Christ is Come

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). John 1: 40-41

In the early days of Jesus' ministry He came to the village of Capernaum situated on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Now known as a favorite stop of tourists, the village was then known for its fishing trade. It also was not far from the homes of the young 'Sons of Thunder', James and John - and two other brothers, Andrew and Peter (Bethsaida) - all four of whom were fishermen, zealous after God, and called out by Christ to follow Him and become disciples.

In John the Apostle's recording of Christ's earliest encounter with these men there exists a set of arresting lines that captivate me. They comprise our first example of evangelical witness - or at least its seeds - and read thusly, 'we have found the Messiah (which means Christ, or the one 'anointed').

Thinking today of the countless sermons I have preached and of the many times I've attempted to offer a witness, I suspect I might have fared better had I kept it simply this - "We have found him! Come and see!"  Yes!  I know that there an assumption made in the statement. To say 'we have found him' assumes 'we' were looking.  But... it has been my experience that this is yet and universally true. People I meet are looking - looking for someone, something, and often for both. So to begin a conversation using the words, 'hey!' I have found Him!" if it is true, is an absolutely perfect place to begin.

As you spend your Christmas celebrating the advent of our LORD, why not consider adding the words of the good brother Andrew to your Christmas greeting... "Merry Christmas. I have found Him! Have you?"

For perhaps, like Andrew, you may have the joy of bringing someone to Jesus, too. :-)


Pastor Sam

Anxious for Nothing

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:25-33

These words of Christ are arresting - and I suspect that if more time were spent heeding and less time were spent discussing them even we preachers might benefit.

As a young man I foolishly thought a time would come when the temptation to worry would wane. Naively I suspected that flourishing in a good job, possessing a stable family and enjoying relatively good health would usher me to a place where this temptation was no more. But, alas, as the years have passed I have learned otherwise. No one prepared me for coming to my 'sixties' and dealing with aging parents, concerns over health and challenges of a transitioning career - or, for that matter, even 'grown' children occupying my thoughts and raising my concern from time to time. So what happened? Well this - the 'natural' life - the one God spoke of in Genesis 3, after the fall - a life of work, produce, measure, comparison and... unfortunately worry.  

Now I do 'know' better. I know that Jesus spoke as He did to instruct those listening to step away from their natural bent and choose otherwise. And I know, too, that the Apostle Paul's similar instruction to the Philippians (Philippians 4:6-7) is a command to the same followed by and made possible based upon a theology that 'in Christ' we are given power to do so (Phil. 3:1). But still... I fail, and do so 'miserably' at times.

Ahhhh... but when I do get it right! Yes, when times occur that I am able by God's grace to walk away from what is 'natural' and step up to the possible 'in Christ' it feels oh so good. When I do as my LORD instructed and consider the lilies of the field and the reasonableness and sanity of the truth that worry will not add one day to my life, nor money to my pocket, nor any thing close to peace of mind. When I consider His love for me - a love so great as to die for me on the cross, causing me, as Paul puts it, to 'rejoice in the LORD,' I am in a place where His blessings, already given, can be realized - and that is where I want to be.

So be gone all you devils and all of you demons and be quiet you 'old man of the flesh'. For I choose today to think on these things - my LORD, the truth, the honorable and the just. To remember the pure, the lovely, the commendable and the excellent. And to see those things most worthy of praise and thereby live in Him worry free - today, tomorrow, and much more than I'm 'naturally' won't, always!

Pastor Sam

I called my pastor today!

I called my pastor today. Pastor Gordon Dorian, affectionately known by me and many as, "Bro. D." Gordon is now 93 and he and his wife, Doris, still live in Wichita, KS., where he served as the Pastor of the Olivet Baptist Church from 1954-1989.

Gordon was called to Olivet Baptist after completing his seminary training in 1954. While attending seminary and college he did itinerant preaching and served smaller churches, the last of which was the Alta Mere Baptist Church of Ft. Worth. In the early 40s Gordon served in the United States Navy, and after WWII ended and he was discharged, he came back home to attend 'Carson Newman College' (now university), one of our great old Baptist Schools nestled in the mountains of Tennessee. At Carson Newman he met Doris, 5 years his junior, and the handsome couple stepped forward to answer his call to ministry together. While at Southwestern Baptist Theological seminary in Ft. Worth they started a family; then, after completing seminary, a four-year-old Southern Baptist mission, now a newly formed church of the Kansas Nebraska Southern Baptist Convention, called him as their pastor.

