de­ children’s worship on the followin ing something to God—principally ployed. This can only happen when Sunday. The result was not only in ourselves. Pastors must find ways to those responsible for worship take proved musical skills but also spiritu; help their people make this shift of the initiative to involve people in growth and a stronger personal rel; focus. worship. The pastor must be an en- tionship. The pastor must help pec The Role o f the Pastor in abler and liberator. The key concept pie to understand their contributio Worship is that of participation, making it pos­ as an offering to God, a ministry wit How can true worship of God be sible for the people who worship to eternal consequences. restored in our churches? The initia­ take an active part in various forms. 3- Construct worship that is tive lies with the pastor as one who is When the pastor is sensitive and contemporary. called to lead people in worship. The open to contributions from people This means shaping worship to n supreme task of the pastor is to en­ with various abilities, all kinds of di­ late meaningfully to real people in th courage people to offer themselves to verse gifts become evident. When real world. Meaningful worship is si; God. these gifts are discovered and offered nificant and influential in the life < The ultimate questions for the pas­ to God, they may enable the whole the worshiper. It requires listenin tor are not: “How can I satisfy the congregation to become more aware first to God and then to the peop] needs of my congregation? How can I of the reality of God and to respond w e’re leading in worship. Today en meet their expectations?” The most to Him joyfully and completely. phasis is on listening to the peop] appropriate questions are: “In what and meeting contemporary need ways can I as a pastor help my con­ Much is being written about churc gregation to worship? How can I help growth and the importance of th the people (remember that liturgy lit­ pastor keeping in touch with the pe< erally means in the Greek, ‘work of pie he wants to serve. The underlyiri the people ) to offer themselves to The primary aim assumption is that meaningful wo God?”16 Every pastor is constrained to ship will not happen unless it mee attempt four basic tasks that bear up­ of true worship is the needs of people. on helping the people to truly wor­ Keeping in touch with the peop ship God. to please God. is important. But if it is the major coi 1. Create worship that is sideration, or only consideration, God-centered. will lead to compromising worship t Much worship is self-centered. We meet the needs of this age. Indu need to rediscover that God is the gence will take the place of sacrific Object of worship. Our people need Bending to the will and ways of tl to be confronted with the over­ With some imagination, numerous people will dominate rather tha whelming glory and holiness of God. ways can be perceived in which peo­ bending to the will and ways of Go In our day of casual and informal wor­ ple can share more positively in wor­ People will come to worship to ge ship, people tend to assume an un­ ship. Persons in our congregations not to give; to watch a performanc warranted familiarity with God. We would welcome an opportunity to not to serve. are encouraged by the writer to the contribute in worship. We might con­ Elements of vital worship are four Hebrews to “be thankful, and so wor­ sider the possibilities of using a wide in the New Testament Church. ] ship God acceptably with reverence range of people with musical talent, Acts, Luke records that the discipl< and awe, for our God is a consuming vocal and instrumental. We need to “devoted themselves to the apostle fire’” (12:28-29). accept the gifts of the inspirational teaching and to the fellowship, to tl Whatever happened to reverence reader, the creative banner designer, breaking o f bread and to prayej for God? Awe is an essential part of the skillful flower arranger, and the (2:42). worship that is missing today. People dramatic actor. Creative people in First, prayer is a vital element i can be aided in contemplating the ho­ our congregations could share in worship because it creates the c liness of God through the use of planning the shape and content of mate for true worship. Prayer infl hymns and choruses that focus their worship. Still others would be willing ences our minds toward God ar attention on the objective, transcen­ to give a personal testimony or be in­ sanctifies our motives and wills. Thi dent, and mysterious rather than on terviewed about some aspect of their prayer creates the conditions co the personal, immediate, and mun­ life of faith. People can be involved as ducive to worship. dane. Songs, prayers, and scriptures greeters, ushers, and in preparation Second, instruction is vital becau:

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ^BENNHraBKAR^^ Olivet Nazarene University KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS JM 19 . 9 3 correct beliefs are essential to the tices to meet the needs of people The entire service is an offering to true relationship between the wor­ where they are in our secular and plu­ Him. When worship is understood as shiper and God. Truth and worship ralistic society requires prayer, divine a sacrificial offering to God, people are related. Prayer creates the cli­ wisdom, and discernment. Before the come to worship for a different pur­ mate, and instruction provides the pastor listens to the people, he needs pose. Rather than coming to “get proper perspective, for worship. In­ to listen to God. The real needs of their batteries charged,” they come to struction helps the worshiper to eval­ people will only be met as they re­ give themselves to God. They under­ uate his life from the viewpoint of spond to His love within the context stand that worship gives rather than God’s revelation in Christ. of His grace. receives. A third vital note in worship is cele­ Worship leaders need to ask them­ bration. This is proper. Jesus died for selves and their congregations: Is the our sins; He arose from the dead as worship of our people God-centered? Victor over sin and death. True wor­ Does our worship provide adequate ship celebrates in the presence of the opportunities for people to offer living, risen Christ. We experience Every worshiper themselves to Him? Do our worship the joy of being with the One who services relate to people today? Does loves us and is therefore loved by us. has a gift that can our worship lead our people to live We receive strength and vision and transformed lives? These questions of life, which enable us to meet life’s be offered in worship must be asked, not once, but challenges. If our celebration is gen­ continuously. Courageous, honest, uine, it will lead to loving relation­ worship. and prayerful consideration of these ships and dedicated service to God’s questions will aid worship leaders in will and purpose for us. leading their people in worship that Finally, in fellowship, the church glorifies God. embodies the unity of those who are If you are hoping for spiritual trans­ in Christ. Therefore, if there are divi­ formation in your people, don’t cater sions within the congregation, wor­ 4. Lead worship that calls people to their immediate, self-centered ship is jeopardized. Thus a strong eth­ to live transformed lives. needs. Instead, lead them to the ical emphasis characterizes Christian A transformed life begins with an Cross and especially to the One who worship. Consider the words of our awesome sense of the holiness of laid down His life for them. Help Lord himself: “If you are offering your God. This was Isaiah’s experience in them awaken to the reality of sacrifi­ gift at the altar and there remember worship as recorded in chapter 6. cial love. Lead them to stand in awe that your brother has something The vision of God’s holiness led Isa­ and reverence in the presence of the against you, leave your gift there in iah to a devastating sense of his own Holy One. Moved to offer themselves front of the altar. First go and be rec­ unworthiness and sin. He responded to Him, they will discover the onciled to your brother; then come to the holiness of God with confes­ essence of true worship. Worship is and offer your gift” (Matt. 5:23-24). sion and repentance for sin. With his service, the work of the people. ■ Our people must be prepared to let confession came God’s action of for­

this word govern their relationships giveness and cleansing. Purged and 1. Merril F. Unger, Unger’s Bible Dictionary with the church. Fellowship, along made clean, he was available and (Chicago: Moody Press, 1961), 1172. with instruction, celebration, and 2. E. Royston Pike, Encyclopedia o f Religion and ready for the Lord’s service. Acknowl­ Religions (N ew York: Meridian Books, 1958), 233. prayer, is vital in creating meaningful edging God’s claim upon his life, Isa­ 3. Ronald Allen and Gordon Borror, Worship worship. iah was led to offer himself in service (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah Press, 1982), 65. 4. John MacArthur, The Ultimate Priority (Chica­ Robert Webber says, “The princi­ to God. True worship calls people to go: Moody Press, 1983), 105. ple to keep in mind in constructing receive His gift of forgiveness, recon­ 5. Leith Anderson, Dying fo r Change (Minneapo­ worship for today is that we ought ciliation, and cleansing. The gift of lis: Bethany House Publishers, 1990), 96. 6. Ibid., 104. not to allow worship to be accommo­ God commands our courageous disci- 7. Robert G. Rayburn, Come, Let Us W orship dated to current cultural norms to pleship. We cannot seriously worship (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980), 28. such an extent that worship loses its 8. Evelyn Underhill, Worship (N ew York: Harper Him without seriously asking what and Row Publishers, 1936), 3- meaning.”17 We need to heed this He commands us to do. This genera­ 9. Ibid., 48. warning. However, this should not tion will be led into true worship on­ 10. Rob Staples, Outward Sign and Inward Grace prevent us from making necessary (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press o f Kansas City, 1991), ly as pastors and leaders help them 239. changes in our worship for our own move from a life-style of self-fulfill­ 11. Rayburn, Come, Let Us Worship, 132. jtime and place. Rather than uncriti­ ment to one of self-denial for the 12. Gerhard Delling, Worship in the New Testa­ ment, trans. Percy Scott (Philadelphia: Westminster cally endorsing the traditional forms cause of Christ. Press, 1962), 12. passed on to us, we need to continu­ In a worship service, the responsi­ 13. Rayburn, Come, Let Us Worship, 25. ally reconsider and reshape our wor- bility of worship leaders and mem­ 14. MacArthur, The Ultimate Priority, 104. 15. John R. W. Stott, Christ the Controversialist j ship to relate to the people of our bers of the congregation is to direct (London: Tyndale House, 1970), 166. day. This constructive task involves their worship to God, not to the con­ 16. William H. Willimon, Worship as Pastoral Care (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1979), 19. [creativity and imagination. It also in­ gregation. People came to worship 17. Robert E. Webber, Worship Old and New (Grand volves risk. Adapting worship prac­ God, not just to receive His blessings. Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982), 71.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 7 Worship and Ministry by Earl R. Wood Surrey, B.C.

orship and ministry inter­ the Lord, who had appeared to that God and only God is to receive twine closely as the fi­ him. the worship of the people of the bers of a well-woven From there he went on toward earth. As the people of God come in­ Wpiece of fabric. To worship God is to the hills east of Bethel and pitched to His presence with songs of praise minister to Him as well as to minister his tent, with Bethel on the west and adoration, focusing their minds to or serve people. and Ai on the east. There he built on His majesty, power, wisdom, and The worship of God is considered an altar to the Lord and called on knowledge, worship takes place. But by the Bible to be of paramount im­ the name of the Lord. Then Abram during the course of worship, change portance in the life of anyone who is set out and continued toward the comes about within the worshiper. attempting to live in relationship with Negev (Gen. 12:6-9). The focus of attention switches from Him. Judson Cornwall writes: “In a One of the most beautiful scriptur­ the person who is worshiping to broad sense, worship is inseparable al passages is the story of the Is­ God, the Object of our worship. from life. It is not that man cannot raelites pausing in midflight in their There is a softening of willfulness and live without worship, it is that he can­ exodus journey from Egypt to Canaan an increasing of tenderness and open­ not fully live without worship, so to praise the Lord for His hand of ness. As the people o f God spend deeply ingrained in his life is this blessing and protection upon them. time thinking about Him and express­ component.”1 The Bible tells us that Miriam led the ing their adoration, awe, and love to The Scriptures offer valuable in­ entire group of refugees in a celebra­ Him, a marvelous communion takes sight into the life-style of various indi­ tion before the Lord, in the midst of place between the Spirit of God and viduals and groups of people who what must have been an emotionally the people who are assembled before gave themselves to the worship of and physically exhausting time (Exo­ Him. When authentic worship oc­ God. Worship was not something dus 15). Worship seems to bring a curs, the worshipers offer themselves tacked on to their schedules at the sense of purpose and meaning to life. to God in the spirit of surrender and end of a busy and exhausting day, as I. WORSHIP IS MINISTRY submission. This attitude is, in itself, if to say: “Oh yes, I almost forgot. I The book titled God, Man, and Sal­ ministry—ministry to Him. ought to spend some time in worship vation helps us understand the close Purkiser, Taylor, and Taylor under­ in order to keep God happy!” On the relationship that connects worship score this truth when they point out: contrary, worship seems to have and ministry. The writers state: “Wor­ “Worship is the joyful celebration of been looked upon as an integral part ship is adoration, reverence, and Christ’s presence. . . . This activity is of the day’s activities. In fact, it is not communion. But it is, at the same not a self-serving activity, but rather a difficult to believe that at least some time, an offering of oneself in service witness to the w orld that the of the time, worship was the point to God. It is identification with God Church’s commitment to her Lord is around which the day and its activi­ through the Spirit for maturation in ‘a service to God.’”3 ties revolved. It is noteworthy that love and for the ministry of love to There is a sense in which the wor­ momentous occasions were culminat­ mankind.”2 ship of God is our “reason for being.” ed by the gathering of the family or Worship is ministry to God. The Bi­ He created us in the first place in or­ the nation around the altar of God in ble indicates that He is worthy to be der that He might enjoy fellowship worship. The Bible indicates, for ex­ worshiped. He deserves to be wor­ with us. In light of the majesty and ample, that Noah worshiped God as shiped. Many well-qualified theolo­ awesomeness of God, worship is the soon as he disembarked from the ark: gians have written, at considerable natural response of those who are re­ “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord length, about the nature of God as re­ lating to Him. and, taking some of all the clean ani­ vealed to us in the Scriptures and in The glimpses into heaven afforded mals and clean birds, he sacrificed Jesus, the Son o f God. We believe by the Scriptures show the heavenly burnt offerings on it” (Gen. 8:20). beings completely focused on God Abram made it a habit to spend and giving themselves in worship as time in worship as he responded to their practical demonstration of that God’s call. The Bible says: focus. Their worship does not seem Abram traveled through the land to be a fringe activity, entered into ei­ as far as the site of the great tree of ther before or after they have accom­ Moreh at Shechem. At that time the plished all that needs to be done in Canaanites were in the land. The their service of God. Worship is cen­ Lord appeared to Abram and said, tral to what takes place in heaven. “To your offspring I will give this The Book of Revelation describes land.” So he built an altar there to what was revealed to the apostle

8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE John concerning heaven’s throne When we offer ourselves to God in synagogues and to participate in the room. It was apparent to John that worship, we are doing what He worship activities carried on at the whether the inhabitants were familiar dreamed of when He created us. We Temple in Jerusalem. A study of the looking or so unusual in their appear­ are serving Him. We are ministering life of Jesus leaves us with the certain­ ance that they defied easy descrip­ to Him. Time spent in worship is not ty that He enthusiastically participat­ tion, everyone was preoccupied with time spent in a manner other than in ed in public worship of God. As a dis­ worship. John reports: a useful way. When we give ourselves cipline, He practiced private devotion In the center, around the throne, to worship, we are giving ourselves and worship as well. Permeating His were four living creatures, and they to Him in the most worthy of occupa­ teaching and preaching was the idea were covered with eyes, in front tions. that participation in the rituals of and in back. The first living crea­ II. MINISTRY IS WORSHIP worship, regardless of how elaborate ture was like a lion, the second was The awareness of God’s presence those rituals or how meticulously like an ox, the third had a face like seems to draw worshipers to desire they were followed, was not suffi­ a man, the fourth was like a flying to give themselves to Him, to serve cient in and of itself. Worship devoid eagle. Each of the four living crea­ Him in whatever manner He sees fit. of practical service to others was not tures had six wings and was cov­ The primary meaning of ministry is worship at all. ered with eyes all around, even un­ “to serve.” A life-style that revolves Jesus will have nothing to do with der his wings. Day and night they around worship automatically in­ a proclamation of our love of God, no never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy cludes the idea of ministry, in which matter how earnestly that proclama­ is the Lord God Almighty, who was, the element of submission to God’s tion is made, if it is made in the ab­ and is, and is to come” (4:6-8). will is central. There is an earnest de­ sence of any ministry or service of­ The worship activities of some of sire to bring glory and honor to Him fered to people with whom God has those in the throne room, rather than by what we say in our praise and ado­ brought us into contact. This thought satisfying the desire o f the rest of ration of God and by what we do in is surely included in what Jesus was those present to worship God, offering ourselves for His service. saying in His conversation with the seemed to ignite their desire. John “rich young man” of Matthew 19. Not . goes on to say: only was the wealthy person instruct­ Whenever the living creatures ed to give his wealth away as a give glory, honor and thanks to f demonstration of his utter trust in him who sits on the throne and God, but also he was to give his who lives for ever and ever, the During the course wealth to the poor, so that their diffi­ twenty-four elders fall down before cult lot in life would be eased some­ him who sits on the throne, and of worship, what by these additional resources. worship him who lives for ever and The worship of God and devotion to ever. They lay their crowns before change comes Him was to be demonstrated in acts Ithe throne and say: “You are wor­ of practical ministry. Jesus helped us thy, our Lord and God, to receive about within the see the need to focus both on God glory and honor and power, for and on other persons. you created all things, and by your worshiper. Matthew 15 pictures Jesus in con­ will they were created and have versation with some Pharisees. These their being” (vv. 9-11). people were experts at worship in The worship of God brings mean- f the sense that they knew the rituals j ing and a sense of fulfillment to the and were careful to keep them. Their hearts of heaven’s inhabitants be- problem was that they failed to recog­ i cause, when they are worshiping, Jesus demonstrated what it means nize the relationship between their t they are offering ministry or service to be involved in ministry. The worship activities and how they to Him. Gospel o f Mark includes an inter­ lived, or more specifically, how they We who are still on our way to be- change between Jesus and two of His treated other people. The Gospel ac­ I coming citizens of the heavenly realm disciples in which He underscores count shows a vehement response I might do well to reflect upon what His commitment to a life of ministry. from Jesus: “You hypocrites! Isaiah goes on in heaven. We seem to have He says: “Even the Son of Man did not was right when he prophesied about | some difficulty, at times, convincing come to be served, but to serve, and you: ‘These people honor me with [ ourselves that worship is worthy of to give his life as a ransom for many” their lips, but their hearts are far from I our time or our energy. Why should (10:45). me. They worship me in vain; their we spend time actually worshiping Worship and ministry are inextrica­ teachings are but rules taught by [ God, let alone thinking about worship bly intertwined in the mind of Jesus. men’” (w . 7-9). \ in order to learn to worship well? He seems to have had no thought of Jesus was questioned by another If we understood that worship is a attempting to separate the one from Pharisee one day, this time concern­ major component of our fellowship the other. Jesus spent time worship­ ing the greatest or most important I with God, we would not be so tempt­ ing His Father on a regular basis. A commandment. Jesus replied: ‘“ Love ed to consider it incidental or a waste reading of the Gospels suggests that it the Lord your God with all your heart of time. was customary for Jesus to attend the and with all your soul and with all

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 9 your mind.’ This is the first and great­ for His forgiveness, the Bible clearly sion for us. He also confirms to us His est commandment. And the second is teaches us that He forgives our sins call to ministry. like it: Love your neighbor as your­ and adopts us into His family. He is The reality of touching God in wor­ self.’ All the Law and the Prophets looking for close relationships. He is ship assures us that we are important hang on these two commandments” not content with “arm’s length” rela­ to Him, that He is watching over us (Matt. 22:37-40). tionships. He does not settle for be­ and has our well-being at heart. The ing the figurehead to whom we give a often-present barriers to ministry are respectful nod but do not include in broken down as we give ourselves to the details of our days. Meeting the the worship of God. f needs of His people, whether emo­ Self-centeredness seems to form tional, material, spiritual, or physical, the foundation of that which keeps Worship is the remains in His thoughts. us from effective ministry. The need The Old Testament gives abundant to keep ourselves “front and center” natural response examples of God’s provision for the fades, and God is able to help us fo­ practical needs o f His people. He cus our minds on other people as we for those who are took an interest in the people of Is­ commune with Him. With the fading rael. They could call on Him during self-centeredness go other attitudes relating to God. times of hunger or thirst. Even their that preclude His work through us. footwear lasted longer than might Defensiveness, selfishness, joyless­ have been expected as they wan­ ness, and other attitudes that block f dered in the wilderness prior to cross­ the free flow of God’s love and mercy ing the Jordan and taking possession through us to others are removed. God is able then to do His work in Worship and ministry go together of the land He had promised them. the world through His people. in the mind of our Lord. He does not This detailed involvement by God on make allowance for us to come be­ behalf of His people set Him apart fore God with words and feelings of from the gods of other nations. The adoration and praise while, at the God of Israel was the God who an­ same time, being unresponsive to swered the prayers of His people, r people and their needs. even when those prayers had to do The Bible reminds us that God with daily needs. The worship of knows our motives and is not im­ This precedent is carried on in the pressed by words alone. In teaching ministry of Jesus and by the people of God is to be that our faith is given credence by the the Early Church. The Book of Acts deeds that accompany our declara­ clearly implies that concern for the demonstrated in tion of faith, the Book of James uses hungry among the people of the the illustration of one who, when Church was considered normal and acts of practical faced with a person who is hungry right. The Church gave itself, not on­ and cold, simply encourages the per­ ly to singing songs of praise and to ministry. son to be warmed and fed. The the work of prayer, but also to the words of encouragement and com­ distribution of food to the needy. fort, however well intentioned, are of Practical care for the needs of people f questionable value unless accompa­ was seen as worthy of being offered nied by practical assistance. Similarly, to God as a part of worship. Spending time in the presence of we lend credence to what we say to Jesus himself taught that service to God and opening our hearts to His God during our times of worship by people in such mundane ways as a fellowship enhances our desire to be what we say to and do for each other cup of water or visits to the sick or used by Him to minister to others. in terms of practical ministry. imprisoned, if offered in the name of When we have been worshiping God, The intertwining of these two as­ Jesus, was considered by God as ser­ we tend to see people in the same pects of our relationship to God is vice to Him. light that He sees them. The deep quite obvious when we consider Je­ in. WORSHIP ENHANCES awareness that He loves the peoples sus’ life-style. The worship of God MINISTRY of the world is the natural result of took a place of prominence in His life As the people of God come into time spent with Him. As we worship on the one hand, yet He was totally His presence, focusing our minds on Him, there is a transference of that committed to a ministry to the whole Him, offering praise and adoration to love to the worshiper. The desire to person on the other hand. One day Him, we are equipped for ministry to participate in the work and purposes while preaching to the people, in re­ other people. During a time of au­ of God becomes a familiar and wel­ sponse to their spiritual needs, Jesus thentic worship, not only do we ex­ come compulsion within the hearts was aware of their physical hunger press our love for God, but the Holy of His people. The more deeply we and He refused to send them away Spirit ministers to us as well. God commune with God, the more diffi­ until they had been fed. speaks of His love for us. He uplifts cult it is for us to isolate ourselves God is our Heavenly Father. When us, imparting an assurance o f His from others and to insulate ourselves we confess our sins to Him and ask presence, His power, and His provi­ from their needs. The social con-

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE I science is awakened within us. We The problems that rightfully over­ For who is able to govern this great I sense a need to become pro-active in whelm us due to their seeming insur­ people of yours?” I response to the issues of society and mountability are brought into proper The Lord was pleased that Solo­ I the needs of individuals. perspective as the worshiper thinks mon had asked for this. So God said The strong temptation for the peo- about God rather than focusing exclu­ to him, “. . . I will do what you have I pie o f the church is to be over- sively on the problem. The power of asked. I will give you a wise and dis­ 1 whelmed by a feeling of inadequacy God, by which He was able to call the cerning heart, so that there will nev­ | and fear in light of the magnitude of universe into existence, gives us a er have been anyone like you, nor I the problems people face. We know sense that the problems of people are will there ever be” (1 Kings 3:7-12). I we ought to be working redemptively manageable. The sovereignty of God, I in the world, but where do we begin which reminds us that He is still in I and how can we possibly be effec- charge, renews our courage. The on­ I tive? Satan knows that if he can keep going presence of God reminds us that f I God’s people focused on the prob- whatever work we are called to do I lems of the world rather than on the will be done with Him beside us. The no matter how 1 One who has the power to bring so- wisdom and knowledge of God assure I lutions to those problems, his work us that we will not simply be shooting black and I of destruction will go on unabated. in the dark, but rather will be dissemi­ The church at worship provides nating light into the darkness. The Bi­ impenetrable the I God with an effective “equipping ble reminds us that no matter how 1 time” as He leads His Church in min- black and impenetrable the darkness darkness of the I istry. Out of the experience of fellow- of the world, it is no match for the I ship with God through worship, the light of God, which shines through the world, it is no 1 Holy Spirit places a particular burden lives of those who have been in the I for ministry in the mind of the believ- presence of God in worship and who match for the light I er. Not only is there a general con- have been called by Him to ministry. 1 cem for people and problems around Through authentic worship the of God. I us, but also specific issues and specif- scenario of the church riding off in all I ic people are brought to the forefront directions at once in an ill-equipped, 1 of our minds during the course of in- ill-prepared, and ineffective response r 1 timate communion with God. to pressing needs is prevented. The coming of the church before God in Worship results in a deep desire to worship enables the church to be give ourselves to God through min­ prepared, equipped, and directed by istry to the people of His world. Wor­ r God himself in accord with His pur­ ship also enhances any efforts we put poses and His timing. | forward in response to the needs we The more deeply The Bible provides a widely cele­ see around us. brated example of this principle (al­ we com m une with beit many years prior to the begin­ CONCLUSION nings of the Church) in the case of The church gives itself to a great God, the more Solomon. Early in his reign as king of many activities and projects, desiring Israel, Solomon recognized that his to be involved in ministry—and right­ difficult it is to task of serving as the leader of the na­ ly so. Worship, however, ought to oc­ tion was a formidable responsibility. cupy a position of central importance isolate ourselves During the course of Solomon’s habit­ for God’s people. Worship ought to ually spending time before God in be recognized as having a relevance, from others. worship, God was able to speak to in and of itself, as ministry to God. him and ask if there was anything he Everyday activities of ministry to needed in order to accomplish his others ought to rise to the level of the work. Solomon spoke in terms we sacred as we realize that this work is considered worship by God. I r can relate to, and God responded: I Commitment to regular worship, “Now, O Lord my God, you have Putting worship in its rightful place I which actually opens up channels of made your servant king in place of of prominence in all that we do in­ communication between ourselves my father David. But I am only a lit­ sures an effective and productive i and God, makes it possible for the re- tle child and do not know how to ministry to those around us that will i demptive work o f God to be man­ carry out my duties. Your servant is bring joy to the heart of God. ■ aged by Him. Certain people are led here among the people you have to respond to certain challenges and chosen, a great people, too numer­ 1. Judson Cornwall, Th.D., Elements o f Worship (South Plainfield, N.J.: Bridge Publishing, 1985), 11. problems, while others are led in dif­ ous to count or number. So give 2. W. T. Purkiser, Ph.D., Richard S. Taylor, Th.D., ferent directions. In this way, God’s your servant a discerning heart to and Willard H. Taylor, Ph.D., God, Man, and Salva­ tion: A Biblical Theology (Kansas City: Beacon Hill work force is mobilized under His di- govern your people and to distin­ Press of Kansas City, 1977), 579. ‘-t rection. guish between right and wrong. 3. Ibid., 578. » MARCH/APRIL/MAY 11 Worship: Where Do You Go for Lessons?

by Kenneth Fach Sherwood Park, Alta.

astors and worship leaders are Who Will Lead the Way? Dennis Kinlaw refers to the first j like photographers. The Ob­ When pastors were called to seven chapters of Leviticus as “A Man- j ject of our attention is in full “equip God’s people for work in his ual for Worship.”9 The ancient hym-I Pview. Our task is to come up with service” (Eph. 4:12, NEB), this surely nal or Psalter is another book contain- 1 some clear pictures. If the people included some instruction in wor­ ing a wealth of information. Isa. 6:1-8; don’t see Him, it may mean that we ship. Because worship is considered Gen. 8:13—9:1; Exod. 3:1-6; Exod. I are slightly out of focus. Or a lot. by many to be our “primary activity” 33:18-23; and 2 Sam. 24:18-25 are a in the Christian Church, leadership in few examples of the endless number The Great Need worship will be high on the pastor’s of Old Testament scriptures dealing It’s possible to succeed in leaving list of responsibilities. Some feel that with this subject. would-be worshipers “gasping with “worship leadership is the pastor’s Robert Rayburn believes “a ... I pleasure in their personal enjoyment highest calling.”7 good place to begin in giving church j of the music,”1 but not, in fact, actual­ In a conference held to discuss members instruction in worship is a ly leading them in worship. study of the early assemblies of Chris-1 Harry Blamires describes the fuzzi­ ministerial preparation for the new ness: “We hear a worship service century, Dennis Bratcher of Southern tians as they are recorded for us in } Nazarene University stated it well: praised because it ‘made me feel the New Testament.”10 He cites the j “Our primary responsibility for min­ good.’ . . . But anything which twists first Sunday service of the Christian I istry,” he said, “includes the proper the purpose of worship back into Church ( J o h n 20:19ff.): training . . . to call and guide the peo­ self-improvement is alien to that The disciples were assembled. bounding outgoingness represented ple of God into faithful response to Him. The most im portant thing a Jesus kept His promise and came to j by the Psalmist’s shouts of delight.”2 minister should do is to lead the peo­ them. Many will agree with Martin Thie- They were glad to see Him. len’s remark that “worship educa­ ple in authentic worship/service to God”8 (italics added). This being the He spoke to them. tion” is “one of the great needs in our case, where do we begin? He encouraged them. churches today.”3 Robert Rayburn, He breathed on them. chairman of the Department of Practi­ Going by the Book He offered them His Holy Spirit. cal Theology at Covenant Seminary, The day I decided to improve my They went away with a renewed observes, “In the majority of the evan­ tennis game, I made a choice be­ sense of mission. gelical churches of our day there has tween taking lessons or reading a been little or no instruction in wor­ book. I chose the latter. It made a That must have been some service! I ship. Believers,” he thinks, “do not world of difference. Working from a scriptural base, we generally understand the significance Many new resources are available can move beyond the level of wor­ and special meaning of corporate for instruction on meaningful wor­ ship found in either of the Old or worship.”4 Later, he emphasizes this ship. However, the best one has been New Testament records: by saying, “Faithful worship is not around for a long time. No doubt you If the psalmists of the Old Testa­ easy. Our people need to be instruct­ have it in more than one translation. ment felt the compulsive urge to ed.”5 praise God, how much more ought The need cannot be overstated we to feel it. The ebullient cries of when it becomes more and more ap­ admiration for God’s majesty and parent that “we have taken what was lovingkindness came before God’s once the altar of God, and turned it Son was sent to earth to die for us, into a stage for man.”6 If churchgoers to win forgiveness for us. . . . They are the main actors, as Kierkegaard’s came before the blind and crippled analogy suggests, and it appears that had been healed . . . before the Son too many of them have begun playing of God was raised from the dead, to the wrong audience, it is definitely before the Holy Spirit was promised time for some direction. and descended among us.11

12 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Learning by Observation with and learn from them. Mutual re­ others will be encouraged to sing. If, While the Scriptures stand as the ul­ spect, sensitivity, and openness are on the other hand, I am spending timate resource on how to approach the major ingredients. those precious moments in my own our God, most of our initial knowl­ In-the-Pew Training little world of announcements and edge comes from personal experi­ Every time we come together for sermon notes, oblivious to what the ence. “To worship effectively,” con­ worship is a learning opportunity. congregation is doing, attempting to fides Joseph Aldrich, “I need exposure Martin Thielen writes, get a glimpse of a holy God, I will be to God’s word and God’s people.”12 Another way to teach your con­ cheating both myself and those who Martin Thielen adds, “While there gregation about worship is by inter­ are following my bad example. may be many ways to teach people preting the worship outline at the It is well said that “the pastor can about w orship— seminars, w ork­ beginning of the service. Have a do more to influence the participa­ shops, etc.—the best way is through place in your order of worship tion of the congregation than can the the worship event itself.”13 called “Worship Theme Interpreta­ orchestra, choir, and worship leader Not everyone is able to look at his tion.” Explain the direction of the combined!”20 own worship patterns as objectively service. Discuss the various move­ Starting out, many of us had no as Max Harris, who admits to the ments of the worship outline for time to let our thoughts wander dur­ pragmatism (if it increases atten­ that service. Just a brief time of ex­ ing worship. We prayed, led the dance, it must be right) that is lurking planation can teach much about songs, took the offering, sang the spe­ on his own doorstep.14 worship.17 cial, and then preached another page If our experience is limited to only Because Christians do not automati­ of our seminary notes. As we grew one tradition, especially if that tradi­ cally know how to worship, one pas­ wiser and began seeking the help of tion has been unwilling “to pay the tor takes a few minutes just before others, we may have overlooked an price of effective worship planning the call to worship to teach some important fact: we are still leading in so that the riches of the church’s cal­ concept of worship. He calls it “Wor­ worship no matter how many are up endar and of her worship resources ship 101: In-the-Pew Training.”18 there sharing the platform duties are pushed aside,”15 it might be prof­ Some of his themes have been: with us. Bob Sorge puts it bluntly: “If itable to visit other services. My wife 1. A worship experience is not the pastor is too casual, he can com­ and I often spend our vacation Sun­ what you get, but what you give. municate through body language that days in this way. We return refreshed, 2. How to prepare for worship— the worship time is not too terribly usually stimulated, and always with a privately during the week. important. . . . Conversely, the pastor greater appreciation for our own 3. The importance of Scripture can show, through his posture of church family. In the process, we reading in a public service. worship, that nothing is more impor­ have learned something more about 4. The reason for a sermon. tant at that moment than ministering worship that we could not have Other topics could be an explana­ unto the Lord.”21 taught to ourselves. tion of each part of the service (pre­ Maybe I Should Take Some The late Nazarene General Superin­ lude, call to worship, the invocation, Lessons After All tendent Edward Lawlor was always a the postlude, etc.) or the meaning of It is one opinion that “instruction student of ritual. Even in the midst of such concepts as praise, confession, concerning . . . worship has been . . . his busy schedule, as a pastor he made intercession, petition, and surren­ seriously neglected in Bible schools, a point of slipping into a funeral der.19 Christian colleges and theological chapel every Tuesday to observe how Because there is a natural tendency seminaries.”22 This may not be the others conducted their worship in to attend worship services for our case in your area. My own alma mater times of separation and bereavement. own benefit, the one who is leading now offers a three-credit course on Resources Within the Fellowship us must continually remind us to con­ Christian worship. At this writing, we Most congregations w ill attract centrate our attention upon the Ob­ are offering a Sunday School class un­ people from a variety of church back­ ject of our gathering. der the same title. It will be taught by grounds. They bring their own histo­ Teaching by Example a student who has audited the college ries and traditions with them. We will Standing on the platform one day course. do well to tap their views and in­ during worship, I looked out to see If worship is indeed our “primary sights. one member of the congregation activity” in the Christian Church, this With the use of the “Church Self- singing the Doxology with her eyes magnifies the importance of doing it study Instrument,” prepared by Dis­ closed. You could tell that her heart well. The days are past when we can trict Superintendent Glenn Follis, we was really into it. She was indeed settle for an “instamatic” approach to­ have encouraged input from every­ praising the God from whom all ward our visits to the throne room of one who worships with us. We have blessings flow. Seeing her do this God. Resources abound to help us also used the “Questionnaire on Wor­ each week has helped me fix my see Him high and lifted up—and that ship and Preaching.”16 thoughts upon God during that part more clearly. It will be well worth Various church boards and commit­ of the service. the extra time and effort. ■ tees are invaluable sounding boards This experience has helped me real­ 1. Robert G. Rayburn, O Come, Let Us Worship for fine-tuning the services. Spending ize that people may be observing me (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980), 127. extra time with worship teams or as well. This means that my behavior leaders will enable the pastor to learn is crucial. If I sing heartily, perhaps (Continued on page 49)

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 13 Worship and Pastoral Care by Daniel R. Gales Winnipeg

s I sat on the platform, facing mode, the one-on-one my flock, their cares reached work of the pastor in L out and pleaded for healing. either his office or a AThere sat Marilyn and James, recentlyhome. At the same married following two bitter divorces time, worship has and in the stress of a child custody tended to narrow to a battle. To my right, John and Mar­ particular kind of garet, a couple in the prime of early church service. Both retirement, have discovered the have broader mean­ emergence of cancer. In the second ings. row, front and center, Susan has re­ The purpose of cently experienced her second mis­ worship is to en­ carriage. Frank, a single father of counter and respond to God. “Any at­ A major difference in the pas­ three, tries desperately to keep his tempt to use worship to educate, ma­ toral care of previous ages of the business from sinking. nipulate, or titillate can be a serious church and that of our modem era “There’s not enough time to ade­ perversion of worship.”3 Yet, in that is the switch from care that utilized quately shepherd and bring them encounter, much of the healing, de­ mostly corporate, priestly, liturgical comfort, let alone faith!” velopment, and love we often associ­ actions to care that increasingly “How do I care for them?” ate with the one-on-one model of pas­ limited itself to individualistic, psy- “How can one pastor bring support toral care can take place. chologically-oriented techniques to them all?” The New Testament understanding heavily influenced by prevailing There is a way that can assist in the of worship is very comprehensive. secular therapies for healing, per­ pastoral care of the congregation. By Worship is described as a Christian’s sonal fulfillment, and self-help ad­ recognizing and utilizing the pastoral total existence. “We have, in our dressed to the needs [of contempo­ care components of the worship ser­ time, made too neat a distinction be­ rary man] ,6 vice, a pastor can extend and deepen tween work and worship.”4 Worship True pastoral care takes place with­ his care of his people. In a wonderful is more than “a service.” The Naza- in the context of a worshiping, be­ book, Worship as Pastoral Care, rene M anual in Article XI also in­ lieving, caring, witnessing communi­ William H. Willimon brings the two cludes in its definition “ministry in ty of faith.7 It encompasses more than concepts together. The purpose of His name,” “obedience to Christ and a one-on-one function. his book is to “affirm some of the mutual accountability.”5 What an enabling thought! many ways in which the pastoral care Earlier understandings of pastoral Here is a new breadth and depth of disciplines can be utilized in a more care referred largely to leading the purpose in preparing for and leading integrative approach to our worship flock in worship or corporate activi­ people in worship. Why wouldn’t the leadership.”1 ties with the church. worship service include an experi­ From experience I offer some ways ence of pastoral care? God’s people, to engage the flock in pastoral care together with a caring pastor, enjoy during the worship service. This sub­ their unique experience of God ject calls for a return to an earlier pas­ where the transfer of inner strength toral care model.2 to face the harder events of life takes place. BRINGING WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE TOGETHER THE PREPARATION Over the decades, our understand­ Personal Planning ing of pastoral care has come to focus The pastor’s preparation for the ser­ largely on the pastoral counseling vice is both personal and corporate.

