WHAT KEEPS A CHURCH TOGETHER

 WHAT KEEPS A CHURCH TOGETHER?

Farewell Speech, 12/04/2016

            I very well remember how I felt as an emerging ministry leader in YWAM in 1992, when my long-time mentor and leader announced that, their family was going to leave to another city. My first reaction was, how could you just leave us like orphans and move on to another city! A deep sense of fear and uncertainty overwhelmed my heart and rest of the staff members. Several questions flood through my mind, such as, how am I going to survive? What is going to happen to the ministry? How can we keep the community together? Etc.

           Initially I thought I could not make it another day in without my mentor, leader and spiritual father. During that tough transition, I learned some valuable lessons of trusting God, and not relying upon my own feelings and emotions. God gave me grace and strength to continue in ministry for the next thirteen years. As a base director, I led the ministry to the next level.

          The truth of the matter is whenever there is a transition in leadership, it is natural that individuals, and families that are part of a community or a Church go through a sense of uncertainty. Whether we like it or not transition and change happens all the time. They are never easy at the moment things can get rough at times, however when we don’t give up on God, ourselves and one another, together with we will become stronger people of faith.

         After having the joy of serving ECCOA for eight years, our family will be moving to Sharon to carry on our next assignment that God has entrusted to us. That opens up questions like, what is going to happen to ECCOA? How are we going to keep everything together? This morning I want to share with you some principles from the Apostle Paul’s farewell speech to the Church in Thessalonica. The title for my farewell speech, What Keeps a Church Together?

I Thessalonians 5:12-28.

I. RESPECTING THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH.

     In recent months, there has been a hue and cry among the American Public that, the International community no longer respects the leadership of our country. We have lost our respect hence credibility. But the real question we must ask ourselves is do we respect our own leaders? Do children respect their parents, students their teachers, workers their bosses and the congregation their pastors and other elders in the church? Unlike in other parts of the world, my fellow clergy here agree with me that in the western world, respect for pastors is more and more on the decline, especially among the protestant churches.

     Though we recognize God is ultimately the ruler of all, yet he established government, and the rule of law by which everything is governed. The Biblical History tells us, that he raised up leaders, prophets, judges, rulers, governors and kings who carried out his divine purposes on the earth. God expects us that we obey our leaders, because all authority is established by God. We are to respect them even though we may not agree with them on everything.

    Coming back to our text, Paul wanted to make sure that the leadership or the elders especially those who work hard and admonish the congregation were to be respected and held in high esteem. When it comes to Church governance and order God has established fivefold offices and they are: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers. To equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

    According to this scripture the work of a pastor is to equip the congregation to become all that God wanted them to be. Pastor and the elders are our leaders in the church, so they are to be respected. Paul while writing to Jewish converts urges them to have confidence in their leaders. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” Hebrews 13:17-18

If you have ever been in a leadership position you would understand how hard of a task it is to lead, especially those who always appose and are unwilling to be led. Leadership can be a lonely place, where pressures, challenges and burdens abound. Unfortunately, some people in churches make it as their mission to give a hard time to pastors and elders.

My desire for you is that you too would respect, support, and encourage and pray for your elders and your next pastor, whoever they may be. Do not antagonize and make their task more difficult than it already is. Do not oppose them for the sake of opposing them without a valid reason. Doing so is not good for you. Disrespect of leadership, tears the very fabric of a church where is respect keeps a church together. More on a practical way, please support, and encourage James, and Arlene as they are carrying the bulk of the load during this transition. Cover the rest of the board members also in your prayers.

II. CULTIVATING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.

            The spiritual health and numerical growth of any church depends a lot on how well the individual believers in that church take care of themselves, emotionally, spiritually and physically. When you come to church on Sunday mornings, and listen to your pastor preach you will only get broad strokes of or a partial revelation of a spiritual truth. If you want to grow in your spiritual walk with God, you need to go back home and do your own independent study. The Holy Spirit will lead you into all the truth and equip you to do every good work.

           This sounds so basic and simple, and yet many of us have hard time cultivating spiritual disciplines. The apostle Paul laid out several spiritual disciplines and encouraged the Thessalonians to cultivate and grow in those disciplines such as: Esteeming hard work; encouragement; living in peace with one another; being patient with everyone; not to pay back evil with evil but pay back with good; to be joyful always; to pray continually; to give thanks in all circumstances. Can you imagine what kind of a church ECCOA will be when every individual believer not only practice these disciplines, but also teach others to do the same?

            My hope for ECCOA is that, you would cultivate these essential spiritual disciplines and continue to grow in them. That you would not quench the Holy Spirit and treat prophecies with no contempt. You will test every spirit to find out whether they are from God. You will recognize false teachings as you will study the truth of God’s word. You will keep short accounts with each other, and not to hold on to bitterness but forgive one another as Christ forgave you and loves you with an everlasting love. As you desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may you also eagerly seek for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. All these things will make you a fruit bearing and productive Christian and keep the ministry of ECCOA together.