The next years were filled with dynamic growth, and by the time the Dennis' arrived from Texas in 1964 - then followed by joining Olivet in 1965, the church was booming with a strong youth ministry to the students of the North-West Wichita community. The Dorians' first two children were classmates of mine and my eldest sister, Pam, and their youngest daughter, born in Kansas, was a classmate of our little sister, Kim. The Dorian family were active in every area of our community, and Gordon was ever-ready to share the gospel with anyone who might sit still long enough to listen. I can't count the number of times he 'shocked' or 'embarrassed' me by engaging in conversation with a stranger at restaurant or store about either his church, the gospel, or both - so that when the same now happens to me with my own (family or staff) I simply smile sheepishly at them thinking how I was trained and held accountable by this wonderful man.

One Wednesday, when I was about 20 (ca.1970), Gordon asked me to ride with him in his Buick Electra to Oklahoma City. He wanted to take me to First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, where Johnny Bisagno was pastor. On the way down he told me that we were going to a youth service led by a young preacher on Johnny's staff.  The young preacher was Richard Hogue, and the program was called "Encounter."  What I saw was unbelievable.  There were over 200 hundred High School students - if not more - engaged in s service that was just theirs. The music was loud, enthusiastic, and almost rock and roll like - and Richard preached in a way I had never heard - speaking from God's Word but to the hearts of young people in a way and with illustrations they could understand.

After the service ended, Bro. D and I got back in his car to drive home. But, by the time we had hit Edmond, he asked me, "Well, Sam, what did you think of that?" Still excited over what I'd seen, I told him that I was impressed - that I'd never seen anything like that before, but loved it.  After a pause, Gordon replied, "Sam, I'd like to start something like that at Olivet."  Then asked, 'do you think that could work in our city?"  I said, "Bro. D, that would be great -and, yes, I think it could."  After another pause he continued, "Sam, I believe that you're the one to lead that service." When he said that my heart began to race. I was shocked - and felt so insecure - but in my heart of hearts I knew that this was what God wanted me to do. Bro. D then asked me to pray about it and the rest, as the cliche goes, is history.  Within 6 months over 100 students were meeting on Wednesday nights at Olivet Baptist Church, and "Encounter Christ" became a place where scores of young men and women gave their hearts to Christ, and a young preacher/pastor was born.

When I was young man people would often ask me about Encounter Christ.  I would tell the story - but, somehow, in my youth I often left out the part of this pastor who'd put me in his car to drive me to Oklahoma City. Now that I am a pastor of many years, I realize that pastor's all over, just like Gordon, who dream dreams and see visions, and who call out the called, are the very reason many of us are now doing what we do.

This week one of my church members came by to see me. He had no agenda. His purpose was simply to love on me, and... it was good.  After lunch, and as I stepped out of his truck to return to my office, my heart was overwhelmed with joy for my call. And, right then I thought of Bro. D. I thought of how much I loved him and of the impact he'd had on my life and the lives of so many.  So... I texted the pastor who had succeeded him, one who'd been called into the ministry under my own preaching, and who followed me by serving on Gordon's staff as Youth Pastor before stepping up to take his place after Gordon retired. I asked Ron Pracht if he'd talked to Bro. D. lately, then, I paused - why should I ask Ron this question?  Why shouldn't I call to talk to Bro. D.?  So... I did!  After three rings Gordon answered the phone with a voice as strong as ever. "Is this Sam Dennis?" "Yessir, it is."  "Well how are you?"  With tears running down by cheeks I reported I was fine, and vainly kept trying to turn the conversation back to him. But, Bro. D would not let me. "What are you reading?"  "With whom have you shared the gospel?" "How's the church doing?"

Thankfully, I must add, when the question came to me about the gospel I had an answer for him.  Bro D never allowed anything otherwise. He always said, 'any preacher who doesn't share the gospel is really no preacher at all."  He was right!

Thank you, Bro. D.