14 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE As one who not only plans and leads through the sequence o f the service. Worship must be designed to cause the service, he also acts as a model How does it flow? Do the elements response from the congregation. It is who knows “how to behave . . . in the follow each other comfortably and not a spectator activity. In a real presence of a sinless, perfect Creator logically? Prayerfully imagine yourself sense, our people are not brought to God.’’8 The pastor must be comfort­ as John or Margaret sitting in the Christ, they “liturgize” themselves in­ able personally with God and the wor­ pew. Will the sequence enable them to the presence o f Christ. It cannot ship experience. His purpose is to to be open before Jesus? Without that be done for them. Frequently our ser­ openly bring himself and his people comfort, the congregation will be less vices require no response at all from to the Lord. To be adequate here re­ able to find healing through Christ. those attending. We enjoy wonderful quires a pattern o f private prepara­ Develop a Diagnostic Procedure music, scripture read with eloquence, tion. It is helpful to develop a standard and prayers masterfully and sincerely Building on his personal intimacy to use in measuring the potential for put together. Worship, however, re­ with Jesus, the pastor shifts from help within the service. What enables quires a liturgy that encourages the what is comfortable and common to a person to draw strength through congregation to respond to God for him to how his people can best re­ worship? How will a person be en­ themselves. Hymns and spiritual spond to the healing presence o f the abled to take the strength of worship songs can help. Responsive scripture Lord. Through each movement of the into their world of work and min­ reading tends to involve the person. service he plans how the Body of istry? Willimon, drawing from Paul Gathering at the altar during a pas­ Christ will encounter the Head of the Pruyser’s The Minister as Diagnosti­ toral prayer encourages response to Church. Preparation for the service cian, offers a way for diagnosing wor­ Jesus. Some respond best during mo­ avoids the temptation for spectacular- ship in order to begin to make it pas- ments of quietness. ism and the display of talent to bring­ torally effective.9 Helpful elements in liturgy include ing our people face-to-face with Je­ First, understand why the people confession, restitution, tribute or sus. come. “Problem-laden persons,” seek­ praise, and commemoration, remem­ Plan with Sensitivity ing comfort through worship, usually bering God’s events in our history. A In order for the service to have come with the desire to see them­ variety of ways uses these elements meaning for our people, we must selves in relationship to God. What to bring about true worship. speak in terms they understand. The resources do you depend on to bring Another diagnostic process be­ new visiting family stopped to greet comfort and healing through the wor­ comes aware of what is happening the pastor following the service. The ship event? How do you apply these among the congregation as they wor­ young daughter asked the pastor a resources? For them, worship leaders ship— in the building and out of the deep question: “Why do you have must draw from the God-given, com­ building. Pruyser offers seven vari­ that plus sign on the top of the munity-bestowed resources such as ables that suggest a clearer discern­ church?” The symbol had little mean­ the Bible, liturgy, prayer, theology, ment of the worship event. He feels ing for her. For our people to find and community. Resist the tempta­ we should examine how our people strength and healing in worship, we tion to use only the resources of psy­ respond to the following dimensions must use music, translations of the Bi­ chotherapy, pop psychology, process of experience: ble, dramas, vocabulary, and other as­ management, and so on. Awareness of the holy. What is sa­ pects that communicate without be­ Next, examine the liturgy. Evangeli­ cred and revered? ing offensive to them. cal tradition tends to downplay any Providence. What does a person’s This kind of preparation requires thought of liturgy. The word tends to life say about his view of God’s dis­ an understanding not only o f people suggest a formality with which many position toward him? in general but also of the specific are not comfortable. W e want to be Faith is defined as a person’s “af­ needs, forms, and culture of the con­ free, not formal. However, liturgy is firming or negating stance in life.” gregation. not the same as formality. Liturgy de­ What is this person committed to? , A particular emphasis must be scribes the way we conduct our ser­ Does he embrace life’s experiences placed on how we present each as­ vice and the form o f the service. It or shy away from them? pect o f the worship service. Special means how we bring ourselves be­ Grace. Can this person be forgiven care and understanding focuses on fore God. “Liturgy is literally the and relate to the divine honestly? the transitions, the words and ac­ work of the people’ whether that Repentance is accepting personal tions, between each element o f the work occurs inside or outside the responsibility for problems. worship service. Sensitivity with the temple.”10 Every church has a “litur­ Communion. Does this person be­ transitions encourages our people to gy.” Our tradition generally practices come “part” of the worshipers or draw close to Jesus and not to alien­ an informal or a personally directed remain isolated? ate them through the use o f careless liturgy. Does the direction o f the litur­ Vocation. Is there a sense o f pur­ words and actions. For some congre­ gy bring people into the presence of pose? What meaning is attached to gations, making transitions too God and support the Body of Christ? the activities? smoothly will appear like a “show,” Sometimes we major on magnifying ELEMENTS OF PASTORAL CARE while other congregations could be the talents and resources of the LN WORSHIP inhibited in worship because the ser­ church rather than encouraging un­ One can readily identify many as­ vice appears too “sloppy.” derstanding and openness to Jesus pects where pastoral care can be fo­ A finishing step is to move yourself Christ. cused upon the worshiping congre­

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 15 gation. There are some obvious as­ your blessing ring in the hearts o f the thoritarian, know-it-all image on the pects such as the pastoral prayer and congregation as they leave to do their other. the sermon. There are less obvious liturgy through their work. Begin with the Leader elements. Sometimes the less obvi­ The Offering As you lead, you worship also. The ous carry extremely effective as­ Another often-neglected area of pastor must also seek God. Here are pects. pastoral care in worship can be the some suggestions on how to worship Entrance and Exit Experiences offering. Have you ever thought, Why while you lead. Prepare yourself Most of us plan with great dili­ do we have to have an offering? In throughout the week, especially Sat­ gence how we greet people as they my early ministry, I dreamed of hav­ urday evening and Sunday morning. enter and leave the building. But ing a strong financial church that Schedule a quiet time prior to the what about entering and exiting the would just “have enough money” service. Withdraw from your activi­ worship experience? How do our ac­ without spending time “taking up the ties about 10 minutes prior to the be­ tivities before and following the ser­ offering.” I was missing an opportuni­ ginning o f the service. Shut yourself vice bring people into contact with ty for pastoral care. away with Jesus, and allow Him to Jesus? A call to worship abruptly giv­ The offering becomes more than a prepare you to lead in worship. If you en can distance our people from the desperate attempt to finance our pro­ use a worship team or choir, invite caring Christ or be so irrelevant that grams. This wonderful opportunity them into this meditation also. Rush­ the pressured person is lost. helps us practice vital dimensions of ing in from greeting, teaching, put­ ting out fires, last-minute announce­ ments, and choir rehearsals does not help to set an attitude of worship. Ask a layman or staff person to assist you in protecting this time so that Through each movement of the you can calmly and adequately guide worship. service the pastor plans how the Body When in the service, expect Jesus to be there. Look for Him. He of Christ will encounter the Head of promised, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am the Church. I with them” (Matt. 18:20). Jesus will keep His promise even when you don’t feel like He’s there. Believe His word. Some find it helpful to visualize Jesus actually present somewhere in Last week one of our greeters for spiritual experience. Ask some ques­ the sanctuary. Then, sing the hymns the worship service told me, “I am tions. Why do w e give money? Money looking into His eyes, and pray direct­ enjoying greeting the people, but I is the main commodity for which we ly into His face. It is a profound wor­ miss my time o f meditation during trade our time. Time represents life. ship experience to look into the eyes the prelude music.” For this one, my How does the offering symbolize the o f Jesus and sing, “And can it be that I plan for entrance into worship was investment of a person’s life? What should gain / An int’rest in the Sav­ not adequate for her to experience does the liturgy surrounding your of­ ior’s blood!” (Charles Wesley). This worship, let alone the godly care of a fering indicate about your own belief attitude in the worship leader will pastor. Ben Patterson suggests: “After and faith? Is the faith of your church guide the congregation into a mean­ welcome and before the service, I board and Finance Committee in the ingful worship. If the worship leader hold a quiet time for preparation.”11 providence of God? By teaching peo­ follows the order o f worship by rote, Whether you hold a quiet time, or ple to give out of a sense o f gratitude, it is unlikely that the people will do something else, many people cannot faith, and obedience, w e contribute anything differently. enter worship abruptly. They need to building healthy Christians who the pastor’s coaching to enter mean­ learn to trust Christ for all areas o f CORPORATENESS IN WORSHIP ingful worship. life. Our modern worship practice And how do w e exit? The benedic­ seems to lack an emphasis on corpo­ tion offers a wonderful opportunity LEADING THE SERVICE rate worship. The worship emphasis for the pastor to draw his people to Not everything that takes place in a for the individual is very helpful, but Jesus. As an expression of his own ex­ worship service helps everyone. We both pastoral care and worship are perience of God’s providence extend­ hope that the service will be helpful enhanced within the context of the ed to his people, the pastor can give to as many as possible. It is tragic believing, caring, corporate commu­ the benediction as a strong reminder when worship hinders healthy spiri­ nity o f faith. The corporate aspect of of the providence of God. Rather tual and psychological development. our worship is vital. than reciting one of the great histori­ The pastor’s attitude has great impor­ After the death o f his wife, a close cal benedictions, view it as coming tance. Frequently the leader projects friend confided in me that a period of from the heart of a pastor empow­ either a smothering, too-personal atti­ time came when he was unable to ered by God to bless his people. Let tude on one hand or a judgmental, au­ find God by himself. He said, “I had

16 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE to depend upon the prayers of the a deeper and richer time than wor­ “Scary” forms refer to those events people to carry me during that period shiping as isolated persons. Most of that tend to give an unsafe feeling to j of time.” us have either preached on or heard the uninitiated. Without jumping on Many in our services seem unable sermons relating to verse 25: “Let us the “seeker service” wagon, worship I to find God for one reason or anoth­ not give up meeting together.” Often leaders should strive to make the ser­ er. Here is our opportunity for them the emphasis given rests on the vice visitor sensitive. This enhances to experience “the godly care o f pas­ “meeting. ” For pastoral care and wor­ the corporate aspect of our worship. tors . . . and the helpful inspiration of ship, focus on the “together.” Devel­ Each person is more likely to become social worship.”12 Surrounding them op the practice of togetherness in part of the worship with us. with loving people and an atmo- worship. | sphere o f care, w e can lift them to The passage emphasizes the idea of | God who loves and can heal them. valuing the other person. As you The w orship service must tran- plan, think specifically o f how they I scend individuals worshiping at the can be encouraged and what will ' same time in the same place. We are “spur” this person “on toward love [ to become “one” together with Jesus. and good deeds.” Is there a way to Is there a way to The Scriptures place a strong empha- encourage this kind o f interaction in I sis on gathering together on a regular action and thought through our wor­ encourage | basis. Heb. 10:19-25 provides a foun- ship? interaction during 5 dation for corporateness in worship. Many churches have a “welcome” : Worship can result when our people time during the service, during which worship? I “hold unswervingly to the hope we people shake hands. With a little [ profess” (v. 23), “spur one another on thought and creativity, concern and I toward love and good deeds” (v. 24), encouragement can be expressed to j and are encouraged (v. 25). These are one another: “This morning, as you I some of the goals we hold in both shake hands with each other, place a I pastoral care and worship! spark o f love from your heart in the The worship service stands as the ) ; If you paint verses 19-25 on a back- palm o f your hand. Press it into the most powerful and likely opportuni­ I ground of corporate worship, you palm of one or two persons sitting ties for pastoral care. By recognizing I have a picture that looks like this. A around you.” this opportunity with prayerful, care­ I caring pastor, spiritually confident In the morning prayer, I have often ful, and sensitive planning, strength I himself, draws his people together to encouraged my people to pray silent­ can move from God’s great heart to I enter the holy place. He knows that ly for one another. I urge them to the heart o f our people. By making | entry occurs only because o f Jesus “take a thread o f love from your heart the most of our worship time, we ' and His work in us. That creates in and wrap it around the shoulders of pastors open new gates of hope for ‘ the leader and the people a penitent the person sitting on your right. Do our people. God blesses every initia­ I spirit. As they journey to the place the same for the person sitting on tive we take in His name. We pastors I where Jesus awaits, the holy place, your left. Do the same for the person can find new depths and satisfactions they reach out arms of support and sitting directly in front o f you. Now in our pastoral care. ■ I care to each other. Each lifting the in your mind’s eye, look at our con­ j other, they allow Jesus to bring en- gregation. We are connected by a 1. William H. Willimon, Worship as Pastoral Care I couragement through them to each strong web of love and concern.” (N ew York: Abingdon Press, 1979), 12. I other. 2. Ibid., 35. For that “web o f love and concern” 3. Ibid., 47. to be real, it must extend itself into 4. Ibid., 48. 5. Article XI, Manual, Church o f the Nazarene, the congregation throughout the 1989, 35. week. Fellowship initiated in worship 6. Willimon, Worship as Pastoral Care, 35. can be reinforced through lay visita­ 7. Ibid., 12. 8. Terry C. Muck, “From the Editor,” Leadership tion and times o f fellowship through­ 7, no. 2 (Spring 1986): 3. What enables a out the week. These acts of love and 9. Willimon, Worship as Pastoral Care, 42 ff. 10. Ibid., 48. concern make the worship service 11. Ben Patterson, “Can Worship Leaders Wor­ person to draw truly corporate, thus truly pastoral. ship?” Leadership 7, no. 2 (Spring 1986): 35. Heavily personalized worship 12. “Ritual for the Reception o f Church Members,” in Manual, Church of the Nazarene, 1989, par. 801. strength through forms tend to create barriers that could prevent corporateness in wor­ worship? ship. I call them “secret” and “scary.” BIBLIOGRAPHY “Secret” worship elements refer to Dobbins, Gaines S. The Church at Worship. Nashville: those in which you must be a mem­ Broadman Press, 1962. ber in order to know what’s happen­ Johnson, Paul E. Psychology o f Pastoral Care. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1953. ing. Introduce your liturgy clearly, Willimon, William H. Worship as Pastoral Care. The scripture also gives clues how with common, easy words. Avoid Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1979. Leadership 7, no. 2 (Spring 1986). to provide a foundation out of which short forms. Fill your cultural cliches Manual, Church o f the Nazarene. Kansas City: Naza­ 1 corporate worship can develop into with contemporary meaning. rene Publishing House, 1989-

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 17 L A Theology of Worship

by Wesley G. Campbell Richmond, B.C.

t was a church proud of it! Our cen­ schools confer­ tral thrust focused on ence. The fea­ getting more people I saved and settled in tured leader, minus his Bible, appeared the Christian way. Be­ with his guitar to lead cause of that, we a workshop on wor­ d id n ’t “ do w o rsh ip ” ship. He informed us very well if, in fact, we about the “neat” cho­ did it at all. ruses that he had dis­ Decades o f “saving covered and would sinners” and “enter- j play for us on his gui­ taining saints” created tar, inviting us to “get a vacuum of genuine into worship.” For that God-centered, love- leader, worship con­ driven, devotional re­ sisted of the singing of sponse to the Lord, scripture songs that purely for His own w ere new and differ­ sake. Those who sat ent. I sat thinking, through services con­ There surely must be more to w or­ if a God encounter is essential for taining three hymns, a prayer, a “spe­ ship than this! I believe there is more true worship, and if His people bring cial,” and a sermon began to look to worship— much more! joy to the Lord, I asked myself, “Why longingly for that which would take If, as the Westminster Catechism was no course taught on this subject them beyond acting out the specta­ suggests, “The chief end of man is to while I attended college?” Only re­ tors’ role at a “songfest,” topped off glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” cently have w e seen a proliferation of by a message designed to bring a re­ then, in worship, we find our reason books, courses, conferences, and sponse of the will to exhortation or for being. In order to worship, I must seminars on the worshiping church. propositional truth. have a philosophy or theology of What factors have precipitated the re­ While completing my master’s pro­ worship. I require an understanding cent rise of the church’s concern to gram, I was taking an evening gradu­ of what worship consists of, o f whom discover the reality of worship? ate class called Contemporary Chris-i I am worshiping, and of some logical It is partially a reaction to decades tian Renewal Movements. The manner by which I am to carry out of church services and believers’ Presbyterian professor of church his-j my worship. gatherings at which the central em­ tory placed his cassette player on the At the heart of any theology of wor­ phases were proclamation of the table in the seminar room. Pushing ship, there must be a God encounter. gospel and attempts to elicit the re­ the play button, he said, “This is a W orship is an uplifting encounter sponse of unbelievers to that procla­ sample o f what is happening in wor­ with Him. I am created to worship mation. Other services consisted ship and praise in New Zealand.” The and to enjoy my Creator. Consequent­ mainly of presenting biblical truth for less-than-high-quality voices of a ly worship moves far beyond the believers along with encouragement group filled the small room. Accom­ songs we sing or the way we sing to “hearken and do.” Church services panied by guitars, keyboards, and them. Worship exists for God. He were gatherings where “sinners got strings, they sang songs taken directly! stands at the center o f our praise, converted” and “believers got deep­ from the Scriptures. But they sang in thanksgiving, and adoration. While ened.” We were evangelicals and a way that I had not heard previously.} given for God, worship also includes I listened to the simple, yet profound, His taking pleasure in our offerings. singing o f praise to God in the words The Bible states, “The Lord takes o f the psalmists and prophets. I be-; pleasure in his people” (Ps. 149:4, gan to think, That is right and fitting; RSV). We may give joy to God! This that is worship. That is a response to aspect of the theology of worship we God. Worship is my heart responding overlook— that offering our praise, to His heart. adoration, thanksgiving, and honor That was 1977. The wave o f em­ can truly bring joy and pleasure to phasis upon discovering the intimacy* the Lord of the universe. of worship as a God encounter was If worship is our reason for being, beginning to touch other Christian

18 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE bodies outside the charismatic move­ day world. Inside the fence, the Hebrews in the Old Testament ment. My own theology o f worship courtyard containing altar and laver were no different in many respects began to form. I became more con­ was accessible by curtained gates. In­ from us. They needed help in setting vinced that our encounter with God side the fence, beyond altar and laver, daily routine aside, in changing focus is simple, yet profound. Worship stood the Tabernacle itself. Its two from the creature to the Creator, in must ultimately contain the love re­ chambers were ( 1) the holy place, being directed gently but certainly sponse o f one who deeply desires to containing table, candlestand, and al­ from “self-awe” to “God-awe.” tell Another o f his devotion and ado­ tar o f incense; and ( 2) the holy of In our humanity, this quantum leap ration. Opportunities must be includ­ holies, containing the ark of the from self-focus to God-focus does not ed that provide for the release of covenant, the residing place of the occur easily. However, God provides praise, thanksgiving, confession, and presence of the living God. the pattern of progressive worship to celebration of that which God has Coming to worship as the Hebrews help us come to Him. That is precise­ done in Jesus Christ. did, w e come from the world outside ly where the flow of worship must A theology of worship must be the “Tabernacle fence.” This world of lead: to God. When He gave Moses based, not upon what I want nor up­ ours contains both the legitimate and the plan and procedures of the Taber­ on what I like, but upon whatever the illegitimate, the important and nacle, He intended to bring the peo­ God wants. My personal perceptions unimportant. This world calls for our ple to himself. Our worship is a jour­ alone cannot mold my theology of energies at the same time God’s Spirit ney from outside the fence to our worship. I may not superimpose my calls us to have an encounter with destination—the holy of holies. We cultural “givens” upon Him but rather Him. W e cannot “leap the fence” and are being called to an encounter with ask, “What does His revealed Word find ourselves immediately in the the Lord. declare are essential elements o f wor­ holy of holies! There is a way into Meeting God occurs on purpose. If ship?” that holy place whereby we en­ w e would worship, w e must do so Robert Webber proposes that counter the presence of God. The with intention. We cannot be “Christian worship is like Hebrew work of worship must proceed by dragged— even by the Holy Spirit—in­ worship. In worship, God renews His steps. W e might look at the process to the holy of holies. We enter delib­ covenant with us. In worship, our re­ and try to incorporate the general erately and by degrees. While w e can­ lationship to God is deepened and principles into our private and corpo­ not be coerced, we can be helped by strengthened when the order itself rate worship times. a number of means to discover God’s represents God’s speaking to us and When the Hebrews came to the reality. The Tabernacle, the priests, God’s saving us through the life, Tabernacle to worship, they came and procedures were full o f beauty death, and resurrection o f His Son.”1 from a secular world of business and and symbolism. The visual may draw If Christian worship parallels He­ work, of social and relational con­ me to a new God-awareness. Listen­ brew worship, and the form repre­ tacts. At the outset, there exists a fes­ ing to the spoken or sung Word of sents God’s communicating with us tive, social, relational atmosphere as God, and having the love, deeds, and and saving us through Christ, then the group gathers and friend meets characteristics of God rehearsed and our worship must have patterns ei­ friend, family joins family, and all in­ demonstrated in symbol, story, testi­ ther set down or alluded to in Scrip­ teract with each other. No doubt mony, drama, and song draws me ture. The progressive pattern of some, more aware and prepared for progressively toward an encounter in Tabernacle worship in the Old Testa­ the reason for gathering, will admon­ the holy of holies. ment gives some guidance. Glimpses ish and encourage others to begin to The evangelical church has ignored of heavenly worship in the Book of focus more on worship as together the obvious too long. We have moved Revelation also help us understand they approach the place of God’s from an audio era to a visual era, from what God is calling us to discover. In dwelling. radio to television. This generation, addition, the Acts of the Apostles, What can assist us in our progress fortunately or unfortunately, is stimu­ along with Paul’s Epistles, while giv­ toward God? As the Hebrews sang lated more by what it sees than by ing only scant information on form, songs o f ascent, encouragement, and what it hears. However, the elements do list some elements present in early admonishment to one another, we of our services of worship tend al­ Christian worship. “They devoted might do also. Calls to worship, most exclusively to be audible, i.e., themselves to the apostles’ teaching greetings, words and songs that en­ the spoken or sung word, congrega­ and fellowship, to the breaking of courage our focusing on God are ap­ tional song, “special” singer, or choir. bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, propriate at this point in the worship Surely there is a place, as in Taberna­ RSV). Since Hebrew worship is pro­ service as we “come inside the cle worship, for symbol, sacrament, gressive, especially that o f the Taber­ fence.” Songs such as “Come, Chris­ movement, drama, and gesture to nacle worship o f the Old Testament, tians, Join to Sing,” “Come Bless the heighten our sense of God’s reality Christian worship also should be pro­ Lord,” “Come into His Presence,” and deepen our devotion to Him. gressive. It should flow and lead us to “Let’s Just Praise the Lord,” or “Come While not all Old Testament people God. and Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of o f God could enter the holy place and The very plan of the Tabernacle the Lord” may be used to help the the holy of holies, now each believer suggests progressiveness in worship. initial transition from the world out­ may. We have access to the holy of Outside of the surrounding fence side to the world inside the “fence” holies by the blood o f Jesus Christ. resided God’s people in their worka­ of the inner court. Through the veil of His flesh, we

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 19 have access to that place where once holy place before the veil. Smoke the Cherubim,” and “Holy, Holy, only special priests could enter. We, a from the altar o f incense before that Holy” are all appropriate here. Mo­ generation o f priests, are being invit­ veil reminds us that prayer is essential ments of meditation, quiet prayer, ed into the presence of God each for our journey. Prayer that is inter­ whispered affirmation of love for time w e worship. cessory, humble, meditative, and sin­ God, and simply waiting before Him Speaking again o f the Tabernacle cerely God-directed becomes an es­ to listen for His direction serve these pattern, the outer court contained sential part o f our worship. An open times o f worship. The holy o f holies the altar o f burnt offering and the altar for intercessory, individual, per­ is a place o f rest and contemplation, laver for washing. These implements sonal, and corporate prayer can be of o f trust and empowerment, o f listen- 1 symbolize the need for worshipers to great help in our services. Songs that ing and transformation. This is our bring an offering and to undergo remind us that w e are about to enter destination in worship. personal spiritual cleansing at altar the presence of God, not by our mer­ It is true that not every worship and laver. David said, “I wash my its but by His grace, will be appropri­ service, even the most sensitively pre­ hands in innocence, and go about thy ate here: “Into Thy Presence We pared, may achieve the ultimate end altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of Come.” o f bringing individual worshipers into thanksgiving, and telling all thy won­ an encounter with God. Often our drous deeds” (Ps. 26:6-7, RSV). “And progress falls short of the holy of now my head shall be lifted up above holies and w e stop spontaneously at j my enemies round about me; and I jubilation, proclamation, or exhorta­ w ill offer in his tent sacrifices with tion. Yet w e need be clear that our shouts of joy; I will sing and make In worship, purposeful destination in worship is : melody to the Lord” (27:6, RSV). always a God encounter. Part of the process o f our worship God renews I do not propose this Tabernacle are elements that call us to bring sac­ pattern as the only way to plan a wor- j rifice and seek cleansing before pro­ His covenant ship service. But I offer it as a guide- j ceeding further. A call to individual line to assist in better understanding and corporate confession and a with us. worship as progressive and as having . prayer for the cleansing and refresh­ a clear goal. ing o f the Holy Spirit become essen­ Worship, says Robert Webber, is a tial steps to worshiping in spirit and verb. Worship is something I do, not; in truth. Banners, hangings, symbols, something I watch being done for me.! drama, and lead prayers of confession True worship, offering worthship to help that process. Songs that aid our God, is participatory. Philip Yancey, j focus might be “W e Bring the Sacri­ Moments of silence with encour­ speaking o f a recent visit to an Ortho­ fice o f Praise,” “I Give Myself to Thee agement to reflect upon God’s love, dox worship service in Russia, told as a Living Sacrifice,” and “Cleanse grace, and goodness have almost be­ how the congregation had little partic­ Me.” come a forgotten step in preparing ipation. People tended to stand and Having moved in our worship past worshipers to step through the veil watch the priests—the profession­ thanksgiving, praise, confession, and into the holy of holies. We fear si­ als— “do it” for them.2 To some ex­ cleansing, w e may now step within lence in our worship services, but let tent, this typifies worship in many of the holy place. Remember, w e are on us relearn the art o f listening in those our churches—the professionals do it a journey. Our destination is intimacy quiet moments. As the priests enter­ for us. W e measure the service quali­ with God. In the holy place w e are re­ ing the holy o f holies, w e move from tatively on a scale of 1 to 10 as to minded by symbols o f that which we the noise of the world to jubilation whether or not it “passed muster.” need for our journey: nourishment, il­ and praise, from thanksgiving for However, as Ben Patterson suggests, lumination, and prayer. The table of God’s provision to reverence, awe, w e are in worship not to get but to shewbread emphasizes the necessity and adoration. W e move from speak­ give. I should not ask, “What did I get o f the spiritual Bread from heaven, ing and singing about God to speak­ out of it?” but, rather, “How did I the living Word. W e may not neglect ing and singing to Him. The holy o f do?”3 the Word. We do so at our peril. Je­ holies is the place of the Presence, In Revelation 5, we get a glimpse sus offers His broken body for our the mercy seat, the hovering “cheru­ o f the participatory worship pattern spiritual sustenance. bim o f glory” (Heb. 9:5, RSV) and the o f heaven. The living creatures, the The candlestand speaks to us o f the Shekinah glory of God resting over elders, and many, many angels sang a illuminating wisdom and power of the mercy seat. Here the ancient high new song in a loud voice, “Worthy is the Spirit that enlightens the Word priest communed with God for the the Lamb who was slain, to receive and enlivens each worshiper as we people of God. But here we believers pow er and wealth and wisdom and move toward God. Songs and hymns may have an encounter with Him our­ might and honor and glory and bless­ that give praise for the Bread of Heav­ selves, for He invites us personally in­ ing!” (v. 12, RSV). How did they do? en, for the light and love o f the Spirit, to His presence. Songs such as “I They participated and they focused and for God’s grace, salvation, and Love You, Lord, and I Lift My Voice,” upon the encounter with the Lamb of Word are most appropriate here. “Into Thy Presence I Come,” “Com­ God. We are praising and praying in the mune with Me, Between the Wings o f A theology of worship must in-

20 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE elude progression and encourage par­ and desire for God are essential facets feel comfortable with in worship style. ticipation. In the debate between of our worship. Yet, I cannot deny the number of those persons calling for spontaneity Indeed, a new, yet old, image of those persons whose deep devotion to and those calling for form, between worship as intimacy with God is in­ God is a matter o f historic record, who exuberance and reverence, there is a troduced in the New Testament. It is spent much time meditating, reading, picture of balance set out in Acts the image o f the Church as the Bride and commenting on the “Canticle of 2:42-47. John Stott comments on the of Christ and carries vivid implica­ Canticles,” the Song of Solomon. That verses, “And day by day, attending tions for our theology of worship. book and other references in Scripture the temple together and breaking When two persons become one in become the accepted pattern of their bread in their homes, they partook of mind, body, spirit, and intention, this worship. They saw worshiper and Cre­ food with glad and generous hearts, is both a beautiful and mysterious ator as the bride and Bridegroom dis­ praising God and having favor with phenomenon. In both Old and New covering a deep level of intimate love all the people” (w . 46-47, RSV). He Testaments, the relationship of the for each other. concludes that “every worship ser­ worshiper to God is unabashedly set When I speak o f that aspect o f wor­ vice should be a joyful celebration o f forward in the intimate terms and ship that expresses itself as intimacy the mighty acts o f God through Jesus symbols of Bride, Bridegroom, and with God, I am simply wondering out Christ. It is right in public worship to marriage. However, the joyful plea­ loud if we need to rediscover the be dignified; it is unforgivable to be sure of the intimate relationship of deep abandonment of lover to be­ dull.”4 w ife and husband (quite acceptable loved in our worship encounters. Pattern and form in worship that to us in Scripture) tends to be viewed Much too sensate, you say? Permis­ take me to an appropriate destination by many Christian believers as being sible only in legitimate human rela­ need not be dull and devoid o f spon­ too sensual when applied to our wor­ tionships? But, why not then to be taneity. In fact, it can be quite the op­ ship o f God. However, it is interest­ sought after in the greatest relation­ posite if we are sensitive to the God- ing and extremely illuminating to dis­ ship possible— our worship and en­ given invitation to worship in spirit cover that numerous devoted men joyment o f the living, loving God? and in truth. We will discover that and women of God seem to dwell at I confess that it has been some the joyful result is worship that is a length in their private and corporate time since I truly have found myself dialogue—responding, listening, re­ devotion upon the thought that wor­ “lost in wonder, love, and praise”! sponding, listening, and responding ship is the deep intimacy of two per­ Yet I believe I am not alone in this de­ to the living God. We will discover sons who passionately love each oth­ sire to discover the “missing jewel” of that w orship calls us, involves us, er: Bernard o f Clairvaux, Francis o f worship, as A. W. Tozer put it. The moves us, changes us, and sends us Assisi, Teresa o f Avila, and John of the missing jewel o f deep devotion and to those who have yet to know God Cross, to mention a few. abandonment to God needs to be re­ in a personal encounter. stored to its rightful place in the cen­ Christian worship has its roots in ter of the crowns we cast before the pattern o f Hebrew worship in the God’s throne. Old Testament. For the Hebrew, wor­ Our theology of worship, if credible ship was more than an attitude. It and scriptural, must result in believers was an attitude expressed. One He­ The plan of the being brought gently, yet certainly, to a brew word is used in the Old Testa­ deep encounter with God—an en­ ment for worship, shachah. In the Tabernacle counter where we can express our­ King James Version, the translators selves with joy, as the living creatures used nine words to translate this one suggests and the elders of Revelation do when word. It is rendered “worship,” “bow they “fall down before him who is seat­ down,” “make obeisance,” “fall progressiveness ed on the throne and worship him down,” “stoop,” “crouch,” “beseech who lives for ever and ever; they cast humbly,” and “do reverence.” For the in worship. their crowns before the throne, Hebrews, worship was something singing, ‘Worthy art thou, our Lord and done by the worshiper. In the New God, to receive glory and honor and Testament, w e see Spirit-filled Chris­ power, for thou didst create all things, tians discovering a deeper level of and by thy will they existed and were God encounter because o f their new­ created’” (Rev. 4:10-11, RSV). Come, ly found intimate faith in Jesus. The Perhaps our oversensitivity toward let us worship! ■ Greek word for worship, proskuneo, avoidance o f fleshly sensuality and il­ is used nearly 60 times. While licit lust has taken us to an opposite 1. Robert Webber, Worship Is a Verb (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, Publisher, 1985), 130. shachah implies reverence, obei­ extreme. Perhaps w e exhibit a “prud­ 2. Philip Yancey, “Praying with the KGB,” Chris­ sance, and w orship at a distance, ery” in our worship and a “frigidity” tianity Today 36, no. 1 Can. 13, 1992): 22. proskuneo contains the element of in our God encounters that result in 3. Ben Patterson, “Worship as Performance,” Lead­ ership 11, no. 3 (Summer 1981): 52. the intimacy o f a kiss. W e cannot kiss them being nonencounters. 4. John Stott, The Spirit, the Church, and the World one whom we love from afar!5 For My mother’s Presbyterian back­ (Downers Grove, 111.: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 85. 5. Graham Kendrick, Learning to Worship as a the New Testament worshiper, and ground has probably influenced my Way o f Life (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, for us, proximity to, intimacy with, general attitude o f reserve in what I 1984), 23.

MARCI1/APRII/MA Y 21 The Challenges of Multicultural Worship

by Carlton F. Harvey St. Laurent, Que.

n any given Sunday morning I The beauty o f Jesus is that He tran­ ern country, urgently demanding that am faced with the challenge scends culture. I can quickly lose my the music be turned down and that I o f ministry to people from congregation by an attempt to fine- put a stop to the tambourines being Omany different parts of the world. The tune their understanding o f Western played in the service. He insisted that membership of my congregation hails religious practices. But, when I focus Sunday morning worship should in­ from diverse origins such as the worship on Jesus, then faces light up, clude only the sacred hymns o f the Philippines, India, Burundi, Ethiopia, eyes register understanding, and the church accompanied by piano and or­ Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Armenia, Italy, miracle of spiritual awakening takes gan. That week in a Bible study group Chile, United States, several Caribbean place. The stories of Jesus that show a Canadian remarked that she thor­ islands—each with a unique culture— His love and compassion for humani­ oughly enjoyed the music each week, and, don’t forget Canada! ty translate beautifully into all cul­ and particularly the tambourine. For Multicultural worship is no option tures. The glorious story of His death her, it was a new experience to sing for me. I am surrounded by a multi­ and resurrection is an unequaled mas­ lively choruses. She thought the tam­ cultural city and a congregation that terpiece suited for all peoples. bourine added a wonderful festive­ reflects the many ethnic groups of Effective multicultural worship be­ ness to the service. The irony o f the our community. Although Montreal is gins by centering on Jesus Christ. As whole episode was that the tam­ rich with multiple cultures and tradi­ Jesus is lifted up in our worship, He bourine was being played by a tions, it is not unlike many other draws all men to himself (John Caribbean for whom it was a natural North American cities. With fresh 12:32). part o f worship! waves of immigrants flooding into 2. Knowledge of cultures is An endless number of stories Canadian and American cities each important. could be told by veterans of multi­ year, local churches must address the A Jewess was recently converted at cultural ministries. Some o f the sto­ problems and possibilities o f multi­ the altar of our church during the ries have a happy ending, such as cultural worship. closing of a Sunday morning worship the Jewess mentioned above. For service. She later confided that one of others, it is a heart-wrenching disap­ CRITICAL ISSUES IN her greatest struggles in becoming a pointment when tolerance and un­ MULTICULTURAL WORSHIP Christian was at the point of being derstanding between cultures can­ A discussion with some of my stu­ asked to kneel and pray. She remind­ not be achieved. dents at Quebec Nazarene Bible Insti­ ed us that a Jew always stands to The challenge facing ministers and tute, a multicultural school for minis­ pray. Therefore, it was difficult to ac­ laypersons is that multicultural wor­ terial preparation located in Montreal, cept the pastor’s invitation to come ship demands an understanding of revealed five critical issues in multi­ forward, kneel at the altar, and pray. cultures. Issues such as length o f ser­ cultural worship. On another occasion, I was chal­ vice, style o f preaching, dress codes, 1. The center of worship must be lenged by a man from a Middle East­ symbols o f worship, and regulations Jesus Christ. regarding the sacraments have a great E. Stanley Jones wrote that w e do variety o f expressions in the different not need to preach Christ against the cultures of the world. Dialogue be­ backdrop of Western civilization, but tween cultures is essential to gaining that Christ is relevant for any people, an understanding of the expectations and He fits into any culture. The represented in a multicultural setting. gleaming message of Christianity is Je­ 3. Music must be adapted for sus, not a culture or tradition or sys­ multicultural worship. tem of behavior. Salvation comes, not A sharp young businessman, whose by adherence to a style of living, but cultural background is Orthodox by faith in Jesus Christ alone. from the Middle East, asked me why

22 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE we didn’t have a pipe organ in our cludes positioning facilities near pub­ STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE church. It had not occurred to him lic transportation. Another issue is MULTICULTURAL WORSHIP that there would be significant logisti­ the need to furnish the facility in a To help persons o f other cultures cal problems lugging a pipe organ in way that is culturally acceptable to feel comfortable and a part o f the lo­ and out of the school gymnasium those who are attending. The idea of cal church requires efforts that go be­ where we worship each Sunday. He owning a building will likely be un­ yond a handshake and smile. Though simply was accustomed to the sound thinkable in urban areas where real an initial greeting at the door and a of a pipe organ as the accompani­ estate costs are exorbitant. When an farewell at the close of worship can­ ment for music in worship. immigrant family is struggling to ad­ not be overlooked, they are but the No one disputes the principle that just to a new culture and is barely starting point for building strong rela­ music is a vital part o f worship. How­ able to adequately feed and clothe tionships. An effort must be made to ever, hot debate rages on over what themselves, a substantial mortgage recognize and publicly esteem the type of music is appropriate for wor­ payment on a church building is not cultural traditions of those with ship. Not even North Americans can likely to be a high priority. whom w e worship. agree on styles o f music and instru­ 5. Attitude is ultimately the key to Once again I looked to my students ments for worship. More than one effective multicultural worship. at Quebec Nazarene Bible Institute church has suffered a split over some­ There is a long-standing tradition of for their input. Their suggestions for thing as basic as musical taste and ex­ welcome and acceptance at the bor­ strategies to enhance multicultural pression in worship. ders of the United States and Canada. worship were especially helpful in Despite all arguments to the con­ These proud nations have opened the light o f the fact that they themselves trary, the choice of worship music is way for millions to find a new life and represent several countries of the influenced primarily by culture and is hope for the future. An attitude world. therefore not a spiritual issue. A prevalent among government and the 1. Advertise the multicultural nature shallow and narrow viewpoint would populations says in effect, “You are of a local church. insist that one style o f worship music wanted and accepted here.” Rather than waiting for some un­ is spiritually superior to another. That same attitude must capture suspecting ethnic to wander in the The critical issue is that worship the heart and will of the church if door and discover there are many na­ leaders must learn the musical ver­ multicultural worship is to become tions present in the service, publicize nacular of the people to whom they reality. Pastor and congregation must the international character of the are ministering. Musical styles that make the choice to want to exist in church. Use newspaper advertise­ are strange and peculiar to other cul­ harmony with diverse cultures. ments and editorial articles to high­ tures can be as frustrating as trying to The choice of open acceptance of light the presence of many nation­ listen to a foreign language. Multicul­ “outsiders” has always been difficult alities within the congregation. tural worship must cross the bound­ in the church. W e are so deeply con­ Encourage members of the congrega­ aries of numerous musical styles in vinced that our ways are right and tion to speak with friends within order to touch the hearts o f the par­ just and holy. God’s blessing on our their culture group and emphasize ticipants. lives and ministries in the past make the benefits o f meeting with a multi­ 4. Worship facilities play a role in it obvious that w e are doing some­ cultural congregation. multicultural worship. thing right. The natural deduction is Advertising experts tell us that to­ The same businessman who in­ that our way must become right for day’s consumer is interested in per­ quired about the pipe organ also anyone else that wants to enjoy God’s sonal benefits, not special features. If asked where w e stored our religious blessing and become a part of our no benefits are readily visible, then a symbols. In particular he wondered group. discussion among members of the why we had no icons. To him the Exposure to godly people o f other congregation should take place. An bare walls o f the gymnasium were a cultures strikes at the heart of the exchange of ideas will be sparked stark contrast to the richly adorned “one way: my way” mind-set. The ulti­ with questions such as “Why do you worship facilities o f his Orthodox tra­ mate test o f a person’s Christian ex­ like coming here?” “What makes you dition. perience is not based on how well he feel comfortable in our worship ser­ Cultural diversity affects expecta­ expresses his faith in terms o f West­ vice?” and “How do you personally tions o f w orship facilities. North ern culture and tradition. The true benefit from being involved in our Americans are accustomed to more test o f Christianity is how well one’s church?” The goal of asking these open space. The usual rule is that a life measures up to the standards set questions is to discover the specific, North American congregation w ill by the example of Christ: “Love one understandable benefits of being a not continue to grow past 80% o f the another” (John 13:35). part of a particular congregation. The capacity of the building. By contrast, The choice o f accepting other cul­ local church will receive an added my Haitian brothers don’t feel as tures must become a commitment to bonus o f building its own morale and though they’ve got much of a crowd reach out to people o f differing eth­ self-esteem by talking about the value unless they are at about 110% capaci­ nic origins and encourage them to sit and benefit of that church’s ministry. ty! in our pews. The choice must further Churches that have long struggled Much of our ministry to multiple be reflected by encouraging others to with paying the bills and questioning cultures will be seeking to reach im­ participate in the experience o f wor­ their reason for existence can reverse migrants. Sensitivity to their needs in­ ship. their defeated spirits by simply ac­