III. LIVING GOD CENTERED LIVES.

      While preparing for my farewell speech, I read the farewell speeches of some leaders in the Bible, namely Moses, Joshua, Jesus and Paul. In their farewell speeches, they exhorted their followers to believe in God, obey God and live a God centered life. For example, Joshua an ardent and earnest follower of God, in his farewell speech exhorted the leaders with these words. “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness…But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

      

      My journey with God began at age 18, as a young Christian I wanted to serve God only all the days of my life. Now after several years of following Christ, as Joshua said I will reiterate my decision one more time, “But as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.” Everything in life, begins with God, continues in God, sustained by God and ends with God. In his famous speech on the hill in Athens, this is what the Apostle Paul reminded the council of Areopagus, “For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.” Acts 17:28. Let’s be assured that all we have comes from God. Let’s live in the center of God’s will. 

      There is no greater honor and privilege on this side of heavens than serving our living God. Nothing can be compared with the Joy of serving our King, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My prayer for each of you is that, at the end of the day you too would join Joshua and me, in saying, “But as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.” During this Christmas season, let’s come together and celebrate the Lord.

      What does practically mean to live God centered lives?  It means recognizing, acknowledging and honoring God in all matters of our lives. It means aligning ourselves to the standards of God’s word and not other way around. It means, seeking God and His Kingdom first. It means saying to God not my will but let your will be done and much more.

        In closing, on behalf of me and my family want to thank you for letting us share our lives with you all. It has been a journey of learning. I want to leave you with this encouragement that you will continue to be faithful in serving God no matter where you are. My prayer for all of us is that, our gracious Lord who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. May the Lord bless us, keep us safe and let his face shine upon us. May we become fruitful, and productive as we endeavor to serve our Lord and build His Kingdom here in Quincy, and in Sharon even unto the ends of the earth. Amen

WHEN FEAR GRIPS A HEART

WHEN FEAR GRIPS A HEART

Love always protects

The Most Excellent Way- Part X I Corinthians 13

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades. Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
            As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn’t going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave. “Hah, he thought. “What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

            As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall."

            We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" (Nehemiah 2:20). What would you do when fear grips your heart?

            Whatever may be happening in your life, remember with God, a mere spider’s web can become a strong wall of protection. God knows how to protect his children. In our series of messages on “the Most Excellent Way,” today we will look at another aspect of what love does the best, Love always protects. Let me unpack this very timely and crucial aspect of love.

I. LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS

            On the morning of Wednesday November 9, millions of people both here in the USA and around the world woke up to the new reality of Trump’s presidency. There is a sense of elation and vindication among some and a deep sense of distrust and fear of uncertainty among others. It appears to me that many people are genuinely afraid of their safety and the safety of their loved ones. When fear grips a heart where would they turn? They look to a strong leader who could protect them from their enemies and alleviate their financial pressures. But honestly speaking could any human leader or administration be able to provide such absolute security?  

            Writing to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul exhibited a protective attitude toward the Church. His primary role was to protect the gospel of Jesus Christ, to preserve the work that had been growing in the city and become a powerful witness for Christ in a pagan society.

Yet he realizes his human inadequacies when it comes to protecting the bride of Christ, the Church from the evil one so he leads them to the one and only one who loves them with a never ending love. Paul writes letters to provide an alternative to fear, to build their faith and confidence in God, so that they can go on living even in the midst of adversity. Here are a few excerpts: He showed the Corinthians how God will not abandon them when they face calamity and how he can bring beauty from ashes, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

             He urged the Thessalonians to pray to God for his protection from the evil one. “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thess 3:2-3

He encouraged the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God so that they can stand the trial, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6: 10-11

             He warned the Romans to stay away from divisive and antagonistic people, and also he comforted them with these words, “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:19-20

            These are just a few incidents where the Apostle Paul was drawing the attention of the believers in those churches to look to God for His protection. Coming back to our text, where Paul says, “Love always protects.” At times we wonder whether that is really true. Some may ask us if God is love and there to protect me, why then did he let this calamity happen to me? Why didn’t he step in when I needed him the most? I feel abandoned, unprotected hence unloved. These questions are legitimate to ask and God won’t be offended when we do ask Him.

            If some of you feel betrayed and unloved by God, I don’t have easy answers for you, however I would say this though. Without a shadow of doubt, I believe, all the promises of God are Yeah and Amen in Christ. 2Cor 1:20. Yes He can, and will be able to protect us from any known and unknown dangers, if even he will not God is absolutely trustworthy. We also need to remind ourselves that we live in a fallen world where people have free will, to do good or evil to others. Sometimes the innocent become victims of the evil choices of others. For example, the recent shootings in Sen Bernardino where 14 innocent people were killed and 22 were injured. Or the infamous Marathon Bombing.