Pastor Sam

Grieving but not afraid

From Westminter Abbey, London:  I have been on vacation but am still grieving over the dizzying fall of American morality and religious mooring, which seemed to reach an emotional head with SCOTUS's ruling on Friday last. The rainbow colored display flashing across the Whitehouse in our nations Capitol has left me in grief and affected me so much that I have been talking with Trey about this as we've had our vacation time together. He and I have agreed - in the midst of this fall the church's future is not dimmer today - but, rather, holds great opportunity for those courageous enough to be led by the Spirit of God, and boldly creative in faithfully teaching biblical truth to a generation who sees the church as out of touch. If we are to be adamant only about our 'pet peeves' but not about all truth then they will see through us, and should. Indeed, we must teach and live Christ values, not in part but in their complete and powerful entirety. We cannot 'cherry pick' our pet dislike-able sins anymore. Not to this generation. Authentic faith must be revealed through the whole of life - today just as always. 

Here in London young adults are as lost and empty as they are in Dallas, New York and LA. But... they will listen. Especially if our walk matches our talk. 

Jesus wept over Jerusalem. His anger, at the Temple (a point for the church), drove the money-changers out. But... his love - for us all - is what led Him to the cross. In today's world He must remain both our message and our example. Otherwise we will be no more than a 'sounding gong' and 'clanging symbol'.  

Indeed, 

Pastor Sam

The Pastor's Manse

Growing up the 'parsonage' or 'pastor's manse' was a place of fond memories and joy. It was on the porch of the church parsonage in Pt.Enterprise, Texas that I first witnessed a young pastor enjoying a relaxed conversation, not from the pulpit, but with deacons talking softly into the summer night. Years later, with a group of teens from church, it was in my own pastor's home that I gathered round a piano at a Sunday evening 'youth fellowship' to sing such choruses as "He's Everything to Me" and "Pass it On" from a 'Sing-spiration' song book. And it was at a visit with my pastor in the study of his home when, as an enthused college freshman, I discussed my feelings and echoed back - amidst his books, quiet ways and his relaxed and loving knowledge - my sense of 'calling' into the gospel ministry.

Tonight, as B and I enjoyed a quiet evening in our own 'manse on Steeplechase,' I noticed her gathering of party knick knacks and setting out of plates, and asked, 'what's the occasion?'  She replied, 'the youth and some leaders are coming over Sunday night, and I want everything ready for them when they arrive.'  I looked at her fondly and thought of what it is that really makes our house here the 'pastor's manse,' knowing it is so much more than my title and job. I know it is Belinda, too, and her ways of love and care for Christ, for me and others - and all the years of her serving our LORD and His purposes at ParkwayHills from this place we call home. Here, in our front room, we have comforted troubled marriages, consoled local youth, and even performed a few weddings. From our kitchen we have served cookies, coffee and prayer upon prayer. So that I am grateful for this place we call home and others call 'the pastor's house,' knowing it has been simply an everyday reflection of our privilege in Christ and love for being called by Him to serve. Yes, growing up the 'parsonage' or 'pastor's manse' was a place of fond memories and joy - and, thinking of it now, it still is.

So blessings to you and yours from both B and me, from this place called simply... the Pastor's Manse!

Indeed,

Pastor Sam

'Why I Love Frank'

ParkwayHills has been fortunate to have among our membership these last 23 plus years, Rev. Frank Denton. Frank and his wife Dottie joined our fellowship when we were still meeting in Brinker Elementary School - in the early 90s, and their positive influence manifest itself in ways many may not realize but all are fortunate to see.  At a time of life when elder couples often look for that ‘comfortable’ church, Frank and Dottie pitched in our new work with gusto, marking our fellowship with their gentle warmth and wit.

After Dottie passed away in 1994, Frank continued as a faithful member – but not alone – for he was always inviting someone to church. He remained an active member of the Looney LIFEgroup, and a frequent visitor to my study with words of encouragement and ideas about how we might reach more people for Christ.  In serving and sharing Frank never tired – nor backed down. He faithfully practiced evangelism with an encouraging spirit (a rare combination) which showed by the scores of people constantly joining him along our east sanctuary wall. When ParkwayHIlls celebrated its 15th anniversary we did so by burying a time-capsule outside our Southwest door near the tollway, and it was Frank (our faithful elder) who was the last to carry the capsule 'outside' and lay it in place.  As the congregation watched him via camera ‘inside’, we solemnly realized Frank likely would not be here when the 'unearthing' time would come - 25 years forward; so we were both saddened and honored to have this gracious saint place it neath our ground and into its place of 25 year rest.

Now Frank is moving to San Antonio,Texas to be near his children. And this is good! For though at 86 his days of living alone may have passed, his ways of living large will continue as he holds influence and grace over his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and others he'll meet. For Frank, I assure you, will never 'rust out.'