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 23 knowledging that positive help is be­ w e will for Christmas. W e are taking by the other reading the same pas­ ing received by members o f the con­ delight in the diversity, making peo­ sage in English. gregation. ple feel good about their cultural tra­ 3. Adjust vocabulary to reach a mul­ Following a year of remarkable ditions. As Easter approaches, w e will ticultural audience. growth and development, our church take time in our services to recognize Effective preachers make a life-long had skidded to a halt on a plateau. Af­ the variety of ways Jesus’ resurrection habit of developing their skills in ter several months of frustrating at­ w ill be celebrated in other parts of communication. John Maxwell likes tempts to get moving again, we the world. to talk about how educators take the stepped back to ask, “Just exactly Some other suggestions for featur­ simple and make it complicated. By what are we doing that has some ing culture groups are to set a day contrast, Maxwell says that communi­ worth?” A deep and soul-searching when people will be encouraged to cators take the complicated and make discussion among board members en­ wear their native dress to church. it simple. While no preacher should sued and with exhilarating results. And don’t just ignore them once they be allowed to slide into habits o f slop­ We discovered that while we had arrive all decked out in their coun­ py grammar, mush diction, and vo­ been targeting a baby boomer audi­ try’s finest! Make over each outfit, ad­ cabulary the meaning for which even ence, those people were not respond­ mire the craftsmanship and function theological scholars cannot agree, ing to our church. Instead, w e had of the garment, and talk with each in­ these problems border on outright enjoyed substantial success in reach­ dividual about what they are wearing. sin in a multicultural, multilingual set­ ing immigrants from a wide variety of In so doing, you will show apprecia­ ting. cultures. Interestingly, with the ex­ tion for their cultures and thus build ception of myself as pastor having better relationships among those been born in a baby boom country, with whom you worship. no one else in the congregation had Food is always a grand way to fea­ been bom in association with the ba­ ture different cultures. Perhaps a by boom. Even my wife was bom in a potluck meal featuring native foods Caribbean country that was not af­ can be combined with the day for The stories of fected by the baby boom. wearing native dress. Actually, Once we had discovered our though, an international dinner on a Jesus7 love and strength in multicultural ministry, it quarterly basis would be well worth gave new focus and energy to our consideration. It is a tremendous ex­ compassion church. W e now talk about our inter­ perience to see people from all over national congregation and highlight the world sitting together and sharing translate the benefits o f our unique ministry. one another’s food. You can be sure Our advertising emphasizes the joy of that when people have shared each beautifully coming together with people of many other’s food, they will feel closer lands and worshiping God in wonder­ when they next gather for worship. into all ful harmony. W e even tell people to Another idea for featuring cultural come to our church because they’ll groups is to designate various groups cultures. likely find someone with whom they to sponsor and plan worship services. can relate and talk in their own native A regular schedule of services in .Asaasav languages. The multicultural diversity which different groups select music, o f our congregation has becom e a plan the order, and actually lead wor­ powerful advertising advantage. ship will enhance worship for every­ 2. Regularly feature culture groups one. As pastor, I even ask the groups Clarity and ease o f understanding in worship services and activities. to coach me on how I should preach must be the criteria by which we Each year in the Sundays preceding in order to fit as best as I can into evaluate vocabulary used in worship. Christmas w e take time in our wor­ their cultures. I’m not always success­ One of my preaching professors, Dr. ship services to feature different cul­ ful in crossing cultures, but at least Kenneth Pearsall, said that if w e stay tural groups. One year we asked peo­ the people know that I am interested simple enough for the children to un­ ple to tell us what their favorite in trying to relate to them. I convey derstand, then w e will certainly reach Christmas carols were and what car­ to them the attitude that I really want the comprehension level of adults. ols were traditional in their countries. to know and understand them, with For those for whom English is a sec- j Another year w e asked what a tradi­ the result that they are much more ond language, our worship vocabu- j tional Christmas meal would be in the open to my ministry. lary and communication must be sim­ different countries. That produced a One final tip is to invite different plified in order to be understood. lively discussion! I’m still not con­ cultural groups to assist in Scripture That takes a lot o f hard work! vinced that I could get used to eating reading from their own language or A helpful discipline to insure effec­ octopus and squid on Christmas Eve dialect. I occasionally like to ask a tive communication is to labor like some o f my Italian friends are ac­ husband and w ife to read the Scrip­ through preparation of a full manu­ customed to doing. ture lesson before my sermon. The script of all remarks, prayers, and the The point is that w e do not expect first one reads from the Bible in his or sermon. Though I doubt that many everyone will do the same things as her own tongue and then is followed will want to practice the discipline of

24 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE a full manuscript for very long, even a see beauty in a mosaic o f unique cul­ in clear terms that all ethnic groups few weeks will cement the principle tures existing in harmony together. are wanted and welcome in the into the mind. Soon it will become a My preference is for ethnic groups to church. They w ill not be treated as natural part of communication. be encouraged to maintain their cul­ outsiders but will be urged to be­ The essential idea is that vocabu­ tural identity through small groups. come a full part of the church’s min­ lary used in a multicultural setting Worship among combined groups istry. Sharing leadership positions must be simple and clearly enunciat­ then takes on a beautiful flavor en­ with different cultures signals the atti­ ed. Practice and coaching by an in­ hanced by the contribution of each tude that the church is committed to formed listener will help to perfect cultural group. multicultural ministry. these important skills. 5. Staffing should reflect a multi­ Perhaps this is nowhere more evi­ 4. Develop small groups centered cultural approach. dent than when pastoral staff and se­ around cultural groups. A starting point is to invite mem­ nior pastor positions reflect the multi­ A basic principle o f church growth bers o f other cultures to join the staff cultural commitment o f the church. insists that the small group is the of Sunday School teachers and small- At times, it is difficult for North Amer­ building block of a great church. group leaders. As persons grow and ican congregations to surrender their Churches are encouraged to increase mature in their faith and leadership pulpits to nonwhites. the number of entry points by way of abilities, positions on committees and A large church in a metropolitan additional small groups. Groups are the church board should be opened downtown location has gone through most effective when they are need- to them. It is also important to find significant change in the makeup of based and centered on specific ways of incorporating ethnics into the congregation. As with most urban groups. Even Sunday School experts leading worship services. areas, the affluent whites have moved assert that growth will happen when Opening staff positions to people to the suburbs and were replaced new classes are created on a regular from different ethnic backgrounds with ethnic groups. The church, basis. presents certain problems. W e found once a powerhouse of white afflu­ An important facet of developing that Sunday School literature and Va­ ence and leadership, has shifted to small groups is a willingness on the cation Bible School materials had to where it is now dominated by eth­ part o f leadership to (a ) allow the be modified for E.S.L. teachers and nics. Pastoral estimates are that two- small groups to form without feeling learners. Our church board meetings thirds of the congregation are Carib­ a threat to the total program o f the move slower at times while w e edu­ bean blacks. church, and (b ) to allow a strong de­ cate new members to the organiza­ The decision-making power of the gree of autonomy among small tional structures o f a North American church, however, continues to rest in groups so that the pastor or another church. And sometimes we have the hands of a small white minority. church leader need not be present at needed translation to be certain that Consequently, when a recent pastoral all meetings. communication was adequate. change was made, the ruling minority The principle o f developing small To incorporate other cultural selected another white pastor. groups that are largely self-governing groups into leading worship also W e must realize that some o f the can be applied to creation of ethnic means that occasionally it is a strain brightest, most capable, most spiritu­ ministry groups. Ethnic groups flour­ to understand their English. Further, ally sensitive leaders will be found ish when encouraged to maintain ties worship practices from other world among ethnics who had the neces­ to their culture while also adapting to areas can sometimes be uncomfort­ sary drive to leave their home coun­ a new culture. able for worshipers unaccustomed to tries in search of a better way of life. One church I know has a thriving changes in style and tradition. These dynamic leaders must not be class o f Filipinos meeting during the The benefits of multicultural set on a shelf and refused opportunity Sunday School hour. They speak in staffing exceed the liabilities. One to become involved in directing the their native dialect and enjoy fellow­ benefit is exposure to new ways of affairs of the church. Indeed, many of ship together. Their Bible study is ad­ expressing our faith through worship them have been severely tested be­ dressed to their specific needs. Then, and education. Life is richer when we cause of their faith and can teach when they go into worship, they become familiar with a broad range North Americans important lessons in gladly accept a unified service con­ of experiences. A second benefit is spirituality. The church that is sin­ ducted in English. based on another principle of church cerely committed to multicultural Other churches have developed a growth. The principle states that the worship and ministry will find ways home Bible study ministry focused on greater the number of persons in­ of capitalizing on the strengths of its different ethnic groups. Still others volved in the leadership of the congregants, regardless of their eth­ teach English as a Second Language church, the greater the likelihood nic origin. (E.S.L.) classes and use these classes newcomers will find a personal point Multicultural worship challenges as an introduction to Christ and the of identification. When an African vis­ me every Sunday. Increasingly it will church. its my church and sees another become a challenge for churches all There are those who insist on a African serving in a position of leader­ across North America. As the world philosophy of absorption. They de­ ship, he or she will likely think, comes streaming into our cities and mand that all ethnic groups shed Maybe there is a place here for me. towns, our mandate will remain— to their cultural roots and traditions and A further benefit to using a multi­ share the good news o f Jesus with become lost in a new culture. Others cultural staff is that it communicates people of every tribe and nation. ■

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 25 Communicator's Sermon Contest

Editorial Note: Presenting the winning sermons of the Communicator’s Sermon Contest. The editorial staff thanks our judges: Ron Benefiel, pastor; C. Neil Strait, district superintendent; and C. William Ellwanger, professor o f preaching.

A Specific Prayer for You

by Fred G. Prince West Bloomfield, Mich. John 17:6-20

they said, “is triggering the alarm then left. In the process, they set off each night.” the alarms. As the next step, at some expense, What had happened? The garbage the company installed floodlights. service that used to pick up in the This lit up the entire fenced-in area. evening, leaving the dumpsters emp­ No one would be able to lurk in the ty at night, changed its schedule. shadows and get away with it. With Garbagemen had begun to pick up the newly installed lights and the early in the morning. That left the strengthened security, they expected previous day’s garbage sitting there to catch the intruders. But even with overnight. The raccoons, being night all of these precautions, it didn’t creatures, evidently smelled it. They work. Each night the alarms were still took advantage of what seemed to set off, and the intruders w ere not them a new fast-food restaurant in the seen, let alone caught. neighborhood that rang bells every he company was very large, The corporate executives then time they came—and they enjoyed one of the electric power took one further step, this time at it.1 companies down south. They great expense to the company. They By now you’re probably thinking, T began to develop security problems.installed numerous surveillance cam­ Nice story, Pastor. What’s the point? Though surrounded by a high, chain- eras. N ow the entire fenced-in area The company had a problem. The link fence, every night the alarms went would be captured on film. They alarms were being set off each night, off. They were certain someone was would surely find out who the intrud­ indicating that someone was trying to trying to break in. Located in a high ers were. break in. They went to great lengths crime area well known for gang prob­ The very night after the cameras and great expense to solve the prob­ lems, that conclusion came very easy. had been installed, the alarms went lem. They hired more security guards, First, they hired more security off again. The security people gath­ installed floodlights, and installed sur­ guards and made more patrols. They ered around the VCR television. They veillance cameras. None of those reasoned that just the sight of armed began to watch what each camera things took care o f the problem. They guards would scare off any would-be had captured on film. Finally, one either had to move the dumpster or intruders. But the alarms kept going camera had caught the intruders. get the garbage service to pick up the off each night. The security people, There was no doubt. Their faces were garbage in the evening again. even with more help, did not catch captured on film. They would be very A very simple solution. A solution the intruders. In fact, they kept insist­ easy to apprehend because they were that would have cost them nothing. A ing that they didn’t even see anyone. all recognized for who they were. solution that was there if someone But the alarms kept going o ff each Well, maybe it would be better to say, had only recognized that the problem night and only at night. “what they were.” started when the garbage pickup time Of course, they had the security A family of raccoons had discov­ changed. A solution that would have system checked. They were assured ered the company’s garbage dump­ saved much time, expense, and aggra­ that nothing was wrong with the sys­ ster. Each night this family of rac­ vation if someone would have gone tem. It worked perfectly. “Someone,” coons came to enjoy their supper and back to the source of the problem.

26 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE By now you’re thinking, Nice ex­ pow er and peace for your life and Jesus is really praying that they planation, Pastor. What’s the point? your marriage are real. You can expe­ w on’t try to take care of their prob­ Simply this: I often think w e spend rience the reality of them. Those are lems themselves, that they w on’t try much time, energy, and even money not distant goals you are shooting for to do all these things He had told trying to take care o f the problems of or striving for. They can be a present- them by themselves. He is praying life. day reality, a “today” reality in your that they w on ’t try to manufacture They may be problems in a mar­ life. the promises in their own lives riage or another relationship. But I need to tell you as emphati­ through their own strength in their They may be habits that are de­ cally as I can, you will not find it in a own way. He is praying that they will stroying you. job, or a career, in money, not in get to the source of the problem. They may be mind sets and atti­ your marriage or other relationships, Let’s read part of this prayer that tudes that are destructive. or even by simply going to church. Jesus prayed moments before His ar­ But the alarms keep ringing! You must get back to the source of rest. (Read John 17:6-20.) We earnestly try our best to take the problem and take care o f that. From this prayer and a couple of care of the problem, to find a solu- This is the very thing Jesus prayed other passages o f Scripture that relate • tion, but it keeps coming back and it would happen in His disciples and in to it, I want to point out three specif­ continues to defeat us! So we read you. ic things: books about our kind o f problems. First, this was a specific prayer for We listen to what others say, and we Christians. think, If I only had more money, I Second, there was a specific an­ know the problems would be gone. swer. Or, If I had a different job! Yes. That’s There was a Third, there were specific results. what I need. Or, If this person wasn’t I around . . . Or, Maybe if I went to very simple church more. That’s what I really This was a specific prayer for need to do. I ’ll pray more and read solution to Christians. my Bible more and go to church Jesus was praying for something more. That will take care of my prob­ the problem very specific to happen in the lives of lem. So you go to church. You begin Christians. to hear from somebody like me about that would These 11 fellows who are left are a deep joy and contentment and an genuine disciples. They weren’t incredible peace and a power to han­ have cost called Christians. That tag had not yet dle the problem s— and you say to been placed on the followers of yourself, I think I’ve found the solu- them Christ. But they were genuine Chris­ | tion to my problems. So you start go- tians. They had accepted Jesus as 1 ing to church, believing, This is what nothing. Lord. They had put their faith in Him. ! I need. They had been forgiven of sins. Oh, But the alarms keep ringing; the we know they had their problems problems keep coming. The promise and personality quirks. W e know that of joy and peace and power isn’t a re­ In John 17, I want us to read part sometimes they fought with each oth­ ality in your life. The reality is that o f a prayer that Jesus prayed. As soon er and argued. But in spite of all that, you are continually being defeated by as Jesus had finished this prayer, He we know they were genuine. We I the same problems over and over and His disciples walk across the know that because of what Jesus said I again. Every time you are defeated, Kidron Valley and enter into a garden in His prayer: “For I gave them the j I you feel more guilt. The more guilt on the Mount of Olives. They remain words you gave me and they accept­ i you feel, the less you feel like being only a short time when Temple sol­ ed them. They knew with certainty in church. The less you feel like being diers come, with Judas leading the that I came from you, and they be­ in church, the more guilty you feel. way, to arrest Jesus. Jesus is taken lieved that you sent me” (v. 8, italics What’s going on? away. He goes through the trials, the added). I You haven’t really gotten back to beatings, the mockings. He is nailed And so there isn’t a bit of doubt, Je­ the source of the problem. Simply to the cross and dies. This prayer is sus says: “I pray for them. I am not | coming to church would be like the the last prayer the disciples will hear praying for the world, but for those company watching the surveillance Jesus pray until He is hanging on the you have given me, for they are film o f the raccoons over and over Cross. In the moments preceding this yours” (v. 9, italics added). ■ and over again, but doing nothing prayer, Jesus had told them some in­ In Jesus’ own words, He said that about the source of the problem—the credible things—incredible things the disciples were God’s. In today’s garbage dumpster. they needed to do, like love one an­ language, we would say, “Those men I want you to realize there is a solu­ other and lay down their rights. He are saved. They have been converted. tion to the problems plaguing you, has told them the incredible promises They are Christian. They are genuine the attitudes defeating you, and the o f joy and p o w er and peace. But disciples.” habits destroying you. I want you to what Jesus prays now is very, very re­ They are Christians. This is impor­ realize those promises of joy and vealing. tant for our understanding. Jesus was

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 27 praying specifically for Christians, It is a definite work o f God that oc­ all the old hatred and unforgiveness and He prayed for something very curs in the life o f the believer. comes raging back. specific to happen to them. It is when you are set apart for ser­ You try to lay down your rights— First, Jesus prays, “Holy Father, vice. but you can’t. protect them by the power of your It is when you are empowered by You try to fix the marriage—but name—the name you gave me” (v. the Spirit. you can’t. 11). Then He prays, “My prayer is not It is when you are made pure and You try to change attitudes—but that you take them out of the world holy by a holy God! you can’t. but that you protect them from the It is getting to the core o f the prob­ You try to refrain from gossip. You evil one” (v. 15). Jesus wasn’t asking lem, the source of the problem—that try to quit destructive habits. God the Father that we not have disposition toward sinning, that atti­ You try to be completely commit­ problems. He wasn’t requesting that tude o f selfishness, o f wanting things ted and overcome defeats and be all God make the Christian’s life easy. Je­ your own way—and crucifying it. that Christ would have you to be— sus was saying, “They need to live in It is allowing the Holy Spirit to do a but you can’t! the world and be in the world and definite, decisive work in your life. Do you see what you are doing? face all the problems o f life that come You’re trying on your own to take from living in the world, just as I care o f all the problems. You’re giv­ did!” Once again Jesus prayed specifi­ ing it your best shot. You’re expend­ cally for our protection from Satan, ing all that time and energy, only to the evil one. The alarms fail. Why? Because you’re not getting That helps me! Just to know that to the source of the problem. You when Satan bombards me w ith all keep ringing; need to be sanctified! You need he’s got and I’m tempted to be dis­ God’s Spirit to do a work that is deci­ couraged and give up and quit, it real­ the problems sive and definite. You need selfish­ ly helps to know that Jesus prayed for ness crucified. You need to be made my protection. And because He did, keep coming. pure and holy. That only comes by I’m going to be protected. The temp­ the work of the Holy Spirit. tations will come. The battles will So, Jesus prayed for something spe­ come. The problems will come. But I cific to happen in the life of the will come out unharmed and victori­ You may say, “Pastor, isn’t that Christian— that you may be sancti­ ous because Jesus prayed for me. what happened when I was saved?” fied. That helps! No! That’s when you placed your n Not only did Jesus pray specifically faith in Jesus. That’s when you con­ for my protection, but also He prayed fessed and repented o f sins and were There was a specific answer to that His disciples and all Christians forgiven. That’s when you became a that prayer. who came to believe in Him after the Christian. Jesus prayed this sanctifica­ After the Resurrection, Jesus had disciples would be sanctified: “Sancti­ tion for the Christian. To be sancti­ told His disciples, “I am going to send fy them by the truth” (v. 17). “For fied is something that occurs in your you what my Father has promised; them I sanctify myself, that they too Christian life after you have accepted but stay in the city until you have may be truly sanctified” (v. 19). the Lord. It happens at a specific been clothed with power from on Friends, Jesus was praying for some­ time. It happens when you realize high” (Luke 24:49). Jesus’ prayer had thing very specific to happen in the there are things within you literally not been answered at that point. But Christian. He is not praying for the warring against your following Christ. the disciples did what Jesus said. non-Christian. This prayer is for the Part o f you wants what Jesus wants, They went to Jerusalem. They waited. disciples who were Christians and for but part of you wants what you want. They prayed. They waited and prayed every other person who would be­ You seem to have one spiritual defeat some more. “When the day o f Pente­ come Christian after the disciples. He after another. cost came, they were all together in prayed for them to be sanctified. This is exactly where the disciples one place. Suddenly a sound like the The term may be vague to you, but were spiritually when Jesus prayed blowing of a violent wind came from it wasn’t vague to Jesus. It wasn’t this important prayer. I am convinced heaven and filled the whole house vague to John or Peter or James or this is right where many people are where they were sitting. They saw the other disciples. It wasn’t vague to today. They are Christians, but they what seemed to be tongues of fire Paul. In fact, Paul uses it over and don’t know the power, the joy, the that separated and came to rest on over again throughout his letter to peace that is promised. They are busy each o f them. All o f them were filled the Romans. To the Thessalonians he trying to take care o f this problem or with the Holy Spirit and began to wrote: “It is God’s will that you that problem, but they never get to speak in other tongues as the Spirit should be sanctified” (1 Thess. 4:3). It the core or the source of the prob­ enabled them” (Acts 2:1-4). wasn’t vague to them, and it should lem. At that very definite moment, the not be for you. You try to live a holy life by keep­ prayer that Jesus had prayed 51 days What is this sanctification? For ing a list o f rules, only to fail. earlier was specifically answered. The what was Jesus praying? What does it You try to forgive, but you can’t. disciples were sanctified. It occurred mean to be sanctified? Or it seems to work for a while, but in an instant, in a moment.

28 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Not only did the specific answer is the only way yOu will ever be able trying to be supermom or super- occur for them, but also the Book of to do what Jesus has asked o f you. It dad, superworker, superparent, super- Acts tells us o f when it occurred for is the only way you won’t be con­ Christian, but all in your own efforts. others. Church history, from then un­ sumed with taking care o f one prob­ And you’re tired of it. You’re tired of til now, tells us o f men and women lem after another, only to have them the failure. You’re tired o f not know­ who quit trying to solve the many raise their ugly heads to defeat you ing and not experiencing the power problems o f life and simply allowed again. You need to get to the source, and the joy and the peace. This is the the Holy Spirit to fill them and the core o f the problem. move for which you’re looking. cleanse them and empower them. Perhaps you remember the story of They got right to the root of the the Faust painting. source of the problem. Then they Faust, in the old story, gambled were able to handle the problems of with his soul. An artist has painted life, empowered by the Spirit, in an­ Sanctification the picture—a game of chess, with [swer to the very prayer Jesus prayed. Faust on one side, Satan on the oth­ is a definite er. The game in the picture is al­ m most over, and Faust has only a few There were specific results. work of God pieces left— a king, a knight, and The specific prayer—that they may one or two pawns; and on his face be sanctified— had a specific answer. in the life is a look of blank despair. On the As a result, a specific thing took other side of the board the devil place. All the things Jesus had told of the leers in anticipation of triumph (his them to do about forgiving and loving face is dripping with satisfaction one another and laying down one’s believer. and smugness). Many a chess play­ rights and serving, suddenly the disci­ er has looked at the picture and has ples were able to do those things of agreed that the position is hope­ which they had been incapable. All less; it is checkmate. But one day in the picture gallery the promises Jesus had made about Christian, this prayer uttered by Je­ a great master of the game stood peace and joy and power were now a sus moments before He was arrested gazing at the picture. He was fasci­ reality in their lives. was for you: “My prayer is not for nated by the look of terrible de­ Look at Peter. Before being em­ them alone. I pray also for those who spair on the face of Faust. Then his powered by the Spirit, he was afraid will believe in me through their mes­ gaze went to the pieces on the to tell even a little servant girl that he sage” (v. 20). That is you! A specific board. He stared at them absorbed. knew Jesus. Afterward, he stood on prayer prayed for you! the steps of the Temple and preached Other visitors in the gallery came Christ crucified and resurrected and and went, and still he studied the that people needed to repent. In one board, lost in contemplation. And day 3,000 people accepted Jesus as then suddenly the gallery was star­ Savior. Talk about power! tled by a ringing shout: “It’s a lie! When Peter and John were arrest­ Suddenly The king has another move, the ed for healing a crippled man and king has another move!”2 telling others of Jesus Christ, Jewish the disciples Christian, I want you to under­ leaders threatened them, saying, stand that when you’re in that posi­ “Don’t talk about Jesus anymore.” were able tion of despair, when you don’t They replied: “We cannot help know the reality of the peace or joy speaking about what we have seen to do those or power promised, and it seems like and heard” (Acts 4:20). I think they you’re not making it, there is another said it with a smile on their faces. things of move. In fact, Jesus prayed specifical­ ly that you would be sanctified. Paul That was unbridled joy, completed told us it was God’s will for you to be joy, something not affected by cir­ which they sanctified. My question is this: has cumstances or threats. Talk about joy! that prayer been answered in your When Paul was arrested, thrown had been life? If not, w ill you allow the Holy into jail, and put into stocks, he was Spirit to fill you, cleanse you, em­ chained— hands, neck, and feet— to a incapable. power you, and crucify the selfish­ wall. What did he do? He sang! That’s ness within? Will you get to the root the kind of peace that Jesus had and source of the problem? Will you promised: “Peace I leave with you; allow Jesus’ prayer to be answered in my peace I give you” Qohn 14:27). The question is this: has that prayer your life? ■ Talk about peace! been answered specifically in your There are specific results when Je­ life? This is the move you’ve been 1. Curtis Williams, telephone conversation with au­ sus’ prayer is answered in your life. In searching for. You’re so tired o f trying thor. 2. W esley Tracy, “Rings o f Truth,” in The Re­ fact, this is the only way you w ill to put out one fire after another, try­ deemed Will Walk There (Kansas City: Beacon Hill know the reality o f those promises. It ing to fix one problem after another, Press of Kansas City, 1983), 144.

MARrH/APRTl /M iv 90 The God Who Changes His Mind

by George Lyons Nampa, Idaho Exod. 32:1-14 2 Cor. 1:12-22

across a number of apparently contra­ the Portland crow d a pleasant sur­ dictory passages of scripture that prise by visiting them on both legs of speak about God. On the one hand, his journey—on the way to and from there are a few passages that insist, Seattle.4 But the first of these planned “God is not a man, that He should lie. visits turned out to be a fiasco— or as He is not a human being, that He Paul described it, a “painful visit.”5 should repent or change His mind. From 2 Corinthians, it is not clear When God speaks, He does what He precisely what happened to Paul in says. When He makes a promise, He Portland.6 Both he and they knew all keeps it” (paraphrased).1 On the other too well, and he seems reluctant to hand, I have found two dozen verses open old wounds by picking at the that insist God does indeed repent— painful details. Apparently, he needed He changes His mind.2 How do we to engage in some extremely unpleas­ reconcile these apparent tensions? ant disciplinary action against wrong­ lease accept my invitation to Join me on my thinking expedition. doers in First Church.7 But perhaps he join me on a thinking expedi­ Let’s start our expedition in 2 Co­ was not as forceful in doing so as his tion into uncharted territory. rinthians, where the issue seems to written threats had suggested he might P be, not God changing His mind, but be.8 It also appears that someone great­ The journey is not for the faintheart­ ed. I’d like you to think with me the apostle Paul changing his travel ly wronged Paul during this visit, caus­ about the most important subject a plans. So who cares about Corinth or ing him severe emotional pain, and human being can think about and the Troas, Asia Minor or Macedonia, Acha- that no one came to his defense.9 most difficult—God. Be forewarned, ia or Judea—unless, o f course, you’re Once away from Portland, Paul this is “Mission: Impossible!” Scrip­ into “Carmen San Diego”? Grasping changed his travel plans again and did ture says that “G od’s wisdom and the significance o f this rather mun­ not make the previously announced vis­ knowledge have no end! No one can dane problem is complicated by the it to Portland on his return from explain the things God decides. No fact that we are reading someone Seattle.10 Instead, he returned to Nam­ one can understand God’s ways” else’s mail and are more familiar with pa, from where he sent Titus with a (Rom. 11:33, NCV). God is awesome! the geography of the Pacific North­ “sorrowful letter” to Portland11— sor- 1 It boggles our minds to think of a west than of the ancient Near East. rowful in several respects. Paul wrote | Being who was not created but is the Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Eph­ this stringent letter “out of much afflic- j Creator of all that exists—to think of esus in Asia Minor, from where he tion and anguish of heart and with 1 One who has no beginning and who planned to go directly to Macedonia, many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4, RSV). Once he will never die; to think o f One who forgoing a necessarily brief stop in had sent it on its way with Titus, he never gets tired or depressed; who is Corinth en route in favor of an ex­ was sorry he had done so.12 This set of I all-powerful and yet infinitely patient; tended visit there upon his return circumstances seems to have plunged j who knows all that is knowable, yet from Macedonia on his way to Judea.3 Paul into deep depression and despair.131 whose mind is not polluted by evil; To uncomplicate matters, let’s say He reports in 2 Corinthians 2 and 7 who is perfectly loving and yet ab­ that Ephesus is Nampa; Corinth is that he was so distracted by his anxi­ solutely holy; who unreservedly loves Portland; Macedonia is Seattle; and ety about the outcome o f Titus’ mis-1 even those who hate Him and defy Judea is Kansas City. Paul wrote to sion to Portland that he cut short a His laws. God is awesome! the folks in Portland First Church that successful evangelistic campaign in j I am not a theologian nor the son of he was going from Nampa to Seattle Weiseru and headed for Seattle in I a theologian, but it is the duty of lowly but would not take time to stop in search o f Titus. Once reunited with Bible teachers to present theologians Portland until his return trip, which his young colleague, Paul was over- J with the fruit o f their studies calling would take him to Headquarters in joyed by the good news.15 Although for theological reflection. In the fulfill­ Kansas City. Subsequently, he Paul’s now lost, “sorrowful letter” at ment of my assignment, I have come changed his mind and decided to give first caused the folks in Portland

30 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE (Corinth) great sorrow, it succeeded character is transformed by that to plans, but also there is ample evi­ in achieving its desired result—their which we give our lives.21 Paul dence that He actually does so. If God repentance.16 This repentance led claimed that his integrity, which is not free to change His mind, He is them to demonstrate their loyalty to seemed to be challenged by his not God. Still God is not fickle. He is Paul and to vindicate themselves by change of plans, was nonetheless con­ definitely dependable. Because He severely punishing the one responsi­ sistent with the integrity o f his Lord. keeps His promises, He can always be ble for offending Paul on his most re­ And what does Paul say about the counted on to act graciously, redemp- cent visit.17 Too severely, perhaps. character of God? He insists, first, that tively, with dynamic integrity. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in part to “God is faithful” (2 Cor. 1:18, RSV). He urge the Corinthians to forgive and is absolutely trustworthy. In a political restore this wrongdoer.18 Second Co­ year, we become all too aware of those rinthians celebrates Paul’s over­ who modify their message to fit their whelming joy at the news Titus audience, whose convictions seem to Like God, Paul brought him19 and his renewed confi­ be determined by the latest opinion dence in his converts. The letter be­ poll. Not so with God. He does not was faithful, not gins, as it should, with praise to God speak out of both sides of His mouth at for the comfort he brought Paul dur­ once. He does not say yes and no at fickle. ing the weary weeks of waiting for the same time. He is absolutely reli­ word from Corinth (1 :3-l 1). able. And by derivation, so are His mes­ The worst of the rebellion re­ sengers. When Paul denies that his solved, Paul could breathe a sigh of changed plans implied that he was What happens if we take God’s relief and at last explain why he had “vacillating” (v. 17, RSV), that he made freedom seriously? If w e admit that changed his plans about the two-part his plans “lightly,” he uses a word that the Old Testament reports that He visit that didn’t materialize. He insist­ was applied in his day to a ship with­ “repents” on occasion? Do not misun­ ed that his conscience was clear, his out ballast—the stuff that gave it stabili­ derstand “divine repentance.” The motives sincere, and his behavior ty. On the contrary, Paul’s character Hebrew word translated “repent” in pure (w . 12-14). Nevertheless, his and conduct were not unprincipled, the golden calf incident and else­ changed travel plans opened him up but stabilized. Like God, he was trust­ where in the Old Testament as ap­ to questions about his integrity. Paul worthy—faithful, not fickle. plied to God’s activity does not mean denied that he made his plans like a Second, Paul asserts that God ful­ a turning from sin. It refers instead to fickle man o f the world (w . 15-17). fills His promises (w . 19-20). By the His reluctance to follow through on But his thoughts quickly turned from Old Testament “promises” of God, His threats of judgment, to His a vindication o f his character to the Paul meant primarily His gracious an­ change of attitude and behavior.22 foundation of his integrity— the char­ nouncement to Abraham that in him The Book o f Jonah contains only acter o f God (w . 18-22). and his offspring all the nations o f the one prophecy: “In forty days Nineveh world would be blessed. He read this will be destroyed!” (3:4, paraphrase). promise with the conviction that was There is no explicit condition at­ being fulfilled in the great offspring tached— “unless the people o f Nin­ o f Abraham—Jesus Christ. “All the eveh repent of their sins.” But because What does Paul promises of God find their Yes” in they do repent, and because God is Christ (v. 20, RSV)- One who has faith faithful to His character o f redemptive say about the in Christ, no matter what his heredi­ love, He repents—He relents and ty, is Abraham’s child and a rightful changes His mind. Nineveh is spared, character of God? heir o f the promised blessing. The un­ to Jonah’s dismay. The reluctant belief of the majority of Abraham’s prophet is scandalized by this “gra­ physical descendants has not voided cious God and merciful, slow to anger, the promise; it has only focused it on and abounding in steadfast love, and Paul insisted that his “change of the faithful. The unbelief o f Israel is repentest of evil” (4:2, RSV). This is no plans was not due to a defect in his not a failure on God’s part, nor is His exception, but the norm. The Bible personal integrity, but rather to his apparent change o f plans in turning suggests that God consistently deep concern” for the Corinthians to believing Gentiles a challenge to “changes His mind” about threatened (1:23-2:4).20 Far from slighting them His faithfulness (chap. 3). judgment in response to people who by his change o f plans, Paul had de­ When the writer of Hebrews says, repent of their sinful ways. cided to spare them another painful “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday But if God’s people turn from obe­ visit by writing instead. His integrity and today and forever” (13:8, NRSV), dience to rebellion, God is also free was not inflexible but tempered by he is not affirming divine inflexibility. to change His mind about the bless­ the undergirding motive of love and Because God is God, He is free to ings of salvation He has promised the desire that their mutual sorrow change His mind, to modify His plans. them. Despite His gracious deliver­ might be replaced by mutual joy. Exodus 32 is not an exceptional pas­ ance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, Paul’s conduct was consistent with sage; the Old Testament frequently despite the miraculous victory at the that of God the Father. Paul’s underly­ refers to God’s repenting. Not only is Red Sea, and despite the covenant es­ ing assumption throughout is that our God theoretically free to change His tablished at Mount Sinai, Exodus 32

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 31 suggests that God was prepared to mind is authentically possible — suggest that His power is limited. destroy His unfaithful people. He is a whether God’s mind or ours—then Isn’t it equally ridiculous to expect God of uncompromising holiness. the future is not a finished script writ­ God to know fully a future that de­ There is no reason to believe that He ten in timeless eternity and only pends, in part, on the free decisions was only joking when He urged played out in time. Popular ideas o f others and on His own freedom to Moses to get out o f His way so that about divine foreknowledge seem to change His mind? God is not limited His wrath could bum hot against re­ be challenged. in His ability to know; He knows all bellious Israel to consume them and If God is free to change His mind, if that is knowable. But a genuinely free establish a new people with Moses as He does graciously change His mind future is unknowable. The future is the founding father (v. 10). God was in response to humans, which future open to change, because an almighty, prepared to begin again with Moses did He foreknow? A future with Nin­ holy, infinitely patient God chooses as the faithful remnant o f this faith­ eveh destroyed or spared? A future to be redemptive! less and fickle people of promise. with Israelites or “Mosesites”? Were The popular view that God is some­ God’s threats of judgment empty how in the eternal past and the eter­ promises? Or was He genuinely pre­ nal future simultaneously makes ab­ pared to do what He said? What if solutely no sense, if w e take seriously Jonah had not preached in Nineveh, the constraints o f historical existence. The unbelief of however reluctantly? What if the This is not to deny the eternity of Ninevites had not repented? What if God— by His very nature as God, He Israel is not a Israel had not made the golden calf? has always been and always will be. What if Moses had not interceded He is not subject to the limits we failure on God's when they did? Did Moses’ prayers know—w e are bom and w e will die. genuinely change the mind o f God? Only His gracious love assures us that part. Does human perversity or human we will live eternally. prayer actually reshape the course of God freely chose to limit himself history? Unless God only pretends to by creating. All that exists that is not change His mind, unless prayers of re­ God is His creation. Creation has a be­ pentance and intercession are only ginning and w ill have an end. God And yet the golden calf incident is perfunctory exercises, even God does did not have to create; He chose to ultimately a reminder that God also not fully determine the future. do so. He did not have to give human repents in response to the prayers of beings freedom; He chose to do so. the righteous in behalf of unrepen­ But God’s choices, like ours, bring tant sinners. His threatened judgment with them inevitable consequences on rebellious Israel is assuaged by that even He must live with. Even Moses’ intercession: “O Lord . . . Turn God cannot have His cake and eat it from your fierce wrath; change your What happens if too. Even God cannot grant humans mind and do not bring disaster on authentic freedom and still determine your people” (Exod. 32:11-12, NRSV). we take God's the future absolutely. But that’s His Remember Your promises to Abra­ choice. He didn’t have to limit him­ ham and his descendants (see v. ). freedom 13 self. But the Bible suggests that He “And the Lord changed his mind did, freely, graciously. about the disaster that he planned to seriously? bring on his people” (v. 14, NRSV). In response to Moses’ intercession, God revealed His glorious character to Moses: “The Lord, the Lord, a God This is not to deny God’s omni­ merciful and gracious, slow to anger, science, only popular notions of what God does things and abounding in steadfast love and it must involve. God knows all that is faithfulness, keeping steadfast love knowable. But there are some things in response to for the thousandth generation, forgiv­ that are unknowable, because an all­ ing iniquity and transgression and sin, knowing, omnipotent God has chosen prayer that He yet by no means clearing” the unre­ to limit himself by granting His crea­ pentant (34:6-7, NRSV). tures the freedom to choose rightly or would not All this suggests that God does wrongly. God prefers to act, not by things in response to prayer that He coercion, but by persuasion. otherwise do. would not otherwise do. And if He is This is not to deny God’s omnipo­ genuinely free to change His mind in tence. In giving human beings real response to our prayers, the implica­ freedom, God chose to surrender the tions are mind-boggling. If He had possibility of determining the future The Bible implies that God is not granted us the freedom to persist in fully. Does this restrict His power? pleased with the way most o f us have rebellion or to repent o f our sins, Can God create a rock so big He can’t misused our freedom. His heart is many popular notions about God are move it? O f course not! His inability broken by the inevitable conse­ in need o f revision. If changing one’s to perform a ridiculous task does not quences w e set in motion by our re­

32 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE bellion and our vacillation. But He Apparently, names can be both added word to you has not been Yes and has not yet given up on us nor on His to and blotted from the Book of Life.23 No. For the Son of God, Jesus dangerous experiment with freedom. People once saved can be lost; and Christ . . . was not Yes and No; but He has not ceased to be God because those once lost can be saved.24 W e in him it is always Yes. For all the His creation has not turned out as He are not simply playing out some eter­ promises of God find their Yes in would have preferred. nally prescribed and divinely fore­ him. That is why we utter the God is omnipotent; He can do all known script. Because God has deter­ Amen through him, to the glory of that He chooses to do. He is omni­ mined that His ultimate purposes for God. But it is God who establishes scient; He knows all that He chooses this world will be achieved by persua­ us with you in Christ, and has com­ to know. What God chooses not to sion— or coercion if necessary, pre­ missioned us; he has put his seal know is not knowable. God is eter­ dictive prophecy is possible. But vir­ [of ownership] upon us and given nal; He can wait as long as it takes to tually every prophecy about the us his Spirit in our hearts as a guar­ accomplish His purposes. God is re­ future comes with an explicit or im­ antee [that he keeps all his promis­ demptive; He is absolutely free to be plicit asterisk attached— “unless.” es] (1:18-22, RSV). responsive to His creation. He is free God has chosen to act in ways that And all the people said, “Amen.” to change His mind without being are responsive to what His creatures May God be praised! Thank You, fickle. choose to do. Since He knows us fully Lord, for changing Your mind! ■ Creatures live within the bounds and intimately, He knows everything 1. E.g., Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29; see also Ps. we call history. The Bible witnesses we are capable of doing and probably 110:4; Jer. 4:28; 15:6; Ezek. 24:14; cf. Hos. 13:14; to God’s free choice to make himself w ill do. But since He has given us Zech. 8:14-15. 2. Gen. 6:6; Exod. 32:12, 14; Deut. 32:36; Judg. known in redemption and judgment genuine freedom, even He does not 2:18; 1 Sam. 15:11, 35; 2 Sam. 24:16; 1 Chron. 21:15; within the events o f human history. determine which “likely” option we Pss. 90:13; 106:45; Jer. 18:8, 10; 26:13, 19; 42:10; The Exodus events happened at a par­ ultimately “w ill” choose. O f course, Hos. 11:8; Joel 2:13-14; Amos 7:3, 6; Jonah 3:9-10; 4:2. 3. 1 Cor. 16:5-7; 2 Cor. 1:16. ticular point in time—not in some He knows what He will do in re­ 4. 2 Cor. 1:15. timeless eternity— and to a particular sponse to our choices. He is never 5. 2 Cor. 2:1. people. God the Son became incar­ 6. See 2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1. taken by surprise. And because He is 7. See 1 Cor. 4:17-21; 2 Cor. 1:23; 2:2; 12:20-21; nate at a particular time, in a particu­ faithful to His character, because He 13: 1-2, 10. lar place, as a particular person. keeps His promises, even He is, to a 8. See 2 Cor. 10:1-11; 11:21a; 12:19-21; 13:1-4, 10. 9. 2 Cor. 2:3, 5; 7:11-12. Because God chooses to involve certain extent, predictable. 10. 2 Cor. 1:15-17; 2:1-2. himself in human history, even He So w e have come full circle back to 11. 2 Cor. 2:3^; 7:8-12. must accept the fact that history is Paul’s affirmations in 2 Corinthians: 12. 2 Cor. 7:8. 13. See 2 Cor. 1:8-10. played out one event after another. As surely as God is faithful, our 14. I.e., Troas. Consider these simple observations: 15. 2 Cor. 7:6, 13. 16. 2 Cor. 7:9. What hasn’t happened yet hasn’t hap­ 17. 2 Cor. 2:6, 9; 7:11-12. pened yet. What has happened in the 18. 2 Cor. 2:6-11; 7:11-12. past is done— it cannot be changed. 19. 2 Cor. 7:4, 6-7, 13-16; 1:7. 20. Frank G. Carver, “The Second Epistle of Paul to We must not allow Jules Verne and God is not the Corinthians," in Beacon Bible Commentary, vol. other science-fiction writers’ notions 8 (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press o f Kansas City, of “time travel” to determine our subject 1968), 512. 21. Ibid., 510. views o f God and eternity. Will it be 22. See Exod. 32:12, 14; Num. 23:19; Deut. 32:36; 1 “back to the future” or “back to the to limits. Sam. 15:29; Pss. 90:13; 135:14; Jer. 18:8, 10; 26:3, 13; Bible”? You can’t have it both ways. 42:10; Joel 2:14; Amos 7:3, 6; Jonah 3:9; 4:2. 23. Exod. 32:32; Rev. 3:5; 22:19. The future is not written in granite. 24. Ezekiel 18.