            Where is God’s protection in such horrible moments one might ask? In moments like that God’s protection may come in the form of peace, comfort, and healing. Or at times it may be through his tender, loving reassuring words of love which give us courage to face adversity. When we look at Paul what gave him assurance to go on living for Christ in spite of all the hardships, was God’s assuring love. In the end he did not become a victim to his fears but a victor. So he could say these words with confidence to the Corinthians and to all those who might be struggling with one kind of fear or the other.

            “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39.

            This scripture reminds us that no matter what happens to us nothing in this whole universe will be able to separate us from his love. I believe that the Holy Spirit has inspired Paul to write these words so that we feel protected and extend protection to others. Jesus said to his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34. Loving one another is not an option but a command.

            When we put feet to our words of love for God and for one another, by seeing our good works people will come to know that we are the followers of Christ. How can we practically do that? Firstly, our expression of love must begin among those who are closest to us. It starts with loving our spouses, or children (if you have any) so much that we don’t talk about them disrespectfully in front of others.

            Secondly, since we live in a Christian community, we are commanded to love one another. It is best expressed when: we look after each other’s needs not just in words but through actions. When we protect each other instead of attacking and devouring one another. We cover each other’s back so to say. We stand up for each other instead of opposing one another. We respect, honor and are kind, and forgive those who offend us. When someone is attacking and accusing the pastor or one of the elders for no reason, we speak up for them and defend them instead of joining with the accuser and the attacker. .

            Perhaps this message has brought some of your worst fears to the surface. The present political and economic condition is not making you feel any safer. You are afraid of the uncertain and the unknown future. I have good news for you. God loves you immensely. He is inviting you to come to Him and find rest to your troubled soul. Confess all your fears to Him. When you confess them to the lord, the peace that surpasses all understanding fills your heart.

            Begin your day by entrusting your cares and concerns to the Lord through prayer and reading of His word. The Bible is full of scriptures that address all kinds of fear. Here is one: “But now, this is what the Lord says he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2. This scripture tells us that we are fully covered, and protected by God.

Let me close with Aaronic high priestly Benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Amen

LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES & NEVER FAILS

LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES & NEVER FAILS

The Most Excellent Way- Part XII I Corinthians 13

            In our Most Excellent Way series today we will talk about two very important aspects of Love: Love always Perseveres and Never fails. The Greek word used here for love is Agape. It is the unselfish and unconditional love of God towards man. That kind of love from God always perseveres and never fails, which is contrary to other human forms of love. 

The apostle Paul confronts the Corinthian church for not living faithfully in Christ-honoring ways and in accordance to the gospel they are called to proclaim.  They had fallen away from many of the standards they were taught to follow, and instead allowed the culture to dominate their worldview. Paul was redirecting the Church to a more steady and steadfast nature of God’s love. Paul was willing to go any length in order to bring the church back to its intended focus: Loving God and serving others with gladness and singleness of heart.

If the Apostle Paul were to walk through our churches he would quickly notice how far we have drifted away from God’s original intended purposes. He would probably weep by looking at our shallow relationships, internal squabbles, divisions and our lack of love for God, and for one another especially those who are different from us. Tony Campolo an American socialist, author and pastor aptly describes the true nature of Christianity in the USA, “If we were to set out to establish a religion in polar opposition to the Beatitudes Jesus taught, it would look strikingly similar to the pop Christianity that has taken over the airways of North America.”[1]

We are living in an age, where Christians are perceived as people who are intolerant, bible bashing and those who hate gays. Frankly speaking we ourselves become our great enemies of the gospel due to our perceived hypocrisy by others, outside the walls of our churches. As contemporary author Brennan Manning says, “The greatest cause of atheism is, Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him with their life style. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”[2]  Coming back to our text, “Love always perseveres and never fails. Let’s unpack these two aspects of God’s love.

I GOD’S LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES (Steadfastness)

            The tenacious love of God toward his people is relentless. In spite of the continual rejection by people, God remains steadfastly committed, and willing to save, whenever people recognize him and seek his forgiveness. God loved the nation of Israel with steadfast love, yet time and again they turned their back on Him and followed false gods of other nations. But God did not give up on them, he kept loving them. The prophet Jeremiah lamented over a people who were stiff necked, as he recounted God’s great love for them.

Here is Jeremiah’s lamentation: I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:19-24). In this passage, we see how God was going after a people who couldn’t care less.

Here is another scripture that gives us a visible picture of God’s persevering love. “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.