A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Seminary, Frank served as a successful preacher, pastor, and Baptist leader for years – in both Texas and Missouri, then later as a Baptist ‘cause’ and ‘church-funds’ advocate helping to raise millions in endowment through selfless work with our Texas Baptist Foundation. But, yes... for us here at ParkwayHills, this dear friend will forever remain simply - our precious ‘Brother Frank’ – a man to be missed but ne’er forgot, and a brother we look forward to seeing again when joining hands in glory ‘crossing through' the Eastern Gate.

Pastor Sam

Easter Together, Resurrection Sunday, ‘He Is Risen, Indeed’

This morning marked my 27^thEasster message as pastor of ParkwayHills. In every one of these I have attempted to bring the story of Christ’s resurrection to bear upon each member of our church and its worshippers.  I cannot speak for their effect, nor the sense of felt success upon the people who have endured with me, and, in many ways, I feel sorry for those who’ve sat through them all – such as my wife. :-) Yet, suffice it to say, my goal has never been to do anything more or less than make as clear as I might how key the resurrection of Christ is to our faith.  Indeed, without Christ’s resurrection, there is no resurrection of the dead, our preaching is vain and we are only to be pitted. (Cf, 1^st Corinthians 15: 12-22)

WHAT WE KNOW:

That sometime before dawn, or right at it. The stone covering the tomb was rolled away. The earth shook, and the men standing guard were frozen in fear.  Jesus didn’t need to have the stone moved for Him.  He could have moved it Himself.  It was if God said to His Son, ‘here, let me get the door,’ honoring all He’d done.  By dying for the sins of the world, enduring such suffering and pain, He was now raised by God’s power – on the 3^rd day – just as He said He would be.  Jesus was alive!  

We also know that the tomb was visited by at least four women who had followed Jesus from Galilee.  By putting the accounts together, we see this to be – Mary Magdalene and the ‘Other Mary’ from Matthew and we know that this “other Mary’ is also ‘Mary, Mother of James’ as given us by Mark and Luke. To these two are added Salome by Mark and Joanna by Luke.  

We also know there were angels at the tomb. Some inside, some outside, some walking along the way, and others standing beside the women as they stood.  Whether these were many in all of these places or some of an amount fewer and moving about, the case for their action remains – angels were everywhere – each speaking the same message of... do not be afraid, look and see He is risen, and go and tell the disciples – and, this they did! 

We know that Jesus appeared to all the women as they went to tell the disciples (Matt. 28:9) but to Mary Magdalene alone (John 20: 14ff) either as the first to see him by separating from the others on the way to the disciples, or as a second to see Him by holding back at the tomb for a while and not leaving immediately with the others, but following after them a moment later.   

But finally, we know that the women did go to the disciples to tell them the news. We know that when the disciples heard them they thought they were babbling, mistaken and confused.  We know that at hearing all this that Peter and John ran to the tomb and went in, and that John (or, the ‘other’ disciple) outran Peter - and went in first. And we know that both of them saw that what the women had said was true. The grave was empty with only the burial cloths lying where the body had been and with the face cloth ‘not lying with the linen’ but ‘folded up in a place by itself.’  (Jn. 20:7)

Yes, and we know, finally, that before Jesus ascended to heaven He appeared to at least 500 people in all.  And that among these eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ there is no testimony by any regarding anything leading anyone to believe this untrue.  Indeed, truth be told, most of these went to their death – without fear – over what they had seen. They had seen the risen Savior.  Jesus was alive.  And because He was, so too were they - forever. 

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God…

1 Cor. 15: 12-15a

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Cor. 15: 20-22

He is Risen, indeed!

Pastor Sam

Easter Together, Day 2 – Saturday, ‘The Few, The Fearless, The Deceived'

BURIAL: Mark 15:42-46; Matthew27:57-60; Luke 23: 50-54; John 19: 31-42

The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown (or 6:00 pm) on Friday, and continues through sundown of the next day.  Sometime in the late afternoon, before 6:00 pm, Jesus is taken from the cross by Joseph of Arimethea and carried to a tomb nearby, where no one had 'yet been laid'.  Mark records Joseph went ‘boldly’ to Pilate (Mk. 15:43) and was given permission to see to the burial.  Matthew records the ‘new’ tomb is Joseph’s (Mt. 27:60), and adds that he (Joseph) had been a disciple of Jesus (v. 57). Luke tells us that Joseph was a counselor, or member of the Sanhedrin (Lk. 23:50), and ‘not consenting’ to Jesus’ death (v. 51) And John says that Joseph was a ‘disciple’ of Jesus (Jn. 19:38) but ‘secretly.’ John also adds that Joseph was assisted by Nicodemus, who brought burial spices of ‘myrrh and aloe,’ and that together they wrapped and prepared Jesus’ body after the Jewish custom before laying it in the tomb (Jn. 19:39-40).