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MARCH/APRII./MAY 33 Called unto Holiness

by Ronald David Bloomfield Central, Ind.

1 Thess. 3:10— 4:8

agree that holiness is required for en­ such calls almost invariably speaks of trance into heaven, as attested by such as an event, or what theologians verses like, “Make every effort to live like to call a “crisis experience.” If in peace with all men and to be holy; this line o f reasoning is valid, then it without holiness no one will see the follows that there must be a “second Lord” (Heb. 12:14). The disagreement definite work of grace” in the believ­ usually arises when the discussion er’s life. This is what w e call “sanctifi­ gets to the point o f asking when holi­ cation,” or perhaps better, “entire ness or sanctification occurs.1 Does it sanctification.” happen in this life? Or does it happen The danger in this first position, be­ after death? Or is it both? Let us look sides being false, is that one who has at these following three views, which been saved may be led to believe his w e believe are unbiblical. sin condition has been cured, when, 1. The first is the view that one is in fact, it has not. That person needs he subject o f today’s message sanctified simultaneously with justifi­ to understand that God’s call to holi­ is “Called unto Holiness.” The cation. This is partly true, and therein ness goes out to those who are al­ One who is calling is God, lies the danger. The error that must ready saved. Otherwise, that person T those being called are Christians, be and avoided here is a misconception of will fall into many snares and pitfalls, the calling to which Christians are all the nature o f sin. We must first clear­ when he or she discovers rudely that being called is holiness. We must ly understand that sin is twofold: we sin is still the condition o f the heart. have a clear understanding of all are sinners by choice and w e are sin­ A terrible inner conflict will be the re­ three components— the caller, those ners by condition. Once this is under­ sult. With proper discipleship, this being called, and the call itself— for stood—and who could deny it?— need not be the case. A new convert this biblical truth to have full effect then it is a reasonably safe step to go should be nurtured into the knowl­ on our lives. on and say that the cure for sin is also edge o f God’s call to holiness. In our key verse (4:7), the Greek twofold: we are forgiven for our sin­ An appeal to Rom. 12:1 is sufficient! word for holiness (or “holy life”) ful choices, and we are cleansed from to refute this first view. There Paul comes from the verb meaning “to set our sinful condition. This is really urges the Romans to present their apart as sacred” or “to make holy.” what those in the holiness tradition bodies as living sacrifices to God. The same Greek w ord is found in have always meant when they said, Knowing that an unregenerate per­ verse 3 and is translated “sanctifica­ “saved and sanctified.” son is “dead in . . . transgressions and tion” in all major versions (or “be To say that w e are sanctified simul­ sins” (Eph. 2:1), it becomes complete­ sanctified”). Thus w e may properly taneously with justification is partly ly unbiblical and illogical to think that speak o f holiness and sanctification as true in that w e are forgiven for our an unregenerate person can make a the same thing. sins, and, as regenerate persons, we living sacrifice. This is essentially Nearly all denominations and doc­ are no longer sinners by choice. In what proponents o f the simultaneous trinal persuasions teach sanctifica­ this sense, w e are “set apart,” which view must assert: namely, that a spiri­ tion. If they are to be biblical, they is the basic meaning of the word tually dead person can make a living must. But how are they teaching it? “sanctified.” We are made new cre­ sacrifice. This cannot be.2 Unfortunately, some are not willing, ations in Christ; “the old has gone, 2. The second is the view that one it seems, to accept the fullness of the the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). But is sanctified after death. Some would biblical teaching on the subject. The what is often overlooked or ignored say that death becomes a sort o f “sec­ sharpest point of departure among is that the Bible repeatedly calls per­ ond work of grace” for the Christian. those who debate the subject o f sanc­ sons such as this to a deeper life, vari­ That is, the departure from the pres­ tification is probably to be found in ously known as sanctification, perfec­ ence o f sin in this world has the ef­ the question, “When does sanctifica­ tion, holiness, purity, perfect love, fect o f sanctifying one, as the person tion take place and how?” Most will heart cleansing, etc. The context o f enters the holiness of the world be­

34 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE yond. These proponents would want possible in this life but also is an “You have not yet considered how to say that you can be saved from the event that occurs in the life o f the ful­ great the weight of sin is” (Anselm of power o f sin in this life, but not from ly consecrated believer. One only Canterbury).4 its presence. Roman Catholic theolo­ need look as far as Rom. 6:6 or Heb. Answer: You have not yet consid­ gy speaks o f purgatory as the agency 10:14 in this case. ered how great the atonement of of sanctification. Supposedly, this “For we know that our old self was Christ is! Rom. 5:20 says, “But where fiery realm “purges” out the sin na­ crucified with him so that the body sin increased, grace increased all the ture and purifies the individual for of sin might be done away with, that more.” heaven. But there is no scriptural we should no longer be slaves to sin” 3- Corresponding to the third view, support for this outside the Apoc­ (Rom. 6:6, italics added). namely, that we grow into sanctifica­ rypha.1 “Because by one sacrifice he has tion, the objection is often raised, “If made perfect forever those who are one is entirely sanctified in this life, being made holy” (Heb. 10:14, italics where is the need for growth?” added). Answer: The wholly sanctified per­ This last reference is especially sig­ son is the one most cognizant of the We are sinners nificant. In one sweep the Hebrews need for growth. Furthermore, this writer clarifies the nature of the case. person is the one most likely to expe­ by choice and W e are made perfect (i.e., complete) rience dynamic spiritual growth, as — this is the event; and w e are being the Holy Spirit in all His fullness in­ by condition. made holy—this is the growth habits each part of that person’s life. process. So the fallacy of this position Entire sanctification does not remove becomes apparent. It is not that we our humanity. That is, the experience grow into sanctification, but that we does not perfect our humanity, but our hearts in love toward God. As This view must be rejected because grow in sanctification. There is a big long as we are human, w e may be en­ it contradicts the plain teaching of difference! tirely sanctified but are still not en­ the New Testament that the atone­ Answering Common Objections tirely glorified like as Christ. First ment o f Christ can cleanse the heart 1. Corresponding to the first view, John 3:2-3 says, “But w e know that from all sin, from its pow er and its namely, that w e are saved and sancti­ when he appears, w e shall be like presence! One only need look as far fied simultaneously, the protest is of­ him, for w e shall see him as he is. as Acts 15:9 or 1 John 1:7 to see this. ten raised, “Cannot God do it all at Everyone who has this hope in him “He made no distinction between once?” purifies himself, just as he is pure.” us and them, for he purified their Answer: The question focuses on Do not confuse entire sanctification hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9, italics something which is not at issue. The with glorification. added). fact is, God did do it all at once, in Je­ “But if we walk in the light, as he is sus Christ on Calvary. The atonement in the light, w e have fellowship with of Christ is all-sufficient to forgive and one another, and the blood o f Jesus, to cleanse from sin. But that’s the his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 point. We need both! John 1:7, italics added). Because our wills are involved, A spiritually dead 3. The third is the view that one God performs in us only what we by grows into sanctification. This is com­ faith ask Him to do. To work salva­ person cannot parable to the first view, in that its tion in someone’s heart, God brings proponents would argue that justifi­ the shed blood of Christ into effect to make a living cation is the only crisis experience the extent that a person asks for it by one can expect in this life. It is also faith. We must ask for God’s forgive­ sacrifice. comparable to the second view, in ness with a full heart o f faith and re­ that its proponents would argue that pentance, receiving Jesus Christ as “entire” sanctification cannot be our Savior. This is being saved! The imagined until after death, due to the usual experience o f Christians is to Illustration: The best metaphor I presence o f sin. According to this come to an awareness o f the need for know o f to illustrate the correct view view, the best one can hope for is a heart cleansing or entire sanctifica­ of sanctification is marriage. The constant striving, or growing in tion at a later time, though the inter­ same metaphor is used throughout grace, drawing nearer and nearer to val need not be long. At that time, the the Old and New Testaments. Just as God all the time. As far as sin is con­ person should ask God to meet that in a marriage, there is an event, at cerned, those who hold this view will need, also by faith in the shed blood which time one becomes entirely sometimes argue that the best one o f Christ, with a full heart o f conse­ married, so it is with sanctification. can hope for on earth is to keep the cration to the Lordship o f Christ. This Likewise, just as there is a growth sin condition in check, suppressed, is being entirely sanctified! process both before and after mar­ tamed. This is the biblical view! riage, so it is with sanctification. In This, however, contradicts the 2. Corresponding to the second fact, this metaphor is used for sancti­ plain teaching o f the N ew Testament, view, namely, that w e are sanctified fication in an important biblical text: that such sanctification not only is after death, the objection is lodged, “Husbands, love your wives, just as

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 35 Christ loved the church and gave be filled with the Holy Spirit. He is Third, there is the Possession of himself up for her to make her holy, the Sanctifier! Holiness (1 Thess. 4:3-10; 5:23-24). cleansing her by the washing with Since God has prescribed holiness, It is vitally important at this junc­ water through the word” (Eph. 5:25- it only makes sense that what He has ture to realize that God’s work of 26, italics added). prescribed, He also will provide. Why sanctification in us works from the in­ Having now dealt with some erro­ prescribe the impossible? Why pre­ side out. He wants to start with your neous views o f sanctification, let us scribe a cure that cannot be had? Or, heart. He wants to cleanse your heart now proceed to the heart of the mes­ why prescribe a cure that can only be from its original sin condition. He sage. W e will examine three points: partially had? This w ould be com ­ wants to make you holy in heart— 1. The Prescription for Holiness pletely contrary to the nature o f God pure in heart. Jesus said, “Blessed are 2. The Provision for Holiness as a holy God, as well as being con­ the pure in heart, for they w ill see 3. The Possession of Holiness trary to the teaching o f the Bible. God” (Matt. 5:8). He wants you to be Second, there is the Provision for holy and is able to make you so. Holiness (1 Thess. 3:12-13). From a holy heart comes a holy life It is just as crucial that we understand in all its conduct. This is where a holy God’s provision as it is to understand “body” enters the picture. Paul said, We do not His prescription. This will eliminate any “It is God’s w ill that you should be doubts as to whether or not this holi­ sanctified: that you should avoid sex­ grow into ness to which God has called us is at­ ual immorality; that each of you tainable in this life. God’s provision is should learn to control his own body sanctification, far greater than our problem! P. P. in a way that is holy and honorable, Bliss put it so eloquently when he . . . and that in this matter no one we grow in penned these words to a great hymn: should wrong his brother or take ad­ “Man of sorrows,” what a name vantage o f him” (1 Thess. 4:3-4, 6). sanctification. For the Son of God, who came He said further, “N ow about brother­ Ruined sinners to reclaim! ly love we do not need to write to Hallelujah! what a Savior! you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other” Bearing shame and scoffing rude, (v. 9, all italics added). First, there is the Prescription for In my place condemned He stood; So, in the immediate context, we Holiness (1 Thess. 4:3, 7-8). Sealed my pardon with His blood. are made aware o f at least three areas For a proper understanding of this Hallelujah! what a Savior! in which holiness of heart impacts subject as it applies to us, it is crucial our life’s conduct—or our “body”: that w e are aware of the prescribed Guilty, vile, and helpless we; 1. Sexual purity/self-control (as op­ nature of holiness. It is God’s will! He Spotless Lamb of God was He. posed to self-indulgence). has called us unto holiness! Our “Full atonement!” Can it be? 2. N ot doing w ron g to another Scripture reading for today makes this Hallelujah! what a Savior! (this is especially linked to sexual im­ abundantly clear. One should not interpret what I am morality!). “It is God’s will that you should be saying here to mean that our sin prob­ 3. Loving our neighbors (which is sanctified . . . For God did not call us lem is not utterly deplorable. It is. W e God-taught, meaning that it flows to be impure, but to live a holy life” are totally depraved. However, the forth from a holy heart). (1 Thess. 4:3a, 7). emphasis here is on God’s provision Also 1 Pet. 1:15-16 says, “But just as in Jesus Christ. Paul said: “May the he who called you is holy, so be holy Lord make your love increase and in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be overflow for each other and for every­ holy, because I am holy.’” one else, just as ours does for you. As a physician who prescribes the May he strengthen your hearts so that God performs medicine one needs for an illness, so you will be blameless and holy in the God, the Divine Physician, has pre­ presence o f our God and Father when in us only scribed holiness as the cure for our our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy sin disease. It is firmly rooted in the ones” (1 Thess. 3:12-13, italics added). what we ask personal holiness o f God himself. If Notice here that Paul emphasizes the we are to be God’s people, we must Lord’s ability to do a work o f holiness Him to do be holy. To rebel against personal ho­ in our hearts, which involves over­ liness is to rebel against the holiness flowing love, strengthened hearts, and by faith. of God. This is not a “take it or leave blameless holiness. This is heart holi­ it” proposition. We need holiness, ness! In our hearts w e can be perfect and God has commanded it. in God’s eyes, that is, without blame! In addition to this, I need to say How? God’s wondrous provision! In the broader context of 1 Thessa- that we should desire holiness. To de­ What God has prescribed for His peo­ lonians, w e find more on this matter. sire God is to desire holiness. We ple He has also provided. This makes With respect to God’s provision and must hunger and thirst for holiness. us all inexcusable for not possessing a our possession of holiness, it is im­ This is synonymous with desiring to holy heart and holy life. portant to note 5:23-24: “May God

36 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE himself, the God of peace, sanctify The emphasis in these verses is on He must be absolute Lord of your you through and through. May your virtues of a holy heart. There is life. whole spirit, soul and body be kept peace, patience, kindness, joy, good­ The Christian should be quick to blameless at the coming o f our Lord ness (thus far one may find a remark­ obey God! Will you obey Him now? ■ Jesus Christ. The one who calls you able parallel with the fruit o f the Spir­ 1. Perhaps the best presentation of the various is faithful and he will do it” (italics it listed in Gal. 5:22-23, especially views is given by Donald S. Metz, Studies in Biblical added). when the virtues o f love and self-con- Holiness (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press o f Kansas trol found in 1 Thess. 4:4, 9, are City, 1971), 147-73. 2. I am aware o f the danger o f using these citations added to those found here), and also as proof texts. However, in this case, I believe them prayer and thanksgiving. Also, quite to be representative o f the teaching o f the whole Bi­ ble on the subject in question. The same is true for emphatic in these verses is the com­ the references listed below. Entire pletely saturating nature these virtues 3. They may wish to argue that 1 Cor. 3:13-15 sup­ are to take in one’s life. The following ports it, but the passage cannot be twisted to support the notion o f purgatory, because its clear reference is sanctification words make frequent appearances in to the judgment o f people’s works, not o f the people these verses: “everyone,” “always,” themselves. See Metz, Studies in Biblical Holiness, “all,” “continually,” “everything,” and 149-50. does not 4. Quoted by Sinclair B. Ferguson, Christian Spiri­ “every.” The Holy Spirit, who has pu­ tuality, ed. Donald Alexander (Downers Grove, 111.: rified our hearts by faith, should be InterVarsity Press, 1988), 125. remove our 5. Ferguson, 124, representing the Reformed view, the all-consuming passion of our argues that 1 Thess. 5:23 should not be taken to teach humanity. lives. His fruit should be reflected in entire sanctification in this life, but rather that it our lives. Once the sin condition has speaks o f the sanctification that will occur at the re­ turn o f Christ. His basis for this is that Paul includes been expelled, the pure love of God complete sanctification o f the body in his concern. fills the heart, making all this possi­ However, there seems to me no good reason not to ble. take the passage at face value. The whole tenor o f the If there is a definitive verse in the passage suggests actions that are expected to happen Bible that teaches the doctrine o f “en­ now, in this life, e.g., “Be joyful always; pray continu­ ally, give thanks in all circumstances . . . Hold on to tire” sanctification, then 1 Thess. 5:23 the good. Avoid every kind o f evil” (w . 16-18, 21-22). must be it. God is the Subject o f sanc­ These are present-tense verbs, indicating ongoing ac­ tion, as the accompanying adverbs also attest. In verse tification. The Christians are the ob­ 23, the verbs are aorist, “sanctify” and “be kept,” indi­ jects o f sanctification. The sanctifica­ God, the cating completed action. This fact alone would not tion itself is “through and through,” settle the argument; however, the tense usually indi­ cates a completed event. This, combined with the that is, whole, complete, entire, total, Divine Physician, plain sense o f the context, shows that this “entire full. Consequendy, our total being— sanctification” is to be expected in this life. The has prescribed parousia (which Ferguson feels is decisive here) is spirit, soul, and body—may be kept mentioned because that is when being “wholly blame­ blameless until Jesus returns. Notice less” will be most meaningful. Meanwhile w e need to the ordering: first the spirit and soul, holiness “be kept” in this condition. The parousia does not ef­ fect entire sanctification; the atonement of Christ and then the body.5 does! And it does so now, for those who will believe! Finally, lest there be any doubts as as the cure 6. Ferguson, 124, states, “Although Paul does speak to whether this is attainable or pos- about being sanctified ‘through and through’ (1 Thess. 5:23-24), he does not regard this as an experi­ sessable in this life, Paul tacks on the for our ence to be received by a specific act o f faith” (italics strong assertion that “the one who mine). It seems apparent, however, that his Reformed sin disease. presuppositions have blinded him to the biblical facts, calls you is faithful and he will do it.” in his efforts to explain away the obvious implications Again, this sets forth the importance of this verse. For example, in Paul’s address to Agrip- of the Caller and the calling. The pa in Acts 26:17-18, he recites Jesus’ words to him to the effect that, “I am sending you to them to open Caller is faithful to provide what He their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and has prescribed! The calling is entire “For God hath not called us unto from the power of Satan to God, so that they may re­ sanctification, and it is possessable! uncleanness, but unto holiness” (1 ceive forgiveness o f sins and a place among those who are sanctified by fa ith in me” (italics added). We are also given more specifics as Thess. 4:7, KJV). This one verse Paul was also present at the council o f Jerusalem and to how this work of God should affect identifies the Caller, those being certainly agreed wholeheartedly when Peter said, “He our daily living. Notice the following made no distinction between us and them, for he pu­ called, and the call itself. Once you rified their hearts by fa ith ” (15:9). words: “Live in peace with each other. realize that a holy God is calling you . . . be patient with everyone. Make (a Christian) to be holy, that He has sure that nobody pays back wrong for made provision for you to be holy, wrong, but always try to be kind to and that you may possess holiness each other and to everyone else. Be here and now, there is nothing left joyful always; pray continually; give for you to do but obey God with a God wants thanks in all circumstances, for this is full heart o f faith.6 You must believe God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do that Christ’s shed blood is sufficient to start with not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not to sanctify you. You must consecrate treat prophecies with contempt. Test your whole heart and life to God as your heart. everything. Hold on to the good. you ask His Holy Spirit to cleanse Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thess. you from all your sin condition and 5:13&-22, italics added). fill you with His very life and power.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 37 Seven Blunders of the World

by Bob Haslam Indianapolis

History does repeat itself— but this time man's great achievements are his deceivements. Are we working to change the course of lives?

he seven wonders of the an­ ously the Bible, the church, and indi­ A seventh blunder is a complete cient world pale into insignif­ vidual Christians. Without a concept contradiction to the other six: If I’m T icance when you consider of God, a book purporting to be good enough, I’ll go to heaven. This seven blunders of the modem world. God’s Word to man is irrelevant. And shows that, deep down inside them­ The situation is serious. These blun­ when that is the case, no justification selves, the practical atheists in our so­ ders could prove fatal to North Amer­ exists for the validity o f the church or ciety know there is a God, and that ican society as we now know it. of believers who base their entire there are moral values, and that there The first blunder the w orld lives upon that book. is moral accountability. But that vague, makes is simply to ignore our Cre­ almost subconscious knowledge is not ator. I’m not speaking of philosophi­ allowed to surface to the extent that it cal atheism or even o f agnosticism. Do we drives them toward God. Thus, the I’m referring to the practical atheism weak assertion is made that if there is of our time—the total disregard of understand the a heaven, and if my life is not totally God. It is manifest in humanism and depraved, I’ll go to that heaven on the the flagrant neglect o f moral and spir­ emptiness, the merits of my being “OK.” itual values. It is fundamental to all We need to know these things—to that’s wrong in society. frantic grasping recognize these blunders, this false A second blunder o f the world is sense o f no accountability to a God the erroneous belief that this life is all for pleasure who is a myth, or, at best, is far away there is. At least in action and attitude, somewhere and irrelevant to us. people live as though this notion is true, and meaning? Are we on target with our ap­ giving no thought to an impending eter­ proach to deliver the Good News in nity somewhere following death. today’s society? Do we understand Arising out of the second blunder A sixth blunder of the world is the the mind-set, the emptiness, the fran­ is the third— pleasure is the highest failure to pass along to children moral tic grasping for pleasure and meaning good (hedonism). If we only go and spiritual values. Those who have, where there is no meaning? around once, then we should grab all to all practical purposes, excommuni­ Let’s do our homework. Let’s under­ the gusto we can, according to a for­ cated God from their lives have no val­ stand the impoverishment of today’s mer beer commercial. Thus, the un­ ues to take the place o f God and His worldview and live and speak within believing world seeks meaning in Word. Thus, the new generation arising that context in ways that will commu­ pleasure, not in God. in such nuclear and single-parent fami­ nicate the truth. The world that makes A fo u rth blunder is a con se­ lies is spiritually bankrupt by default. these blunders consists of people who, quence of these— a denial that Satan if they only knew what Christ could or hell exists. With God not in the mean in their lives, would eagerly picture, there are no moral laws, and reach out and take His extended hand. thus no consequences for immoral Sure, it’s tough out there. It was behavior. And, they insist, even if by tough for Jesus too. Let’s help turn some outside chance there is a loving the blunders o f the w orld into the God out there somewhere, He wonders o f God’s grace. ■ wouldn’t create a place like hell and send even the worst of people there. Reprinted with permission from the November A fifth blunder is to not take seri­ 1990 Light and Life.

3 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Pastor's Professional Growth

The Pastor as a Leader

by Ross W. Hayslip Tucson, Ariz.

1 1 7 TTiile a pastor must realize motivates the pastor as he moves to­ who hear us should leave the Sunday that he is the servant o f ward his goals. He often must keep morning service pondering the mes­ ▼ ▼ Christ, he likewise must comfort at a minimum, for the de­ sage, unable to put it aside. know that he is a leader o f men. A lights o f the life of the spirit mean far The day after Toscanini died, the pastor will not succeed in seeing his more than those o f the sensual. Con­ Chicago Sun-Times carried a cartoon people climb to great spiritual servation o f accomplishments can be showing a group of angels in one part heights unless he precedes them on learned by keeping accurate records o f heaven getting ready to play a harp their journey. Discovery o f great spiri­ o f efforts and results. Life is always concert. Before them stands a direc­ tual experiences must go on in the too short for the pastor. He rejoices tor with baton poised, ready to begin. pastor contemporaneously with his as a strong man running a race that To the angelic players, the director people’s search. Leadership that does has new goals each time one is says, “Everybody on their toes! not inspire does not lead. reached. Toscanini just arrived.” The pastor who The pastor keeps his leads is one who is al­ people on their toes in ways digging. Old ser­ the presence of the mons, frequent repeti­ great God whose eye is tion of cliches, and always upon us. no reading program The pastor who mark the pastor as leads is one w ith his one w ho has either hat off. Humility before lost the zest for learn­ God and his fellowmen ing or else he never becomes the pastor had it. Freshness in who is a leader. Courte­ the pulpit commands ous respect for those listening in the pews. whose attainments lie The pastor who is a over the fence in neigh­ leader is always run­ boring fields also be­ ning. He must have longs to him. A smug some planned objec­ presumption that he is tives that stand before setting the world afire him. These plans are and that his brethren not to make him a are far behind him al­ great preacher or an ways sounds hollow. A ecclesiastical leader, pastor who refuses to but to permit him to take o ff his hat to an­ be the best possible other pastor makes minister of God’s himself small trying to Word with the abili­ be big in the eyes o f his ties that God has giv­ people. A pastor needs en him. To keep on often to take off his hat the run, he is con­ to his ecclesiastical stantly “looking it up,” “w riting it The pastor is one directing. He leaders, ministerial colleagues, and down,” and “sticking to it.” He has to must have a figurative baton always the laymen in his pastoral care. learn to work in short stretches. in his hand. He is giving instruction in Pastoral leadership is rewarded by Many little jobs must get done regard­ the symphonies of the spirit to those seeing his people growing in grace less o f how busy the pastor gets. Big under his responsibility. Like the con- and the knowledge of our Lord and jobs often have to be done in small certgoer who returns home humming Savior Jesus Christ. This compensates units. Always the sense o f immediacy the tune o f the symphony, the people for time and eternity. ■

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 39 Evanaelism Increase Your Outreach Through Writing

by Muriel Larson Greenville, S.C.

ow many persons do you in­ Most persons interested in writing them, I had to retype them! I make a fluence for the Lord when did w ell in English in high school card for each article I send out, you preach or teach—a and, therefore, have some of the ba­ recording each periodical to which I Hhandful, a hundred, or several hun­ sic qualities to write for publication. send it, along with the date, followed dred? Have you ever wished you Many of us also have taken typing or by this information: “Rejected could reach more with your knowl­ computer courses. Those people 7/14/91” or “Accepted 7/14/91—Re­ edge o f God’s Word and enthusiasm lacking these skills can usually take ceived $59.62.” for His way of life? home courses or evening adult cours­ Usually a writer only sends an un­ You can do it through writing. In es at a local school. Some, however, published article to one periodical at fact, you can reach up to a million may prefer to write out their articles a time, specifying “First right” under persons, perhaps, just through having in longhand—as Zane Grey did— and the word count. After it is published, articles published in several of the hire a typist or delegate this part of you are free to sell reprints to other hundreds of Christian periodicals that the chore to a secretary. publishers. I have resold a number of go forth to minister regularly across For years I used a typewriter. In re­ articles 10 to 15 times, sometimes re­ the land. cent years, however, the advantages ceiving more remuneration for the I have sold articles to more than of using a word processor came to reprint. 200 such publications, so I know the my attention. So I bought one with a Where can you send your articles, potential. Through the printed page double-disk drive for $895. With the stories, and poems? The Christian w e can teach, w e can help thousands help o f the salesman and the instruc­ Writers’ Market Guide, which is pub­ o f persons come to know Jesus Christ tion books that came with it, I lished yearly, provides more than 800 as their Savior, and w e can influence learned how to use this marvelous in­ markets with comprehensive informa­ multitudes of Christians to live for vention. It was like moving from the tion about them. The 1991-92 Guide their Lord. Truly this is a thrilling and horse-and-buggy days to the jet age! is available for $18.95, plus $1.75 challenging outreach! The manuscript should be typed postage, from Joy Publishing, P.O. A spoken message is good when and double-spaced. Single-space your Box 827, San Juan Capistrano, CA it’s spoken! However, a written mes­ name, address, and social security 92675. sage can lay dormant for months or number in the upper left-hand cor­ Don’t let your manuscripts waste i years and then be used by God for ner. In the upper right comer, type away in a bottom drawer! Study the His glory. Consider how you are still the approximate number of words markets. Adjust your word count to getting blessed through the writings like this: Approximately 800 words. what some of the periodicals list. | of Matthew Henry and John Bunyan. Skip six spaces and center your title Type the article or story in proper SOME TIPS ON WRITING BASICS in caps. Skip a space and type your form and send it out to a publication that uses that particular kind of mate- j Reading is one of the best prepara­ byline: by Muriel Larson, for example. rial with a self-addressed, stamped en-1 tions toward becoming a writer. As Skip two spaces and start the article. velope enclosed. If you think some-j w e read, we subconsciously pick up All borders should be about an inch thing is good, keep sending it out styles, methods of writing, correct wide. until you sell it. I have sold some arti­ spelling, English usage, ways o f pre­ Write simply and clearly. Keep cles on their 18th or 24th time out in senting conversations, characteriza­ your paragraphs fairly short. A small 15 years. Then, after being published, tions, scenes, descriptions, and plot book I highly recommend to minister­ I resold them to periodicals that had formation. When w e sit down to do ial writers is Strunk and White’s The rejected them the first time around. our own original writing, all w e have Elements of Style. read will provide grist for our mills. When submitting an article, I file JOYS AND PROBLEMS When people ask me what is the my original copy and send a good One of my happiest accomplish­ best way to become a good writer, I photocopy. I came to this decision ments through writing has been the say this: “Write, write, write!” Try to the hard way: after editors celebrated salvation of lost people. I know of set aside some time each day when coffee breaks over my manuscripts or you can write something. went clip- or date-stamp happy with ( Continued on page 49)

40 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Church Growth

Revitalizing the Rural Church

by Jim Oliphant Holyoke, Colo.

HOA! Why the apparent the rural church requires new life in determine her impact on the rural rush to bid a long fare­ its leadership. community. w ell to the rural church One way o f accomplishing this is Emphasis on evangelism. An ef­ Win favor o f the megalopolis? the deliberate transition o f power to a fective model in the rural church is In Missouri, there are only seven younger generation of leaders. Also friendship evangelism. Invitation is j cities with a population of over crucial is the strong biblical develop­ the key. 50,000. These seven cities constitute ment and fulfillment o f those leader­ Rural communities have a strong tra­ I 27 percent of the state population. ship roles. Passive involvement won’t dition of faith. If people aren’t involved From 1980 to 1988, Missouri’s popu­ work. The least w e should expect of in a local church, they know they lation living outside town and city those who would lead us is that they should be. Outreach programs such as limits increased by 10 percent, while be given to prayer, Bible study, and weekly volleyball and basketball get-to­ the total population living in towns an active involvement in the church gethers provide essential points of con­ and cities increased by less than 2 and her ministries. tact with the unchurched. Expect deci­ percent. Attention to ministry. In min­ sions. Give every activity of the church Six Clues to Revitalizing istry, bringing new life to the rural an evangelistic flavor. the Rural Church church means taking a people-serving Stewardship. Creative and innova­ and a problem-solving approach. A strong vision. There is an old tive approaches are key to the stew­ Rural communities are family-ori- saying that goes, “Failing to plan is ardship program. These range from ented communities. Activities should planning to fail.” Vision necessitates direct mail memorial programs to in­ be built around family needs and fam­ planning. Having a vision for your surance policy gifts. ily ties. A good worldng definition of church means having a dream and a Expenditures are made carefully in family includes younger as well as road map to take you there. It is a de­ rural communities. It’s not that peo­ liberate choice to be God-centered, older people and people new to the ple are afraid to spend money; when community. positive, and forward looking. It they believe in a cause, they support Programs that no longer serve their means avoiding certifiable idea killers it with their checkbook. Prudent use purpose should be allowed to die a like, “It’s been done that way before” o f fiscal resources is vital. Expendi­ natural death in order to allow room ; or “The last guy w ho thought that tures need to be seen as investments i way isn’t here anymore.” for pacesetting, effective ministries. in the future. Vision is a willingness to invest in Continuing changes in rural life A sound and well-maintained the future. Not brick-and-mortar in­ present many opportunities to the infrastructure. The physical proper­ vestments, but concerning ourselves church disguised as problems. The ty of the church must be maintained with how what w e are doing today sensitivity the church demonstrates and developed in a way that is con­ will impact the lives of our children in responding to these problems will ducive to growth. and grandchildren in the future. Vi­ In many rural communities the sion involves building on your church building is one of the largest strengths and minimizing your weak- facilities in the area. This provides the i nesses. church opportunity to become the Emphasis on leadership. A spiri­ hub of community activity by open­ tually and intellectually developed ing her doors to civic groups, clubs, leadership is essential for revitalizing and organizations. A sound, well- the rural church. It has been said that maintained infrastructure can be a no congregation can outgrow its lead­ helpful step to revitalizing the rural ership. Likewise, to give new life to church. ■

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 41

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I Pastoral Care

Living with Dying: Helping Parents Whose Child Has Died

by Victor M. Parachin Elk Grove, III.

n June o f 1983, Eric Wolterstorff, pain but not offer empty platitudes someone very close feel abandoned a 25-year-old mountain climber such as: “You’ll get over it.” “Time and alone— as if they have no one with considerable experience, will heal.” “It happened for the best.” or nothing to live for. The only so­ I “This too shall pass.” “You can have lace I can offer, the only advice I fell to his death. Four years later, his father, Nicholas Wolterstorff, wrote a other children.” Such remarks, while can give, is to really make an effort book titled Lament for a Son. There not necessarily false, can be harmful to reach out to other people. Find he states eloquently the emotional to the bereaved because the com­ people to laugh and cry and share pain and philosophical turmoil he ments block emotional release, effec­ with. They will help you to mend and every parent experiences when a tively forcing the bereaved to stop your shattered life. My family and child dies: the grieving process. my friends have been priceless. I It’s so wrong, so profoundly have thrived, not on their words of wrong, for a child to die before its sympathy, but simply on the fact parents. It’s hard enough to bury that they have been there for me. our parents. But that w e expect. ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT Our parents belong to our past, our GRIEF AND FAITH COEXIST children belong to our future. We Parents need to be gently reminded do not visualize our future without that they are not lacking in faith be­ them. How can I bury my son, my cause they feel sorrow. The truth is future, one of the next in line? He that grief and faith teach each other. was meant to bury me! The blow of bereavement is cush­ According to the Census Bureau of ioned by belief, while faith is often the United States, nearly 100,000 chil­ deepened as a result o f grief. dren and youths under 24 die every What follows is a profound expres­ year in this country from illness, acci­ sion o f the impact between faith and dent, and suicide. It is a staggering grief. It comes via a family whose 23- figure. The impact upon family in­ year-old daughter died. Their initial tegrity and unity is enormous. While struggle was expressed this way: there are no definitive studies, it is es­ We knew we could survive. timated that up to 70 percent of par­ Could we, however, survive in a ents suffer serious marital problems way that would do credit to our j when a child dies. In spite of the fact that some peo­ God, our faith, and our daughter? Parents who lose children will ple will not respond appropriately, Much later, they were able to make need the compassionate guidance of bereaved parents must be relentless these statements: their clergy, funeral directors, in their pursuit o f support. It is vital We are better Christians now churches, family, and friends. Here to survival. that she has died, for we have are effective suggestions or strategies For example, Robert DiGiulio, learned something about how oth­ to recommend for parents who must whose wife and daughter were killed ers also suffer. The power w e have j live with the death of a child. in an automobile accident, has au­ to communicate the comfort that FIND FRIENDLY LISTENERS thored a booklet, Losing Someone comes from God has increased. We It is important to seek and establish Close. He makes this recommenda­ are more useful to God than we an informal support system as quickly tion: were because w e are better able to as possible. Bereaved parents need a Treasure your relationships. I speak o f the comfort He offers the variety o f people who will hear their know that many people who lose wounded.

42 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP SEEK HELP People are created to heal. The heal­ There is possibly no greater source Not every parent will need profes­ ing will take a long time, but the heal­ of consolation and support for a be­ sional help, but some w ill need the ing will take place. One mother, five reaved parent than that of a support guidance o f a skilled counselor if oth­ years after her seven-year-old son group made up o f other fathers and er informal support is not available. died, reports: mothers who have lost children. The One man, a Presbyterian minister in “I can now look at his picture pain o f child loss is so deep that it the Washington, D.C., area, experi­ and not cry. Believe it or not, life cannot be understood and analyzed, enced devastating isolation after the does get better.” ■ only shared and supported. death o f his son. Although he was Beverly Raphael, an Australian psy­ able to officiate at his son’s funeral, chiatrist, has authored one of the saying, “I couldn’t imagine anyone most definitive books on grief titled else doing it,” he found his pain intol­ The Anatomy of Bereavement. In erable during the weeks that fol­ that book, Dr. Raphael affirms the lowed. He reports: power of a self-help support group As a minister w e were expected over that of therapy. She writes: to have the faith and strength to Professional support may be rea­ overcome our grief but as parents sonable, although there is much to our grief was just as strong. We suggest that professionals find this were expected to be much BEREAVEMENT area a painful one also. The great­ stronger and full o f faith than we SUPPORT RESOURCES est support often comes from shar­ were. I cried every day for six The following organizations ing with other parents experienc­ months. For a week the phone nev­ will provide information specifi­ ing the same crisis. Such experi­ er stopped ringing after our son cally for bereaved parents about ences have been found to be very died; then it never rang. I thought support groups. They can also helpful. I’d go crazy and felt like screaming provide helpful literature. Call or TAP FAITH RESOURCES in the silence. write, sending a self-addressed, Faith can often become an impor­ Recognizing that his emotional stamped, return envelope. tant anchor in the troubled waters of state was deteriorating rapidly with­ child loss. In his book Who Needs out support, he wisely sought out the THE COMPASSIONATE God? Rabbi Harold Kushner makes help of a psychiatrist. FRIENDS this important observation: PREPARE CAREFULLY FOR Box 3696 Oakbrook, IL 60522 Religion is first and foremost a HOLIDAYS 708-990-0010 way o f seeing. It can’t change the After the death o f his son, Nicholas facts about the world we live in, Wolterstorff observed: CANDLELIGHTERS but it can change the way w e see The worst days now are holi­ 1312 18th St. N.W. those facts and that, in itself, can days: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Eas­ Suite 200 often make a real difference. ter, Pentecost, birthdays, weddings Washington, DC 20036 One example is that o f Virginia, a —days meant as festivals of happi­ 800-366-2223 mother who buried six of her sons as ness and joy now are days of tears. they died, one by one, from muscular The gap is too great between day SHARE dystrophy. She was a carrier of the and heart. St. Elizabeth Hospital disease but did not know it. While Other days that pose difficulty for 211 S. 3rd muscular dystrophy can lay dormant bereaved parents are Mother’s Day, Belleville, IL 62222 for as much as five generations, it can Father’s Day, and the date of the 618-234-2415 erupt suddenly in one generation. Un­ child’s death. Elizabeth Estes, whose fortunately, in this woman’s family it daughter, Tricia, died in 1974, offers NATIONAL SIDS traveled from mother to sons. these practical suggestions for manag­ FOUNDATION The mother was recently inter­ ing difficult days: 10500 Little Patuxent viewed for a local paper, where the Suite 420 — Seek out a special friend with reporter asked how she managed to Columbia, MD 21044 whom you can talk and cry. deal with the death of six sons. To a 800-221-SIDS casual observer, her answer could ap­ — Go to the cemetery and “talk” with pear trite. But given the magnitude of your child. her losses, Virginia’s remarks demon­ —Memorialize your child by helping strate the power o f her Christian faith: someone else—give a pie, a book, a “It was prayer,” she replied. “If bouquet of flowers or visit a person ever any hatred or anger was about who is lonely. to creep in, I began my prayers and these feelings just burned away like —Offer thanks several times during fire. I always looked at it like this— the day for the gift o f the child. if Jesus carried His cross, I should A final note should be encouraging carry mine.” for every parent who has lost a child.