To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I. “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations a people who continually provoke me to my very face.” Isaiah 65:1-3

These two passages high light how God as a faithful father goes after his lost children with his relentless love. Randy Alcorn, in his book If God is Good, shared this story of a faithful father: “In 1988, an Armenian earthquake killed forty-five thousand.  In the chaos one man made his way to his son’s school, only to find nothing but rubble.  Other parents stumbled around dazed and weeping, calling out their children’s names.  But this father ran to the back corner of the building where his son’s classroom once was, and began digging. To everyone else, it seemed hopeless.  How could his son have survived?  But this father had promised he would always be there for his boy, so he heaved rocks and dug, calling for his son by name: “Armand!”

Well-meaning parents and bystanders tried to pull him out of the rubble.  “It’s too late!”  “They’re dead!”  “There’s nothing you can do!”  The fire chief tried to pull him away saying, “Fires and explosions are happening everywhere.  You’re in danger.  Go home!”  Finally, the police came and said, “You’re in shock.  You’re endangering others.  Go home.  We’ll handle it!” But the man continued to dig, hour after hour—eight hours, then twelve, twenty-four, thirty-six hours.  Finally, in the thirty-eighth hour of digging—a day and a half after everyone told him to give up hope—he called his son’s name again, pulled back a big rock, and heard his son’s voice. “Armand!” the father screamed. From under the rocks came the words, “Dad?  I told them!  I told the other kids that if you were still alive, you’d save me!”

The father helped his son and thirteen other children climb out of the rubble.  When the building had collapsed, the children survived in a tent like pocket.  The father lovingly carried his son home to his mother.  When the townspeople praised Armand’s father for saving the children, he simply explained, “I promised my son, ‘No matter what, I’ll be there for you!”  [3]

God is more faithful than even this very human father.  We often bring the house down upon ourselves… but even then, He seeks to clear the rubble. Thank God, for he never gives up on you. He has a plan for you and is faithful to carry it out in your life. What would be our response to God’s relentless love? We accept his love first into our lives and then we week to model His faithfulness. We will say to our spouse, kids and to our neighbors… “No matter what, I’ll be there for you!” Can you imagine what our world would look like if we can emulate this nature of God’s faithfulness and his relentless love to others? God’s love not only always perseveres but it never fails.

I

I. GOD’S LOVE NEVER FAILS (Unending)

The apostle Paul uttered these words, “God’s love never fails.” Let’s see the context of these words. The Corinthian believers were boasting about their gifts of prophecy, word of knowledge and speaking of tongues. Paul told them that one day these three temporary gifts will cease to exist when, the perfection comes. Here he was referring to the second coming of Christ. Paul was gently leading them to regain their focus on something that will never fade away or never cease to exist that is God’s love. The Greek word translated, “fails” in the NIV is actually related to a verb, “to fall” The idea is that God’s love will not fall or falter; it is constant forever.

As God says through the words of Jeremiah, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3) In Hebrews 13:5, God assures us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” The amazing truth is that, “nothing at all can separate us from God’s eternal love.” How are we to respond God’s love that always perseveres and never fails? How can we practically show God’s never failing love to others?

Steve Macciah notes, “If we are ever to live with outstretched arms of love, we must first repent of our failure to do so many times over. This has been the way of the past, it’s certainly our present experience, and undoubtedly, we’ll need to repent in the future.  We’ve all had opportunities to love without fail, and we’ve been blown it countless times. Is this your moment to confess such blatant errors, turn away from such attitudes and actions, and consider a new way of living more redemptively?”

During this holiday season; let’s pause and regain our focus back. God’s purpose for us on this earth as his children is that we will become the dispensers of God’s mercy. We will become the ambassadors of God’s persevering and never failing love.  In Shane Claiborne’s words, we need to become a “Church of extremists for grace.” What does that mean practically? It means loving all people regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. It means learning how to listen and understand people who might be different from you. It means making room for refugees, welcoming the homeless, seeking justice for the oppressed, and speaking out on behalf of the voiceless. It means, practically helping the poor and the needy.

In closing, we became the recipients of God’s persevering and never failing love when we have accepted Christ. It was not that we loved God but He first loved us.  Therefore, in turn we will go out and spread this amazing love of God freely to everyone we come in contact with. Though we conclude the series on the Most Excellent way, the journey of love will continue.

As we go out to spread the good news, let’s remember what we have learned about the Most Excellent way: Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it doesn’t boast, it is not arrogant, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, and always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

May the words from Isaiah 61, continually remind us of our true purpose in life. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” Amen

           

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[1] Shane Claiborne, “Irresistible Revolution” page 269

[2] Shane Claiborne, “Irresistible Revolution” page 270

[3] (If God is Good, pp. 89-90.)