OBSERVANCE: Mark 15:47; Matthew 27:61; Luke 23:55

In one verse from each of the Synoptic gospels we learn Jesus’ burial was watched or ‘beheld’ by ‘Mary Magdalene’ and ‘Mary, Mather of Joses' (Mk), or the ‘other Mary’ (Matthew) who is mentioned in Luke 8, and is the mother of Jesus’ disciple, James the Younger, the brother of Joses.  These followed him ‘out of Galilee’ (Luke). How long the women stayed near the tomb is uncertain - though likely it was not long, as we are told they went home to prepare spices and observe the Sabbath by resting ‘according to the commandment’ (Luke 23:56).

COVER: Matthew 27:62-66

Then Matthew adds one piece more regarding this Saturday. That ‘on the morrow’ (either the morning of Saturday or Friday night - if noting days as per Jewish custom) with Sabbath in full swing (which I find interesting for these so bent on the law) the Chief Priests and Pharisees gather before Pilate and request he command the sepulcher made secure, with guards posted to ensure Christ’s body is not stolen, which would allow false claims to be made. Pilate agrees.

The FEW, FEARLESS, & DECEIVED

As I reflect on these few verses surrounding Saturday, I think first of how few there are.  Not much is said and all seems solemn and silent. Secondly, I think of how few people are involved.  His closest disciples are absent – no doubt from fear and from heartbreak – but absent nonetheless, and the followers from the cross to burial are but four.  But weren’t they bold and fearless! Joseph before Pilate!  Nicodemus, too, with enough love and devotion to take the beaten and bruised body of our LORD from His cross, and to wrap and cover Him with precious oil, perhaps hearing - as he does - a whisper in the wind saying, ‘born again!  Born again! Born again!’ And the women, too, one being the ‘Magdalene’ - whom tradition and scripture affirm as a person possessing no fear. 

But, then, there were the deceived.  These Pharisees, who thought themselves so certain of success.  Who, in their minds, felt their action good for all Jews – but who were so, so wrong.  Complicit to their deed was the foolish assumption that they spoke for God.  Their deception was that man can interpret God while worshipping self!  But... they were wrong. For Jesus was not put to death by these - but by His own choice.  And in that choice, Satan lost! The death of Christ was but God’s sacrifice, and His resurrection to come will not be held back by stone or halted by guard.  No!  It is simply the Sabbath.  A day of rest by God’s decree!  And... as our LORD ‘s body lay in the tomb, all of heaven waited!    

Pastor Sam  

Easter Together, Day 3- 'Friday, and why we call it Good'

Good Friday are the two words forming our name for the Friday of Holy Week, but as I asked people in the community to tell me why this was so, I received varied response. 

Here are a few:

Honest - TEENAGER AT EINSTEIN’S - HALF KIDDING, BUT NOT:  ‘It’s a ‘good’ Friday because we get the day off from school.’

Clueless - YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AT CAR SPA CAR WASH: ‘Aren’t all Friday’s good?’

Closer - NEIGHBOR: ‘I suppose because it is the Friday before Easter – and Easter is good.’

Right On– JUAN OF OUR CHURCH MAINTENANCE STAFF: ‘Pastor! Jesus was crucified on Friday, and that was sad – but for me it was very good.’ 

GotQuestions.org – a source for quick answers to everyday Bible questions writes:

‘What the Jewish authorities and Romans did to Jesus was definitely not good (see Matthew chapters 26-27). However, the results of Christ’s death are very good! Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” First Peter 3:18 tells us, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.” Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Good-Friday.html

After Jesus institutes the LORD’S Supper on Thursday evening (Mark 14: Matthew 26: Luke 22), A.T. Robertson in his Harmony of the Gospels, turns to the chronology set forth in the Gospel of John - by placing that Christ shared two great discourses with His disciples (John 14-16). The first he places as occurring while still in the Upper Room (Jn.14), and the second while 'on the way' - perhaps while crossing the Kidron valley/stream and coming to the foot of the Mount of Olives – or, as Robertson has it, ‘perhaps on the street’ as they walk. (Jn.15-16). 