MARCH/APRTI /MAV d* Church Administration Signposts of the Spirit Six Guidelines for Leadership

by Betsy Schwarzentraub Davis, Calif.

hurch leadership can be a ter­ ribly costly guessing game, C both to the churches we serve and also to ourselves. We may wonder about the effec­ tiveness of our leadership style, whether w e are clergy beginning at a new church or years into the pas­ torate, or laity who have served in the congregation for decades. How do we know where our leadership really reflects the w ill o f the Holy Spirit? Is it luck, personality, or something we years confirm these marks of leader­ Support by Leader are doing that helps bring the church ship as practical fruits of the Spirit “Relationships occur as tasks are to life? Which of our actions show us that can guide us and help us grow. encountered,” said one church where the Holy Spirit would lead us, These specific leadership skills fo­ leader. “If tasks could be seen in this as w e seek to lead others? cus, in part, on the work we do to­ light, they would be more easily ac­ Leadership in the church always gether and, in part, on the relation­ complished, more productive, and has been a subjective business. We ships of the church members in the better accepted by members.” The cannot quantify the presence of process. They are: key skill a church leader can show by God’s guidance. Our experience of 1. Support by leader actions is support: letting members the Spirit is very personal and must 2. Receptivity, both to seek and use know they are worthwhile persons be so. Y et does this mean w e are con­ ideas and to talk freely and open­ doing useful work. This means giving time and energy demned to our own personal eccen­ ly tricities and a leadership style of 3. Team building to relationships among the staff and members of the congregation—not as whatever feels best? W e know there 4. High performance expectation a means to an end, but as ends in is no magic b ox o f personality traits 5. Work facilitation that automatically gives us strength themselves. Shared ministry is not just 6. Group decision making and vision. Most seminaries do not a helpful concept but a way of letting Each of these actions must be no­ even try to teach practical church people know that they are an essen­ ticed by those with whom we work leadership skills. So where do we tial part of the church family and deci­ as leaders, in order to encourage turn for some objective guidance? sion-making teams, not just for what committee members to develop their Thankfully there are some measur­ they can do, but for w ho they are. own mutual understanding, team able signposts along the way that tell Supportive leaders demonstrate building, high expectations, motiva­ us when we are traveling the right this support as they: tion, and participation in group deci­ road. These are six ways of treating Are seen as friendly and easy to talk sions. church and committee members that to. prompt them to respond with posi­ Listen well to others whether they tive leadership of their own. These agree or not. leader behaviors were discovered by Encourage others to express theii Rensis1 and Jane Gibson Likert in the ideas fully. 1940s. Since 1968 the Center for Show confidence and trust in oth­ Parish Development, Chicago, has ex­ ers. plored and tested the Likerts’ findings Seek solutions that are as accept in churches throughout North Ameri­ able to those with whom they ca. Personal experiences in 16 such disagree as they are to them congregations over the past four selves.

44 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Help people w ith their work. that even if members are unaware o f Work Facilitation Help church teams develop and in­ their unofficial teams (the after-meet­ Work facilitation is whatever the crease their w ork skills. ing group, the coffee shop crowd), church leader does to help members Have high goals for all church church leaders must still depend up­ do well what they have agreed to do. groups and for themselves. on them. While we experience the This includes: Receptivity Spirit individually, the Spirit insists Helping them plan and set priori­ Our receptivity as leaders in the upon working corporately through ties. church has two dimensions: personal Christ’s Body, often in surprising Providing resources to do their job openness on the one hand and struc­ ways. well (people, materials, and tured accessibility on the other. Per­ Team building, then, is both a val­ space in which to work). sonal openness makes it easy for ue and a skill. Studies show that peo­ Offering useful information and members and coworkers to talk freely ple need a full 10 hours together in ideas. and openly with us, sharing their order to develop as a working unit.2 Such practical help increases mem­ ideas. Often this is a long suit for pas­ Here are some tips for building bers’ motivation and encourages po­ tors. One lay leader described his pas­ stronger teams: tential leaders to anticipate support tor this way: “I see openness, accep­ Begin the year with a committee of their future roles. Attention to this tance, a willingness to listen, and one-day retreat. dimension helped one pastor to “be­ helpful guidance— spiritual guid­ Chart all the teams in your congre­ come very close in a shared ministry ance.” A church officer or leader can gation, and note through whom with my church team,” as they sharp­ go a long way with others by listen­ they overlap. ened their ability to do well what ing to their ideas and sharing them in Gather those linking persons and they had planned together. helpful places. It is a genuine attempt ask them, “H ow can w e improve Decision Making to share power throughout the communication and be more ef­ Most people do not want to buy in­ church’s life. fective?” to a plan someone else put together One of the toughest things to do, Performance Expectation without them. The same is true of however, is to actively seek out and Few of us respond well when we church programs, budgets, and use others’ ideas when they do not are asked to serve on a committee dreams. When people help make the come forward readily with their con­ and we are told, “It won’t take much decisions that affect them, they devel­ cerns. Structuring the church’s life to time.” This often translates into, “It’s op more trust in the leadership, and reach out for these ideas is more worth even less.” We are far more energy is generated in all directions. complex than a simple change of per­ likely to participate with interest and They are willing to risk more o f their sonal habits, but it has a great reward. enthusiasm when our expectations ideas and to invest more in the out­ Factors may include: are high: “The work is challenging come. The location of your office—Can but important to the purpose of the Group decision making, however, people find you? church.” requires much more skill than does Office hours and your time sched­ Such expectations for church w ork the old coercive method, or even the ule—Do they fit when the mem­ bring out a positive response among special task force approach. It calls bers are available? church members and leaders alike. for developing the team’s interactive Social distance and role expecta­ They tell us both that we are person­ skills in order to resource one anoth­ tions—Do they think they can ally important to the life of the er, gradually build trust, and learn to approach someone in your posi­ church and that our church is impor­ nourish, shape and evaluate ideas. By tion? tant in G od’s plan. A leadership style training groups to make open, corpo­ The ratio of leader to members— that emphasizes high standards may: rate decisions, the church leadership Are there too many of them to Encourage every group in the will find members more willing to relate to? church to clarify and celebrate participate and more positive in the Looking at accessibility from the its purpose and tasks in the process. members’ point of view may point to church life. The road of leadership in the areas for better communication. Help the nominating committee re­ church is neither smooth nor easy. Team Building cruit leaders with committee job Yet Jesus had promised that He is The Likerts discovered that each lo­ descriptions in hand. with us always (Matt. 28:20), and the cal church acts as a network o f over­ Empower people to choose careful­ Spirit has given us signposts to help lapping teams. These may be formal ly where they will serve, limiting us steer in the right direction. Keep­ or informal groups that bond togeth­ their leadership roles to what ing in sight these six marks o f leader­ er out o f comm on interest or task and they can do in a high quality ship, we can develop our skills and that together get the job done. way. move forward where God would lead This is both good news and bad High expectations help us give our us. ■ news. The good news is that no one best to God in all w e do. As one com­ 1. Director of the Institute for Social Research and person can push the church in his or mittee member said of her pastor, professor o f psychology and sociology at the Universi­ her own direction or be blamed for “He makes people feel needed, cared ty o f Michigan. 2. Leadership Skills for Church Vitalization where it is going. The bad news is for— and responsible.” (Chicago: Center for Parish Development, 1976).

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 45 Palm Sunday

Prophet, Priest, and King

by Morris Chalfant Bourbonnais, III.

ne wonders how many who Some called Jesus the Carpenter. Because of the King of Kings’ tri­ enthusiastically cried, “Ho- So He was—a humble Tradesman umphant entry into the world, we sanna!” on Palm Sunday from a little town in northern Pales­ have “redemption through his blood, Oshouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”tine. the forgiveness o f sins, according to a few days later. Some people must Others called Him “Rabbi, . . . a the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7, have been disappointed, even resent­ teacher com e from G od” 0 oh n 3:2, KJV). Rediscover Him, then, as man ful, that Jesus didn’t overth row the KJV). Earth’s classrooms w ill never be — a real, vital, flesh-and-blood man. Romans and set up His kingdom. Af­ the same since He taught the greatest But keep on looking until you see ter all, had He not initiated a golden truth the mind can seek and know, Him also as Son of God. As Son of opportunity to do so when He rode the saving truth o f God. Man, He understands your human into Jerusalem? Unlike the pattern o f Others said He was one of the predicament; but as Son of God, He His earlier ministry, He made no ef­ prophets. The pilgrims answered their can do— indeed, has done—some­ fort to dampen this jubilant demon­ city cousins: “This is Jesus the prophet thing redemptive about it. stration. Yet He didn’t capitalize on of Nazareth of Galilee” (Matt. 21:11, Are you willing to risk discovering the fervor of the crowd and call His KJV). His human name, Jesus, meant Jesus in the meaning o f what He did? disciples to arms. N o w on der those Joshua, Savior, “for he shall save his The most redem ptive thing Jesus Jews who longed only for release people from their sins” (1:21, KJV). did was to die on the Cross. For Jesus from foreign domination w ere disillu­ Peter had another answer: “Thou died, the Bible says, “to save sinners” sioned! The Messiah had not fulfilled art the Christ, the Son of the living (1 Tim. 1:15, KJV). Spurgeon said that their expectations. God” (16:16, KJV)— Messiah, the ful­ his entire theology could be com­ Try to imagine that day—the large fillment of the hope of the ages. pressed into four words: “Jesus died crowd in holiday mood. People spread But the question is not fully an­ for m e.” their garments on the road— a symbol­ swered yet. In a locked room, when For 40 years I have seen men and ic laying down of a rug for royalty. the risen Lord offered His nail-pierced women and boys and girls across They also placed some of their outer hands and His w ounded side, Thomas America and around the world dis­ garments on the donkey to make a made the greatest confession o f all: cover this Jesus and becom e new cre­ saddle. They trimmed branches from “My Lord and my G od” (John 20:28, ations through the redemptive power trees and spread them on the road as KJV). o f His blood. further “pavement for royalty.” Jesus the prophet? Yes. The Christ? Palm Sunday challenges all those It must have been a gala occasion. Yes, but more—the Lord, one in na­ “called to be saints” to new loyalty. Up ahead and to the rear, crowds ture with the Father God: “My Lord Good Friday crowds still need disci­ shouted, “Hosanna to the son of and my God.” The prophet said, “Be­ ples with courage enough to press David: Blessed is he that cometh in hold, thy King cometh unto thee” through the muttering crowd and the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the (Zech. 9:9, KJV). Jesus Christ our take a staunch stand by the side of highest’’ (Matt. 21:9, KJV). Lord is King. So prophets predicted the crucified Christ. The incident created quite a sensa­ Him, so Matthew confessed Him, and This is no time for wavering. This tion in Jerusalem, for Matthew writes, so He identified himself to Pilate. is not a time for halfway loyalty. As “The w hole city was stirred” (v. 10). What does Palm Sunday mean to the forces of evil rally for their great­ Five days later they put this Man to Christians today? Simply that Jesus est siege of the city of God, let those death. But the centuries still echo their came as Prophet, Priest, and King. As who remain undecided come down searching question, “W ho is this?” Prophet, like John the Baptist, He her­ from the fence and commit them­ It doesn’t matter much whether alded the kingdom of God. He spoke selves today and forever to unre­ you know who Nero and Napoleon for the Father in Person and Word. As served service in the kingdom of were, or Muhammad or Buddha. But Priest, He performed the function of God. whoever or whatever this One is bringing men to God and God to men. “Hosanna to the son of David: whose birth divides the centuries into As King, He fulfilled the prophecies of Blessed is he that cometh in the name “Before” and “After”—this we need old, especially fulfilling the announce­ of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” to know, “W ho is this?” It’s a decisive ment, “Yet have I set my king upon (Matt. 21:9, KJV). Sing the song, but question. my holy hill o f Zion” (Ps. 2:6, KJV). serve the Savior also. ■

46 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Mother's Day

"Twitterpated "

by Wayne M. Warner Three Rivers, Mich.

hat was what a mutual friend my own mate-in-ministry— my pastor’s and wisdom. It was then that her called her— “twitterpated.” wife. Each o f these ladies accepted a nerves no longer annoyed me. More­ And I humorously agreed. calling that was considered her hus­ over, I began to understand others’ THer nervous mannerisms annoyed band’s and not her own. Each accept­ “nerves.” me, although she had never done any­ ed every kind o f situation graciously. Seeing my pastor’s wife as the eter­ thing to me except to be the devoted Each of these ladies lived on any­ nal resource for all the things the wife of my neighboring pastor and a thing and whatever without com­ parishioners could not bother me supportive friend to me. plaint. Each managed whatever she with, and knowing her complete ded­ Many a pastor’s wife unfairly finds had w ith integrity. ication to God, husband, and church, herself in this predicament. She is These creative creatures answered I know now that she sometimes has caught in a web of circumstance over the telephone day or night, even to feel like the most isolated person which she has little control, and when they came in multiplied in the w hole community. which she would not be allowed to dozens. They always presented a hap­ Although I never agreed with the change if she could, except at the py appearance and never showed a Gordons that w om en’s liberation need­ risk o f her husband’s career. mood. Each taught the unfilled Sun­ ed to look into the plight of pastors’ Some years ago the writers Gordon day School classes and took on the wives, I did see the need for recogniz­ and Gordon researched 200 churches jobs no one else would do. They ing my pastor’s w ife and eventually ini­ and came up with an authentic novel agreed with everyone else while en­ tiated her ordination process myself. by Doubleday called The Tumult and tertaining upon demand. Four and a half decades o f ministry the Joy. This book focused upon con­ Each listened to all the things the tell me plainly that T. R. Buzzard must ditions for ministers’ wives, a condi­ parishioners would like to say to the have been thinking about my pastor’s tion that had not changed much in minister but w ere afraid to say to his w ife when he wrote: half a century. face. Each counseled and comforted The Pastor’s Wife These ladies, it seems, were ex­ the pastor who dared not reveal him­ In the shadow of the parsonage pected to live in run-down parson­ self to anyone else. All of this they did Stands a figure oft obscure, ages, to gladly accept cast-off furni­ in the name o f God and the church. Just behind the faithful pastor ture, and to devote full time to Some church groups still refuse to Is his wife, devout and pure. church activities without pay. recognize any professional or preach­ She is with him every moment Their research revealed parsonages ing ministry for women. Others only Helping make his work progress, where congregations refused to let allow male members to vote in And you can’t discount her portion the parsonage family hang pictures church business meetings. In the measure of success. on the walls so that the church Few of the hundreds of wives I Oft behind the scene of action, would not have to repaint the walls have known through the years have Oft never seen or heard, when the pastor moved. They found ever coveted their husbands’ role. Yet she stands forever ready carpets split dow n the center so that Until recent years, few even dared Just to give a helping hand. they could be switched around as ask for recognition of their own. Most It is not in active service they w ore out. often they simply made the best of it That her worth is really shown, The Gordons suggested it was un­ and kept their tensions, troubles, and But in bearing heavy burdens fair to hire a pastor and expect his tears well hidden—until they devel­ That to others are unknown. wife to work for free. They found oped a bad case of “nerves,” and With encouragement and vision some wives had rebelled by refusing some well-meaning friend called She must urge God’s servant on, to do anything around the church. them “twitterpated.” When the shadows are the darkest This was, admittedly, the opposite ex­ My “twitterpated” friend never got And his courage’s almost gone. treme. The Gordons found no one to over her nerves, but long before her With her home forever open blame but the church. death I saw the beautiful person she And her work quite never done, All of this leads me to recall my really was. I finally recognized her for She is ever his lieutenant friend, “twitterpated,” and to consider her own marvelous dignity, strength, In the battles fought and won. ■

MARCH/APR] I/MAY 47 Stewardship Who Is Responsible for Payroll Taxes?

by Julie L. Bloss Dallas

f your church has at least one Carter case, the court held that the ter writing and signing the checks, paid employee who is not a min­ penalty was appropriate when a per­ Triplett didn’t mail them himself; he ister, it may have a legal obliga­ son had a duty to collect and/or pay returned them to the clerk or chair­ Ition to withhold payroll taxes. But who over the taxes and when the failure man of the deacons. The checks had is actually responsible for payroll with­ to pay them over was “willful.” to be signed by two people, and holding? Is it the minister, the church So why did these four officers have Triplett was one of the three people treasurer, or the chairman of the a duty to collect or pay over payroll authorized to sign them. church’s governing board? That’s the taxes? According to the Carter court, Testimony indicated that the chair­ question a federal bankruptcy court re­ there were several factors making man of the board of deacons had re­ cently addressed in an important case, them responsible parties despite the fused to mail certain checks the trea­ In re Triplett, 115 B.R. 955 (N.D. 111. fact that they were unpaid volunteers surer had prepared on his own 1990). This article w ill examine that of a charitable organization. First, initiative based on the bills he case and its relevance to churches. they are board members as well as of­ thought were most important. The Background ficers. Perhaps more importantly, treasurer prepared financial state­ they had authority to sign payroll Before looking at the court’s deci­ ments for the church as well as the checks. Finally, they also had general sion in Triplett, we need to review the quarterly 941 forms, but he did not business responsibilities including legal background of failure to with­ have much to do with the financial hold or pay over payroll taxes. Al­ bookkeeping and hiring and firing. policies of the church, which were Once the court had decided that though the Internal Revenue Code im­ determined by the pastor or the these people were responsible par­ poses a number of penalties for chairman o f the board o f deacons. ties, it had to decide if their conduct violations of various provisions, one of In addition to his responsibilities as in failing to withhold and pay over the stiffest penalties is found in section treasurer, Triplett served as tempo­ the taxes was willful. According to 6672. According to section 6672, the rary business manager of the church IRS may impose a penalty of 100% of the court, “willful” didn’t imply an school for two and a half months. Al­ evil motive or intent to defraud, but payroll taxes that are not withheld or though the school’s regular business paid over to the government by any­ instead meant voluntary or conscious. manager had the authority to decide In fact, the failure to investigate or one who is responsible for withhold­ which bills to pay, as interim manag­ correct the problem once they were ing and paying over those taxes. So if er, Triplett didn’t have that authority. aware of it meant that these officers an employer does not withhold or pay In fact, although he had possession of had acted willfully. Keep in mind the over, for example, $10,000 in payroll the school’s financial records and decision as we examine the taxes, some individual connected with Carter checkbooks, he didn’t even have au­ more recent case. the employer, perhaps an employee or Triplett thority to sign checks for the school. officer or director, may have to cough The Triplett Case Despite his limited authority over up $10,000 out o f his or her pocket. The Triplett case involved a Baptist payment of church bills and despite But what about volunteers for a church member who was elected fi­ the fact that he had absolutely no au­ nonprofit organization like an unpaid nancial secretary and served as thority over the school’s bills, the IRS church treasurer? Surely they can’t be church treasurer. Mr. Triplett was imposed on Triplett a penalty of held personally responsible for pay­ paid $100 a w eek for his services and 100% of the payroll taxes that the roll taxes, can they? Yes, they can. also served as interim business man­ church and school had failed to pay In 1989 a federal court in New ager for the church’s private school. to the government. Basing its argu­ York upheld a penalty of over As church treasurer, his primary re­ ment on section 6672 of the Internal $200,000 imposed by the IRS against sponsibility was preparing checks for Revenue Code, the IRS argued that he each of four officers of a church-oper­ the church, although he did not de­ was personally liable for these taxes. ated charity that did not pay over tax­ termine to whom to write the When Triplett filed for bankruptcy, es withheld from employee pay­ checks. Instead, he received bills on a the IRS filed a claim for over $70,000. checks—Carter v. United States, 111 w eekly basis from the church clerk or Fortunately for Triplett, the court re­ F. Supp. 188 (S.D. N.Y. 1989). In the chairman of the board of deacons. Af­ jected the IRS position.

48 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Like the court in Carter, the not address the issue o f whether he There is no question that volun­ Triplett court recognized that an indi­ had acted willfully. Interestingly, the teers as well as paid church officers vidual cannot be subject to the sec­ court observed that the pastor and and employees can be penalized for tion 6672 penalty unless he is both a chairman of the board of deacons failure to withhold and pay over pay­ responsible person and willfully fails would probably satisfy the definition roll taxes. The Triplett case illustrates to pay over taxes. According to this o f responsible persons. that the IRS is serious about pursuing court, control over finances is the key Lessons for Churches and penalizing individuals connected to determining whether an individual Although the church treasurer in with churches that do not properly is a responsible person within the the Triplett case was not held liable withhold or pay over payroll taxes. meaning of this law. In this case, the for payroll tax penalties, the case The court observed that payroll taxes court found that the treasurer lacked does not stand for the proposition that are generally paid only four times sufficient control over the church fi­ that church treasurers cannot be pe­ a year can be tempting sources of nances to be held liable. The court nalized for a church’s failure to with­ ready cash for employers, but em­ noted that he could not determine hold or pay over payroll taxes. The ployers must resist that temptation. which church bills were to be paid decision in this case turned on the is­ Don’t let your church use its payroll and that he had no responsibilities for sue o f whether the treasurer had suf­ deposits as a way of robbing Peter to day-to-day business decisions. The ficient control over church finances pay Paul—the consequences are se­ court recognized that he had even to be considered a responsible per­ vere. ■ less control over the financial affairs son under the law. In this case, the of the school and therefore could not treasurer didn’t have that kind o f con­ Reprinted from The Clergy Journal, August 1992. be considered a responsible person trol, but that doesn’t mean that other Copyrighted 1992 by Church Management, Inc., P.O. Box 162527, Austin, TX 78716. Used by permission. with respect to its payroll taxes re­ church treasurers don’t have enough gardless of the fact that the school control to be considered responsible Julie L. Bloss is a free-lance writer and attorney for the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention was considered a ministry of the persons. Additionally, the church ob­ in Dallas. She regrets that she cannot give individual church. Because the court found that served that the minister and chairman legal or tax advice but welcomes comments ad­ dressed to her, c/o The Clergy Journal, P.O. Box Triplett was not a responsible person of the deacons probably could have 162527, Austin, TX 78716. If you need legal or tax ad­ within the meaning of the law, it did been considered responsible parties. vice, please consult your own attorney or tax adviser.

Worship: Where Do You Go for Lessons? (Continued from page 13)

2. Harry Blamires, On Christian Truth (Ann Ar­ the Ministry—The Growth of the People of God,” 15. Ibid. i l bor, Mich.: Servant Books, 1983), 125. Grow—A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism, 16. Thielen, Getting Ready fo r Sunday, 188-95. 3. Martin Thielen, Getting Ready fo r Sunday: A and Discipleship, Fall 1991, 40. 17. Ibid., 231. I Practical Guide fo r Worship Planning (Nashville: 9. Dennis F. Kinlaw et al., Beacon Bible Commen­ 18. Dean Merrill, ed., Fresh Ideas fo r Preaching, [: Broadman Press, 1989), 231. tary, vol. 1 (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press o f Kansas Worship and Evangelism (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, 4. Rayburn, O Come, Let Us Worship, 127. City, 1969), 324. 1982), 46. 5. Ibid., 199. 10. Rayburn, O Come, Let Us Worship, 145. 19. Thielen, Getting Ready fo r Sunday, 232. 6. Carl Tuttle, Worship Leader’s Training Manual 11. Blamires, On Christian Truth, 125. 20. Bob Sorge, Exploring Worship: A Practical I (Anaheim, Calif.: Worship Resource Center/Vineyard 12. Joseph C. Aldrich, Life-style Evangelism (Port­ Guide to Praise and Worship (Canadaigua, N.Y.: Bob Ministries International, 1987), 7. land, Oreg.: Multnomah Press, 1981), 112. Sorge, 1987), 200. 7. Maynard Campbell, quoted in Thielen, Getting 13- Thielen, Getting Ready fo r Sunday, 231. 21. Ibid., 201. Ready fo r Sunday, 221. 14. Max Harris, “Worship as a Catalyst for Ministry,” 22. Rayburn, O Come, Let Us Worship, 144. 8. Dennis Bratcher, “Divine-Human Synergism in Grow, Fall 1991, 44.

Increase Your Outreach Through Writing (Continued from page 40)

more than 1,500 persons who have just send the articles out to other edi­ esting kickoff anecdotes to start my prayed to receive Christ after reading tors who might appreciate them articles for Christian education and salvation testimonies I wrote that ap­ more. I have sold some on their 18th church leadership periodicals. peared in a publication offering a free time out for top money. Rejections and disappointments Bible course to those who have so How do I handle writer’s block? I seldom get me down. I trust the Lord prayed. Also I count as very impor­ ask myself, “What great adventure to place the articles where He wants tant the many opportunities I have to have the Lord and I had lately?” Then them. Before I write, I ask the Lord teach and encourage Christians o f all I write it up as a personal experience for guidance. The Lord is much wiser ages to live and witness for Jesus and or opening illustration for an article. than w e. Through His Spirit, He can to serve Him. Incidentally, this is the easiest way to pass that wisdom and insight on to Being a writer isn’t always easy! I get started as a writer. Many Christian us. feel as though I may have received periodicals use personal experience One last word of advice: If you enough rejection slips to cover Inter­ articles that include what we learned want to write for the Lord, don’t just state 85. What do I do w ith rejection from our experience. I often use per­ talk about it, as so many people do. slips? They make neat scrap paper. I tinent personal experiences for inter­ Get busy and do it! ■

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 49 Minister's Mate God's Family

by Dorothy J. Downey Weedville, Pa.

oving to a new pastorate is to their age and not one of my favorite health and the dis­ things to do! I am one of tance between us, Mthose people w ho likes stability, per­ we may never see manency, and the feeling of belong­ each other again in ing and being “at hom e.” I don’t like this life. That is to be the new kid on the block. I like hard to accept! “roots.” Because I get very close to Or some people our parishioners, they become family leave by the other to me. When we leave, it is like leav­ door, weeping, and ing our family. It hurts! cannot face saying, Relocating also involves finding “Good-bye.” That is new doctors and dentists, a new hard to accept! pharmacy and shoe repair store, new Or the farewell card from a young people so dear to us. We have only cleaners, barber, and beautician, new person with $ 1.00 enclosed with a been in W eedville a few years, but al­ appliance repairman, and on and on note that says, “I love you very much. ready we feel the same love and the list goes. Therefore, it’s much eas­ I miss you already!” W e’ve never got­ warmth among the people. It would ier for me to stay put. I never get ten used to that! be hard to leave them. used to moving to a new area and Or being invited out for farewell The tie that binds Christians to­ have a tornado warning for the “fol­ meals, the hostesses fixing our fa­ geth er is actually stronger at times lowing areas” flash on the television vorite foods to show their love. One than the ties in our earthly families. screen. I have no idea if we are in the church had a farewell dinner. Each la­ Paul experienced this in Acts 20. He announced direct line of the tornado dy brought what she knew we like to called the elders from Ephesus to or if it is headed another way entirely. eat. One dear lady in her late 80s m eet w ith him. W hen he left them, j This can be very unnerving! brought corn bread, her specialty. they wept, hugged and kissed him, Being married to a pastor for 34 W e ’ll never forget that! and had prayer together. He also j years has made me adapt to the life of At another church w e left after sev­ knew the deep love of Christian temporary houses. As time has en years, three or four carloads of brothers and sisters. Our love for ] passed, I’ve learned to accept transi­ youth met at our house—unplanned each other is very strong. It hurts us tions with grace and even excitement and unorganized. They followed us Christians when w e are separated, j at getting to know new people, new about 20 miles as we departed the But one day we will be reunited ; customs, and new scenery. Our Bible city. They turned around back to around G od’s throne, never again to college professor used to say, “Keep their homes, and we continued on to be separated. No more good-byes, no I your bags packed, ready to go at the our next charge. more tears! Eternity w e w ill spend to-j call of your Master.” Even though we No, I can never get used to leaving gether! What a wonderful time we 1 don’t literally keep our bags packed, w ill have w hen G od’s family is gath-j we do try our best to hear God’s ered hom e together! voice and listen to His leadings. What a blessed hope for each j But some things I never get used Christian w ho is separated from loved 1 to. These things happen when we ones or friends by death or distance.! leave a church where we have loved This separation is only for a short! and served the people. One thing is while. Jesus is coming again to re-J to see elderly people leave us after ceive His children to be with Him for-j our last service with tears in their ever. What a great reunion day that eyes and handshakes that will not let w ill be! So, “Hold on, My child. Joy: go of ours. We both know that due comes in the morning.” I c n tu c DDCArHPR S MAOA7.TNF. Today's Books for Today s Preachers

Evidence fo r Faith: Romans; in Interpretation: II. G od’s Lordship and the Problem Deciding the God Question A Bible Commentary fo r of the Present (4:22— 8:39) by John Warwick Montgomery Teaching and Preaching III. God’s Lordship and the Prob­ Dallas: Probe Books, 1991 by Paul J. Achtemeier lem o f the Future (9:1 — 11:36) PA094-524-1151, $14.99 Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1985 IV. God’s Lordship and the Prob­ lems o f Daily Living (12:1— 16:27) Evidence for Faith is a collection o f PA080-423-1370, $20.00 papers presented at a symposium on Achtemeier is professor of biblical I was impressed with the book and the depth of scholarship represented. evidential apologetics at Cornell Uni­ interpretation at Union Theological From the Old and New Testament Scrip­ versity in the late summer of 1986. Seminary o f Richmond, Va. tures the author draws connections that The majority of the presenters came This book o f Romans is one volume I never knew existed. Also, I was im­ from the various fields of science with o f the Interpretation series. Achte­ pressed with the author’s discernment supportive essays being contributed meier’s purpose is to provide a high- from the disciplines of philosophy cognitive-level commentary of Romans o f Paul’s use o f language, terms, tradi­ tions, and points o f view common to and logic. The target of the sympo­ supplemented with material that can sium was the American scientific com­ be used for teaching and preaching. the people o f his times and to the target readers. Much o f the material that is so munity. We are fortunate that Probe This volume is similar in some ways difficult to us would have been relative­ Books perceived the broader benefit to the Romans volume in the Beacon ly easy for his readers to understand. available and the value of providing Bible Expositions series from Beacon So far as I can tell, the author is not this w ork to a larger audience. Hill Press o f Kansas City. The author writing from a Wesleyan theological This book sits comfortably and ap­ takes a passage o f Romans, gives his perspective. On the other hand, his in­ propriately on the shelf alongside sig­ commentary on the scripture, then terpretations o f sin, law, and grace in nificant works in apologetics by C. S. shows how the passage could be used the life of the believer would be quite Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and Josh Mc­ in preaching and teaching. On the other Dowell. Its chief value to the Chris­ hand, this commentary differs from the acceptable to most Wesleyans. The au­ thor’s interpretations o f Romans 7 and tian community is that its “arguments Beacon Bible Expositions volume in show that Paul believed the Chris­ for the existence of God are con­ several ways. First, it is w ritten at a 8 tian can have a life o f victory over sin. cerned with evidence, not with philo­ much higher cognitive level. Second, it I also especially liked Achtemeier’s sophical or theological presupposi- assumes a deeper knowledge o f both treatment o f the last section o f ethics. tionalism.” From the generally the Old and N ew Testaments. Third, the He gives a coherent interpretation of exalted and highly credible world of author is committed to the use o f the Paul’s advice about subjugation to gov­ science comes the proposition that church calendar and ties his sermon ernment. He has a strong section on the there is a Creator God w ho has spo­ hints to the various dates o f that calen­ relationships o f responsibility and free­ ken. And we are met with the chal­ dar. He often uses the readings that oc­ dom for weaker and stronger Christians. lenging question, “If the evidence is cur in the standard church lectionaries. All in all, this book is one o f the bet­ so good, what are you going to do Fourth, this volume would not normally ter commentaries I have read. It was about it?” be used as a devotional book. done with good literary style and great The contributors to the volume ex­ The author starts the book w ith a care for the text. One can tell that the press a desire that the hearers/readers discussion of Paul’s worldview, con­ author has a high view o f Romans and of their work will exercise “freedom trasting it with other views prevalent the Scriptures. This book will be a stan­ to follow the evidence where it in Paul’s time. Achtemeier develops a dard reference in my book collection. leads.” Some of those contributors thesis for the book based on Paul’s his­ As a final comment, I can recom­ themselves followed that evidence torical perspective, and then moves in­ mend this book for any pastor and ad­ from disbelief or unbelief to faith. Jus­ to the commentary, using that outline. vanced student of the Scriptures. tifiable certitude fo r the p o w er and The outline Achtemeier uses is sim­ presence o f God is possible. Evidence ple: These persons would be enriched for reading Achtemeier. for Faith is as the title states. I. God’s Lordship and the Problem — David L. Cox o f the Past (1:1— 4:22) — Samuel L. Dunn

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 51 Ark Rocker

The Church Cat Committee

ack in the sticks—way back in minutes, it got even bolder. It jumped front porch. O nce throw n out, the the sticks— nestles a little down to the floor, walked to the altar, church cat was always too embar­ white church. The stone sign and jumped on top o f it. Soon the cat rassed to attempt reentry on the same Bout front says, “Welcome to the Back­ was fast asleep, and it slept soundly day. So it w ould wait until the faithful woods Church of the Nazarene. Es­ through the remainder of the service. few had reassembled the next week. tablished by Phineas Bresee in 1910.” This scenario was repeated the next Everything went swimmingly well The Backwoods Church is a concrete three Sunday mornings. for almost six weeks, and the Church block structure with an open arch­ The church board, which com­ Cat Committee was given a Distin­ way for a door. There is no glass in prised the entire congregation, met in guished Service Award for their work. the windows. The pulpit and pews executive session after the fourth inci­ But, then, the unthinkable happened. are made from hand-hewn logs that dent to decide what should be done The congregation came to church on have served the congregation just about the church cat. Altars are where one unusually beautiful Sunday morn­ fine for the last 80-some years, thank people find God, not where a cat ing with joy in their hearts and Bibles you. The pews are so hard they are should sleep. The official policy man­ in their hands. The church cat was ly­ practically petrified, but so are most ual o f the church was dusted o ff and ing on the church’s front porch- of the members—so no one com­ consulted—to no avail. There were stone cold dead. Service that day was plains. The congregation’s approach clearly stated guidelines on subjects a somber occasion. The pastor saved to church management, however, is like renting out the church for fancy the message he had prepared on ur­ downright modem, as can be seen by weddings, but there was no mention ban evangelism and delivered an im­ this most recent example. about dealing with a church cat. promptu address from 1 Corinthians Several months back the service was After much prayer and fasting, the 15. People wept. The glory came going along well enough when a curi­ board determined it to be God’s will down. After the morning worship ser­ ous cat jumped into the w ind ow sill to establish a three-member Church vice, the Church Cat Committee met nearest the front left altar log. The cat Cat Committee. One member of the to decide what to do, now that they saw nothing happening inside animat­ CCC, on a rotational basis, would were out of a job. Their decision was ed enough to scare it off, so it sat and scoop the cat o ff the altar and dump the only logical one. watched the proceedings. In a few it unceremoniously outside on the They voted to buy a new cat.

The Most Neglected Ministry in the Church (Continued from page l ) them time and space needed for heal­ Many district superintendents are named Greg Williams. When asked ing. overloaded with letters of applica­ why he risked his life to save an Fifth, open your church family to tion. Most of them would welcome Hispanic man from a group of them. Encourage the wounded pas­ your recommendation and personal black rioters, he said simply: “It toral family to find and establish word of introduction. I have found wasn’t a racial thing . . . it was just friendships within your healthy con­ district leaders to be eager to help if a matter o f human dignity.’’ gregation. possible. Mr. Williams w ent on to explain. Sixth, teach your congregation to Ninth, and most important, pray . . . “That Hispanic man was me.’ I minister without reservation to minis­ with the wounded pastor and his fam­ could identify with him because I terial families. ily— and pray for them! Jesus is the too know what it is like to be treat­ Seventh, help them to feel loved Master of new beginnings. ed unjustly. If I am not there for and welcomed in your personal and Last spring during the riots in the him in his need, who will be there ministerial life. Los Angeles area there were many for me in my need?” (Editors, C'ler- j Eighth, use your influence to intro­ tragedies, but one of the bright gy Talk, October 1992, 4). duce them to district leaders. spots was a young black man

52 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS Jarrell W. Garsee

March/April/May 1993

Prepared by Jarrell W. Garsee

INTRODUCTION

There are many good reasons to preach from the Book of Romans. 1. Romans has furnished the impulse for spiritual revival in many different periods of the church. In the 4th century, the Book o f Romans made an impact on Augustine’s conversion and subsequent evangelism; in the 16th centu- I ry it influenced Martin Luther’s powerful presentation of the gospel; in the 18th century it stood at the heart of John Wesley’s tremendous outbreak of revival. 2. Romans contains the message of salvation by faith. We all understand grace better after going through Ro­ mans, God’s grace at w ork in our lives. 3. Romans reveals God’s attitude toward sin very clearly, an emphasis that is very much needed in our day. 4. Romans provides an excellent and very simple approach to the scriptural plan of salvation, one that w e can easily use to witness to others. 5. Romans answers the most difficult challenges of our present, modern day— temptations, tests, trials, weak­ nesses, inner selfishness, the impact of secular society, compulsions and addictions, a self-satisfied church, or a very skillful Satan determined to destroy us. In a Sunday morning worship service, there are six goals to achieve: 1. To open the spirits of the people— laying aside the outside world and focusing together. This may be done with a powerful choir number, a children’s choir, a heartfelt Scripture reading, a powerful opening prayer, an unexpected but prepared testimony, an admonition or guided thought by the pastor, or some combination of these. 2. To lift up praise. Singing, especially a combination of traditional, well-loved hymns and new, meaningful praise choruses, helps to accomplish this. 3- To pray with purpose. The open altar, holding hands across the sanctuary, shared requests, guided focus— all may aid in this. It is essential to concentrate on the direction and dynamics o f the prayer time in preparation. 4. To fellowship in the family. Recognizing accomplishments of those in the congregation, congratulating newly- j weds, having visitors raise their hands for recognition-placement before the “standing fellowship time”— all create a warm sense of belonging to one another as well as to God. 5 To share in the Word. Preaching a series, like the accompanying sermons from Romans, gives opportunity for growing, maturing, and blessing. 6. To respond from the heart. This may include an opportunity to come to the altar for prayer, to raise a hand for prayer, to write out a note or prayer request to the pastor or staff, or to write an action plan at the end of the sermon note-sheet handed out, or a recommendation for homework during the week. A great worship service finds expression and blessed fulfillment o f all these functions.

54 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE GOSPEL EXALTED by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 1:1-17 March 7, 1993

INTRO: Paul lifts up these people of Rome, even though he Romans was written by Paul from Corinth, probably in hasn’t seen them yet. He says, “I’ve heard about you. I a .d . 57. It was written so that Paul could establish his cre­ haven’t met you yet, I haven’t been there yet; but I dentials with the church in Rome and build a bridge for have heard about you. I know about you. You have a his future ministry to them. good reputation; you have a good report; you have Paul’s mission was to exalt the gospel. good character. The people who know you brag on you. Your faith is proclaimed everywhere.” So he com­ I. The Gospel Is Exalted by Lifting Up Christ mended them. A. We exalt Jesus by letting people know that He was In the family o f God w e need to becom e more sensi­ human, that He walked, He talked, He got hungry, tive, aware, and responsive to people around us who He was one of us. need encouragement. Satan sees that discouragement gets in our hearts B. We exalt Jesus by saying that He is the Son of God and minds if w e are not noticed and affirmed, lifted up (v. 3). Jesus is G od’s ow n Son, planned and presented and built up, encouraged and bragged on by those through the Father’s intervention. around us w ho love us. C. We exalt Jesus as powerful. He demonstrated pow­ B. We lift up one another by praying for one another er by the resurrection from the dead (v. 4). Later Paul Praying someone is the sign o f Christian says that the gospel has nothing if it is not based on the (vv. 9-10). for affection; praying him is the sign of Christian power of Jesus’ resurrection. One thing sets Christiani­ with love. Praying about the same things of which they are ty apart from all the other world religions: the tomb of our Founder is empty! He is not there; He is risen! concerned is the sign of Christian fellowship—true koinonia, sharing burdens and blessings before the D. We exalt Jesus through the Spirit of holiness (v. 4). throne of God. What does holiness mean? First o f all, holiness means to arrive at and to fulfill the purpose for which we were C. We lift up one another by having fellowship to­ made. That is what the gospel o f Jesus is trying to do in gether. Fellowship builds a relationship of trust in us. It sets God’s grace free in our lives so that w e begin which you can share hurts and joys. W e have to build a to become the persons that we were supposed to be. relationship o f trust, confidence, concern, compassion, Wholeness! “Health” is another w ord for “holiness.” “Pu­ and love before that kind o f sharing can take place. rity” is another word for “holiness”: pure intentions, pure D. We lift up one another by giving to one another motives, pure actions purified by love, propelled by love, (v. 11). A part of lifting up one another is the spirit of perpetuated by love, purposed by love. W e are supposed giving. to become more and more like Jesus. Christlike! Christ- E. We lift up one another by strengthening one an­ likeness in attitude, in purpose, in spirit, in actions. other (v. 11). Lifting up another involves helping him E. We exalt Jesus by inspiring others to the obedience put his feet dow n on Christ’s solid rock and putting his of faith (v. 5). Our lifting up Jesus makes others aware heart down into the bedrock of Christ’s grace and love that they can receive the grace that brings about the and pow er so that he is strong, growing in Christ— es­ obedience of faith, a faith that makes us new, an obedi­ tablished! ence that makes us useful in the kingdom of God. F. We lift up one another by sharing faith (v. 12). F. We exaltJesus by fulfilling our call (v. 6). In the church Each o f us is encouraged by the other’s faith. But it everybody should understand that it is not just the pastor’s takes more than one to do that. No one should ever ex­ job to lift up Christ to others. All o f us have received the ist in the family o f Christ alone. God doesn’t ask you to calling from Jesus Christ. W e’re called to lift up Jesus. bear your burdens alone. God intends that you belong G. We exalt Jesus by receiving His grace. God gives to a group of people who love one another, and lift up grace to all who are involved in lifting up Jesus (v. 7). If one another, and care for one another, and pray for Christ is not first in our hearts, then some other likeness one another. When someone loves me unconditionally, comes out and is view ed by people around us. If w e do guess what happens? Miracles happen! God seems not lift up Jesus, we cannot expect others to be drawn near. People get healed! to Him. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the ILLUS. In our C.A.R.E. (Caring And Reaching Everyone) earth, w ill draw all men to M yself’ (John 12:32, NASB). groups, we have started the unique ministry of having “the empty chair.” The chair represents the presence of II. The Gospel Is Exalted by Lifting Up One the Holy Spirit first. Then when someone shares a hurt or Another a need or a concern, that person moves over into the A. We lift up one another by bragging on them (v. 8). chair. People gather around him and put their hands on

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 55 him and pray for him. People get healed! God’s power Christ. The just, those w h o have been justified by His comes and people are changed! grace, will live by that faith that continues in obedi­ ence. The gospel o f Jesus Christ is not a statement. It’s III. The Gospel Is Exalted by Lifting Up the not a doctrine. It’s not a promise. The Good News is a World Around Us supernatural act of God’s power, an act of redemption, A. We lift up our world by a desire to bear fruit (v. an eternal w ork o f God in Christ. 13)- Paul had fruit in Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and other places. He had seen the gospel work. He wanted CONCLUSION: The Church’s mission is to lift up Jesus— to let people some fruit in Rome also. know He was one of us; He is the Son of God; He died Do I intensely desire to obtain some fruit for Jesus in for our sins; He rose again from the dead; and He loves this year? Is that one of my deep, serious commit­ them and is eager to live in them. That’s the gospel— lift­ ments? ing up Jesus. Christians should lift up one another— in B. We lift up our world by a recognition of obligation prayer and encouragement, in love and fellowship, and (v. 14). If w e have received grace through Jesus Christ, sharing faith with one another. we re obligated as debtors to give to others. This con­ Our mission is lifting up the world around us by ac­ cept stands for “trustee.” Another person’s belongings, knowledging our indebtedness, our trusteeship of grace another person’s property has been placed in my to them, by allowing the Holy Spirit to make us eager and hands! I am a trustee o f them. I must see that this that willing to share His gospel, and by knowing that when belongs to them, the Good News, is dispersed to them the gospel is shared, it has a p ow er o f its own. in God’s time, in God’s way, for God’s glory. When we The devil wants you to believe a lie. He wants you to look around at the terrible situation of our world, it is think that the effect of the gospel depends upon you— easy to say, “Look at what the world’s coming to.” your wisdom, your fluent tongue, your brilliant mind, Moral conditions of the world when Paul lived were your effective presentation. That’s what Satan wants you worse than ours. Instead of saying, “Look what the to believe. He wants you to think that you can’t share the world is coming to,” Paul says, “Look w ho has com e to gospel because you stammer when you try, or you cry our world! ” Look what is available for you in God’s for­ w hen you try, or you get scared w hen you try, or you get giving grace and power. embarrassed when you try. Satan wants you to think that C. We lift up our world by an eager willingness to the power of the gospel is in your presentation. He is share (v. 16). The Church’s mission is to lift up Christ wrong! The power of the gospel is in the gospel. The and to lift up one another, but it is also to lift the world power of the gospel is in your willingness and your ea­ around us through the gospel, through the presenta­ gerness and your feeble effort to talk about Jesus. You tion of God’s power in Jesus. don’t have to impress people. You don’t have to let them It is one thing to have an inner commitment to share know h ow wise you are. The gospel is the power of God. Christ, but do I have an eagerness to do so? Am I w ill­ ing to share Jesus w ith people around me? D. We lift up our world by a pride in God’s power (v. 16). Paul was proud o f the gospel o f Jesus Christ. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER 1. Paul was unashamed of its origin. It came from Prelude God. It was His idea. Men’s Octet “Jesus Is the Cornerstone” 2. Paul was unashamed of its operation. Any sen­ Call to Worship Rom. 1:3-6 tence that had “p ow er” in it would cause a Roman Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” reader to perk up his ears and pay attention. Paul Hymn “Where Jesus Is, ’Tis Heaven” says, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel, because it op­ Prayer Chorus “Thou Art Worthy” erates in power.” He doesn’t say the gospel has Pastoral Prayer pow er. He says the gospel is power! The gospel Worship in Giving works! The gospel changes! The gospel does things Choir “All That Thrills My Soul” that cannot be explained by any circumstance. The Message “THE GOSPEL EXALTED” Response “Take My Life, and Let It Be” gospel is the pow er o f God. Benediction 3. Paul was unashamed of its outcome. The final ef­ Pastoral Prayer fect of the good news of Jesus is salvation. The word for “salvation” in the original Greek language Emphasize the World Day of Prayer. On this day they join Christians in every time zone, in every lan­ means tw o things: safe and sound! Salvation gives guage, in every vital church around the world in people a soundness for this present life, and it gives prayer! them a safety for eternity. Begin the prayer with guided, silent praise for the 4. Paul was unashamed of its outreach. The gospel person, presence, and power of Jesus. He is worthy! has a blessed inclusiveness. It is for everyone who believes— the Jew, the Greek, the wise, the unwise, Creative Worship Ideas anybody and everybody. The gospel works for any­ Benediction one. May God bear His fruit in you this week as you ex­ E. We lift up our world by an awareness of faith’s alt the gospel of Christ in your attitudes and activities. power (v. 17). Faith keeps on triggering new faith in

56 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF UNBELIEF by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 1:18-32 March 14,1993

INTRO: better, best. God’s Word says that there is only one way he This is a very difficult, painful, and black description of can become good— through the blood o f Jesus Christ. the downward spiral o f sin in human hearts. This is the way V. They Made Idols (v. 23) that God sees sin. In verse 17 God’s righteousness is re­ The next step in the downward spiral was exchanging vealed. In verse 18 His wrath is revealed. It takes both to un­ God’s invisible, powerful glory for corrupt images o f things. derstand His full nature. His righteousness is revealed to those who are receiving His Son, Jesus Christ. His wrath is ILLUS. In our day a lot o f people have changed the glory of revealed against the ungodly and against all unrighteousness. God into big cars, big houses, or other things that are impor­ Since the creation o f the world, God’s invisible attributes, tant to them. People have changed the incorruptible glory of His eternal power, His divine nature have been clearly God in their lives into successful business, or making a good shown; w e can know God. Those w ho refuse God refuse living, or having something to pass along to their children. Him without any excuse (v. 20, NASB). Nothing is wrong with any of that stuff. A thing is not sinful— Let’s look at the downward spiral o f unbelief. unless it is something you’ve exchanged for the glory o f God. Anything that you exchange for the glory of God in your life I. They Did Not Honor God (v. 21, NASB) becomes sin. This is destructive; it is an enemy to you. Sin begins with neglecting God. Sin is expressed when I What is God’s place on my altar? What have I put on my substitute my own self, my own self-priorities, my own self­ altar in the place that God should be? attitudes, my own self-will for God’s will. VI. They Became Impure (v. 24) II. They Became Futile in Their Speculations Because o f their selfishness, “God gave them over” in the (v. 21, NASB) lust o f their hearts to impurity that they might dishonor They began to try to figure God out. One futile specula­ their bodies among themselves. That phrase is powerful: tion concerns people today. If God is really a God o f love “God gave them over.” God surrendered them to their own and power, why will He allow suffering in the world? selfishness and to their own sin. In the original Greek lan­ ELLUS. Why would God allow a small seven-year-old boy to guage, the word means that He allowed them to be taken in­ be killed in a drive-by shooting? This little boy was not to custody. The mental picture is that God allowed them to guilty. He was the victim o f circumstances. Why would God be placed in the jail o f their own selfish, sinful making, and allow that? He refused to post bail. He let them stay in the self-made jail Futile speculation ends up saying that if God loves us, then o f their own sin. God gave man the right to choose his ac­ He still doesn’t have enough power to make things right. Or, tions, but then He gives man the responsibility to live with if God has enough power, then He doesn’t love us enough to the consequences o f those actions. care. That is man’s way o f trying to solve the dilemma. Those VII. They Worshiped and Served the Creature are futile speculations, trying to understand God in our own (v. 25, NASB) human wisdom. The essence o f sin is revealed when I substi­ Narcissism has become a way of life in our culture to­ tute my wisdom for the wisdom God reveals to me. day-looking good, feeling good, doing everything for your­ III. They Received Darkened Hearts (v. 21) self, making sure that your life is all in order. Self-love is an­ “Their foolish hearts were darkened.” They became other word for narcissism. These people worshipped a clouded, confused. They wandered around without any vi­ creature rather than the Creator. sion. They used their own wisdom and then wondered why ILLUS. God said to Adam and Eve in the Garden, “Here, I they didn’t have enough understanding o f what was going want you to have the best. Don’t eat this; I have My reasons. on in the world. It’s for your best; I love you. ” God wanted the best for them. IV. They Became Fools (v. 22) But they exchanged the truth that God had given them for the lie. And what was the lie? The lie was what the serpent They said they were wise. They tried to use the wisdom told them: “You will not surely die” (Gen. 3:4)! they possessed, but they became fools. Man sets God aside Satan still makes every effort to bring in questions at those and takes over for himself. All through history man has been trying to do for himself. places where he knows w e are vulnerable. He always knows how to get there at the wrong time and say, “Are you sure ILLUS. It started with the Tow er o f Babel, but that didn’t God knew what He was talking about? Are you sure that this work too well. In the years that followed, man has tried is really what He meant? Are you sure this is His plan for every conceivable plan in the world. Rome thought world you?” If w e are not careful, it is easy to exchange God’s government would work, but it didn’t do a lot o f good. The truth for Satan’s lie and begin to unravel our lives. Roman Empire spiraled down in sin and destroyed itself from within. VIII. They Fell into Degrading Passions (v. 26) Sin always boils down to my way or God’s way. The world “God gave them over to degrading passions” (NASB). This is full o f people who don’t want to hear the gospel because is the second time that God gave them over. He let them go; they would much rather believe they can somehow earn He left them in the jail of their own making. First, God gave eternal life. Man always bases his efforts on the idea that man them over to wrong living. Now He gives them over to is good and only needs to be improved slightly to be good, wrong loving. Later He gave them over to wrong thinking

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 57 (v. 28). They lived in a descending spiral of losing “together­ XII. They Heartily Approved Evildoers (v. 32) ness with God.” God lets us go if we get to that place where This is a tragic indictment. They not only know God’s or- f w e want our own way more than w e want His. dinance; they not only know that those that practice such The epidemic of AIDS and the breakdown of our Social Se­ things are worthy o f death; they not only do the same; but i curity system and our healthcare systems in the United States they also give hearty approval to those who practice these j and the Western world are creating an environment that has a things. The last step in the downward spiral o f sin is protect- ' financial, economic, social, and moral negative impact on soci­ ing those who do evil. ety. W e must not become offensive, but w e must stop letting the world tell the Church what is right and what is wrong. CONCLUSION: Sin begins with an unthankful spirit, a simple failure to put IX. They Developed a Depraved Mind (v. 28) God first, an improper alignment o f our priorities, a tiny selfish Once the body is depraved, the mind becomes depraved al­ failure that allows sin and self and my human wisdom to get so. They didn’t want to acknowledge God. They didn’t have behind the wheel o f my spirit and begin to drive my soul. This any place for Him. They didn’t want to talk about Him. They whole downward spiral begins simply with forgetting God. removed Him from the schools in prayer. They removed Him Sin, as the Word tells us, is a terrible thing. There is only from all the public places. They didn’t see fit to honor God, so one remedy for it. It is not government, education, science, He let them do things that weren’t fit for human beings. or psychology. There is only one remedy for sin, and that’s Again, “God gave them over” (NASB). Think about that: by the blood o f Jesus Christ. Do you know that Jesus’ blood has this time, these people are inside three cages o f self-imprison­ been shed for you personally? Do you know that His blood ment. God gave them over to wrong living; He gave them has been applied to your heart? Do you know that Jesus has over to wrong loving; and He gave them over to wrong think­ come to make you a new creation? I have great news for ing! Mentally, physically, and spiritually they are imprisoned you. The gospel is clear: Jesus’ blood is available to you. His by their own lust, by their own sin, by their own selfishness, blood will reverse the downward spiral in your life. by their own will, by their own wisdom, by their own ways. They remain on a collision course o f total destruction. Let’s remind ourselves of the Good News at this point, be­ cause God has the answer to the sin problem. Even if a per­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude “Amazing Grace” son is already imprisoned by three tiers o f self-wisdom and Call to Worship Rom. 4:14-15 self-righteousness—depraved mind, depraved heart, de­ Congregational Hymn “Grace Greater than Our Sin” praved body—God the Holy Spirit is still able to break Prayer Choruses through to that person. God the Holy Spirit is still able to “There Is Power in the Name of Jesus” bring peace and power to that person. The gospel o f Jesus “I Bring All My Worship to You” Christ is still able to change that person and make him new Pastoral Prayer by the power o f God’s grace. Choir “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” In three ways we must be a part of that process. (1) W e Offertory “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” must pray for people who are bound by their own sins. ( 2) Special Song We must give them the gospel in some way. (3) W e must “There Is a Stream That Flows from Calvary” continue to water our prayers and our presentation of the Message “THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF UNBELIEF” Invitation Hymn “Only Trust Him” gospel with the tears o f concerned hearts. Benediction X. They Were Filled with All Unrighteousness Pastoral Prayer (v. 29, NASB) Purposefully make a powerful contrast between Their actions and attitudes damage and destroy them­ the rampage of sin so evident in our day and the selves and damage and destroy others around them. There is grace available in Christ. a long list—anger, hostility, disobedience, untrustworthi­ Help your people focus on Home Mission Sunday ness. They hate God; they hate others; they hate themselves. by praying for home mission projects and pastors’ families on our district. XI. They Rejected God (v. 32) They know God’s laws, and they know that those who Creative Worship Ideas break God’s laws deserve to die, but they do so just the Call to Worship same. They reject God’s Word, His law, and His plan. Comment strongly on the fact that the message ILLUS. A convicted serial killer appeared on television. He today deals with God’s viewpoint on sin. had killed a number o f people. The only reason they had him Invitation on the show was because one o f his victims had not been Plan to spend some time in this part of the service killed. This woman, who had been his victim, whom he had so that people are not already in their minds “going kidnapped and raped, actually forgave him. At the very time home to dinner.” o f his violation, she forgave him and loved him in Jesus’ name. Sometimes I heighten people’s expectancy as I They asked him why he didn’t kill her. He said, “I couldn’t.” start the sermon by saying: “When I finish sharing They asked him, though, “Do you have any regrets at all God’s Word this morning, I will give you an opportu­ about any o f the other people you have killed?” nity to respond to what He says to you. If the Holy Watching him closely, as the camera showed a close-up o f Spirit speaks to you through God’s Word, be pre­ his eyes, one could see absolutely no feeling in his eyes or in pared to come forward for prayer when we sing at his voice. He had rejected God and carried no sense o f guilt the end of the message.” in his heart.

58 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE JUDGMENT OF GOD by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 2:1-16 March 21, 1993

INTRO: First, they hope they are never discovered. Second, many In the first section of Romans, Paul demonstrates the of them hope to escape beyond the bounds of the juris­ dastardly nature o f sin. Romans beautifully balances and diction where their offense took place. Third, if they are emphasizes the nature of God— His love, forgiveness, and captured and apprehended, they hope to get a smart, in­ righteousness as well as His wrath and judgment— and expensive lawyer. Those two qualities rarely go together. the eternal destiny of those who reject Him. Fourth, if they are actually apprehended and convicted, Paul declares that the Gentiles are terribly, grossly, sinful they hope to get time off for good behavior. Or they may f (chap. 1). Paul also shows that the Jews are also sinful hope that somehow their prison sentences are going to I (chap. 2). In Romans 3, w e discover Paul’s belief that every­ be commuted. They may hope to escape to freedom. one is sinful. God’s judgment is always based upon the fact Lawbreakers expect all kinds o f breaks in their favor. of sin and the potential o f salvation through Jesus Christ. In dealing with God’s judgment, His superior knowledge God’s judgment is unwelcome news. We don’t want to and pow er make it absurd to believe w e will get a break on hear about it. However, the bad news must be heard before the basis o f being unknown, or not being found, or not be­ we can be receptive to the Good News. One reason the ing brought to justice. His judgment is inescapable. church has not done as w ell stems from the fact that until III. God’s Judgment Is Delayed (v. 4) people are convinced of their sin through the bad news We can be fooled when God does not pronounce His about the reality o f judgment, they cannot become recep­ judgment now. We find it difficult to believe in His judg­ tive to the good news about Jesus’ love and forgiveness. ment when He doesn’t hit us when we deserve it. We Emphasis upon judgment is never simply a fear motiva­ may become presumptuous because His judgment is not tion to manipulate or trick or move people by their emo- instantaneous. tions without an understanding o f the gospel. People today Does God’s delay in judgment encourage you to sin as become so self-righteous as did the Jews, that they think it did the people of Rome? Or does His patience cause the race into which they were bom, or the amount of mon­ you to repent? ey that they have, or their educational level, or their level o f God’s forbearance leads to repentance. Too easily peo­ civilization somehow makes them immune to God’s judg­ ple believe that He does not mean what He said because ments. God’s W ord rings clear: nothing makes us immune He doesn’t punish instantaneously. I from His judgment except His grace offered to us through ILLUS. A famous German philosopher, grossly sinful, was the gospel o f Jesus Christ. There is no other remedy. confronted by his priest. The philosopher said, “Well, Paul argues that G od’s judgment is real and righteous, God w ill forgive m e.” while man’s judgment is superficial and inconsistent. W e The priest said, “Why?” have no excuse to pass judgment on others. W hen w e do, In presumption, the philosopher explained, “Because not only do we bring condemnation on ourselves from oth­ that’s G od’s business.” ers, but also we bring ourselves under God’s judgment (w . Repentance means an honest, total, inner, contrite will­ 1-2). W e must not think that w e will escape the judgment o f ingness to turn away from all the things that hurt God, God if w e pass judgment on others (v. 3). He exercises His hurt you, and hurt others. judgment, and He is very jealous about His right to judge. He speaks here through Paul to very religious people. God’s IV. God’s Judgment Is Inevitable (v. 5) judgment may be more harsh on religious people w ho are A presumptuous, stubborn, hardhearted person continu­ inconsistent or w ho have not accepted the reality o f His ally puts deposits into the savings account o f God’s wrath. grace than on sinners outside w ho have never heard and The hardhearted, unrepentant spirit, the stubborn will, never received the good news about Jesus Christ. goes to the First Bank o f God’s Wrath every day and makes In this context, we find eight principles about God’s a deposit. However, only He decides when that account is • judgment. going to be drawn and how it will impact and affect you. I. God’s Judgment Is Based on Truth (v. 2) In our culture people gloss over the idea of God’s judg­ ment, either because o f their unbelief or their belief that He God’s judgment is based on what He knows to be real truth. is too good to judge anybody. Deception is at work: He is too good to send anybody to hell; He is too good to make ILLUS. In a court o f law, the jurors or the judge must be con anybody suffer. That is true: He does not send people to vinced beyond a reasonable doubt. With God, it goes far be­ hell; the people themselves, by their hard hearts, stubborn yond that; it is based upon the truth that only He can know. wills, and unrepentant spirits, choose to go to hell. II. God’s Judgment Is Inescapable (v 3) In our society people do wrong and expect to get ! Sometimes lawbreakers expect to escape from the away with it. So many times people say, “Well, I thought penalty o f the law. it only happened to other people.” ILLUS. Lawbreakers in our society have a lot of hopes. ILLUS. On a television program featuring drunk drivers,

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 59 one man w ho tw ice lost his license had a number o f acci­ make us aware. Our w hole being is saturated by His Spirit dents, and he continued to drive without a license. On at work within us. His judgment is already beginning. this program he proclaimed proudly that he had never VIII. God’s Judgment Is Impending (v. 16) killed anybody through driving drunk. We don’t know when the day of God’s judgment is Time after time people in the audience stood up and coming. It could be tomorrow; it could be this week. He told him that it was only a matter of time until he would judges the secrets of people through Christ Jesus. God’s kill someone if he continued. At the end of the program, judgment is impending and is based on truth, including the man said, “W ell, I know that happens to other people the truth about our secret lives as well. w ho drive drunk, but it couldn’t happen to m e.” V. God’s Judgment Is Based on My Actions CONCLUSION: (w . 6-10) We will all come face-to-face with Jesus Christ. The truth is that if we do not come face-to-face with Jesus God will absolutely render judgment to every person Christ now and open ourselves to Him, we will come according to his deeds. The more privileged the person, face-to-face w ith Jesus Christ at the judgment. the more responsibility he faces in judgment. W e will be How does the “bad news” about God’s judgment prepare judged on the basis o f our light, influence, and privilege. you to believe and act on the “good news” o f the gospel? Eternal life is given to people w ho persevere in good H ow does it make you feel to realize that Jesus died to (v. 7). Those persons who are trying to make a difference take away the judgment w e all deserve? in the lives of people that will last a hundred years from How would you summarize this passage of Scripture to n ow receive eternal life. a friend w ho seems concerned about his ow n future with God’s indignation falls on persons whose selfish ambi­ God? tions cause them to follow unrighteousness. Distress If you knew that you would come face-to-face with Je­ awaits everyone who does evil, whether Jew, Greek, or sus Christ in the next 24 hours, what action would you Gentile. The gospel is good for everyone, the Jew first take right now? and also the Greek (Rom. 1:16, NASB). Also, God’s judg­ ment is for everyone, the Jew first and also the Greek. We live in a world where people want to believe that they will naturally escape God’s negative judgment or re­ ceive His positive judgment by simply trying to be a good neighbor. If we allow them to continue to believe that, SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER then w e don’t believe His truth in Romans. His W ord says Prelude “Sweet Will of God” that His judgment comes upon everyone who rejects His Choir “There’s a Great Day Coming” good news about Jesus Christ. Call to Worship Rom. 2:4-5 Opening Prayer VI. God’s Judgment Is Impartial (w . 11-15) Congregational Hymn “All for Jesus” God plays no favorites; there is no partiality with Him. Chorus “Jesus, Be the Lord” The judgment w e receive is based upon our opportunity to Testimony A New Convert know, upon the light that He gives us. The law doesn’t Congregational Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” make any difference; people who sinned under it or people Offertory Special Song “I’d Rather Have Jesus” w ho sinned away from the law are still going to be judged. Message “THE JUDGMENT OF GOD” Several civilizations highlight the fact that God has Invitation “Where He Leads Me” written into our world certain laws of human health and Pastoral Prayer human morality. Closing Chorus “He Touched Me” ILLUS. Nearly every civilization has a proscription against Benediction murder. Some people by following these laws of God are led to higher laws o f His light. Creative Worship Ideas Christians need to get the good news o f Jesus Christ to Opening Prayer as many people as we possibly can. Their chances for Pray for the Holy Spirit to create an environment eternal life are tremendously enhanced by hearing the of clear choice for each worshiper; that God's Word good news about Jesus Christ. Every person who has will be loud and clear; and that each person will re­ ever been alive in this world w ill stand before God. Every spond with appropriate action in view of eternity. one will be judged according to what He knows about Testimony them. According to the Word of God, persons whose sins Encourage a new Christian to share a victory re­ have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ do not port. Guide him or her to phrase it in terms of “re­ stand in this minute judgment before God, but are passed lease from fear, relief from the penalty of sin, and peace in the face of judgment”—because of God’s through on the basis o f Jesus’ shed blood. The best plea forgiving grace! you can have in the judgment is that Jesus died for you. Invitation VII. God’s Judgment Is Operational (v. 15) Emphasize the third verse of the invitation hymn: God’s judgment works within us. The conscience is ac­ “I’ll go with Him through the judgment.” Make it tive, alternately accusing or defending. Our minds, our plain that Jesus Christ will either be our Advocate hearts, our consciences, our wills, our spirits are all at work (Defense Counsel) or our Judge, depending on what within us, and w e have a little foretaste in advance o f what we decide regarding Him here and now! His judgment will be like. His Spirit uses everything in us to

6 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 2:17-29 March 28, 1993

INTRO: If you exchange the word “Jew” for today’s title, An elderly lady had heard a certain distinguished guest “Christian,” and rely upon baptism or church member­ addressed as a doctor. She found her way to his side and ship or anything else, yet fail to obey God in your heart, asked shyly, “Doctor, may I ask you a question?” mind, and spirit, then your religion has little value. It be­ “Certainly,” he said. comes legalistic. It becomes formal without having pow­ “Lately,” she said, “I have been having a funny pain in er or grace or strength. The Jews were obligated to be my side— ” Jews but lacked obedience to the God o f the Jews. The guest interrupted uncomfortably to say, “I’m terribly II. The Jews Had Profession Without sorry, madam, but the truth is, I’m a doctor o f theology.” Performance (w . 19-24) “O h,” she said w ith disappointment, “I’m sorry!” She They were claiming to be superior people: we are a turned away, but, overcome with curiosity, she turned guide to the blind; w e bring light to the dark; w e correct back. “Just one more question, Doctor. Tell me, what those who are foolish; we teach the immature. These kind o f disease is theology?” people claimed to be superior on the basis o f several dis- There is a lot in common between this story and to­ tinctives; yet they professed all that without the perfor­ day’s message: The Theology of Spirit Surgery. The truth mance of accomplishing God’s will. o f spiritual pain inside requires such surgery. G od’s anal­ They had been given privileges based on their identity ogy o f that surgery points to the covenant sealed by cir­ with God: (1) they were allowed to transmit the Temple cumcision. It also reveals the fact that human efforts can­ tax every year to Jerusalem; (2) they were allowed to not solve spiritual problems. have their own courts and live according to their own In Genesis 17, the covenant of circumcision was be­ laws; and (3) they were allowed to enjoy the freedom of gun. When Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared their Jewish observance o f the Sabbath. Paul said that to him. God shared this covenant with him: “Walk before they claimed all o f these things but w ere guilty o f the ma­ me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant be­ jor sins o f pride and hypocrisy. T oo often they lived in­ tween me and you and will greatly increase your num­ consistent lives, revealing a lack of coherence between bers. . . . This is my covenant w ith you and your descen­ what they said and what they did. Situational ethics and dants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male selfish morality were very much a part of their desecra­ among you shall be circumcised” (w . 1-2, 10). Abraham tion o f the covenant with God. was 99 years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of A physical examination of these proud Jews would his foreskin, and Ishmael, his son, was 13 when he was doubtless have revealed that they were “circumcised in circumcised. This covenant that God made with Abraham the flesh”, but they were “uncircumcised in attitude and was sealed with a physical, surgical operation. action.” Some of them caused others to be misled and Circumcision became a tradition that was a matter of caused God’s name to be blasphemed. The word blas­ pride to the whole Jewish nation. The Jews were proud pheme is closely related to the word blame. They were traditionalists. In the progression o f this tradition, they be­ blaming God for their wrong spirit, wrong motives, and came proud legalists, in many cases blind hypocrites. Reli­ wrong actions. The penalty in the Old Testament for blas­ gious people tend to becom e hypocrites if they follow tra­ phemy was death—whether you committed the crime dition to its logical extrem e instead o f sticking with the yourself (Lev. 24:11-16) or caused another to commit it (2 basic relationship that is the basis o f the covenant. Sam. 12:14, NASB). What w e say and what our life causes Circumcision began as a covenant with God. Very sim­ others to say about God are equally important to Him. ply, it meant that He was to cut these persons off and throw them away if they failed to follow, obey, respect, III. The Jews Had Ritual Without Reality honor, and give Him His glory. (w . 25-28) They preserved the mental knowledge of God in the I. The Jews Had Obligation Without physical covenant of circumcision. They kept the law le- Obedience (w . 17-18) galistically. They had the image o f reality, but they had no The Jews claimed several things. They called themselves reality in their rituals. Jews, a proud name. They boasted that they were God’s ILLUS. A man was found guilty of embezzling from the chosen people. They relied upon the law and boasted in place where he worked. After they found him guilty of God. The Jews bragged on these things in relation to them­ embezzling very large sums o f money, they began to seek selves. They had obligation to be Jews, but they had it with­ more explanation about how he was using the money out obeying what God had required them to do. They had that he had stolen. They found out that he had main­ all the privileges of being Jews without accepting the re­ tained two wives, two homes, and two families! So he sponsibilities of obedience to God. The religious works had to steal money from his employer in order to make they performed w ere not sufficient to win His approval. the money needed to maintain tw o complete families.

MARCH/APR1I/MAY 61 When he was confronted by friends in the church surgery into powerful perspective: “The one who relates where he was a very zealous member, his main concern to God must do so from the inside out, inwardly cleansed wasn’t that he had stolen. His main concern was not that by the divine supernatural surgery o f the Holy Spirit. This he had been unfaithful to God. His main concern was not is the circumcision of the heart, so that life reflects God’s that he had committed adultery and bigamy. His main pow er and glory, His love and grace.” concern was whether or not he should go and teach his Is there something in me that needs to be cut away? Is Sunday School class the next Sunday. there something in me that needs God’s divine surgery That’s a Pharisee! That’s a man who understands the by the Holy Spirit? O pen yourself this moment and ask ritual but does not understand anything about the reality Him to remove that from your heart in such a way that it of God’s grace in his life. That nullifies the value of the brings glory to Him and n ew p ow er and victory to you. covenant by his inner attitudes and by his actions that de­ The joy of serving God with a whole heart is often for­ fy the reality of the covenant’s personal purpose. feited because w e refuse to allow His surgery; w e reject A lot o f people have an excess o f religion that borders on the impulse o f the Spirit to get above our old nature. superstition. They gladly engage in ritual and avidly adhere ILLUS. Larry Walters, a 33-year-old truck driver, was sit­ to ecclesiastical rules and regulations regarding signs and ting in his lawn chair in his backyard one day, wishing he symbols without resting in the ONE to whom the rite points could fly. For as long as he could remember, he had or committing themselves to the ONE whom the sign signi­ wanted to fly, but he’d never had the time or money or fies. God’s Word makes it plain that a relationship to Him opportunity to be a pilot. Hang gliding was out because must be based upon what happens inside our spirits. there was no good place for gliding near his home. So he IV. The Jews Needed Surgery by the Spirit (v. 29) spent a lot of summer afternoons sitting in his backyard in his ordinary old aluminum chair— the kind with the Circumcision o f the heart is by the Spirit, not by the w ebbing and the rivets. letter o f the law. W e are not made spiritual by just follow ­ One day Larry hooked 45 helium-filled surplus weather ing tradition, just follow ing a written covenant, just fol­ balloons to his chair. He put on a parachute, put a CB ra­ lowing rules, just following the laws, just going along dio in his lap, tied a paper bag full of peanut butter and with the procedures and rituals, and just saying the right jelly sandwiches to his leg, and slung a BB gun over his things or doing the expected thing. When that something shoulder to pop the balloons when he wanted to come on the inside o f our hearts has been removed in divine down. He lifted off in his lawn chair, expecting to climb surgery by the Holy Spirit, w e begin to see ourselves dif­ a couple of hundred feet. Instead he shot up 11,000 feet ferently; we begin to see God differently; we begin to see right through the approach corridor to the Los Angeles other people differently. We begin to react differently; International Airport. we begin to respond differently; we begin to become dif­ When asked by the press why he did it, Larry an­ ferent people—real from the inside out, people whom swered: “Well, you can’t just there.” When asked if he God’s Spirit has changed. sit was scared, he answered: “Yes—wonderfully so.” All through the Bible it talks about the spiritual applica­ Those who have yielded to God’s surgery, when asked tion of the Old Testament symbol and covenant of cir­ if they were scared of the process, invariably say, “Yes— cumcision. A prophet tells his people to circumcise wonderfully so.” themselves to the Lord, to take away the foreskins of their hearts, lest G od’s fury com e forth like fire (Jer- 4:4, KJV)- G od’s W ord says that w hatever hinders us from SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER knowing Him perfectly and following Him fully and lov­ Call to Worship Ps. 51:7,10 ing Him completely must be operated on by His divine Choral Introit “A Heart like Thine” Holy Spirit. Our hearts must have that Spirit surgery that Congregational Hymn “Cleanse Me” enables us to see God and follow Him. Heart circumci­ Congregational Hymn “It Cleanseth Me” sion involves His taking away something that is not need­ Prayer Choruses “Come, Holy Spirit, I Need Thee” ed, something that hinders, and replacing it with His love “Spirit of the Living God, Fall Fresh on Me" Pastoral Prayer and power. The covenant becomes real, and I want Him Offertory “He Loves Me” more than anything else. Solo “I Want to Be like Jesus” Am I trusting in some religious rite that I went through Message “THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART” years ago as the basis for my present relationship to God? Invitation “O to Be like Thee” If I am, I am missing His best for my life. Benediction Is there stubbornness in my heart that He wants to re­ move so that I can follow Him with my w hole heart? Creative Worship Ideas Am I worthy o f His praise? Does the condition o f my Lenten Emphasis heart stimulate me to praise Him? Does it bring glory to During the Lenten period leading up to Easter, Him? emphasize “what we take on for Christ” and not In what practical way can I make my own spiritual “what we give up for Him”! Take on the opportunity commitment to God more vital and real? What one place to witness, to invite a friend into your home for cof­ does He want to bring me more completely under His fee and talk about eternal things, to pray more for an Lordship? unsaved loved one, to plan a time of hospitality in your home or Sunday School class where you pur­ CONCLUSION: posely encourage some who are having difficulty. This personalized paraphrase o f verse 29 puts spiritual

62 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE WE ARE ALL TOGETHER HERE by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 3:1 -20 April 4,1993

INTRO: my privileges? Am I ready to use my privileges as a W e are all sinful. Everyone! The first 2'A chapters of Ro­ springboard to greater service? mans deal with the problem of sin. A very deep convic- II. We Are All Together Here Under | tion grows as we dig into the Letter to the Romans. We Presumption (w . 3-8) I don’t experience enough grace only because we do not A If the Jews didn’t believe, then God has failed (v. 3X I acknowledge enough sin. No one is really open and re- That is a presumption— that God failed because the Jews I ceptive to the full, dominant, dynamic grace of the Lord failed. It’s easy to blame God for my failures: He didn’t give Jesus until he becomes totally, absolutely convinced of me enough grace, warning, or strength; He didn’t give me I his ow n sin. Paul is closing every escape route that peo- enough escape routes; He didn’t make me succeed! I pie make so that they have to fall back on the divine, un- I natural, supernatural grace o f the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul B. There is an even greater presumption that because I puts us all together under certain conditions o f which w e God so beautifully, freely, powerfully forgives sin, then I need to be aware and to acknowledge and to confess. I can do anything I want, and it brings glory to Him (v. 8). In other words, the more I sin, the more God is I. We Are All Together Here Under God’s honored; the more I sin, the more He can prove His love. Privilege (vv. 1 -2) The risk of teaching grace is very real, because it Paul’s readers may say, “What advantage do we have sounds too good to be true. W hen w e preach grace the because we are Jews? What advantage do we have be­ way God teaches it in His Word, it’s not me helping cause w e have been circumcised? Is there no advantage? God make me better. It’s God doing it all as soon as I’m I There is no advantage!” they said. ready to accept His w ay and His will. 1Paul answers, “You have a great advantage because in Paul refutes these presumptions with strong terms. your own language you have received the divine revela­ May it never be! God forbid! Those who believe that tion o f G od.” What a privilege! The people have received the more they sin, the more they reveal the glory of God’s W ord in their ow n tongue, in their ow n time! God, condemn themselves. What advantage do w e have, being a holiness church, There are tw o great universal truths. (1 ) The root o f being in the Wesleyan tradition? W e have great advantage all sin is pride, man pitting his w ill against God’s will. because we have freedom, the Word of God, and the (2 ) After man has sinned, he has an amazing capacity j things w e praise God for in prayer time. W e are together to rationalize, giving excuses for his actions and his at­ under the privilege o f His blessings. titudes. W e all stand in danger o f being presumptive. We are also in danger of taking those privileges for III. We Are All Together Here Under Sin (w . 9-18) granted. God gave the Jews these privileges for a pur­ That phrase— “under sin”— means many things. W e are pose—to bring them to a place of service and divine ful- under sin’s authority; we are under sin’s dominion; we i fillment. They had these privileges so that they could be are under sin’s power; we are under sin’s influence; we | the nation to produce the Messiah. Privilege brings re- are under sin’s guilt; w e are under sin’s control. The hu­ | sponsibility. God didn’t say to the Jews, “You are special, man predicament is not so much the bad things w e do as so you can do what you please!” He said, “You are spe­ it is that w e live by nature in a Christless state. W e are cial so that you can do what pleases Me!” We must look helpless to escape from it in our own power. Any answer at our privileges as a platform for service to God. for the human problem that fails to deal with the root ILLUS. Britishers love to harass their royalty! They love to cause o f sin is not a solution. criticize them. Because of that propensity, everyone in G od’s W ord declares that men are bom in sin and re­ the media was surprised when the Queen Mother’s 80th main helpless to get out o f it. M odem teaching insists that birthday provoked an unexpected outpouring o f deep, men are neutral. They only need education and economic loyal affection for her. Everyone wondered, why this advantage to become better. Paul warns that w e are not tremendous outpouring o f love? capable in our human strength of ever doing anything re­ Finally some smart newspaperman did a little research. alistic about the problem of sin. As long as w e are twisted He discovered that the Queen Mother saw the privilege by sin, our conclusions and our reasons, our actions and of her position as a platform for service. Even though she attitudes are bent and biased in the wrong direction. was celebrating her 80th birthday, she had not missed Paul scares us in this passage by using absolutes. All one single appointment for ministry or service to others have sinned. There is none good; no, not one! Paul means in 25 years. She had bought with her faithfulness and loy­ that apart from God, people may do good things, but for alty the affection and respect of the Commonwealth. She the wrong reasons. What they consider good may be very saw privilege as a base for service, not for selfishness or selfish at root. No one is capable of following God’s way an exemption from duty. in every situation by their own human strength or wis­ Do I see my privileges as exemption from or responsi­ dom. The atoning blood o f Jesus Christ is the only solu­ bility to service? Am I now too good to follow the rules tion to man’s sin. As Paul uses these absolutes, that is that everybody else follows? Am I grateful for the bless­ what he wants us to understand. The only w ay out o f hu­ ings of life that I enjoy? Am I aware of and thankful for man sin is the grace that Jesus Christ bought for me on