Robertson next records Christ’s Great Intercessory Prayer for us (John 17), and surmises that this occurs near Gethsemane. Then, John's gospel follows in chapter 18 v.1, with Jesus entering ‘a garden’ for prayer.  In all of this, John becomes our singular source in his chapters 14-17 for Jesus’ shared words from the Upper Room to the ‘Garden of Gethsemane’.  Matthew and Mark simply recite that ‘after they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives and came into a place which was named Gethsemane (Mark 14:26; Matthew 26:30).  And Luke tells us only that they ‘came out’ and went as was His custom to the Mount of Olives, and when He was ‘at the place’ He asked His disciples to pray before he moved from them ‘about a stone’s throw’ and knelt and prayed himself.  (Luke 22: 39ff)

Turning now to the activities of Gethsemane and beyond, it is assumed that throughout the late night and into early morning Jesus prays. Then, sometime before dawn on Friday, He is arrested and brought before the ex High Priest, Annas, first - then the High Priest, Caiphas himself.  As dawn arises or likely before, Peter denies Jesus 3 times outside the High Priest’s home and Sanhedrin 'trial'. Following this, after being condemned by the Sanhedrin, Christ moves through a series of Roman authority trials (Herod Antipas, and Pilate twice).  On this same Friday, Judas repents of his deed and returns the 30 pieces of silver to say, ‘I have sinned in that I betrayed 1innocent blood’ then ‘goes out and hangs himself.’ (Matthew 27: 3-5) And on this Friday - early in the morning - Jesus is mocked by the soldiers, and before 9:00 am arrives He is walking to Golgotha, carrying His cross. 

For the first three hours Jesus hangs on the cross (9:00 am – Noon) our gospels record Him saying, ‘Father forgive them’ – “And I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise’ – and to His mother, “woman, behold your son’ (indicating John and Jesus’ appointment for her care)

In the next three hours (Noon till 3:00 pm), as darkness covers the sky, the gospels record four more sayings of Christ – ‘Eloi, Eloi, la ma sabachthani which interpreted, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me’ –‘I thirst’ – ‘ It is finished’ – and “Father, into your hand I commit my spirit.’ 

On this Friday, as Jesus breathes His last, the Temple veil is torn from top to bottom – signifying the wall of partition separating God from man is now gone.  And on this Friday, before 6:00 pm, Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in Joseph of Arimethea's tomb. Death had come, our sin sacrifice is complete and our penalty is paid in full. 

Yes, on this Friday, as Juan said, it was a 'sad day' for us who love Jesus because we know it was a day of great suffering and agony.  But, praise be to God, by His death we are forgiven, by His stripes we are healed and by His sacrifice we may cry – ‘Oh my God, thank you’, for this is our Good Friday, indeed!

 

Pastor Sam   

Easter Together, Day 4 – Thursday, ‘A Day of Preparation and Command’

Some may know this Thursday of Holy Week as the Day of Preparation (A.T. Robertson, Harmony) as on this day Jesus instructed two (likely Peter and John, cf. Mark 14:12-16, Matt 26: 17-19, Luke 22:7-13) to make preparation for He and His disciples to share the Passover meal after sunset (the beginning of Jewish Friday).  It is also known as Communion Thursday – for on this evening, while partaking the meal, Jesus gave instruction/command for the observance we know as Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. So that for many, it is referred to as Maundy Thursday, taken from the French, mande, meaning something commanded, and the Latin word/phrase Mandātum novum dō vōbīs – a new commandment I give to you. 

Now the texts from this day remind us of the intentionality of Jesus as He made preparation for the greatest act of love the world would know. They also remind us of how Christ readied the disciples for their future by teaching elements of the gospel itself, as well as the posture and heart they would be called on to employ as they shared the good news.  

Here we see…

Jesus’ PREPARATION: Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14: 12-16; Luke 22: 7-13

Jesus’ INSTRUCTION: Matthew 26: 20-29; Mark 14: 17-23; Luke 22: 14-30

Jesus’ unselfish service and LOVE: John 13:17-26

As Jesus brings an end to His pre-resurrection ministry there’s not one detail left undone.  His instruction to prepare for the Passover was but instruction to make ready a meal meant to point to Him.  He is the Passover Lamb about to be slain - and His spotless blood will be the atonement made once for all. 