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 63 L the Cross. There are three reasons for this: ledger; we want to end the year in the black. When God A. Paul says we have an unrighteous character (w. St- opens His ledger to my page, there will be a lot of red there. That doesn’t mean bankruptcy, default, failure, 12). “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands, lack; that means love poured out powerfully and effec- - no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, together they tively in our behalf. have gone wrong; no one does good, not even one” (w . 10-12, RSV). These six sentences are taken from the Old V. We Are All Together Here Under Pressure Testament; Paul strung them together. Even good deeds (v. 20) may spring from selfish motives. Without the grace of Even though we work as hard as we can and keep the God, there is no answer, no solution. There is an unrigh­ laws as well as we are able, no one alive will be justified teous character that shows when w e are under sin. through that. The law does only one thing—to make us j B. Paul says we have unrighteous conduct when we conscious o f the fact that w e are sinners. That puts us un­ are under sin (vv. 13-15). He uses four words to de­ der pressure. No flesh will be justified under the efforts scribe speech sins: the throat is full of corruption, an of human endeavor. Every effort to please God will fail i open tomb; the tongue is full of deceit; the lips are full unless we are willing to receive the only sacrifice for sin of poison; the mouth is full o f bitterness. Every part o f that God has given us. the body that produces speech shares the sin that has Is there any part o f me still trying to make believe that Je- j affected human nature. sus’ death was unnecessary? Is there any part o f my actions where I think I can do it on my own? Is there any part of J ILLUS. An eight-year-old girl had said something and me that still wants to say, “I’m glad that Jesus died for oth­ done something that was extremely displeasing to her ers, but He didn’t need to go to all that trouble for m e”? mother. Her mother fussed and fussed at her. She finally decided to spiritualize the whole thing by saying, “Did CONCLUSION: you tell God the terrible thing that you have done, the Paul summarizes in verse 23: “All have sinned.” He terrible thing that you have said?” doesn’t leave us there; he urges us to look forward to The little girl said, “No, Mother, I didn’t think you verse 24, w here all w h o have sinned and all w h o have would want this scandal known outside the family!” fallen short are able to be justified as a gift by G od’s grace C. Paul says that we have an unrighteous center (vv. through the redemption in Christ Jesus. That’s the good news! The good news rests on the fact of bad news. The 16-18). “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (v. good news is that we are absolutely incapable of saving 18, RSV). We have no awe and reverence for God; we ourselves. The good news is that Jesus died so that we don’t spend enough time looking at God; we spend can enjoy God’s grace poured out freely upon us— unde­ too much time looking at other things. We need to servedly, yes; but powerfully and blessedly. spend more time focusing our minds and our hearts On this Palm Sunday, we have much for which to and our eyes on a vision o f God. praise God. It is all o f Jesus Christ and none o f us! IV. We Are All Together Here Under Law (v. 19) All have sinned; all are under the law. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER A. We must fulfill God’s law, and yet there is nothing Children’s Palm Procession I can say that will help. Every mouth will be closed; “Praise the Name of Jesus” no one will have a single excuse. It is interesting to Call to Worship John 12:12-19 hear people’s excuses. Congregational Hymns “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” ILLUS. Some of the most ingenious excuses are found in “Let All the People Praise Him” actual insurance claim forms: Prayer Chorus “We Are One in the Bond of Love” “An individual car came out of nowhere, struck my ve­ Pastoral Prayer hicle, and vanished.” Choir “How Great Thou Art!” “Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and col­ Worship in Giving “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” lided with a tree I don’t have.” Solo “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” “The pedestrian had no idea which direction to run, so Message “WE ARE ALL TOGETHER HERE” I ran over him.” Closing Song “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” Benediction “The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out o f the way when it struck my front end.” Creative Worship Ideas “The guy was all over the road, and I had to swerve a Palm Sunday number of times before hitting him.” You can make the sermon more Palm Sunday-ef­ “My car was legally parked when it backed into the fective by titling it, “Which Palm Branch Are You Un­ other vehicle.” der?” or making each topic, “We Are All Together When we stand before God, no words will be power­ Here Under the Palm Branch o f . . .” If I were going ful enough, smart enough, or wise enough to make any to use this approach, I would take seven palm difference. branches to the pulpit with me and use one to sym­ bolize each of the five major points of the sermon, B. We will be accountable to God. The main item in plus two for the conclusion. My final two would be the ledger will be what have I done with the blood of the Palm Branch of Grace (v. 24) and the Palm Jesus Christ, G od’s ow n Son. Branch of Praise! ILLUS. In human transactions, we don’t like red in the

64 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE FAITH, CONFUSED OR CONFESSED? by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 4:1-17 April 11, 1993

INTRO: seen yet. Abraham was receptive to God’s plan. He An Eskimo visited New York City, then returned to the chose God’s alternative for his life, and he took action far north and brought a long, narrow package wrapped on it! in gift paper, tied with a big ribbon. He presented it to What has God said to you? Are you still debating it? his wife as his gift of return from his long trip. She Do you need to take obedient action on it? That is thanked him, opened it, and found inside a 10-foot length faith! of pipe, about 3" in diameter. She asked what it was. He II. Faith’s Fruit Is Righteousness (Rom. 4:2-5) said, “It’s a great invention. In New York, they prop it up­ Don’t confuse faith with wages; faith is a gift! right in the bedroom, one end on the floor and one end on the ceiling. When you have a very cold night, you A. Faith is not wages! Faith is not a reward for what bang on it, and you get heat.” we do. Faith is not God blessing us because we have I That’s not faith; that’s presumption. He didn’t under­ done something for Him. stand all that was tied to the tw o ends o f that pipe. B. Faith is willingness to take God at His Word and | Some people have no more clue about how or why act upon what He says. Eleven times in this chapter God works in their lives than that Eskimo did about how the word “reckon” is used (w . 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 , heat got into his bedroom in New York City. He thought 22, 23, 24, RSV, cf. NASB). This is an interesting word it was magic, and it wasn’t at all! Faith is very real. in both the original Greek language and in its many En­ Paul directs us to look at Abraham for several reasons. glish counterparts. In the original language it comes First, Abraham was the founder of the Jewish race, the from the word for “logic.” “Reckoning” may be trans­ pattern for all those people who followed God. Second, lated as “accounted,” as “counted,” as “concluded,” as he was the first specific personal example of real faith. “judged,” or as “credited to the account of.” We are going to learn on this Easter Sunday about the C. “Reckoning” is a delightful way of thinking about faith that changes lives! God’s grace. We have not earned it nor deserved it, I. Faith’s Force Is Action (Heb. 11:8-12) but God reckoned that w e needed it. God figured that j Don’t confuse faith with mental assent; faith is action! we could use grace. God credited righteousness to our Abraham and his w ife, Sarah, w ere happy, contented, account. and prosperous in the land of Ur of the Chaldees. Then Faith in God does not bring wages but is the only Abraham heard from God. way to receive His powerful gift and receive the credit A. Faith always begins when we hear from God. Until that w e need with Him. God says something, we have nothing on which to D. Faith never results in anything except the righ­ build faith. God said to Abraham, “Pick up everything teousness of God. The minute that my heart lifts itself and leave!” So Abraham went to his wife, as a good up in pride because of God’s great grace, love, power, man w ould do, and said, “Sweet w ife, w e are m oving.” or blessing, I have already begun to destroy the account She asked, “W here are w e going?” o f righteousness into which God places His grace. He said, “Only God knows.” She asked, “Do they have tri-level tents where we III. Faith’s Feature Is Blessing (w . 6-9) are going?” Don’t confuse faith with drudgery; faith is joyful! He shrugged, “Only God knows.” A. God’s blessing comes through faith. Faith isn’t She pressed further, “Do they have hot and cold run­ drudgery or simply doing your duty. Faith does a work o f ning water?” joy and blessing. God gives you credit for His righteous­ “I don’t know,” he responded. ness, even though you didn’t do anything to deserve it or “Do they have good stores there?” she asked. earn it. Along with it comes the great blessing o f know­ “I don’t know,” he admitted. ing you have been loved to the limit. You have been “Well, what do you know?” she questioned. loved and changed, apart from any o f your own doing. Abraham answered, “I only know one thing: God ILLUS. A long time ago, when the coal mines in England spoke to m e!” w ere active, a minister used to go and stand at the door Abraham is the Father o f the Faithful for this reason: of the coal mine and preach to the miners. One morning Faith’s force is not in hearing; it is in doing. It’s not he was preaching on God’s grace. He said, “You didn’t mental assent; it’s action. W e must not confuse faith do anything to earn it; you can’t do anything to deserve with merely thinking about something. it; but God loves you and He wants you.” B. Faith does not become real until it is acted upon. An old miner said, “That’s not fair. What can I do to Faith causes us to do something that we would not earn God’s love?” have done if we hadn’t believed something we hadn’t The preacher replied, “There is nothing you can do to

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 65 earn it; God’s righteousness is given to those w ho accept the V. Faith’s Future Is Guaranteed (vv. 13-17) fact that they can never earn it and can never deserve it.” Don’t confuse faith with fear; faith is delight. God has The miner said, “That’s not fair.” promised that the future is secure to those w ho trust His The minister was suddenly inspired and said, “What grace. Along with Abraham, w e are heirs of the world (v. are you going to do now?” 13). We have received the promise of faith (v. 14). God’s j “I’m going to work,” the man replied; “my shift starts grace is guaranteed to us (v. 16). We are His children (v.j in just a few minutes.” 17). Don’t ever confuse faith with fear. Don’t ever con­ The pastor said, “What’s your w ork like?” fuse faith with dread. Faith is always expressed and expe­ He answered, “I go way down in the bottom of the rienced as joyful delight in a loving Father’s presence. mine and drill places to put dynamite. I work all day dow n there in the dark. The only light I see is the light CONCLUSION: from this tiny candle on my helmet.” We are given a very powerful double description of The minister asked, “H ow do you get down there?” who God is. God gives life to the dead and calls into be­ The miner explained, “On the elevator.” ing that which does not exist (v. 17). There are some questions to ask ourselves on this Easter Sunday morning. Then the pastor asked, “H ow much did you pay for the elevator?” (1 ) What is your God like? Is He the God w ho raises The miner said, “Oh, I didn’t pay anything!” the dead? Is He the God w ho brings things into existence The minister insisted, “That isn’t fair. It’s not fair for you to that have never happened before? (2 ) O r is your God the get down there where you work and where you earn a living one w ho is also a victim o f your circumstances? Is your and yet you didn’t pay for the way you get down there.” God also unable to change the things that perturb and The miner began to see, “Oh, you mean that even perplex you? (3) What is dead in your life to which Hej though it doesn’t cost me anything, it cost somebody can give life? Do you have hopes and dreams that need to something.” be revived and brought back to life? Is there somebody The old minister said, “That is exactly right; there is here who is reminded that God is the God who brings nothing you can do to deserve or earn salvation. There is back the dead? no w ay you can ever pay the price. Salvation doesn’t cost When faith simply does these things— listens to God, opens the heart to God’s direction, opens the mind to you anything, but it cost Somebody a lot. It cost God’s Son His life!” God’s perception, opens the will to God’s will, and takes David knew this blessing (v. 6). action based on what God wants me to become, good things come back to life in me! Upon the authority of B. Forgiveness is the basis for this blessing (v. 7). God’s Word, it is never too late for Him to bring back to; G od’s forgiveness that w e receive is a source o f bless­ life what He wants for you. But He requires you to take; ing because it lasts forever (v. 8). Blessing is not based the action of obedience based on what He says. That is upon our works (v. 9). If you have been trying to earn truly life-changing faith! God’s grace, then you have missed everything. Until you have opened your heart, mind, spirit, and soul to Jesus Christ and invited Him to come in as the Savior and Lord, you have missed everything. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” There is not one way in the world to receive forgive­ Choral Introit “Christ, the Lord Is Risen” ness except to open yourself to Him. No one else can Call to Worship Luke 24:1 -8 do that for you. Each o f us stands before God. Faith Congregational Hymns “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” brings great blessing. Faith’s feature is to be blessed “He Lives!” with spiritual joy that comes when my sins are forgiv­ Pastoral Prayer Repeat Chorus of “He Lives!” en and my guilt is removed. I can know that I am Choir “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” standing in the right place with God. I can know that Worship in Giving my spirit is open to my fellowman and God’s delight is Solo “Christ Arose!” at work within me. Message “FAITH, CONFUSED OR CONFESSED?” Closing Invitation “Because He Lives” IV. Faith’s Function Is Grace (w . 10-12) Benediction Don’t confuse faith with effect; faith is cause! In this context, the writer points out a very interesting se­ Creative Worship Ideas quence: (1) God spoke to Abraham. (2) Abraham obeyed If given about three weeks’ notice before Easter God. (3) God promised to make him a great nation. (4) (deadline on Palm Sunday), many in your congrega­ God gave him the seal of righteousness, circumcision. So tion will put money in an envelope to purchase a lily it was faith working before Abraham ever received the to be placed in the church either in memory of a de­ parted loved one or in honor of a living person. Peo­ seal of the law. God declared Abraham to be the father of ple are blessed in several ways. Encourage them to those who believe and the father of the righteous long take the lilies after the Easter Sunday evening mes­ before he was under the seal of circumcision. He re­ sage and give them to a shut-in or a non-Christian ceived grace before he was circumcised; the law of friend as a witness of love. The Easter Sunday morn­ covenant came afterward as an effect and not as the ing worship folder should have an insert or a list of cause. Faith’s function is grace; don’t confuse it with the names of those who purchased a lily and whom they law. Faith is the cause of blessing (v. 10). Faith takes honored or memorialized. steps o f faithful obedience o f God (v. 12).

6 6 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE WE REJOICE AND EXULT by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 5:1-11 April 18, 1993

INTRO: expressions of what glory meant to the men were shared. The w ord exult is not used very often; it is difficult to One said, “Glory is the awareness o f God’s presence.” sprinkle that w ord into your conversation. The w ord re­ Another said, “Glory is the total impact of God’s power joice is more common. There is much in God’s Word on my life.” about exulting, delighting, rejoicing, excitement, and en­ Another man had been studying Exodus with his wife. thusiasm. He related glory to the Shekinah presence of God—the Paul talks about those emotional dynamics that occur shining, mysterious, mystical glow of God’s living pres­ in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. ence in the holy of holies. This glow of God’s glorious The w ord exult is repeated over and over. Exult relates presence enables us to exult in hope. to pleasantness and sometimes to unpleasantness. Paul B. We shall be saved from judgment (v. 9). That is wants us to understand very clearly that when w e have a good news! Having been justified by Jesus’ blood, we personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, will be saved from God’s wrath. We will be protected everything is transformed into an opportunity to exult— from the normal, natural consequences o f our ow n sin. to rejoice, to be thankful, and to be glad. The blood o f Jesus covering over our sins is the only A favorite word for exult is jubilation. Jubilation solution to the problem of sin. His atonement enables comes from jubilee, which is based upon spiritual free­ us to have great exultation for the future. dom. Spiritual freedom creates jubilation, an inward over­ flow of rejoicing over grace. Expressions of delight are C. We shall experience resurrection life (v. 10). W e appropriate responses to the ministering grace that Jesus shall live forever. W e shall be resurrected with Jesus. Christ has given to us. W e have Christ’s life in us, forever! I. We Exult in Our Present Standing (vv. 1 -2) III. We Exult in Current Painful Processes (w . 3-5) I W e stand in G od’s grace; w e have good standing. Paul gets radical; he says that Christians are jubilant about their problems. Are there any “Amens”? I A. We have been justified. We have been freed from the penalty of sin by the sovereign act of God whereby A. We also exult in our tribulations (v. 3) Christians He declares that the sinner is transformed into a believ­ have learned to be jubilant about the very fact that God is on their side, no matter what happens. ing son of God by His miraculous grace (v. 1). We have been set free from sin, given a guarantee of eternal life ILLUS. A pastor visited in the home of a family who came in heaven, and given a down payment on spiritual for the first time the previous Sunday, a day o f special blessings in this present life. music ministry. The pastor asked, “Did you enjoy the ser­ vice last Sunday?” [ B. Because of our new relationship to God, we have The father answered, “Yes, it was good. But what is go­ I peace with God (v. 1). Exultation, jubilation, and ing to happen tomorrow?” I peace are related in a very delightful way. Peace is jubi- The pastor said, “We are back to the preacher preach­ I lation at rest. Jubilation is peace dancing. W hen w e are ing tom orrow .” I jubilant, open, and expressive o f G od’s w ork in us, in- The man said, “What are you going to preach about?” i ner joy is being released into the people around us. The pastor said, “I’m going to preach from that great I C. We have access into the presence of royalty (v. 2). passage that says that Christians learn to get excited f| We have come into the presence of Almighty God. about their troubles.” ■ This means we have been brought into a safe, shel- He said, “Boy, am I excited. I know all about tribula­ I tered haven of rest. When we have been brought into tion. I ’ve been there now for 19 years.” As he shared his I God’s presence and received power from Him, the story, it wasn’t gloom and doom that was coming I tempest-tossed lives that w e had before in sin and self- through his spirit, his eyes, his voice. It was the aware­ I ishness have been changed. W e enjoy G od’s rest. ness that God and he were in it together. There was an I D. When we have faith, we have the grace of God’s exciting awareness that God never allows anything to I inner power at work. So w e exult about the fact that com e into his life that he and God can’t handle together. B we have this relationship with God through Jesus Paul knew that trouble was inevitable but not insur­ I Christ. We stand secure and are blessed in the pres- mountable. The chain o f events that begins with tribula­ I ence of the King of the Universe. tion can bring forth good character and the glory o f God. II. We Exult in Hope for the Future (w . 2, 9-10) Christians aren’t masochists. W e don’t go around seeking hurt. But we don’t view pain as the end of the world ei­ I A. We expect to experience God’s glory (v. 2). ther. It can signal the beginning o f a purifying process. ILLUS. In a men’s prayer group, each fellow was asked to T w o words deal with tribulation. The first is a Latin give a personal definition o f the word glory. Some beautiful word, tribulum. A tribulum is a big piece of timber

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 67 with spikes in it. Farmers dragged this through wheat CONCLUSION: stalks, and it would separate out the wheat and the Christians believe that each person can and must have chaff. The Greek w ord is flipsis, best translated as “pres­ a close personal friendship with God. We have become sure.” Where is your pressure point? Your pressure is His friends— not just for what He does for us, not just for something that God has given you, or allowed to come what He gives us, not just for getting us through the into your life, to start the process o f purifying grace. tough times, but for His personal fellowship. ILLUS. At an elderly preacher’s funeral, some collected ILLUS. A minister traveled about, holding revivals, and was wisdom recorded on the flyleaf o f his Bible was read. One away from home for long periods. He noticed a clear dis­ of the most powerful said: “The worst possible place in tinction, after a couple of longer trips, between his chil­ the world to get o ff a train is in the darkness o f a tunnel.” dren’s response to his return home and his w ife ’s response. W hen you are under pressure, that is no time to quit! It illustrates the difference between being jubilant about B. We exult in pain’s by-product, perseverance. Sever­ what God does for me and being jubilant about God. Every al words are equally powerful: perseverance, forbear­ time he would come home, his two young children met ance, fortitude, endurance, patience. They all suggest him excitedly and hugged him. Then they said, “What did to endure, not with gritting your teeth, but with rejoic­ you bring me, Daddy?” That was normal and nice. ing in your heart! But sometime in those first few hours, his w ife would quietly say, “I’m glad you’re home!” ILLUS. Under the Communists, a Korean Christian was This week find a time away from all other interrup­ asked by his jailer, a Communist, “H ow do you stand the tions. Simply say, “I am glad You are here, G od!’’ For that persecution?” one time, leave off the petitions: “Would You help me?” Humbly, but honestly, the Korean Christian answered, “Please, I need . . . ,” and “What are You going to bring “You don’t understand us. W e Christians are like nails; me?” Exult in His presence. Exult in His person. Exult inj the harder you hit us, the deeper you drive us.” His personal relationship to you in love. Does my pain drive me deeper into Jesus or does Satan somehow use it to drive me away from Jesus? C. We exult in approved character. W e have pressure; we have patience; now we have character, integrity, and reality. This powerful concept of approved charac­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ter means a refined, purified metal. The same word has Call to Worship Rom. 5:5 been translated into English as “sterling”—purified, Congregational Hymn “All That Thrills My Soul” perfected, having becom e what it was supposed to be. Prayer Chorus “They That Wait Upon the Lord” Pastoral Prayer D. We exult in hope that grows strong. Hope does not Choir “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” disappoint us; hope has confidence; hope cannot be Worship in Giving “0 for a Thousand Tongues!” defeated; hope cannot be ashamed; hope provides in­ Quartet “My Wonderful Lord” ner reinforcement. Our hope is built upon the charac­ Message “WE REJOICE AND EXULT” ter o f Jesus Christ, upon the integrity o f God, upon our Closing Hymn “Heaven Came Down” commitment of faith, upon our willingness to belong Benediction to God no matter what happens. Creative Worship Ideas E. We exult in God’s poured-out love. God’s love al­ For Easter Sunday evening or Easter Week prayer lows pressure to come into our lives to start this meeting, use Rom. 4:16-25 on the topic, “Faith process. However, God’s Spirit also pours in love to Faces Up to Impossibilities!” counterbalance and provide an antidote for the hurt so Begin by asking two questions: (1) What would I that bitterness, resentment, and anger don’t overwhelm attempt for God if I knew that I could not fail? (2) us and dominate our attitudes. The Holy Spirit is the What am I doing now in God’s service that requires Source o f our exultation, jubilation, and rejoicing (v. 5). Resurrection power to accomplish? IV. We Exult in God Himself (vv. 6-7-8, 11) Emphasize that the God of our faith gives life to the dead, calls things from nowhere into existence, We get excited about what God does for us. Maybe we gives supernatural inner support, and enables us to don’t put enough emphasis upon getting excited about face the impossibilities in our lives. God himself. W e exult in God; w e are jubilant in God! Close by asking people to ponder and pray about A. Jesus came when we were helpless (v. 6). W e the applications for this truth: (1) Look for the impos­ didn’t have any strength. We were ungodly. We sin­ sibilities that you face in your life— physically, emo­ ners w ere enemies o f God, yet Jesus still loved us and tionally, relationally, spiritually. (2) Identify those gave himself for us. things that only God can do something about. (3) Face those impossibilities with faith—with the real­ B. Jesus died for us (vv. 6, 7). He proved His love to ization that God wants to manifest His power and us when we were most unlovable. reveal His glory. (4) Affirm that you will not be con­ C. Jesus demonstrated His love to us through His tent with “business as usual” and that you will give death! God the appropriate praise for His working in and through you. (5) Next Sunday night, give opportunity D. Jesus gives us reconciliation! The God against whom for witness by those who have done this. Let them w e rebelled in our sin and selfishness has done what was know there will be that opportunity. necessary to become our closest personal Friend.

6 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE A SUPERABUNDANCE OF GRACE by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 5:12-21 April 25, 1993 Membership Sunday

INTRO: advanced to where we bolt our doors and windows at The topic of Romans 5 is grace. This difficult passage night while jungle natives sleep in open huts. goes back and forth from the man through w hom sin en­ E. Sin results in condemnation (vv. 16, 18). Because tered the world, Adam, and the Man through whom righ­ of sin, God has placed the world under condemnation. teousness came, Jesus. Paul clearly leads us to understand The context says that Adam sinned— that was an ac­ that salvation is seriously and simply a life-or-death mat­ tion—and the word means he missed the mark. He ter. Sin entered by Adam and with it, death. Grace came missed the mark because he did not choose the right through Jesus Christ and w ith it, salvation and life. target. He shot at pleasing himself instead of pleasing In every part of Romans 5 the underlying assumption is God. When we shoot at the mark of pleasing self rather that grace more than adequately solves all the problems than pleasing God, w e shall miss His mark. of man’s sinful nature. Grace is God’s answer for sin; it is In this context, when it says, “Sin entered,” there is a sufficient answer. The great adequacy of grace is under­ another w ord for sin. This w ord for sin is “a disposi­ lined in the promise that w here sin abounds, G od’s grace tion o f selfishness,” meaning a natural tendency to do superabounds (v. 20). the wrong thing, for the wrong reasons, at the wrong I. Sin Is a Disgrace time. Man is in charge, and death is reigning. The disgrace of sin shows up in our world. F. Sin is disobedience (v. 19). Even when we try to A. Sin entered through Adam (v. 12). W e are not sure keep the law, the transgression, guilt, and penalty in­ how. W e do not have a proper explanation. Some peo­ creases (v. 20). ple say sin is genetic, transmitted from one generation Why would God allow sin to exist in the world? He to the next. Some people say sin entered because has the power to destroy sin. A day will come when Adam was our representative. Some people say some­ He w ill do that. Meanwhile, He could not destroy sin thing happened when Adam sinned that changed the without destroying all the sinners. In an act o f mercy climate, environment, and nature of man. The Bible and grace, He gave time for us to fall in love with Him says that w hen Adam sinned, sin entered the world. instead of continuing to fall in love with ourselves. Sin B. When sin entered the world, death came as a di­ is a disgrace that intensifies through time. rect consequence. ILLUS. In December 1985 a 70-foot-wide sinkhole in Flori­ da swallowed a home and a carport, forcing the evacuation C. Death spread to all people (v. 12). Sin has affected of four homes in a retirement community. The hole was every person bom into the world from the time that about the size o f a pickup truck when it was first discov­ Adam chose to disobey God. ered. Within three hours, it had grown to 30 by 40 feet and ILLUS. W hen Albert Einstein discovered the theory o f rel­ had swallowed half o f a small house. Tw o hours later the ativity with his simple formula, E=mc2, only five or six house was gone. The owners escaped with only their coats, people in the whole world even came close to under- glad to be alive. Without Jesus Christ, the human heart is [ standing what he was talking about. Even though many like a sinkhole— and the results are more catastrophic. I people did not understand it, the knowledge that was I spawned from Einstein’s findings resulted in the deaths II. Salvation Is a “This Grace”! j of millions of people in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. As a re- A. This grace is a free gift (v. 15). Human effort can­ | suit, fear has hung over the w orld since 1945. Most peo­ not earn G od’s grace. ple today have never known a world without the atomic ILLUS. The pastor called a 10-year-old boy to the front o f / bomb. Einstein’s discovery has profoundly affected every- the church and held a $5.00 bill out to show the congre­ I one. We can’t escape the influence and impact that Ein- gation and the young lad. “Bobby,” he asked, “have you I stein has made. Whether we understand it or not, we are done anything to earn this?” j all affected by the practical implications o f Einstein’s the­ “No, sir,” the boy replied. ory. In a similar way, we are profoundly affected by Again the pastor asked, “Have I promised you this Adam’s sin. $5.00 previously?” D. Death has reigned (vv. 14, 21). Death became king; “No,” Bobby answered. it became master over everyone. Look at today’s “Have you any reason to expect that I would give you world— business, politics, education, philosophy, cul- this $5.00?” I ture, morality, or entertainment. The reign o f death “No, sir,” the boy stated. through sin has reached such proportions in our own “Is this your birthday?” asked the pastor. land that most o f us live w ith it every day without being “No,” the boy answered. conscious of how much w e are affected. Death reigns! “If I give you this $5.00, it would be a free gift, | ILLUS. After thousands of years, Western civilization has wouldn’t it?” the pastor inquired.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 69 “Yes, sir, it would.” D. Life reigns instead of death. That’s exactly what happened: Bobby got a free gift of E. Grace superabounds in opposition to sin (v. 20). It $5.00 to show that our efforts or expectations are not doesn’t matter how bad your life has been; it doesn’t factors in receiving G od’s grace. matter how deep you might be in sin. God’s grace always Confusion inflicts people when you begin to talk to has more than enough pow er to meet your need. God’s them about God’s grace. Why? They didn’t do anything to grace is strong and superabundant to meet every need. earn it. They didn’t do anything to deserve grace. Why would anyone want to do that? It doesn’t make any sense. CONCLUSION: We begin to understand that God gives His love, His Grace is G od’s gift. You can’t earn it. It is more than forgiveness, and His grace—not because we work for it, enough for every need. All you have to do is receive His not because w e earned it, not because w e deserve it, but grace. because He loves us. ILLUS. Legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was virtual­ IT T ITS. A man’s pastor asked him why he didn’t receive ly unknown when he painted his famous portrait of God’s grace. He said, “I ’m working toward it.” American writer Gertrude Stein in 1906. Picasso gave the The pastor said, “I have bad news for you, then. You’ll portrait to Miss Stein since, as the artist himself recalled never get there. There is no way you can work long with a smile, at that time in his career, “the difference be­ enough, hard enough, or get far enough in your own tween a gift and a sale was negligible.” Several years later, strength to get God’s grace. Grace comes at the end of the portrait attracted the interest of millionaire art collec­ your willingness to give up on yourself and to let go of tor Dr. Albert Barnes, w h o asked Miss Stein h ow much your own efforts and let go of your own human striving she had paid Picasso for it. “Nothing,” she replied. “Natu­ and simply receive from G od.” rally, he gave it to m e.” Dr. Barnes was incredulous that This free grace that God gives us is totally different such a priceless work o f art could have been a gift. from the disgrace that sin brings. If you’ve ever thought about the good news o f Jesus for very long, you can probably appreciate Dr. Barnes’s in­ B. Jesus Christ is the Giver of grace (v. 15). That mira­ credulity. Think of what we have been given in Jesus cle and mystery we can’t understand completely. Christ: forgiveness, eternal life, the riches o f heaven, all at ILLUS. Sir Alexander Fleming, the microbiologist, discov­ a cost we could have never paid! That’s not all; we have ered penicillin. The life of a pastor’s dear friend was the privilege o f sharing this divine treasure with others. saved by massive dosages of penicillin when his appen­ dix burst. As the pastor and his friend talked in the hospi­ tal, they realized that 20 or 30 years earlier, Alexander SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Fleming provided a cure for what would formerly have Piano Prelude “Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” been certain death. He has contributed to the health and Call to Worship Rom. 5:5, 20 longevity of millions of people throughout the world Choir “His Grace Aboundeth More” since discovering that green mold called penicillin. Peni­ Congregational Hymn “Amazing Grace” cillin could be called a “grace.” We didn’t work to discov­ Prayer Time er it. We didn’t pay for all of the experiments that Choir “Wonderful Grace of Jesus" brought it into being. It was something we receive as a Take in Members Worship in Giving gift. It helps everyone. It’s an abundant gift! Special Song “He Giveth More Grace” C. The abundant gift of grace brings righteousness (v. Message “A SUPERABUNDANCE OF GRACE” 17). Grace brings right-useness. Grace puts us into Closing Song “Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” proper relationship with God. Benediction ILLUS. A certain man was sitting on a tack. He was hurt­ Creative Worship Ideas ing. He wanted some help. So he called for a psycholo­ gist, w ho said, “Sir, the reason you are hurting is rooted Taking In Members in a childhood trauma. You need therapy.” Have a six-week class to prepare people for this A sociologist was called, and he suggested, “You’ve got Sunday: (1) History of the church; (2) Doctrines of the church; (3) Ministries of the church; (4) Life-style a problem, and it is obviously the result of the kind of en­ of the church; (5) Your spiritual gifts and ministry; vironment in w hich you grew up. Hurt is from an im­ and (6) Our church is yours too! proper environment.” Communion An economist was called next. He said, “Money is the The message of grace and the service lend them­ root o f all hurt. Let me help you w ith your portfolio.” selves easily to Communion time. Serving the Lord’s Then a minister was called. He suggested, “If you learn Supper at the close of the message would be both to praise the Lord in all your circumstances, you won’t fitting and effective. hurt so much. Your spiritual life leaves something to be Demonstration desired. Start reading your Bible and praying every day, The illustration of giving $5.00 to a boy in the con­ and it will get better.” gregation works best if you actually do it at that But with all this advice, the man still hurt. Then a little point in the sermon. Call a boy up to the platform. girl came along. She said, “Mister, w hy don’t you get o ff Ask him the questions. Let his amazement and con­ the tack?” fusion and then obvious pleasure demonstrate the For those who would receive God’s grace, they must vital points in the illustration. get o ff sin’s hurt.

70 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE THE NEWNESS OF LIFE by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 6:1-11 May 2, 1993

INTRO: thought of my sermon. I began to enumerate the points, Paul contrasts the old life of sin and death with the thinking o f the Cross. new life o f grace and truth. He talks about an identifica­ Then I said to myself, “Have I ever been on that Cross?” tion w ith Christ at the point o f death and resurrection. Potentially I was there with Christ, but in experience had New life in Christ always requires identification. I ever been there? My pride, my hunger for popularity, my People of the world don’t believe that human nature greed—have these things ever been nailed there on the can change. Or they believe that human nature doesn’t Cross by my choice with Jesus? Have I ever felt the loneli­ need to be changed— all w e need is to correct one’s envi­ ness, sorrow, and agony that Jesus felt on Calvary? ronment. God’s Word doesn’t teach that. The Word These questions humbled me, and I fell to my knees to teaches that the old person in sin must die with Christ in pray, but I could not pray. Something kept asking me: order that the new nature becomes our experience Have you ever been on that Cross? I got up from my through the Resurrection. The W ord teaches that human knees, went to my mirror, and said, “O God, nail my i nature can change through identification with Christ. pride, my love of self, my desire for popularity, my greed, I. Newness of Life Must Be Received all the lusts o f the flesh to the cross o f Christ.” Then I ac­ tually could see myself hanging there with Jesus. Instead A. We receive newness of life through baptism (vv. 3, of preaching my sermon, I told my congregation of my ( 4). Baptism is a vital contact with Christ. In the Early experience. I simply said that I wanted to see them get Church, baptism meant that a person publicly pro­ on their knees and stay there until Jesus showed them claimed his willingness to walk away from his old life themselves on the Cross with Him. to start a w hole n ew life. W hen a person was baptized It’s easy to resist that way o f thinking! From the author­ j in Paul’s time, it meant that he was ready to turn 180 ity of God’s Word, newness of life is received when we degrees to begin walking in newness of life through willingly identify with Jesus in His death. N o one goes to Christ. Baptism symbolizes this identification! When the Cross w ith Jesus unless he chooses to do so. we lie down, buried in the baptismal water, we act out our willingness to die to the old self. As we are raised C. We receive newness of life through Jesus’ resurrec­ up out of the water, we act out our desire to be made tion (v. 8). Having a new life isn’t some glib proclama­ new by the resurrection p ow er o f Jesus Christ. Walk- tion of the lips or expression of the feelings. We have I ing out of the baptismal water, we witness to the new life when we identify with Jesus through His world that we intend to walk in newness of life. death and resurrection. B. We receive newness of life through death to the old II. Newness of Life Can Be Known I life (v. 4). There is only one way to enter into the new The scripture emphasizes knowing something. Chris­ life— that is through the death o f the old life! There is tian living depends upon Christian knowing—knowing i no w ay to continue in the old life o f sin and selfishness God’s Word and being discipled in the doctrines of that I while experiencing the new life of grace and peace. Word. These are vital essentials for a growing Christian. [ Death is mentioned in Romans 15 times. Paul talks Newness o f life must be known. Three times in this con­ about being crucified with Christ, about dying with text that word “know” appears. We have certainty; we i Him in baptism— it’s a death route. It’s the end o f some- have an inward knowledge. [ thing w e have known and something w e have been. A. Newness of life is known in the certainty of bap­ If you could dig a grave and place anything in there tism (v. 3). The first “know” is connected to baptism. that you wanted to see dead and buried in your life, W e have become identified with Jesus in His death for I what would it be? That’s practical, concrete, and spe- us; the certainty of our death in Him is symbolized in I cific. Paul speaks of being dead to those things so that baptism. Both physical and spiritual dimensions pro­ we may com e alive to Jesus. vide experiential knowledge. Sometimes we try to exist as “betweeners.” We are | between Egypt and Canaan. W e are between Good Fri- B. Newness of life is known in the certainty of being I day and Easter Sunday morning. W e are betw een the crucified with Jesus (v. 6). The old person has been ren­ [ old life and the new life—and we are miserable. We dered powerless to control, influence, or direct our new | have not arrived yet where we are willing to die to the life in Christ. Our old self was put to death with Christ j old life. so that our new life controls our attitudes and actions. ILLUS. A pow erful personal testimony reveals this truth: C. Newness of life is known in the certainty of 1 was studying Romans 6 . My heart was saturated with Christ’s victory (vv. 9-10). Identification w ith Jesus the message as I prepared a sermon to be delivered the stands central in the miracle o f new life. At that instant following Sunday. On Sunday morning as I stood before when my heart realizes that something miraculous and the mirror to adjust my tie before going to the pulpit, I unusual has happened, I have opened my life to Christ.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 71 Throughout the history of the church, monasticism, Do you have feelings of inferiority and insecurity? asceticism, sacramentalism, ceremonialism, ritualism, Reckon that those feelings are dead and that they are re­ legalism, and many other “isms” have been man’s way placed from the deposit that Christ has made w ith Jesus’ to capture the reality o f newness o f life in Christ. They poise, purpose, and power. have sought ways to perpetuate it after it has been real­ Write a check on God’s bank account for you. You and ized. The way to continue in this new life is by contin­ the Lord are the only one who know what that check uing identification, personal communion, and relation­ should be. What is it you need from Him? What is it that ship w ith Jesus, daily celebrating our victory in Christ. you want in His newness o f life for you today? Is it forgive­ ness, salvation, freedom, understanding, or love? Act upon III. Newness of Life Is to Be Enjoyed that reckoning that your need has been supplied through We are freed from death. We are freed from sin. We the death o f Jesus Christ on the Cross. There may be some­ are freed to live! The freedom w e have received in Christ one here w ho has never known Jesus as Savior and Lord. is the source of great power, peace, joy, blessing, and the You can have Jesus’ new life today. Take these steps: (1) awareness—moment by moment and day by day—of a Acknowledge that sin separates you from God. (2 ) Confess new quality of life. The words “joy” or “rejoice” do not your sin and turn away from it; repent o f it. (3 ) Claim the appear in this passage, but freedom creates in us a sense deposit that Jesus has made for you, and reckon that He did of joy as the result of God’s newness of life within. An it because He chooses to give you His eternal life. overpowering impact of joy comes when we receive If you don’t remember anything else from this mes­ Christ’s new life. sage, remember these three tiny words: count on it! IV. Newness of Life Is to Be Realized Count on what Jesus did! Accept it and confess it as A powerful word may be translated “consider” or G od’s will! “count on” or “reckon.” The word “reckon” is used many times in the New Testament, several times in Romans alone. Paul is saying, “I act as if it w ere real— knowing SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER that it is real.” You know that Jesus’ death is a reality. Prelude “All That Thrills My Soul” You know that He didn’t die for His ow n sins, but for my Call to Worship Rom. 6:4-5 sins and your sins. That’s reality! Congregational Hymn “Jesus Is All the World to Me” Jesus deposited in your account all that you need so Prayer Choruses “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name” that you can be all that He wants. N o w you have to act “Jesus Never Fails” upon that fact. If God says that I am crucified with Him, Pastoral Prayer Worship in Giving then I “count on” that to be true in my life. I write a Solo “I Give You Jesus” check on that account. Message “THE NEWNESS OF LIFE” ILLUS. The notices in the newspapers o f people w ho are Closing Hymn “Give Me Jesus” supposed to have great fortunes waiting for them are in­ Benediction triguing! A lot of people have wasted time looking through those long lists for their names, only to be disappointed. Creative Worship Ideas Imagine that some rich relative you have never known Baby Day had no other kinfolk. Somehow he knew about you. Be­ Baby Day is a great time to have baby dedica­ fore he died, he placed $8 million in a trust account for tions. In addition to the usual ceremonial aspects of you. You found your name in one of those lists. Two the service, give the parents an opportunity to make things you could do. covenants with each other to provide a spiritual You could say, “I’m sorry, but that’s not mine.” You home, to make covenants with God to seek His wis­ dom and direction, and to make covenants with their wouldn’t get one cent out of that account if you took child to give them eternal gifts. that attitude. As they stand facing the congregation, after being You could say, “It is worth a try.” You would sign a check introduced, ask the congregation to make made out to that account. If you signed a check on that ac­ covenants with these parents to pray for them, to count, you would reckon that there was money in a trust love their children, to provide godly examples, to fund for you. Thus you would act upon that reckoning. live in the spirit of God’s family, caring and sharing If we believe fully what God says in His Word, His in­ with one another. heritance for us is based, not upon our feeling, but on Give a gift to each parent with a child under one our willingness to take action based on His deposit, that year of age. which He has put in our account. Until you reckon that it Christian Family Celebration Week is there, until you act upon it by faith, it remains there as Declare this week Christian Family Celebration God’s deposit through Christ for you. But it doesn’t be­ Week. Give your families information and permission come your inheritance. to spend Monday night at home with their families in Do you find resentment in your life? Reckon that re­ discussion, Bible study, prayer, playing games, and sentment to be dead and buried with Christ. Reckon that bonding together in love. in Jesus’ deposit, He has the ability and willingness to re­ Five-Sunday Months place your resentment with forgiveness and love. Do you Make May and all the other months in the year find fear in your life? Reckon that it is dead in Christ. with five Sundays special times to emphasize Prayer Reckon that the deposit that Jesus made for you is full o f and Fasting. courage and confidence.