During the Jewish Festival of Passover a Seder (meaning meal) is observed. There are 6 unique foods used representing Israel’s move from bondage to freedom.  And, there is the Wine, of which the four cups symbolize Israel’s trust in God’s fourfold promise of redemption:

“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians, I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” (Exodus 6:6-7)

Much is written about Jesus’ interaction with the cup or cups. Many feel it was with the last cup - the 4th, or perhaps even the 5^th - Elijah’s cup (one traditionally left poured but not drunk from) that He took then said – “this cup is the new covenant in my blood.”  And, “I’ll not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the day I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”  But, either way, the cup symbolized for them their redemption - and Jesus’ said plainly that He was the New Covenant sent from God to be their redemption by His blood. 

Other things happened on this evening, as well.  The disciples discussed their loyalty, and who among them would betray Christ. Judas leaves to perform his treacherous deed - not returning till in the Garden on the marrow with soldiers and a kiss.  And... there is one thing more - after supper Jesus takes a towel and washes His disciples feet.  The Son of God who laid out the foundations of the world, and is now readying to die as a God’s perfect sacrifice for sin, bows His glorious knee before these and serves. 

Today Jim Denison, of Denison Forum on Faith and Culture http://www.denisonforum.org spoke to our church concerning the threat of the IS (Islamic State) and how, as Christians, we can respond. He was clear that the intent of these who make up this movement, some 7% perhaps at most of all Muslims, are persons holding tenets that embody a radical interpretation of their faith, its texts, and the ‘end-times.’ Their intent and goal is to ‘serve’ their God by destroying anything and anyone not submitting to their form of Islam – which especially would include persons and the ideology of the “West” (the new Rome).

At the close of his presentation Dr. Denison asked us to pray for Muslim’s around the world - that they might come to Christ, and especially Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi – the leader of IS.  Confessedly, many found this difficult. Images of brutality, beheadings and murder, of persecution and hate-filled rage – all in the name of God - filled our heads.  As we did so, however, I could not help but think of this evening in the life of Christ – who after he had told His disciples of His purpose and plan, He who was the gospel right in front of their eyes, took a towel to wipe their feet.  So that the One who was their sacrifice was also the One showing them their way. 

It was a Maundy Thursday, indeed -

Pastor Sam

Easter Together - Day 5, Wednesday - 'Betrayal'

In reading Mark’s gospel from chapter 11 forward, one can sense the chronology of Jesus’ activity from Palm Sunday through Tuesday.  Clearly Mark 11: 1-11 speaks of the first day of the week - Sunday, Mark 11: 12-19 of Monday, and Mark 11:20ff to the end of chapter 11 of Tuesday.  And, since there is no indication the subject of Jesus answering regarding His authority (Vv. 27-28) by the scribes and elders is changed, one can assume that the whole of the next chapter 12 happened on Tuesday as well.

For those chronologically minded or bent to order, attempts at organizing the entirety of Holy Week texts into details equally supported by all our gospels can be less than satisfying.  I have been using A.T. Robertson’s, Harmony of the Gospels, as well as the Chronology & Synopsis of the Passion Week offered at Bible.org https://bible.org/article/chronology-synopsis-passion-week

One other offering, which I came across this morning is https://kindlingforcandles.wordpress.com/2014/04/16/the-events-of-holy-week/, and this was quite helpful to me, as well. It references a blog written by Justin Taylor of The Gospel Coalition in 2010, and what I especially like about Justin’s work is that he includes only the passages, which we can be most certain of for each day. Here are the links to Justin Taylor’s work: 

PALM SUNDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/28/holy-week-what-happened-on-sunday/

MONDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/29/holy-week-what-happened-on-monday/

TUESDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/30/holy-week-what-happened-on-tuesday/

WEDNESDAY http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/03/31/holy-week-what-happened-on-wednesday/

THURSDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/04/01/holy-week-what-happened-on-thursday/

FRIDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/04/02/holy-week-what-happened-on-friday/

RESURRECTION SUNDAY http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/04/04/holy-week-what-happened-on-sunday-2/

AN EXAMPLE of 'NOT SO CERTAIN' PLACEMENT: Now A.T. Robertson in his harmony places Jesus being anointed by Mary on Wednesday.  This is not the same Mary who is ‘a sinner’ in Luke 7, as this occurred in Galilee.  This anointing occurs in the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, as this is where it is placed by both Matthew and Mark, though John does not say. One might assume from John that the home is that of Lazarus, because Martha is serving (as I did in a previous post) but this need not be the case as serving anywhere would be the natural proclivity of his sister Martha.  However, I have placed this on the Friday evening before the last Sabbath, as I feel this to be a natural conclusion from John 12:1-2 (he arrives in Bethany and they have a dinner for Him). Suffice it to say, though, this is a prime example of certain 'placements' we cannot be sure of this side of heaven.  So what can we do?  We can turn to three things we are certain of on this Wednesday of Holy Week. 

1.     Jesus continues his teaching in the temple and retreats at night to the Mount of Olives – Luke 21:37-38

2.     With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaching, the priests, elders and scribes plot to kill Jesus – Matthew 26:4-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2

3.     Satan enter Judas who seeks to betray Jesus for a price – Matthew 26:14-15; Mark 14: 10-11; Luke 22: 3-6

It should not be surprising that as Jesus teaches with great popularity and authority there arises a plot to kill and a heart to betray Him.  I have found that service to Christ, the power of changed lives, and authoritative words from God oft meet conflict and scorn.  Satan was at work on Wednesday, doing what he so often does – corrupting the hearts of those most ‘religious’.      

From the texts we may conjecture Jesus’ nightly retreat to the Mount of Olives brought prayer.  We may be sure that His resistance to the religious elite brought their plot to destroy.  And, we can be certain that Satan’s filling Judas’ heart brought a plan ending in Judas' demise.  But... there is one thing else we can know - Jesus carried on!  He stayed in Jerusalem, He retreated to the mount each night to pray, and He taught daily with authority in the temple built for His Father.  Jesus had come for this.  He had come to die and He was our one sacrifice for all time. 

In considering the character and ‘mind’ of our LORD, the Apostle Paul writes this: He - who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)

So I thank God for Wednesday, for on Wednesday our LORD, Jesus Christ God's Son, did NOT quit! 

Pastor Sam

Easter Together, Day 6, Tuesday - 'Controversy, An Offering and Me'

Our record of what took place on Tuesday of our ‘Holy Week’ beings at Mark 11:19ff and also at Matthew 21:19ff as Jesus passed along the Fig Tree, now withered, with His disciples in making His way back to the Temple.  Though Matthew is not clear as to whether their viewing of the tree happened on the ‘next day’ or not, Mark’s record is – helping us so ascertain.

Beyond this, Luke opines a reminder of what Jesus did on that day - a day comprising an arduous ‘day of controversy’ brought by the religious elite engaging Him in repeated questions only meant to ‘trip’ Him up.  Throughout the day they will come, yet Christ shows repeated power and wisdom revealing He is Christ, God’s Son.   

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

 Luke 21: 37-38

Now from here on Matthew (chapter 21) and Mark (chapter 11) will run chronologically forward, but Luke – concerned less with chronology - jumps back to chapter 20 to find this account -

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”  
Luke 20: 1-2

But in all cases, whether Matthew Mark Luke or John, from here Christ is engaged in conversations in which ulterior purposes abound.  These are not questions for knowledge sake, but born from pride and of treachery. From these many of our favorite parables come.  When questioned as to authority, Jesus uses a query re: the baptism of John as His own, then follows with parables of the vineyard, Husbandman and Marriage Feast of the King. When questioned as to paying tribute to Caesar, Jesus suggests looking closely to the coins they hold - showing, once again, His wisdom and mastery - not just of the question but over the hearts of those who do. Yes, but in each of these my favorite event of all is the simple occurrence and telling observation of Jesus, which reminds us that Christ is always most concerned - not with what we say, but with what comes from our heart - with not only our words, but our deeds.  

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. 
Mark 12: 41-44

Like so many of you, Belinda and I are blessed. We know we are fortunate to have what we have, live where we live, and serve with whom we serve.  As I think about this day in the life of Christ, and all He encountered and put up with, His observance of this widow as she made her offering to God must have been a welcome, refreshing sight.  As I think about this, my prayer for this "Tuesday of controversy" is that I might be more like the widow and less like the crowd.  Not just today, but always….

Pastor Sam