72 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE FUNCTION OF THE LAW by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 7:1-13 May 9, 1993

INTRO: of holiness. Paul specifically says that he came to know In the first six chapters of Romans Paul emphasized what coveting was because of the law. When the law said, the sinfulness o f sin, the p ow er o f justification by faith, “Thou shall not covet” (Exod. 20:17, KJV), Paul recognized and the glory of the yielded, sanctified life. From his own in himself this desire to have the things that did not belong experience, he begins to correct the common miscon­ to him. A paradox exists between God’s will and man’s im­ ceptions regarding the law. possibility in his own strength. That is revealed by the law. Paul contrasts true spiritual growth with counterfeit Most people would say that Paul was a great man. But in­ holiness. Most people who come to God find that they side, he saw himself as a divided man, a man tom and tor­ want to do so much for Him, to be so good for Him, to tured between a nature that was new through Christ Jesus grow so fast, that they are impatient. Many o f them get and a nature that was old through self-centeredness. Tom, sidetracked along the way into a preoccupation with the double-minded, double natured. The law was beginning to law as a way of becoming God’s favorite children. Paul reveal to him the fact o f sin. He was becoming more deeply maintains that we are not under law (Rom. 6:14). Law aware of the involuntary movement from God’s will to his works best w hen it is in grace. own human will. That powerfully defines the nature o f in­ The law of matrimony works best when it is seasoned dwelling sin— involuntary movement from God’s will to with grace, love, and forbearance. The legal responsibili­ our own wills. The human mind and the human heart are ties of matrimony do not necessarily resolve the differ­ so complex that w e can rationalize and explain away a lot ences a couple experiences painfully. However, the law of stuff and maybe even fool ourselves for a long time. of grace—being willing to try again—is powerful. The When w e come face-to-face with God, the law reveals our law operates best mingled powerfully with grace. sin to us in a way that w e can no longer deny it! I Three places in the Bible it talks about our relationship II. The Law Reveals the Occasion of Sin (v. 8) to Christ in terms of marriage. You are joined to Him Sin was the central problem. Paul used a strange phrase Jwho was raised from the dead; there is marriage o f spirit. twice in this context. He said, sin took opportunity o f me. It is not an accident that the final judgment includes a Sin found my weak spot; it found the time and place when marriage supper. It is no accident that Jesus is called the I couldn’t resist. Sin took advantage o f me and produced “Groom” and the Church is called the “Bride.” There is a coveting o f every kind. Coveting is significant because it is vital joining of our hearts when we are freed from the an inward attitude; it expresses that involuntary movement law, freed from sin, and freed to love w ith our w hole of my will away from God’s will and toward my own. hearts. Paul begins to share the purpose o f the law. ILLUS. A boy lived on a farm. His father served as a pas­ I. The Law Reveals the Fact of Sin (v. 7) tor in a little country church. In that church one of the I The law does a lot of good things, but it is not perfect. farmers offered free watermelons to everyone. This pas­ A lot of things it doesn’t accomplish. It does not prevent tor’s son could have gotten a watermelon free by just :rime or lawlessness. picking one up. Instead he organized a gang of other teens at night, and they secretly sneaked out to the wa­ LLUS. In The Silence of the Lambs, two men were por- rayed for whom the law meant nothing, except some- termelon patch and helped themselves. Why? Covetous­ ness! Something in us would rather do it our way. Some­ hing to break. In that book, the law did not keep Dr. thing in us enjoys the risk, the challenge, the illegality, .ector from killing 13 people. The law did not keep the unlawfulness, the selfishness. ames Gumm from killing 6 w om en in a serial killing style It started with Adam. In the Garden o f Eden, Adam was >f torment. The law was present. The law finally found full of innocence. He worked hard; he took care of the them, convicted them, and imprisoned them. But the law garden and the animals. He had things going w ell until could not keep them from damaging, destroying, and di- God said, “Don’t eat that!” Suddenly the law produced in jninishing people around them. Adam a stubbornness. The law reveals the occasion o f sin. | Some other things the law cannot do: set us free; sanctify The law creates in me a stubborn unwillingness to yield to as; save us; make us want to do good; or make us better. Ac­ God. That results in sin until something happens in that cording to the Word, what the law can do is to give us a inward spirit that takes away the tom nature and unites it fclearer picture o f sin. God’s W ord has at least tw o definitions in the w ill and the love o f God through the Holy Spirit. j»f sin. One w ord means missing the mark, although a more Iccurate term for us w ho have lived in sin is that w e ’ve shot III. The Law Reveals the Power of Sin (v. 9) Jit the wrong target. Another definition o f sin describes a When the commandment became known to me, sin bowerful indwelling self-centeredness that drives us to do was resurrected; sin became alive and I died. Sin had the Hie things that are damaging to our spiritual well-being. pow er to put my spiritual life to death. It still does. The I The law begins to reveal me to myself. The fact that the law wakes up sin within me if I still have the indwelling kw reveals sin is one o f the necessary functions in the life sin o f self-centeredness and o f personal willfulness.

MARCH/APRII7MAY 73 ILLUS. In the late 1960s, the greatest thing was hair. ILLUS. A pastor remembers his favorite schoolmaster. “He Many boys had long hair. Nearly every boy had parents was energetic; I liked him because he was my baseball w h o opposed long hair. Parents would ask evangelists: coach in high school. When my folks decided to leave thal “What do you think about hair?” area and move away, he arranged for me to stay in that com One evangelist always said, “Well, it’s there!” munity and live with one o f the local businessmen so that 1 The parents would reply, “What do you think about it? could continue to play on a championship baseball team. I Do you think our children ought to be allowed to grow liked him because he taught me mathematics. I loved alge long hair?” bra and trigonometry. I liked him because he taught me sci For some o f those parents that was the single most im­ ence and chemistry. I loved science and chemistry. I liked portant issue in the world. The minute they made that the him because he took a personal interest in me and spent point of contention, the major thing they accomplished hours with me trying to find out what I should do with my was to make that the arena where the boy could never give life, and trying to help me find a place where my life woulc in and still maintain his own identity. They w ere in for a make a difference and count for something. I didn't like ii battle. A few parents finally discovered that they might find when he yelled at me for doing less than my best. But, tht a better arena in which to fight their battles. Many others longer I have lived, the more I have loved him for letting mt were so legalistic that they wouldn’t change their minds. know when I was wrong—shaping me up, forcing me tc The law has a way o f driving us to stubbornness. When look at myself straight in the mirror and see myself the wayj w e are driven to stubbornness, w e fall easily into sin. Sin really was, and be able to change.” has pow er to diminish, damage, and destroy relationships That’s what the law is. It is a loving, tough schoolmas along with our peace, our power, and our lives! ter, one who will not let us get by with less than wha God has for us. The law will continually confront us witl IV. The Law Reveals the Deceitfulness of Sin God’s will and way until we finally, voluntarily move (v.11) away from our selfishness and toward Him with oui There is a lot of delusion about sin. It deludes us about w hole hearts and spirits. h ow much sin w ill satisfy us. It deludes us about how w e could make excuses for it or rationalize. Sin deludes us about the penalty and the consequence that sin brings— socially, spiritually, and relationally. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Paul said, “Sin used the law to deceive me.” W e think, Prelude “Why Should He Love Me So?” If w e can just keep the law, w e w ill be all right. Then one Choir “And Can It Be?” of two things happens. We fail to keep the law; or we do Call to Worship Rom. 7:6 keep the law, but the spirit is dead. Either way we lose. Congregational Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” Prayer Choruses “Learning to Lean” Sin is so deceitful! “I’m So Glad I’m a Part of the Family of God” V. The Law Reveals the Effect of Sin (v. 11) Morning Prayer Sin results in death. Sin kills the spirit, or the Spirit kills Recognition of Mothers Worship in Giving sin. There is no longer the pow er o f choice. God and sin Special Song “In This Very Room” cannot coexist within us. Message “THE FUNCTION OF THE LAW” VI. The Law Reveals the Seriousness of Sin Closing Hymn “To God Be the Glory” (w . 12-13) Benediction Paul is saying that there is a process by which the Spir­ Creative Worship Ideas it uses the law in me. The law is God’s tool—probing, prying, prodding, forcing me to look at myself, forcing Mother’s Day me to be honest with myself. God’s Spirit uses the Word Have long-stemmed carnations to give to every to make me terribly uncomfortable on the inside and fi­ mother present as they leave the service. nally absolutely unwilling to settle for a half victory, ab­ Ask three mothers to be prepared to share a high­ solutely unwilling to settle for a divided mind, absolutely light from the previous Family Celebration Week in their family. Tell them in advance that it must be no unwilling to give sin one tiny ounce of place in my life. more than 2'A minutes long. Sin’s awful seriousness is revealed. Have two or three people prepared to complete The law is holy, righteous, and good (v. 12). Therefore it one of these statements for incorporation into the shows me that sin is absolutely and utterly wrong. No one morning service: “The thing I remember best about ever receives grace and becomes willing to commit to God’s my mother is ...” (if mother is deceased); “The thing will totally, in His way and in His time, unless he believes in I appreciate most about my mother is . . . “I could the utter awfulness o f sin. God does not want anyone to be always depend on my mother to be ...” deluded by the false idea that a little sin is all right. The tini­ Be sure to express godly concern and apprecia­ est sin in the world put Jesus on the Cross. There is no room tion for all single mothers with children still at home. in God’ work and in His will for sin in our lives. The law It would be appropriate to give them a corsage or convicts us. It shows us what is wrong in God’s sight. It book as a gift, along with public recognition. shows us where w e stand in our true position with Him. Have great-grandmothers stand first, then grand­ The law is intended to turn us around and lead us to Jesus. mothers, then mothers, then ask everyone to give a Paul summarizes this powerful concept: the law does not smile and a hug to one of those beautiful ladies near justify anyone; it condemns us as guilty (Gal. 3:22); it is our them as everyone stands. schoolmaster to lead us to Christ (Gal. 3:24).

74 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE STRUGGLE OF TWO NATURES by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 7:14-25 May 16, 1993

INTRO: mented days of his own search for God’s fullness and A double-minded man experiences inner conflict. Sin power. Paul’s explanation asks many questions that we, that dwells or is “tabernacled” within me is “indwelling also, must ponder. sin.” That’s the center of inner struggle. The personal I. Who Am I? (vv. 14, 17, 23) pronoun “I ” is found 32 times in Romans 7. W hen Paul . was describing his spiritual life, he had “I” trouble, a lot A. We are of the flesh (v. 14). This means w e have the of it! Only one time in the whole chapter do we ever wrong emotions, the wrong thoughts, the wrong ac­ read “spirit.” In Romans 8, Paul uses “I” only 2 times, tions, the w rong attitudes, the w rong w ay o f living that while the “Holy Spirit” is used about 19 times. That rep­ com e from being born in sin, w ith indwelling sin in resents a major reversal. our hearts. I If you want to have an exciting exercise, spend some B. Sin dwells in us (v. 17). time comparing, in your spirit, the differences between C. We are prisoners of the law of sin (v. 23). Paul Romans 7 and Romams 8. Its contrast is daylight and elaborates on this concept in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3. He dark. There is a difference in emotional tone, in dynamic, talks about the natural man that cannot accept the and in victory and defeat. You’ll discover that contrast is things of God, the spiritual man who is enlightened I powerfully representative of the life lived in the spirit or about all things, and the carnal Christian w ho is still in the flesh, the double-minded man. filled with jealousy and envy and the spirit of divi­ sion— the double-minded, divided heart and spirit. The spiritual man is Spirit-filled, Spirit-possessed, and Spirit- I directed. There are a lot of theories about Paul’s testimony. Though it is obviously the testimony o f the apostle Paul, II. What Do I Wish to Do? (vv. 15-21) a lot of people are wondering at which stage of his life The Greek w ord is thelo. It means “desire” or “wish Paul was referring back to when he used these powerful for.” Paul wishes to do good (v. 19). His wishing is work­ mental pictures. ing well (v. 18). He sees clearly what he desires (w . 15- Some people say it refers to a time when he was un­ 16). Mentally, he clearly envisions the right goals and out­ saved but wanted a better life. That interpretation comes. doesn’t seem to be supported by either Scripture or III. In What Do I Delight? (w . 22, 25) Paul’s personal experience. Paul delights in being consistent with and walking in t Some say it was the description of a half-awakened, the new nature that God has given. In Paul’s mind, he half-converted person. That too is neither scriptural nor joyfully concurs with the law of God. He gets excited supported by Paul’s personal experience. about doing what God wants him to do. With his mind, Some have said it’s the normal, natural, everyday expe­ he is serving the law of God (v. 25). Paul’s delight is to rience of a Christian, a regenerated person. However, follow Jesus. W hat’s happening to Paul? there is a depth o f agony and despair and desire in these verses that would indicate that Paul was not interested in IV. Why Can’t I Win the Struggle? (vv. 15, 18, living in Romans 7 forever. 19,21,23) Some people say he’s a religious man w ho is not saved There is a powerful inner conflict between his inten­ but is trying to be good in the p ow er o f his ow n strength. tion and his action. There’s an inner enemy that is deter­ Most likely this represents the person who has been mined to destroy the n ew nature that Christ has placed j made alive in Christ, regenerated and seeking deliverance within him through justification by faith. Paul does the from the p ow er o f sin, but is still trying to live a godly life very thing he hates (v. 15). He feels that the good is not in his own strength. even present in him (v. 18). He doesn’t have the power Paul was saved on the road to Damascus. Three days to do the good. He practices the evil that he does not later he was prayed for by Ananias. The blindness that wish to do (v. 19). He sees a principle of evil present came on him at conversion was taken away. He began to within himself (v. 21), a different law in his spirit waging see. Soon he began to witness. The Christians w ere afraid war against the law o f God. of Paul because he had been persecuting them. He had to Paul is saying very loud and clear that even after he leave at night over the wall, let dow n in a basket to save finds the joy o f Jesus in the new nature o f Christ, there his life. still remains in him a traitor, an enemy that opens the | Before that, Paul went into the desert of Arabia and doors to evil in his life, and he is tormented by conflict. communed alone w ith God. Some time during that long He talks like a person w ho is outclassed by an enemy, an desert residence, Paul came face-to-face w ith the fact enemy who is stronger than he (v. 24). In a poignant ex­ that, powerful and proud as he was, no way in the world pression of pain and prayer, he exclaims: “O wretched ■could he ever solve the sin problem in his own strength. He could never experience the spiritual life in his own MARCH/APRIL/MAY 75 power. This scripture apparently describes those tor­ I man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this ILLUS. A pastor’s testimony reveals this process: “For 1C death?” (Rom. 7:24, KJV). months after I had been convicted o f my double nature, V. Who Is My Deliverer? (w . 24-25) went to my office five or six mornings a week and reac Romans 7. In my heart, I said: That’s me; I don’t like it Even though Paul intends a full treatment o f the an­ but it’s me!’ Then I would read Romans 8. That first vers< swer to this question in Romans 8, he couldn’t leave it opened a whole new world of potential spiritual blessinj there. He couldn’t stop until he gave us a foretaste and and victory as I said: ‘Lord, I want to make the trip fron glimpse of our source of deliverance. Romans 7 to Romans 8. Give me the road map for th< There may be someone struggling with that double na­ journey. I will follow You!’ After 10 months of daily obe ture, and no one knows it but you and God. Perhaps you dience, the Holy Spirit came in His sanctifying grace.” are afflicted by private, secret compulsions. You may feel There is no reason to stop in Romans 7. Romans f powerless, that you cannot control them. You may have makes it very clear that in God, through Christ Jesus tried a number of times. Perhaps you have come to the al­ there is absolutely all power available for spiritual victor tar through the years and still have not found the victory in your life. You don’t have to struggle. You don’t hav< in your life that God in His Word seems to promise for to strain. You don’t have to fight the battle in your owi you. Take three practical steps toward God’s victory! strength. You don’t have to keep giving in to weaknes A. Claim the promise of 1 John 1:9 by confessing and compulsion. God’s Spirit is the answer. He has victc your sins to God, knowing that He is faithful and ry over the death struggle in which sin puts us. just to forgive your sins. Proceed immediately to 1 John 1:7 and claim God’s grace by walking in His light, being obedient. Start living mentally and emotionally in those powerful promises o f God’s Word. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER B. Ponder the fact that Scripture says God’s Word is Prelude “Is Thy Heart Right with God?” Choral Introit sharp and powerful as a two-edged sword, even dividing Call to Worship Rom. 7:19, 24 between your intentions and the thoughts of your heart. Congregational Hymns “He Brought Me Out” (Heb. 4:12, NASB). God’s Word is able to cut down so “Glorious Freedom” deep into your being that you begin to see your motiva­ Prayer Choruses “Learning to Lean” tions, blinded as you may have been to them—your inten­ “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” tions, your self-righteousness. Whenever a person begins Pastoral Prayer to see himself the way God sees him, he has the wonder­ Choir Special “Only Trust Him” ful possibility of finding in God the victory from that divid­ Worship in Giving “Room at the Cross for You” ed heart and that divided nature. God works in the power­ Special Song “His Way with Thee” ful, unifying, perfecting of love by the Holy Spirit. Message “THE STRUGGLE OF TWO NATURES” Invitation “Just as I Am” C. Realize the great power available to bring cleans­ Closing Prayer ing. Read Hebrews 9 and rejoice that Jesus Christ, God’s Pastoral Prayer own Son, can purge your conscience from dead works Read Psalms 51 or Hebrews 9:11 -22 as a basis for to serve the living God. Someone may be hearing that the prayer time. same kind of inner note of desperation in his spiritual In the closing segment, pray these two thoughts: struggle: “I’m so tired of failure. I’m so frustrated with (1) O God, make the truth of Your Word clear to our sin. I’m about ready to give up on spiritual victory. ‘O hearts. Our minds have a tough time with Your truth. wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me ...?’” Our nature has a built-in resistance to understand­ ILLUS. Paul paints a very gruesome picture of being a ing. Speak peace and power to our hearts that will wretched man. In Roman law, a convicted murderer make us whole, in the name o f Jesus. (2) Give Your messenger unusual fluency and facility this morning served a very unique sentence o f punishment. Romans so that His words express Your words to human believed in capital punishment. They believed it should hearts. Hold back our enemy from interference in be very sure, slow, and painful. If a man killed another the vital work of the Holy Spirit, convicting and man, and he was brought to justice, the Romans brought cleansing. the body of the man he had killed and chained that de­ caying corpse to the murderer— palm to palm, mouth to Creative Worship Ideas mouth, face-to-face, life to death. It didn’t take very long Explain to your congregation the ideas that: (1) for the already dead, decaying body to poison and kill the Romans is a theological book, but it is also at the still living body of the man who had murdered him, fit­ heart of practical Christianity. (2) Sin and grace are ting punishment for the crime of murder. That’s the men­ the dominant themes in the Scriptures and in the tal picture. Three times Paul has mentioned in this seg­ music chosen for the services. (3) Personal spiritual ment of Scripture that, when sin is alive, I’m dead. victory through Jesus Christ is the promise that Ro­ mans offers. CONCLUSION: Pentecost If you struggle, the good news is that there is victory Mention that we enter the “Countdown for Pente­ and deliverance through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ suf­ cost” this week, as we remember Jesus’ ascension fering has already bought all the power, all the grace, all and His admonition to tarry in the city of Jerusalem the blessing, and all o f God’s presence that is needed in for the power of the Holy Spirit. order to resolve death.

76 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THREE SPIRITUAL LAWS by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 8:1-13 May 23, 1993

INTRO: 1. “Flesh” can mean physical tissue (Rom. 2:28, ILLUS. The C.A.R.E. Group (a small Bible study) began with NASB). an icebreaker. “Let’s share around the circle one outrageous 2. “Flesh” can mean natural descent (Rom. 1:3, thing that you'd like to do at least once in your lifetime.” NASB). Sheri wanted to take a hot-air balloon ride. John wanted to 3. “Flesh” can refer to the human race (Rom. 3:20, do a bungee jump. Another wanted to skydive. There were NASB). several others—parasailing and hang gliding, were included. 4. “Flesh” can refer to human nature (Rom. 3:20, When you analyzed them, nearly every one suggested an act NASB). that defied gravity— risky, adventurous, outrageous. 5. “Flesh” can refer, often, to indwelling sin (Rom. That’s the kind o f “spirit feeling” that Paul expressed 7:18, 21, NASB). when he talked about living in the Spirit instead of living Inbuilt sinfulness is an attitude or an inclination op­ in the flesh. erating in opposition to God’s will. It is putting self, self-gratification, self-will, self-control, self-purpose, ILLUS. A pastor explained, “When the Spirit takes over and self-direction above the will of God at the center of and lifts us above things that would normally drag us our beings. That’s the contrast that Paul gives. The law down, w e are fulfilling the scripture that says, ‘If by the of sin and death is the law of the flesh. Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live,’ (Rom. 8:13, RSV). It literally lifts life to a higher B. Fleshly life has dire consequences. plane. You reject the lower, negative, fleshly things in or­ 1. It is the law of death (v. 2). der to live in the Spirit.” 2. It controls the mind-set (v. 5). One of his men said, “Pastor, you’ve really confused me.” 3. It is hostile toward God. They agreed to talk together about this spiritual, scrip­ 4. It is not able to be subjected to the will and the tural principle, and planned to meet for a flight in the law of God (v. 7). man’s private plane. 5. It cannot please God (v. 8). As the pastor came up to the plane, he said, “That 6. It lives for itself and the temporary world around us. plane doesn’t look very sturdy. It actually looks pretty God’s will is that we should be set free from the law Jflimsy. It’s pretty small. I’m not sure it can even hold my o f sin and death. How is God going to accomplish this? weight, much less get me off the ground.” This scripture makes it plain— through Christ. Only Je­ His friend explained that the law o f aerodynamics was sus can enable us, by His miraculous power, to rise stronger than the law o f gravity and could set them free above the lower levels of the fleshly life, to live in from the gravitational pull of the earth. God’s stratosphere, defying the law of spiritual gravity. His pastor said, “I’m sorry, you are confusing me.” Then C. Jesus faces us from this law of the flesh: the pastor’s friend realized that his pastor was teasing 1. Jesus condemns sin in the flesh (v. 3, NASB). him. The pastor explained that in the same way that the 2. Jesus took upon himself the likeness o f sinful law of aerodynamics in the plane was setting them free flesh (v. 3, NASB). The Scripture didn’t say He took from the law o f earth’s gravity, so the law o f the spirit of upon himself sinful flesh. He didn’t; but the appear­ life in Christ Jesus was setting them free from the law of ance was like us. sin and death (Rom. 8:2). Now it made sense to him. 3. Jesus sets us free (v. 2). He is God’s only solu­ God does not intend for Christians to live under condem- tion, the only adequate sin offering. lation. There is a difference between condemnation and 4. Jesus fulfills divine law in us (v. 4). :onviction. Obviously, it is God’s will and work to place us under conviction. Conviction is a heavy spirit, an aware- II. There Is the Law of the Spirit of Life (w . 9-11) less of God’s will, and an open door of obedience through A. We are taken out of the flesh (v. 9), out of its con­ ivhich we can walk, with a light at the end of the dark tun- trol. W e are lifted off the ground and taken out of the lel. Condemnation, on the other hand, is a heavy feeling, a world’s corruption! leed to change, and a sense of hopelessness. There seems B. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (v. 9). 10 way out. There appears to be no light at the end of the unnel. God never intended for any Christian to live in con- C. We receive the Spirit of Christ (v. 9). iemnation. He wants us to know that we have a way out ILLUS. One man said that he had never done any sky-div­ hrough His will, His Word, and His way. If we are obedi- ing or anything like that, but he knew the kind of thrill or ;nt, w e are in the flight mode, rising above the earth. adventuresome fulfillment that comes to people who do that. His son, who had been in army airborne, had ex­ . There Is the Law of Sin and Death (w . 2-8) plained to him what happens in a free-fall—flying A. In the Scriptures, “flesh” has many different through the air faster than driving a car, experiencing all meanings. those sights and sounds and feels, a real rush.

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 77 That’s the kind o f inner fulfillment that God’s Spirit wind of power under the wings and lifts me, enabling me wants us to understand in rising above the things of the to live above the junk that would drag me down! world, when His Spirit dwells in us. C. We must put to death the deeds o f the body We receive Jesus himself, in attitude and spirit, in pow­ through the power of the Spirit (v. 13)- er and in person when w e yield ourselves to the Spirit’s ILLUS. There was a pilot alone in an airplane, in flying’s control. He lifts us above the downpull of sin. We are in­ earliest days. He was Handley Page, a British aviator, fly­ dwelt with the Holy Spirit. ing in a single-engine plane. In Arabia, in the middle o f a D. We are alive because of righteousness (v. 10). long flight, he had many hours to go before he could E. We are continual “Easter miracles” of God’s resur­ make a safe landing. As he sat at the wheel alone, he rection power (v. 11). The One who is alive in us and heard a strange sound, which he finally determined to be lifting us is the Spirit of Almighty God, who raised up a rat gnawing on the equipment in the airplane. He spec­ Jesus from the dead. ulated on all the damage that this creature could do to the plane by gnawing the insulation off the electric wires III. There Is the Law of Fulfilled Righteousness or destroying controls. The rat could easily cause a crash. (w . 12-13) What in the world could he do? He couldn’t leave the Paul tells us that w e must live in the reality o f an ongo­ wheel. His plane would go out of control. He couldn’t ing process (w . 12-13). reach the rat. Suddenly, he explained, “It occurred to me A. We must “mind” the things of the Spirit (vv. 5-6). that a rat lives best in low altitude.” He pushed his plane ILLUS. Recently a powerless hang glider set a record of skyward to an altitude where the rarifled atmosphere made over eight hours aloft. Finding drafts that held it up, the it difficult even for him to breathe with his large lung ca-, hang glider sailed for hours. pacity. The gnawing of the rat grew fainter and fainter. Fi-i When we fulfill the law of righteousness, w e have a fo­ nally it stopped. Hours later, when he reached his destina­ cus that concentrates our minds, our hearts, our purpose, tion, he examined the plane and found the rat dead. our motivations, and our energies upon following God. W e must get up in that atmosphere where the low,| This mind-set also has an obedience component that em­ “ratty” things o f life cannot damage our spiritual lives.! powers that process. We must defy the gravity of sin by the power of the Holy;; Spirit. We must get above sin by God’s power for God’s ILLUS. A young man on a championship high school bas­ purpose, for God’s glory. ketball team came home extremely fatigued from prac­ tice. His dad said, “What happened, son?” CONCLUSION: He said, “W e have beaten everybody in sight. W e Paul says that we “are under obligation” (v. 12, NASB).I haven’t had a loss all year. There’s been no real competi­ We are not under obligation to live according to the I tion for us.” flesh, but w e are under obligation. That’s not a heavy} His dad said, “Yes, but why are you so tired?” burden. It’s a willingness to live in the Resurrection pow-^ He said, “The coach, at the beginning of practice to­ er that Jesus Christ has provided for us (v. 11). day, told us that w e seemed to have decided that w e could do it in our strength, without any discipline, with­ out any conditioning, without any careful plans, without SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER working together as a team. He proceeded to drill us on Prelude “God Will Take Care of You” all of the very elementary things that would keep us in Choral Introit “Blessed Assurance” good condition, keep us working as a team, and keep us Call to Worship Rom. 8:11 aware of the possibility of falling.” The boy added, “Dad, Congregational Hymns “Deeper, Deeper” you would not believe the workout that our coach put us “Higher Ground” Prayer Choruses “The Greatest Thing in All My Life” through today. We did passing drills; w e did dribbling “I’ll Say Yes, Lord, Yes” drills; w e did layups until I could do them in my sleep. Pastoral Prayer I’m really bushed.” Choir “Because He Lives” That’s mind-set; that’s focus; we need to allow God to Worship in Giving put our attentions so completely on the right things that “Bless the Lord Who Reigns in Beauty” the wrong things begin to slough off. W e have a choice Special Song “It’s Just like His Great Love” empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that defies the Message “THREE SPIRITUAL LAWS” gravity that pulls us down to the level o f the world and Special Song “All Because of God’s Great Love” the sin around us. Baptism Testimonies Closing Chorus “There Is Power in the Name of Jesus” B. We must choose daily to continually walk accord­ ing to the Spirit (v. 4). W e must continually make Creative Worship Ideas choices— in our quiet time in the morning, in our deci­ Baptism sions through the day—to walk close to God. Have everyone being baptized write out a three- The person whose mind set focuses on the things of minute testimony. Have each person choose a fami­ the Spirit must daily make a choice between the things ly member, friend, or someone who helped them that are temporary and the things that are eternal. When I come to Christ to read his testimony to the congre­ make that choice to defy gravity by using the law of spiri­ gation preceding his baptism. tual aerodynamics that God has given, then He puts His

78 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST by Jarrell W. Garsee Rom. 8:14-34 May 30, 1993

; INTRO: C. We have a victory. Suffering is the inevitable experi­ Every Christian has received a measure of Resurrection ence o f belonging to God. A faithful life brings trial, I power. God intends for this power and purity, through the suffering, hardship, persecution. As we look around us, I intervention of the Holy Spirit, to provide a balanced life of in the world of politics, the world of economics, the I victory and blessing. A vital Christian utilizes this power from world of moral ethics, the world of poverty, the world I God to control the negative things in his life and to increase of pollution, there are so many things that we groan 1 spiritual things, so that spiritual growth takes place through about. W e care; w e are concerned; w e feel helpless I both avenues—putting away evil and living in the positive. sometimes to do anything. There is this inward groan­ I On this Pentecost Sunday, God has victory for everyone. ing. If we could only live in a positive world! I. God Has Victory of Family Involvement IX We have a glory (v. 18). God reveals His radiance (vv. 14-17) in us. That radiance is comprised o f hope, faith, per­ This is the victory of belonging to the family of God. sonal belonging, and the gradually increasing likeness to Christ himself. A. We have been adopted. W e are all happy for that privilege. Because we have been adopted, we have III. God Has the Victory of Persuasive Prayer been given position and possession, prestige and bless­ (w . 26-30) ing. W e have become heirs o f all that God has. Romans 8 has some very powerful and unique things | ILLUS. Adoption is a unique thing. One family with two to say about prayer. 1 adopted children told their children that God chose them A. We are weak in prayer. That’s one of the places we I specially. The daughter, in grade school, used to tell are powerless. [everybody, “Your folks had to take what they got, but my B. The Spirit helps our weakness (v. 26). We have to folks looked around and got the best.” overcome that weakness of actually getting started and We are special to our adoptive Heavenly Father. Our doing something about praying. The Holy Spirit [hearts respond appropriately. The Word assures victory: prompts and goads and reminds us. 1 God doesn’t put us back in the shackles of fear and doubt. I We receive that spirit that cries out, “Papa; Dad; Abba” (v. ILLUS. One pastor shared that the Holy Spirit will not let 1 15)—in Hebrew, a very warm, wonderful term of endear- him read the morning paper until he has read his Bible. I ment for a loving, caring, supporting, providing Father. The Spirit will not let him talk to someone else until he has talked to God. B. We are lead by the Spirit of God in His family (v. 14). This simple priority is a part of the Holy Spirit helping I C. We have received an inner witness of belonging to in weakness. This counteracts the tendency to jump up God’s family (v. 16). and jump into the day; to jump into your job and jump in­ D. We receive a powerful inheritance because we are to the list that you have made the day before of all the i adopted into the family of God (v. 17). We belong to things you are going to get done that day. God as His dear children. There is sonship, fellowship, There is also the weakness of inadequate words. We don’t and heirship in this wonderful family involvement. know what to say. We have jumbled thoughts. So the Holy Spirit “intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” II. God Has the Victory of Meaningful Frustra­ (v. 26, NASB). When we have a burden for prayer but can’t tion (vv. 18-25) put it into words, we may be praying more deeply and more ; A. Christians are caught between two worlds. We live effectively than at any other time in our spiritual experience. in this world and in the w orld to come, the world When your mind is crowded with cares and concerns, where our hearts have already been adopted. There is prayer may seem like a futile endeavor. That’s when you a terrible tension between the world that we live in need to turn to your “prayer Prompter,” whom God has pro­ I and the world that w e have already made a commit­ vided to help you pray when words won’t come. ment to in love. Because w e are in God’s family, we ILLUS. He went to prayer semidepressed and fatigued don’t belong to this present world. We don’t belong to but brought his prayer list and a blank sheet of paper on I its values, its habits, its practices, its attitudes, or its which to write prayers and answers. He got his Bible, j feelings! W e are caught in a stretching, tension-filled knelt at the altar, and said, “Lord, I need a boost; I need a situation. W e literally groan within to be set free from little help; I need a new word from You.” the bondage that this world imposes on those who The Lord directed him to the Come Ye Apart magazine de­ know Jesus and who are new creations in Him (v. 23). votional for the day. The powerful promises of Isaiah 43 be­ B. In this tension and this groaning we have a hope came new and true all over again: the Lord made you; the (v. 24). W e are a part of God’s process of bringing the Lord loves you; do not be afraid, the waters will not overflow new world to pass and making it happen. you; the fire will not scorch you! The Spirit was helping his

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 79 ! weakness. The Spirit was leading him to the place in God’s It may be that on this Pentecost Sunday you are Word where new faith and new hope were available. ready to invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart! C. The Spirit searches our hearts (v. 27). He knows ILLUS. When John Hyde boarded the ship to go from En­ what’s in there. He looks for it and brings it to our re­ gland to India for his first missionary tour, he was handed membrance. a telegram. He opened it hurriedly on the deck of the ship. The only words in the telegram were, “John Hyde, D. The Spirit works mightily in everything (v. 28). are you filled with the Spirit of God?” The note aroused There are two conditions for fulfilling this powerful Hyde’s anger. He crumpled the paper, put it into his promise. God is able to make all things work together pocket, and went to bed. for good to those who love Him and those who are obe­ Unable to sleep, he tossed and turned all night. He dient to His call. It doesn’t say that everything turns out arose from bed in the early morning hours, took the for our best; it says that God makes everything come piece o f paper out o f his pocket, and read it again. He out for “the good.” Sometimes God considers “the thought, “The audacity o f somebody to ask me that ques­ good” a little differently than we do. It is not just physi­ tion, ‘Am I filled with the Holy Spirit?’ Here I am a mis­ cal health, material wealth, or emotional wholeness that sionary, sincere, dedicated, leaving my home and going God sees as good. For God, “the good” is being made to another country. How dare someone ask me if I am conformed to the image of His Son (v. 29). That’s good! filled with the Spirit.” Suddenly, Hyde’s spirit was That’s what God is at work trying to do within us. touched by the challenge o f the note. He fell to his knees E. The Spirit brings out the best. He is shaping Christ’s before the Father. “O God,” he cried out, “the audacity of image in us (v. 29). me to think that I could pray or preach or witness or live F. The Spirit will glorify us, and we will glorify Him or serve or do anything in my own strength and power! (v. 30). Fill me with Your strength. Fill me with Your power.” John Hyde became one o f the great missionary states­ IV. God Has the Victory of Divine Authority men o f all time (Brian L. Harbour, Living Expectantly (w . 31-34) [Nashville: Broadman Press, 1990]). A. If God is for us, then it doesn’t matter who is Whatever you are praying for this morning, imagine against us. It can’t matter because no one can beat that Jesus is right there by you. Ask Him to lead you in God (v. 31). your prayer. Listen to what Jesus asks the Father for you, for He intercedes for us! God has victory in Christ for us! 13. God spares nothing for us (v. 32). He has not spared When we hear what Jesus wants for us, and we realize His own Son, and He is not going to start now putting us that He has already bought all that is necessary for those on a pinch-penny program of grace. He will give us all that prayers to be answered by His own grace and power, we need in order to make us all that He wants us to be. something happens in us. W e have the victory of divine C. God answers all charges against us. authority. God’s intervening and interceding begins to If.1 .ITS. She was a missionary’s wife, giving her testimony. make an impact on us for His glory and for our good. When she was in school, facing economic pressure, in­ stead of trusting God, she had gone the route of selfish­ ness, self-seeking, and solving her own problems. She had SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Prelude “The Comforter Has Come” taken hundreds of dollars from her employer. Then she Choir “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” told how God’s Spirit dealt with her. She went back to Call to Worship Rom. 8:28-29 her employer and told him exactly what had happened Congregational Hymn “He Abides” and why, and the exact amount she had taken. She signed Prayer Chorus “Come, Holy Spirit, I Need Thee” a contract to pay it all back. God began to use a talent she Pastoral Prayer had for art. God began to pour His Spirit through those Choir “Since the Holy Ghost Abides" pictures that she drew, and they became salable items. Worship in Giving “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” She earned back the money that she needed. Special Song “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” After the service someone came up to her and said, Message “OUR VICTORY IN CHRIST” “You’re a missionary’s wife. You’re telling us that you Invitation “Fill Me Now” Closing Prayer used to be a thief. How can you do that?” She said, “All is forgiven, and there is no longer any­ Pastoral Prayer thing to hide. If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing “Father, thank You that, even when confusion reigns and words won’t come, Your Holy Spirit is to fear.” there, communicating my human hurts. Though I At the moment that we are honest before God, w e re­ cannot always speak my mind, thank You that You ceive His blessings and His power. He answers all always hear my heart. That’s part of the joy of being charges against us. Your child. Amen.” D. Christ died for us, and He was raised; He ever lives, and He intercedes for us (v. 34). Creative Worship Ideas What do you need to pray in order to have victory? Pentecost Sunday If you knelt at the altar to pray, and you felt that Jesus Be sure to plan the service with sufficient time to had come and knelt beside you, and He began to pray give a meaningful invitation for prayer to be filled for you, what would you overhear Jesus saying to the with the Holy Spirit. Father that He wanted to happen in your life?

80 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Mark’s Complete Gospel Told in 70 Scenes and Monologues

BV LAWRENCE G. ENSCOE V V

Author Enscoe performed portions of the original one-man version of this highly dramatic presenta­ tion to critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences. Now rewritten, the work opens to the possibility for staging with as few as three actors or as many as you wish.

Each scene and monologue is complete in itself, so they may be performed separately in worship ser­ TRAVELING LIGHT vices as sermon enhancers or features. As a full- MUSIC & evening production, TRAVELING LIGHT has dra­ SOUND EFFECTS matic appeal and spiritual impact that few scripts provide. TRAX CD format only Since it is thoroughly indexed, the director or wor­ ship leader has at his fingertips a resource that will Here are the 33 music and 29 sound effects provide years of dramatic material. called for and cued in the Enscoe script. The PAMP-670 sound effects alone are invaluable for many $8.95 other productions. pamu-9144T $60.00

Also... The Word in Worship By Paul M. M iller and Jeff Wyatt. Scripture arranged and interpolated for performance and public wor­ ship. PAMP-673 $8.95 Welcome to the Mustard Seed Cafe By Dean A. Kephart. Ten scripts set in an out-of-the- way cafe based on the parables. Excellent for Sun­ day evenings. p a m p -676 $7.95

Lillenas, the Leader in Christian Drama Resources Order from Your Publisher ^iimo aboard a caboos filled with young disciples who are eager to DISCOVER THE JOY OF JESUS!

MUSIC and DRAMA cassette written by Dennis and Nan Aller

g □W o r d A c t io n PUBLICATIONS